What's Up Wednesday

what I'm eating this week...

I'm going to try to be more intentional about the things that I'm putting into my body, specifically food. I'm a big food girl & sometimes I enjoy it a little too much. Anyone else feel me? One of my goals is to allow myself to "cheat" every so often instead of every single meal. ;) With that being said, Chick-Fil-A is one of my absolute favorite fast food restaurants -- I typically get the crispy nuggets with fries (& ya can't forget the chick-fil-a sauce!), but the last time I went I tried the cobb salad with avocado lime ranch sauce & it was truly so delicious! & it lasted me two meals -- score! Maybe getting salads isn't so bad afterall? ;)

what I'm loving...

There's no doubt about it, 2020 has been one of the strangest years ever. I can tell you for sure that last year at Christmas, if you would've asked me what this Christmas would be like, I would've been WAY off! My family did our best to try to keep things as "normal" as possible, especially when it came to our traditions.

One thing my family has been doing for years is setting aside an evening to pick up Krispy Kreme donuts & drive around listening to Christmas music & looking at Christmas lights! Over the years we've found some really great houses that put on quite the show. This evening is always one of my favorites because we're "forced" to be together. Life can get really busy, especially as you get older, so this set block of time where we're all together with pretty minimal distractions is always a real treat. I know that kind of sounds bad, but I really do mean it in the best way!

Another tradition we were able to do this year was opening matching pjs on Christmas Eve! The girls all got the comfiest red & white striped joggers from Abercrombie & Fitch with a super soft (almost sherpa) dark grey crewneck. The boys got some grey joggers that match the girls' tops with a plain white long sleeve t-shirt.

We spent Christmas Eve evening playing games & drinking homemade Starbucks medicine balls!

One of our typical traditions is going to a candle light Christmas Eve church service with my Dad's side of the family. Due to my sister being considered high risk for coronavirus, we chose not to attend that service this year. We were feeling pretty disappointed so my Mom ordered these candles from Amazon. We sat in the sunroom with the lights off & listened to Silent Night by the Pentatonix. It was a very peaceful way to end our Christmas Eve evening!

what I'm watching / reading...

I got a kindle paperwhite for Christmas & I would be lying if I said I wasn't totally & completely obsessed with this new gadget! The last couple of years I've started to rediscover my love of reading, especially fiction. But let me tell ya, reading isn't a cheap hobby! I loved the idea of holding a physical book in my hand so I was kind of nervous that I wasn't going to like reading from a kindle, but I actually really do! One of the main things I noticed is that I easily got lost in it -- in the stories & the characters. Also, I have baby hands & the kindle is way more comfortable & easy to hold than a physical book.

what I'm listening to...

I've been a Taylor Swift fan from the very beginning of time... like literally. I grew up with her! I mean "tear drops on my guitar" was playing in the background of all of my monumental middle school memories lol. Taylor's new album, Evermore, is like "old Taylor" & I'm here for it. It's hard to choose a favorite, but honestly I love "happiness".

what I'm dreading vs. what I'm excited about...

My school district's Christmas Break is up after Monday the 4th. I’m a first year school counselor in a middle school & this is the longest period of time that I’ve been away from my students since we met in early September. I have a lot of mixed feelings about it if I’m being honest. On one hand, I am a weary educator (& I know I’m not alone in this) & am incredibly thankful for the long break. On the other hand, I can’t get my mind off of my students. How are they, what’re they doing, are they being fed? So for this section of the post, I’m very excited for our break to be over so that I can see my students again, but I’m also dreading the stories that I know they will bring with them.

what I'm wearing...

Sharing a few great clothing finds below from Aerie, Walmart & Target!

aerie...

I'm always looking for comfy & cozy pieces to wear, especially on a cold Monday morning! I’m wearing an XS in this top & it is definitely oversized! It's super soft & comes in fifteen other colors & is currently 50% off making it less than $25 which is such a steal for an Aerie sweater!

above picture details linked here:striped oversized sweater / black seamless leggings / soft purple shellac nail polish (shade is #3106) / tan suede Steve Madden mules / lip color (shade is called “girl power”) / dainty gold mini coin necklace / favorite comfy padded bra / wooden jewelry wall hanging / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

This henley is also from Aerie! It's pretty thin, but definitely not see through at all. I like the thinness because it layers well right now but I also think it'll look super cute in the spring / summer with a pair of denim shorts & birkenstocks. The buttons are functional & it has nice cuffs on the sleeves so that they don't fall down. Wearing an XS in this top too & I just ordered the magenta color for myself because I love this one so much! It comes in one other striped color option & three solid colors & is also 50% off making it less than $25!

above picture details linked here:striped henley / black seamless leggings / soft purple shellac nail polish (shade is #3106) / tan suede Steve Madden mules / lip color (shade is called “girl power”) / dainty gold mini coin necklace / favorite comfy padded bra / wooden jewelry wall hanging / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

walmart...

Would you believe me if I told you this sweater is actually women's plus? I saw another blogger who's about my size posting about it so I thought I ought to give it a try as well! I believe this was the XL size. I've never tried on anything XL before so I can't give great sizing comparisons, but the fact that it's only somewhat oversized on me makes me think it runs small. The back goes into a v as well so if you get cold easily in the winter then I'd layer this!

above picture details linked here:tan leopard women's plus v-neck sweater / black seamless leggings / soft purple shellac nail polish (shade is #3106) / tan suede Steve Madden mules / lip color (shade is called “girl power”) / dainty gold mini coin necklace / favorite comfy padded bra / wooden jewelry wall hanging / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

I've said this before & I'll say it again... my closet is mostly full of blacks & neutrals. I almost ordered this sweater in a mustard color, but then I thought to myself... I already have some mustard tops, let's branch out! Y'all how fun is this magenta balloon sleeve sweater!?? It is so incredibly soft. I feel like I say that about everything, but it's true! It comes in a few other colors but it looks like the only two options still in stock are bright red & this magenta color. It is $20 & I would say it fits slightly oversized -- there's quite a bit of extra fabric in the sleeves & it does cover my bottom.

above picture details linked here:magenta balloon sleeve sweater / dark wash jeans / soft purple shellac nail polish (shade is #3106) / tan suede Steve Madden mules / lip color (shade is called “girl power") / favorite comfy padded bra / wooden jewelry wall hanging / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

FINALLY jumped on the bandwagon & got myself one of the Walmart crewnecks I’ve seen everyone sharing about & now I finally understand why! SO comfy & great quality! It’s pretty thin but that makes it perfect for layering. This one is a M because I wanted it to for sure be legging-friendly & cover my bottom. I tried on my mom’s small & that’s what I’m going to order when I shop again because it covers my booty as well & still has some extra room in the torso. Such a great staple piece for only $12! Comes in tons of other colors + patterns as well... I’ve got my eye on the mustard one! *add to cart*

above picture details linked here:cream slippers / seamless black leggings / orange crewneck / grey t-shirt / thin black scrunchie / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / purple nail polish (shade is "#3106") / dainty gold mini coin necklace / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!) / wooden jewelry wall hanging

target...

Do I look like I'm ready to go frolicking in the snow or what? Lol cracking myself up with this outfit. Both the top & shoes are from Target! This quilted top is really nice because the zippers on the sides are functional so you can unzip them so that it lays really smooth & is more of a flowy fit, or you can keep them zipped which makes for a tighter fit. It comes in three other colors & is currently on sale for $22.50! I would say that it fits true to size but because of the zippers you get quite a bit of wiggle room which is nice!

above picture details linked here:purple quilted funnel neck / white snow boots / white apple watch band / black seamless leggings / soft purple shellac nail polish (shade is #3106) / lip color (shade is called “girl power”) / favorite comfy padded bra / wooden jewelry wall hanging / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!)

Shouting the message of this t-shirt from the rooftops!!! I'm wearing a large here & I typically wear small or medium. It's more of a women's cut, but I like how the large fits.

above picture details linked here:choose kindness pink t-shirt / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / purple nail polish (shade is "#3106") / white apple watch band / dainty gold mini coin necklace / dark wash jeans / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!) / wooden jewelry wall hanging

I'm a huge fan of football (even if I don't feel like I understand 100% of what's going on, I get the main idea). This t-shirt is so incredibly soft. Like it feels like it's ten years old & has been worn non-stop because of how soft it is. I'm wearing a large & would say that it fits small. The sleeves are pre-rolled which is just pretty cute I think. The letters / writing is almost like distressed or faded? I've worn this t-shirt on Saturday for the past two weekends! It looks like it's only available in size 1X, but it is on sale for $10.49.

above picture details linked here:weekend forecast football t-shirt / grey slip on shoes / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / purple nail polish (shade is "#3106") / white apple watch band / dainty gold mini coin necklace / dark wash jeans / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!) / wooden jewelry wall hanging

If I can get my students to know two things by the time they leave middle school, it would be this: 1) you matter, & 2) you CAN change the world. I love wearing positive t-shirts to school just because it's a way to express my thoughts as a school counselor. Wearing a large in this one as well & it is surprisingly not see through! This one is also on sale for $10.49 & is available in sizes large & up.

above picture details linked here:a better world is possible t-shirt / Steve Madden tan suede mules / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / purple nail polish (shade is "#3106") / white apple watch band / dainty gold mini coin necklace / dark wash jeans / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!) / wooden jewelry wall hanging

Y'all know I've been super into quilted materials lately so of course I had to snag this quarter zip. It is a shorter fit so it did not cover my bottom, so I'd recommend sizing up one or two sizes if you want it to cover your booty for leggings. I liked this faded orange color, but it does come in a light blue & a dark grey color as well, & is $30.

above picture details linked here:orange quilted quarter zip / booties / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / purple nail polish (shade is "#3106") / dainty gold mini coin necklace / dark wash jeans / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!) / wooden jewelry wall hanging

This aztec sherpa quarter zip is giving me all the patagonia vibes! So so incredibly soft, but also has more of a cropped fit. This top kept me so warm + cozy lounging around my house during Christmas break. It comes in a black & magenta floral pattern as well & is $28. For size reference, I'm wearing a medium here.

above picture details linked here:aztec sherpa quarter zip / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / purple nail polish (shade is "#3106") / dainty gold mini coin necklace / dark wash jeans / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!) / wooden jewelry wall hanging

Y'all have been loving all of the blouses I've shown lately so I figured I should share another! Wearing a small in this one & I would say it fits true to size. The length stops right above my bottom so I would definitely wear this with jeans or pixie pants. I love all of the frilly details in the sleeves, neckline & chest area. This is the "colorful" print & it is black, white & pink polka dots on a sheer black top. I would definitely recommend wearing something under this as it was very sheer & somewhat see through. This would look super cute under a blazer!

above picture details linked here:polka dot blouse / black pixie pants / Steve Madden tan suede mules / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / purple nail polish (shade is "#3106") / dainty gold mini coin necklace / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!) / wooden jewelry wall hanging

Y'all know how much I love crewnecks & this super cute lavender one is great! I'm wearing a size small & say it fits true to size. The sleeves are a little bit longer & it's more of a cropped fit, meaning it doesn't have very much length. The neckline is almost like a mockneck which is really cool & different than other crewnecks I have. Plus I absolutely love this color!

above picture details linked here:lavender crewneck / adidas sneakers / seamless black leggings / thin black scrunchie / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / purple nail polish (shade is "#3106") / dainty gold mini coin necklace / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!) / wooden jewelry wall hanging

I like for my tops to fit a little bit oversized. The trend of slits along the sides I think helps to make oversized tops a bit more flattering because it can show off your figure a bit more. Or you can wear a striped shirt underneath to add a little pop which is one of my favorite things to do!

This green long sleeve is a small & it is HUGE! Definitely fits way oversized! Even though I like for my tops to fit a little bit big, I would've sized down one or two sizes in this one!

above picture details linked here:deep green long sleeve / white apple watch band / adidas sneakers / seamless black leggings / thin black scrunchie / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / purple nail polish (shade is "#3106") / dainty gold mini coin necklace / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!) / wooden jewelry wall hanging

I've tried hopping on the tie dye trend & I'm slowly but surely coming to love it! I really love all of the colors in this purple tie dye crewneck! I couldn't tell if the darker stripe was navy or black which I kind of liked because it paired well with black leggings or with dark wash jeans. It follows along with Target's latest trend on fit -- doesn't have much length, fits true to size.

above picture details linked here:purple tie dye crewneck / white apple watch band / adidas sneakers / seamless black leggings / thin black scrunchie / lip color (shade is called "girl power") / purple nail polish (shade is "#3106") / dainty gold mini coin necklace / favorite comfy padded bra / white marble loopy phone case (get 10% off using code smalltown10!) / wooden jewelry wall hanging

Give me all the lounge sets!! I love that both of these pieces can be worn separately or together. For example, these joggers would look cute with a white t-shirt & jean jacket, & the crewneck would look cute with leggings or jeans. Fits true to size! The pieces don't come together so you can mix & match the sizes which is what I typically like to do.