Pearl Kind of Girl

Well Hello There Old Friend

2014-04-10T19:19:00.000-05:00

I have toyed quiet a bit with the idea of deleting this little blog. I tried writing a teacher blog and then I realized that was causing me to go insane. I have never been able to dedicate as much time as I wanted to this little ole blog but I think I will keep it around because I do enjoy working with it. It has caused me to discover some hilarious and inspiration people in blogland. So without further ado I guess I will stick around. Let me introduce myself again because a lot has changed since I last introduced myself.

My name is Kailey. I am 24 years old and I recently moved to St. Louis, MO to begin my teaching career. I teach in an extremely high needs are of the City and presents its daily challenges. I love my job and I am excited to say that I will be returning next year to see what Round 2 has in store for me. I am also blessed to be on the Core team of an AMAZING Lifeteen Wolf Pack! In my free time I like exploring the city and hanging out with my friends. I am blessed to live so close to two of my best friends! I also enjoy all things fourth grade, preppy fashions, coffee, and reading.

Phew... That was a large amount of nonsense.

peace and blessings,

kjo

A New Direction

2014-01-20T09:06:00.001-06:00

Hello Lovelies,

I know I had been posting regularly but I've been thinking a lot about going in a different direction with this little blog and need some time to think.

Peace and Blessings
kjo

Homemade Fajitas

2014-01-07T21:24:00.001-06:00

Hello Lovelies,

As I finished my second snow day, I was scouring Pinterest to find something delish to eat. Delish indeed may I present to you homemade fajitas.

The original pin I found just had chicken and vegetables sitting on a panini grill so I figured my George Foreman would do just the trick. I thawed my chicken, marinated it Lawry's chicken fajita seasoning and threw it on foreman. I also cut up my vegetables and marinated them as well. Now I won't make any grand claims about it being steaming and hot, hot like at a Mexican restaurant but it had the same tasty flavor. I will definitely be making this dish again!

What is your favorite Pinterest success?

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

Snowy Sunday Sayings.

2014-01-05T19:53:00.002-06:00

Hello Lovelies,

Well it is quite the snownami outside in good ole St. Lou! I believe there is something like a foot of snow outside. Brr is an understatement. The good news is that all the teachers and munchkins will be safe and sound at home tomorrow throughout most of the city! I do enjoy a nice snow day!

Ladybug!

Since we are all trying to get back in the swing of things, especially me on this little ole blog, I thought a nice Sunday Sayings would be a great way to get back into the groove of things!

peace and blessings,

kjo

Pink Obsessed.

2014-01-04T14:22:00.001-06:00

Hello Lovelies,

THANK GOODNESS for lazy Saturdays, and today has been the laziest of them all.
Last night I got together with some friends to watch the Mizzou game and although Mizzou ended up winning it was difficult to be excited after Alabama's defeat the night before. Oh well, Roll Tide! This morning it was difficult to get going but once I smelled the Blueberry Sunrise coffee brewing I was ready to get rolling. Apparently, a Snownami is on its way to the Lou this evening so I decided to make sure I had the essentials in my kitchen( coffee creamer, diet coke, and alcohol) I was missing a few of the essentials and made my trek to the local supermarket along with everyone else in the city. It was an adventure to say the least. The weather is still pretty mild right now so I cleaned ladybug out a little bit and took out the trash. Now, I am all ready for the Snownami, or whatever it will be.

Growing up I always had a vanity in my bedroom and it is something I have dearly missed in my getting ready routine. I was excited when in early November my mom said she had found the perfect vanity for my apartment and that it just so happened to pink! It was ready and delivered while I was gone for Christmas and now that I am back at my apartment I have to admit, IT IS AWESOME. I love having all of my essentials right at my fingertips when I am getting ready. I also feel like some sort of old Hollywood celebrity when I am getting ready. It is so great!

What is the key part of making your getting ready routine a breeze?

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

Here it is in all of its chic glory!

It's off to work and SCHOOL we go...

2014-01-03T19:06:00.000-06:00

Hello Lovelies,

Today, was the first day back from Christmas Break 2013 and although I was not expecting a normal day by any means it was quite the day. First off I should mention that we were supposed to go back to school on the Second however we got 4 inches of snow causing us to have our first SNOW DAY of the year. I only had five of my thirteen munchkins and that was one of the biggest bunches in the school. I had to to do some quick, on my feet thinking about how to restructure our day without causing too much chaos.

We were supposed to begin implementing Whole Brain Teaching techniques today and I gradually laid the framework for the munchkins that were in attendance. It thankfully went very well. I decided to push back our New Year, New ME activities until more of the students were in attendance. Thankfully I have a small arsenal of animated book writing activities and coloring sheets to keep us occupied. We were also fortunate enough to join the rest of our elementary cohorts in an afternoon movie and buddy reading session which made out afternoon a breeze. I am sure blessed with the best coworkers ever!

On another note it is ABSOLUTELY freezing in St. Louis, not only is there a ton of snow on the ground and the forecast only calls for me. It is frigid and I am not a fan! Maybe it is time to head back down South (haha don't get your hopes to high)

How are you handling the winter weather in your area?

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

Pop, Fizz, Clink. Happy New Year 2014

2014-01-02T13:24:00.002-06:00

Hello Lovelies,

Before I get to far into my New Year, New ME speech, seriously where did 2013 go? It seems like just yesterday I was graduating from Spring Hill and we are slowly approaching the TWO year anniversary of my departure from the Hill. The year 2013 brought so many lessons and blessing to my life. I got my first teaching job, teaching the sweet Migrant kiddos and had a blast everyday. I made friends with an awesome Ginger who became my partner in crime and got me obsessed with One Direction. We are pretty much soul mates. I was in not one but TWO weddings! I had the privilege of standing beside two of my best friends as they married the men of their dreams. It was awesome . I became a certified barista (hilarious, let me tell you). I almost gave up on my dreams of being an inner-city teacher or really a teacher at all, but then I became a Tiger. Teaching at MHT has definitely been the most challenging experience of my life, but everyday I feel blessed to be given the challenge of my munchkins. They are spectacular little humans who need unconditional love and support. As much as I give everyday, I get a lot in return. Some days I get more than others but its those sweet hugs and smiles that make an awful, no good, rotten day better. I also lucked out in the co-worker department, my fellow Tigers make work a pleasant experience, if not a party everyday. With my job at MHT came a move to the big ole city of St. Louis. I have learned a lot about being a grown up and growing up at the end of 2013 and I have to say it is quite the pleasant surprise. I began working with the crazy Holy crew towards the end of 2013 and I have to say I look forward to our Thursday night meetings. They are a great group of teens and adults, and I am blessed to be apart of it. So all in all 2013 was a pretty great year for a Pearl Kind of Girl. Here is to hoping that 2014 is filled with even more love, laughs and hilarity than 2013. (It seems to be starting that way, my NYE was quite comical)

Are you ready for what 2014 has in store for YOU?

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

Shhh..... The Wheels are Turning

2013-11-04T20:52:00.000-06:00

Hey There Friends,

Big things are coming to the blog soon. I promise. I've got the good stuff coming.

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

#Bakerpartyoftwo

2013-07-01T20:15:00.000-05:00

      OH MY GOODNESS! Bachelorette weekend was an absolute success! A HUGE HUGE HUGE thank you needs to go out to good old Bieber Fever for being the BEST Maid of Honor the Future Mrs. Baker could ask for! Y'all I had never been to Nashville, TN to party it up and let me tell you... I cannot wait to go back! We seriously had a blast and ALL TWELVE girls got along and had a ball! Broadway was so MUCH fun!

      We started the evening out witha few cocktails and presents in our hotel room, then we made our way to The HardRock Cafe for dinner! While we were there we were serenaded by an "up and coming" singer song writer, named Pat Bruce. We are not for sure if he is the real deal or not because he told each of us conflicting career stories but if you're interested his Twitter is @IamPatBruce. From the HardRock we ventured to the Tequila Cowboy which used to be called Cadillac Ranch. It was so awesome, there was a part for everyone -- Karoke, mechanical bull riding, sitting and chilling, and dancing. It was definitely a great experience. We moved from there to Legends Corner and heard the fantastic Cody Shrader.. he was excellent. He played one of the best versions of Rocky Top I have ever heard and lets get real I do not care for Volunteer anything.

   We made our way back to Tequila Cowboy and met some new male friends, one of whom I declare to by my soulmate. He kept referring to the North as the Union and he knew where SIU was. Sadly, I did not get his name or number in our rush to head to the famous Coyote Ugly. What kind of Bachelorette Party would be on if we did not visit Coyote Ugly? While we were there we had a fun time and ran into some friends from high school. What a small world. We then turned in for the night and got some much needed shut eye!

   Overall, it was an absolutely fantastic weekend and many memories were made with some of my oldest and greatest friends! We always have the best time together and I am so excited for #Bakerpartyoftwo's big day to be here!

Photo Dump to follow!

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

Back in Action and Feeling Blessed

2013-06-20T20:39:00.000-05:00

I know it i has been quite sometime since I wrote in this little bloggy but I thinnk it is time to get back in action as many exciting events are going on in my life. So lets bring y'all up to speed on what has been going on over here at a Pearl Kind of Girl!

1. Two of my best friends are getting married this summer!!!! The emotions and excitement going on in my head are unreal! I am so incredibly happy that they are marrying the loves of their lives and that I get to be a part of such a special event. With that being said this weekend is the Future Mrs. Baker's Bachelorette party and I am out of control excited!

2. I am nearing the end of my first week of teaching full time. I am teaching Kingergarten through Third Grade Migrant Education Program this summer. It is exhilerating and exhausting all at once. While the kids are younger than what I normally work with it is not only a blast but also very rewarding. These sweet kids have a bit of a rough go of school because their families travel alot for work so these types of programs are important. My body certainly forgot what teaching full time feels like and it calls me to sleep at 9:30 pm most nights. #oldielockstatus

3. I have finished the first two days of Ease into 5K and I am dying, but I feel like it will be well worth it in the end. I would not normally post so early about it but maybe this will keep me accountable!

I think that is all that is going on right now of importance! I will be back with a post detailing my first week and the party this weekend soon!

What are y'all doing this summer?

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

Lenten Heart

2013-02-24T20:20:00.001-06:00

Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

Lenten Heart

2013-02-20T11:34:00.001-06:00

Some inspiring verses! They are sure to warm your spirit on this frigid day.

Isiah 43:10

2013-01-17T18:34:00.001-06:00

Home remedies

2013-01-10T17:45:00.001-06:00

Very now and then m "superhuman" self gets sick, and hen I get sick, I usually am down for weeks. I have been dying since NYE, in fact I was sick that I did not even make it out to enjoy the festivities. I thought I was getting better everyday until I realized simply getting out of bed was exhausting. The few times I attempted to head to Not Starbucks I barely made it but I did discover that hot tea was a dream. Two bags of republic of tea mountain blueberry and o e bag of the daily green will make you feel better in jiffy. Add three Splenda and you have a party in your mouth. Anywho I was doing so e pinteresting and came across a recipe for a detox bath. I immediately decided to give it a try! OH.MY.GOODNESS. I felt better instantly and I'd say that I'm at 90% today. So the next time you're feeling under the weather draw a bath as hot as you can stand, add tow cups of Epsom salt, one cup of baking soda, and hang out for twenty minutes,

How do you get over a cold?

Peace and Blessings,

Know

Where did the time fly?

2013-01-06T11:02:00.001-06:00

I have seriously been the worst blogger! However now that I FINALLY have my iPad I should be able to be a much more loyal blogger! So much has happened since my last post, I am not even sure where to start! I will cover the highlights:
1. I spent a fabulous birthday with the CashMoney family! Seriously so great! I am blessed to have that wonderful family in my life!
2. Christmas break was spent being silly with my loves Miss Meaggy, Bieber Fever, and Future Rocket Scientist.
3.Gum Drop got engaged after dating Coach for TEN years!!!!! Yes, they started going out in 7th grade! I am blessed to be in their wedding and to say I have the fever is an understatement.
4. Karli Cakes got engaged! So happy for her and Colin. My fever has increased.

Those are my major happenings and I hope that 2013 is a wonderful and blessed year! Here is to health, family, friends and better blogging this year!

Peace and blessings,

Kjo

Sonnet Saturday

2012-10-27T22:08:00.001-05:00

What is the definition of a lady? Such a loaded question but here is something I found today that I thought was pretty great! Enjoy!

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

Sonnet Saturday

2012-10-20T13:10:00.001-05:00

Today I leave you with twisted, beautiful words of E.E. Cummings.

"Dive for Dreams"

dive for dreams
or a slogan may topple you
(trees are their roots
and wind is wind)

trust your heart
if the seas catch fire
(and live by love
though the stars walk backward)

honour the past
but welcome the future
(and dance your death
away at this wedding)

never mind a world
with its villains or heroes
(for god likes girls
and tomorrow and the earth)

peace and blessings,

kjo

Out of my Comfort Zone

2012-10-17T22:40:00.003-05:00

Y'all know that I love just about every part of being a teacher even if I am just currently a substitute teacher. I have subbed a few times at the local elementary but yesterday was a whole new world literally. I got roped into subbing for half day Kindergarten. Oh MY GOODNESS I have no idea how all of you sweet Kindergarten teachers out there handle that kind of chaos everyday. I often think that high schooler's are rowdy and uncontrollable but these precious little ones were almost too much for me to handle. Simple tasks like reading them stories, coloring pictures, or lining up for snack cause a million and twelve questions to be asked and often tears to be shed. I received so many wonderful hugs and silly hand drawn pictures that ended up making the day worth it in the long run. Whew lets just say I do not plan on picking up an early childhood endorsements in the future. I do believe it was blessing in disguise -- because even though I left extremely exhausted and with a the worst teacher headache that no amount of Diet Coke (liquid of the gods) could cure my heart was just as happy as when I walk out of any other classroom. I never dreamed that I would gain so much happiness through my career but I am so blessed to have chosen this crazy, awesome, and often exasperating profession.

Do you love your job? What makes your heart the happiest?

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

What a Weekend

2012-10-17T21:50:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was more fun than I ever imagined it could possibly be! We left on Friday and made our to Colombia, Missouri, home of the University of Missouri to attend the Mizzou v. Alabama football game. Upon arrival we dropped our belongings off with Chevy Girl at her adorable house and proceeded to get dinner. After dinner we headed out to Whiskey Wild's Saloon to watch get some cheeeeappp drinks, watch the Cardinals win, and be sure to scream Roll Tide Roll during the pauses in Sweet Home Alabama. We were extremely successful at all three of those things. Upon arrival at Chevy Girl's abode we promptly crashed and went to sleep. When we woke up it was game day and time to get ready for a good time. Our little group was filled with the worst morning people ever so I'm sure you can imagine how that went. Anyway, we made it to the tailgate which was right outside the stadium because Meredith's Uncle is AWESOME. I wasn't able to meet up with any of the friends and family that I hoped too but I did have a blast all day long even though it was pouring down rain and we were little soaked all the way through. After the game (RTR) we headed to a local Italian restaurant and then onto the piano bar. Shortly after we headed home to crash. It was a great trip and I had the most fun. It was exactly the kind of weekend I needed. The only downside is that due to the bad weather conditions there are no photos except one drowned rat photo that I'll spare y'all the viewing pleasure of.

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

FOOTBALL FRIDAY

2012-10-12T09:32:00.000-05:00

Woo... it is finally Friday and boy has it been a busy week. I subbed everyday and worked at Not Starbucks two nights in a row and boy am I exhausted. I was so excited to sleep in today because in a few shorts hours I am departing to head to MIZZOU to see the ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE defeat the Tigers. Cash Money, Future Senator, and Cash Money's hs friend Meredith, are making the journey to COMO and I could not be any more excited. I hope to see several family members as well as include a long over due five year reunion with Muh Boo, and hopefully get some hoe-down throwdown action in with Vandyloo. I am the MOST excited to reunite with my girl, Chevy Girl, and crash at her lovely little apt, it has been waaaaaaaaaaauy to long since I have seen that girl! So I cannot wait to get back to y'all and keep you updated on my crazy adventures, but I have to admit I think I mostly excited to be off work totally for the first time in 17 days AND to play college!

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

Music and Manicure Monday

2012-10-07T23:36:00.002-05:00

Two things you must purchase today:

essie head mistress

american aquarium small town hymns

ready, set, go and do it.... now!

peace and blessings,
kjo

Here is to you World Travler

2012-10-02T21:41:00.002-05:00

I want every to picture late August of 2007, some of us were beginning our senior years of high school and for others they would soon be jet setting off into the wide world of college. If you were a precious innocent late 1989 baby like I was you were about to begin Senior Year. However, if you were a late 1988 baby like my best friend World Traveler, you were about to begin the epic journey known as college. I was fortunate enough to spend most a large chunk of high school being best friends with Red, Chicago, Mugen, and World Traveler. We were literally the best friends anyone could ever ask for.

Here we are at various events: a homecoming, a winter formal, and a birthday bonfire. We did everything together. Let us fast forward to these lovely ladies senior year of high school 2006-2007, World Traveler and I became literally attached at the hip. There was very few hours of the day that we did not spend together. Here are some beautiful action shots of our mayhem.

Fast forward to World Traveler departing to being her college career at Loyola University Chicago, I was one hot mess. I cried for three straight days and I think I might have been so hysterical that I lost ten pounds and got sent home from school one day. It was a rough start to my senior year and an interesting semester as I learned to deal with my best friend in the entire world being over six hours away. Y'all might be wondering why this story is relevant to this day and age? Well tonight I said good bye to World Traveler as she is about to embark on six monthish backing pack trip to New Zeland. While I am glad to stay I am perfectly emotionally stable I am a little sad to lose her out of my routine back at home. So here is to you World Traveler, I wish all the best adventure in love and luck, and safe travels filled with never ending laughter and joy everyday you are gone. I will be ready to eat the Dale when you return. So much love!

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

PS Thank Goodness these girls were around the first time World Traveler jet setted and that they are still around today \

Fake Sibling Day in all sense of the term

2012-09-26T23:33:00.004-05:00

So today wasn't actually National Siblings day but that is okay because I don't actually have any siblings. However, I do have some of the best sorority sisters you could ask for and two of the greatest roommates from college that I consider my sisters! So here we go a picture montage to my awesome"sisters" lovin and missin them all to the moon and back!

Peace and Blessings,
kjo

The Starfish Family

We are "that" family.

First Tri Delta Friend! Lovin some Mags!

The two greatest friends a girl could ask for!

Trip to St. Jude.

So Much Love!

Earring Swap!

2012-09-26T23:17:00.000-05:00

Hey Pretty Girls,
Sorry this is a day late but I have been super busy between subbing at the High School the past three days and then working a few closing shifts at Not Starbucks so blogging as had to take a backseat for the time being. HOWEVER, I am so excited to share with y'all the absolutely fantastic experience I had participating in the The Preppy Student's Earring Swap! I received the two of the most adorable pair of Charming Charlie's steal from Kristin over at Everyday With A Redhead! They are absolutely adorable and I have found several ways to wear them already! (I rocked the red pair for 'Merica Monday during Spirit Week at the High School). I was also fortunate enough to pick out an adorable pair of pearl bow earrings for Jessica over at Preppin' Postgrad! This was my first swap and I am so glad that I participated because I scored some super cute earrings, increased the amount of fabulous ladies checking out my blog, and made some sweet new friends. What kind of swaps have you participated in?

Peace and Blessings,
kjo

PS here are the sweet action shots of my new earrings! (sorry for the poor quality photo's I am still rocking a crackberry and my camera cord is missing!)

Music Monday

2012-09-24T23:52:00.001-05:00

Hey Y'all,
oh goodness do I have so much to say but for now I am pretty exhausted *more on that later* BUT I will leave you with a little video of my newest obsession. American Aquarium... I heard them a long time ago but due to an impromptu road trip this past weekend the fire was lit. So here we go with the sing of the band BJ Barham singing "Coffee and Cigarettes" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udp-GAzsTcI! Look forward to a very exciting week here at a Pearl Kind of Girl.

Peace and Blessings
kjo