My Life As.....

Life. Unedited {Tuesday 10}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Tue, 07 May 2013 07:00:00 +0000

So. I know it has been a while. Let me start off by saying I didn't dive off a cliff or disappear into thin air. Life just became to much to handle. Even as I write this I am wondering if I am doing the right thing.

Moving forward is always hard. Making decisions involves a lot of time and prayer. A few weeks ago I wrote about how I may take a break from teaching. This is huge for me, because teaching has been my life for 4 years. Education has been my life for 8 years. This is a huge leap of faith. My heart is breaking with every step I take.

I'm not any closer to a decision. Combined that with some personal stuff... My world is upside down.

I know I am at a point where I have two roads to take. The one I am currently on. Or the unknown. Right now I am looking to at the unknown. I long to figure out who I am or where I am meant to be.

Working with kids is so important to me. It is my entire heart. I have some of the best students this year. Just the thought of leaving them brings me to tears. Just when something isn't right- no amount of love can make it right.

So here I am. At the fork in the road. Do I go left? Or do I go right? Standing still isn't an option anymore. Life is not going to get away from me anymore. I want to look 30 in the face and say you don't own me. You won't define me.

Can I be that strong? Confident? Secure? How do I become that person? The person I want to be in my heart?

I guess I will find out in time.

I know this isn't a typical Tuesday 10 post... But I wanted to get one up this week. It's been a while!

Revolt {Week 1}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Mon, 06 May 2013 03:18:00 +0000

Hi Friends!

I know I haven't been around much lately. I will have a post all about it this week. It's been a pretty hard post to write. And I have been pretty much avoiding it... But let me tell you some happier news!

Last week I started a Revolt- a exercise & diet program that is geared to help with changing lives. While I'm not looking to loose a lot of weight, I do want to live a healthier life. I have been looking for the right program for a while and I found it!

So every week, I will post about how much progress I made and give some updates. I will post my beginning measurements and updates from time to time, but I want to focus on the healthy choices I am making.

This week was detox from sugar week. So I ate a lot of spinach, hard boiled eggs, chicken and bananas. Luckily, I love all of those things. Oh- I can't forget the gallon of water I needed to drink daily. The food wasn't so bad... The water did me in!

I skipped the workouts, because I am still recovering from some sort of crud. I hope to get to those next week!

I hope to have some more fun information next week!

In full disclaimer, I was asked to be a part of the 6 week program. In return for my full opinions, I will receive a free membership to Revolt. All opinions are my own and I wouldn't write about anything I didn't believe in!

Light Up the Blue {MakeUp Monday}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

For the past almost 8 years, I have spent my time learning from, working with and education those to have have intellectual disabilities. Primarily, I have focused on working with those who have Autism.

This month is dedicated to Autism Awareness. The Light Up the Blue campaign brings world wide awareness to Autism. Through out this week, I'm going to be sharing more and more from Light Up the Blue.

First things first. I was able to find some free time in my schedule.. So I played with makeup!

Light up the Blue was my inspiration and a work appropriate look was my goal.

With naturally blue eyes I didn't want to over do the blue... So I used a combination of grays {light & dark}, white, light blue & black. Looking back, I could have made both grey's darker.

All Over Lid {Light Grey- Radiant Cosmetics} // Outer Lid {Dark Grey- Ulta} //

Brow Line {White- Pixi} // Top Lash Line {Dark Blue- Pixi & Black- SmashBox Eyeliner} //

Bottom Lash Line {Light Blue- Origins & Black- Smashbox} // Mascara {Black-Origins} //

I kept the rest of my look simple, since I wanted to wear it to work. I also used SmashBox foundation primer for the first time and I loved it! Holy man- it made my face feel amazing and my foundation went on so much smoother.

As for the serious face- I can just say that I am working on it! I am person who smiles a lot, but I love the look to more serious poses. Don't worry, the silly pictures will come soon!

I also love all of the Autism Nail ideas floating around Pinterest! Or you could check out Jamberry's Autism Awareness Nail Wraps for a quick manicure.

How do you show support for your favorite charity? Make sure to check out how I showed my support on What I Wore Wednesday!

I am linking up to MakeUp Monday

Kindness {A Small Word + Big Meaning = Amazing Actions}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Today's post was hard to write. Much like the events of our past, today is another day that will live in our minds forever. While my hearts go out to those who are effected in Boston, I don't want to dwell all the negative messages.

I am sharing an updated post from a few months ago. It is about 10 things you can do to show kindness to others.

{1}

Pay it forward. Once in a while I buy a $5 gift card at a drive through window and have the casher give it to the person behind me.

{2}

Coffee Creamer. Sometimes all it takes is making sure there is coffee creamer in the refrigerator.

{3}

A friendly smile.

{4}

Flowers. Sometimes all it takes is a few flowers to brighten my day.

{5}

Hold the door open. Sometimes I wonder if this is a lost art.

{6}

Clean dishes. That I don't have to ask someone to do a bunch of different times.

{7}

Ben's Bells. Check out their website, because their mission is to spread kindness.

{8}

Random food offerings... Like bagels in the morning.

{9}

Fashion complements... Even on days when I feel like I got dressed in the dark, it is nice to hear that someone likes my shoes.

{10}

People who give up a good parking spot to you, especially when it is the holiday season.

I know kindness is shown in different ways, all the time. It's a love language. People take and receive it differently. What are some ways you show kindness to those around you?

Next week, I'll share 10 facts about Autism.. If you have a charity near and dear to your heart, please feel free to share 10 facts about them! If not, then I'd love to see your list!

Lemons Turned to Lemonade {BBC Phoenix}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

When I was little, one of my Mom's favorite sayings was

I use to think that it was just a funny saying. As I get older I realize the true meaning. When life throws something your way, make it into something you want. Do whatever it is to be true to yourself and live the life you are meant to live.

I went to my first blog conference this weekend. I was nervous. Like I had two hours to think about everything that will go wrong nervous. Yikes! As soon as I got there I quickly realized that if I'm nervous that is going to reflect in how I interact with others. Personally I think that being nervous keeps you humble, it shouldn't become fear.

Laura {Pink Cake Plate} and I...

Over the first few hours I knew I was meant to be there. It was such an eye opening conference for me.

I really am a superhero at heart!

Watching women from all different walks of life, who showed me that it is possible to live their dreams, made me look at where I'm at in life. I am at a crossroads. The point where I can make a right turn or a left turn. Yet either way I have to move in a direction.

For everyone 21+, I'm a Moscato kinda gal!

It's eye-opening when you realize which direction you feel compelled to move in and which one is comfortable to move in. And when I say eye-opening, I mean it hits you straight in the face or in the heart.

No one ever said making dreams come true is easy.

It takes hard work and dedication. It takes drive and continual motivation. It takes multiple 'Hell Yeah' moments.

You know- those moments when you are so convicted to do something that you can't help but to say 'Hell Yeah!' {side note, Danielle and Tiffany gave this as our closing session. They are way smarter then I am!}.

Yummy afternoon snacks!

While I am still pinpointing my hell yeah moment, here are a few pictures for this weekend.

It was so much fun. Inspiring. Overwhelming. It was the beginning of my hell yeah moments.

Danielle Smith, talking about her Hell Yeah moments... And what to do about them!

Have you had any hell yeah moments? What were they? How did get get there? I'd love to know!

Coffee Date

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:11:00 +0000

Hey Lovelies!

Can you believe that it is Friday? I am so excited to be sitting in my bed, with a cup of coffee, sharing some time with you. Overall it has been a good week and the weekend is going to be amazing!

I am linking up with Alissa from Rags to Stitches for this weeks Coffee Date. You should check out her Vlog, because she is simply amazing!

If we were having coffee today, I would tell you that I am off of work today for 2 reasons. First, I needed a mental health day before the end of the quarter hits me hard. It's the beginning of the end. Second, I would tell you that it is going to be a travel day.

I am headed off to Phoenix for the Bloggy Boot Camp! This is my first big conference and I am so nervous. I keep telling myself that I just need to relax and have fun. That I will be overwhelmed and there will be a lot to take in. But I am still a nut case {sigh}. I know a few people up there, but not a lot. I don't do well in the not knowings of life. This Extroverted-Introvert likes to have a plan!

We would talk about the fact that I totally ran out of time before BBC.. So you can see my blond roots, my nails aren't perfect and my outfits aren't planned to perfection. That's life. O-well. Moving on.

I would also tell you that April is Autism Awareness Month. Bringing awareness and acceptance to Autism is something that is near and dear to my heart. Check out next weeks Tuesday 10 for some quick facts about Autism.

We would also talk about more endings and beginnings. I am realizing that my dreams have changed and my life needs to reflect those changes. I don't do well when I feel boxed in and that's how I have felt for a few years now. I need to chase my dreams, before I loose sight of them completely.

But enough about me. How are you? How was your week? I'd love to know!

Make it a great day, Friends!

What I Wore {Vacation Edition!}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:05:00 +0000

Vacation. It is such a simple, yet amazing word. Seriously. I think it is one of my favorite words. Next to coffee.

Anywho... So a few weeks ago the boyfriend and I planned a last minute trip to California. I have so many pictures that I have share them in stages.

The Boyfriend & I in California Adventures

We ended up heading to Disneyland, Hollywood and San Diego. It was a world wind trip! It was also the first trip we took as a couple, alone. Since we have always traveled with family- it was a bit of an eye-opening experience. It was fun and exciting. We both love to travel, so it was no surprise that we are pretty laid back and game for anything.

{Jeans/Shirt} Gap Outlet//{Cardigan} Old Navy//{Scarf} New York & Company

I have to say, I totally bought sunglasses about 20 minutes after this picture was taken!

Starbucks + Disneyland = Perfection

I totally stood in line for 30 minutes for this. And kept the cup!

I love me some firefighters!

As for Disneyland & California Adventures... It is great just being a kid again! We ate. We laughed. There are so many pictures to come! I have to say, going to Disneyland and California Adventures as an adult is so different then going as a kid. You look at it differently. You get to be a kid again! It's a pretty amazing combination, if you open your heart and mind a little!

This is what I looked like after California Screaming... The hair was crazy!

It was hard realizing some the limitations we had, but from those realizations came some great conversations. I haven't talked much about the fact the that The Boyfriend has rheumatoid arthritis. He's been dealing with it for 8 years. I have been dealing with it for almost 2. It's something I will talk about one day, but that day isn't today. {Sigh....} Mostly because I process it daily.

What are some of your favorite Vacation memories? Do you have a memory from the first time you went on vacation with your significant other? I'd love to know!

What would you like to know about our vacation? If there is something specific, just let me know & I will share!

I am linking up {here} & {here}.

Top 10 Tuesday {My Journey with Autism}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Hi ya'll! I have been pretty distant... That has kinda been the theme of my life lately. Yet, I couldn't leave you hanging for out weekly Tuesday link up!

I wrote this post last April, but it still rings true to this day! I updated it a little bit, to reflect the changes over the past year!

When I started working in special education 8 years ago, I had no idea where it would bring me. Here is my Top 10 List about my journey as a special educator & how my students have changed my life!

1} May 2005. I had a conversation {in the middle of a math for teachers class, from across the room} with a wonderful lady. She asked what experienced I had working in schools. I replied 'none really, but I was hoping to volunteer in schools during the upcoming school year.' She said that she thought that I would do really well as a special needs paraprofessional. So I interviewed at DSMS and got the job!

2} July 2005. My first day working at DSMS {a middle school}. I was scared. I had no idea what to do or what I was doing there. I wanted to walk away after the first quarter. That job challenged everything within me for the first time ever. Yet, I stayed.

3} November 2005. I got the best advice ever. I was trying to decided between a History major or a Special Education major. The advice I received from the principal of the school was'I get more applications for Social Studies or History teacher. If you have any interest in Special Ed, go that route. You will be able to find a job anywhere.'

4} January 2008. I met 'A', a 6th grader with Autism. She is a beautiful young lady, who I made a huge connection with at work. When I returned to the middle school after leaving for 6 months, she was my student. We bounced around campus together- learning from each other along the way. She captured my heart.

5} July 2008. I finally found the right program to finish my Bachelors degree. So I dove into studying Autism and Special education through Prescott College. During the 2008/2009 school, I continued to work full time and go to school full time. It was so hard, but it worked for me.

6} July 2009. I went from a paraprofessional to a student teacher. I was still at DSMS, but it was a different role. I had a few more responsibilities and learned a lot. 'A' was still on my case load and we still had a lot of fun together.

7} July 2009. I met 'J'. He is a student with Autism and has some high needs. I learned all about Token Economy systems from him. Positive Reinforcement- that is what it is all about. The way he sees the world is amazing.

8} December 2009. Graduation Day! Not only had I graduated with a Bachelors of Special Education.

9} July 2010. I met student 'JW'. He is a student with Autism, who is very high functioning. His insight to Autism is amazing. He once described making the right decision as 'harder them moving a really hard rock'. That type of clarity doesn't come along very often. It is a gift when it does.

10} February 2010. I found Arizona State University Masters of Education, Consultation & Collaboration with a Autism Emphasis program. It was the perfect program for me to receive my Masters. I graduated in August 2011.

I am happy to say that I have been in education for 8 amazing years in different capacities. Currently as the inclusion specialist at a high school. At the end of May, I don't know where this journey will take me.

All of my students have given me something different to learn about myself and about being a teacher.

Has your life been touched with someone who has Autism or a disability? If so, how? I would love to hear your stories!

Top 10 Tuesday {Bucket List}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 07:00:00 +0000

I can't believe it is Tuesday.. I really can't believe that I am writing another last minute post. Ok, so the second one I can believe.. {Sigh} Such as life I guess..

I totally failed to give a prompt last week.. I had vacation on the brain!

However, I mentioned a bucket list... I mentioned that I wanted to live in Ireland for at least 3 months as a part of my bucket list.

I am also at a turning point in my career. As in I want to take a break from teaching and I have no idea what I want to do with my life.

So all of that got me thinking.. If I had a bucket list, what would be on it? Would it be a trip? Dream job? Winning the lottery?

Since I never thought of my bucket list up until now.. Here it is!

In honor of April being Autism Awareness Month, next week I am going to share 10 facts about Autism. This is a disability near and dear to my heart.

If you want to share your bucket list... I can't wait to hear about it! Want to talk about Autism? Great! Want to share a random list? Awesome! Either way, I can't wait to see your Top 10 List!

Coffee Date {Meet Me In California!}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:19:00 +0000

Hi Spring Breakers!

This post is coming to you from the balcony of my beautiful San Diego Hotel Room- with Sea Gulls and Ocean sounds alike! If I could wake up to this every single day, I totally would. It is beautiful here!

More on my vacation next week though.

{Starbucks + California Adventures = Happy Mindy}

This week, if we were having coffee, we would have so much to catch up on! It's been Spring Break, which means that I have had a lot of time to think and reflect about different aspects of my life.

Over the past month or so, I have been talking about how hard life has been. Not all of life, just parts of it- specifically work.

Yesterday, I casually mentioned that I'm considering taking a break from teaching. While I can't go into details yet, I can say that this single decision is one of the hardest I have had to make in the past few years. Yet, it is also one of the easiest. If you know anything about me, you know that I love coffee and teaching. Luckily, both those go hand-in-hand most days.

{This is my coffee cup & view, where I writing from...Sigh}

This decision making process is hard, but I am excited to write about it when I can. My possibilities are endless of what I could do next and I just have to jump in to find something. There are so many scary parts {like no health insurance!}, but the peace I have about this break is outweighing the scary.

Then once I stopped crying {lets be real, it would happen} and when I explained I have no idea what job I am going to look for, we would talk about California! I love it here. I wish I could stay longer. Disneyland was fun, like always, and Hollywood Blvd made me want to watch Pretty Women. The Santa Monica Pier transformed me back into a different time.

Now I have a day in San Diego. I am off to make more memories!

I am linking up {here}.

Vacationing + A Phone Post

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 22:02:00 +0000

Hi ya'll! I am writing this on my phone as we are driving- so I have no idea how this going to turn out. Sorry for any typos!

I didn't have anything to post today, but I am just sitting here with so many thoughts rolling around my head that I didn't want to not write!

There is something about vacation that makes me think about my daily life. There are things I want to change. There are things I want to do. I have so many goals that I have been to scared to reach- but that will change.

I should let you in on the secret. I am considering taking a year off from teaching. This is huge for me. If I want things to change then I need to do it. No matter how scared it am. Because I am scared out of my mind. I am also excited! Excited to embrace change and to see where life takes me.

Until then, here are a few if my favorite pictures from my Disneyland and California Adventure experiences yesterday!

Don't judge me on the lack of formatting. Something is better then nothing!

Lots of love from California!

Tuesday 10 {Vacation!}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Hi Lovelies!

I hope you are having a fabulous week! This week's post is going to be pretty short...

Why? Because I am on Vacation! I am sitting in my hotel room, enjoying the California night air. {Sigh}

I have found out that vacations can be either incredibly stressful. Or incredibly amazing. I personally love being on vacation. I grew up taking more cross country car rides then I can share in just one post.

{Oceanside, CA... July 2011}

Did you know that you can make it from Tucson to Portageville, MO in 24 hours? You can. I have. Multiple times. I prefer the Oklahoma route. Texas takes to long to dive through!

{Thanks Google Maps!}

Anywho... Since I am a vacation lover, here is my top 10 favorite vacation spots!

{Me in California Adventures... 2011}

As for dream vacations... I want to go to Ireland! I want to live there for at least 3 months of my life... It's on my Bucket List!

Coffee Date {Spring Break}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 05:56:00 +0000

Spring. Break. Those two words have never sounded sweeter. Seriously. It was either Spring Break or a padded room {kidding!}.

If we were having coffee I would tell you that....

Life lately has been rough. Work has been rough. Keeping up with relationships has been rough. I have spent many nights {and most of the day} in tears. Finally I realized that change needed to happen and I am ready to make those changes. I have gotten some amazing encouragement from some of my closest friends & family. I am ready to tackle the next few months.

I would tell you I am slightly obsessed with the song 'Girl On Fire' by Alica Keys...

We would talk about my first 5K. Since I ran one. Pretty reluctantly, but I did it. And then I took pictures with out any make-up on... {Sigh..}

This is my Sister/Cousin Carrie... I say that because she is my cousin, but is more like a sister...

That I have some of the best, smartest & beautiful friends ever... Yes, I am a bit bias because I have known her since 1997- but Ashley is giving me so many amazing marketing ideas. She is brilliant.

I would talk about California! Because I am going on Monday! Woot!

How has your week been? Do you have any Spring Break plans? I'd love to hear about it!

I am linking up {here}

Operation Smile {+ an Announcement}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Hello Friends!

I hope you are having a wonderful week! I am loving my Spring Break and getting excited for my California Vacation next week. Can we say Disney + San Diego?

Anyways... I digress.. {insert shiny objects here}...

At the beginning of the year, I had this ~~crazy~~ idea that I wanted to start a non-profit agency. While I still have the ~~crazy~~ idea and the dream, the logistics isn't shaping up yet. So I started looking at other non-profit organizations and the businesses who pair with them, to gain some perspective and inspiration. While I am learning a lot, there is still so much to learn!

That's when I came across Rent Back , a text book rental program via Campus Book Rentals. Campus Book Rentals has partnered with Operation Smiles and donates with every textbook rented through them! Rent Back allows you to rent textbooks, use them and then rent them to others to get money back without the middle man of buyback. {i.e. more $$ for you!} Plus, Operations Smile, an organization that helps children obtain access to fixing cleft palettes, gets to change lives! Win-Win for all!

Here are some of the perks of using Campus Rentals:

-save 40-90% off of bookstore prices

-free shipping {both ways}

-can highlight in the textbooks {mayor bonus!}

-flexible renting periods

Here is some information about Operation Smile:

- Every 3 minutes a child is born with a cleft lip.

- 1 in 10 of those children will die within their first year of life.

- For the children who survive, they may have limited abilities

{i.e. not able to eat, speak or smile}

- Most children don't have access to the

medical care they need to live a productive & happy life.

The forever college student in me did a happy dance! If I had this program while I was getting both my degrees, I would have felt so much better about getting textbooks.

If you a college student {or know a college student} then check Campus Book Rentals out!

As for my announcement- I have to say that I loved writing this post. It made me happy to take the spotlight off of me and give it to someone else!

If you know of an non-profit organization that could use some extra shut outs,

I'd love to feature them!

Once a Month I am going to feature a different non-profit or do-gooder agency!

Just send me an e-mail {mylifeasmindy @ yahoo {dot} com} or find me on Twitter {@MyLifeAsMindy}.

In full discloser, I was compensated for this post by Campus Book Rental. However, I wouldn't promote anything that I don't love or stand behind. It did give me a idea to promote others and helped shape my vision for my future!

What I Wore Wednesday {To Church}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000

I love shopping! I love finding cute outfits that are normally out of my comfort zone that I can't wait to wear again even more.

A few weeks ago, my little cousin got a Boy Scout Award and Cousin Mindy had a chance to get all dressed up!

I found this dress at Old Navy & loved the color! I wanted to make it a little less bright {i.e. look at ME!}, so I kept my accessories in the black/dark grey range.

{Dress} Old Navy- Clearance for $8

{Cardi} Target

{Shoes} Nine West Via Ross

{Bracelet} Birthday gift from my Aunt.

I love it when I get amazing birthday gifts in the mail..

I love that my Aunt Brenda knows me so well!

Best shoes ever.

I felt this picture looked kinda 1940's.. Just me? I thought so!

So, what is your favorite current outfit? I'd love to know!

I am linking up {here} & {here}... Oh! And {here}!

Tuesday 10 {Pause & Restart}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Hey Everyone!

So I took the week off. I needed it. I was mentally and emotionally spent. Thank you for letting me just have a few mental health days. I am in the middle of making some big changes in my life and I needed time to breath & think. There is so much going on!

Just to be clear- I'm not pregnant, getting married or sick in any way. Life is just throwing me for a loop. While I wish I was at the beach, in reality I was at home crying... A lot.

However, I am back and ready to have some fun! I realized that I haven't shared any of the amazing list from link-ups past.

This week I am doing just that! Here are a few if my favorite lists from past Tuesdays.

1} I have to say, that the first week I loved getting to know everyone...

2} Have you met Stacey, from Glued to My Crafts? This lady it AMAZING! o love all of her ideas for her seriously adorable son! You can get to know her a little better here.

3} I loved Michelle's reasons why Adoption is Important to her! Inspiring!

4} Katy reminded me of some amazing TV couples near Valentines Day! Check out her list & see if you are reminded of any great couples!

5} How cute is Julie from Coco & Cocoa? I loved her birthday list!

6} Nicki has some amazing things on her wish list! Make sure to check it out here.

7} Have kids? Love books? Check out Amy's Top 10 Picture Book list!

8} Looking for some great handmade shops? Check out Katy's list!

9} I think the Valentine's prompt was my favorite. I loved reading Stacey's list even more!

10} Love Books? Check out Georgie's Top 10 list of most romantic book couples!

Next weeks prompt: Favorite Vacation Spots & Memories!

Hit the Pause Button...

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Hi Ya'll.....

Since today is Tuesday, I should have a Tuesday 10 post up.... But I don't.. This weekend was hard. Really hard. This week I am keeping an open mind about. I want it to be good. I am praying that it will be good.

For now, I need a break. I need to hit the pause button. Just for a few days. Promise.

I hope to have something up this week.. But if I don't- then I will see you next week!

Have a wonderful week!

What I Wore {DownEast Basics}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Happy Wednesday!

I love this time of week, because I get to talk fashion. It is a nice break in the middle of what are turning out to be some very hectic weeks. Thankfully, I am counting down to Spring Break! {9 days to be exact!}

A few weeks ago, I was invited to a DownEast Basics Blog Mixer at a local mall. It is always fun to hang out with local bloggers + talk fashion.

I have loved their styles for a few years now & I was so excited to see their newest Spring line!

I love the Fine Focus dress! They didn't have it in my size in the store, but I hope they will soon. It is the perfect combination of Vintage and Modern.

{Please excuse the iPhone photos... and my hair... I don't know what was up that day!}

I have been on a stripe kick lately and the Sun Sailor Dress is the perfect edition to my stripe collection! I stepped out of my comfort zone {horizontal stripes... Yikes!}, but paired with a Mustard Sweater I knew it was coming home with me.

Here are a few of the goodies I brought home for keeps!

Mint Jeans {DownEast Basic} Sweater {Target} Long Sleeved Striped Shirt

I have been waiting for a long time for the perfect pair of Mint Skinnies... And I found them! On Clearance! I want to wear them everyday.

Have you ever shopped at DownEast Basic? If so, what are some of your favorite finds?

In full discloser, I was invited to go to the DownEast Basics Blog Mixer and was compensated with a gift card to spend. However, I spent some of my own money also!

I am linking up {here}.

Tuesday 10 {Spring Activities}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Hey Ya'll!

Can you believe that it is March already? I am a spring kinda girl and love being outside this time of year. In Southern AZ, we only get a few months of spring, so I enjoy every minute of it I can!

I left this weeks topic kinda open, because everyone has spring at a different time!

My favorite spring activities start late February and go all the way until May! That's a lot of spring!

So, in no particular order:

1} Rodeo

2} Shopping for Flip Flops

3} Tucson Botanical Gardens

4} 4th Ave Street Fair

5} Sitting outside reading a book, drinking a Iced Coffee

{2 pumps sugar, splash of creamer}

6} Baseball Games!

7} BBQs that last all day!

8} Hikes in the Mountains

9} Easter

10} Planting flowers and praying I can make them grow

{this is more of a yearly tradition & failure}

What are some of your favorite Spring Activities? Link up, because I would love to know!

Next week... Let's talk fashion!

What are your favorite Spring fashion trends & styles?

MakeUp Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Happy Monday!

It has been a while since I have done a Makeup Monday! I have missed hanging out with Maria & Andee!

Last week they had a great prompt- A Disney Princess Inspired Look. I love Disney. I loved this prompt! I had such a hard time figuring out which Disney character I wanted to have an inspired look for!

I have two favorite Disney Characters: Tinker Bell & Cinderella.

When I was little {about 6 or so}, I entered a Pageant and was First Runner up. My dress was light blue, with a lace overlay. It was a little princess dress. Since I am a natural blond, it became known as my Cinderella dress. I loved every second I got to wear it!

Grandma Lou & I... Circa 1990

As for Tinker Bell, she is super sassy & creative! I have loved her since I was a senior in High School.

Since I was in need of a manicure & a pedicure, I did what any girl would do: get out my best nail stuff and rummage through my Best Friend's nail polish collection. I had a few color combinations of my own that I liked, but I wanted Cinderella.

For the base, I used Jordana Sky Fall {2 coats} and SinfulColor Hottie. I think I had more fun putting together the color combinations and giving myself a Mani/Pedi.

Here are a few other combinations that I want to try in the next few weeks! I think I am the most excited about the Belle and Tinker Bell looks!

1} Cinderella 2} Little Mermaid 3} Princess Jasmine 4} Tinker Bell

5}Princess Belle 6} Sleeping Beauty 7} Snow White 8} Mulan

Who is your favorite Disney character? Have you ever done a Disney inspired look? I'd love to know who it was!

I am linking up {here}.

Tuesday 10 {Revive Conference}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Hi Ya'll!

So this past weekendI was able to go to my first blog conference! {insert happy dance!}

The amazing girls from Junk in the Trunk put together the Revive conference, to help encourage bloggers to be who they are meant to be in the blogging world! So I put together my Top 10 list of favorite moments!

So in no particular order!

# 10} I found GiGi's Cupcakes on my way home!

Whats up for next week?

Let's talk Spring!

What are some of your favorite Spring Activities?

Coffee Date {Rodeo Break!}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:32:00 +0000

Can I just tell you that I am so excited about Rodeo Break? I feel like I am jumping on the inside I am so excited. What's Rodeo Break? Well, keep reading and you will find out!

If we were having coffee, I'd tell you....

That I know it sounds a little odd having a break for a Rodeo, but the Tucson Rodeo {La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros to be exact} is a big deal! As a rancher's granddaughter, I think it is in my blood to appreciate celebrating the history & culture of this community. Plus, the cowboys are pretty cute {shhh... don't tell the boyfriend...}

I would also share that I went to a mixer at DownEast Basic's on Tuesday night. I can't wait to share with you what I came home with!

{Please excuse the slightly blurry iPhone picture...}

Then we would talk about the snow... Yes, lots and lots of snow in Tucson!

This is my favorite view from our school...

Normally I see amazing Mountains, but Wednesday I saw this!

So of course I took my students out there to play!

I tried {and failed} to make a snow angel.

My weekend started out on Wednesday evening with an amazing conversation with my dear friend, Kelly {from Live.Laugh.Rowe}. I am so excited to have met her over the summer and loved catching up with her. It had been to long since we had last talked! You should pop over to her blog and show her some love.

That I slept all day Thursday... I think I hit my imaginary wall and I couldn't move from the couch. I needed a day to let my body recover & to have my spirit rest. I needed a break from life and I got it! Thankfully, I woke up this morning reenergized and ready to tackle the day.

We would also talk about how I am being lead from certain dreams and towards others. I have an idea for a on going blog series and I am ready to write my first post. I am excited to see where this is going to lead me!

How has your week been? I hope it has been good- I'd love to know how it went!

Happy Weekend, Friends!

I am linking up {here}

What I Wore {Chevron}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:24:00 +0000

Happy Wednesday, Friends!

I am so excited that today is my 'Friday'. In my neck of the woods we get Rodeo Vacation {i.e. a 4 day break}. It is literally that- a break to celebrate the Tucson Rodeo. A few years ago {I think in the 1950's, because my Mom remembers it when she was little}, enough kids missed school because of the Tucson Rodeo that TUSD changed around a few holidays and gave all students a four day weekend!

Didn't think you were going to get a history lesson, huh!?

Anywho... The real reason we are here is to see what I wore! I have jumped on the chevron train and looking for the perfect chevron accessories. It is proving easier on the internet, then in real stores in town!

While I have found a few cute things, they haven't worked out yet for various reasons. So sad! I am continuing on to find the perfect chevron dress.

I did find this shirt at Francesca's Closet, but it isn't on their website! However, they have plenty of other amazing finds that I am looking for excuses to buy!

{Shirt} Francescas

{Pants} Anne Kline via Ross

{Necklace} Target

{Earrings} Vintage... My Mom's

I am linking up {here}, {here}, {here} & {here}.

Top 10 Tuesday {Handmade Shops}

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Hey Ya'll! Thanks for swinging by again!

This week, we are sharing some handmade {or small business} love... With the handmade community growing, there are so many different shops that I am totally crushing on!

In full discloser, I was not compensated for any of this. I am simply sharing some of the products that I am loving at the moment!

1) She Does Justice

2) Esperos Bags

3) Hello Apparel

4) Better Life Bags

5) Kintage

6) Coco & Cocoa

7) House 129

8) Krafty Kash

9) Mama Nest Designs

10) Mine!

What are some of your favorite handmade shops? There are so many out there, that I love finding more! Some of then I have ordered from & others I am just waiting till the right time!

Life Lately + My Valentines Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Mindy Hooper) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 03:54:00 +0000

Hey Everyone-

I feel like i need to preface this post- it is pretty random!

So I have been of a slacker... And I feel bad about that. The past few weeks have been very trying mentally, emotionally & physically. A lot of tears were shed. A lot of praying was done. A lot of hugs were given. Honestly, I have just been trying to keep up with my day to day life. Blogging hasn't been on my mind.

While I can't go into much detail, I do want to say thank you for being patience with me! I am determined to make this week better. I have so many things I want to say. So many post to write.

On a happier note, the boyfriend made Valentines Day as special as he could {despite my stress level being through the roof}. He bought me so many of my favorite products from Origins. I am pretty stocked up for a while! The best part is that he picked all of it out himself- thankfully he got it all right due to their records! He even decorated the living room with streamers and balloons.

On a second happy note, I was nominated for Teacher of the Year. While I didn't win, it is pretty amazing to be nominated!

With all that randomness... How was your week? I hope it was amazing!