How To Be Kind

REPOSTED FROM ONE OF MY FAVORITES OF 2018.

Tees || Jeans || Similar Loafers || Handbag || Earrings || Bracelet

With my teaching job, there is always a conversation about kindness, equality, and citizenship. It is weaved into my classroom culture and nearly every lesson. What I’ve learned in my six years of teaching is that no one is born with hatred in their hearts. My students are kind to each other no matter their race, religion, or custom. Adults can learn so much from them.

Last week, to celebrate and learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, we talked about his message and beliefs. I asked my class to come up with easy ways to show kindness. Here is what they came up with. Let me tell you, I am one proud teacher.

Remember the Golden Rule.

This is the big one that all of my kids know by heart. It’s plastered on a giant canvas that I painted for all to see. Treat others like you want to be treated. It really doesn’t get much easier than that.

Smile!

As one of my students reminded me, ‘It’s free!” Something so small as smiling at a stranger and saying a warm hello can help someone have a good day. It takes no extra time, no money, and is still very powerful.

Stand Up for Others.

On everything on my little list, this one is probably the hardest. If you see someone in need or who needs someone to have their back, be there. Simply knowing that others care is enough to help someone have a good day.

Clean Up After Yourself.

Showing kindness isn’t only about helping people. By respecting the space around you, you help create a positive environment for others to shine. St. Pete is a city that strongly focuses on being environmentally friendly and green. Smaller steps now can lead to bigger changer in the future.

Give Your Time or Money.

If you are able, think about donating your time or money to a charity that you feel passionate about. There are so many great organizations that rely on volunteers or contributions to do great work for our communities. Do your research and find what is the best fit for you.

The most amazing thing about this list is the feeling it will give you. By showing kindness to others, you are doing good for yourself and your own well being. From now until the end of January, see how great you feel by giving out kindness to the world. Comment about it below!

Love from Florida,
Katie

‘Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’ – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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2020 Color of the Year

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Every year I get so excited for the launching of Pantone’s Color of the Year. When it comes to celebrating a new hue, I’m absolutely here for it. I’ve heard that some were less than thrilled about last year’s Living Coral theme, but it was still so fun to style with last year’s bright teddy coat. You can read that original blog post here. Jump to 2020 and the critics just can’t be satisfied. This year, it’s all about Classic Blue! Some are calling out this year’s color for being way too safe, but it’s been one of my favorites for years. Here are some fresh ways to add a few new shade of blue to your wardrobe.

A Solid Blue Dress

My closet is full of solid black and navy dresses, but this wrap number from Halogen is my first royal blue frock! The color is more of a royal than a true navy, but definitely makes quite a statement. It’s a little bit unexpected, but a great closet staple. The wrap is style is probably the most flattering you can find. If you don’t have one in your closet, don’t delay!

Dainty Statement Earrings

As soon as I spied this chinoiserie inspired earrings from Shashi, I knew that I had to have them! They are so light, you may forget that you even have them on, without sacrificing quality. Sadly, these earrings are such a dream that they are already sold out, but I have a theory that they will restocked soon. In the meantime, I’ve linked another beautiful blue option for you to dress up with.

A Gorgeous Toile Blouse

If money were no object, my closet would be filled with everything toile. It’s one of my favorite patterns! STAUD has been tempting me with so many pieces in their new jungle toile, coming in both blue and yellow versions. This boho style blouse may be the piece I finally decide to take the plunge on. Pair it with crisp white jeans on the weekend, or wear it again at work tucked into a navy midi skirt.

Blue Suede Shoes

It’s hard for me to think about blue shoes without singing that Elvis song in my head. While there are so many options for adding a fun pair of blue or navy shoes, trust me because I have a few, I simply adore these heels from Sarah Flint. The bright navy suede is complimented by a striking tortoise-esque heel. More importantly Sarah Flint heels are the most comfortable you will ever find!

Instead of thinking about royal blue as a statement color, want not try it out as a neutral? With so many ways to style and so many color combinations to try, Classic Blue just may become the new favorite in your rotation.

Love from Florida,
Katie

If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.

Back in the Classroom

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I have the most exciting news to share! After taking a hiatus from the classroom, I’m happy to say that I’m back! Better still, I’ve taken over a 4th grade reading classroom right here in St. Pete. While I learned so much during my time as a private school teacher in the UES, teaching in public schools will always be home! It feels so good to be able to call myself a teacher again.

Being a teacher has been part of my life plan, pretty much, since I was in elementary school. Working with kids is exactly how I want to spend my 9 to 5 life. Is it stressful? Is it exhausting? Do I wish teachers made more money? Yes, yes, and YES! Still, it’s just so rewarding to see a student have a “lightbulb moment” on something they’ve been struggling on. To me, knowing that you make a difference to a roomful of students is worth more than any six-figure salary.

As I shared in my recent, Back to Florida post, my career was a huge factor in our decision to move back. Although being a stay-at-home wife, while working on a blog, sounds amazing, I was getting a feeling of restlessness. I am notorious for wanting to stay busy. My time away from the classroom wasn’t going to be permanent. I just wasn’t sure if New York City was the city for me, teaching wise.

When we made the decision to move back to Florida, the first thing I wanted to do was get back into teaching. I feel so lucky that there was an opening at a really great St. Pete elementary school just minutes from our apartment. Between being able to move down and finding a new job, it’s like the universe was clearly working in our favor.

For the blog, this is going to mean a few different things. Obviously I won’t have as much time to work on the blog. Teaching is a very unique in that I can’t leave simply leave my work when the day is through. Many nights require staying late or writing lesson plans at home, during my free time. I’m still going to try my hardest to share daily posts, but please forgive me if some of them go to the wayside. Obviously my first priority is being a teacher first. At the end of the day, I want to be easier on myself if I can’t find the time to hit ‘publish’.

Since I’m back to work daily, I’m excited to share more teacher and work style to inspire, no matter what your job title is. A new mirror has been ordered for my home office and, if you’re interested, I’ll be sharing quick, in the moment, OOTD. For my teacher readers, you’re going to love these posts, especially one I have planned for next week about teacher footwear. See you soon!

Love from Florida,
Katie

If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.