My moment with Stanley

Last week, something amazing happened at work.

Yes, THE Stanley Cup came and visited our school. It stayed about 2 hours and it was such a fun experience. The kids went crazy and I think that we teachers may have had more fun! We got to touch it, hug it, kiss it, whatever we wanted. We just ran up, taking selfies and seeing if we could get a picture with no one else in it. Luckily, I did! It made my week, touching the cup that the whole team has touched, specifically my favorite Patrick Sharp. IT WAS FANTASTIC!

Have you seen the cup? I never went to the Blackhawk rally, but I have to say, this was better!

Friday Fancies: Color Crush

Happy Friday everyone! I actually thought this week flew by, which is never a bad thing! I guess time flies when you're having fun? Nevertheless I am so excited it's Friday, and Spirit Day for the kids today. Time to break out my new colors: blue and white, and speaking of colors, today's theme is Color Crush. I've been finding my colors of the moment have definitely been blue black and white. But today I'm focusing on the classic combo, which I feel we've been seeing a lot of this fall. Not complaining here!

Black and White by susanhager featuring suede loafers

Back in July, with some Anthro gift cards, I purchased this black and white skirt (which is now unfortunately sold out, but I've definitely seen some similar options) back in July and have worn it so many times so far to work, church, and this weekend I'm planning on wearing it out to an event. I've given it a different look each time and I love dressing it differently. I absolutely love the feel, the texture, the fit (it's one of the most flattering pieces of clothing I own!) and the classic chicness factor it has. So why not go black and white on black and white? Any of these tops would work wonders, and switch up the shoes (those Kate Spades with the pink bow? Ahh!) and it's the perfect fall outfit for work or play.

What's your color of the moment? Any weekend plans? I plan on savoring my Friday night with a little Shark Tank (who else is with me there?!) and then trying to work a bit the rest of the weekend. Sunday night though, I'm going to see John Corbett (aka Aidan from Sex and the City) live at a bar. He sings now! Seriously, what is this life? Yes, he sings country music and I can't wait to see that gorgeously handsome man in person. And hear his voice. Maybe he'll speak to me? Who knows!

Go see more color crushes on Long Distance Loving!

Thursday Thoughts: Love What You Do

This is probably the cheesiest, most overheard phrase right now. I swear, I heard it all the time in college. "You have to love what you do, or it's never worth it," my professor would say. At the time, I was just trying to get any job, wherever, doing anything teaching related to gain experience. But now, I understand why it truly makes a difference to absolutely LOVE what you do.

I have come home everyday this week feeling fantastic, knowing that what I have done has made a difference with some of my students. But they fulfill me even more than I ever thought possible. They're hysterical! They're the absolute sweetest bunch of children and though we all have "one of those days," they still make me come home exhausted and smiling.

Here's a little bit of advice for those people in between jobs, looking for new jobs, or exhausted in your current job: be patient, work hard, and you will experience all of the good and more! Always look for opportunities and people that can help you reach that next step. I was a little hesitant at first to have people help me, but then I realized I was insanely stupid for feeling that. People know people who know people, and every little bit counts. Take every bit of advice that anybody gives you, because it could help you along the way. Never lose hope and good things will come to you!

Happy Thursday!

Friday Fancies: Workwear

Happy Friday friends! This week was short and long at the same time. It was a good one, a busy one for sure. I'm so happy that I'll have tonight with some old coworkers at one of my favorite places, Toby Keith's for some good music and food!

This week is workwear essentials! Since I teach, my workwear kind of varies. Sometimes, I go the pencil skirt route with an oxford and flats, other days I'll wear a cute dress with boots. But other days, I'll wear something like this:

Work It by susanhager featuring a full mini skirt

I got this skirt and purse from Target the day of the 3.1 Phillip Lim collection. I can't wait to wear them all some more this fall. This purse is my new go to and I love it oh so much! And I can't say enough about those flats: they're insanely comfortable. Occasionally, I'll splurge on flats that are comfortable to be worth the investment. These are! This would be a dream jacket. Am I right? Gorgeous!

Hope you all have fantastic weekends! Enjoy these summer like temperatures!

Doing the Run Around

Ahh! I feel like I've just been moving at a non-stop speed lately. But then again, don't we always? I feel like the beginning of the school year is always crazy. I always try to get into a good rhythm of waking up early, planning good lunches, figuring out when to get my runs and workouts in, hurrying from piano lesson to piano lesson, and then coming home at night to eat, relax and get ready to do it all again. On top of that, my younger sister Mary and I are training for the Hot Chocolate 15K that's only 5 weeks away. This is my first big race and I'm so excited!

But I've realized that I need to be better about the little things I used to be so good at: catching up. I've lost time for simple things like calling my friends and family and checking in. I miss them, I really do. Though it's been a crazy (almost) 2 months, I need to get back on my track of making those calls, writing those snail letters and then my other favorite simple thing: knitting. I have not picked up my needles all summer and now that fall's here again, it's the perfect time to pick them up! There's a million great things up on The Purl Bee once again and I want to to make some. I've got the itch!

Have you had hobbies or things you've lost time for? What are you wanting to pick up again this fall, if anything? Maybe I should make blogging one of them! I miss that too!

image found here

Friday Fancies: Fall Wishlist!

Happy Friday everyone! TGIF right? It's actually been a very productive week for me, and it didn't really feel that Loooonnnnggg like last week did haha! But nonetheless I'm so excited that Friday's here with a weekend ahead. I've been working a lot, but have definitely found time to enjoy homemade Pumpkin Spice Lattes with my mom, go on perfect beginning fall runs with my little sister, and unwind while rewatching Season 1 of Smash. Though I am excited for Fall TV to return. Shark Tank anyone? (aka my Friday night ritual!).

Fall Wishlist by susanhager featuring beige tops

Anyways, to fancies! Here is a bit of my Fall Wishlist, although I have to say, I'm very happy with my closet and feel like I'm ready to conquer fall! I took advantage of Target/3.1 Phillip Lim last week and walked away a happy camper with this satchel. It's the perfect fall/winter/working girl bag and bonus, it has a cross body strap! But on my list would have to be that beautiful J.Crew Field Jacket and a pair or black skinnies. Oh and did I mention that the October J.Crew Style Guide came in the mail? Loved a lot of it, including those smoking slippers and dress listed above! What's on your fall wishlist? Visit Long Distance Loving to check more out!

Friday Fancies: a chill in the air!

Happy Friday! Hasn't this been such a long week? I battled a silly cold last weekend, and still have a few of the remnants...ugh! But it's been a good week too. Yesterday I met Mary at the Everygirl Event at Bloomingdales. They recently renovated their handbag, makeup and accessories area and Danielle and Alaina were there to celebrate! There were tasty eats, free wine, and lots of different makeup artists showing off their stuff. It was so fun to catch up, I love blogger events!

falling in by susanhager featuring denim jeans

On to fancies! So I've been eyeing this sweater since it came in the catalogue. The price? Not in my budget right now, but always in my Friday Fancies budget! Those Old Navy jeans with the zippers on the sides are on my radar, I've seen them styled and they're oh so cute! I also recently got a pair of booties that remind me of these for way less (only $20!) but same type of style that's been around for a few seasons now. and that bag. I love it!

Hope you have fabulous weekends! Enjoy the first weekend of fall!