StitchFix Round 2

If you don't know what StitchFix is click here and read my post detailing this amazing service.  Then click here and sign up to get your first fix!  You won't be disappointed.

I shared earlier this week what I got in my second StitchFix package and I wanted to elaborate by showing you some ways I would style those different items with pieces I already have in my closet.  I styled everything with boots because I'm a huge fan of layers and boots in the fall and it really feels like fall around these parts.  Thank goodness!

I fell in love with the plaid top as soon as I pulled it out of the box and the next piece I took out was the blazer.  I am a blazer fiend.  They are my favorite way to dress up a pair of jeans and a plain tee or to wear as an added layer with a dress.  This blazer is amazing.  It is navy with this adorable ruching detail on the sleeves.

 I love that this blazer has 3/4 length sleeves so that I don't have to worry about the bulk of a rolled up sleeve.  I also love that it is extremely soft and versatile.

 This paisley scarf also came in my box and of course I fell in love with it because I lurve scarves!  All that bunched up, soft fabric around my neck in the crisp, fall air just makes my heart smile.

It's hard for me to say this, but I did not keep the blazer or the scarf.  Not because I didn't like them!  I was working on a budget and needed to decide what I liked the most.  At the end of the day, I have various blazers and scarves and the plaid blouse was just so "me."

Do you ever find a piece that is just "so me" (Except it's really "so you")?

So, you know what I mean.

Perks and Rewards

There aren't many tangible perks to being a teacher.  Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my job, but I definitely didn't go into this field to make money or become famous.

However, many places do appreciate teachers in big ways including some of my favorites.  And, yes, I understand that not all of my readers are teachers, but I do want to encourage you to continue reading this post because some of these discounts work for military as well.  Or you may know a teacher or military member that might benefit from this post.

Lastly, please keep reading because any business that is willing to reward those hard working, under paid individuals deserves your patronage as well.  Don't you agree?

So, here are some awesome stores that rock a good discount:

(Through the Organized Teacher program you save 15% on all purchases)

(15% off all purchases, 20% off sign-up purchase)

Ann Taylor Loft
(15% off everything & sign-up discount)

The Limited
(15% off everything even sale)

(15% off)

(15% off even outlet stores)

(10% off)

(5% off all purchases)

(They don't advertise a discount, but when requested most baristas will provide one for teachers.)

These are not all of the stores that provide a discount for teachers/military, but they are some of my favorites.  Many hotels, museums, zoos, and restaurants (like Pizza Hut) also provide discounts.  I've also asked at my local Joe's Outlet for a teacher discount and even though they typically don't provide one, they did give me 15% off my denim purchase.

It doesn't hurt to ask.
Many times, all you have to do is ask to get a better deal on the products you love.

A Weekend at the Races...

 Guys, seriously, things got so cray cray at the races this weekend that I whipped out my phone and took notes so as not to leave any details out!  For reals.  Like I said yesterday, even if you hate racing, cars, being outdoors, camping, whathaveyou...you can have so much fun at a NASCAR race!

People watching is almost as exciting as the real sport.  I mean, I can't even begin to count how many crashes I witnessed this weekend off the race track.   There was one couple that decided it would be a great idea to ride their wagon down the hill (not a road) to the concert below.  That was a fun one to watch.  Not to mention, my hubby made $5 off the deal betting that they wouldn't be able to ride it the whole way down.  I think you can figure out how it worked out for them.  I also got to see a guy not once, but twice, fall into a ditch and onto someone else's tent while trying to make his way to the track. His better other half was quite upset with him and made it very clear before swerving and tipsy-ingly apologizing to us for the state they were in he was in. Then there was the woman at the track who didn't get to see, but ten laps of the whole race because she was passed out the entire time. I actually took a picture of her, but felt really bad posting it online - maybe her grandma reads my blog... or something.  I actually felt bad for the girl sitting next to her because they definitely didn't come together and more than once she put crashed her head onto her shoulder.  It was entertaining to watch her do a hula dance with her eyes closed.  I'm just impressed that she didn't fall over - I am definitely not skilled at sleeping while sitting up like she is.

Okay, so the real fun began Friday night when this man who called himself Bubba Smith (yes, for reals) graced us with his presence.  I know when this man was born: month, date, and year, where he lives, how many miles his home is from the track, how he purchased his tickets, his dog's name, what his nipple looks like - long story - , when he was born, how many miles his home is from the track...  Oh, did I already say that?  Well, so did he....waaaaay more than once.  I actually got pretty frustrated with this dude after helping him find his lost puppy (locked in his truck) twice in the same night.  He also shared his passion for plumbing which explains his Facebook name, Waterboy.  Yup, you read right, he "gets the water out of the ground, makes it go up, and then back down."  Now, at this point, I'm sure you're thinking what I was thinking...that man had too much to drink!

Brother Bear and me.  Love him.

Except the next night he returned and although he could stand up a little straighter, it was the same show and dance!  I honestly question how we attract these crazy party folk.  I guess we all had "Nice Guy" stamped on our backs.  I tried my hardest not to be as friendly and welcoming Saturday night because, quite frankly, I was there to spend time with my family and enjoy their company, not get interrupted every 30 seconds by someone wanting to tell me their birthday. #sorrynotsorry So later that night when he interrupted us yet again to ask if we had seen his dog (who is named Clarabelle after the cow from Mickey Mouse even though her tail has a white dipped end instead of a brown), I simply looked at him and said, "No!"  He didn't return - hopefully the dog was okay - she was really sweet.

He also sat down on the ground to tie his shoe and after two attempts admitted, "I got a little frustrated and mistied my shoe." Oh, I forgot to tell you the story about why I know what his nipple looks like.  My husband mentioned that we should all take a picture.  

So Mr. BubbaSmithWaterboybornOctober13,197330milesfromthetrack took that as an invitation to whip up his shirt and shout, "Take a picture of this!" Keepin it classy.

Like I said, NASCAR races are a blast whether you're a fan or not.  And to be honest it's really easy to become a fan with racers like this sweet ginger driver, Brian Vickers. *Swoon*