Mandii's Muse

Image Some mornings I wake up and go to work. Some mornings, I don't. On Monday I could be at School A, and Tuesday, School B. One morning I can be in kindergarten, and the same afternoon 6th grade. I could have recess duty, or lunch duty. I am a substitute teacher. For the past 3 years I have been substitute teaching. I have had numerous interviews for a full time job, but nothing has panned out yet. Throughout my years subbing, I have had countless experiences. I have been a learning support teacher, over saw an in school suspension (the worst!) , and participated in evacuation, fire, and lockdown drills, and gave PSSA tests to 8th graders. I wanted to show you what my typical day could look like! 5:40am: Wake up time! (I shower the night before) 5:45 Wash my face, and begin applying my makeup 6:15 Begin curling my hair 6:30 Finish my hair and grab breakfast 7:40 Get dressed, make my bed and gather items for the day ahead 8:00 Leave for the school 8:15-8:20 arrive a...

Yay for full length mirrors in the faculty restroom! I have a confession to make. I don't always get it right when it comes to wearing clothes. Sometimes I will wear a baggy top with baggy pants, or leggings with too short of a top. (disgraceful!) Please tell me that you have the same problems I do! However, on the occasion that I do get it right, I'm glad I have this blog to document that! Today's outfit happened to fall in the "right" category. Since it is Wednesday, I am linking up with the Pleated Poppy ! There was something about this peplum top from JC Penney that I loved, aside from the price. I loved the material, and how it hugged just the right places. My black capris were also from JC Penney, and I love how there is a slight flare at the leg. My jean jacket from Old Navy is one of my most worn, and loved items. Jean jackets go with everything! I wore my favorite flats from Payless. I have been fighting a cold, and I didn't want to wear my co...

I wanted to share with you one outfit I wore while subbing this week. I have been absolutely loving chiffon tops lately. They are just so light, and easy to wear. This is a top that I can easily transition in to Spring and Summer because they are so lightweight. The day that I wore this outfit it was still snowy and cold, so I was able to wear boots with it. It was a simple outfit, that was comfortable and classy at the same time. *Let's just talk about how hard it is taking outfit shots by yourself. I know my head is cut off, and I'll get better taking them, I promise!* Outfit Details: Top: a.n.a  A New Approach from JC Penney Leggings: Active leggings from Lane Bryant Boots: Buckled Wedge from Lane Bryant. (I cannot get enough of these boots!) I took the picture after I had taken my accessories off, but I wore a long black necklace from Premier Designs, and the matching earrings. In the Spring and Summer, I can see this being worn with a bright statement necklace...

As a substitute teacher, I always go into a classroom and look at it as a learning experience for my future classroom. It never fails that in the younger grades I'll always get some tattlers. It's a fact of life. However, I was in a kindergarten classroom that still had some tattling, but the students could self monitor. How is this you ask? Insert "a bug and a wish!" Here's an example: Student A comes up to you and says: "Johnny took my pencil." Teacher says: "Use a bug and a wish." Student A goes over to Johnny and says "It bugs me when you take my pencil, I wish you would stop taking my pencil." Students self monitor, and the teacher doesn't have to stop and sort out the problem. Isn't this a great idea? This would also work for parents as well. It would definitely save you your sanity! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Can you see this working? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Even though I don't have a full time teaching job, I substitute. As a sub you always need to be prepared for any grade. I don't carry a purse when I sub, so I need to have some essentials with me. Here's what is in my bag! Umbrella Whistle Notebook and Pen Paperclips, and more pens A movie Calendar Certificates, important papers from schools (pink folder) A protein bar Hairspray *In the zippered pouch I have gum, lipstick, bobby pins, a hair tie, and a foldable brush.* I will just transfer my wallet and keys to that bag and add whatever items I think I will need for that particular day. I'll carry my lunch and I'm set for the day! Do you carry a bag to work? What's in it? Leave me a comment and let me know!

I'm going in to substitute teach today and I thought it would be nice to give you an outfit of the day "teacher style!" The students are only there for a half day, and I have some errands to run afterwards, so I wanted to be professional yet comfortable for the rest of the day. Perk of being a sub, I get to leave when the kiddos do!  :) My pants are a jean like material without being jeans. They are from New York and Company. I chose this royal blue, gray, and black top from Lane Bryant because it isn't bulky and still makes me look put together. My blue tank is also from Lane Bryant, and I love the lace detail at the very bottom. (Plus, who doesn't love a Duke blue outfit, especially when they advance to the Sweet 16?) As a teacher, it is always important to wear a watch, and mine came from my favorite jewelry store in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina called Bijuju . My replica "Pandora" bracelet came from a NYC street corner. The earrings were a gift f...