I Have Rediscovered Spiegel

Posted on by Mandy

spiegel

 

In exactly two weeks I will be heading back to work.  I’ve had an amazing two months off, but it’s now time to start getting ready to get back to our usual school year routine.  Part of preparing to go back to work is making sure my work wardrobe is ready to wear and that I have some basic pieces to mix and match to stretch my outfit options.  While browsing around Spiegel, I found a few pieces that I think would make a great addition to what I already own.

I am so excited to rediscover Spiegel.  I remember getting the print catalogs in the mail when I was in high school and can clearly recall this fabulous woven leather belt I ordered from there.  It’s so great to see that Spiegel still offers great prices, a fabulous selection of the latest styles, special sizing in Petites and plus, and the classic pieces every woman needs to incorporate into the wardrobe she already owns.  Spiegel also has a beautiful selection of shoes, handbags, and accessories to complement every outfit.  If you’re still looking for that perfect summer bathing suit, they have that, too.

I have my eye on this beautiful chambray linen dress which looks cool and comfortable, yet appropriate for work.

chambray dress

If you’re looking to freshen up your wardrobe this summer, be sure and check out Spiegel.  I know you will be glad that you did.

 

This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own.

The Hunt: Day 9- Education

Posted on by Mandy

Yesterday I told you about “The Hunt: 11 Days Of Doing” from DoSomething.org, the nation’s largest organization for teens and social change, in partnership with Lenovo, the world’s second-largest PC maker who helped found the campaign last year, and Bing, the search engine from Microsoft.  You can check in each day here for the list of challenges, which are released at 11:11 AM EST on the web, through email, and text until the close of the campaign on July 20.  Each challenge takes less than an hour to complete. Feel free to join in.  It’s not too late!

 

DAY 9: EDUCATION

1109366_graduate

CHALLENGES:

Challenge 1: Search for “NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DROP OUT RATES” on Bing to find a stat about how many people are leaving school. Raise awareness by sharing the stat to your social networks.

Challenge 2: Collect school supplies to donate to your local Staples store. (Keep in mind, the supplies don’t have to brand spankin’ new, but try not donate anything you wouldn’t use.)

ULTRA bonus: Teach a senior citizen how to set up and use an email account.

Today’s challenges are all about education, which is a subject very dear to my heart since I am an elementary school librarian.  I’ve seen students I’ve worked with when they were in kindergarten graduate from high school, and I have to tell you that there is a great feeling in knowing that they succeeded and that I had the opportunity to work alongside them in their educational journey.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, using a study by the U. S. Department of Education (2012), the national high school dropout rate for the United States in 2010 was 7.4%.  Fortunately, this number is on the decline since 1990 when the dropout rate was 12%, but it’s still disheartening.  Now that I am aware of this, I’ll still continue to encourage my students to aim for graduating high school.  For me, it was one of the proudest moments of my life and every student deserves that chance.

Now that you know the national dropout rate for high school students according to this study, does this number surprise you?

 

I am participating in a paid campaign through Mom Bloggers For Social Good. All opinions are my own.

Cooped Up

Posted on by Mandy

 

chicken coop

Except for a short trip to the after hours clinic this past Saturday for a shot and a prescription and one short trip around the corner to see my parents Monday evening because I had not seen them in a week, I have been cooped up in our apartment for exactly 10 days.  This bout with bronchitis and a sinus infection has really put me down, although I am feeling much better.  I have a feeling the antibiotic I am taking isn’t helping my energy level, which is exactly zero.  My sleep schedule has been thrown way off from having to give in to spontaneous naps, I’m doing minimal housework, and I just feel all kinds of out of sorts.  I hate this.

Today, I am thankful my husband has been home on vacation to pick up my slack.   I’m thankful for a husband who loves to cook, do dishes, do the grocery shopping, take our son swimming, and keep things going in general while I’m down for the count.  Yes, I am singing my husband’s praises for all to see here on my blog, but he really, really deserves it.

Thanks, honey.