Stylish School Counselor/Mommy: Summer Style

With summer break in full swing, we have already had so many playdates and many more to come! Other than wearing a bathing suit and cover up, I sat down tonight to think of some play date outfits I could wear. The problem with my closet is I have tons of dressy/work clothes and heels. I feel like I don't have many casual pieces.

The past few weeks, I have been keeping my eye out for simple pieces that look put together but that are comfortable for a day over at my BFF's, running around with kids and nieces and nephews, or for a day out shopping!!! I will warn you that I am not so good at taking outfit pics. Finally, I got desperate and asked Joey to take the last one. I will definitely need to work on this for future posts!! Haha!

Outfit #1

 Now before I give you the deets on this outfit...don't laugh. Well it is pretty funny.

Shirt (Kroger Marketplace): I got the shirt, half a gallon on organic fat free milk, and a small box of raisinets for $16. No joke! And yes I did buy clothes where I bought milk...haha! And this is a true story, Lauren can vouch for it because she was on the phone when I walked out and set the security alarm off....long story. #iamnotaconvict

Crop Pants (Michael Kors): I got them at TJ Maxx but you can find similar ones HERE

Necklace (Groovy's): I love this place and you can now shop online, it is a fabulous local boutique you can find HERE

Bracelets (Nordstrom): I love these and added the black one and another black and silver to my collection! They are currently on sale and when I went Monday their in store selection was slim. You can find them online HERE for the black and HERE for the white.

Wedges (Sam Edelman/Nordstrom): These are my new fav shoes and I want to get them in silver next. They are like flip flops but a little dressier with patent straps and they are wedges and not flats. They are great for dresses, crop pants, and shorts and are SOOO comfortable!!! You can find them HERE.

Outfit #2

Ignore the shoe and towel on the floor...Ella was playing dress up before me

I love this outfit for our library visits or the movies. In Texas, it is so stinkin' hot but when you dress accordingly, you freeze indoors! For me this is a great balance!

Jacket (Kut from the Kloth/Nordstrom): Pinterest Told Me To (the fabulous blog) is where I heard about this job and when she said it was a Must Have, I believed her!!! Joey bought it for me and I have worn it at least once a week since then. It is lightweight and looks cute layered with colored denim, shorts, maxis, dresses, etc. You can it HERE in a different color (I can't find the color I have on their site anymore). I think I may need the white one to wear in summer shown HERE!

Necklace and Tank: Groovy's

Shorts (Target): Oh my word. If they had my size in the others I would have bought every pattern and color of these shorts. They were $12!!!! They are now $19.99 which is still pretty cheap. They are HERE!

Flip Flops (Tory Burch): I love these flip flops and although I would normally not spend much on flip flops...they very comfy and I love the pattern and Tory Burch emblem...it adds a bit of luxe to super simple outfits and they are also perfect for the pool! You can find them HERE!

Outfit #3

I love how this is simple and neutral! I know I am posing funny but it was super awkward when I had asked Joey to take the picture...haha! I didn't know what to do with my hands!

Shirt: I honestly don't remember, I want to say I got it from Groovy's years ago but any gray tee would work!

Scarf (Nordtrom): I SO wish you could see this scarf up close. It has lace detailing and it is like a light, linen material. Perfect for summer! You can find it HERE and on SALE for $8.90 and they now have a coral color! I think I am ordering that one after this post! Nordstrom has FREE shipping so that is an amazing deal!!! It is a regular scarf and I had tied it to look like this!

Shorts (Loft): Love these shorts and the way they fit. I have super short, asian, elf legs! I tried bermuda shorts and much longer ones but they make my legs look even funnier. These are great because they don't make my legs look shorter than they are but they also are "mommy appropriate." You can find them HERE but I will say I bought mine 2 or 3 weeks ago on clearance for $15 so you may want to watch for a sale!

Shoes (TOMS): I bought these at Groovy's last year and I love them just as much now!! You can also find them on the TOMS site HERE in a variety of crochet colors!

Before you go, don't forget to check out my sister in law Lauren's Trendy Thursday post HERE and let me just say...that girl can SO rock a top knot!!! 


Also, a winner will be announced tomorrow for the beautiful Lia Sophia necklace giveaway. Click HERE to enter!!!

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Character All Summer and a Lia Sophia Giveaway!!!!

Hey y'all!! I hope you are all on summer vacation and are taking the time to relax because YOU deserve it!! If you are still working, then bless your heart....I hope your vacation is coming soon!

Last week was so hard for me! It was the week we work without kids and I definitely realized that the students are what brings me joy! Now I love the people I work with but without seeing my sweet little big kiddos, I am a hot mess!! This is how bored I got....I was taking selfies with highlighters behind my ears. What was even more embarrassing is that our secretary came in and said, "Mrs. Acker, sorry to interrupt you because I know you are busy..." and she stopped there and laughed. Trust me I had tons to do but I had to take a mental break because I was so bored and so ready for summer. It took some Starbucks to give me the focus and energy I needed the next day and I had it all done in no time!!!

Let me just stop and talk about the pens above. Yes, they have a case that opens up so you can choose from the colorful goodness and, yes, I am officially in love with these babies. They are called Stabilo Point 88 pens and you can find them HERE! I love writing in my planner with these because it helps me to color coordinate things for the kids and at work and it makes it sooo fun!!!

The other night, as I was going through the my kids' summer reading pack from the library, I had an idea!! Ideas always come to me at random times and I get all excited but it is usually a bit of time before I can actually put it to paper or I guess I should say type it in powerpoint. Haha!

I was looking at the reading log that they have to turn in for a prize and had an idea. Now, this is a disclaimer, I don't know if it's a great idea but it's an idea...haha! I haven't quite put it into action but hope to next summer!

The kids reading log looked like this:

At t

I was thinking to myself, I love how kids have an opportunity to continue their reading into summer with a goal to work towards (the prize)...how could I create something for counselors to help students keep track of character? Then I thought of it!!!

A Summer Character Log!!!

The counselor could distribute it or upload it to their webpage at the end of the year. In the last guidance lesson, the counselor could talk to students about it and get them excited! Here's one way it could work.

The counselor does a final character lesson and could discuss ways to carry out good character in the summer when they are not at school. Depending on the counselor's budget, a prize could be awarded for students who complete and turn in their Summer Character Log! It could be as little as a friendship bracelet from Oriental Trading with a certificate or a Pickle and Popcorn party at the beginning of the year....you can get creative with what works for your budget. 

I created an example of what it could look like, this is very elementary because that is how my brain works!!! I included a log and ideas of exhibiting good character could be printed on the back. You may want to do a monthly calendar or whatever works for you! I was just thinking of a general log that they could fill up when they could.

It is something I think could definitely be tweaked for secondary. For secondary, it could maybe have information on places to volunteer.

Unfortunately, I thought of this after school let out but I am excited to tuck it away for next year!!!


Other than thinking ahead for next year, I was busy last weekend having a fabulous jewelry party with Lia Sophia. Lia Sophia is a jewelry line that offers high end quality but also has trendy pieces. I fell in love with the pieces...from classic, everyday items to big bling to spice up any outfit, they had it!!

At first I thought the prices were a little high but when I found out that it is a warranty, I was impressed. Now of course, if you lose it that doesn't count but if it breaks or something like that, they will replace it!!! Amazing!!

If you want to check it out, I have an open party right now. Click HERE and click BROWSE OUR JEWELRY and you type Melanie Acker as your hostess. 

And to celebrate summer and how amazing Lia Sophia is, I am doing a giveaway!!!
This is a beautiful necklace and is valued at $48!! It is silver with turquoise stones. This would look great with a cute maxi or a white shirt and coral shorts and wedges!! A simple piece that adds a lot of style!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Good luck!!! If you have any questions or ideas for posts, please feel free to email me at: melroseacker@yahoo.com Also, check out my personal blog HERE and my bloggin' buddy HERE!!!

500 Likes and a Freebie!!

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And to show my thanks for your support! I have my 2014-15 calendar for FREE in my TPT store! It will go on sale for $3.00 on Friday but you can get it for free HERE until then!