class curation pt 1

A few weeks ago I wrote a post about how I've been thinking about ways to make my future classroom fun, bright, and just somewhere a kid would be happy. If you haven't read my about section, I'm currently going for my master's in elementary education. I've always felt like the colors and decor can really affect the overall mood of a classroom (or any place you spend the majority of your day), and thus how you perform.

To make a long story short, in my one class we mainly talk about issues and how they'd be dealt with in the classroom. In public school there is always the issue of religion. And when I think of decorating, I mostly relate it to holidays. This forced me to start thinking a little more about decorating with seasonal elements and color palettes rather than Christmas trees and Easter bunnies.

I decided to make a series of five curations of things I've found on etsy that would be public school appropriate, kid friendly, and not bore me to tears. Four will be seasonal but I decided to start the first one off with general decor that would remain year round. Stuff like motivational posters, alphabet and number charts, classroom aids, etc. How many classrooms have you sat in as a student where you felt like you've been seeing the same cheesy quotes year in and year out because there's probably only a limited number of places who sell these things?

Well here is my collection of eye candy I wouldn't mind staring at everyday..

For a unique classroom environment that's a little more you and a little less standard, think indie shops, printmaking, and playful colors and characters.

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I think Modern Pop has the cutest selection of kiddie prints ever. I will definitely be snatching some of these goodies when the time comes.

I just thought I'd share this with you because I figured it might give some ideas to others in the teaching field, as well as mom's looking to decorate a kid's room. Next up will be a spring curation since everyone's got spring fever right now. I just wanted to get the basics down first. :)

Also.. I've been forgetting to mention that I'm involved in a sponsor giveaway right now over on one of my favorite blogs, One Pearl Button! Check it out to see what you need to do to enter!

cozy winter things

Without a doubt my winter uniform this year has been leggings and either a plaid flannel shirt or a dress with a long warm cardigan. This is typically accompanied by boots of some sort and leg warmers or over-the-knee socks when appropriate. And I couldn't be happier. I'm infatuated with layers and comfort. That is pretty much the inspiration behind today's post.. a curation of things that warm my soul and make me feel cozy in the dead of winter.

To be at your most comfortable this winter,
think layers, flannel, and boots for ultimate warmth.

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1.. I got a couple new flannel shirts for Christmas and I'm very excited. I can now stop rotating that same ones I've wearing with some new colors! They are so comfortable and warm, even when the sleeves are rolled up. I've had a few people (relatives and such) twice my age telling me they wore exactly this when they were in college. Though all they had then were men's shirts so they weren't nearly as cute. Hooray for fashion coming back around and getting more tailored! ;)

2.. I did exactly this in my apartment in college. I had the cutest faux fireplace with this beautiful tile floor surrounding it. I got three of these candle multi-packs from Ikea. I liked how they were all different levels. It looked really sweet and gave off a surprising amount of heat. If I find a photo of my actual fireplace I'll post it one day.

3.. I saw this from Lune Vintage and am sort of devastated that it's been sold! It's so cute and warm looking. Perfect for walking through the snow while sipping hot chocolate!

4.. I love this headband/ear warmer from Emmadime. My ears are always freezing, especially when I was walking to classes in the city. So my choices were to either have frozen ears or wear a hat and look a mess when I got to class. This is stylish enough to keep on wearing so you can be cute and smart about the weather. :)

5.. I got these slipper boots for Christmas and I love them. I rang in 2011 at a mountain house with a bunch of my friends from high school and college. It was tons of fun and since we stayed in the house most of the time, I wore these all weekend. They are like walking on clouds. My feet were so content. But sadly, due to all the merrymaking and a little thing we like to call "Beer Olympics", they got a little dirty and the fur on the bottom got all matted. In a moment of insanity (or genius?) I reordered them as soon as I got back. Now I have a clean pair for at home and a worn in pair should that sort of weekend repeat itself :). I told you my weakness is boots!

6.. Part of the go-to in my closet this year. I like that they add a little pop when I wear black leggings with knee high black boots. And, of course, they add extra warmth!

7.. Forgive me for the lack of link but this was in my "inspiration" folder and I have no idea where I saw it. If anyone knows, feel free to inform me and I will gladly link to it. Anywho, I really want to make a granny square quilt and this one has such a great color palette. It looks like the perfect thing to bring warmth on a cold and gray day.

Well that's my round up of things that make me happy and warm during the winter months. Bring on the snow east coast! I'd love to hear about everyone else's favorite winter survival gear too. :)

christmas packages

As a new blogger, I'm constantly trying to think of things to do that will add to my content and make things interesting for readers. Taking a cue from my favorite blogs, I decided to add some features that I will do either weekly, monthly, or maybe whenever the mood strikes me.

The first one I'm going to try out is a sort of collection of things I like that deals with a certain topic. I decided to do this yesterday when looking for a specific type of Christmas packaging to get ideas for my own wrapping. The things I found for inspiration all happen to be pieces from etsy sellers which I love, but I don't know if it will (or can) always be that way.

Since I have the need to organize and categorize, I decided to give this whole thing a name and a little banner to sit under! I'm calling it "a splendid curation". Splendid is strictly dealing with the namesake of my blog here, not because I think my collection is super awesome or anything. It's just little things that I found inspiring and would like to share with you in case you need a little inspiration too. So without further ado, here is my collection of Christmas packaging..

Some Christmas packaging that inspires me that I hope will inspire you too!
Think kraft paper, twine, and ink for some old fashioned gifting..


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I'm really feeling the packagey, string and kraft paper look this year so I went searching for some inspiration. I love everything from the stamped, letterpress-looking tags, to the graphic animal illustrations. Everything feels so handmade and old fashioned. As much as I loved bright, patterned wrapping paper with gingerbread men or candy printed all over when I was younger, I would love nothing more than to see dozens of brown packages under the tree this year, wrapped in baker's twine and stamped with an identifying tag.

I hope this has given you a little inspiration for some old fashioned gifting and that this curation idea is something you would like to see more of. I had fun doing it so I think I'll keep it up, even if just for me :).

Hope everyone's having a good and productive week! Christmas is getting surprisingly close! If you have anything to add to this list feel free to leave a link and let me know! I'm always open to suggestions :).