coffee, my dear friend

   I have never been a morning person. It still amazes me that for several years I dragged myself out of bed before 6 a.m. to make the 45-minute drive to the school where I taught. I overslept a time or two, and got stuck in traffic jams a few other times, but overall I was prompt.

Classiques Entier silk blouse (Nordstrom Rack)

BR Factory petite trousers

       The funny thing is, now that I'm away from the classroom for a year, I've committed myself to waking up at 5 a.m. twice a week to get to the university for 6 a.m. aikido class. I was studying there once a week last year, and not consistently, but I want to make sure I'm prepared for my February test. However, saying goodbye to my pillow on Thursday morning was harder than it was on Tuesday.
      An hour of practice is a great way to start the day. I feel a glow of accomplishment at 7 a.m. as I'm driving home to shower, enjoy a cup of coffee and eat breakfast. That glow of accomplishment slowly morphs into ... exhaustion. I found my eyes sliding shut at about noon as I read my textbook about teaching kids to solve information problems.

Friends necklace: gift from CN

Pearl necklace: previously loved by Mom

     To finish off Thursdays, I have a class from 5 to 7:40 p.m. I'm hoping the mandatory discussion component will keep me awake (and hopefully, learning) on those days that I'm ready for a nap.
     Yesterday's weather was delightful -- sunny with bright blue skies, yet not blazing hot --  what I call long-sleeve weather! To celebrate I wore my long-sleeve silk blouse that just doesn't get enough outfit love. I figured that I could at least look put-together while I dozed --  er, I mean participated -- in yesterday's class.

   

Silver bangles: Amrita Singh via HauteLook

Gray pearl and circle bracelet: gift from TM

tan bead bracelet: old, gifted

rhodium filigree bracelet

Inspired by: Mae of thereafter-ish

   A big thank you to Mae of thereafter-ish, whose travel outfits inspired this one. I like that she puts her own stylish stamp on a comfortable, practical outfit through the mixing of patterns and the inclusion of playful accessories. Click here to see her latest outfit that mixes an interestingly cut top, animal print and stripes.
   I started with some old favorites: a loose-fitting linen buttondown and jeans.  Then I added a camisole and left the shirt partially open to highlight my drapey necklace. The finishing touch was an arm party to add some intricacy, color and sparkle.

  
     Long gone are the days of wearing one bracelet at a time! I am an official arm-party addict. Even my students noticed one day and admired the pile-up. :)

'Iolani Palace door hinge bracelet (rhodium plated)

     One of my favorite landmarks is 'Iolani Palace. I still remember our fourth-grade field trip -- we had to put covers on our shoes to protect the gorgeous wooden floors and our admission tickets looked like old-fashioned dance cards. Definitely a place to check out if you are ever in beautiful Honolulu! :)