Friday Favorites Archives - Miss Everchanging

Favorite Five Friday: Simple Joys of Life

Do the weeks fly by so quickly as we get older? Is it just me who feels that way? As I age, I seem to crave more downtime and a more relaxed lifestyle. I want to really immerse myself in the simple joys of life. Just this week, I read that this feeling is real. It’s the rewiring of our brains as we age. Google it! It’s very interesting reading.

This week was easy but cold. I can’t ever seem to get the house warm enough. I legit have an insane fear of the electricity bill. Really, I’d rather save my money for this bag I’m crushing on than spend it on my utilities. Nevertheless, I really don’t want my feet to feel like ice. I’m trying to find a balance. I recently signed up for the flex program with Duke Energy. Every day, I check my usage. I try to tweak my timers to make sure I’m getting optimal use for the least cost. I’ll let you know how that goes! While it may be a fail, for now I’m enjoying the challenge. If you have enrolled in that program, please let me know what you think of it.

This Week’s Favorite Five

A Day Off Work- Monday was a holiday. There is nothing like having a three-day weekend. It was glorious! I had many things to do. However, I enjoyed a relaxed morning by sipping coffee by the fire. I also browsed one of my favorite magazines. To me, that is the ultimate luxury!

An Impromptu Trip- On Monday afternoon, Bruce and I decided to ride to Raleigh. He wanted to browse the Lexus lot. I personally love the GX, but the waiting list is ridiculously long. To me, it’s an extremely sexy, but rugged-looking SUV. While out, I wanted a charcuterie board. We settled on the Napa Bistro and Wine Bar. What a find! It attracted an older crowd (like myself) and had a casual, yet sophisticated feel. For drinks, I chose my simple chardonnay, while Bruce got a gin concoction that was really pretty. He always wins the award for ordering the prettiest drinks! I had the idea that Sunday afternoons would become Charcuterie Sundays. When I returned home, I ordered these cups and forks from Amazon to use for my boards. Although I didn’t plan it, I was excited to see that they matched my favorite appetizer dish.

A Sol Nutrition Tea- We have a new business in Princeton. On Thursdays, they deliver to our school. Although this is no-spend January, I treated myself. I took it out of my grocery budget, so technically, it wasn’t a spend. Y’all, I’m not sure exactly what was in my tea, but it definitely boosted my mood and energy level. There was no problem I couldn’t conquer on Thursday! If ever in Princeton, stop in to try them. I ordered the Y2SIP flavored with strawberry, pineapple, and pina colada. Yum!

Big Apple Red Nail Polish- OPI Big Apple Red is my favorite red, which has been around for over 25 years. It has a blueish undertone that flatters my skin tone and pairs well with most everything. This time, I decided to go with regular polish versus my usual gel polish. Although gel polish was convenient, I felt like my nails weren’t healthy anymore. And because my nails grow so quickly, my pretty nails only lasted two weeks. I spent the remaining time between visits feeling self-conscious about my overgrown, lackluster nails, which had lost their original shine. I realized I like the flexibility of changing my polish to go with my outfits. I was tired of being a slave to my nail color. On the radar are dark, moody nails for this winter. Being that I can be dark and moody most of the time, I totally support that trend! OPI Malaga Wine is on my list of polishes to purchase, as well as OPI I’m Not Really A Waitress.

My Friday Coffee- I will forever wake up at 4:30 am just to get my Friday coffee from Miltown Java. It’s everything! The owners are so friendly, and the coffee flavors put any Starbucks to shame. They can make almost any flavor sugar-free. Supporting local businesses is my thing. I’ve done this every Friday since I began working in Princeton, and I will do it until I retire. Did I mention that I have 79 more days?

I hope you all stay warm as this cold weather approaches. As we go into the next week, remember to count your blessings. I challenge you to find your favorite five!

*Some highlighted words contain affiliate links. By using these links to buy items, I may get a small commission that helps support my blog.*

Categories: Friday Favorites, Life

Favorite Five Friday

2026 has arrived with change and momentum.

I’m still refining my goals for this year and making them more achievable. And as you have guessed, dry January was a bust. But that’s fine because life is a learning process of trial and error.

I spent the first two weeks of January in a total funk because Eric filed for divorce. Although I knew it was coming, it was still an emotional blow. I had my pity party, and this is the first week I’ve felt back to normal. It’s amazing how counting your blessings can change your attitude. And as I write each Favorite Five Friday post, I’m reminded how wonderful my life truly is. I’m reminded that although there are many hard things in life, there are so many other good things.

My Friday Favorites…

The Power of Prayer– This school year has felt particularly draining. I think it’s the combination of my hectic schedule and discipline issues that are so prevalent in teaching these days. I am mentally tired of constantly correcting behaviors. Maybe I’m just old and tired? This past Monday, I prayed that I would bless my students in some way. And twice in one day, they blessed me. One student gifted the most perfect art earrings. When I thanked her, she gave me the biggest hug. It was one of those teaching moments that just stays with you. I’d gone to kindergarten with this student’s mom, and it made me remember that special childhood friendship. Several times this week, I had dreams of my elementary school and how much I loved my years there. My student unknowingly gifted me those memories.

Later that day, one of my students walked up to my desk towards the end of class. He asked if I had time to listen to him recite a bible verse he’d learned. He asked if I was a Christian, and I confirmed that I was. The verse he chose to quote was Joshua 1:9. He said that he was trying to work on himself. He wanted to become a better person. He confessed that sometimes, he has a difficult time. I assured him that I was right there with him! The quote and his words about himself were so heartfelt. And honestly, I’ve never needed to hear a verse so much in my life. I have no doubt that God put that out there as the reminder I much needed.

A Treat at School– We, teachers, live for treats. I’m serious. During our weekly meeting, we were treated to breakfast because our team won a Christmas photo contest. Although I would never seek out Bojangles because of the carbs, I gladly indulged since it was a gift. I mean, really, I was obligated. Gift food surely doesn’t count! I had forgotten how tasty a ham biscuit is. And I ate the whole thing. With no regrets….. On a side note, the coffee from Bojangles was so good, too. The time with my teammates and the breakfast made my whole day!

Thursday Date Night-I’ve recently started a new tradition. On Thursdays, I have a date night with myself. When you live alone, it’s so important to plan things in which to look forward. It’s so mundane to have the same day every day. This past Thursday night, I took a hot shower and put on my favorite cozy bathrobe. I ate my “girl dinner” by the fireplace, listening to jazz. After that, I journaled with a glass of wine. (This is my favorite journal and my favorite dish from Amazon.) I felt so relaxed, and it was the perfect Friday Eve. Here’s a reminder that you are important. Date yourself!

A Special Surprise-Honestly, I’m not much for surprises. I’m a planner, and I appreciate knowing what to expect. On Christmas, Bruce surprised me with a YSL brooch and a purse that he had picked out. I adored the brooch. I wear brooches often, and I’d been slowly saving for the one he chose. However, the purse was a failure. He thought he’d ordered a larger purse, but it turned out to be one of the trendy micro-purses. Why would anyone ever choose to buy a micro-purse? Have you seen those? Google it and laugh. You can’t even fit anything in it! I really wanted to love it, but considering the price, it just wasn’t practical. I laugh as I write this, realizing that no YSL purse is practical. This I know. But, since the money was spent, I wanted it to be something I would use often. We made the online exchange (which was anything but easy), and he brought it over on Wednesday afternoon. Y’all, it was so perfect! If you are in the market for YSL, this is the best little purse. It’s large enough to hold a card case, a phone, and lipstick. When I go to NYC in February with Bruce, it will most definitely go with me. I always order directly from the website because the packaging is so luxurious. And you can be sure you aren’t receiving a replica. We named her Victoria because getting through the return process was a victory. Yes, I name all of my most loved things. The box is still on the floor until Little tires of it.

My Nespresso- I LOVE this little machine! My first experience with a Nespresso machine was at the 21C hotel in Durham. It made the best coffee from a pod I’d ever tasted. Since I’ve been on a mission to save for one. I loved that it was small enough not take up much valuable countertop space. Because the pods are a little pricier (I prefer the Starbucks Blonde), it’s not an everyday drink. I use it with my glass cups because it makes the prettiest foam. It’s a little piece of luxury in my world! There are no regrets on this purchase! Also, check Ebay if you are in the market. You can find them there, too!

As we go into the next week, remember to count your blessings. Find your favorite five!

*Highlighted words contain affiliate links. By using these links to buy items, I may get a small commission that helps support my blog.*

Categories: Friday Favorites

Favorite Five Friday

What a crazy week, y’all! There was so much stuff.

Do you ever have those weeks that you have to just breathe? That was this week for me. At work, I’m working on my Art to Remember fundraiser. Several of my classes regrouped, so that has been a nightmare. I’m on the struggle bus, trying to figure it all out. I had an open house on Tuesday night and taught a class on Wednesday night. Thankfully, my Arts Council meeting was canceled on Thursday. This introvert has reached her fill! Although I fuss and quickly become overwhelmed, I love it when my week is filled with happiness. When you feel stressed, always count your blessings. It does help! I’d highly recommend walking, too!

Here are my favorites from this week….

The Blackstone- We began the week by cooking brunch on Sunday morning. We desperately needed a new grill, so we splurged on the Blackstone with the air fryer. So, yes, we are the new co-owners of a Blackstone. He purchased every accessory known to man, and I bought him an apron so that he would look professional. Haha! I’ll gladly kick in some money if he cooks. I’m clueless about grills, but I wanted a good one. Although we had pledged not to buy more “stuff,” we failed. We are now the proud owners of MORE STUFF. On a side note, we do LOVE the Blackstone. We (he) cooks on it every chance we get.

New Landscape Lighting—We finally replaced the outside landscape lighting. Kudos to Eric for buying and installing the lights. They seem to be hit or miss (possibly because of so many cloudy days). However, when they work, they are a win. I love the lighting because it helps me feel safer when my house is lit. I pretend to live in a mini-castle, making me feel like a princess. Feeling like a princess is non-negotiable. Here are the spotlights and wall wash links to the lights we purchased. I am so happy with them! We placed the wall wash lights under the windows and put the spotlights on the trees and columns. Home ownership can be a pain, but it’s my greatest joy. Sometimes I look at my home and I feel so proud knowing that I did it on my own, on a teacher’s salary.

Art Supplies- I had a parent gift me with art supplies! When you give to my babies, you give to me. I am so grateful! There is nothing in the world I love more than making my students happy and inspiring them to be unique through art. When they are happy, I am happy.

A Painting Party- On Wednesday, I taught a pumpkin painting party at Hinnant Vineyards. I love Hinnant because they are my extended family. We had a lot of laughter, and although I was so tired, it was such a pleasure! I enjoyed every second! Look at these beautiful pumpkins! I’m grateful to everyone who came out. I was able to see one of my favorite former students, as well as former classmates! It was a great “girl time”! The ultimate happiness is sipping wine while you are teaching! We should be allowed to sip wine while doing our day job!

Yes, I said it.

An Unexpected Day Off- I didn’t know a hurricane was out there. I’m barely keeping up with life, much less the weather. I was so surprised when we had an unexpected day off. And boy, did it rain! I’d never seen my yard so soaked. I spent the day organizing, figuring out outfits for our upcoming cruise, and trying a fantastic new cocktail, an Apple Cider French 75. French 75’s are my favorite, and I am obsessed with this over this fall edition. It’s my favorite fall cocktail yet! I admit it. I’m a lush when it comes to gin. It’s my happy drink. Much to my dismay, I did break a champagne glass. I did say the “f” word a few times. But honestly, that’s normal for me. We all have that “go to” cuss word. As usual, Amazon saved the day. I was able to order more, but I’m so mad at myself! That wasn’t an expense I’d planned to make. Now we will have five glasses. I have one to spare! These are great glasses. They are heavier and more significant than others I have. And if you are interested, here’s the recipe I found on Instagram….

As this week concludes, please say a prayer for my student who was diagnosed with leukemia this week. I won’t post a picture because I want to respect their privacy. I teach with his grandmother and adore the family. They have a hard road ahead of them, and I’m sure they’d welcome any prayers you could send.

A reminder……always count your blessings.

Categories: Friday Favorites, Life, Random Things

Life Lately- Spring Happenings

Hello (Easter) Peeps! It’s been a while!

You haven’t seen much of me because I took time off from blogging, social media, and jewelry.

I pretty much took a time out from life to focus on things that needed to be done.

This is my renewal year for teaching, and my classes have royally kicked my butt! When I transferred to a different county last year, everything transferred as content credits.

WTF?

That left me short on literacy classes. Blood, sweat, and tears were shed for months as I took these classes to renew my credits. While blood may be an exaggeration, there was more than my share of sweat and tears. Ask my husband, who now thinks he is married to a crazy person.

So here’s what’s been happening lately….

I decided to embark on a less toxic life.

I’m the most bougie “crunchie” girl you will ever meet. Never did I ever think I’d use the word “crunchie” to describe myself. However, I’m always changing and growing…..Hence, the name of my blog, “Miss Everchanging”. I never know where life will lead! There’s so much more to come on this. I have so much to share on this new less toxic life!

I’ve decided that living with less is more.

I am on a mission! I’ve donated bags upon bags of items. I’m so done with being a slave to “things”. I’ll be clearing out more things during spring break. My husband (who is a bit of a hoarder) may divorce me, but I know what I need to live a happy and stress-free life. Recently, I had a friend lose everything in a house fire. Trust me when I say that things can all be gone tomorrow. Money in the bank and memorable experiences are my most important thing. I have pledged to live with less to enhance my life with things that are truly valuable!

I’ve prioritized time with family.

I’ve been spending time with my precious family. Last weekend, I attended the cork hunt at Duplin Winery. Although I don’t love their wines, I love their events. My brother-in-law had to cancel and we missed him, but Eric and I had fun with my sister.

These dresses are now sold out on Amazon. I Iinked the other bunny dress I have. There is actually one for every holiday. Keep this in mind for next year! Click on the link here to find them. I sized up to a medium. So cute! While you are at it, check out these cute rings that are Smith and Co. dupes.

We celebrated Dad’s 81st birthday with steak, baked potatoes, an amazing quiche, and a little family time. I tried a new recipe for an almond flour crust and it was pretty darn tasty! You can find that link here. The edges were burned because there was a little disconnect in communication with the husband who set the oven temperature. Still, homemade rules. I just can’t get behind the chemicals in anything store-bought with more than three ingredients. My body thanks me for my effort by not bloating or retaining water. When my body doesn’t recognize ingredients, those calories get stored as fat. Not good! And beware, all almond flour ingredients are different than the things that are chemically concocted. That means you have to get used to the texture and taste. When you truly want to get healthy, you make that sacrifice. Trust me, it’s so worth it!

We did our traditional egg dying. I didn’t use natural dyes this year as I am trying to use what I have. That’s definitely on the list for next year, though. While dying the eggs, my niece somehow managed to spill green dye on my Lilly leggings and then broke my favorite glass. “Bless her heart”, as us southerns would say. I’m sure that she will be more careful when she has to buy her own things. Don’t get me wrong…. the family time was worth a couple of accidents! It’s not a party unless something breaks!

Here’s the reel I made for Instagram…..

I’ve made it to spring break!!!!

I am FINALLY on spring break! It really doesn’t matter how much you love your job (and I totally do!), teachers and students are always happy to have a break. Yall, the mental tiredness is real! Today was the perfect last day before vacation! I started with a coffee from my favorite shop, Milltown Java, in Princeton. (You have to try the Medic!)

Then, I had a student make the sweetest picture for me. He actually did it in his classroom and came back to deliver it. And, he’s a fourth grade student, if that says anything about that monumental act of kindness!

I also had a county observation. Of course, she came in during the three minutes I was showing a video. Thankfully, she stayed long enough to see more of my lesson on Salvador Dali. The kids loved that lesson! Anyone who has their mustache preserved in a museum must be awesome to learn about, right?

I put up a display at the Simpson Building. But jeesh… They were missing at least four frames in my area to display. I was sorely disappointed I couldn’t display all the art I prepared. I want my students to feel that they are so succesful. I want my student to be celebrated. Someone’s going to be famous and I believe it!

On the way home, I stopped by my favorite winery. I had the greatest surprise! One of my former elementary students now works there! I remembered her so clearly as one of my most talented artists! My heart was so happy that she recognized me. She even told me how I inspired her to continue with her art. This is exactly why we do what we teachers do. I can’t wait to see where her life leads. There will never be a bigger champion for a student than their teachers!

So, I’m here, I’m back.

Happy Easter weekend. Let’s celebrate life that our amazing Lord made for us! He died so that we could live!

Categories: Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites- Back to School

This summer flew by! How is it that time can pass so quickly?

This summer was truly the summer of projects and self-reflection. Over the summer, I improved my home and read countless books to improve my soul, as well as my mental and physical health. Even if I didn’t make it into the pool once, it was a summer well spent.

As summer vacation abruptly ended, the new school year began. There is something so exciting about a fresh start! Although it’s been a fun first week with classes, I am beyond exhausted! There’s no tired like teacher-tired! I spent the first week going over all of the obligatory rules and procedures. But this year, I made it fun! We acted out different scenarios. Every student had the chance to participate and we all bonded. How could you not bond over laughter? I’m still so grateful for my job change. It’s really pushed me to become a better teacher. Even at year 29, I’m learning so many new things!

An attitude of gratitude is one of the greatest secrets to living a happy and fulfilling life.

MY FRIDAY FAVORITES…

~A First Day Treat~

One of my sweet students surprised me with a treat during breakfast duty. I’m loving the cuteness of the packaging. The smallest things can have the biggest impact! That chocolate bar- and the thoughtfulness behind it- really made my day! I know for sure I will have a “sweet year”. And for the record, I didn’t eat it all before lunchtime. That was a small victory!

Outfit details-

Amazon Statement Ring Set (Ya’ll, these are soooo good!)

Yellow Amazon Skirt (These are true to size, a perfect Princeton color!)

Black and Gold Bracelets (Similar)

~A Birthday Celebration~

On Monday night, we celebrated Mom’s 76 birthday. We took her out to dinner and we had the best family time! I’m so grateful that we are neighbors and that I am able to spend time with her. After her surviving the car accident this year, we are especially grateful to have her with us! I hit the jackpot when I received her as a mom!

~I Was Featured in a Book~

I was beyond excited to find out that I was featured in Johnston County’s Arts Council’s 50th anniversary book. Although I have ignored it for a long time, the universe keeps nudging me to pursue my career as an artist. It’s so hard to find the time to work, take care of a home, stay fit, and actually be an artist. Can I please have 5 more hours in my day? I am trying my best to organize my time to make room for my personal art. If you ask me to do something and I tell you that I don’t have the extra time, it’s the truth! I literally have every hour of every day scheduled. Prioritizing and carving out more time for my art will most definitely be a goal for 2024! Although it can be stressful, it’s so fulfilling to use God’s talents.

I don’t usually drink on a school night, but we popped the bubbly for this one. He even broke out the Tiffany and Co. glasses!

~My New Fall Collection~

I have new fall earrings coming out this weekend! They will be on sale for 40% off when they drop. All of my earrings are made from clay and are super lightweight. I sent an order off to Cry Freedom Missions in Roxboro this week. I just wish I had more available time to grow my art business! However, I’m over here with zero business skills and even less time to learn…

www.kathrynsstudioboutique.com

~A Two Month Carniversary~

It’s been two months since I decided to try the Carnivore Diet. Yes, I have become a meat eater. That’s a bit shocking since I’ve been a plant-based eater my entire life……

But honestly, becoming a carnivore has changed my life. I plan to do a video soon to talk about the benefits I’ve seen so far. They will blow your mind! I think I’ve never been so dedicated to anything! I even walked during the hurricane rain this week. I’ve rarely missed a day of walking in these two months. At 51, reversing aging from the inside out has become my mission. If you are interested in learning about Carnivore, start with these two experts. Dr. Ken Berry and Kelly Hogan are my favorite resources!

~Friday Date Day~

Eric and I do this thing every Friday. We call it Friday Date Day. Before school, we get coffee from Miltown Java in Princeton. I love this place! I usually order the Creecher. It’s espresso, chocolate, and raspberry. I have them make it sugar-free with unsweetened almond milk. It’s the best! We share a cheese bagel. I eat a few bites- it’s my weekly splurge. You wouldn’t believe how a bagel tastes like candy when you aren’t used to eating carbs! In the afternoon, he picks me up from school and takes me to Hinnant Vineyards. My favorite is the Chardonnay, although sometimes I’m in the mood for their Dry Rose’.

Fridays are absolutely THE BEST! These date days are a time for us to reconnect and are so valuable to our relationship. The more effort you invest, the bigger the dividends.

I hope that you all have a very safe and happy Labor Day Weekend. This is a reminder to take pictures so that you can remember all of the good times. Find the good things every week!