Haute for Teacher

Ask my husband and I what our dream job is, and we'd both say, in unison, "a teacher."

Clark and I were very blessed to attend fabulous schools throughout our lives, but we are each particularly thankful for our high school experiences...me and my small class of 25 at Rocky Mount Academy in teeny Rocky Mount, NC and Clark at Woodberry Forest School a beautiful boarding school in the hills of Virginia, outside of Charlottesville. Though both of our experiences were incredibly different, we are both ever grateful for the time we spent on each campus, developing us into the people we are today. We make it a point to give back every year.

While we enjoyed our sports teams, our school dances and the "fun stuff" for those 4 years before college, we make it no secret that our teachers and mentors have almost everything to do with our happiness and our growth as people.

Celebrating this thought, an Atlanta area shopping center, Vinings Jubilee, wants to give back to the teachers that continue to give us all so much. Submit your favorite local teacher via this form, and he or she could win one of four $100 gift certificate to be redeemed at any store in Vinings Jubilee Shopping Center. (Emly Benham & Sandpiper would be my picks - no doubt!) Submissions must be entered in the next two weeks! After all, the only thing better than getting something for 100 and south is getting it!

chalkboard image found at creativecommons.org

Locket to Me...

I believe there is something so special and sincere about a beautiful locket. Vintage lockets, by nature, must come with a story, and it is up to us to concoct such tales in our head should we not know the history of such a treasure. Lockets remind me of a slower time when all you had was your man's photo while he was away...no cell phone calls, no texting, no emailing. You could whisper your thoughts into the open clasp, shut your eyes tightly and just "know" he heard you.

The locket I wear frequently (seen above) came from my Grandma Ginny, for whom I am named. There is something so comforting and familiar to me when I hear that "click" of the locket, so soothing and serene.

I wish to share this simple pleasure and treasure with you today, as I feature the following affordable lockets. Below we have a $24 locket with the central filigree, reminiscent of a Celtic symbol, thoughtfully placed on top of a dime:
Looking for a more dainty, feminine look? Urban Outfitters offers this intricate bird and jewel combo to store all your secrets in for $24 as well (loving the detail of the nose-to-nose birdies!):
Not all lockets have to be round as we see with this tiny notebook-esque locket, hailing from NewFashionWhisper's shop on Etsy, and it's only a cool $27 to have and to hold.

Behold this Slane & Slane-rivaling bumblebee locket for $30, available at verabel's Etsy store. This vendor carries an array of lockets, so please entertain yourself and "lock one down" as you simply need such a timeless treasure!
Finally, you'll be able to tell the time AND turn heads by sporting this totally multi-functional avian accent piece, complete with decorated facade and an interior watch. It's like the Swiss Army knife of lockets! Available at fredflare.com for $22:

(and the inside, below)

These fabulous and inexpensive finds also make great presents as the holidays approach. Fill the inside with a photo or two of something you know your recipient will love: her dog, cat, car, bike, etc.!

*Perk! All items on FredFlare.com are 30% off until midnight tonight; so get hoppin' and start shoppin' - for less!