
When I started writing TwentyFivePlusFive in April 2018, I never made an introductory post. It dawned on me the other day that I should probably do that. Truthfully, I had no idea what I was doing when I started TwentyFivePlusFive. Between social media and the blog, I’ve been able to connect with several thousand readers and followers. I’m learning to embrace- and be grateful- for the journey. Let’s face it, I still have little clue what I’m doing most days when it comes to blogging. This is a space for me to share what is in my heart, on my plate, and in my shopping cart. My 2019 vision for the blog includes more shopable content to elevate everyday affordable style. In reality, the blog is a lot like me- full of energy and completely random.

Let’s get to it…(9 months later is better than never, right?)
What the heck does TwentyFivePlusFive mean?
25+5=30…get it? At age 32, I often find myself letting out an audible groan when I tell someone my age. I’m not old, but there is just something about 30 that makes you stop in your tracks for a minute. It’s like once you turn 30, you really become an adult. Some of us are #29forever, but for me, I’m simply 25+5. I guess technically, I’m 25+5+2, but who’s checking the math here?
Five Things About Me
1- I am many things, but being a teacher is my proudest accomplishment. I’ve been teaching first grade for ten years and have had the opportunity to work in two drastically different settings- a city school and my current school. As corny as it sounds, I truly love what I do and feel as if God put me on earth to teach. Sure, I have bad days, but you’ll never find me complaining about my job. I am beyond blessed, spoiled, and grateful. (That being said, I’m sad that I can’t share more about my daily happenings on here. First grade is so funny. Perhaps I’ll have a stand-up routine once I retire.)
2- My last name is Barbosa. It’s a pretty bad-ass, pirate name. In reality, the name is Portuguese, not Italian as many people often think.
3- One of my biggest insecurities is seemingly completely dumb. I have tibial torsion. (Don’t Google it. The pictures can be kind of scary.) I went through a lot of physical therapy as a kid to correct it, but my feet still tend to turn-in. My parents decided to forgo surgery when I was a kid, and I’m glad they did. I try to embrace it, but in reality, I am super self-conscious about it.
4- I love to dance. (Period. End of story.)
5- Family is the most important thing to me. My family lives locally, and they are my best friends. I am so blessed to be able to see them whenever I want. In July, I get to marry my best friend and gain another incredible family. Ben’s parents live 7 minutes away from us!
Thank you for following along over the last few months as I began this journey. As always, thanks for your comments and messages. It is so fun for me to get to learn about you girls (and guys), too.