Coloring Outside the Lines

As you may know, I teach kindergarten and first grade as a special education teacher for children with hearing loss. When I'm not pulling my small group of children out for reading instruction, I'm helping them inside of their general education homeroom.

There's a lot of coloring and drawing involved in Kindergarten. Some kids are really good at coloring inside the lines. They have strong fine motor skills. Other kids..... scribble. They often use only one color crayon and go to town! Part of this is that they're developmentally not ready to color inside the lines yet.

So I kind of wince a little every time their teacher urges them to "Color inside the lines! See? Like this!"

Plus the artist inside of me wants to encourage as much colorful rebellion as possible :)

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Do you have kids? How do you react to scribbles? 

Linking up with Casey today!

A DIY for the Curly-haired Wannabe

When Gussy announced that the prompt for this week's inspiration workshop was "DIY", I knew I wanted to try something funky with my hair!

I came across this tutorial (this is an old DIY - like from the forties and fifties) hoping it would give some curl to my otherwise straight hair. I tried it on a Sunday night .... a bit of a risk going into Monday - but boy did it ever make me excited for Monday morning to come :)

I used fabric strips, but you could just as easily use individual socks. Here's what my hair looked like after 20 or 30 minutes of rolling (it was kind of tough to get the hang of!)

It was pretty comfortable to sleep on, and in the morning, when I took them out.... RINGLETS!!!

I felt it was all a bit wild, so I decided to pin two sections of my hair up with bobby pins (one on either side) and softened up with a comb. Then, I was ready for work!

My coworkers all had positive things to say (good thing I work with nice people!). And my hubby even loved it - and he would tell me the truth ;)

I don't usually play around too much with my hair - but I'm glad I gave it a try!

What DIY projects have you been working on?

PS: I have some winners! The Along for the Ride winner is Donna and the Seek First winner is Brenda. Congrats! I'll be emailing you shortly!

PPS: Interested in October sponsorship? Affordable rates here!

How to Reclaim your Weekdays

If you're like me, you live for the weekends. You plan social things and date nights and crafty projects and new recipes.... and you try to cram all of that living into two little days. Friday night is the top of the roller coaster. Sunday nights you sadly step off the ride (and eye that looooong line to get back on).

I was thinking recently... what if I could make the weekdays a little more fun? What if life could be reclaimed Monday through Thursday? Even a little bit? 

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The key for me is having something to look forward to. Here are some little things you can plan to look forward to, even on a weekday:

1. Trying a new recipe
2. Actually printing out one of those free printables you've been pinning on Pinterest
3. Calling a friend on the phone to chat for a little bit
4. Wear a new accessory, or a new outfit
5. Send a loved one some good old-fashioned snail mail
6. Get up 30 minutes earlier and make yourself some pancakes - even if it's from a mix
7. Color in a coloring book (such a FUN de-stresser.... I promise!)
8. Paint your toenails a new color
9. Pick up a pint of Ben & Jerry's on your way home from work
10. Style your hair differently (I love looking up hair tutorials on Pinterest, don't you?)
11. Do something nice for someone else
12. Try a new drink at your favorite coffee place
13. Eat dessert first 
14. Take your lunch break outside
15. Take a walk around the block with your hubby!

What about you? Any tips and tricks to share for making weekdays more fun?

Tickle Me Tuesdays, 37th edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Tickle Me Tuesdays, where we all share what's been tickling our fancy!

If you'd like to participate (and you know you do!!), here are the rules:
  

1. Write a short post with anywhere from one to five items that have been tickling your fancy recently. Please include pictures and links :)

2. Make sure to link back to the party in your blog post (you can grab the button or include a text link)

3. Come back here and link up your blog post!  

4. Visit some other links and HAVE FUN!

Wool Cloche from Liza Rietz

Mustard Pillow from Ivie Made

Paper Plane Embroidery from Yellow Dandy

Now it's your turn! What's been tickling your fancy?

<a href="http://yesteachercrafts.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s92/french_mk/tickle.jpg" /></a></SPAN></SPAN></DIV> <DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 18px; MARGIN: 0px; CLEAR: both"><SPAN style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; FONT-SIZE: large" class=Apple-style-span><SPAN style="LINE-HEIGHT: 18px; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: medium" class=yiv1673424054Apple-style-span></SPAN></SPAN> </DIV> <DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; LINE-HEIGHT: 18px; MARGIN: 0px; CLEAR: both"><SPAN style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: white; FONT-SIZE: large" class=Apple-style-span><SPAN style="LINE-HEIGHT: 18px; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; FONT-SIZE: medium" class=yiv1673424054Apple-style-span><script src="<A href="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=108373">http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=108373</A>" type="text/javascript"></script></SPAN></SPAN></DIV>

Lose Your Lunch

Last week in the teacher's lounge, a few of us were swapping really gross stories - I forget exactly what about but it probably included poop. Even though I was eating, I was laughing up a storm.

It got me to thinking that nothing really grosses me out to the point that I lose my appetite (granted, that might change when I have kids someday, but for now it's true.)

But then I reached back far into the recesses of my memories and remembered ONE time where I lost my appetite... not even that night for dinner, but the next morning as well!

I was in seventh grade at the time, and some teacher had a brilliant idea to let us watch a particular movie in class. The movie they chose? Soylent Green

If you haven't seen it, then I won't ruin the ending for you - but let's just say that I never wanted to eat again.

What about you? What makes you lose your lunch?

I wish......

I wish Life was an eternal Saturday morning!

With a yummy hot breakfast:

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And a bottomless cup of coffee:

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And lazing around in pajamas:

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And even watching cartoons:

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My version of heaven is an eternal Saturday morning... with all the possibilities of a great weekend ahead! Happy Saturday, friends!

Fall Baking Roundup

FINALLY here in Texas we're down in the double digits as our highs. After MONTHS of walking the dog in 88 degrees at 6 in the morning - our lows are getting down to the mid-60's. This must be what heaven feels like.


I asked my students what the weather was like today (when we all walked outside to the portable where my classroom is, it was sunny and 80 degrees). All of my kindergartners said COLD!




Since the weather is down to the 80's and 90's, I'm finally ready to jump on board the Fall bandwagon. Yes! I'm proclaiming it's here!!


And in honor of this glorious season, here are a few Fall recipes I'd love to try:

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal

Apple Butter

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Scalloped Everything

Tomato Basil Soup

What about you? Have you done any seasonal cooking yet?

My Future Family Room

Can a married couple with no children have much of a family room? Perhaps. But today for Gussy's Inspiration Workshop, I thought it would be fun to think about our ideal Family Room when children are there to populate it!

First, there would be a fireplace... I imagine lots of cozy family nights reading a book or playing a game around the fire!

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Then we would need one of these: (because of course I would have our children trained to put all their toys away at the end of the day, right?!)

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In my perfect family room of the future, there would be lots of seating choices - some that would even double as storage!

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The seating and furniture would be as kid friendly as possible while still having taste:

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And... of course... because who are we kidding, really? The TV would have to go somewhere:

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What does your family room look like?

PS: Have you entered the two fabulous giveaways here and here? If you love rosettes you won't want to miss them :)

PPS: Calling for October sponsors! Click here for details.

Sponsors and a Winner!

I'm excited to announce we have a winner for the large ad sponsorship giveaway!

The lucky winner is #31: My Life Under the Bus

If you didn't win but are interested in sponsoring for the month of October, check out my affordable rates here!

Star Sponsor Feature: A Happy Girl

Hi there! I am Tahnie and I blog over at A Happy Girl. I believe in seeing the joy in all things and practicing gratitude. Like you all, I am a work in progress! ;) I was born with Cystinosis, a disease that affects 500 in the United States, and only about 5 in my home state of Utah. Doctors told my parents I wouldn't not live past 9 years old, however I had a life saving kidney transplant when I was 11. Only a few other women with Cystinosis have been blessed with the impossible of giving life, and I am beyond thankful to be in that small group. Come read more about my story and celebrate life with me! xo.

I love working with Stella & Dot! Our jewelry is full of fresh and fun designs and we have something for everyone, from personalized charm necklaces, to every day earrings, to big bold cocktail rings, to pearls for little girls and handbags. Stella & Dot is all about empowering women to look their best, to wear joy. Every single dollar earned from my Stella & Dot business goes toward my overwhelming medical costs.

Star Sponsor Giveaway: Along for the Ride *CLOSED*

If you don't already know her and love her, let me introduce you to Laura from Along for the Ride!

Hi there! I'm Laura and I'm along for the ride. No really, I am.

Along For the Ride isn't just the name of my handmade shop and my blog, but it's how I see my walk with the Lord. I am along for the ride He has planned for me, and what a glorious ride it is!

During the day (and lots of times at night) I spend my time running a residence hall on a college campus. My husband and I live in the hall and our neighbors are 400 loud, silly, messy, wonderful college students. We have a kitty baby named Jupiter that shares our little apartment.

When I'm not working in the hall, I spend my time with a glue gun in hand, making lovely things for my shop. My motto is "keep is simple" and I try to make simple accessories that aren't too dramatic or fussy, but add just a pretty touch of whimsy to an already beautiful you.

"Keep it simple" is my motto for my life as well and I blog a lot about the simple, little, imperfect things that make life sweet.

Laura creates delicate, whimsical and beautiful accessories in her cute shop. Here's a peek at a few of my favorites:

***GIVEAWAY ALERT!***

Guess what? It's your lucky day! Laura is giving away a rosette ring in your choice of color!!

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Hop on over to Laura's shop and leave a comment here telling me your favorite item.

EXTRA ENTRIES (optional):

+1 Follow her blog

+1 Like her on Facebook

+1 Follow her on Twitter

+1 Share this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter

(Sample tweet: Sweet! You can win a rosette ring in your choice of color from @aftr_laura ! Enter here  http://tiny.cc/arpf5 via @yes_teacher )

Good luck! Giveaway ends 9/28 at 11:59 PM. Winner will be notified and announced here!

Star Sponsor: Cilla from Tell Your Girlfriends

Tell Your Girlfriends is a collection of jewelry inspired by antiques and modern design. The designs are made with rare vintage finds or gem stones or  one of a kind handmade Art Beads.

(Art beads are made by individual artisans in independently owned studios. They work either alone or in very small studios, making one of a kind beads by hand or in small batches. Art beads are not made in factories or sweatshops in mass quantities. When you buy art beads, you support the people who make them directly.) 

I search the world via the internet and travel to find the most beautiful and unique findings. My jewelry is wearable and made to last. The jewelry you will find at Tell Your Girlfriends is most importantly handmade one at a time, no two pieces will ever be identical given the nature of the beads and findings. The jewelry can be described as versatile wearing it from work, to dinner, to play group. Timeless and affordable. These designs appeal to women who like uniqueness, quality and design. When you find something great...Tell Your Girlfriends.

Isn't Cilla fabulous? She creates some really pretty jewelry! Take a peek:

Lucky you! Cilla is offering a discount code for 15% off your order at Tell Your Girlfriends! Just enter YESTEACHER at checkout!

Star Sponsor and Giveaway: Lauren from Seek First - *CLOSED*

Hello there.  My name is Lauren and I blog over at Seek First. I am a Jesus lover, newlywed, and nurse to-be.  I love crafting and creating things as a creative outlet, and a way to pay for my school!

My shop consists of rosette accessories. I started my etsy shop as a creative outlet to cancer research. It started as a dream, a thought. I wondered if I could, how it would go. And then, the day came that instead of wondering IF, I just opened it. It wasn't grand. It had one item for a long time. But it has grown and changed. I have learned a lot and still have a long way to go! Now my shop is the way that I am helping to pay for nursing school.     

Isn't she so talented? Lots of her headbands are on sale for only $6.00 right now (!!!) AND... she has a special coupon code for you: enter YESTEACHER for 25% off your order!

***GIVEAWAY ALERT!***

Lucky you! Lauren is giving away one necklace of your choice!!

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Visit Seek First and leave a comment here with your favorite item. Make sure you include some way for me to contact you!

OPTIONAL:

+1 Follow Lauren's blog

+1 Heart her etsy shop

+1 Follow her on Twitter

+1 Share this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook (once daily) 

(Sample tweet: Pretty up your wardrobe with your choice of rosette necklace from @runninglauren ! Enter here http://tiny.cc/7a95t via @yes_teacher)

Good luck! Giveaway ends 9/28 at 11:59 PM. Winner will be notified and announced here!

Tickle Me Tuesdays, 36th edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Tickle Me Tuesdays, where we all share what's been tickling our fancy!

If you'd like to participate (and you know you do!!), here are the rules:
  

1. Write a short post with anywhere from one to five items that have been tickling your fancy recently. Please include pictures and links :)

2. Make sure to link back to the party in your blog post (you can grab the button or include a text link)

3. Come back here and link up your blog post!  

4. Visit some other links and HAVE FUN!

Lavender Vine Pillow from Anna Joyce

Chalkboard Heart Signs from Coincidence or Fate

Organic Cocktail Napkins from Down Home Amy

Now it's your turn! What's been tickling your fancy?

<a href="http://yesteachercrafts.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s92/french_mk/tickle.jpg" /></a></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 18px; text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: x-large; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><br></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 18px;"><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=106782" type="text/javascript"></script></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>

Screaming Meat

I'm not a vegetarian, but I'm not a fan of eating anything that you've just heard scream as you put it into boiling water.

I'm talking about lobster, bien sur.

This summer when we were in Maine, we had the opportunity to go to a fish market right on the water:

It was fun to look around! I loved the variety of seafood they offered, plus they had eye-catching displays like this one:

But when I saw an employee fetching a fresh lobster for a customer....

... my husband turned to me and said: "Can you imagine if we bought all of our meat like that? Chicken? Pork? Beef?"

Gulp! So.... know of any good meatless recipes out there? {wink!}

Wall of Love

It only took me TWO years of living in this house, but I've finally hung the hallway pictures!

The framed print is from Livy Love Designs. I love the chevron background!

I have lots more little home decor projects I'm trying to find time for.... But this weekend I'm working on Christmas inventory! What are you up to?