Kick it up a Notch

Are you ready to kick it up a notch? To bring your shop or blog to the next level? 

Consider sponsoring Yes Teacher Crafts in April!

Some quick stats:

- Over 4,000 page views a month

- Over 125 Facebook followers

- Over 1,200 Twitter followers

Options start as low as $5.00. 

Check out all the options here and shoot me an email!

sarah [at] yesteachercrafts [dot] com

Awesome Job

My cousin Aubrey has the most awesome job. Can guess what it is based on these pictures I took on our latest trip to California?

If you guessed "Lead Performer in Universal Studio's Waterworld Show", you are CORRECT!

Before this, she was a dancer and a choreographer at Disneyland. She basically gets paid to work out.

Sometimes I fantasize about having a different career. I don't know what that career would be (apparently my only talent lies in teaching), but Aubrey's job looks pretty fun. I know it's also exhausting, but WOW!

Here we are with her after the show:

Do you ever dream of having a different job? If so, which one?


PS: Have you entered this sweet giveaway yet?

PPS: Did you know I'm giving away a large ad spot and a $10 gift certificate? Enter here!!

Baby Bumpdate: 26 Weeks

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I recently won some totally cute items for Baby Boy.

From Buggy D Creations, these two adorable hats:

And from Cozy Creatures, these cutie patootie booties!

Now I just need to get the nursery all organized so I can find a place for these new goodies! So far, very little progress has been made - thankfully I'll have the month of June to devote completely to nursery projects ;)

PS: Have you entered the Snugly Duckling giveaway yet?

Tickle Me Tuesdays, 62nd 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!

Beaded Memory Wire Bracelet from 11 Compositions

Felt Rose Grapevine Wreath from Knock Knocking

Branchell Melmac Platter from Just Smashing Darling

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

<a href="http://yesteachercrafts.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s92/french_mk/tickle.jpg" /></a><br />

Star Sponsor and Giveaway: Snugly Duckling

Meet Kara:

Blog ~ Shop ~ Twitter

 I'm Kara. I'm a 20-something college student who loves crafting! I started The Snugly Duckling so that I could share my ideas in the community and really get to know more about yall. I've made great friendships through the blogosphere already and I can't wait to meet anyone else! My shop is always changing. Sometimes I'll have cards in there, sometimes a random Pinterest craft I saw, pretty much anything. I have a few prints in there right now and it's always growing. This weekend I started embroidery, and I can't even begin to tell you how much I love it! I only have one embroidered project in my shop so far, but yall can expect more this week! Don't be afraid to stop by and say hello!

**COUPON ALERT**

Kara is offering 18% off anything in her shop with coupon code BLOGGITYBLOG

**GIVEAWAY**

Kara is giving away one lucky reader a print of their choice!

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Visit Kara's shop and let me know which print is your favorite! (Be sure to leave your email address in your comment or a way for me to contact you if you win.)

EXTRA ENTRIES:

+1 Follow Kara's blog

+1 Follow my blog

+1 Follow Kara on Twitter

+1 Share this giveaway on Twitter/ Facebook/ your blog (one entry each)

Sample tweet: 

Liven up your walls and win a free print from @snugly_duckling over on @yes_teacher 's blog! http://tiny.cc/gcdobw

This giveaway is open to US residents and ends on April 1st at 11:59 PM. Winner will be notified by email and announced on this blog. Good luck!

These Awesome People

I hope you've gotten a chance to check out the talented ladies on my sidebar! I'm highlighting their amazing work and blogs today!

Meet Tahnie:

Blog ~ Shop ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

hello! i'm tahnie from a happy girl and i think life should be simple. we overcomplicate things way too much. i'm a momma to an odd defying girl, i'm a daydreamer, i'm a fighter, i'm a walking miracle. i like to have dance parties in my kitchen with my little ball of light! my own mother gave me life twice, she donated her kidney to me when i was 11 years old. i believe life is what you make it! i'm simply someone choosing to be happy in the fact of a rare terminal illness called cystinosis. truly all we have is now. 

Meet Ashlyn:

Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest

My name is Ashlyn & I am the writer behind {let it be beautiful} blog. This little blog of mine is my creative outlet where I share my inspirations on style, design, & everything pretty. I recently started my own little design business on the side & am absolutely loving making blogs beautiful! I would love to get to know you so grab a cup of tea & stop by & say hi :]

Meet Caroline:

Blog ~ Shop ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Hi Friends! My name is Caroline and I am the crazy person behind the shop Cotton Lane and the author of the blog, Sew Caroline. When I'm not blogging about my life a as a newly wed, DIYs, fashion (sort of), and other tid bits, I am either busy creating fresh goodies for my handmade shop or working non stop at a local fabric store. Are you tired yet? :)

Meet Laura:

Blog ~ Shop ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Hi there! I'm Laura and I'm along for the ride.
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.

Meet Alissa:

Blog ~ Shop ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Hi, my name is Alissa, aka "The Snuggie Girl." I blog over at Rags to Stitches and I have a little shop filled with Snuggies that are guaranteed to keep your iPad, E-Readers and Laptops all warm and well... Snuggly. hehe.  I'm married to the love of my life and we've been together for almost 7 years. In that time we've had our fair share of adventures and I'm so excited for the many more to come. My career began as an elementary and middle school teacher and shifted after the birth of our beautiful baby girl Katelyn in 2008. Katelyn is now three and is one of the most precious joys of our lives. Her smile and laughter can brighten anyone's day. In late 2009 we were blessed with another bundle of joy, who we lovingly refer to as Buddy. He is my sensitive, cuddle bug and already looks up to his sister. Being 17 months apart, I'm not going to lie, they keep me on my toes, but I'd rather dance around on my toes all day, then miss a single moment with them. I love meeting new people and I hope you'll pop by my blog and say hello. 

What I'm Into (Lately)

I'm totally stealing this idea from Beth of Dot in the City! I love how it's a quick snapshot into my life:

What I want to read:
-I started the Plum Series by Janet Evanovich over spring break. I've finished the first book and now I want to read the rest!!

TV show worth watching:
-We love a lot of TV shows, but right now my faves are Parks and Rec, and The Mentalist.

Movie I've seen:
-The Big Year. Don't go into it expecting a comedy - it was actually a really sweet and charming story!

In my kitchen:
-My hubby loves to cook, so I humbly and gratefully eat whatever he gives me :)
-These amazing banana crumb muffins. I've made the recipe twice already!
-My first shamrock shake of the season -YUMMY!

In my ears:
-I'm totally in love with this song (remake) from the Piano Guys. Give it a listen! You'll be glad you did!



Items of note:
-Still working on putting together the nursery. I seem to have too many ideas to get started!
-I want to try this tutorial for a crib sheet.
-Trying to get back into the swing of things after an AWESOME spring break in California.

What I'm looking forward to:
-THE HUNGER GAMES!!!! I can't wait to see the movie - hopefully this weekend!
-Playing around with the new set of stamps I got recently :)
-Now that Spring Break is over, the countdown to Summer Vacation has officially begun! NINE MORE WEEKS!!!!

What have you been into lately?

Quick and Healthy Dinner

I've been meaning to do a recipe post for the longest time! A while ago, I made some Spinach-Lentil Soup that was to die for. Except I forgot to take pictures. Oh, and it's not my original recipe... I stole it from here.

But I'm still going to share it with you because it was THAT good!

via

The only thing I changed was to swap a can of diced tomatoes with chilies for the salsa, and to add 1 tsp each of cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. I also substituted 3 cups of the water for 3 cups chicken stock.

When Max came home late that evening (because why else would I be cooking?) he gave me a funny look when I told him that we were having Spinach-Lentil Soup for dinner. But all it took was ONE TASTE and he was won over! It's just delicious!

Bonus? We made the leftovers stretch for an extra night when we put the soup over white rice. YUM!

Have you had any kitchen victories lately?

Spring Break in California

I had the most wonderful time in Laguna Beach, California with my mom and my sister last week. Dad couldn't get away from his speaking engagements on the road, and my brother's job in Maine is so inflexible with time off so it was just us girls!

We lived it up:

 Cruising around in "mom's" car 

(that some nice church folk lent to her for the year!)

 Walking the private beach 

(Only a 5 minute walk from the place where my mom is staying!)

 Of course, there was plenty of ice cream involved...

(We are a bad influence on each other!)

 Eating Dim Sum with my grandma

(ALWAYS a highlight!)

Feeling the baby kick! 

And I even got to meet some celebrities!

(At Universal Studios)

PS: Why does Lisa look so cranky?

I miss it already - the beach, the salty air, the charming cafes and boutiques of Laguna... and most of all, my FAMILY!

I'm so glad I'll be popping out a baby in July, just for the chance to see everyone again :)

And now.... the Summer Vacation Countdown begins: only 50 more school days to go!!!!

Tickle Me Tuesday, 61st 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!

Romantic Flower Earrings from KapKa Design

Set of 4 Coasters from Love My Coasters

Embroidered Initial Necklace from Merriweather Council

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

<a href="http://yesteachercrafts.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s92/french_mk/tickle.jpg" /></a>

Have you heard? The new iCozy!!

HI!!!!!!

I'm Alissa and I blog over at Rags to Stitches.

I also have a handmade shop and I'm so excited to share with you the launch of my brand new iCozy!!

As you can imagine I've been so excited about today for the last couple of months.

Designed with your lifestyle in mind...

The iCozy has a fun and vintage feel.

Girly from top to bottom, the iCozy is newly adorned with vintage lace is still lined with multi-functional minky fabric.
4 brand new colors, each with 3 vintage lace color options.

No more digging through your purse to find all your iPad Accessories, now you can carry them all in your new iCozy.

The new design features a pocket along the back, allowing you to take your iPad charger and earbuds with you wherever you go.

Each iCozy comes padded and lined with a multipurpose minky fabric.

Need to clean your glasses? The front of your iPad has finger prints?

Clean it away with out worry of scratches with the versatile, minky lining.

Whether you're going to coffee with a friend or carpooling your kids to soccer practice, your iPad will travel in style.

Are you as in love as I am?

I really, really hope so!

This design is near and dear to my heart.

So head on over to the shop and snag your iCozy as quantities in each color are limited.

All photos taken by the lovely Katie of Katherine Elizabeth Photography

Happy Weekend!

I don't have time for a real post today - I'm having too much fun with my mom and my sister on Spring Break!

We're staying in beautiful Laguna Beach, California - some church friends are letting my parents stay in their downstairs apartment... it overlooks the ocean!

Wherever you are, I hope you're having a FABULOUS weekend!

Lovely Lust-Haves - Bows

Have you noticed all of the bows out there? They're charming! Whether they're an accessory or in your home decor, I'm just loving this delightful trend. Check out some of my faves:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 

I don't know if I can pick a favorite - I want them ALL please! What about you?

Morning Glory

It's my husband's fault I'm a morning person.

I used to sleep in until the very last possible moment before getting up and getting ready for work. I would inhale my breakfast, make my tea and drink it on the go. My bedtimes would vary but I would usually be tired during the day.

Then one day about four or five years ago, Max convinced me to try going to bed at the same time (within an hour) and waking up at the same time (exactly) every day. He also persuaded me to set the alarm for EARLY - 5:45 AM! EVEN ON THE WEEKENDS!!

source

I did it at first out of love and to humor him. But I admit, I was crying on the inside that whole first week of our new schedule!

But then something weird happened.... I stopped feeling tired during the day. And then, after a little while, I started to cherish my early morning times. I had at least 30 minutes to relax before work - I could linger in the shower, sip my tea, read a book, watch the news.... In fact I liked my early morning routine so much that when summer vacation rolled around, we only adjusted our schedule by a little bit - up at 7:30 or so instead of during the five o'clock hour.

And now since living in Texas (for the past 3 years or so), this is what my usual morning routine consists of:

• Waking up at 5:15 (yeah, we're in bed pretty early - between 8 and 9)
• Working out/stretching in front of the news for 20 minutes
• Jogging with the dog
• Showering/dressing
• Eating breakfast

By the time I'm ready for breakfast, I have thirty or forty minutes to catch up on blog and shop stuff before work!

I know this is all going to change once the baby comes - we're going to have to figure out a whole new morning routine. But for now this is working for us!

What about you? Are you a crazy early-morning person like me?

Tickle Me Tuesday, 60th 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!

Reusable Journal Cover from Our Little Messes

Teacups Print from Aldari Art

Crochet Necklace from Xau Xau

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

<a href="http://yesteachercrafts.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s92/french_mk/tickle.jpg" /></a>

Missionary Kid Monday: Coming Home

{For more on this series, click here}


When my junior year in California FINALLY ended, it was time to fly back to France. Only this time, my whole family was flying back to Germany instead. It was decided that my parents would work at the school - my dad teaching chemistry and my mom teaching part-time French.


We would live in town - walking distance from the school - and my younger sister and brother would start attending. Here's the walkway down into our town house:

To say I was excited about being back for my senior year is a huge understatement! I felt like I could hear angels singing the Hallelujah chorus as we rolled into town that summer!


I was a little bummed not to be surrounded by the girls in the dorm that year, but I knew that many of my friends would also be "home students" in town so there would still be lots of people to hang out with.


I was also nervous. During the year I was gone, around twenty new kids joined my class - taking it from 50ish to 70ish students. I wrote in my diary:

I know I am being selfish and childish, but I can't help it... I will resent all of these new-to-me people because they have created a new school that I am not used to.

But looking back on those diary entries, I know now what was really going on: I was feeling very possessive of my friends. I didn't want to share them with the new kids. One whole year of feeling so very alone will do that to you: I wanted to hoard them like the precious treasure they were. Greedily. The thought that my old friends had made new friends and had made fun new memories without me during our junior year was too tortuous a thought to entertain....


But the school year started and I adjusted. And it was definitely one of the best years of my life! Despite all of the drama, the boys, the unrequited love, the teenage angst, I was able to make some great memories:

Our Senior Class Trip to Rome (for a week!)

Doing makeup for our school play

Playing games with friends

Going to the Junior-Senior Banquet (no dancing allowed!)

These pictures are worth over 1000 words each, but I thought I'd spare you :)


Of course, all good things must eventually come to an end. In this case, graduation truly felt like a screeching, crashing halt. But more on that next time!


What was your favorite year of high school?