Which one is your favorite?
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Lovely Lust-Haves: Maxi Dress
I'm sad to say I don't own a single maxi dress! And I've wanted one for some time now. They look so comfortable and I think after the baby a lot of them are going to hide my tummy. In searching for the perfect maxi dress, I found so many that caught my eye!
Which one is your favorite?
Which one is your favorite?
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
A few thoughts on my pregnancy:
1st trimester: crankiness
2nd trimester: severe back pain, especially when sitting
3rd trimester: waddling
The Ugly
Good things:
Only one week of very minor morning sickness
No heartburn
No sensitivity to odors
No carpal tunnel
No swelling (yet!)
No stretch marks (yet! Knock on wood!)
Bad Things
1st trimester: crankiness
2nd trimester: severe back pain, especially when sitting
3rd trimester: waddling
The Ugly
Things I no longer enjoy
(**part of this is because I pulled my groin a month ago while exercising!)
Bending down or squatting down
The act of standing up
Walking
Stairs (my nemesis!)
Tying my shoes
Opening heavy school doors
Sneezing
Putting on pants
Waking up 2-3 times during the night
All in all, though, I really have been blessed with an easy pregnancy. Let's just hope labor and delivery goes smoothly!!
PS: The winner of the Matriarch Vintage giveaway is Vallon Evans!
PS: The winner of the Matriarch Vintage giveaway is Vallon Evans!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Tickle Me Tuesday, 71st 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!
Now it's your turn! What's been tickling your fancy lately?
Hostess with the Mostess
We had friends over for dinner on Saturday. We almost didn't, because I've been feeling the pressure to be perfect lately.
Have you ever noticed how Pinterest and beautiful blogs and magazines can make you feel like if you're not Martha Stewart, you have no business throwing a dinner party?
Although I love getting inspiration from around the internet, sometimes I feel like:
Have you ever noticed how Pinterest and beautiful blogs and magazines can make you feel like if you're not Martha Stewart, you have no business throwing a dinner party?
Although I love getting inspiration from around the internet, sometimes I feel like:
We should be drinking out of striped straws from mason jars.
I should have place cards set out on the table.
The centerpiece should be dazzling.
Everything should be perfectly color coordinated.
But I could only live up to that if I had an unlimited budget and gobs of time on my hands! And then I had a reality check: my friends are coming to see US, not the table decor. Who am I trying to impress here?
Needless to say, we had a lovely evening!
What about you? Do you ever feel this kind of pressure?
Friday, May 25, 2012
Friday Tid + Bits
Can you believe that May is winding down to a close? This means a few things:
Field Day
The highly anticipated school-wide event is happening today! I'm all slathered up with sunscreen and ready to nail some kids with my water gun! (Or more realistically with this hot weather in my pregnant condition, I'll be inside the building babysitting the kids who are in trouble.)
The Sparrow Fund
For the month of May, I'm donating 10% of all my sales to The Sparrow Fund to help adoptive families. I'm thankful my little shop has had a good number of sales this month already, and if you haven't done so, please check out the list of other talented vendors who are participating!
June Sponsorships
Wanna support each other? Sponsorship is a great way to do that! I offer very affordable rates, and you get a lot of bang for your buck around here.
Some quick stats:
- Over 4,000 page views a month
- Over 150 Facebook followers
- Over 1,200 Twitter followers
- Over 320 Pinterest followers
Options start as low as $5.00.
Check out all the options here and shoot me an email!
sarah [at] yesteachercrafts [dot] com
PS: Have you entered this fabulous giveaway yet?
PPS: Would you like to guest post for me when Baby Boy arrives?
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Bloggers, I Need YOU
Time is slipping away and Baby Boy will soon be here! I can only imagine how overwhelmed, tired, and busy I'll be when he finally makes his grand entrance in early July.
I'd like to keep my blog up and running, and I plan on doing so with your help! Would you like to write a guest post for me? All family friendly topics are welcome... some ideas: summer essentials, best childhood summer memories, summer vacations gone wrong (or right!), summer recipes, cute outfits, summer dream getaways, advice for a new mommy (that will be me!). Really... anything that comes to your mind!
What's in it for you?
*Guest posting is a great way to promote your own blog!
*You can increase your readership by reaching a new audience!
*It's an opportunity to expand your social network!
*You will have my undying gratitude :)
If you're interested, please email me: sarah at yesteachercrafts dot com. I can give you more info and answer any questions you might have!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Baby Bumpdate: 34 Weeks and a Surprise Shower
Friends, I'm trying not to panic that I only have six more weeks to get My Act Together. I can't believe it's already been 34 weeks! Here's the latest:
Last week, I had my first and only baby shower. All of my family and friends are out of state, but thankfully I work with a bunch of awesome coworkers who spoiled me silly! They went to a LOT of trouble to throw a surprise joint baby shower for myself and a coworker! We played some fun games, ate some yummy food, and opened presents. I was so touched by everyone's generosity! Here are the highlights:
Last week, I had my first and only baby shower. All of my family and friends are out of state, but thankfully I work with a bunch of awesome coworkers who spoiled me silly! They went to a LOT of trouble to throw a surprise joint baby shower for myself and a coworker! We played some fun games, ate some yummy food, and opened presents. I was so touched by everyone's generosity! Here are the highlights:
How big around is my tummy in TP squares?
(My nice friends guessed low :). My husband said "Two"- he's a smart man!)
We played silly games like "Feed the baby". Everyone sure got into it!
Needless to say, I have a LOT of thank you cards to make!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Tickle Me Tuesday, 70th 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!
Now it's your turn! What's been tickling your fancy lately?
Star Sponsor: Along for the Ride
Do you know my friend Laura? If you don't, you're in for a real treat!
And did you know that every Monday, Laura posts prayer requests on her blog? Readers send in emails, and prayer requests are posted and prayed for throughout the week! What a great way to foster community and relationships!
I spend much of my time with a glue gun in hand, making lovely things for my shop. My motto is "keep it 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.
And did you know that every Monday, Laura posts prayer requests on her blog? Readers send in emails, and prayer requests are posted and prayed for throughout the week! What a great way to foster community and relationships!
Star Sponsor: Geeky and Sassy
I have another new friend to introduce to you today! Meet Virginia from Geeky and Sassy!
My name is Virginia aka V. A northern girl who blogs about her not so perfect journey of her faith, family, life and home. I've been married to my wonderful husband for 5 years and have 2 amazing kids. When not chasing my muddy kids around the yard and biking them to the park I can be found reading, writing and sewing.
AND! Every month there's an Illuminate Challenge where we read through a book of the Bible together and / or memorize a verse. I hope you'll join us!
Star Sponsor and Giveaway: Matriarch Vintage
Friends! I'm so excited to share my latest sponsor with you: Autumn Rose from Matriarch Vintage.
+(1).jpg)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
+(1).jpg)
Autumn Rose. 21. Michigan born and raised.Isn't she lovely? She sells fabulous vintage items in her Etsy shop. Take a peek at some of my faves:
Proud mother of a brilliant and gorgeous two and a half year old baby boy.
Loving fiancée to the man of my dreams and father of my child.
Currently living life as a SAH Momma. Taking each day one at a time and loving every moment.
My interests include: blogging, crafting, camping, thrifting, cooking, baking, gardening, spending time with my family and running my Etsy shop.
**COUPON ALERT**
You can save 10% on any purchase from now until June 1st with coupon code SPRING12
**GIVEAWAY**
To enter, follow the easy steps below!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Giving up
Have you seen this floating around the blogosphere?
It started with a great post on The Tiny Twig, and the idea has caught on. I first heard about it from Beth at Dot... in the City and it got me thinking!
It's important to me to try and post something on my blog every day. It's a self-inflicted pressure as this little blog grows :). But, it's also a lot of work! And with my parents in town (a rare occurrence), I want to be able to spend time with them as much as possible...
So I'll be taking a little hiatus from the blog. Hopefully guilt-free! I'll see you all back here on Monday... I have some fabulous friends I want to share with you!
In the meantime, I wanted to remind you that 10% of my sales for the month of May are going to The Sparrow Fund to help adoptive families. Have you checked out the fabulous vendors who are also participating?
It started with a great post on The Tiny Twig, and the idea has caught on. I first heard about it from Beth at Dot... in the City and it got me thinking!
It's important to me to try and post something on my blog every day. It's a self-inflicted pressure as this little blog grows :). But, it's also a lot of work! And with my parents in town (a rare occurrence), I want to be able to spend time with them as much as possible...
So I'll be taking a little hiatus from the blog. Hopefully guilt-free! I'll see you all back here on Monday... I have some fabulous friends I want to share with you!
In the meantime, I wanted to remind you that 10% of my sales for the month of May are going to The Sparrow Fund to help adoptive families. Have you checked out the fabulous vendors who are also participating?
Monday, May 14, 2012
Tickle Me Tuesday, 69th 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!
Now it's your turn! What's been tickling your fancy lately?
A Mother's Day Surprise
Sometimes, life's totally spontaneous moments are the most fondly remembered. That's how I'll remember this weekend!
My dad's been in town for the week. He was driving his way from Florida to California and decided to stop and stay with us for a while! It's been fun, but he's been sad without my mom around (she stayed in California while my dad had speaking engagements in other states. He's been on the road for 6 weeks!)
On Saturday morning, my parents were talking with each other on the phone and it was clear that my mom was feeling really down and depressed about spending Mother's Day all alone. My sister's in New Jersey, my brother's in Maine, mom's parents are in Washington, and the rest of us are in Texas.
On a total whim, my amazing husband decided that instead of sitting on all of those frequent flyer miles, we should use some for a good cause! Within ten minutes, he had booked a flight - and that evening we picked up my mom from the airport!
It was all so exciting - this is the first time I've been able to spend Mother's Day with my mom in about 13 years!!
My parents will be here for a few more days and already we've been having fun: Sunday we ate at seafood restaurant, then went out for frozen yogurt.
The only sad part is that I still have to go in to work! My husband's semester is over so everyone is hanging around without me! Oh well.... in three more weeks I'll be on my summer break :)
Hope you all had a great weekend too!
My dad's been in town for the week. He was driving his way from Florida to California and decided to stop and stay with us for a while! It's been fun, but he's been sad without my mom around (she stayed in California while my dad had speaking engagements in other states. He's been on the road for 6 weeks!)
On Saturday morning, my parents were talking with each other on the phone and it was clear that my mom was feeling really down and depressed about spending Mother's Day all alone. My sister's in New Jersey, my brother's in Maine, mom's parents are in Washington, and the rest of us are in Texas.
On a total whim, my amazing husband decided that instead of sitting on all of those frequent flyer miles, we should use some for a good cause! Within ten minutes, he had booked a flight - and that evening we picked up my mom from the airport!
It was all so exciting - this is the first time I've been able to spend Mother's Day with my mom in about 13 years!!
My parents will be here for a few more days and already we've been having fun: Sunday we ate at seafood restaurant, then went out for frozen yogurt.
The only sad part is that I still have to go in to work! My husband's semester is over so everyone is hanging around without me! Oh well.... in three more weeks I'll be on my summer break :)
Hope you all had a great weekend too!
Friday, May 11, 2012
A Tribute for Mom
I can't remember the last time I spent Mother's Day with my own mother. It's hard to get together when my parents live in France and I'm all the way over in Texas! I usually time our visits during summer break (ah the life of a teacher!) or during Christmas.
But this doesn't mean I love her any less!! In fact if she was here, I'd be taking her out to brunch! I'd want to spoil her silly - she deserves it for raising me so well :)
I didn't realize just how awesome my mom was until I became an adult. I remember (on one of those trips home to France) popping in an old home video. It was my ninth birthday party and my mom had gone ALL OUT! I had about ten friends over, and she had organized group games, fantastic food, t-shirt decorating, and candy necklace making. I was exhausted just WATCHING the video!
But it was the day-to-day stuff too. How she got on me to clean up after myself, how she taught me to be responsible and respectful, how she cooked home-made meals and baked in the kitchen with me.
Now that I'm an inner-city teacher, I know that a lot of kids aren't that lucky! So thank you, mom, for being the best!! I only hope I can be as great a mom as you are!!
But this doesn't mean I love her any less!! In fact if she was here, I'd be taking her out to brunch! I'd want to spoil her silly - she deserves it for raising me so well :)
I didn't realize just how awesome my mom was until I became an adult. I remember (on one of those trips home to France) popping in an old home video. It was my ninth birthday party and my mom had gone ALL OUT! I had about ten friends over, and she had organized group games, fantastic food, t-shirt decorating, and candy necklace making. I was exhausted just WATCHING the video!
But it was the day-to-day stuff too. How she got on me to clean up after myself, how she taught me to be responsible and respectful, how she cooked home-made meals and baked in the kitchen with me.
Now that I'm an inner-city teacher, I know that a lot of kids aren't that lucky! So thank you, mom, for being the best!! I only hope I can be as great a mom as you are!!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Shoe Envy
I have a love-hate relationship with shoes. On the one hand, I love pretty shoes. On the other hand, my feet groan in protest if they're not comfortable enough!
That leaves me unable to buy cute cheap shoes. It makes my wallet sad! I'd love a closet full of shoes but if I'm going to be comfortable wearing them, I'll have to shell out a lot of cash for them... and I'm frugal!
Some of my favorite brands that carry cute and comfy shoes are Naturalizer, Reef, Aerosoles, and Clarks. Here are some I'd love to have on my feet:
That leaves me unable to buy cute cheap shoes. It makes my wallet sad! I'd love a closet full of shoes but if I'm going to be comfortable wearing them, I'll have to shell out a lot of cash for them... and I'm frugal!
Some of my favorite brands that carry cute and comfy shoes are Naturalizer, Reef, Aerosoles, and Clarks. Here are some I'd love to have on my feet:
What about you? Do you have a shoe obsession?
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Baby Bumpdate: 32 Weeks
Has it already been that long? Here's the latest:
I've been having fun entering a lot of giveaways for baby stuff - and I've been VERY blessed to have won a few things! Check out the swag so far:
I've been having fun entering a lot of giveaways for baby stuff - and I've been VERY blessed to have won a few things! Check out the swag so far:
Whimsical frame (I picked it out in orange!)
Nursing Pillow
I can't wait to start using this stuff when Baby Boy finally gets here :)
PS: The big blogiversary/birthday bash giveaway winner is Roxanne! Congrats and I'll be emailing you shortly!
I can't wait to start using this stuff when Baby Boy finally gets here :)
PS: The big blogiversary/birthday bash giveaway winner is Roxanne! Congrats and I'll be emailing you shortly!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)