Around

I'm using my camera more than I ever have before these days! I recently dressed William in some actual clothes instead of the usual onesies - then I was like: "Quick, take a picture before he grows out of it or pees/poops/spits up on it!!"

Anyways, we're doing lots of lazy hanging out around here. Thought I'd share some links I'm sure you'll enjoy as much as I did:

- I'm dying to make these chickpea salad wraps!

- Which profession drinks the most coffee? Is yours on here?

- DIY: Spray painted color block shoes

- What a great way to preserve summer memories! Map Cork Board with Shell Pushpins

- I loved this article from an up-and-coming daddy blogger: Achieving Happy

Fun Weekend Links

Do you have weekend plans? My in-laws (and my 3 year old nephew!) are rolling into town. I'm so excited for the company! I'm sure baby William won't be put down at all :)

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Here are some fun things I've found recently:

- From bookshelf to dollhouse. Brilliant.

- Summer Olympics from space. So pretty!

- Patterned 3D letter tutorial

- 21 pictures that will restore your faith in humanity

- Watermelon fizz drink. Perfect for summer!

National Teacher Appreciation Week

In honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week (coming up May 7th - May 12th), I thought I'd do a little roundup of ways you can show your child's teacher some love. If you're a homeschooling mom, take yourself out for dinner :)!!

I would love to get this gift!

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Extra points for the adorable factor here!

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Teachers always need more Post-its. ALWAYS!

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Beach towel, magazine, and candy!

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So easy and such a cool gift!

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Display stuff in style!

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This one is the most versatile. You could clip Starbucks Via coffee instead, or thank you notes on index cards, or instant lemonade, or gift cards, etc!

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And of course.... don't forget the card {wink!}

Find this one and more here!

April Desktop Calendars

I get kind of excited every time a new month rolls around. It means I get to change my computer's desktop calendar!! There are a variety of free calendars available from generous graphic designers. I've compiled a list of my favorites below:

My four favorite options from Smashing Magazine

From Basic Grey

From Leelou Blogs

From Pepper and Buttons

Which one is your favorite?

From the Crockpot

I love using the crockpot, but I don't use it as much as I should. Here's some inspiration for those busy (and cold!) work nights:

1. Mac and Cheese

2. Enchiladas

3. Lasagna

4. Taco Chicken Bowls

5.. Baked Potato Soup

6. French Onion Soup

Do you have a favorite crockpot recipe? Do share!!

Leftover Halloween Candy Recipes

Do you have a lot of Halloween candy leftover from all of your weekend festivities?

(PS: When we were still living in California, before France, my parents would tell me to pick five pieces of candy from all the loot I had just gathered. Then, the "Pumpkin Fairy" would come and trade all that candy for a TOY!

And since I was only five years old at the time, I totally fell for it.

What a sneaky way for mom and dad to keep all of that candy to themselves. BRILLIANT!)


I found some great ways to turn that leftover candy into grown-up deliciousness!  Check it out:

1. Dulce de Leche and Snickers Terrine 

2. Peanut Butter Cookie Pizza

3. Candy Coated Caramel Apples

4. Twix Cheesecake Pie

5. Frozen Reeses Banana Pops

6. SweeTarts Milkshake

7. York Miniatures Peppermint Patties Brownies

8. Skittles Meringues

I don't know about all of you, but these look delicious to me! Those brownies especially!


PS: I have some winners to announce!


The winner of the Bee necklace from The Junquerie is Aik
The winner of the $15 gift certificate to Cotton Lane is Stacey
The winner of the $10 gift certificate to Seek First is Kathryn

A list of lists

I depend on lists for my sanity, both at work and at home.

When I'm feeling overwhelmed (especially when I'm teaching), making a list is the first step in regaining my sanity! There's just something powerful in writing it all down and crossing tasks off one by one. It's progress you can see! It's one step closer to rest and relief!

I cheat on my lists, though. If I know it's going to be a really long one, I include some tasks that I've already finished, just so I can have something to cross out right off the bat. It makes me feel better!

I also feel better when I can be organized in style. There are a ton of (free!) printable lists out there.... Below, a collection of a few of my favorites (click the link to access the download):

Bird Brain Lists from Creature Comforts

Grocery List from A Creative Mama

Weekly To Do List from The Executive Homemaker

Honeydew list from Two Hearts Together

A vintage inspired to-do list from Sheepdog

Back to school list from Modern Motive

Are you a compulsive list maker?