Our Barney Baby

I was excited to see that Scatter Girls is hosting a pet love linky party: we don't have any children yet so our dog Barney is all we've got!

He's half papillion and half toy fox terrier. We picked him up from our local shelter when he was just a puppy! He's almost two now (about 12 lbs) and he's still just as affectionate as ever :)

And very energetic! He loves to run and chase things in our backyard!

What about you? Do you have furry friends in your life?

My first tent camping experience

Before this summer, I had never camped in a tent. A few years ago, my husband and I drove from Michigan to California and camped at 10 different national parks... but we slept in the back of a Saturn Vue, so it didn't really count!

This time we were in Maine, visiting my little brother who I hadn't seen in TWO YEARS!

It rained the entire first night of my tent camping experience. Boo! But the second night, we had delicious hot dogs:

Our dog Barney tried to get some of mine (that's my brother on the right):

And my younger sister just loves to goof around with our brother:

But the best part of camping? The s'mores!!

In the end, the damp tent (stupid rain!) and the sore hips from sleeping on the ground makes me think that maybe we are more "RV" type people :)

What about you? Are you a happy camper? Tent or RV?

PS: the winner of the Mondays with Jack giveaway is April from Gingerbread. Congrats!!

Front Porch Reflections

The inspiration workshop prompt from Gussy this week is all about the front porch!

A front porch brings to mind a nice view. Hopefully something gorgeous like this:

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Next, a cold beverage is required, preferably lemonade:

{source via Pinterest}

And most importantly, the front porch is best to be enjoyed with loved ones:

Like my cats!

And my husband!

It's way too hot to step foot outside here in Texas for more than about 53 seconds, but I sure hope you're enjoying the front porch views and company in your neck of the woods!

Knock-your-socks-off Chickpea Tacos

I was digging through one of my mother-in-law's cookbooks this summer when I came across this Chickpea Taco recipe. I'm a sucker for anything involving avocado, so I thought I'd give it a try. I was NOT disappointed! (Hubby loved it too!)

This recipe is easy and fast! As a bonus, it's vegan! I'm not a vegan and don't pretend to be (I can't live without cheese.... oh how I love me some cheese!) but it's nice to eat a meatless meal once in a while. It makes me think I'm healthier!

Knock-your-socks-off Chickpea Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 avocado, peeled/pitted/diced
• 1 15 oz can of chickpeas (aka: garbanzo beans)
• 3 Tbsp chopped cilantro
• 4 tsp lime juice
• 1 clove garlic minced

• 8 corn taco shells
• 2 cups baby salad greens
• 1 cup prepared salsa
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Directions:

• Mash avocado with a fork
• Stir in chickpeas, cilantro, lime juice and garlic
• Season to taste with salt and pepper
• Fill each shell with 1/4 cup chickpea-avocado mixture, some salad greens, salsa, sour cream
• Enjoy at room temperature or cold!

Tickle Me Tuesdays, 31st 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!

Dana Floral Slipcover

Lunchbox

Leather Ring with Flower Charm

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></font></p><p style="line-height: 18px; text-align: center; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="inherit" size="5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: medium; "><br></span></font></p><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=97962" type="text/javascript"></script></font></p><p style="line-height: 18px; text-align: center; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><font class="Apple-style-span" face="inherit" size="5"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: medium; "><br></span></font></p></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>

Back to School is officially here!

I go back to school today! Actually, we have a week full of professional development meetings before any of the kiddos arrive. You know, in case we forgot how to teach over the summer...

In honor of this momentous occasion, I leave you with some back-to-school inspiration:

source via Pinterest 

source via Pinterest  

source via Pinterest  

source via Pinterest  

source via Pinterest 

source via Pinterest

source 

Yay! It's a Back to School SALE!!

In honor of my first day back tomorrow, I'm offering a special coupon code to my store: Enter BACK2SCHOOL20 for 20% off your entire purchase from now until 8/15 !!