We've discovered a little treat at our house that I feel pretty good about.  Outshine bars!  Thanks to my friend CO for the introduction!

My kids love them, the hubby loves them, I love them . . . and they are really pretty tame as far as ingredients go.  There is added sugar, but lots of fruit and veggie purees and all natural colors (at least in the two versions I have brought home, both shown here).  If you haven't tried them . . . I highly recommend them.  Lime and tangerine carrot are my personal favorites! They are slightly more expensive than regular popsicles, but at least you're paying for something worthwhile instead of a bunch of high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors. (I think I paid $3-something for each of these boxes, though I've seen them on sale at Target too.)  Next I plan on sampling the coconut version.  There are tons of flavors and varieties . . . I don't think you'll be disappointed!

appreciate

 Originally posted 2012.

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” - Thornton Wilder

I don't think a person can ever appreciate enough.  It takes what could be stressful situations and turns them into something positively powerful.

I got a call around 9:20 last night that our daycare provider, who is never, ever sick . . . is sick.  My husband has been in Tennessee for work since Sunday night and not expected home until about 9:00 tonight.  I'm a teacher, which means "calling in sick" is actually a very long, work-involved process of sub plans and room preparation.

With 2 sleeping kids and no husband at home, there was no way that I could reasonably go into school to make sub plans.  Of course, making them from home is always an option, but I still need to go in at some point.  Long story short, I was feeling a lot of pressure to figure out a plan, but really no easy answer.  So . . . I put my worries away, left a message with my in-laws, enjoyed an hour or reading in bed, and trusted that things would work out or I'd at least manage in the morning.  Sure enough, when I tried my in-laws again this morning, they were happy to take my sweet boy, who will jump for joy when he finds out that he gets a day with Grandma and Grandpa all to himself.  This is a beautiful thing!!  Certainly not worth stressing about, so I am glad that I was able to purposefully make another choice.

And then this morning I was listening to the news.  The bodies of two sweet, young girls who went missing in July in Iowa were found by hunters yesterday.  My heart squeezed with so much sadness.  I think of those parents and what they must be feeling.  I can't even begin to comprehend where I'd go from there.  I think of those girls and what they must have gone through . . . and I'm flooded with anger for the evil that took them from their innocent lives.

I think of how fortunate I am that this morning I can get my beautiful boys up, hug them so close, and tell them all over again how deeply crazy I am for them, how hugely I love them, how nothing will ever change that.  And I'm grateful . . . and I appreciate today.  Even in the middle of chaos and darkness, there is much to appreciate if you can see between the curtains.

It is worth a peek.

So about this "Castile Soap" . . .

If you want to be green AND clean, I have a favorite little tip for you.  Pick up some Castile soap.  I prefer Dr. Bronner's, but there are other versions, you will just want to be sure that they are natural and simple, assuming that is what you are going for.  (I've found some with added junk, just so you know.  Same price even.  Not worth it.)

Here is what we use Castile soap for at our house . . .

• foaming hand soap (just put a couple of ounces in a foaming bottle, fill will water; viola)
• body wash (foaming is good here too)
• shampoo (especially for the sub-five footers that live here)
• dish soap (ditto on the foam, but you don't have to)
• laundry detergent (add to a DIY recipe)
• DIY cleaner (will post a recipe for our favorite later)
• . . . I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things.

Anyway, it's quality stuff.  Buy the big 32 ounce bottle and you can get quite a few products out of it.  Super quick, easy to use, good for you and the environment too.  I've purchased it at Target, Walgreens, and Amazon.  You can usually get the big bottle for right around $15-16.  If you want to be frugal, think of all the products you can get out of one bottle.  If you use about 2 ounces per product, you can get about 16 out of one bottle . . . that equates to $1 a product in Castile.  Sometimes that is all you're using (hand soap, body wash), which means it is crazy cheap AND healthy.  Sometimes you'll be adding a few things to it (DIY household cleaner), but all of those are simple, cheap ingredients as well, so it's a clear win-win.

https://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/category/LIQUIDSOAP.html

PS My favorite is the peppermint scent!

DIY: Liquid Laundry Detergent {my favorite}

Several people have asked, so I'm blogging this bad boy.  We found a version on Pinterest and modified it just a bit.  I can't say if it was because it was just easier to remember or something else, but our final product works well, is much better for Mama Earth and our health than most store-bought version, and is crazy inexpensive, which is always a perk.

{You'll need . . .}
large container(s) - we use two of those 200+ oz.containers that we saved from our detergent-buying days
borax - found near detergents at the store
super washing soda - harder to find, but same spot in the store; both also on Amazon, but cheaper in-store
soap - you can use Castille soap or Dawn dish soap; we've been using Dawn because, frankly, we need to degreasing power with two boys and a hard working hubby (I realize this isn't completely green, but without phosphates and with biodegradable surfactants, it is better than lots of other options)
warm water
a small funnel is helpful
tablespoon

{Ready?}

1. Fill your container(s) about 1/4 of the way full with warm water.
2. Measure 4 Tablespoons of each (borax, super washing soda, soap) into the container.  The funnel is handy here!
3. Put the cap on and shake.
4. Fill with more warm water until bubbles appear at the top.  This is where I let it sit for a while (could be hours, whatever time you have is fine) until the bubble settle down.  Fill with more warm water.  If you fill slowly, the bubbles won't be as crazy.  You don't want the bubbles to run all over, try to keep the soap IN the container.
5. Use a capful or two, depending on the cleaning power you need.

{Another tip . . .}

I don't love fabric softener.  It is chemical filled and clings to clothes in a way that grosses me out.  Instead, we use vinegar in the softener well in the wash.  Works like a charm and you don't smell it after everything is dry!  If you love the smell of fresh laundry though, you can use regular softener with your DIY detergent.  I usually have a bottle on hand for those times when I'm craving warm, scented sheets on my bed.  I've also tried to add essential oils to my detergent with mixed results.  I'll probably try again, but haven't found anything that I love or a scent that lasts after drying.

When life gives you cold . . .

make donuts.

I should clarify.  When I say "cold" . . . I don't mean "cold" . . . I mean positively, ridiculously, in-the-words-of-the-weather-guy, STUPID cold.  Granted, I live in Minnesota, so "cold" is nothing new during our long, dark winter, but this year is different.  In fact, Governor Mark Dayton cancelled all public schools today . . . it's that cold.  I woke up to a temp of something like -22 (notice the negative in front of that number) and windchills of -46.  Silly, but whatever, we've got this.

In honor of the cold day at home, my boys and I aren't going anywhere.  Unfortunately the hubs headed out this morning, but such is life.  Anyway, I pinned this yesterday . . .

http://camillestyles.com/food-2/the-perfect-bite-french-breakfast-donuts/

. . . so today we thought we'd give it a try.  {THANK YOU CAMILLESTYLES.COM and JESS SIMPSON!}

I followed the recipe almost exactly, except I didn't have nutmeg, so I subbed a little cinnamon instead and used skim milk because that is what I had on hand.  I also don't have a donut pan (is this something people really find necessary?), so I baked them in a muffin tin.  PERFECTION!

Anyway . . . BEHOLD!

It actually made 9, but I needed to sample one for the good of the people.  They are a fabulous treat!  Not overly sweet (you can lay off on the cinnamon and sugar topping too), definitely not health food, but made with real ingredients, so better than plenty of the sweet breakfast alternatives.  Super fast and easy to make too!

A total TEA-reat.

Okay.  Pushing it, I know.  But if you're a tea drinker, you've got to try this . . .

I received it as a gift from a student and cannot get enough!  It's really flavorful and completely delicious, especially on these cold sub-zero winter nights.

Oh, and check out my sweet, sweet mug.  I won this in the "dice game" that I played with my family at Christmas.  An owl wearing a hat?  Swoon!

Just two more things that ROCK MY SOCKS . . . now run to Trader Joe's and pick up some tea.  You'll be glad you did!

Before and After

Not long ago, I asked on a local Facebook page if anyone was looking to sell an old end table.  We had a need in our living room after reorganizing, and I had a hankering to do something crafty.  I also love, love, love the idea of reusing old things for so many reasons, so I was especially excited when one of the sweetest, most genuine people I know (with whom I'm also fortunate enough to share a school . . . we're both teachers) offered me one that she had . . . for a simple "pay it forward".  THAT I can do.  It's the very, very best kind of generosity, the kind that keeps giving.  (I'll report back when I pay it forward specifically with this lovely table in mind, Mrs. McN!)

After taking down the Christmas tree today, I really wanted to get to work to fill the space and have a functional table where we needed one.  Here's what I started with . . .

Not a bad little table by any means, just one that has been loved over the years and one that I was anxious to transform into something that "fit" into our living room.  I hit it with some 100 grit sandpaper, next came a can of Rust-Oleum spray paint in Dark Walnut with a satin finish, and finally a little more sandpaper on the edges and . . . finished!  Oh, and because I'm a huge fan of the little things, I added a square of one of my favorite scrapbook patterns for a pop of orange inside the drawer.  (And in my excitement I couldn't even wait for the modge podge to dry completely . . . )

Finally, here's the finished project!  I'm in love!  I have my eye on a square basket that should fit perfectly in the bottom cubby.  Here's to fun new furniture that will remind me to "pay it forward" every time I look at it!  (Thanks Mrs. McN!!!)

BEFORE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AFTER

Getting crafty . . .

 Awhile back we began redoing our laundry room.  It isn't a completely finished masterpiece, but I will say that I adore it.  I'm working on getting some of my favorite quotes and things up on the walls, but first up was my "crafty corner".

After perusing Pinterest, stopping at JoAnne Fabrics, and roaming IKEA with one of my best shopping partners for inspiration, I landed on a few things that I am crazy about.

Aren't these adorable?  I can't take credit, I saw the whole thing somewhere else, but a quick trip to JoAnne Fabrics was all I needed to make it happen.  The letters are maybe 12" inches high (I'd go measure, but that would entail getting up right now.  Not happening.) and originally a "paper bag" brown.  I think I paid $4 each?  I picked up a can of silver metallic spray paint for another $4.  I had some 3M command strips, which worked perfectly to adhere these lightweight little guys.  The whole thing easily cost less than $25.  I did two lightweight coats on the letters, but wanted to give them a little bit of a "rugged" appearance anyway, so I wasn't too careful to get every tiny nook and cranny.  They are completely covered, but I wanted the look of sort of battered metal . . . viola.  Love them!  I cut the 3M command strips into two pieces each and adhered them first to the letter and then stuck the whole thing on the wall.  They are attached well and definitely one of my favorite things in the space.  I purposely put them near the doorway so that I can admire them whenever I walk by!

Another favorite thing in this space is my "crafty corner" . . . I have filled three cupboards with crafty things like scrapbook paper, tiles, felt, cork, modge podge, glues, spray paint, cards of all kinds, various hole punches, you get the idea.  I used some IKEA inspiration to hold smaller items and spray painted a letter K (same as the letters above) and two Mason jars in a fun green that compliments the blue on my walls.

The metal board on the left is from IKEA.  $12.  I also purchased the little magnetic containers that are on the board ($4 maybe?) and the rods and hanging baskets and cans at IKEA (maybe $15 total for all of the rods, baskets, and buckets you see hanging there below the K).  I store my Sharpies, paints, brushes, pens and pencils, scissors, hammer, screwdrivers, etc. there.  I have cutting boards to work on in one of the lower cupboards (also an IKEA purchase . . . 99 cents each?)

I need something to put in the space next to the K . . . I was thinking I'd craft up a clock using some of the fun materials I saw at Michael's the other day, but on second thought I'm not sure I want a clock in this space.  Live on the edge, right? ;)

Finally, my most recent completion is the wrapping paper station under the cupboards on the right.  I.love.this.  It was completely Pinterest inspired and since I was cleaning out my messy storage room anyway, a great way to get rid of that clutter in the storage room and put it somewhere useful.  I had the hooks (though they could be found at any hardware store for cheap) and picked up the wooden dowels for 89 cents each.  I did tie each of the wrapping paper rolls with a bit of curling ribbon to clean it up a bit.  Easy to deal with when I need to use the paper, and I have copious amounts of it in the cupboard above, so not a big deal to keep up with either.  

The sweet girl you see sleeping there is my old cat . . . and she's on a stool that I refinished from our kitchen and couldn't bear to part with.    The teal canvas thingy there is another project that I "finished" but want to fix up a bit before adding it to my classroom.  You can see one of the coasters I made at a girls' Pinterest weekend last year too . . . works well for holding my beverage of choice while I work on stuff.  Feeling uber-crafty these days!  This space helps!  I have several projects waiting in one of the lower cupboards.  Like everyone else "spare time" is a dream around here, but I've found that, like everything, it is all about priorities.  If I want to get something done, I do . . . I just have to carve out time where I can.  It's sort of stress relief, I guess.  I don't really watch TV much and since we're in the middle of a Minnesota winter, this is a great place to go to hang out when I need a few minutes to myself.  I love having the devoted space since it means I can start and pause projects without worrying about having them all over the house. 

Love my space!  Shout out to my fabulous hubby who helped make it happen.  Next up?  My Diva Den (aka library, comfy zone) . . . and no, I'm not kidding.  I live with three males.  This is a necessity!  Good inspiration for cleaning out the junk room in the basement too!

sunshine

Spending each day with fourth graders is a bit like playing the lottery.  Every single day is full of a hopeful, positive feeling . . . like you just might "hit it big" . . .  and sometimes at the end of the day, you reflect and you DO.  You have a day that is filled with "ah-hah" moments, smiles and giggles, friendships that warm your heart, patience and an act of true, selfless kindness from one nine year old to another that reminds you what life is really all about.  And then some moments you feel like you lose . . . big time.

Today I found out that one of my students - who was just yesterday an active, happy, fabulous part of our team - isn't coming back . . . he moved all the way to another state, just.like.that.  No goodbyes, which feels a bit like a sucker punch, no time to process, just gone.

Admittedly, it is part of the "business."  Most teachers gain a whole new class at the beginning of each school year and bid those lovlies goodbye the following June.  I also realize that in my district, stability is the norm, not the exception, so we deal with this far, far, less frequently than teachers in some other places.

But!  None of that makes it any easier.  My kids at school are exactly that . . . my kids!  Sure they have homes and families and they leave me each day, but when we are in school, we are a team . . . a school family.  I have a fierce teacher-love for them that drives me to show up, work hard, expect the best, and hold them accountable, just like I do my own beautiful children at home.

So today when I found out that B left us, I had an instant lump in my throat.  I hate knowing that he didn't get to say goodbye, that my other 24 kiddos didn't get to say goodbye, and that *I* didn't get to say goodbye.  When I had to tell my kids that he moved, I might have choked up just a little . . . and then came the sunshine.

We made cards.  It was an optional activity during quiet time, but every one of those precious nine and ten year olds got out their best markers, creative ideas, gentle words, and chose their favorite colored sheet of construction paper.  They crafted, they illustrated, they cut, they glued, they wrote, they chose their best Pokemon cards to carefully tape inside in a selfless gesture of friendship, and one even made an elaborate diorama scene of our classroom to remind him where we spent our days.

After school, I sat down to read through the cards before packing them up to send on to B.  And I got all teary.  You see . . . the innocence and genuine love that comes from the hearts and minds of kiddos who care about each other is the most powerful thing on earth!  The words that they used to wish him luck, the pictures that they drew to illustrate how much they'd miss him, their memories together, or what they'd remember about him . . . they stopped me from feeling so gloomy.

Instead I'm trying to see this for what it is . . . an adventure in the road that is our collective life.  People come and go and things don't always and won't always feel "right", but they are . . . because they are.  There is so much we can't control, so if we can hold close the "things" that matter most, we'll always remember that everything is just as it should be.

Maybe B's job in our classroom was to make us stop to appreciate each other a little more, because by December sometimes those sweet little nine and ten year olds start to bicker like siblings trapped in a Yugo on a 24 hour road trip.  Whatever it was, I'm confident that he is on the path that was meant for him, and I'm hopeful that he is feeling content and comforted tonight, remembering the people he met only in September, but who accepted him exactly as he was and who shed a tear today when they found out that our moments together were fleeting.

So while I left school feeling a bit like I lost the lottery today, as I reflect, I'm feeling a whole lot more like a winner.  I get to go back tomorrow after all . . . and that is a stroke of luck that can't be discounted!

When you can't find what you need, make it yourself.

At the end of the summer, we lofted our 7 year old's bed.  We wanted to get him a desk and have a reading space with a bean bag, but since his room is on the small side, we knew we needed to be creative.  Thankfully the hubs is pretty handy, so between his ideas and some loose plans that were inspired by . . . wait for it . . . Pinterest, he now has a hanging bed.

His room was redone in a football theme.  I use the term "theme" lightly since I'm not a "theme-y" kind of girl.  I prefer to keep things simple with a splash of "theme" here and there.  He needed the space in his bed and below his bed to be lit up.  I started at IKEA, shopping for lights that we could mount on the wall.

I found lights that would work and after hunting around Michael's Crafts for a while, discovered a little thing called glass paint.  With some blue painters tape, a brush, and the glass paint, I got busy and turned those boring old white lights into something that is more suitable for a growing boy's room. 

Classroom crafty . . .

I'm super excited about the way things are going in my reading block this year.  Of course my lessons are skill based, so I bring in a new story, article, poem, or several of each throughout the week.  I love the focus on the skill, which students can easily extend to their own reading and we pull into our class read aloud as well.

Last week, our skill focus was main idea.  We've actually been doing this all along, since we dissect each story for topic, main idea, and summary details every week, but this week we dove in a little more.

I'm a huge fan of Pinterest, but I'm also very much a "Do-It-Yourselfer" who loves to take what others have done and modify it to fit our exact needs.  Here is the anchor chart that I used to kick-off the skill and had posted near our story organizer board all week.  (I'll have to share the organizer board someday; it was inspired by advice from a seasoned teacher and I love the flow and support it lends us as we add to it each day.)

This build on a sample that I found on Pinterest, so I can't claim all of the ideas, but I worded some of them a little differently and added some flair.  I actually had three different students compliment me on it . . . tee hee!!

I spend a little time in my classroom again this morning.  My real intent was to finish grades, which are due tomorrow morning at 9 a.m.  In true me-fashion, I found other things to keep me busy.  Oy!  (I was able to justify it with the fact that what I accomplished can't be done at home, but I can finish my grades from the comfort of my kitchen this evening . . . so . . . )


Tomorrow kicks off trimester 2.  I have a classroom filled with really cool kids and I mean that . . . sincerely.  Many of them have struggled to get through books, and I wouldn't consider all of them "readers" . . . which is painful to say at this point.  I recognize that my job as a fourth grade teacher is to inspire kids, and I feel like there is nothing more worth being inspired toward than READING.  We all know that strong readers are more successful academically for so many reasons.  I changed the way I did a few things at the beginning of the year, and I fear that I dropped a couple of elements that pushed my kids to focus on reading and begin to value the importance of truly READING books from start to finish . . . most of all, to enjoy them.

When I told my kids last week that typically my fourth graders would have read no fewer than 13 books at the end of trimester 1 (many of them would have read well beyond that!), the looks of shock from even some of my voracious readers told a story that I knew I needed to face.

I don't want to make reading WORK . . . but the reality is that if a fourth grader hasn't been "a reader" until now, it can be a difficult hurdle to jump.  I've worked tirelessly in many ways and continue to feel like something is missing.

So today I built a "POP open a GOOD BOOK" bulletin board.  Each student has his or her own popcorn bag and will add kernel stickers (ordered from Amazon and Really Great Toys for $3.59 / 800 stickers) each time they finish a book.  I need to add the goal at the top, which is to read 13 books by the end of the second trimester.  My students already complete a reading log, so each time that they finish a book, they will add a popcorn kernel sticker to their personal popcorn bag on the bulletin board.  One sticker represents one book.  They can also share about their book at morning meeting, hopefully to inspire others to read it!   I'm toying with the idea of celebrating their awesomeness with a popcorn / reading party on the last day of the trimester.

Each kiddo has his or her own bag.  I even have one and can't wait to start adding kernels and sharing my books each time I finish one!

I'm loving the way that the letters GOOD BOOK turned out.  In a fit of inspiration, I glued aluminum foil to construction paper and then cut the letters out.  Worked like a charm!  GOOD BOOK pops, which is the point! :)

I also added some texture on the paper popcorn kernels.  Those were inspired by another Pinterest post for textured bulletin board boarders, which I did at the beginning of the school year.  Staple, scrunch, staple, scrunch.  It looks a little more "staple-y" than I'd like, but I didn't think ahead to use lighter paper, so my kernel ovals were cut out of construction paper.  Oh well . . . I'm happy with it and can't wait for the kids to see it tomorrow.

We wish you a Merry Chex-Mix . . .

I'm a big fan of Chex mix, though I don't make it all that often.  I love the endless options and the mix of flavors.  Just plain old good stuff.

Recently, we discovered Cinnamon Chex at our house.  Good stuff as it is, but I knew it would be even better in a Chex mix.  Lo and behold, the back of the box had a couple of recipes just waiting for me.  In true "me-style" though . . . I couldn't follow the recipe completely.  It isn't that I think I'm a better chef or more imaginative or have better ideas, just that something in me has to always change it up . . . not just when I'm cooking either.  Oh well.  I've learned to live with it.

Just try this, you'll love it.

Cranberry-Nut Cinnamon Chex Mix
6 cups Cinnamon Chex (go the distance and get the real Cinnamon Chex on this one, trust me)
1 cup almonds (their recipe called for walnuts, use those if you'd like)
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate (I used a little more)
1 T vegetable oil (their recipe called for 2 T., I didn't feel like it needed it)
1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries (I think dried cherries would be divine too, but then you have to change the name)

1. Mix cereal and almonds in a large microwaveable bowl.  Tough stuff here, people.
2. Mix brown sugar and frozen oj and oil in a small microwaveable bowl.  Stir after a minute.  Microwave for another minute or so, stirring after 30 seconds.  Just keep it smooth and well mixed while it heats.
3. Pour half over the cereal and nuts and mix gently.  Pour the remaining half over and mix again until evenly coated.
4. Microwave for about 5 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes.  Stir in cranberries.
5. Spread on waxed paper to cool.  Store in tightly covered container . . . if you can keep your grubby little mits off of it long enough to actually have some left to store. ;)

Pin-spired! Key hooks.

 

I love Pinterest . . . that is no secret!  I've been eyeing several projects that inspired today's plan.  We've been needing a place to hang our keys, and I knew I could come up with something fun with the help of Pinterest.  After eyeing more than a few projects, this is what I settled on . . .

It will hang near the door and give our keys a safe place to land!  But first . . . the "ingredients" . . .

I started with a plain pine "inn keeper" sign that I purchased at Michael's for about $7 and two 12x12 sheets of scrapbook paper.  I'm a big fan of maps, traveling, and color . . . this paper made me grin right there in the middle of the aisle.  I also needed Modge Podge (or some version of it, I purchased the ArtMinds Decoupage Glue Sealer version because it was $3 cheaper), a sponge brush, acrylic paint, a small chunk of sandpaper, and hooks.  Total cost was $7+$6+$0.70+$3 . . . $16.70, but not really since I have 8 hooks left for another project (and there WILL be other projects) and copious amounts of decoupage for said projects.  I also already had a sponge brush and sandpaper.  All said and done, I'm better this whole thing cost me about $9, without getting all math-y, 'cause I just don't feel like it.

First I cut the paper to fit the board.  I had to do this in two chunks since it wasn't long enough.  I also cut it slightly narrower than the board, so that I wouldn't have issues with paper hanging over, etc.

Repeat with the second sheet of scrapbook paper so that you have 4 pieces of paper to fit, 2 for the top and 2 for the bottom.

Now remove the paper and paint.  I choose a bright tealish blue color called Bahama Blue, just for fun.  (My kitchen, where I'm hanging this, is a sort of burnt orange color, and I adore the contrast of teal and orange.)

One coat was plenty, just be sure to get the edges well.

(Black Friday ads proved to be a good table protector.  I'm not one to go overboard on these things.  I'd rather just cross my fingers that I don't regret it later . . . call me lazy if you want.  Or not.  I call it practical . . . time saving, right?)

Once the paint dries, lightly sand the sides.  I chose not to do the top and bottom, just didn't see the point.  You're going for the "weathered" look here . . . keep it simple.

Next lay out your paper, choosing one piece to be the base on both the top and the bottom.

Decoupage those puppies down, pressing gently while making sure that you don't have any bubbles in the paper.  I did the back first and let it dry, and then brushed half of the top at a time (along with the sides), pressing the paper down before brushing the other half and sides.  Once the paper completely covered the top, I took the other two top / bottom pieces and tore them at different angles.

Spread more decoupage over the top of the paper that has already been glued down.  Add several of the torn pieces to the top, fitting them carefully from side to side so that they don't hang off of the edge.  The patterns shouldn't match, that's the point, and you're also covering the seam of the top and bottom base papers.

Decoupage over the whole thing again, top, bottom, and sides.  Then add hooks.  I found mine (a 12 pack) at Target.  I chose the oil rubbed bronze version since that is the theme we've got going on in our home.  I started 3 1/2 inches from the top, found the center, and screwed in the first one.  Next, I measured up 3 1/2 inches from the bottom, found the center, and screwed in the bottom hook.  Then, I measured the space in between and divided it by 3 (all the while thinking about how I can't wait to tell my fourth graders about how useful it was that I knew how to use a tape measure AND divide . . . see?!  "Math is important," I said to myself, even if I avoided it while figuring out the exact cost of this project.)  Screw in the remaining hooks where they belong, dividing that space up as evenly as possible so that it doesn't make you crazy when you're staring at it on the wall. 

Viola!  I'll be honest in saying that I still don't have mine hung on the wall.  I thought we had some picture hangers, but it turns out we don't, so I will have to stop at the hardware store tomorrow after work to take care of that.

At any rate . . . I'm pretty excited about my craftiness!  You could definitely skip the hook part of this project and add letters, a favorite quote, or something.  On to the next thing . . .

Egg, Cheese, and Raspberry "Sandwich"

We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yadda yadda yadda . . . but it can't be denied that after all those hours of restful slumber (who am I kidding . . . but still!), your body needs fuel to kick start the day.  I work full-time, fly solo with our boys in the morning, and refuse to sacrifice my already few and precious hours of sleep for a significant chunk of time to whip of breakfast, but I definitely dig a hot, hearty, and healthy meal if I have to be up before the sun anyway.  My solution has been to have a few "go-to" breakfasts that literally take me a few minutes to put together while making lunch for myself, packing a snack and getting the Bean's backpack ready, and trying desperately to get the IV started on my coffee.

I realize this might sound wacky, but it's all yum . . . promise.

1 slice whole wheat bread
1 egg
olive oil cooking spray
1 wedge Laughing Cow cheese (I prefer something with a little flavor on this one . . . Light Bleu Cheese and Light Queso Fresco Chipotle are my faves)
1 T homemade raspberry jam*

Toast the bread.  Simple.

Spray a small skillet with olive oil cooking spray and heat.

Crack egg.  (I did say this was easy, right?)

Wait for toast and egg.  I cook the egg on one side until the white is opaque and the "goo" isn't so gooey, then turn off the burner and flip it.

Spread Laughing Cow on the toast, spread raspberry jam on top of that, and plop your egg right on top.

Enjoy!

* Side note: I refuse to buy jam packed with junk at the store.  Check out that long list of strange ingredients.  Jam should = fruit which should = delicious and remotely healthy, not packed with chemicals.  Raspberry jam is insanely simple to make on your own with more or less equal parts white sugar (or less) and mashed raspberries.  No pectin required and that lovely red color?  All natural.  No nasty Red 40 here.  While I've done this before, I am also fortunate to have pretty much the world's best mother-in-law who makes jam with my boys in the summer like it is going out of style. 

* Side-side note: I add a bowl of blueberries on the side.  Yes, pretty much everyday.  They are not only delicious, but insanely good for you.  In the winter we buy frozen.  In the summer we do fresh as well.

Southwest Chicken Wraps

Amazing!  These were inspired by a recipe on Pinterest and, because I rarely follow the rules when it comes to recipes, I made it my own . . . changing it quite a bit really.  They went over well with the hubs.  The kids who are uber-picky when it comes to "mixed" foods selective in their diets, weren't the biggest fans, but they were good enough for us to say, "Tough bounce.  We're making them again."  Served with a side of corn and plain rice, they had enough to eat.  This is something you can definitely add to as well, so be sure to comment if you have some good ideas!

approx. 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
garlic powder or 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
2 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 red pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
4-6 green onions, chopped
3 T. lime juice

1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups cooked brown rice
ground cumin
sea salt

2 c. shredded cheddar jack cheese

plain yogurt
burrito size tortillas


1. heat 2 T. evoo in a large skillet
2. in skillet, cook chicken breasts seasoned with garlic powder until almost cooked through
3. add chopped red pepper and green onions into the same skillet
4. when chicken has finished cooking, use 2 forks to shred into bite-sized pieces while still in the skillet
5. drizzle about lime juice over the top and allow chicken, peppers, and onions to simmer in the juice
6. in small bowl, combine rice and black beans; season with garlic powder, ground cumin, and salt to taste
7. heat another large skillet (or, if you're like me, dump the contents of the skillet into a large glass bowl, quickly wipe out the chicken skillet and reuse because you're too practical to have countless skillets that you don't regularly use and / or don't want to donate storage space to multiple, huge skillets) and spray with olive oil cooking spray
8. spread approximately 1-2 T. plain yogurt around a tortilla, leaving about a 1/2 inch from the edge
9. sprinkle with cheese and add rice and bean mixture, then chicken mixture
10. tuck sides in and carefully roll
11. place wraps in heated skillet seam side down (my skillet comfortably held 2-3)
12. heat through on low heat, allowing to brown; flip to brown and crisp the other side
13. enjoy!

PS - I will never be hired to layout cookbooks.  I am okay with that.

So yesterday we took the boys to Brunswick Zone XL.  Mr. B, four, spent all morning and early afternoon excitedly reminding me that "We haven't been bow-ing in in a wong time!  This is going to be fuuuuun!" only to throw his hands up and quit after his first ball took approximately 437 minutes to reach the pins.  No amount of cajoling or encouragement would convince him that it was okay and he should try again.  He instead spent the whole time reminding us how hungry he was.  Dude.  Eat something.  Anyway, the rest of us had a blast and happily bowled our hearts out.  The Bean, six, took the whole thing very seriously and made it his goal to bowl better for himself than his brother.  Competition is strong.  For my part, I was crossing my fingers right up until the very end that I'd overtake hubby's score and swore the 10th frame was going to make it happen for me.  It didn't and I didn't.  (But I'm still clueless about where the Bean gets his competitive streak.)

After bowling we headed to the arcade and threw $20 on a card.  I will say that the card lasted a relatively long time, but only because Mr. B and Daddy spent most of the time "pwaying the racing game" while the Bean and I played every other cheesy arcade game known to man.  PURE JOY!  Seriously.  Total hoot!  We even "won" an Angry Birds green pig when the game stole our money and the high school kid who worked there sweetly opened the machine and let the Bean pick out whatever he wanted.  Worth $20 to see the look on his face when he got his hot little hands on that silly green pig?!  You betcha'!

We followed up the craziness with dinner out and a family movie at home.  Lots of cozy good times to be had by all.  There is nothing like being surrounded by those souls who love you best and for whom you'd give anything in the world . .. just relaxing and living the good life.  Sometimes you just gotta' slow it down.

Black Cherry Mojitos

Let's be serious.  Black cherry mojitos go down easy and can be the highlight of any Saturday night.  Even better when done without those store bought mixes and colors that seem to give contribute to migraines and other cruddy feelings.  This definitely isn't health food, but it IS party fodder . . . good party fodder even.  So whip it up in advance and you're party-ready.  Just add friends.  Or not.  'Cause it IS good enough to keep to yourself if you're feeling fiesty.

3 cups water

3 cups sugar

2 lbs. fresh or frozen whole sweet cherries

4 limes, juiced

sparkling water

Black Cherry rum

Combine water and sugar on stovetop and simmer, stirring gently until sugar has dissolved.  Meanwhile, put cherries in a medium, heat-resistant bowl, large enough to hold the simmering sugar and water mixture.  Once sugar has dissolved and mixture has simmered until heated through, pour over cherries and stir.  Add freshly juiced limes to the mixture, pulp okay.

To mix a drink, fill 16 oz. glass with ice.  Add 1/4 - 1/2 cup cherry mixture (depending on your sweet tooth), 1 shot of rum, and 2 shots of sparkling water.  Stir and enjoy!

All-Purpose Cleaner

I can't even begin to tell you how much this cleaner rocks my socks.  Works on everything.  Everything.

3 Tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Super Washing Soda
1/2 teaspoon liquid castile soap (we love Kiss My Face Grassy Mint!)
2 cups hot water

Combine in a spray bottle.  There will be a mild reaction between the soda and vinegar, so it is best to combine over a sink.

Orange Chicken

If this appears tedious, trust me when I say that it isn't that crazy.  Even I am willing to whip it up after a long day at work.  It helps that it is so stinking tasty if you're a Chinese food lover.  As always, don't be afraid to play with the recipe.  Add whatever veggies you like, make it work for you. 

SAUCE
3/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 T. Veri Veri Teriyaki sauce
1 T. rice vinegar
1 t. seasame oil
1/2 t. white pepper
3 t. corn starch
sea salt, to taste


CHICKEN and VEGGIES
approx. 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts - cut into bite-sized pieces
pinch of sea salt
dash of pepper
3 T peanut oil

dried red chilies, to taste
6 cloves garlic, minced
ginger powder, to taste
4 green onions, chopped (green and white parts)
mushrooms
large red pepper, sliced and bite-sized
pineapple chunks, in natural 100% juice
1 T. minced orange zest

brown rice

1. Combine all ingredients for sauce and set aside.
2. Lightly season bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper.  *Add a dash of cayenne pepper if you're a fan of spice!
3. Heat skillet (hubby is having a love affair with his cast iron) with 2 T. peanut oil.
4. Add chicken when skillet is ready.
5. When chicken is golden brown, remove and set on plate covered with a paper towel to soak up excess oil.
6. Add 1 T. peanut oil, if needed, and red chilies and minced garlic .
7. Lightly saute until blended and aromatic
8. Add ginger powder, chopped green onions, mushrooms, and red pepper.
9. Continue sauteing until blended.
10. Add pineapple, orange zest, orange sauce, and chicken.
11. Stir fry until sauce thickens.
12. Serve on a bed of rice.

A side of broccoli makes the whole thing even tastier!

laundry detergent

Laundry.  A necessary evil, but one that doesn't have to hurt.  A little organization and preparation goes a long way, or so I've heard.  I currently have a "laundry basket dresser" on my hubby's "honey-do" list (man, I love him), so we're working on that organization bit, but this laundry detergent sure has helped in other ways.  It's lacking a whole lot of those nasty chemicals found in so much of the store bought stuff and the price?!  Cheap as beans.  I haven't figured it all out down to the load, but knowing what goes into it and what I spend for those supplies and how long they last . . . let's just say that I'm confident it is far less than most people are paying for chemicals and water in large, plastic, orange bottles.

I also want to preface this with: I WAS A POWDERED DETERGENT HATER in my past life.  No lie.  In my quest to simplify this part of my life, I whipped up various versions of homemade laundry detergent.  Some felt like a full time job to create, some just didn't work like I desperately wanted them to.  And then came this beautiful powdered version that started out fabulous (when I convinced hubby to be my certified "soap-grating-man") and turned out amazing (when I was gifted a mini-food processor that I now realize I shouldn't have attempted to live without).  Give it a shot if you're interested, even if you're anxious about the whole "powdered" thing. 

For those of you wondering if it works . . . I have two messy little boys who play hard, a hubby who sometimes comes home from work with mysterious stains on his clothing (come ON . . . minds out of the gutter, peeps), and lots of sweaty, smelly workout clothes from the hubs' and my frequent workouts.  Our clothes are clean and fresh, I promise.

POWDERED LAUNDRY DETERGENT

Ingredients:

1 bar Fels Naptha soap, finely grated  (I've heard you can use castile bars too, just haven't yet)

1 cup baking soda

½ cup Borax

½ cup washing soda

Mix well in a large container.  (Will remain powdery.)  Use approximately 2 Tablespoons per large load of laundry. 

NOTE:

I begin filling my top loading washer with water, add detergent, and gently stir once or twice.  Then I add a splash of vinegar to the tub and an additional splash in the "beach" well.  This serves as a softener agent as well!  For the "BUSY" in all of us, do yourself a favor and make a couple of batches of this at once.