Getting A Little Crafty Monogram Style 2

Here are the finishing pictures from the monogram project! I am happy with the final product. I think I did okay with the gold and silver dry brush touches. What do you think?

Here it is on our bedroom wall from a little distance....

Getting A Little Crafty Monogram Style

Yesterday it rained all afternoon and this mommy wanted to do something creative while Little Miss took her nap. So I broke out some paint, the monogram the Hubby bought me for Christmas and cheap brushes.

I've been wanting to do something with the monogram ever since we got it, but I was waiting until I got a new bedspread in our bedroom. I needed to know what color to paint it. Luck would have it that Target had a lovely sale of bedroom decor last weekend so I was able to snag a nice yellow and silver comforter set.

Do you like my fancy paper plate? Spiffy huh?

As I started this project, I got the urge to take some pictures for my blog here! This is not really going to be a how to post because I am not a DIY guru. All I did yesterday was paint the monogram. How's that for a step one?

Those in between edges were a pain in the butt to paint.

Have you ever tried to take  a picture while posing your hand or holding a brush? It's a little tricky. I don't have a tripod and I wanted those detailed close up shots. I am happy with how they turned out though. I feel like in a small way I channeled my inner Pioneer Woman. Man, that woman can take a mean picture!!

This project isn't done yet. I need to go back to the store and get a bristled brush and some silver paint. I am going to attempt a dry brush technique to give the monogram an antiqued look. I hope it goes okay and I don't mess it up. My friend Melissa suggested I practice on a paper plate first.

I'll let you know how step two goes soon! Have a great day and as always, keep life simple, but significant!

Another Simple Moment #11

{my simple moment} – A new ritual. A single photo, maybe two – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, significant, blessed moment. A moment I want to treasure and remember

inspired by SouleMama
________________________
"Learning Something New"

Side Note: This picture was taken at the Mom-a-razzi Photography class I participated in back in January. 

Bookshelf Makeover

Have you ever got the "wind in your sails" to do something out of the blue? If so, you can totally relate to this post because I decided that it was time to put my bookshelf back together with some style.

Before Little Miss was around, my bookshelf did have some organization, but once she became mobile and more curious I had to rethink my bookshelf for a while. Here is what it looked like more recently.

Pretty huh? Yea, pretty ugly. So what is a girl to do? I have two words for you: Pinterest Inspiration (cue inspirational background music with trumpets and applause).

In my recent Pinterest explorations, I came across some tips and tricks for decorating a book shelf. I even created a board to keep all these little goodies. I think this one here was my favorite! I absolutely love and adore the layered eclectic look so that was my goal.

I found these cute little white ceramic animals on clearance at Target. A couple of the DIY bloggers that I follow on Instagram turned me on to this style look. The white adds some sophistication to the overall decor.

Next, I went into my china cabinet, spare room and any other place I could scavenge to add to the bookshelf.

Yes, I am aware that the picture frames are empty and there may be tags on them still, but in my defense I was too excited to take them off today. Plus, I am waiting on my recent picture order from Snapfish so the frames will not be empty for long.

Overall, I am happy with how it turned out and  bonus is that it didn't take long at all! I am still considering the possibility of painting the inside or something (not sure what) to give it a little extra something. I mean it's not the most expensive bookshelf in the world. I think the Hubs and I picked it up at Big Lots when we first moved into our home.

What's something that you've been want to do around your home?

You know you're a teacher when #6

Sometimes it's the students, sometimes it's me or a combination of both but either way it's all true!

Earlier this week, I gave a small anonymous survey to my AP Psych class to gauge what my students would like to work on during after school tutoring or review week. Nice of me right? :) 

Well of my course, my jokesters, and I have a few this year, decided that they would have some fun and be random, obtuse and down right hilarious. I had some good laughs at this one. 

Here is what he said:

1. (Circle all that apply) What days are you available to meet after school for AP Psych review? M T W TH F This kid writes in Saturday and Sunday! LOL Seriously!? I know I love psychology, but I don't think I love it that much.
2. What topics would you like to review? I would like to review, "how to to hypnotize people? What is my cat thinking? And what is the meaning to 24?" Um, what is your cat thinking? If I had to guess, probably that it doesn't like you! Cats are grumpy, finicky creatures.
3. What review materials have you used or plan to use to prepare for your AP exam? A magic 8 ball. SMH a least he listed something. His new nick name in class is 8 ball.
4. Suggestion for review week or activity that you think might benefit yourself or your class: watch a movie blindfolded; will there be food? I like the blindfold suggestion. I might use that next year for the sensation and perception chapter. If there is one thing that I know about teaching high school for the last five years is that teens will show up if there is food! Heck, I might be more willing to show up if there's food! #truth #teacherlife #forrealz

Just another day in the life of me in the land of teacher!

CVS Trip 3/16/14

Okay friends I am totally stoke to share with you the deal I swung at CVS this afternoon. It was a perfect storm of coupons let me tell ya!

I did two transactions that built off of one another because of the ECBs I earned (ECBs are CVS store coupons). The first deal focused on toilet paper.

I am so glad there was a toilet paper deal because my stock pile was almost gone! Gasp. Shock. Dismay. The promotion for this brand was when you buy $20 worth of the product you will get back $5 in ECBs. Earlier this week, I received an email coupon for $4 off $20 which was perfect for this deal. I almost used it yesterday, but I saw an ad preview and knew if I waited one more day my deal would be that much sweeter.

So here is what I did: I bought (3) at $6.99 each. I used my $4/$20 first and then an extra $5 worth of ECBs I had from an older transaction which were about to expire. Lastly, I topped off the transaction with (3) 75 cents off 1 Qs from today's SS insert. My initial OOP was $10.56, but I got back $5 in ECBs so my final cost was $5.56 for (3) 12 packs of TP (72% savings overall! Woot, Woot!)

On to transaction número dos which was all about diapers! Side note, I can't wait to stop buying these buggers! Soon knock on wood.

So as you can see in the ad, the promotion is get $10 in ECBs when you spend $30. In order to hit that $30 mark, I needed to buy four jumbo packs.

Here is what I did: I bought 4 and used my ECBs from transaction #1 and then a $5/$30 store Q I got from the magic coupon machine. Right there alone, I knocked off $10! It was like I got one of diaper packs for free with two coupons! Holla! Lastly, I added (4) $1.50/1 Qs from the 2/26 P&G insert. My initial OOP was $22.48, but just like transaction #1 I got ECBs---$10 to be exactly so my final OOP was $12.48 for 4 packs to diapers!! Ridiculousness. Never underestimate the power of a mom with a coupon! Am I right?

In the end, I got (3) packs of toilet paper and (4) packs of diapers for $18.04! I saved over $50. Time for me to begin my crazy super saver dance.

 I challenge you to go out and save on something this week. It doesn't matter on what. I can be big or small....just do it! After you have saved come back and let me know about it! Until next time, keep your life simple, but significant. XOXOXO

Coffee Cup of Humor

I came across this pin the other night when I was trolling Pinterest and it made me super LOL!!!

I love my coffee. It's a necessity at my house. I even have a Pinterest board dedicated to coffee and my kitchen decor is a cafe theme. Too much? Perhaps.

I hope this gave you a little smile this morning!  Have a great day everyone and take time to enjoy a nice cup of coffee (or tea) today.

Walmart & Dollar Tree Freebies 3/15/14

It's that time again where I share with you some of the wheeling, dealing and "stealing" I did with my coupons! My first deal came from the Dollar Tree on toothbrushes. The Dollar Tree does accept manufacturer coupons! Can I get a woohoo! You must take advantage of this is you can. Divine Savings posted this deal earlier this week and I was curious if my local store even had this brand because items vary A LOT from store to store.

Lucky for me, they did and I was able to get my free toothbrushes! I used a $1/1 Q from the 1/26 SS. Now, I can brush my teeth like a boss! LOL. I do have a small stockpile of toothbrushes. Why do you need more than one you ask? I say to you if you get sick throw away your old one and you already have your new ones. No more icky germs. You can use them to clean those hard to get nooks and crannies (not the english muffin kind). Also, if you have a house guest, you can offer them a new one!

The next deal I scored was from Walmart on some razors.I worked this deal last year so it comes around every now and again.I used the $3/1 any Bic razor Q from the 3/9/14 SS.

 I don't need to buy any razors for a year or so because I have so many from free deals like this one. Last time around, I gave my sister and brother in law a large bag to spread the razor "wealth."

How fun are these deals? I challenge you to go forth and be frugal! It's so addicting.

Newbie Photographer Wishlist

Have you ever had or known someone who had a hobby that required accessories usually with a price tag? My hubby likes to shoot his gun and I like to shoot too with my camera.

Photography is a rather new hobby for me since I got my DSLR in last fall. I love taking pictures especially when they turn out well. I even took a photography class you might recall where I learned about the photographer's triangle for shoot in manual.

Well this morning, I was looking through the workbook from that class and I was making a mental list of items/accessories that I would love to have to go along with my picture taking or things that Mandy, the photographer, recommended.

Here is a list of those accessories (in no particular order):

1. A new lens up to 250-300 mm for distance and eventually maybe a macro lens
2. Lens Brush for cleaning 
3. Clear filter cap for lens
4. Kelly Moore camera bag (or a large Michael Kors bag)
5. Photoshop elements or lightroom
6. Take a class or have time to learn editing in above programs  A personalized or decorative camera strap from Etsy. 

Of course if you know me, I am not one to go out and splurge or my wants without a second thought. I will save and wait. The slow and steady method works well for me. It's not like I am trying to start a professional business or anything. I like taking pictures of my family, friends and my classroom. Of course, I can't leave out taking pictures on my phone and posting them on my Instagram (insert shameless plug for followers!)

I'll keep you apprised of of how my wish list comes along as time goes on. What's on your personal wish list for your current hobby, house or life? Post your wishes in the comments sections and we can dream together!

Not a Morning Person

Good Morning! What time did you roll out of bed this morning? I've been up since about 6 am and by up I mean laying in bed until about 6:30 am. My darling daughter decided all week that she would be getting up at 6:40 am! Ugh. Normally she would get up around 7 am, but then of course the time changed.

What's the difference between 6:40 am and after 7 am? A lot like coffee and maybe cereal!!! I am not a morning person by any means. Leave me alone and don't talk to me. This has been my entire life....not just since I became a mom. I don't know why. I just know that I like slow mornings with extra time to wake up.

Luckily Little Miss is Mommy's girl in the morning. She likes her chocolate milk and cartoons and she's set for a little bit. Additionally, if you are around me in the morning you shouldn't be making a lot a crap ton of noise either. My dog gets all excited in the morning because she knows she's about to get her morning grub on and SHE SNEEZES! WTH? And it's not a quiet sneeze either....it's a sonic boomer.

So this post is for all the mommies and daddies who don't sleep in anymore and our frequent sometimes  occasional moodiness. You are not alone. Buck up and have your self a sugar filled breakfast with a large up of coffee! Cheers.

P.S. Little Miss slept in today. I wish she would have told me. Sigh....

Another Simple Moment #10

{my simple moment} – A new ritual. A single photo, maybe two – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, significant, blessed moment. A moment I want to treasure and remember

inspired by SouleMama
________________________
"Coffee with my love"

Conversations with my toddler

The following conversation actually took place between me and Little Miss the other night. I had to write it down and share with you!

Setting: we are doing puzzles and Little Miss is having difficultly with a piece.

Toddler: I'm mad!

Me: Why are you mad?

Toddler: No, I'm sad.

Me: Okay. Why?

Toddler: I'm happy!

Me: No, you're bipolar! (Laughs at my own joke)

Disclaimer: the following was not meant insult or make light the serious of having a psychological disorder. My inner psychology just cracked a joke to be funny.

My DIY Basket Makeover

Greeting and welcome back! So as you might recall, I am on spring break and I've got some extra time on my hands to read, write, shop and do some projects! I wanted to share with you a quick little project that I did today. I am not the most crafty person and I am by no means a "hardcore DIYer," but I can manage here and there. Don't forget that I did get a coffee bar (parts 2 and 3 found here) done with the help of my friend Melissa and the Hubby. The pantry repurp didn't come out as planned. I still need to try and fix that one...another day perhaps.

This current project was small and super easy (yea....so easy I could do it. haha). It all began when I came across this basket at a local thrift store one morning. I immediately knew that I wanted it and where I wanted to put it. So I paid my $1.06 and was on my way.

Then next day and the next step was to buy the spray paint. I bought a Satin base spray paint (Rustoleum) With Little Miss in tow, it was off to Wal-Mart we went to find the right color. I absolutely love dark brown/espresso color for my house. It can be found everywhere, but not overly done because that would look weird...like a giant turd all over the house. (too much? LOL)

The last and almost final step to this DIY adventure was to spray the basket in coats and let it dry.

Little Miss was very well behaved so Mommy could do this while she played with her bubbles outside. Yea for Mommy!

Here is the final product in the bathroom. I decided it should go in the guest bathroom which also serves as my kiddo's bathroom. It really helps keep some of her "essentials" organized a bit.

What do you think? Did I do a good job? (insert positive comments and reinforcement in the comments box. It will make me feel good.) 

Quiet Days

Do you enjoy quiet days? I do. In fact, I love them. I find them refreshing. Yes, they are lazy and decadent, but isn't that what makes them special?

Do we need them everyday? No...absolutely not. If that was the case, then these quiet days wouldn't be special. Instead, they would be the everyday. And then people would label me a lazy bum.

I like to spend my quiet days or my couple hours reading or watching movies/TV. You'll usually find me on the couch or in my room. It's like having my own personal fortress of solitude. I don't think about "other things" I could be doing or "stuff" that has to get done because there's ALWAYS something on that list! My sister once told me, "that I clean up to clean up." I totally get that. It's a never ending story at my house.

Quiet days are about recharging my batteries. I work full time and sometimes more time when work follows me home. Plus, as you know, I'm a mom so the work doesn't stop. Of course, mommy work is different. It's a mixture of fun, repetitiveness, busyness, learning, and discipline (and so much more).

A lot of people, moms especially, feel guilty for taking time for themselves. Why do we do this? Why is it so hard to let others help sometimes? Where did this superwoman mindset come from? It's mind boggling.

I concede that once you decide to have children a lot of the "me time" goes away and this is acceptable because priorities have changed (as they should); the same thing happens when you get married. You adjust and learn and eventually you find a new normal.

So, if you're running ragged what do you do?

1. Plan- pick a time of day that works best for you. It could be early mornings or some point during mid week. 
2. Do something you want to do. This can be as simple as doing a daily devotional, reading a book, watching your favorite show, going for a walk, crafting,  take a class or have lunch with friends.
3. Ask for help. No one is silently judging you as being a bad person or mom.
4. Repeat as needed

It's sometimes those simple things that can give us the most trouble at times, but really they can add significance to our days, life, mood, and/or well being. How do you spend your me time? Or what do you want to do that you have been putting off? 

Rainy Day Laughs

Well dear friends and readers...it's one rainy day here in the sometimes sunshine state. I am stuck inside until it lets up with my Little Miss. I'll do my best to entertain her as best I can since outside is not currently an option.

In the meantime, I wanted to share some little funnies I came across to help brighten your day (and mine)!

Did you smile? Did you laugh out loud? Maybe. I hope so :) Always look for the sunny side of life. Otherwise, you always be left in the dark.  Sid'e note: I've got to end here....my toddler just tried to climb up on the coffee table!

On A Field Trip I Did Go

I sponsor two clubs at the school I work at. My newest club is for future educators. The goal of the state sponsored club is to educate and inform students who which to become teachers. They get opportunities to job shadow, search for scholarships, and make teacher appreciation gifts throughout the year.

Just recently, our little club took a tour to a local university. This particular university has a strong elementary education program. We've never done.a tour together as a group and it was a nice chance to get out of the classroom for the day!

Unfortunately for us, Florida weather is often all over the place and today was one of those days...cold and rainy!

A great day for a campus tour right? Nonetheless, a little rain would not detour us from our university adventure. The girls got a text in the morning that it was going to rain and to dress appropriately.

Here are some of the pictures, I was posting on Instagram throughout our tour.

College campuses are so pretty! This one in particular uses their private school tuition to make the campus quite beautiful. The last couple years I have had the opportunity to visit a couple and every visit makes me want to go back myself.....briefly.

We saw an official Tanked tank built into a dorm area. Some students were featured during the filming of this on campus episode.

The recreation area had a relaxation room and a game room. The tour guide said these relaxation pods can only be found on their campus compared to other schools. Not sure how much I believed that one.....but it's pretty cool.

We squeezed in a teacher student fooz ball game...teachers vs. students. It was a tie. I was a little rusty and out of practice. When you play this game are you a crazy spinner? I am. It's the only way I know :)

When the girls were waiting on their presentation to start. I snuck off to the library and ran into Ron Burgundy! I'm such a nerd.

All in all it was a great trip! I personally don't recommend going to a private college because of the cost alone is gigantic, but they are a lot of scholarships and financial opportunities out there if you look hard enough, but that's another issue for another day. I am so glad we planned this. I hope the club members want to go on another tour next year!

Wal-Mart Trip 3/8/14

Here is a soda deal I was did at Wal-Mart. My hubby likes his Diet Mt. Dew, but it doesn't go on sale frequently. I usually wait for a B2G1 deal or something like that at Publix or a decently priced deal at CVS.

Wal-Mart had 12 packs on sale for $3 which is a pretty great price in itself. However, I also found $2/2 peelies on the 12 packs! Happy dance.

I bought 6 12 packs and paid $2 each! I am super excited about this one. I usually don't get great soda deals.

Have you scored any good coupon deals lately? I've been a little slow with the couponing lately.

Another Simple Moment #9

{my simple moment} – A new ritual. A single photo, maybe two – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, significant, blessed moment. A moment I want to treasure and remember

inspired by SouleMama
________________________
"Play Ball"