• Uncategorized

    16 Fantastic Fall and Halloween Ideas

    fall collage copy

    Mason Jar Ring Pumpkin
    Mason Jar Ring Pumpkin

    1Fall-Wheat-Wreath-by-Blooming-Homestead
    Fall Wreath / Blooming Homestead

    Freezer Paper Stenciled Treat Bag
    Freezer Paper Stenciled Treat Bag
    Last Minute Pumpkin Decorating
    Pumpkin Decorating Ideas

    DIY+Pumpkins+with+Realistic+Looking+Stems+from+Anderson+and+Grant-1 copy
    DIY Pumpkins with Realistic Looking Stems / Anderson and Grant

    Octonauts Costumes
    Octonauts Costumes

    DSC_0404-650x433
    Ghoulish Greek Yogurt Eyes / Frenchie

    Grateful Art
    Grateful Art

    Neutral-Shelves1-453x680
    Neutral Fall Shelf Decor / Just A Girl and Her Blog

    Chalk Cloth Bunting
    Chalk Cloth Bunting
    Apple Candle Holder
    Apple Candle Holder

    pallet+pumpkins+3
    Pallet Pumpkins / Little House Of Four

    Halloween Mantle
    Halloween Mantle

    Fabric-Covered-Milk-Jug-Pumpkin-9
    Fabric Pumpkin from a Milk Jug / House On The Way

    Budget Friendly Glass Hurricanes
    Budget Friendly Glass Hurricanes

    fall-print-
    Free Fall Printable / The Rustic Willow

  • Home Decor

    DIY Teacher Desk Organization Station

    This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #inspirestudents http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

    Today I will be sharing with you an easy DIY Teacher Desk Organization Station. This adorable school supply holder is made with oodles of recyclables. How awesome is that?

    Desk Organization 6

    My supply list for this project was pretty basic. I used an old discarded Melissa and Doug toy tray, ribbon, glue stick, two hand-me-down Mason jars, one small empty can (previously used for tomato paste,) spray paint, several sheets of scrap paper, wooden dowels, and painters tape.

    Here’s how I made it.

    First, I lightly sanded the toy tray and spray painted it with glossy white paint to give it a much cleaner look.

    PicMonkey Collage desk

    Next, I jazzed up two jars with spray paint. I love the look of paint dipped Mason jars and a touch of gold is all I needed to add a bit of glam to this project. I used painters tape and scrap paper to protect the undipped portion from over spray.

    PicMonkey Collage_edited-1

    Desk Organization 11

    Then, an old empty can of tomato paste took a turn transforming its color to white. (No, it didn’t change its own color. I just spray painted it, but I thought saying it like that was much more exciting. Tada! *Jazz Hands*) I added a piece of ribbon around the middle of the can to give it a little something extra.

    Desk Organization 13

    The vase I had just lying around. It was just looking for a purpose and it found one. It holds these adorable homemade “Take a Number” flags. They were assembled using wooden dowels, a glue stick, a marker, and scrap paper. Aren’t they cute?

    Desk Organization 9

    Finally, it was time to add all the essential school supplies to the tray and containers. The cost was pretty minimal. Yay! Who doesn’t love that? I had shopped at Office Max for the school supplies and found they had a great deal going on. It is Save $5 off your purchase of $20 or more on select Newell Rubbermaid Brands (PaperMate, Expo Neon Window Markers, Sharpie, Uni-Ball, & Mr. Sketch. While supplies last.) Woo hoo! If you are not part of Office Max/Office Depot’s rewards program yet, you should take advantage of it by clicking here.

    Desk Organization 7

    I love how this desk organizational tray turned out. Everything has a place. It would make the perfect teacher gift for back to school time or any other special occasion. The teacher that receives this tray will be the envy of the faculty for sure!

    Desk Organization 6

  • Recipes

    Baked Jalapeno Cream Cheese Wontons

    I love Jalapeno poppers! The spicy flavor of jalapenos combined with the cooling properties of cream cheese just make my mouth water. Mmmmmm! I thought I would take that classic appetizer and give it a little twist. What I came up with was Baked Jalapeno Cream Cheese Wontons.

    wonton 12

    These little bites turned out so amazing. I just had to share how I made this delicious appetizer.

    Wonton 3

    First, I sliced the jalapenos in half and removed the seeds. You can keep the seeds if you’d like, but let me warn you, your tongue will be on fire!

    Wontons 1

    Next, the stem was taken off and discarded and the pepper halves were cut into 3 equal sections. Again, you have a choice here. You can eat the stem if you want, but it is not recommended.

    Wonton 7

    Then, I placed the wonton wrappers flat on a plate and added one jalapeno piece and a tablespoon of cream cheese to each. I worked quickly so the wrappers wouldn’t dry out.

    Wonton 16

    After that, I folded up the wontons. I am not sure I did this the “proper” way, but I just tried to make sure all of the stuffing stayed inside the wrapper.

    Wonton 6

    Finally, I brushed each ball of goodness lightly with olive oil, placed them in a shallow baking dish, and cooked them in the oven at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

    Wonton 13

    These wontons are amazing! The perfect appetizer for entertaining.

    Wonton 14

    Baked Jalapeno Cream Cheese Wontons from Elizabeth Joan Designs
    Yield
    18 Wontons

    Ingredients
    – 18 Wonton wrappers
    – 1/4 cup olive oil
    – 3 Jalapenos- seeds removed and cut into 6 pieces
    – 1 Package jalapeno cream cheese (You can use plain cream cheese if you like them less spicy.)

    Preparation
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Fill each wonton wrapper with one jalapeno piece and cream cheese. Fold carefully and brush lightly with olive oil. Bake 8-10 minutes or until wonton is browned. Cool for about 3 minutes and serve warm with your favorite salsa or ranch dressing.

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    Pumpkin & Spice Cream Cheese Wontons

    I love the jalapeno cream cheese wontons, but my curiosity peaked at the sight of pumpkin & spice cream cheese. It was a must try with the wonton wrappers. I filled each one with cream cheese and wrapped it up. After I brushed the wontons with olive oil, I sprinkled them with cinnamon.

    Wonton 17

    Wow! These tasted like fall in a ball! Yummmy!

    Wonton 11

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  • Family, Kids, Pets,  Home Decor

    Sometimes It’s the Little Things

    Whenever I get a free chance, I am still trying to work on our playroom. It really is coming close to being finished. I just had lost a bit of my motivation and I finally feel like I might be getting back on track.

    I have already shared a lot of the larger projects like:

    But now it is time to share some of the smaller projects that still contribute big impact to the room.

    1. This friendly dinosaur, named Frank (I just made that up) was an unfinished piece I came across while shopping at JoAnne Fabrics. Combined with their famous 40% off coupon, this guy was a great deal.

    Dinosaur 1

    I knew spray-painting him orange would give me the pop of color I was looking for. Isn’t he adorable?

    Dinasour 3

    2. Mind puzzles can be extremely hard to solve. So what do I do, I take a few of my husband’s apart and stain them the color of my choice. Then ask him, oh so kindly, to reassemble each one. Luckily, I have a pretty awesome husband that accepted my challenge and put each and every piece back in its’ rightful place. (THANK YOU, Adam!)

    PicMonkey Collage mind puzzle

    DSC_0170

    mind puzzles3

    I love the way these intricate brainteasers look. Perfect for our playroom!

    Mind Puzzles 4

    3. If you follow me on Instagram, then you may remember seeing this picture of fun garage sale finds featuring a floating shelf I purchased for $1.

    foating shelf 2_edited-2

    You can’t really beat that price, right? I brought it home and touched up a few dinged spots on it with some wood filler and painted over it to make it match the rest of the shelf.

    My touch ups made this shelf look like new! We are so happy with the results!

    Floating Shelf and Mind Puzzles

    Well folks, that’s all I have for today. Hopefully one of these days I will be able to share the full playroom reveal with you, but until then, toodle-loo!

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