Teacher Appreciation Week

I have been searching the blog world for cute Teacher Appreciation week gift ideas, and I found several here. These were really fun and easy to put together.


Here is how mine turned out! I am also making cupcakes with some really fun printable tags I found on another site. I will post those later in the week. Give your kids teachers some love this week=) They deserve it!

A Starbucks giftcard holder

Candy jar. The original blog idea showed with M&M's, and that does look much cuter in the jar, but for a school setting I think individually wrapped candy is a must!

The jars were on sale at Hobbly Lobby for $2 and then just the cost of a little paper and candy. I would estimate all together under 6 dollars!

Rose Cake Attempt....Please no laughing=)

As you remember, I told you a few days ago I was going to attempt this beautiful Rose Cake.


I finally got around to it this week! I baked the layers in the morning so they would be cooled and ready when I laid my boy's down for nap. I figured I had at least 2 hours and that would be enough...........


I learned many things from this little experiment. I will detail it as I post the pics. Remember, this is my first EVER attempt to do anything like this!!

I started with my new decorating set I got for Christmas.

Yes,  I used a box mix. I also bought some buttercream icing from Publix! I know, I am a cheater! See the way Pioneer Woman is starting me down in the background! I did make my own buttercream icing as well, I just wanted a backup in case mine was a flop!

BTW---mine actually tasted better and held up better on the roses. The only problem was, they were 2 different shades of white! It annoyed me, but no one else seemed to notice.

I should have read the part that she poured simple syrup and froze her layers beforehand. Mine were falling apart everywhere! Lesson learned!

A messy, crumby, base icing job. Good thing the roses covered it up

My first attempt!

This is the point when I ran out of icing the 1st time. When she said it used a lot of icing, she wasn't kidding. I used 4 batches and still needed more!

My kitchen is super dark. I need new lighting!!!!! Hence, all my pics are a little dark.

This is the point when the boys woke up from nap. I was also out of icing again.



My roses are not as defined as the original. I have a long way to go! I did have fun and learn alot from this little trial. I will be trying all the tips and the rest of the decorating set soon. All in all, it turned out fine. The cake tasted good, but the icing was SO heavy! I love icing and this was almost too much for me!
I do not see cake decorator as a future career for me, but I loved giving it a try! Happy Easter Weekend to you all!



Easter Treats!

I learned something about myself this week. I LOVE Peeps! You know, the cute little sugared marshmallows for Easter? I truly don't think I have ever eaten any before this week. I had no idea what I was missing!!!!

I am always looking for quick and easy gift/treat ideas for teachers, friends, nurses, whoever! When I saw this super cute idea on a friend's blog, I had to make them!

I made a few of the larger ones, but then decided to make them individual size for Ames' and Calee's friends at school and dance.

Here are the pics! Enjoy! Oh! BTW---I bought all of the items at the Dollar Store! The large ones cost $3 to make and the small only 30 cents a piece! YAY!

Wish me luck........

I am gonna give this a try this weekend with my handy dandy cake decorating tools. I'll letcha know what happens.


Let's hope everything comes up roses! Ha Ha.

 This is from a fun blog called I am Baker. Love her stuff.

Cat Claws Facial Treatment

Two and a half years ago, I turned 30. I made a "life decision" that day to take better care of my skin. I have finally gotten around to it.


I have always washed my face and tried to use good products. I have never had a great complexion, just average. I am super fair skinned, so I have to be careful about sun exposure and all those fun things.


 My skin has really changed  in the last couple of years. Especially after having 2 babies in 2 years. I struggle with dry skin constantly, even more in the winter. So, I recently made a dermatologist appointment. She gave me some great products and referred me to the "medical spa" next door. I made an appointment and went.


I knew the estictican looked familiar, but it wasn't until she said " you were my teacher" that I recognized her. Wow. Nothing reminds me of how old I am getting more than that! Ha! Regardless, it was great to have familiar person in charge of my skin.


First I did a microdermabrasion treatment. It was cheap, and I did see a little change. She kept telling me about Laser Genesis, and that it would make all my pores smaller and smooth my skin. Its more expensive but she swears by it. SO, of course, I gave it a try. It is amazing. My skin feels so smooth and much less dry. They recommend doing these every 2 months or so for the maximum benefit.


Now, she told me it was a little uncomfortable and hot, but not painful. I read about it online and people said it was soothing. Really a relaxing process.


These people online were obviously very, very, disturbed. I was not soothed. I felt like someone had a blowtorch aimed at my face and I tried not to freak out. I was pushing my head so hard against the back of the chair my neck was sore the next day.
(I do have some spacial (is that a word?) issues with someone being up in my face, so this played in as well. )


Afterwords, she told me the first time she had it done it felt like a cat was clawing her face with claws on fire. Great. A pretty good description actually.


The good news is it's quick. You only have to endure the blowtorch/cat clawing for about 10 minutes. It's worth it. I will definitely do it again. I may take Valium before I go though!!!


Anyway, just thought I would share my little experience with you all! Would love to hear of any amazing products or treatments you use as well!!! I need all the help I can get!

Pregnant Women

I learned something about myself at Target yesterday. I have probably known it all along, but it just kindof "hit" me while I was shopping.


I really, really get excited for pregnant strangers.




 I saw at least 5 super cute pregnant ladies at Target (post on my thoughts of another baby boom coming later). Big round bellies. I smiled uncontrollably at all of them. I could not stop staring! I think it was borderline weird.


Not sure if it is that I am excited for the women, knowing what they are about to experience, those feelings that only a fresh, tiny newborn can evoke.

Or maybe it's relief that I am not having another one. HAHA.

For a while, after Cohen was born, I worried and stressed over all my friends that were pregnant. I worried that they would also have babies born early, or born with illnesses, defects, etc. I even would worry over strangers I would pass on the street. I have finally come to terms with this and let it go (somewhat).
Just to make myself clear. I would never, ever, walk up and touch a strangers belly. I do have standards. But, if we are friends, or relatives, you better watch out!

Most of you know, I am going to be an AUNT for the first time next month. Since my SIL and brother live in another state, I haven't gotten the "belly time" that I would like. (I know my SIL is thankful for this!=)
But I am so excited to meet my little precious niece!

Hope you all have a wonderful week. If you happen to be pregnant please know that I am thinking of you and smiling right now!!!

Back on Track!

After being out of town for a few days, I am back home and trying to buckle back down on my healthier eating. I didn't exactly throw it out the window during my trip, but I definitely indulged a little bit. (Though the bread pudding I had was totally worth it!)


So, I went to Publix (my favorite grocery store) this week in search of some new ideas. I do really well for breakfast and dinner, but I always struggle with lunch. I just get so tired of the same old things!


Here is what I tried today. It was sooooo good, I would eat it no matter what diet I was following.

So, the flatbread is 120 calories and 2 grams of fat per large slice. The Rosemary and OO flavor is awesome. Laughing cow cheese is a total staple in my house. This Queso fresco flavor is terrific at 35 calories per wedge. Its spreadable and taste like Mexican cheese dip. This is the first time I have tried this ready- to- eat chicken. It's 90 calories per 1/2 cup. It is actually really good, and I am super picky about meats and chicken. I also added Pioneer Woman salsa  that I made recently. 

YUMMMMMMY!