1 Luckee Girl

Asking Prayer Warriors to PRAY

2012-01-14T22:30:00.000-06:00

Please PRAY

Below is a letter from one of my dearest and best friends, about her precious son Xander{Who is also one of my son's best friends and in my 4th grade classroom this year...please pray for healing for this amazing young boy and for wisdom and comfort for his parents and family...

"Most of you know that Xander had some testing done last week. Friday afternoon we were told that the cancer in Xander's body has progressed significantly. At this time we are unsure of what will happen next. Our doctor in Oklahoma City is consulting with a network of doctors across the nation, in effort to decide what is best for Xander. We believe we will need to take aggressive action. As you can see Xander is a healthy growing boy and it's hard to imagine that his skeleton is covered with cancer. We ask that you continue to pray as you have done so faithfully. We believe that God is still in control and is
using Xander for His glory. As you pray for Xander we ask that you boldly share the message of the cross.
Xander's response to this news.......I'm not worried because God has a plan for my life and He is going to Dazzle me with it!"

Random

2012-01-02T22:36:00.000-06:00

I want to learn how to make really cute blog stuff... Like the cutesy signatures and dividers etc.

I really want some chocolate but probably only because my Oklahoma State Cowboys are stressing me out during this Fiesta bowl!

I've Adhered to a strict 1200 calorie diet for the past 6 days now AND exercised! 2 days of the 30 Day Shred and I feel like I've been ran over by a school bus! Oh well... Chanting "beach weather, beach weather" over and over in my head!

Excited about starting the cash envelope system this new year and almost having every single ounce of credit card debt paid off!!! Woot woot!

Yup, this is complete random rambling that I just needed to post;) thanks for understanding!

LaKeta

Twenty 12 Calls for some GOALS...

2011-12-29T10:24:00.000-06:00

Taking some time today to reflect and determine my goals for the upcoming new year...

There are two things that my mind craves

1. ORGANIZATION

2. BALANCE

I've already gotten back on track with eating a bit more healthy in the last few days...fell off that bandwagon during the time I spent working towards my national board certification. So eating healthier and working out tops the resolutions list as well...but I really want to get my house {and my classroom} organized and find a way to SLOW down...

Happy New Year to You and Yours!!!

Cheers,

LaKeta

One Thing Calls For Another. . .

2011-10-22T23:46:00.002-05:00

See this nice, big, heavy, DARK buffet I found on craigslist for a mere $30 bucks?!?!?! Well it screamed out for me to bring it home to live in my craft room...after a nice little makeover of course ;)

So...once I convinced to hubs to help me pick it up I began sprucing it up a bit...I sanded it...and {spray} painted it white...then gave it a nice little antiquing glaze and searched high and low for new hardware...She is an amazing addition to my "newly" decorated crafting space/office lovingly referred to as the "croffice".

here is a quick little peek....

Thought I'd show you my desk space as well...

And my little sewing desk area...

It has been a really fun process painting, creating, and continually re designing my little room...I love how pretty it is and how comfortable it is for me and my little family...the kids like crafting in here or working on school projects and even the hubs "enjoys" paying the bills and doing work "stuff" here...

LaKeta

Linking Up Here:
http://www.iheartnaptime.net/

My First Freebie

2011-08-01T16:52:00.001-05:00

Not sure if this will work, but I am going to try! I am working like a mad woman in my classroom and decided I needed a little more "cute" sitting on my desk;) So I started playing around on my photoshop and created a little to do list that I am going to put in a frame and use as a dry erase frame. If you cannot download it, please let me know, and if you know how to do it correctly let me know that too:)

I sized it as an 8x10... the background came from Sprik.blogspot.com love her freebies!
I am planning on making a few more of these as teacher gifts!!!
LaKeta

Pinterest=Addiction

2011-07-27T16:04:00.001-05:00

So if you haven't heard of Pinterest yet, you are totally missing out on the party!!! I BIG - FAT - PUFFY - RED - HEART- LOVE it!!!! I do believe I could call myself a pin-a-holic ;) There are so so many awesome links and ideas...I am so visual so being able to see a thumbnail image of an idea really hooks me! I'd love for you to come follow me on Pinterest.

If you need an invite, leave me your email address and I'll send you one, but I claim NO responsibility if it becomes an addiction for you too:)

LaKeta

Organizing Fool...

2011-07-03T23:14:00.000-05:00

So summer is zipping by a LOT faster than I want it to... I cannot believe we will be back in school in 5 weeks...eeeekkkk!~ I am NOT finished with my to do list yet!!!! I have been working on getting this house O-R-G-A-N-I-Z-E-D!!!!!! one small space at a time!!!! First up the ...SCARY PANTRY....I am very embarrassed to show you just how B-A-D this space was but there must be a before in order to feel like you've accomplished anything right?!?!?!

I think we have little elves that sneak in at night and eat our chips and leave crumbs on the floor...anyone else have this issue???

So, I took everything out of my pantry...yes sister you heard me...I took it ALL out and scrubbed it with hot soapy water. Then, I lined the shelves with contact paper from the dollar store. Then I began throwing away expired food...I didn't take a picture of that, but I think I would be more embarrassed to show you just how much we wasted than how nasty this area was before:( Then I began shopping the house for storage options...you'd be surprised what all you can find in your home that can help you corral the madness!

And....drumroll please....the AFTER'S:

I recycled some plastic containers I'd been saving to store my brown and powdered sugar...

Couldn't resist using this basket to keep our bread in..."BREAD BASKET"...yes, I am a nerd like that!

I used an old cassette box thing I bought of ebay several years ago and took out all the dividers to hold chips, potatoes and onions {which I am out of here} and a small basket for foil and cling wrap...

I had these mini drawers on hand since redoing my chipboard storage in my craft room...my labeler and I got reacquainted during this 14 hour organizing partay!

I love Mason jars so I had to use this one to store an open bag of pinto beans...I want one for rice too...that is when I have a bag of UNexpired rice on hand;)

So one small area of my house has been reclaimed and I pitty the fool that messes it up ;p lol!!!

LaKeta :)

Land that I Love...

2011-06-14T20:57:00.008-05:00

The other day while I was at the Dollar Tree I found these great tinsel covered stars...I scooped up three thinking I could do something with them for my front door for the Fourth. Then while I was at Hobby Lobby I grabbed wooden letters {USA}. I shared my inspiration with a few friends... So today a few of us got together to make this quick patriotic craft to display on our doors.... They were really easy and cheap!!! And I love how it turned out!!!!

Here is what you'll need if you want to make your own:

3 stars from the dollar tree {although my friends found hearts instead of stars and those were cute 2}

Wooden letters U S A from Hobby Lobby

Ribbon

Hot Glue

Paint to paint your wooden letters...I spray painted mine white and then used the end of a pencil eraser to polka dot mine and a paint pen to stripe my "S"

Leave the tag hanger on your top star so that you can hang it from your door...it is silver so it looks festive still!

Happy Fourth!!!

LaKeta

Sharing here:

The Boy's Room

2011-05-30T21:38:00.003-05:00

I have been working on my little man's room since spring break and I will get it all finished someday I think?!?!? I wanted him to have a little extra storage space and a place to put his tv he got for Christmas...he also plays the family wii more than anyone else, so I decided he could keep it in his room...

My mom and I were talking about his need for more storage when I told her I was scouring Craigslist for an old dresser for his room. Mom remembered that she and Dad still had MY old {childhood} dresser in there detached garage...this thing had been in there for 14 years!!! It had been moved out there when my parents began building there house right after my senior year. I found all kinds of high school memorabilia inside it's drawers...eeek including my sophomore year yearbook!

Here is a shot of the after before...after before because this pic was after I washed it down with Murphy's wood soap...it was mega dirty!

So after washing it down and killing a bajillion spiders....shiver!!! Mom and I loaded it up and off I went with it with visions of what I might do to make it more boyish....

I sanded it a little...it didn't need much and then I primed it with gray primer...

I ripped the back board off and replace it with a new piece the nice man at Lowe's cut for me...one of the little drawers was gone...so I decided to create a shelf on the top part and thought it would be the perfect place for his wii and dvd player and some kind of cool baskets... I wanted locker baskets but am way too impatient to find the perfect price and size, so I bought these el' cheapo's from the dollar general...

And grabbed my can of metallic silver spray paint and went to town!!!!

This will work until I stumble across the real deal...

And here is the dresser in the boy's room... I love how it turned out and even better the boy loves it too...he said and I quote...."Mom this room is sweet with my new dresser!" Worth killing all those bajillion spiders....

You can't see it in this pic but I used chalkboard paint on the top and added a piece of molding along the bottom to beef it up some:)

:) LaKeta

Partying it up here:

My Little Sister Is Getting Married!!!

2011-05-09T00:09:00.000-05:00

My middle sister, Erin, is getting married this October, and yesterday I got to do their engagement photos...I am working on building my portfolio so this was a win/win situation...I got lots of practice and they get FREE pics ;)

I had a blast...here are a couple of my favorites from today:)

Ok...here are a *few more ;) I really can't pick a couple of favorites....

Although it might just be this one:::

Erin's hubby to be really enjoyed this one ;)

And I love this old blue two ton Chevy truck out in Dad's pasture...Looks so Americana to me:)

All the pics were taken on the 80 acres we girls grew up on or the dairy that our grandpa and Dad owned, and of course one gravel road just down from 'Coon Creek Bridge...we are country girls!

Thanks Erin and Taylor for letting me practice with you guys...I had a great day...laughed a lot!!!

Pot Luck!!!

2011-05-01T13:27:00.001-05:00

Last summer I saw this post at Positively Splendid....and wanted to make one, but my list of "wants to do" gets interrupted regularly by my "have to do" list :(

I did find one of my terra cotta planters {the one in the middle} at a garage sale for $1...and it sat in the flower bed empty until a few weekends ago.... I wasn't patient enough to find the others in garage sales so I bought the new bottom and top pot at Wally World...

I love how it turned out and would like to make a couple more as gifts...ohhhh or maybe as the second "get your craft on" night!!!!

Upclose of the house number...

I used my silhouette to create this but still used the pencil trace method to get it on the pot...then used paint pens...

Count the Happies!!!

XOXO,

LaKeta

We Got Our Craft On....

2011-04-13T23:36:00.004-05:00

When I came across RestlessRisa's carrot tutorial on google a few weeks back I knew it would be the perfect craft to do with my group of girlfriends for our first "Get Your Craft On" night! I love how mine turned out and it was a big hit with all the girls!!! See her tutorial for the 411...{My carrot used almost a full yard of burlap and I hot glue the tar out of it ;) }

Here is a close up of mine with the tag I came up with and instead of the ribbon {because I didn't have any black with white polka dot} I used a ripped strip of fabric and liked how it turned out!!!

And here's a shot of our "bunch" o' carrots ;)

Thanks Risa for the idea and tutorial...we had so much fun getting together and making fun Easter door decor! P.S. I really like how the baby carrots turned out too...making one of those this weekend for my classroom door:) One piece of foam board made two mini size carrots!

Sharing this post here:

Makeover! Woot Woot!!!

2011-04-11T23:24:00.000-05:00

Just a little blog face lift!!!! I am excited because I have been wanting a simple {WHITE} background and a fun header that I see on so many of my favorite blogs...I googled and managed to achieve the look I was wanting on my own!!! Yippee!!!

So I'd like to hear what you think about my new look ;)

Also...if any one knows how to change the wording on my comment to a customized saying could you please let me know???

Have a happy week!!!

For It's 1...2...3...Strikes Your Out.....

2011-04-02T21:56:00.000-05:00

I have been working on redoing Seth Man's room for about 4 weeks now. {I cannot wait for summer break so I can work on all the projects swirling in my head}...I painted his room an amazing blue/grey color {Blue Blood colormatched at Wally World} over Spring Break. Seth's room had a slight "cowboy" theme and it was long time for something new! He plays baseball and loves it, so I decided to do a room with hints of America's favorite pastime with a vintage feel. I have been killing myself on redoing a dresser for his room...it was in serious need of revival...more to come on it later... I have been trying to figure out storage needs for this lil boy hence the dresser above. I was trying to think of something that could house his baseball bats and his massive collections of oversized NERF guns ;) when I remembered an old barrel my MIL gave him for his "cowboy" room...it was in the attic because I never knew quite what to use it for... It dawned on me that it would make a great storage option for these taller items....so up to the attic I went. I brought it down and taped off the metal rings around it. Then I lightly sprayed it with Heirloom White not really caring if I covered it completely or not. Then I printed the verse from Take Me Out to the Ball Game and traced it onto the barrel, went over it with a paint pen and then used my sanding block to scuff it all up and make it feel really old!!! I love how it turned out and Seth thought it was a really cool addition to his ever transforming room...I cannot wait to have it all finished!!!!

Here's one more picture of it just because I LOVE IT so much:)

Partying Here:

http://designergarden.blogspot.com/2011/03/vip-party-9.html

Shanty Lil Key

2011-04-02T18:36:00.001-05:00

Two weeks ago I stumbled across an estate buyout sale...My mom and I were doing a little garage selling before wedding dress shopping with my younger sister.

This man was set up outside an antique/junktique shop...he had 3 long rows of tables and in front of the tables there was a sign that read "$1 per bag...fill it up...no limit" DO WHAT??? I quickly grabbed a bag and began STUFFING it full ;) Yeah I ended up stuffing 2 bags full and stuffing my mom's bag too;) I found this {GOLD} Syrocco key and immediately knew that I would make it beautiful and use it as a piece to dress up my entry area...

Here she is in all her brassiness...{sorry 'bout the blur...}

I sprayed her with a few coats of Heirloom White and then used some Valspar Antiquing glaze to bring out the carvings..... I liked how she looked hanging out by the front door, but she needed something else...

I grabbed an old frame that one of the teacher's at school was going to throw away and gave her a quick coat or three of Heirloom White also.... I lurve it!!!!! They are best friends and look so nice in the little wall space by the front door...

Still thinking it needs a little more...maybe some vinyl quote or a pop of color behind the frame, but for now I really like the way it turned out!!!

Partying Here:

Sew Proud

2011-03-27T14:40:00.001-05:00

I recently bought myself a Kindle {thanks to my cheer coaching money} and really wanted a cute little case/cover for it...I looked at the stores and didn't see anything that really grabbed my attention {read ugly!!!} so I turned to google and after searching for a little while I came across a tutorial by Aimee @ Home Spun Threads for a DIY Planner Cover...I loved how cute her cover/case was and knew I WOULD be teaching myself to sew... I have not sewn a thing since my junior year of high school {a massive pair of patriotic boxers with Joe Boxer like elastic... FAIL!} I was determined this go around would be different!!!!

Here is my finished cover...I know it's not perfect, but I ADORE how it turned out and plan on making a couple more for a few friends:)

Linking Up Here:

Ballard Inspiration

2011-03-26T12:14:00.000-05:00

I L.O.V.E. getting my Ballard catalog in the mail...It is filled with so many beautiful things and causes such a strong urge to create within me!!! Last night I was looking through the April catalog and this little guy caught my eye...It is so darling! I love the neutral tones and I immediately remembered the little night light I ~~scavenged~~found in Mom's garage sale pile...

So this is what I started with..............

And this is my simple ballard inspired after::::

I really like how it turned out...

Linking Up Here:

Wow!!! Made My Day!

2011-03-25T21:45:00.001-05:00

I was very excited tonight as I logged on to my blog and saw a comment from Clydia at ThreeMangoSeeds... She awarded me the stylish blogger award!!!! This is my first award:)

So thank you bunches Clydia!!!!

Now to fulfill the two requirements and pay it forward:)

1. Thank & link back to the person who awarded you.

2. Share 7 things about myself.

1. I love reading...Nicholas Sparks is my favorite!

2.I knew I would marry my husband {truly} the first time I saw him..

3. I think I would make a fantastic American Picker {except for the next fact}

4. I'm crazy scared of spiders!

5. I am determined to be a sewer by the end of 2011

6. I could eat chips, queso, and salsa every day!!!

7. I love watching my son play baseball and my daughter play basketball...I am a big sports fan! And very competitive....

Now, I am supposed to award 5 to 15 other blogs that I Love/Follow...

{In no particular order}

1. Leslie@ Night Owl Crafting

2. Kenzie@ 9 o'clock Dance of Joy

3. Shelley@ The House of Smiths

4. Courtney@ Red Heads Craft More Fun

5. Jami, Kelli, Julie@ Creative Juices

I could go on and on...

SQUEAL!!!!!!!!!!

2011-03-20T22:47:00.000-05:00

I got to use ONE of my Christmas presents today!!!! I am uber excited about it too!!! Mr. Luckee and I broke out the miter saw and cut some crown molding to get rid of one of our ~~U-G-L-E-E~~ builder's grade mirrors....eeeeeeeee!!!! I am so giddy about it...I will post pics soon!!!

Have a happy week friends:)

Knock Off Decor equals LOVE

2011-03-18T22:44:00.000-05:00

Have you been here yet????

My PBT lamp was featured at the beginning of January...but that was in the midst of my crazy National Board journey and I didn't get to blog about it:(

So if you haven't visited this blog...YOU must!!! Great knock offs...loaded with inspiration and ideas:)

Happy Weekend!!!

Crafting AGAIN!!! Woot Woot!!!

2011-03-16T21:26:00.002-05:00

My national board portfolio is in the mail, and all is well ~~with the world~~ in my world...just ask the hubs ;)

I created this little door hanging over Christmas break but haven't had a chance to share it yet!

It was so easy...I SWEAR I took pics of the first couple of steps, but I cannot find them anywhere...I took a $3.00 Wal*Mart frame that I had broke the glass out of...hot glued some polyfill to the back piece of the frame, covered it with burlap...pulling it tight as I hot glued it...then I used black acrylic paint on some rubber stamps to stamp the word home and the cute little heart. I sanded the frame a little, and hot glued the little flower I had in my scrapbooking stash to the corner...then I twisted some wire to the brackets on the back of the frame...I.BIG.FAT.RED.PUFFY. HEART this on my front door!

Linking up here:

border="0" href="http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com" target="_blank">src="http://hadfield.smugmug.com/photos/825895175_xmTVA-O.jpg" alt="Join us Saturdays at tatertotsandjello.com for the weekend wrap up party!" />

Not Fair!! Not Fair!!! Not Fair!!!

2011-01-08T00:40:00.001-06:00

I got three of the BEST, Most AWESOME Christmas presents this year...LOOK:::::::::

Yep! My mom got me a gravity feed paint gun attachment, an air compressor{not pictured cause I couldn't find a picture of it on google} and a MITER SAW~ Thanks Ma!!!! I was/am super stoked about all of it! Now for the unfair part...I am working towards my National Board Teaching Certification, so ~~I HAVE NO LIFE LEFT AT ALL TO THINK ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE~~ I've been a little busy and HAVEN'T even gotten to take them out of the box. :( Makes me wanna cry!!! But this too shall pass and watch out...because my portfolio WILL be in the mail before Spring Break 2011 BAYBEEE!!!! And then I will be busting out the new toys!!!! I get all giddy just thinking about it!!!! I think it makes Mr. Luckee a tad bit nervous!!!

P.S. Something else I've had NO time to open and figure out is the brand new Silhouette that I bought with my b-day money on Black Friday...Don't cha feel sorry for me ;)

Merry Christmas...From Our House to Yours

2010-12-25T07:53:00.000-06:00

"Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift."

II Corinthians 9:15

Slowing down to linger at the cradle of the greatest gift ever given to us...and remembering the true reason for this glorious day. "The King that held the hope of the world's birth." Happy Birthday Jesus!

May you and yours have a blessed CHRISTmas day!

Gifts for the Girls & One for the Guys...

2010-12-23T16:20:00.001-06:00

I cannot believe that tomorrow is Christmas Eve!!!! Eeeek...I have been so busy today trying to wrap up little last minute gift ideas.... I followed the recipe here to whip up some lemon sugar body scrub. I thought these would be a nice little extra to go along with the UBER cute potholders my mom made for me to give as gifts this year...{new year's resolution # 212 learn to sew} She followed the tut here I adore the set she made for me & knew that my friends would all love them too...thanks Mom!

Here is an upclose of my version of the lemon sugar scrub. I used different sized jars that I had been saving for some perfect project...found it!!! Woot Woot! I found the frame template download here...it was originally meant to make one of those way cute soap bottles, but with the help of photoshop I made it into a way cute little label...

Now I couldn't let the girls have ALL the fun...hehehe! Lil Luckeegirl and I whipped up a batch for Mr. Luckee and Papa too! {We used sugar about 1 1/2 cups and about 3 Tblsp of Axe moisture body wash} This is approximate because I added a little as I went to get the consistency the way I wanted it! Then I googled man scrubbing as an image and found the fun little clipart...added the words MAN SCRUB and viola...a masculine version of the scrub! I attached my labels using packing tape...and bought my spoons 3 for $1 at the good ol' dollar store!

Linking up here:

Lots of Craftiness...

2010-12-17T21:54:00.000-06:00

I have been crafting like a mad woman the past week...and I have LOVED every second of it! I always like to give gifts to the teacher's in my building, but must do so on my teacher's budget myself.... this is why I adore blogland so much!

I saw a "wrapping in progress" vinyl kit you could purchase, but since I saw the idea the night before I would need to be giving the gift I decided to tweak the vinyl version into something I already had on hand...dollar store frames, scrapbook paper, fabric, and an ornament. I printed the wrapping in progress {size 18 font, freeze font} onto white cardstock, inked the edges, glued it to scrapbook paper...put it in the lil frame and hot glued the fabric strip to the back and a dab of hot glue on the ornament...viola a sweet little gift for a dear friend at school...x's 3! {Because I made an extra for myself...hey a girl needs something for her own nest every once in awhile right?}

This one is mine...on my tree...I like it there, but I also think it would be precious hanging inside a wreath on a door. {The aqua tree ornament was a dollar at wally world}

I know everyone has probably seen this idea, but I adore it and have been wanting to try it for the longest time.... EEEEEKKKKK! I bought some of my soap at Wal*Mart and some at the dollar store... since I am a teacher I had a ton of transparencies woohoo found a use for them again...since I have a smartboard and no longer use them for teaching:) I used the tutorial from the idearoom and the downloadable monogram template...then made the little house one up myself on a word document...with the verse Joshua 24:15. These are so much fun! The possibilities are ENDLESS!!!

Next thing I decided I HAD to make was this idea from ucreate. Now I am a farm girl...raised on a dairy and never would I have thought that a chicken feeder could make such a darling gift! My team teachers loved them~~~~ Easy and economical...I made mine so that they could be left out all year long!

And finally....cookies in a mason jar! Simple but made such a sweet impression!

This is how I have spent the past 5 days after school, but today was soooo much fun passing out all my creations...I love handmade gifts~~~

Linking Myself Up to These Fun Parties:

Secret Santa...

2010-12-15T18:30:00.001-06:00

This week the teacher's at my school have been doing Secret Santa...each day has had a theme for guiding you in your gift giving. We set a $25 limit for the week! It has been soooo much fun! For my "something red" day, I wanted to make a cute little recipe card holder {or photo holder} for my giftee

I purchased a small home decor plaque at Wally World for $3.97, a small table top easel for a buck, I used scrapbook paper and a strip of material that I already had on hand. I mod podged the paper to the plaque...scuffed up the edges a tad with my sanding block...created one of those darling fabric rosettes{added a touch of ribbon and a pearl gem} and used E6000 to attach a bulldog clip.... I love how it turned out!

"Something Red"

I found some really cute recipe cards for Christmas at ishareprintables.com that I printed on cardstock and created a little note that read "A little something red for you to hang a recipe card or a photo instead" haha! I know I am such a poet...

Linked up to these fun parties:

Teacher Christmas Gift! ! !

2010-12-03T19:53:00.000-06:00

Back in October I was at Hobby Lobby ~~digging through the clearance like a mad woman~~ when a bargain aisle caught my eye.

See this little metal sign

My wheels went to spinning...what could I do with this??? I put one in my buggy and walked around for a minute before the lightbulb moment happened...Christmas gifts for my children's teachers! I ~~ran like a black friday shopper~~ walked back to the clearance aisle and scooped up the other two boards...

I mean seriously...a clearanced metal board... some magnets {those are in the works}...add a little modge podge, scrapbook paper, an adorable flower and viola...an economical gift! That I {as a teacher} would love!

Linking up to these great parties:

Thanksgiving...

2010-11-24T22:47:00.001-06:00

My 10 year old sweetie, Chloe Ann, baked these amazing cookies today for our Thanksgiving feast tomorrow!

They are super yummy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 c. canned pumpkin

1 c. white sugar

1/2 c. vegetable oil

1 egg

2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. milk

1 Tblsp. vanilla

2 c. semi-sweet choc. chips

1/2 c. chopped pecans

1. Combine pumpkin, sugar, oil, and egg. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking soda dissolved in milk, stir in baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and mix well.

2. Add vanilla, chocolate chips, and nuts

3. Drop by spoonfuls on greased cookie sheet and bake @ 350 degrees for 9-10 minutes or until lightly brown.

Framed Fridge

2010-10-23T14:57:00.000-05:00

So it has been such a long time since I've gotten to do anything crafty...and I hate it when I don't have time to do something creative! So I decided to do a quick craft for my fridge today. I was inspired by this post...oh how I love rainy Saturdays!

The first thing I did was dig through my stash of ~~other people's junk~~ garage sale goodies. I found a small frame that I paid a quarter for...woot woot! Then I tore the easel off the back of the frame.

Then I used a piece of scrapbook paper, inked the edges, and typed up a quick saying for Fall and inked the edges of that....and because ~~I was lazy~~ the hot glue gun was plugged in I used a little hot glue to adhere it.

Next I hot glue four magnets to the back of the frame....one in each corner.

And viola...the finished product {for now} on my dirty fridge....just keepin' it real folks!!!

One more shot.... love it!!!!

Linking up here:

I love me some SONIC

2010-09-14T23:04:00.000-05:00

Please go to www.limeadesforlearning.com and click on "pick a project" then click keyword and type in "flip". I have written a grant through donorschoose to get a flip video camera for my classroom. Sonic has a wonderful program that is in its 2nd year. They donate tons of money to all kinds of teacher written grants. Last year SONIC funded 2 projects for me! You can vote once a day, everyday until the 30th....they may extend it until October 7th depending on the voting numbers. You can vote once a day per email address you can use....I have 3 accounts therefore I am voting 3 times a day....I appreciate anyone and everyone that will do this AND my 4th graders will L-O-V-E you for it!!!!

M.I.A

2010-08-28T16:56:00.001-05:00

Wow! Since school has started back I have not had the time to work on any projects! Boo!!! I think {hopefully} we should be getting into some kind of routine...we will be on week 3 Monday.

My mom is a 1st grade teacher. She rocks too! She has one of the cutest classrooms ever. She asked me to paint some of her classroom furniture this summer. So last weekend I painted her book cart lime green and black zebra. She has a jungle theme going on...but wanted to add some "POPS" of color!

This weekend I have been working on this little bookshelf for her room. Here is the before...

Such a cute little shelf...simple with a cute scallop edge...this piece was in my room as I was growing up...so it's truly vintage...lol! I sanded this beauty and primed it. Then painted it with a flat black spray paint. After the spray paint dried, I used strips of torn painters tape to make zebra stripes...this will work as a mask.

Then I sprayed Krylon's Ocean Breeze Blue {my favorite color right now} on the sides of the bookshelf.

Remove the tape when the spray paint is dry. And VIOLA~ instant zebra stripes!!!!

I decided she really needed a little more wow factor, so I used Krylon's Sun Yellow on the top and to pop that darling scalloped edge...and of course EVERYTHING needs a little polka dot action....I think she turned out precious....and MOM loves it!!!!!

Linking up:

First Day of School 2010-2011

2010-08-12T18:18:00.000-05:00

We started back to school today! My baby started 3rd grade...and can you believe I am old enough to have a 5th grader??? How did that happen?

My sweet baby girl is a big 5th grader...

Always the ham...

How do you really feel about starting school today??? lol

My favorite...new shoes...the cleanliness...wonder how long it will last? bahahaha!

Hope you and yours have a great first day...whenever it may be:)

School is Just Around the Corner...

2010-07-30T22:19:00.000-05:00

And I am looking forward to a new group of students!!! This is such a fun time of year...a fresh, new start. Last year I scored an old metal desk on Craigslist for $25 and redid it in a fun zebra stripe/polka dot combo. I love it and my students all thought "it rocked"! lol!

This summer at one of the garage sales I went to, I saw two of these beauties...

I looked at them for a minute...walked around the sale and kept thinking I would probably be buying those two old student desks. When I walked back over to where they were sitting the lady having the sale said, "I will sale you both of those desk for 5 dollars."....what???$5 bucks for the pair...SOLD!!!!!

I brought them home and they sat in my {hubby's} garage until yesterday...since I report for inservice a week from Monday, I decided I better get these lil guys ready for their first day of fourth grade! I scrubbed them down with hot soapy water...lightly sanded them...and then completely had a ball painting them. I used Krylon's Blue Ocean Breeze to replicate that old, vintage school desk feeling. Then I decided that the seats and back slats needed to pop a little more, so I used my FREE Glidden paint sample in Candy Apple Red on one of the desks, and decided to spray paint the other in Krylon's Ivy Leaf green....I used this color on my desk last summer too! Then I chalkboarded the tops...they will be writing stations so how much fun will it be to write ON the desks and not get in trouble?!?!?! Then I decided the needed something else...so I added my two favorite words...grow and learn...still needed something else....

Then it hit me....NUMBERS!!!! 4 on the learn and 2 on the grow desk.... "2 grow you must learn 4 ever"....yea!!!! I am super excited with how they turned out!!!!!!!!

I heart naptime w/chocolate sundaes

Out of this World....Classroom Message Globe

2010-07-28T21:57:00.000-05:00

So after being completely blown away by Stephanie's {Under The Table and Dreaming} Globe makeover I knew I needed one for my classroom...I decided that I would look for a globe and figured it would take me a while to find one...believe me the one in my classroom did cross my mind, but we actually use that globe in Social Studies, so I quickly discarded that thought...hehehe!

Then low and behold...as I was going through some leftover stuff from a retiring teacher, I spotted this beat up, old, dusty globe stashed in a corner. Could it be???? Were my eyes playing tricks on me???

No...it really was there hidden among many other treasures. So I brought this little guy home and followed the tutorial given by Stephanie...except I didn't use spray on chalkboard paint because I still had some in a can, so I just brushed a few coats on. I did spray paint the base in a silver metallic Krylon brand spray paint...and after 24 hours....this is my new little message center for my classroom... I am in love!!!!

My students are going to love this!!!! I have a feeling we will go through quite a bit of chalk this year!!!! ;)

Thank you Stephanie for sharing your makeover....

and guess who else thinks this is a good idea???? Someone with the initials PB...hmmm...

Laundry Room Cuteness...

2010-07-21T11:08:00.001-05:00

So when I saw these beauties at Craft-o-maniac last week, I had some serious laundry room decor envy...now recently I have made a deal with myself that I would not buy anymore items/supplies etc. until I use at least 60% of the stash that I have {hoarded}...ahem collected, BUT I NEEDED THESE!!!!! So I began thinking about what I had that I could use.....

Last summer I bought a ton of these plain, pine frames from Ikea...they came in 2 packs and I don't remember the exact price but they were CHEAP-O....I bought them with no idea what I might do with them, but knew eventually I would use them....

Well that day finally came...I painted three of them white...inked them with my black ink pad. Cut some cute scrapbook paper to fit the 5x7 frames and inked it too. Then I printed out the words "wash, dry and fold" using the font "I WISH I WERE TALLER" from Kevin and Amanda on white cardstock...inking the edges here too....I used some left over fabric from my pottery barn knock off lamp project to hang them from... I adore the way they turned out!!!! Thanks so much for the idea Craft-o-maniac!!!!!

Linking up here:

King of all King Ranch Chicken Recipes...

2010-07-20T10:04:00.000-05:00

Or at least it is in my opinion...

Last night was my 3rd attempt (and 3rd recipe) for King Ranch Chicken Casserole...and it was DIVINE!!!!

I found this recipe in my church cookbook that I bought last year...and when I saw the name of the lady that submitted the recipe I was certain it would be delish. This lady can do it all, so I decided to make it!

But as it goes in my house I am always short one or two ingredients, so I improvised...and it was still GREAT!

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

2-3 large chicken breasts {I cooked mine in chicken broth in my crockpot all day}

1 c. chicken broth {I used the broth that I cooked my chicken in}

1 can cream of chicken soup {I used the 98% ff kind}

1 can cream of mushroom soup {98% ff here too}

1 can green chillies chopped {missing this ingredient at my house}

1 can of Rotel

1 sm. purple onion chopped

1 sm. green bell pepper chopped

6-8 corn tortillas { I didn't have these so I used On The Border tortilla chips crunched up...it was yummy}

16 oz. grated cheddar cheese {again I was out...can you tell I need to go grocery shopping?} I used about half of a 16 oz block of velveeta sliced into thin strips...really liked the creaminess of this too!

Cook chicken, shred or dice it up and set aside. In a mixing bowl combine all soups, chicken broth, chilies, rotel, onion, and pepper. Cut tortillas or crunch up chips. In a sprayed casserole dish layer half the chicken, half the tortillas/chips, half the soup mixture, and half the cheese. Repeat the layer a second time. Bake at 325 for 45 minutes.

My PB Teen Knockoff with a Twist...

2010-07-18T21:19:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I had just a few minutes between my Hobby Lobby run and going to Sam's {without kiddos} so I thought I would run into the Goodwill just to see if there was anything calling my name...I am soooo glad I did! I found this ~~darling~~ ugly lamp shade for a buck 99!!!! I have been waiting for just the right shade to come along so I could redo it for Chloe's room. I am in love with with the Dottie line from Pottery Barn teen, but the shade alone is $35!!! Whoa!!! Not this girl....

So I brought this jewel home and began tearing it apart...I did a search on lamp shade makeovers and realized that a lot are trial and error, so I decided to just go with it...my shade {unfortunately} did not have a lovely white lining on the inside, so the red stayed on. I started with spray adhesive to attach my polka dotted fabric to the outside of the shade. Next came out the big guns {HOT GLUE} I used it sparingly to tuck the fabric into the inside...when I thought it was done, I plugged it in a got glowing red dots??? What? No that isn't the look I was going for at all...ummmpppfff! So I decided that the inside had to be lined as well...now the inside is not as pretty as I am sure the PB one is, but once I got it all covered with the polka dot fabric I no longer had glowing chicken pox...

After it was all wrapped and glowing up nice and pretty, I decided that it could use a little more umph!!! So I added the three rolled flowers out of the white with tiny black polka dots material...they are actually on the seam line of the fabric lining the shade...and then the base just need a little bit of something...seeing as though I hadn't given it ANY attention...so I ripped another long strip of the flower fabric and tied a cute little bow...added a splash of hot glue to attach it and there she is....I heart her!!!!

See no glowing chicken pox!!!!

Here was my inspiration...

Photo from pottery barn

Linking Up Here:

Take Me Out to The Ballgame...Name Decor

2010-07-17T21:37:00.001-05:00

So...I have had this idea floating around in my head ever since I saw this idea at Shanty2Chic. I loved the use of letters on top of boards...I already had some square boards from another project, but mine were quite a bit smaller than what the shanty sisters used. I also had the "S" that I had bought a long time ago...don't even remember what I was going to use it for...my mind tends to go on overdrive, crazy maniac mode when I search blog land, and I tend to think I NEED to make everything I see;) Does anyone else have the problem? HeHeHe!

Anyhow, I bought the last three letters of my son's name while the unfinished wood was 50% off at Hobby Lobby. Spray painted the scrap boards Heirloom White, sanded them and used some OLD faux glaze I had on hand. Then I spray painted the letters with Walmart brand red spray paint, sanded, and glazed them up too. I hot glued the letters on and then I needed something to hang it up with. I liked the chain idea, but wanted a little different feel to this name decor. I am going to be redoing Seth's room in a vintage baseball feel very soon, so I started scouring hobby lobby for something different to use...and found the jute upholstery stuff for .99 cents a yard!!!! Wow!!!! I am in love with this stuff...and must make something else with it. I also decided that I would hang it vertically so I used my staple gun to attach the jute to the back of the boards and hung it with upholstery nails...I love how it turned out and so did my super sweet Seth!

Linking up here:

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Hooo Are You Tuesday....

2010-07-13T20:24:00.000-05:00

1. Do you prefer sweet or salty foods? Oh I am a sucker for sweets, but really like to mix salty and sweet foods together....

2. Name your 3 BEST personality traits! 1. I am an encourager 2. I tend to always see the good in a situation 3. I am compassionate

3. Name your 3 worst personality traits! 1. I can be a pushover/doormat...working on that one 2. I don't always believe in myself or my abilities. 3. I am a procrastinator.

4. Do you collect anything? I am an avid craft supply collector, I also really like magazines and have a hard time parting with them ;)

5. What is your favorite season of the year? Fall is my favorite season....I love the colors, the smells, the pumpkins and corn husks, and the beginning of college football. I enjoy decorating my home during this time of year. I only want it to be winter on Christmas and then I am ready for Spring...which is my 2nd favorite season! I like summer but I hate being hot and sweaty!!!

My Gotta Have It.....Really, Really, Really Want It LIst :)

2010-07-11T22:41:00.000-05:00

Ok...I know it is still a few more months until my birthday or Christmas, but I thought I would make it easy on Mr. Luckee and anyone else who may have drawn my name on the 4th of July for Christmas this year and give a visual listing of all of my little wants and desires...hehehe...

I love these sweet little ruffled all white towels from target! I want...no I NEED new towels considering we've been married for 11 years and have yet to buy more than 4 or 5 towels since our plethora of wedding showers...I did go through a red phase and wanted all red towels, so my little sister helped feed that addiction for a few Christmases.... but now I really want solid white towels...they don't all have to have ruffles either...just want them to be white:)

How cute is this "towel tower" from {once again} target. I want one of these beauties for my newly {almost} organized craft room.... it would look so pretty with my green walls and white trim work!!!
I also really, really, really want one of these babies!!!! The spray paint gun...imagine not having to be limited to the colors that are already in a spray paint can, but being able to have your heart's desire of colors in spray form....awe...love!!!!
Of course the above will most definitely require one of these lil beauties as well..... I have always wanted one of these too...so many fun attachments can be added...like a nail gun....yep! I'd be able to do all kinds of diy with one of these bad boys!!!!
My wants seem to be growing up....hehehe.... towels and tools. What a combination!!!

Seriously Helpful Tutorial...

2010-07-11T00:59:00.000-05:00

You have to check out this link if you have ever wondered how to have adorably cute fonts in your blog posts...without paying someone to do it for you...Kevin and Amanda already graciously give away free fonts that are some serious cuteness, but this was icing on the cake for me...just look how cute that title of this post is!!!!!!

Placemat Flag

2010-07-07T12:03:00.000-05:00

I am in love with the clearance aisle of many stores, but I especially luvvvvv the 80% off aisle at Hobby Lobby!!! On a recent trip with my mom I spotted these cute little pink placemats...hmmmm $1.36....my wheels went to spinning and then I decided that I could make a new flag for my front flowerbed, so the little pink jewels went home with me!

I used my hot glue gun to glue the top edges together and then leaving enough of a "casing" for the flag pole to fit through, I hot glued the flags together (right underneath the beading in this case). Then I hot glued the sides and the bottom edges together. Next, I traced the big circles on and painted them using white acrylic craft paint. I then used my cricut to cut out my house numbers and traced them on with a pencil. Finally I outlined and painted the numbers in using my paint pen. Added the black outline to the white polka dots. I really like how it turned out! It sure beats the fuhaded flag that was out there and adds a certain pop of color to the front yard!

I will now be scouring all clearance aisles for more colors and adding new flags to my yard...so much more affordable than the 10-20 bucks I see most of them go for!

linking up here:

Great Giveaway At 9 o'clock Dance of Joy!!!

2010-07-05T22:14:00.000-05:00

This one is fantabulous!!!!! I love free stuff, but this one hits the "target" hehehe..ok so that was cheesy, but I love target and free stuff, so this one makes me a little giddy!

Check out this sweet blog and see if you can get your name in the pot for this $25 gift certificate...

Ivy League Chair

2010-07-02T10:49:00.000-05:00

So here she is in all her (shabby) glory...I love the lines on this dainty lil chair:) I found her about 2 years ago and she has looked like this since the day I brought her home...I just wasn't sure what needed to happen to make her look like I envisioned her...skip forward a year and I stumble across so many blogs chalked full of ideas for redoing shabby finds like this one. It took me a while to 1. get my nerve up to try to do. 2. Find enough time to do it. and 3. determine exactly what I wanted her to look like.

Well I finally decided she would make the perfect little seat for my computer area in my new croffice {craft room + office} so I sanded her a bit with a sanding block.... used some spray on Krylon primer and spray painted her Krylon's Glossy Ivy Green. When I was finished, I still knew I wanted a little more of an antique feel, so I took some of my black acrylic craft paint and added water to it and viola a very cheap "glaze"! I applied the glaze liberally and wipe off about a minute later working in sections until I liked the way it looked! Then I used triple thick clear spray glaze to seal her...isn't she loverly????

I love these legs!!!

Linking to these great parties:

Paintin' Fool!

2010-07-01T02:26:00.000-05:00

For the past 5 days I have been a paintin' fool!!! That's right...I have spent the past 5 days painting walls, ceilings, and trim...oh my!!!

Our house is a 4 bedroom home. I say 4 bedroom loosely, but there is a closet in each room so that means it is a bedroom right?!?! Anyhow, when we moved in almost 3 years ago, we let the kids decide which rooms they wanted. Chloe automatically chose the smallest room, right next to the Master bedroom and Seth took the largest of the 3 rooms...go figure! So that left the front room open. I believe it was (poorly) designed to be an office, but maybe on the houseplans it was suppose to be a dining room...anyhow....long story short. ... . The front room became my craft room....we rocked along and then I got the wild hair to switch Chloe and my craft room out! This is why I have been painting like a mad woman for the last almost week!!!! But I am finished painting! Woot! Woot! Such an accomplished feeling:) I will post pictures soon.

Hooooo Am I...

2010-06-29T09:35:00.000-05:00

1. Do you have any siblings?

Yes.. I have two younger sisters...7 & 9 years younger :)

2. Do you have any children?

I have two children... Chloe is 10, and Seth is 8.... They are two of the best kiddos anyone could ever ask for;)

3. Are you a morning or night person?

I am definitely a night person by nature, but during the school year (I am a 4th grade teacher) I have to practice my morning person persona. lol!

4.Are you organized or spontaneous?

I am definitely a spur of the moment kind of gal...I do love some organization though, but it is hard to maintain!

5. What is your typical 4th of July like? Laid back at home? Community celebrations? etc...?

Generally the fourth is spent at my uncle's home...it is laid back. We cook out, eat watermelon and homemade icecream, and shoot the fireworks off after dark... this year we are celebrating at my grandma's home...and my immediate family will draw names for this Christmas....Christmas in July yea! I can get a jump start on my gifting;)

OMG...Such a fun giveaway!

2010-06-23T23:25:00.000-05:00

Ok...so if you already have a Silhouette machine you are in an ELITE group....E-L-I-T-E group I tell ya!!!!! I want one so badly I can taste it!!!! I cannot imagine the hours I could spend playing with one....sigh***

Well if you haven't heard THRIFTYDECORCHICK is giving one away....AHHHHHHH! Visit here for all the deets....

Fingers are crossed that I will win this....if not me than maybe you will!!!!!!!

Firecrackers in the U.S.A

2010-06-21T23:14:00.000-05:00

I love the 4th of July...I love fireworks...I love decorating with simple things turned into more...and I love using my scrapping stash.

I used packages of lifesavers, scrapbook paper, scraps of ribbons, some O-L-D scrapping embellishments and thick white acrylic paint on a chipboard star, and the end of the lifesavers box ( I bought the jumbo box of them at Sam's) and created a cute lil box of lifesavers to set on my entryway buffet...

Linking up to these parties:

Coffee Love

2010-06-14T16:13:00.001-05:00

So we drink a lot of coffee around this house. In fact we have started buying our coffee in bulk at our local Sam's. Now my hubby is finally {after 11 years of wedded bliss} learning to ask me if I can do something with what he would otherwise consider garbage...BEFORE tossing it out! In comes the following storage idea

I had an empty small coffee container that had been sitting around just waiting for me to do something with it. When we finished one of the larger containers Mr. Wonderful asked if I could work some magic on the {oversized} empty container. Absolutely!!!!

This is what I started with:

Plus 1 small container {not pictured}

After spray painting the containers with some left over black paint and allowing them to dry I decided to gussy them up!

I hot glued some grossgrain ribbon around the top edge, added a cutesy lil bow, and cut out a circle of patterned paper to mod podge on the lids. Then I created cute little labels and mod podged them onto a scrap of patterned paper...add a couple of dots of hot glue and viola...nice size storage containers for my {still designing it in my head} craft room...

This is the final product:

linking up to:

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Holy "Want To Do"List Batman!!!

2010-06-14T13:53:00.000-05:00

There are so many ideas floating around the blogaspehere and in my head...

I am sooo visual, and I need a list that I can go back to (time and time again...)

So here are a few things that I want to try...either exactly like I see them or add my own spin to them...

1. Cabinet redo @ Creating Balance

2. Burlap Valances @ Tatertots and Jello

3. Replicate some {BLUE} Mason Jars @ Bridal Buzz

4. Terra Cotta Coasters @ Sweet Charli

Playing with My D60

2010-06-07T16:14:00.000-05:00

I have always wanted to take photographs that make people stop and say, "Oh wow! Look at that!" Now I am nowhere close to that just yet, but I am working on it...and I have to say that it is one of the most gratifying things to "work" on...here are a few shots from this weekend with my son {Seth} and my adorable niece {Brylon}. Chloe was still gone to church camp, so she missed out...but I will be capturing her soon...

Also learning how to use my CS4...endless possibilities...

Whoooo ....birth announcement

2010-05-28T16:08:00.000-05:00

My baby sister's best friend {since before kindergarten} and her husband just welcomed their first baby into the world on Wednesday. A sweet little boy...I decided I wanted to make something for them as a keepsake...his nursery is decorated in owls, so this should fit in perfectly.

To make this sweet lil project I used:

a 7" x 7" board {cut by my local Lowe's}

regular ol'wire

scrapbook paper

mod podge

emery board

bulldog clip

E6000

cricut machine

jute rope

ink pad/acrylic paint

After getting my board cut, I traced the paper to fit the front of it, mod podged the sweet lil owl paper on and let it dry. Then I drilled two holes at the top and added my wire. I like the look of rough edges so I used an emery board and filed all around the paper. Then I painted the edges of the board. Next I used my cricut to cut out his lil name and adhered it with more modpodge; then I printed out his stats and modpodged them on. Using E6000 I attached the bulldog clip and add a little jute bow. Finally I took my black ink pad to add just a little more distressing...I love how it turned out and can't wait to see lil Grant's picture in it... {the pic is of my son...}

linking up to these blog parties:

nightowl crafting

tater tots & jello

fun to craft

making the world cuter

Time For Some Rules...

2010-05-25T22:16:00.000-05:00

Ok...so I know that you have probably all seen these sweet "family rules" canvas projects. They are all over blogland, but I have not had the time until just this past weekend to work on one for myself. So... I decided that I didn't really want mine on canvas, but that I would try mine on some boards that I had (read my hubby) already cut. I was first inspired by this post, and then by this post, so then I started playing around .... and here is my finished "family rules" board...I am really pleased with how it turned out :)

1. One board...mine is (roughly) a 12 x24

2. Fun patterned paper. (I cut mine in different sized strips)

3. mod podge :)

4. I used a paint pen and eyeball some fun fonts to write my rules...

5. I then added a fun lil fabric rosette

6. Drilled two holes at the top and added some regular ol' wire...tada!!!

Linking to these parties....

the girl creative

these creative juices

Pony Tails and Fish Scales

Under the Table and Dreaming

Fingerprints on the Fridge

Tater Tots & Jello

Fun to Craft

Sassy Lil Treat Jar

2010-05-15T21:55:00.000-05:00

I decided to make this sassy lil treat jar just because I like things that can be used in my classroom, but don't necessarily look like they came from a "teacher store" :)

Things You Will Need to Make Your Own Teacher Treat Jar:

1. A clear plastic jar (mine is from Wal-Mart ($1.68 I think) and is Rubbermaid)

2. Pattern Paper

3. Mod Podge

4. Hot Glue Gun

5. Ribbon

6. BLING (not an option for me ;)

7. Chipboard or mdf crown or (other shape of your choice)

8. And for the cute lid topper check out eighteen25's free download...(There are other sayings...one for mom's stash and a bubblegum bribe)

I measured the sticky label in the center of the container, but I DID NOT attempt to pull it off...I simply covered it with mod podge and patterned paper. Then I added the strip of zebra paper (more mod podge). Next, came the ribbon that I hot glued around the edge of the paper covering the label. Finally I covered a crown mdf shape I had in my stash with paper and printed my saying, adhered it w/ yep! Mod Podge and then hot glued the crown to the jar...then I blinged that baby out! Added the gingham bow, and then mod podged (Yes! I just turned that into a verb) the topper on to a black scalloped circle I cut out with my cricut.

Now to fill it up with some yummy chocolate!

Linking up to these fun blog parties...

New Style Paver=Easier Painting!!!

2010-05-15T19:30:00.000-05:00

I found this paver stone without grooves...thought painting it might be a little easier. It was!!! These are so much fun! I am GOING to make myself one soon... This is the same paver; both sides are painted to make it a reversible decor item :)

This is for a friend's daughter to give to her 3rd grade teacher who is retiring this year...She plans on doing lots o' garden and flower planting during her retirement...this should be a sweet touch of whimsy to add to her flower bed...

Woot Woot!

2010-05-15T00:56:00.000-05:00

Red Letter Week!!!!

I was featured for the first and second and third time this week with my painted garden pavers!!! Man, that makes me want to stay up 24/7 and craft it up!!! I love seeing all the great ideas out there, and it never fails that my silly crafting "adhd" kicks in when I visit one of the bajillion blogs I follow...is it possible to be addicted to blog digging???

One more week of school....then I can focus (yeah right) on M-A-J-O-R projects that I want to get completed...

List

1. Swap out my craft room with Chloe's bedroom...she will finally get a BIGGER closet and more room for all the things she likes to create... PAINTING IS IN MY FUTURE>>>she really wants a purple bedroom...which makes me remember my own childhood bedroom.

2. Paint my bedroom...and secretly re-paint my bathroom (eeks...just painted it over Christmas break, but changed my mind on the color scheme I want to go with...)

3. Try my hand at this adorable bed skirt idea from Shanty2Chic...

4. I am going to make one of these adorable planters for my from door area from Positively Splendid...so stinkin' cute

5. Add much more after a shower, some sleep, and COFFEE!!!

xoxo,

LaKeta

Wind Proof Garden Decor...

2010-05-08T22:08:00.000-05:00

These lil' cuties are going to my momma and my hubby's mom for Mother's Day!

I wanted to make a cute whimsical garden decoration and found these adorable shaped pavers at my local Wally*World. They were originally a reddish color, but I wanted a more neutral palette so decided to spray paint them with a satin finish "pebble" color.

After spraying the red away, I used patio paint pens and my acrylic paints and created the cute little sayings for each momma....Then decided to go a little further and personalize each one. So now they can turn them around for a different look whenever they want! I think they will look precious in their flower beds or on their front porches...Next up will be one for myself with my house number...and maybe a favorite scripture...

Linking up to:

http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/

Updated my other Blog...

2010-04-18T18:14:00.000-05:00

I have been playing around on picnik.com today and customizing my lillepiejunction blog. I am really proud of how it has turned out so far...

Check picnik.com out if you get a chance...there is a lot of free things you can do to your pics!!!

The "B" word...

2010-03-27T23:28:00.000-05:00

that's right....budget.... Honestly Cale and I have never really lived on one. If we wanted something we just bought it (even if we really couldn't afford it ...yikes!) So after Cale was laid off from his oilfield job, we have learned a lot! 1. God is in control...He will provide.
2. We need to be better stewards of our blessings...especially in our finances. 3. We want to be debt free...no more chains to credit cards. This is where the "B" word comes in. We read Dave Ramsey's book "Total Money Makeover" and we are now headed in the right direction! We will be working on paying off our debts for a while, but we are both on the same page and ready to do it.

P.S. One way I found to save some money on grocery shopping is www.e-mealz.com

If you get a chance check it out! For $5 a month you can choose a meal plan( and even a store) and get 7 days worth of meals outlined with a shopping list. That can make one chore so much easier....if you decide to sign up to please let them know that I sent you:)

Ready to Get My Scrap On

2010-02-28T19:23:00.000-06:00

Our house is actually a four bedroom home...and being the wonderful guy that he is, my hubby agreed to the fourth room being a craft/scrap/sewing room! So last summer I painted it a very chic neopolatian stripe...I like it, BUT I do not "LUV" it. The craft room is actually one of the bigger of the three spare rooms...Seth picked out the biggest room as his sister had her eye on the smallest...go figure! So over Spring Break, I will be taking the built in counter top out and repainting the room (if I feel really motivated) and then when school is out for the summer Chloe and I will be changing rooms....she will get a much larger bedroom and a much much bigger closet out of the deal. I will get a chance to create my perfect room AGAIN....yippee! Live for change:)

2010-01-31T19:00:00.000-06:00

This is what I see when I look out my living room window..This is the sight from my front door...Here though is the best view of all....

We have just spent the past 74 hours straight without electricity...our entire town for the most part have all been without power...we regained power about 2 hours ago, but now are without water....I however am thankful for the lights, internet, and central heat:) The outside is gorgeous...as long as I can just look at it...the kids really enjoyed playing in the snow! This is our second major storm in a month in Oklahoma...

An Exciting Weekend!

2010-01-17T20:44:00.000-06:00

Thursday afternoon my friend Jennifer and I loaded up our boys (Seth on the right(mine) and Kaden on the left (Jenn's) and headed to Tennessee. We were on a mission...a very SECRET mission. The boys and I were traveling to Memphis to surprise their best friend, Xander, at St. Jude's. The three boys are amazing buddies! They are classmates, teammates, and go to church together. They are extremely close...just like their moms ;) Xander is doing some new treatments for his Neuroblastoma and this was his last trip! Boy! Was he surprised??? AND you know what a BIG deal it was for these boys to keep a secret for that long...especially giving whom their momma's are haha!

Totally in Love with Burlap

2010-01-09T14:41:00.000-06:00

After seeing this great tut on another fabulous burlap project I couldn't wait to make my own....

And here is a shot of it on my front door...

Please Pardon My

2010-01-09T00:20:00.000-06:00

so dreadfully UNFINISHED blog!!!! I cannot get a new header/banner whateva...to save to my computer tonight/this morning whateva... so it will have to wait. I will try again tomorrow...after my brain has had a nice winter's nap.....

New Obsession....

2010-01-08T23:42:00.001-06:00

I had such a good time snapping some pics of my friend Audra's kiddos...some of you know that i recently took a basic photography class and I got to put my new found knowledge to use with some other kids than my own....(I'm sure Chloe and Seth are happy about this;) Here are a couple of my favorites!!!

Cheap Decorative Ball

2010-01-08T23:14:00.001-06:00

Start with your cheap-o styrofoam ball, hot glue gun, and jute rope...

Begin gluing the jute on in a spiral shape, placing the twine right next to the row before.

Keep going, and going! Yes this takes a little while.

But look how adorable the finished decorative ball is:)

Fall Break

2009-10-16T21:07:00.000-05:00

The first nine weeks of school is already over! I cannot believe how fast the school year is flying by. I decided that I did not want to go anywhere over the break...I really needed to stay home and get caught up on orders! I am excited about how God is blessing me through this venture. I truly enjoy what I am doing...wish I had a little more time to devote to it and really see where it might could go, but maybe in time I will be able to that. Praying for a way to make that happen!

Wow~

2009-09-13T21:20:00.000-05:00

Ok...so time gets away so quickly. School is in full swing and we are busy around here:) Fall baseball starts tomorrow...or it is suppose to. Guess it will depend on all of this rain whether or not we will actually play or not.

I am loving teaching 4th grade...my kids are so sweet and eager to learn. I am really glad that I was allowed an opportunity to switch to this grade level.

Continue to pray that Cale finds a job soon. I know that the Lord will provide for us. We are faithful in praying that the right job comes soon.

here it is!

2009-08-02T13:07:00.000-05:00

LillePie Junction now has a blog!!! This is the beginning of something I have wanted to do for a long time:)

http://lillepiejunction.blogspot.com

Exciting decision!!!

2009-07-28T19:26:00.000-05:00

Ok...about 30 minutes ago I sent out a text to most of the numbers in my phone address book. The text announced my intention of branching out and starting a side business. Most of you that know me know that I love to craft! So I thought I would finally go for it!!! So a new blog will be coming soon...be sure to check back for the link. And keep me in mind if you are in need of a gift...for any occasion! I would love to craft for you!

Going In Circles....

2009-07-24T23:43:00.000-05:00

I've been working in my "new" classroom this past week, and painting lots of furniture!!! I moved my super fun desk in two days ago and my estate sale filing cabinet was moved in today!!! I bought this super old and HEAVY filing cabinet back in the spring...it was in great shape, but a really UGLY color....I did the zebra stripes and multi-colored drawer fix up job on it and I LOVE it!!!! Bookshelves have taken up my nights and Cale's garage lately...he is so anxious to get his "space" back...all in time love, all in time:)

Delay Craft Show Start

2009-07-18T15:43:00.000-05:00

So I am a little sad but I am having to delay my start into the world of craft shows:( Things just got sooo crazy! My youngest sister is getting married in a little less than 4 weeks, and I am doing her bridal shower. I have a new classroom to get together and organized before August 10th and still haven't been able to get into it yet!!! So those things coupled with a few other things led me to the decision to wait. I do think I will try to have a little show at my house or maybe my church this coming fall. I really want to get a feel for what things will go over well, and I think this may be the right avenue for doing so.

Getting Ready 4 Back 2 School!!!

2009-07-18T12:53:00.000-05:00

Earlier I posted about my great Craigslist find... a really cool metal desk. I bought it for 25 bucks. Well I have transformed it to make it mine! Wish I had taken a before picture...sorry. This was done with spray paint. I made the zebra stripes with masking tape strips. The polka dots were made using a rather primitive cardboard stencil...haha! I think it is going to look really cool in my classroom this year. I also made a neat little canvas to hang in my room:) Using leftover thickers and acrylic craft paints.

Check This Out!!!

2009-07-18T12:43:00.000-05:00

Blog Candy...majorly!!! Check out the link below for a chance to win a nifty necklace from sweet high school friend of mine.

http://windchasers.blogspot.com/

Polka Dot Craze!!!

2009-06-26T21:01:00.000-05:00

So I've decided to polka dot and zebra stripe my retro metal desk...lots of fun colors going on...if I can figure out how to post pics??? I will when I have it finished:} So far though, it is turning out very cute!!!

Score!!!

2009-06-19T23:23:00.000-05:00

I scored an amazing retro steel case desk today...only $25 dollars!!!! I am super stoked about it because I have been wanting one to re-do for my classroom. I am going to redo my awesome steel case filing cabinet I bought a couple months ago at an auction for 15...new classroom furniture for 40 dollars...what a deal!!!

Craft Show Bound:)

2009-06-16T19:44:00.000-05:00

Ok...I am officially going to do it...try my hand at having a booth in a craft show! I am really excited about it, but a little nervous too! I have convinced my mom and sister that they need to get "crafty" with me and join me... the show will be July 25th at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds... Wish us luck!

WoW!!!

2009-06-11T23:23:00.000-05:00

So summer is already flying by! Boo!!! I love, love, love this time of year. I really thought that when school was out that we might slow down just a bit...haha! Ball has REALLY kept us running! Chloe has decided that softball is not her thing....although her daddy completely disagrees:) Seth is eating, breathing, sleeping baseball...he simply cannot get enough! Chloe wants to give dance another try and will DEFINITELY play some more basketball!

I am really wanting to try my hand at a craft show....so I am diving in and hoping that I do well. I just can't decide on exactly what things I want to make...I am interested in soooo many different crafts!;)

Almost Summer

2009-05-13T14:41:00.000-05:00

Ohhhh! I can feel it...summer is almost here:) I cannot wait to stay up late (ok I already do that) and NOT have to get up to my alarm clock!!! Come on calendar...7 more school days to go!

In Other News:
Chloe and Seth both had awards assemblies today at school. I am so proud of both of my little scholars:) they had a great school year!

Softball and Baseball are both in full swing! We played some amazing ball last night! Seth made a terrific play at home plate...his coach says, "You aren't playing catcher...You ARE a catcher" (I see a scrapbook page in the near future). Chloe hit hard, chattered it up, and fielded the ball very well last night!

Finally!!!

2009-05-02T21:25:00.000-05:00

Yea!!! I just ordered the trestle desk from target.com! I have wanted it for a LONG time and saw that it was on sale and had FREE shipping!! Maybe I will finally be able to get my scrap/craft room in order?!?! I will still need to get a book shelf or two. Slowly but surely it is coming together!!! WOOT WOOT!!!

The Good Stuff

2009-05-01T23:14:00.000-05:00

Time is flying by!!! Cale and I celebrated our 10th anniversary on April 17th and I just so happened to be lucky enough to be the featured artist on the G45 blog the same day!!!! Woot! Woot!

Chloe and Seth are playing ball and both seasons are in "full swing"! I am sooo ready for school to be out for the summer, so we can just have fun;)

I will definitely be doing some major scrapping this summer and can't wait to get my "room" all in order...I will have my work cut out for me!!!!

Back to the Grind...

2009-03-23T21:59:00.000-05:00

Well all good things must come to an end, as the saying goes. Today was back to school for the kids and me... we have 3 weeks of manic chaos before state testing begins...boo! The good news is we are on the down hill slide...woo hoo... to summer! I cAnNoT wait!!!!

Clock Hands Please Stop Turning So Fast!!!

2009-03-17T14:11:00.000-05:00

Oh Spring Break seems to be on fast forward! The days are gorgeous, but I wish the hours in one day could double for this week only! Baseball practice started for Seth last night...we practice again tonight, and probably one more time before we start the tourney season on Friday.

I managed to get a lot of my garage sale stuff priced and set up...can't wait to sell, sell, sell... so I can buy, buy, buy!!!!

Off to try to do some scrapping:)

GCD Studios

2009-03-15T00:58:00.000-05:00

Check out the link in my blog list... giveaway chance this weekend for some of their amazing products :)

So Much To Learn!!!

2009-03-14T23:00:00.000-05:00

So...it was August when I originally set up this blog account, but I didn't know why or what for? I have a very deep desire to go after my dreams of designing for a scrapping company or website. And wouldn't you know it...most of those pub calls ask you to have a blog to link your applications to...so here goes...I am jumping in with both feet to the "blogging" world:)

Spring Break!!!

2009-03-13T23:25:00.000-05:00

Woo Hoo!!! We made it to Spring Break!!!

I am so glad that we are finally off for a solid week! I plan to do A LOT of scrapping over the break... I recently joined scrapbook.com and I seriously may have a problem! I cannot pull myself away from the gallery pictures...I am however scrapping again!!! It feels great to be creative, even though it has cost me many, many hours of sleep;P Whatever! I am 1 lucky girl and seeing my life in pictures definitely reminds me of that!!!