Crafternoon

Last week, I had a Pinterest inspired crafternoon with some of my girlfriends. It was so fun! We all worked on different pumpkin/fall inspired crafts and chatted. Here's our set up
Pink lemonade in mason jars set inside of an oval galvanized tub


"Acorns" (Hershey's kisses stuck to mini Nilla wafers with a tiny bit of chocolate icing and a tad of chocolate icing on top)
Pumpkin Dip
1 16 oz. whip cream, 1 sm vanilla pudding mix, 1 15 oz pumpkin, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice mix together & serve with cinnamon graham crackers


I spray painted three pumpkins to match the color scheme of my house (spray paint that we had in the garage) and then used glitter spray paint over all of them. I cut holes in the bottom of the top two and then attached them together using hot glue. I am still trying to find the perfect spot for them

I also wanted to spruce up our fall door wreath. I had received an "S" a few years ago from a student had not yet found the right spot for it. I wanted it to stand out on our wooden door, so I spray painted it white. One of my friends at the crafternoon is a bow expert, so she made me the adorable burlap and green bow and I hot glued everything on. It was a much needed face lift.

Unfortunately, I did not have my camera out during the crafternoon...we were too busy, but know that my friends did some amazing crafts!

I also followed a pinterest idea and purchased a hurricane vase from walmart for less than $5 and a small candle holder for $2. I hot glued the two together to create this elevated hurricane vase. Afterwards, I added in an orange pumpkin scented candle. Around it, I added dry split green peas, dry red kidney beans and popcorn kernels to add a little fall to our mantel.

Now we just need to come up with a good craft for a Christmastime crafternoon. I guess we're back to pinning!

BU v. TAMU

I attended Baylor University. I am a Baylor Bear (Sic 'em). My husband attended Texas A&M University. He is an Aggie (Gig 'em). I now also attend Texas A&M University, which apparently makes me part Aggie as well. We have attended most of the BU v. TAMU games for the 8+ years of our relationship. These games may be trying times, but in general, we enjoy the rivalry. Unfortunately for this rivalry, A&M is moving to the SEC from the Big XII. From what I understand, this year's BU v. TAMU game was the end of a 108 year rivalry. Sad day! Upon hearing that this could be the end of the Battle of the Brazos, I desperately began looking for tickets to find that they were sold out from the schools and crazy expensive on other sites. We happened to have a sweet friend who had tickets that we got to use and even more luckily, they were in the Zone club (think club level of MLB). I was glad to get to go to the game (although I am hoping that Baylor's O-line will practice what protecting the quarterback looks like before next week's game...). We did not win, which was tough sitting in a sea of maroon, but it was fun to be at the game!

I guess its on to cheering on both the Baylor Bears and the Aggies sans any conflicting days...that may just make it easier!

Let it Shine

My decorative efforts as of late have been focused on our office. I have repurposed an old window, made a bookend and places for my grad school stuff. Once all that was done, we decided that the office needed a lamp. I love challenges, so my husband told me that I could spend $10 on the lamp. At first I was excited, but then school AND grad school started. The idea of going to garage sales was just not going to happen. So on my $10 challenge, I spent $17. Close though, right?
I found this lamp at Ikea

and then a lampshade at Target.
My mom had some leftover fabric that she graciously lent and I also used some sage green ribbon that I have used in DIY projects all over our house.
I took the lampshade and rolled it to trace is on the fabric (I left a little extra at top and bottom to fold around. After cutting it out, I used No-Sew Fabric glue to attach it to the lampshade. Once that had dried, I attached the ribbon using the fabric glue. Easy!

Momma's hands

Oh y'all this rain is keeping me from doing anything productive, so I thought I'd share a quick pic. Last weekend we celebrated my Mamaw's 80th birthday and my dad took a picture of my Mamaw's hands, my mom's and mine and it turned out so well!!

Both of these women have been an ever present support in my life. True examples of what it means to be a godly woman and wife. I have called on them numerous times (probably too many) for help with cooking, cleaning and in my sad attempts to sew and they have always been so patient with me (even when I have to call back...). I am so grateful for these precious hands!

90 miles a minute

Y'all, life has been crazy these past few weeks! Between teaching, traveling, studying and life in general, I have not had a spare second update. A glimpse into my life:
-Spent time with some great friends
-Met this adorable little guy! Baby Jaxson! It was so fun to see one of my best friends as an amazing mother!

-Saw a high school friend tie the knot in a beautiful ceremony

-Saw my family...no pictures though even of the niece and nephew..to much time spent loving on them to take pics! Have I mentioned lately how adorable they are!!?
-Celebrated my Mamaw's upcoming 80th birthday!! What an amazing woman she is!
-Read A LOT about education
-Ran a lot to keep my sanity
-Read some more about education
- A few quotes that have helped me realize that its okay not to do everything
"You can do anything, but not everything."
"Let whatever you do today be enough."

Here's hoping the next two weeks will be a little calmer, but still filled with joyful things! Happy first week of October!

Energy Bites

 These are a great, quick snack!

No-Bake Energy Bites
1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)
1/3 cup honey
1 cup coconut flakes
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
Mix everything above in a medium bowl until thoroughly incorporated. Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Once chilled, roll into balls and enjoy! Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

*If you use the cookie scooper to make these, they are 9-10g carbohydrates each.

Bacon Egg and Toast Cups

This is a super easy  breakfast recipe great for when you have guests!

Bacon Egg and Toast Cups

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 8 slices white or whole-wheat sandwich bread
• 6 slices bacon
• 6 large eggs
• Coarse salt and ground pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly butter 6 standard muffin cups. With a rolling pin, flatten bread slices slightly and, with a 4 1/4-inch cookie cutter, cut into 8 rounds. Cut each round in half, then press 2 halves into each muffin cup, overlapping slightly and making sure bread comes up to edge of cup. Use extra bread to patch any gaps. Brush bread with remaining butter.
2. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium, until almost crisp, 4 minutes, flipping once. (It will continue to cook in the oven.) Lay 1 bacon slice in each bread cup and crack an egg over each. Season with salt and pepper. Bake until egg whites are just set, 20 to 25 minutes. Run a small knife around cups to loosen toasts. Serve immediately.