Pin-Spired

I have been addicted to this website - pinterest.com, which people post pictures, crafts, recipes, and everything else in between!  You can re-pin pictures onto your pin-board.  I saw this idea which involved gluing crayons to a canvas, and then use a hair dryer and melt them down onto the canvas.  I immediately fell in love with it, because you could call me a Crayola girl.  Every year for Christmas since I was 3, I've collected the Crayola Christmas ornament.  (Ironically, they started creating ornaments in 1987, which was when I began my collection.)  I also love their crayons, and being a teacher, I go wild when they are on sale at Wal-Mart for 10 cents at the beginning of the school year and stock pile on crayons!  (You never know when they will quit making them, right!?)

So I purchased a 12x12 canvas at Big Lots for $5, grabbed my hot glue gun and began creating this art.  I decided that I would take it to school for my students to see, so before I melted the crayons, I added my name.  I am very excited to see my students' reaction!  I know they will love it and want to do it too!  Here are pictures of my art creating process:

Supplies needed:  Canvas, crayons, hot glue gun, and marker (optional)

I measured out for the spacing of the crayons and decided of the color order I wanted them in.  Then, I carefully hot glued them to the canvas.  Surprisingly, I didn't burn myself with the hot glue!  I usually do....

The final project!  It has a yellowish tint due to the flash and angle of the picture.  But the canvas is white, the same as the first 2 pictures.

Happy New Year!!!

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day."                -Author Unknown



As 2012 approaches, the resolutions begin.  I've never really been a fan of resolutions, because they never last for me past February.  Prior to 2012, I started to think of some "goals" for the upcoming year.  I am calling them goals, because those are more reachable and realistic for me.  I have narrowed it down to 3 vague goals (with an extra added just for this blog).  I have made them vague because I feel that it is more stressful when they are too specific.  My goals will also be an "I will" statement- this makes it more of a promise to myself. 

My Goals for 2012...........

1.) I will maintain a healthy lifestyle.
With this goal, I will exercise on a weekly basis, eat healthy, and live as stress-free as possible.

2.) Once a month, I will donate to an organization of my choice.
This goal is the most specific I will get, but it allows for flexibility.  As stated, once I month I will donate something (be it money or materials) to an organization of my choice.  For the month of January, I will donate $30 to the Cameroon Football Development Program.  This was started by an old friend of mine to help people in West Africa.  His vision first began to use his assistance to allow fresh water for villages in West Africa.  Now, it has branched  off to teach students in Africa, and include sports programs and technology.  For more information, or to find out how you can donate, check out their website:  http://www.cameroonfdp.org/

3.)  I will pay off my credit cards.
I'm not going to say specific amounts of how much I owe, but I will pay off my Capital One and Discover card.  Let's just say, I charged Christmas gifts, and will often by myself things while out shopping for gifts for others.

And this last goal is just for this blog:

~I will post on my blog at least twice a month.
I have only seemed to post while I am on breaks from school, and I would like to be more regular with my posts.  I have thought of some things to write about and have really enjoyed my blog so far. 



So these are my goals for 2012 that I know I will follow (I must stay positive, right?).  I plan on updated my goals throughout the year in a post to prove that I am following them.  I hope all of you make goals, and stick to them!  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Top 10 Christmas Gifts

Wow!  What a great Christmas it was!  I have such wonderful family and friends who have bought me some amazing things!  As I came home today and starting unpacking everything, I began to think of some of my top favorite gifts.  I narrowed it down to 2 list- Top 10 Christmas Gifts and Top 5 After-Christmas Gifts.

Top 10 Christmas Gifts


1.)  Uggs-  I received my first pair of Uggs this Christmas!  Given by my mom and dad, I was given a pair of Classic Tall Grey boots and I absolutely LOVE them!

2.)  Swango Sign-  My bestie Kori made me a wonderful gift this Christmas!  She took pictures of items at someone's house and created art, by making the everyday pictures into the letters of my last name!

3.)  Fossil Watch-  About a week before Christmas, my Aunt Missy needed some more ideas for me for a gift.  As I began searching my usual sites (Amazon, Target, Macy's), I came across a Fossil Watch, which I immediately fell in love with.  My sister has had a Fossil Watch for years and loves it.  Unfortunately, my Premier Designs (in which I sell) watch has about bit the dust.  The plating is coming off and it is scratched being repair.  Looking for the same features of my Premier Watch (which I have loved), I found one that I love just as much --->  http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/fossil-watch-womens-stainless-steel-bracelet-am4141?ID=326082&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

4.)  Coat-  My Mother-in-Law Diane gave me a coat for Christmas.  This is becoming somewhat of a tradition, being that she gave me a coat last year too.  I love the coat (and clothes) that she has gotten me this year!  Diane has really good taste for picking out clothes for me.  She loves to shop around and find deals, which means more clothes for me for less money!  Here is the site of the coat (which is also from Macy's): http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/bcx-coat-long-sleeve-plaid-printed-a-line-coat?ID=605057&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results

5.)  Isabel Bloom garden statue-  Another family tradition that we have is going to Bedford, PA for our yearly birthday celebrations (It just so happens that my dad, mom, sister and I are all Libras and all have birthdays between September 25th and October 17th).  At the cabin we rent in Bedford is this statue of a garden buddha that we all love!  Well, this year for Christmas, my sister surprised me with the statue!  I cannot wait until the summer to display it outside!

6.)  Necklace-  One of my students, Rachel, gave me a necklace for Christmas that her mother made.  I love jewelry and love that it is handmade!  Here mother has other jewelry available for sale if you are interested: http://www.etsy.com/shop/jemsjewels

7.)  WVU Sweats and Henley- Another perfect gift from my Mother-in-Law were my Victoria's Secrets Pink West Virginia University sweatpants and henley.  I love the Pink collection, the material is very soft!  Diane also got me a sweatshirt and shirt for my birthday, which I love, and my mom bought my another shirt after Christmas!  Here is the WVU Pink site: (ie: The stores have much more of a variety): http://www.victoriassecret.com/pink/west-virginia-university

8.)  Fair Trade Sun- My Aunt Missy also gave me a Fair Trade Sun wall art.  Fair Trade is based on the principle that people should earn a fair profit for the items they produce.  They have a variety of products, such as art, coffee, and chocolate.   My aunt got my this sun which can be purchased by you and others around the world! http://www.serrv.org/product/petite-sun/wall-art-hangings

9.)  Wheeling Sign-  Shortly after Thanksgiving, my mom and I went to a local store called Hugh's Gift Gallery.  We saw these signs and feel in love!  She purchased one for me and my sister.  I plan to hang it above my wedding picture, which was taken by the Wheeling Suspension Bridge.

10.)  OXO Canisters-  I love searching on Amazon.  I later learned that you can create a wish list on Amazon for other people to purchase things for you.  I created a wish list and my Grandma had bought me a set of OXO Canisters, which I am super excited to start using!  http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Good-Grips-5-Piece-Container/dp/B002903KEW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1325042725&sr=8-3


Top 5 After-Christmas Gifts


My mom, sister, and I have gone day-after-Christmas shopping for some years now.  Nothing beats those after-Christmas sales and clearance!  On our 2-day shopping spree, I came across some great gifts for myself, and was lucky enough for my mom to buy me some after-Christmas gifts!

1.)  Sign-  At our trip to TJ Maxx, I came across this sign and fell head-over-heels for it!  I knew I needed it for my classroom!  As a teacher, it is very hard at times to keep your composure.  I figured this would be a visual reminder to stay calm and keep teaching!  --Purchased at TJ Maxx for $9.99

2.)  Clothes-  Where do I begin with this.....Can I just say 75% original price!!!!  Thanks mom!  Many clothes were purchased at Macy's and TJ Maxx!

3.)  Wallet-  Another TJ Maxx purchase was a Kenneth Cole baby blue leather wallet.  I have been wanting a new wallet, since mine is slowing falling apart.  When I felt this wallet, I knew I had to have it!  Plus, it has a lot of credit card slots, which is much needed for my wallet!  --Wallet purchased at TJ Maxx for $16.99

4.)  Driftwood Nativity Scene-  When my mom and I first went to Hugh's Gift Gallery and she purchased the Wheeling signs, we had seen a Nativity Scene made out of driftwood.  I really, really, really wanted it, but refused for myself or anyone else to spend $42 on pieces of driftwood.  Well, the day after Christmas we went back and they were having a 50% off Christmas Sale.  I really lucked out because they had one left!!  (No picture-it was so nicely packed that I thought I would just keep it packed until next Christmas.) --Purchased at Hugh's Gift Gallery: Original Price $42- Sale Price -$21!

5.)  WVU Shirt- As I mentioned earlier, my mom bought me another Victoria's Secret WVU Pink shirt.  I love it!  It has WVU on the front and on the back says "We are the Mountaineers and we are here to play!"  I can't wait to wear it for the Orange bowl WVU will be in on January 4th!  --Purchased at Victoria's Secret for $26.50



Again, I was very lucky this Christmas, but making a top 10 and top 5 after-Christmas list was very hard to narrow down.  I love EVERYTHING and would like to thank EVERYONE for their thoughtful gifts!!  Merry Merry!    (:

Merry Christmas!

I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

A Home Town Favorite

My best friend of 21 years, Kori, lived in Columbus, Ohio.  We would always talk on the phone, and make occasional visits to see each other.  When we were visiting or talking, we would always make plans to eventually do something (ex: get massages, shopping, trips to NY).  With her living 3 1/2 hours away from me, when we would visit each other, the time went by fast- drinking and playing Mall Madness!  (:

By the grace of God, Kori had a lifestyle change and ended up moving back home, rekindling a relationship with an old boyfriend (whom was the ONLY man she dated I ever approved of!!), and shortly later they became engaged!  After Kori asked me to be her "Maid" of Honor (I refuse to consider myself a Matron of Honor- it sounds too old!), the wedding planning began!  We attended a bridal show, antique shops (the shower will be having an "Old Meets New" theme- more posts to come about that in the future...), and the biggest craft store in the world!  It is so great spending so much time with her- I have spent more time with her the last 2 months alone, then probably the 4 years she was in Columbus.

Anywho, the point of this post is to tell you about a trip we finally crossed off our "Bucket List".  Kori has now moved in with her fiance- Andrew.  With the move, calls for new things for their apartment- one of which was some new dishes.  Kori and I have always talked about going to the Homer Laughlin Factory Outlet, which makes Fiesta dishes.  The factory is in Newell, West Virginia, which is at the very tip of the northern panhandle of West Virginia. 

As we approached the old factory (That is something I love about it, after all the money the products have made, they still remain in the same old factory as they did when the company started!), we saw 4 piles of scraps and broken dishes.  Immediately, Kori and I say how cool that is with all the different colors and begin rattling off all the mosaic things we would do with them.  Then, as we walk into the factory, of course we had to take pictures of us and of the beautiful Broken Ware Garden (see photos below).  Inside of the factory is a store room to purchase any Fiesta Ware dishes.  However, past that is the second-hands room, where defected dishes are placed at a discount.  With our Wet Wipes and towels in hand, Kori and I began digging through treasures.  The second-hands are very neat to have, a little defect makes it more unique!

After hours of digging, Kori came out with some new dishes for her and Andrew's apartment, and I came out with some things for me, and gifts for my mom and sister.  It is a very neat place to go, even if you are not into Fiesta dishes.  Here is their website: http://www.hlchina.com/

                                           Kori and I with our infamous picture pose.

                               The Broken Ware Garden right outside of the entrance.

Christmas is for Baking

As the holidays quickly approach, so does my urge to start baking. One of my favorite things to bake is zucchini bread. Not only is it a delicious treat, but it also makes a wonderful gift. (ie: coworkers, postal worker, neighbors)

Thankfully to my parents plentiful garden over the summer, I have plenty of zucchini frozen to last me all winter making zucchini bread. I never consider myself a baker (my husband is the baker in our family), but this recipe is super easy! When I bake this zucchini bread, it is probably the only use I get out of my KitchenAide mixer.

Zucchini Bread Recipe
Courtesy of my Grandma Sue

Mix 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.

Combine 3 eggs, 2 cups sugar, 1 cup oil, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.

Slowly mix dry ingredients to wet ingredients.

Then, add 1 cup crushed pineapple (with most of the juice), 2 cups shredded zucchini, and 3/4 cup chopped walnuts and mix all together.

I always cook mine in greased mini loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Let cool and enjoy! (:

Popcorn Balls: A Family Tradition

If there is one thing you will quickly learn about me, it is that I have a lot of family traditions.  I have family in Philippi, WV and every year for Christmas, they make popcorn balls from my great-grandma's recipe.  Well this year, we decided to make them with my family in Wheeling.

This was a first time for me and I had no idea what to expect.  But after gathering some family members who have previously made the popcorn balls, the ingredients, recipe, and some much needed patience over the hot stove, they turned out to be a success! (Although your dentist would not agree!) 

It's the little things in life that make it worth living, and popcorn balls is just one of the little things in my life that make it so grand!  Not to mention, all the family time we got while making them!  Even though I had to leave before they were all made, the little time I spent there was a memory I will never forget!   :)

Some of my family who helped with the first batch of popcorn balls. 
From left to right: My cousins Becky, Sydney, Kelsey, Sheri, my grandma Sue, and cousin Alyssa in the front middle.

Recipe for popcorn balls handwritten by my great-grandmother. 
The recipe is very vague, but just proves that you have to have made them with someone who knows, to truly understand the recipe. (You can even see a little math my great-grandmother had done on this recipe card!)