Happy Valentine's Day (Tomorrow)!

image from Perks of Aurora via Etsy

[in five]: Favorite Teacher Valentines

I just posted ideas for Valentines, but then, I thought to myself, "Self, what about the teachers? After all, they are some of the most important people in the world." So, I went to my trusty Pinterest, and this is what I came up with. I chose the hearts for Stella's teachers, because I think the saying is the sweetest thing ever, but I really love all of the ideas.  Direct links are included under each picture.

image from A Night Owl Blog

image from Honey We're Home

image from Lil Mrs. Tori

image source unknown

image from Lauren McKinsey

[in five]: Favorite Valentines + Printables

I love that I can go on Pinterest and find Valentines for Stella. And, as an added bonus, a lot of them have free printable, too. (Bless you creative mommas who are willing to share your creations!) On the other hand, I've realized that since Pinterest has come along, I'm about the least creative person ever. Oh well, not creating my own Valentines, gave me the opportunity to stay up until 1:00 am every night stressing out about bathroom light fixtures. See? Much better use of time! Check out these adorable Valentines. I have linked them all back to the original posts--most offer the printables.

image from Sarah M. Style

image from My 3 Monsters

image from Just Another Day in Paradise

image from Funky Polka Dot Giraffe

image from Lily Jane

 And here are Stella's Valentines from the last few years:

Hello Again, Hello...

Well, I have successfully neglected this blog for quite some time, so it's time to jump back in.  And, only if my mom is the only one who still checks this thing, I'm still going to try and keep up. It seems like "keeping up" was my theme for 2014, and I'm not a keep up kind of girl.  I'm an in control, scheduled, routined kind of girl, so I have definitely spent some time out of my comfort zone. I could have never imagined how emotionally and mentally challenging the adoption process could be.  We definitely had some trials this time around, but I am hoping they are all behind us now. I'm hopeful that 2015 will be full of new moments, new experiences, and new beginnings. Happy New Year to you! And yes, the title of this post is most definitely referencing the Neil Diamond song. Because it is awesome.

image from June Letters Studio

image from Buzzfeed via NBC

image from eCards

image from Search Quotes

[in five]: Displaying Christmas Cards

It's that time of year again! Time for Christmas cards...and time for me to say, "Gee, I really should have sent out Christmas cards this year." Someday, my friends, someday... Anywho, here are some super chic ways to display your cards. Check out my picks from previous years here and here. How do you display your cards?

image from Shutterfly

image from By Stephanie Lynn

image source unknown

image from Beautiful by Design

image from Emily Henderson

[in five]: Thanksgiving Inspiration

I'm not going to say that I can't believe it's already Thanksgiving, but, well, it is...aaaand, I guess I lied, because I did say it. I love Thanksgiving. I love the reminder to acknowledge all of our blessings; I love the place settings, the ridiculous amount of complex carbohydrates, and the fact that I get out of hosting every. Single. Year. It's no secret that I don't like to cook, which is EXACTLY why I am GRATEFUL for my family and friends that graciously host us every year.  See what I did there? 

Check out some of my favorite Thanksgiving inspiration. I am dying over these to-go boxes.  You can check out the deets here (it's a free printable).

image from Savor Home Blog

image from Canvas Inc.

image from Marabou Designs via Coco+Kelly

image from Bloom Designs

image from Lexington Company

image source unknown

[in five]: Favorite Independence Day Treats

Can you even believe that the fourth is on Friday? Holy cow, how did that happen? I think we may make a quick trip down to Delta for the parade. Yes, we are going all that way JUST for the parade, because it is the best parade ever. Here's why: it's only 30 minutes long; I sit while Stella gathers enough salt water taffy to fill an entire grocery sack; and then I eat said taffy. Really, what's better than that?! I hope you all have a happy fourth, and check out these ADORABLE Independence Day treats. Links are all under the images.

recipe found at  The View from Great Island

recipe found at I Heart Naptime

recipe found at Martha Stewart

recipe found at Martha Stewart

recipe found at Food, Family & Finds

Happy Easter!

Happy (early) Easter from my favorite little bunny! We're off to Texas…wish us luck on the longest. Road trip. Ever.

[in five]: Favorite Easter Ideas

Don't worry…you do have a little more time before Easter, but I just wanted to give you plenty of time to prepare. I'm not going to lie: these are all adorable.  I mean really, that bunny cake (that I am pretty sure I won't be attempting); the bunny tails (more my speed); the place setting (adorbs); the Easter tablescape (you know I can't resist sticks); and the bunny tail drink stirrers (perfect for stirring my Crystal Light and Sprite); they are all super cute. If you are hosting Easter dinner, you need these things in your life.  This year, my family is going to Texas. I'm super excited to go visit my favorite sister, but I'll be honest, I'm not excited to drive there. And back. For fourteen hours. Each way.  She better have a coconut bunny cake waiting for me there.

image from Jenny Steffens

image from eighteen25 via The Idea Room

image from Matthew Mead via Miss Mustard Seed

image from Centsational Girl

image from Pizzazzerie

Happy Valentine's Day!

image from Jodi Miller Photography

[color kreyv]: Red & Pink

Red and pink, you say? Yes, it can be done. Tastefully. I mean, I probably won't be installing wall to wall pink shag carpet in my house anytime soon, but if it's your thing, own it! In other news, Valentine's Day is tomorrow. Have big plans?!

image source unknown

image from Jean-Marc Palisse

image from Babble

[in five]: Favorite Valentine Pins

Today I'm sharing my favorite Valentine's Day pins from my Valentine Pinterest Board.  (You should totally follow me.) These ideas are so cute and different than anything I've seen lately.  You should definitely make these, if, in fact, you are one of the few who actually do the things you pin.  I'm not going to lie--I'm not going to make any one of these things, but I sure do like to collect pretty pictures. Aaanndd I'm pretty good at it, too, if I do say so myself. (What a talent, right?!) I do have good intentions of making the things I pin, though. I really do.  Except for maybe my recipe boards…talk about a pipe dream.

image from Bloom Designs

image from My 3 Monsters

image from Shaken Together Life

image source unknown

image from 733 Blog

Stella's Valentines

Hey there! How was your weekend? Ours was fun, but I think we officially wore out our little Stella. She was just dying to go to the mall all week, and we finally took her on Friday night. (I have no idea where she gets her love for the mall. Haha…I've created a monster! Her love, though, is for indoor playgrounds and soft pretzels. Mine is a little different, although I have nothing against a good pretzel.) Of course, we got home late. On Saturday, she went to a birthday party that was three and half hours long. Yes. Three and a half hours…which is about two hours too long for me and a bunch of four and five year olds, but I'm not complaining. I got lots done while she was partying!  She was so wiped out after the party, so of course  we drug her to a family dinner…and we got home late AGAIN! By Sunday, she was asking for a nap! Anyway, we did have time to make some valentines, which Stella had no interest in making. She just loves giving them away. This year, she gave "smooches" (lip whistles from Michael's and Hershey's kisses).  She can't wait to give them away!

Stella's 2014 Valentines

Stella's 2013 Valentines

Stella's 2012 Valentines