Fall Meal Plan

Happy Friday, my friends! I don't know about you, but I'm ready for the weekend!

I'm also ready to get organized with my meal planning. With school, meetings and sports, I NEED to be organized. Otherwise we're all having PB & J for dinner or going out.

So, with my family's favorites in mind and a quick glance through the grocery store circular to see what's on sale, I came up with a menu for next week. I'm hoping this will keep me on budget and put a healthy dinner on the table.

Here's what we'll be having this upcoming week:

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies

Soooooo, today is the first day of autumn...YAY! And to celebrate, I'm sharing one of my favorite cookies (with a twist)!

All things pumpkin

This morning I made this for my coffee...

I used 2% milk, my Pumpkin Pie Spice and regular maple syrup. It is a fall party in my mouth! 

And since I had to open a can of pumpkin, I will just have to use the rest for these...Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins (made from a cake mix). 

My family will eat them all by the end of the weekend. Truth. They are a favorite around here.

If you're looking for more pumpkiny things to make this weekend, I have a great list here.

Happy Friday Friends!

Raspberry Almond Cream Cheese Danish

Happy Thursday! Today I'm sharing a super easy and delicious pastry over at 30 Days.

These bakery-style danishes are the perfect addition to breakfast or brunch.

Go get the recipe here.

40+ of the best Pumpkin Recipes

Today I'm over at 30 Days for a recipe round-up featuring all things PUMPKIN!

Hop on over to get some amazing pumpkin recipes for every meal of the day! YUM!

DIY Growth Chart

I remember growing up, I had friends who used to measure themselves and mark it on a doorjam in their house. I always thought that was pretty cool. But because we moved quite a bit, it never made sense for us.

But, what better way to measure than on a HUGE ruler and create something that you can take where ever you go!

This is a super easy project and with just a few materials, you can make one too.

First, I purchased the vinyl decals from Little Acorns By Ro on Etsy. The included instructions are incredibly detailed and helpful. The instructions include different types of wood and stains as well as directions on applying the decals. Here's how I did mine...

I bought a 1x6x8 Hemlock board from Home Depot.

I lightly sanded the edges and stained it  with an oil-based, clear stain.

After it dried for 72 hours, I measured out my marks. The ruler is designed to hang 8" off the floor so starting at the bottom, mark at 4", 16", 28",  40", 52", 64" & 72".

Then, by lining up with the measurements, I applied the tick marks.

After the tick marks are complete, it's time for the numbers.

The decals are super simple to apply. Just stick, rub and peel. Easy peasy.

I added a prongy-hanger-thingy to the back and it's ready to hang!

It really is that simple. It only took me about 30 minutes to complete. The longest part of the project was waiting for the stain to dry.

I just love how it turned out! And a certain little kiddo was excited to try it out.

How do you keep track of your kids' growth?

Back to School Organization

With all the kids going back to school last week, we needed to get organized. A place for all the papers and permission slips. Hooks for backpacks and coats. Here's what I came up with...

This space is in our laundry room, but it's the perfect place to hold all the kids' school stuff. It's right off of the garage so as they bust through the door after school they have to pass it. 

The hooks are from Home Depot. The file/paper holders are from Pick Your Plum. And the letters & fabrics are from Joann's.

I started with this rug that I found at a rummage sale. 

I love the design and colors. So I went to Joann's and purchased some coordinating fabrics and letters for our kids' names.

To wrap the letters with the fabric, I coated them with Mod Podge (made for fabric).

 

Then I placed the letter on the fabric (glue side down)

And started wrapping like a present, gluing as I went under and on top of the fabric.

Some of the edges were not pretty

but I tried to keep those on the back.

Keep wrapping and gluing until it's completely covered.

And voila! 

It was a quick and easy project and made such a difference in the room. Hopefully we'll stay organized all year!

UPDATE: I've received a lot of questions about the galvanized, metal wall pockets. They are approximately 10"x5"x3". They are no longer available to purchase through Pick Your Plum, but here are some alternatives:

Metal Wire Wall Pocket from Amazon

Metal Wall Organizer with hooks from Amazon

Wire Baskets from World Market

Metal Mail Holder from Amazon

First day of Preschool

Our youngest started preschool yesterday.

Can you tell she was excited?

She had been counting down the days and it was pure joy to be able to her that today was THE day!

She walked in like she had done it a million times, hung up her backpack and started exploring shells under a magnifying glass.

I gave her a hug and a kiss. She said "bye mom" and went back to her shells.

She didn't even look back. She's so ready for this! I might not be, but she definitely is. I may have cried just a little. Our baby is growing up!

It's the beginning of a new era for us. Sad, but exciting all at the same time.

Mug Swap 2014

Every year, A Cuppa Kim hosts a mug swap...sorta like secret Santa, but in August.
With mugs.
And other goodies.

This year, I was gifted Maui Passion tea (yum!), a beautiful mug...

and a lovely handstamped, vintage spoon by The Real V.

She made the spoon and sells them in her shop. She has a beautiful blog and an even more beautiful
heart, which she pours out on her blog.

The mug swap is such a fun way to meet people. You get to give and receive. It's pretty awesome.

Looking forward to next year!

First Day of School 2014

Today, our two oldest started school.

Third grade...

And First Grade...

This is the first year they are both in school all day. While part of me was giddy with excitement, another part of me was a little sad. They are just growing up so fast!

At least they are still silly! Especially this one...

school grade printables are from here

Never a dull moment.

Our youngest is off to preschool in just a few days (sniff, sniff).