Sunday, August 24, 2014

Pieous in Pictures

After a really fun morning celebrating Andrew's cousin Sarah's birthday at Reimer's Ranch (we were hoping to make it to Hamilton Pool, but were not early enough to catch that worm!) we headed just down the road to Pieous, an amazingly wonderful, cozy pizza joint on Hwy. 290, just before Dripping Springs.  I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves, but you HAVE to make the trip to try this pizza.  It is so tasty!  Each pie was perfectly crafted with just enough cheese & toppings & the most delicious crust.  Well....see for yourselves.    




Simple motto outside.  Delectable pizza inside.



The Fat Queen


The Rocket

House on Fire

Friday, August 15, 2014

Chalkboard Sign on a Clipboard: A Quick & Cute Teacher Gift

Teachers are busy getting their classrooms together, kids are picking out new backpacks, & I imagine alot of parents are getting really excited....because it's almost time for school to start again! 

Now, I don't have kids yet, but I do know a few teachers (including my awesome Kindergarten teaching sister!) & I know they are working their tales off to get everything ready for the big day.  So why not start things off right with a little back to school gift for your children's teacher?

For the next few days, I'll be showing y'all some simple, fun ideas that you (& your kiddos too) can make for the teachers in your lives!  Bonus: Each one can be made in just a few minutes.



I love, love, love this clipboard turned chalkboard! While I think it's absolutely fantastic for your child's teacher, I also think it would be great hanging up in your house or office, & would be great as a little something to let your favorite people know you're thinking about them.  The possibilities are endless.  Really, you can combine any quote with any washi tape with any combo of ribbons & have a million different signs.  And if you use chalk or a washable chalk marker?  Man, you could have a new look every week!


Let's get started with what you need to create this masterpiece.

Supplies:


Clipboard  Go for old-school & plain. Think dollar stores, discount stores, the one already in your office...

Chalkboard Paint

Foam brush, or regular paint brush

Painter's tape

Chalk or chalk pen  Tip: I've found great $1 chalk pens at the Target Dollar Spot.  They make writing & getting the look you want so much easier than a piece of chalk.

Washi tape

Ribbon  I used about 10 pieces maybe 3" long each.  This would be a great use for scrap ribbon!



Start by measuring out your chalkboard area and marking it off with painter's tape.  I decided to use two pieces of tape as my width, since it was an easy measurement & would allow for room for the ribbon & tape at the bottom.



Next, paint your clipboard according to the directions on your paint.  Be sure to read the instructions on your bottle of chalkboard paint.  For mine, you need to put on at least 2 coats & you need to wait at least 2 hours between coats.



The hard part's done!  Now all you have to do is put on the washi tape.




Tie on your ribbons.



And write in your quote.  My favorite tip when it comes to getting creative with writing is to use your computer as a guide.  There are a ton of free, really fun fonts that you can download to your favorite document program (Microsoft Word, Pages, etc.).  After I've found the font I want, I type out exactly what I want my sign, tag, etc. to say & either print it out or just keep it up on my screen & try to mimic the letters as closely as I can.  It's an easy way to get a more custom, polished look to your letters.  But remember, as you can see from my version, it's not perfect, it's handmade.  And that's one of the most awesome things about this really cute, easy to make teacher gift.  You can't just pick it up at a store!

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Personalized Tote: A Quick & Cute Teacher Gift

Teachers are busy getting their classrooms together, kids are picking out new backpacks, & I imagine alot of parents are getting really excited....because it's almost time for school to start again! 

Now, I don't have kids yet, but I do know a few teachers (including my awesome Kindergarten teaching sister!) & I know they are working their tales off to get everything ready for the big day.  So why not start things off right with a little back to school gift for your children's teacher?

For the next few days, I'll be showing y'all some simple, fun ideas that you (& your kiddos too) can make for the teachers in your lives!  Bonus: Each one can be made in just a few minutes. :)



Today's teacher goodie is this really fun, personalized tote.  I was so glad that I was able to find such a bright, bold color for the bag.  And I love the way the gold paint contrasts with the coral.  This cute carry-all is a smart gift for your favorite teacher, but would also be great way to say thank you to any special lady in your life.  How sweet would this bag be with a Monogram? 


The supplies for this one are simple: 

 

Tote in any color that suits your fancy. I found this pretty coral colored number at Hobby Lobby.

 

Alphabet Stickers  Choose ones that are pretty sturdy.

 

Fabric paint in your color of choice.  I used Martha Stewart Multi-Surface paint, because this line is super versatile, so I can use it on fabric today & anything else that comes to mind tomorrow!   

 

Paint Brush

 

Paper plate or palette for holding paint

 

Stick Pin



First things first, arrange your letters on your tote bag.  Make sure to go over each letter & press down as much as possible, you want to avoid any paint leaking through.



Next, load up your paint palette & get your creativity on!  I chose to kind of do a 'messy' 'wispy' block, but let your imagination lead you.  A really clean rectangle made with some painter's tape would be equally as snazzy, or even stripes of different colors could be super-fun.



 After you've painted over your stickers, let dry for a few minutes & then carefully, I used a stick-pin, peel up the letters.



Isn't it awesome?  I love what a few minutes & some great supplies can do.  I think any teacher would be so excited to receive this unique gift!   

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Got 30 Seconds? You Can Make Quick & Cute Teacher Gifts



Teachers are busy getting their classrooms together, kids are picking out new backpacks, & I imagine alot of parents are getting really excited....because it's almost time for school to start again! 

Now, I don't have kids yet, but I do know a few teachers (including my awesome Kindergarten teaching sister!) & I know they are working their tales off to get everything ready for the big day.  So why not start things off right with a little back to school gift for your children's teacher?

For the next few days, I'll be showing y'all some simple, fun ideas that you (& your kiddos too) can make for the teachers in your lives!  Bonus: Each one can be made in just a few minutes. :)

Speedy, No Fuss Teacher Gifts

Even if you don't have time to create a handmade, elaborate gift, you can still show your child's teacher that you are excited about the new year & pumped they're going to be teaching your little one!

And these gifts are super-useful to boot!  What teacher couldn't use some extra supplies? All that's needed is a quick trip to the Back to School aisle, but hey, you're going there anyway right?  Just pick up a few extra items & you're set.  Oh & just so you know, Target did not sponsor this post, but I got 95% of my supplies there, because, well....I have a Target problem.  And my obsession with their 'Dollar Spot' knows no end.  But you could absolutely pick up most of these items anywhere you happen to be.



Scissors


 Scissors have gotten fancy y'all.  I found this great, colorful pair in the school supplies section at Target, but I've seen lots of brands and tons of different styles & hues at all kinds of stores from Wal-Mart to Hobby Lobby to Office Depot.  Pick up a pretty pair, write yourself up a tag, or print one with my silly saying or your own line & you're good!


Tissue Box


Again, there are a bunch of cute choices when it comes to buying a box of tissues.  This great school-themed box at Target, but I've even seen stylish patterns at Dollar Tree.  Tape on a little note & you're ready to send you kiddo off, gift in hand.


Pencils/bucket


I took a few minutes & painted some pretty flowers on this mint/white stripped bucket, but it's still darn cute plain.  Pick up some school themed or fun colored pencils, tie a ribbon around those things & you've got an adorable present. 

Out of all my 30 second gifts, this one is probably my favorite.  I can't resist the 'dollar bins' at stores like Michael's, Target & more.  They make me weak in the knees & I just can't go into a store that has one of these sections without scoring it over to see what I 'have to have.'  They almost always have adorable tiny tin buckets & I'm always looking for ways to use them. These are just a few that I saw at Target's 'Dollar Spot' a couple of days ago.  Wouldn't each & every one be an awesome pencil holder?    



Crayons


If you've got elementary aged little ones, then you know the importance of a good box of crayons.  For older classrooms map pencils, sharpies or markers would be great sub-ins.  Right now these are all on-sale for pennies & your kiddos classroom could always use a few extra re-enforcements.  Write/print out a note: done & done.


Whoppers


Everyone needs a sweet treat to help get through that first week of class, especially the teacher!  Whoppers are one of my sister's favorite candies, so I had to put one in here that was just for her.  If you think this particular candy's not your teacher's bite of chocolate, a cheesy, silly saying wrapped around any goodie would be a perfect way to say 'Welcome Back!'  You can never, ever go wrong with a little sugar.


Extra Credit


If you've got a few minutes, rather than a few seconds to spare why not put a few of these items together to create one stellar Back-to-School basket?  I found this trendy coral-colored tub at Dollar Tree & used plain 'ol binder paper in place of tissue.  Super fun & still really inexpensive & quick.





Thursday, August 7, 2014

Washi Tape Cleaning Wipes: Quick & Cute Teacher Gift



Teachers are busy getting their classrooms together, kids are picking out new backpacks, & I imagine alot of parents are getting really excited....because it's almost time for school to start again! 

Now, I don't have kids yet, but I do know a few teachers (including my awesome Kindergarten teaching sister!) & I know they are working their tales off to get everything ready for the big day.  So why not start things off right with a little back to school gift for your children's teacher?

For the next few days, I'll be showing y'all some simple, fun ideas that you (& your kiddos too) can make for the teachers in your lives!  Bonus: Each one can be made in just a few minutes. :)


Washi Tape Cleaning Wipes






This project is one of my favorites.  Isn't it so cool?  I have fallen hard for washi tape & keep looking for crafts to use it on.  This gift really is a snap to make, just takes a few items & it's seriously something every single teacher can use/desperately needs -- reinforcements to help keep things clean!

I used all colors/patterns under the rainbow since this one is for a kindergarten class, but the sky is literally the limit. You could use just 1 or 2 patterns of tape to make something really stylish, use different shades for an ombre look or go with different patterns of the same color.  It's really only limited to your imagination.  And if washi tape's not your thing, you could definitely use masking tape or duct tape, which each come in a large variety of colors & can be found anywhere from Target to JoAnns.

Supplies

All you need for this one is a container of disinfectant wipes (make sure it's got a paper label), washi tape & scissors.  I also opted to buy these cute little tags from the dollar spot at Target to make a handwritten note, but you cold just as easily print a little sign.

How perfect are these?  And there are 8 in a $1 package!

First things first: remove the label from your container.  If there is any sticky stuff left, just use a dab of sticker remover or a damp cloth to make it a nice, smooth surface.  Washi tape is 'see-through' so you want a clean canvas.

Pull off that boring old label & be sure to get that goop off!


 Next, pick out your washi tape.  Since I was using different colors with no repeats, I stacked my rolls up next to the container to figure out my pattern & make sure I had enough picked out.

Stack it up!

Next, the easiest part: starting at the seam of the container, just make your way around with each roll of taping, trying to make it as straight & even as possible.  Cut the end of the tape when you make your way back around and smooth it down with your fingers.  Repeat until you've reached the top.  Easy, peasey!


Write up a goofy little pun & you're good!



 

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Pistachio & Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies



I'm not a cookie discriminator.  My favorites are soft chocolate chip cookies & sugar cookies, but really, I don't think I've ever met a cookie I didn't like.  Or wouldn't at least take a few bites of.  My husband Andrew on the other hand, doesn't have half the sweet tooth I am blessed/cursed with.  But he does love oatmeal cookies.

I had been promising to make him a batch of oatmeal cookies for a while, when I thought up the idea for adding pistachios instead of pecans & swapping decadent dark chocolate for regular chips.  Both Andrew & I ate the results up like they were about to catch on fire!




These oatmeal gems were chewy & soft, a great combo in any cookie, but in my opinion, it's the perfect oatmeal cookie.  Warm, melty dark chocolate mixed with the distinct flavor of pistachios: yum.  What I love most about this cookie recipe though is how none of the ingredients overpower the others.  I purposely didn't load these up with chocolate, pistachios or even oatmeal, so they could all share the spotlight.  It worked like a charm.  These are so tasty & just the right amount of comfort food meets fun twist.


Dark Chocolate & Pistachio Oatmeal Cookies

Yields about 4 dozen

3/4c. butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 c. brown sugar, packed
1/2 c. white sugar
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1 t. cinnamon
1 T. vanilla
2 eggs
2 c. flour, all purpose
2 c. old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 c. dark chocolate, chips or chopped
1/2 c. pistachios, roughly chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream melted, cooled butter with both brown & white sugars.  Mix in baking soda, salt, cinnamon, vanilla and eggs.  Add flouring, mixing just until incorporated.  Fold in rolled oats, dark chocolate and pistachios.  Using a cookie scoop or two teaspoons, distributed dough onto greased cookie sheets. (Tip: I prefer using silicone mats or parchment paper for cookies.  It really does make a big difference & clean up is easy.)
   
Bake 8-10 minutes & remove from oven.  Allow them to set while still on pan 2 minutes, then transfer to cooling rack.