Yet Another Project!

Two posts in one night?! This is craziness!!

Here is another project I did recently that was easy to make and again cheap!

To make the "Merry Mail" Christmas Card holder you will need:
Wooden Plaque
Paint/Paintbrushes
Ribbon
Hot Glue Gun

1. First paint the entire wood plaque the color of your choice and allow to dry.
2. Then I decided to paint gold dots on mine, but you could also do another pattern. Allow to dry

3. Paint on "merry mail" in another color, I used red.

4. When everything is dry, glue on e bow ribbon at the top and ribbon strands to the bottom

5. Attach Christmas cards! I used close-pins

I love the way it turned out! I hung mine on the closet door next to the front door where the mail comes in, that way its easy to add the new cards that arrive!

PS, 

Isn't Milly getting so big? She turned 1 on December 8 and now weighs 61 lbs.! Love my Christmas Puppy!

Pinterest Has Taken Over My Life!

Like many other people, I AM OBSESSED WITH PINTEREST! There are so many great ideas and recipes on there and I have currently been "doing" instead of just "pinning"! I thought I would share a few of my projects:

Coasters: These are so easy (and cheap!) to make.

Materials:
Tiles from Lowe's or Home Depot
Scrapbook Paper from Hobby Lobby or Michael's
Mod Podge
Acrylic Finishing Spray
Sponge Paintbrush
Cork or Felt (I used felt, because it was cheaper)

How To:

1. Lay your tiles out and paint on the Mod Podge! (Only do one at a time because it will dry before you can apply the paper if you do more than one at a time)
2. Place the scrapbook paper square on the tile, that you previously by tracing around the tile

3. Let dry for 3-5 minutes
4. Apply a layer of Mod Podge to the top of the scrapbook paper tile and let dry for 10 minutes or so

5. Repeat step four a few more times
6. Allow to dry overnight
7. Spray acrylic spray according to can directions and let dry
8. Use a hot glue gun to apply cork or felt. You can cover the entire bottom or just cut squares to put at each corner

TA DA! It's so easy and they turn out so cute!!

Happy Reading (And Crafting!)

Blogs I Love

Ok, so I have not posted in a long time...school, work and sorority are keeping me pretty busy, but since my last post I have found a few blogs that I am obsessed with! I thought I would share which blogs they are so that they may inspire you, as they have me. 

The first one was created by a thrid teacher and I ADORE her classroom set up and design. She has tons of creative ideas and even some free printables! Click Here to read Dandelions and Dragonflies. 

Next, is a blog from a first grade teacher. She also has WONDERFUL ideas and I know that you will enjoy this blog just as much as I have! Click Here to read Queen of the First Grade Jungle blog. 


The third blog I have fallen in love with is "Little Miss Momma". I spent so much of my day reading different posts and feel this connection with Ashley, even though I don't know her and she has no idea I read her blog. But, nevertheless, I have really connected and been able to relate to her on a few of the topics she has written about and the personal stories she so lovingly shares. Click Here to meet Ashley.


Finally, this one is not so much a blog but a link for free fonts that are ADORABLE! I ave downloaded a few and can't wait to use them! Especially in my future classroom. Click Here for free fonts!


I hope that you enjoy these websites and blogs as much as I do and even feel a little inspired to create! 


Happy Reading!

Ode to Trader Joe's

I LOVE Trader Joe's! Last week my friend and I went to get groceries and I had been craving chicken salad. So, I thought I would share one of my new favorite meals that is so easy to make and super yummy!

Chicken Salad with Apricots and Endives:

Ingredients:
2 Chicken Breasts
Dried Apricots diced(as many as you want)
4 Green Onions
1/2 Cup Mayo
4 T brown or dijon mustard
2 T honey
1 T Lemon Juice
1/2 t salt
ground pepper to taste
Endive leaves

First I boiled the chicken. While I was cooking the chicken I made the dressing. Combine mayo, mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt and pepper. When chicken is fully cooked and cooled shred into bite size pieces. Combine chicken, onions and apricots and then add dressing. Serve on Endive leaves.

So yummy and easy to make! I really like how this chicken salad has so many flavors: sweetness from the honey, savory chicken, and some bitterness from the endives.

Also: LOVE LOVE LOVE this muffin mix! Trader Joe's Triple Berry Bran Muffin Mix

Happy Reading...and Happy Cooking!

Long Time No Blog...Now I Must Vent.

Ok, so it has been quite awhile since I have last blogged. Milly is now 40 lbs. and such a sweet dog! I love her so much! School is over, except for my summer Biology class, which will be the death of me. I'm convinced. Also going on in my life: Lately I have been feeling the call and desire to be more disciplined in my life. Spiritually, emotionally and physically. So, I joined a gym and have been really consistent so far with working out. Okay people...this is HUGE for me. I hate, or should I now say hated, working out. I would get exhausted and bored, then discouraged when I didn't see results the next day and therefore would give up. Well, this time needed to be different. Instead of leaning and relying on myself to stay committed to working out I pray it out. I am continually relying on God's strength to get me through exercising. Not only because I want to be healthier and treat my body well, but also because I am called to take care of my body and be disciplined and not let laziness or food become a 'lord' in my life. (Yes, I realize that I am using and a lot)But so far so good! I actually look forward to going to the gym! (again, HUGE!!)

In addition to being more disciplined with working out I knew that I also needed to spend more time with the Lord daily and decided to get a devotional book related to what I feel like is becoming my biggest struggle area. (This is where I will now begin to vent...) So, if you know me at all you know that I really want to be married. Yes, I know that I am young, but when all your friends are engaged or married it makes it really difficult to be content with my singleness. I now want to say that I am so happy for my friends who are married, engaged or dating, like I said it just makes it hard for me to be content. Singleness is my big struggle area and a few weeks ago a friend at church was talking to me after service and said "I don't know if this will make sense to you, but I just feel like the Holy Spirit wants me to tell you that you should have peace." He then went on to basically read me like a book and told me that the Lord has preserved me and saved me from relationships so far in my life for Himself. So that I would lean on Him. That HE loves me. As soon as he started talking to me about this I began to cry. God knew that in that moment I needed a reminder that He loves me and He has a purpose for my life, even if I get impatient with His timing, I need to continue to trust Him. He knows what is best for me and I love the way He speaks to me. So began my journey to find a good, no great devotional book on trusting God or being content. But as I stood in the Christian book store I just became more frustrated. I found many books for teenagers. And the rest of the books that caught my eye sounded great until I would see "For Couples" following the enticing title. WHAT THE HECK?!?!?! Is this some kind of cruel joke? "Lord I am trying to find a book that will help me be content with the season of life I'm in and the only books I can find are for couples? Not funny." Now, let me just say that I think it is so important that there are many books available to teenagers and couples. But what about us who are in between our teen years and married life? Where are the books on how to embrace your life at that stage? I ended up finding a good devotional book that covers both singleness and marriage. Still, I think there needs to be more books on contentment for those of us who are, so to say, in the in-between stage of life. Hey, maybe I'll even write one once I have peace and contentment.

So, this blog is really about nothing and seems to be just a long rant. But, if you know of any good books about being content with your life let me know. Also, I want to say that I am really happy with my life and so grateful for every day, but it doesn't mean that it isn't a struggle being single sometimes. Anyway, I think that I should call it a night and stop ranting about this and move on to being content.

Happy Reading!

Introducing Milly Mae...

If you know me at all, you know that I have always wanted a dog, but never had one growing up. Well, this past weekend all of that changed!! In an earlier post I had announced that I was finally getting a puppy, but probably not picking her up until May or June. Well, I hadn't heard anything from the breeder and didn't know if my puppy had been born yet. This past Friday (4/8) I had my dad call the breeder to see what the deal was. To our surprise there was a puppy available because the family that she was supposed to go to had a family issue come up, so they would no longer be able to get a puppy. When my dad asked when she would be available the breeder said, "As soon as you can come get her!" OH MY GOODNESS!!!! I became a five year old instantly and was red in the face from all the excitement. I then called my BFF and said that we were going to Memphis that night and we hopped into the car at 7PM and hit the road!! We got to Memphis around 11:30 that night, got up at 6:30 the next morning, drove an hour and picked up our puppy!!

She is 4 months old and at 8 weeks old she started the "Puppy Head Start" training program and that lasted for 8 weeks. She is such a good puppy, but we are still working on potty training! ;) I am so grateful to my Dad for giving me such a sweet gift. She is such a cuddle-bug and has the most laid back personality. When she is sleepy she turns into a rag-doll. She also is funny, and knows it! Okay, well enough gushing about my sweet Milly.



Happy Reading!

Trip of a Lifetime

This past summer I had a the opportunity to travel to Europe and work for a company that does business with my Dad's business. So in June I packed by bags and headed off, by myself, to Switzerland. Needless to say I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

I'm a nerd and think I'm funny.

Did I mention that I went there alone. And that I only speak English, not German or French. When I got to Zurich I was exhausted because I only slept for an hour on the plane. The first thing I had to do was get a train ticket and take the train to Basel, where I would be living and working. This was difficult for me. 1. I had never taken a train, ever 2. I am American and don't know the phrase "Pack Light!" So me and my big hot pink suitcase, hiking backpack and purse and trying to go up and down escalators. Not fun for me, but I'm sure entertaining for the Swiss. Once I got to Basel I was going to be picked up by the lady that I was renting an "apartment" from. Little did I know that she didn't speak any English, and like I said earlier, I don't speak German. So it was an interesting phone call from the most complex phone booth, ever. I then began to feel so alone and HOT! I was sweating like crazy. Again, I'm American and prefer to be in air-conditioning, which is scarce over there. I called my mom and started sobbing, out of exhaustion and feeling alone. (Don't worry, this story gets better and happier) When Mrs. Grandy finds me at the train station and takes me to my new home, I am surprised to find out that "apartment" in Swiss means room.

Literally a one bedroom "apartment"

But the upside of this "apartment" was the view...

Room with a view!

I could see France from my window. I lived in this little village that was on the border or Switzerland and France. Every day on my walk to the bus station I walked by a pasture of sheep. It was very storybook needless to say.

During my time there I got to know one of my co-workers very well. Her name is Sina and I would have been lost and lonely without her! She had traveled to America when she was in high school and was a foreign exchange student, so she knew exactly how it felt to be all alone in a different country. Sina would take me to her Turkish classes, her families house, and showed me around Basel and Germany.

Sina and I in Lucerne

Sina and I laughed a lot and now have many inside jokes. In addition to taking a trip to Lucerne and a few trips to her parents house in the Black Forest in Germany, we also went to a Norah Jones concert in Germany! It was AWESOME!!

The talented Norah Jones

I worked for 4 weeks at SenTec AG. Then during my last week of work my bff Vicky came over and I got to show her around where I had been living. We explored downtown Basel and got to celebrate the Swiss national holiday. Then, Sina took us to her parents house in the Black Forest and her parents arranged for the three of us to fly in a small private plane over the Black Forest! THIS WAS THE COOLEST THING I'VE EVER DONE!!

Yay! She's here!

No big deal! This is our private plane! :)

This was my last weekend in Switzerland. Then Vicky and I were off to PARIS! I was so excited about this trip. We packed our bags and boarded the train (that was really late). Again, the whole not packing light thing was an issue. We didn't know what car to board, and there was a train guy yelling at us to hurry so we just got on the closest one. Which ended up being the car on the opposite end of where we needed to be. So we slowly started making out way with our luggage to the other side of the train. Our first day there we just took it easy and went to McDonald's to get free wifi. Good ol' Micky D's!! Then the next day we began our Paris Adventure! We went to the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Versailles and took a night tour of the city. Paris is so fun and we had such a good time together. I'm so glad that we got to travel part of Europe together.

Bonjour! Beautiful day to explore Paris!

The main palace at Versailles

Oh la la! The Moulin Rouge

I hope that one day I am able to travel back to Europe. It was such a great experience and I made so many great memories with great friends!

Happy Reading!

Best Dad In the World!

Okay, so I know many say this, but I HAVE THE BEST DAD IN THE WORLD!! Some might say, "Meghan, what makes your dad great?" Well....here's why: not only is he loving and so supportive of who I am and what I do but he is getting me a:

PUPPY!!! 

AHHHHH!!! Okay, let me just say that I have wanted a puppy my ENTIRE life. Every time when my parents would call me out of my room for anything growing up I would wish and pray that they would have a puppy for me. Well, my dad finally cracked and we will soon have a new addition to the family! I might be a little premature on blogging about this since we don't know what color she will be or exactly when we can bring her home, but I'm just so darn excited I can't help myself! haha

My little baby will be a British Labrador Retriever (they are smaller than standard labs) and her name will be Millie. We have pretty much decided on a breeder and are just waiting to get the process going. The breeder has two litters that will be born this month and will be ready to come home sometime in May. AHHH! I just can't believe that my dad is getting me a puppy! No words can explain my excitement and how grateful to my dad I am. He is such a loving person and he treats me like a princess. SUCH AN AWESOME DAD!

I know that May is still a ways away, and I'm sure my family/friends are going to be so annoyed by how much I talk about my Millie girl until then, but this is so huge and such a blessing. I've already found a super cute collar that I want to get her, Mimi Green Collars , my faves are 'Apple', 'Bridget' and 'Caroline'. Let me know what you think. Millie could be black, fox, or yellow, just depending on the litter.

Once I get pictures of Millie (well once she is born, that is) I will post them! I cannot wait to get her, hurry up May!! Oh, and did I mention that my dad also surprised me with my favorite Girl Scout Cookies, Samoas? See, he's great!

Happy Reading!

Good Times, Good Friends

Photo taken by the talented Melissa Howell

Well this weekend was Mardi Gras and this was the first year I went to Soulard for the parade. It was freezing cold and wet outside, but it was so much FUN! I went with a few of my sorority sisters and we stayed for the first hour of the parade. We stood in front of the crowd for most of the time we were there but when we were walking back to the MetroLink we got more beads walking back than we did standing and waiting for the floats. Even though I was cold the rest of the day it was well worth it! I had fun with my sisters and got a TON of beads (but don't worry I didn't earn them, just caught them! haha!)

Later that night I went to Satchmo's Bar and Grill in Chesterfield and listened to this up and coming country music artist. His name is Johnny Henry and man is he talented! He was accompanied by Rob Boyle and Kady and Andrea. It was such a fun night and there were SO many people. Check out the  Johnny Henry Official Site and see if you can come to any shows.

To end the weekend I went to watch Erin compete in her Gymnastics meet. She did such a good job!

Good weekend, but back to reality tomorrow and cleaning all day. But at least I like doing that kind of stuff and I can't wait to get my house organized!!

Sour Lemons!

For the past eight weeks I have been taking an Economics for Educators course. THANK THE LORD IT IS OVER!!! This class was so hard and there was too much work for an eight week class. For our final project we had to either read a book and write a report or create a children's book and short video to explain at least five concepts of economics for kids. I decided to be creative and create a book and film. It is really cheesy but I got an A! ha My sweet friend, Lindsey, helped me film it and then I edited on my wonderful MacBook. Hope you enjoy the video and get a good laugh out of it!

My First Blog Post EVER!

Okay, so this could end up being really lame, and I might not get any followers but I thought I would give this Blog thing a try. I like reading other peoples blogs and have been wanting a place where I can rant or rave about things.

What you can expect to see on my blog:
Fun projects I've done for school
New products I've found
Make-up tips or products that I LOVE
Books I've read
Places I've been

So hopefully this will be interesting to someone, or I will at lest be entertained by what I post! :)
Feel free to leave comments or request what you want me to blog or research about! Oh, and please click on the "follow" button of the right.

Happy Reading!!

~Meg