New, New Patio

We scratched the idea of grass and went for pavers.  The guys did an amazing job and finished it in 2 days! We have been sitting outside and grilling a ton and enjoying our new outdoor living area.  It makes our home feel so much bigger.  This weekend we are going to have a few friends over to christen it!

small area for the grill

grill area with pavers

working on the big patio! 

almost done

handsome hubby standing on the new patio!

Cammie on the patio with the new furniture

looks amazing!

finished patio with gravel

grill side with rocks and plants! Can you spot 2 hooties?

Grill side.. can you see the welcome dog?

Owl #2 with pretty plants

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree!

Mom and Kel gave me an early birthday present! We (meaning Brett) said we weren't putting up a tree this year (or many decorations) because we are obviously going to mom's for xmas and won't even be in our house. Another point (and valid. ugh) of his was that we are leaving for Wisp on the 27th and going snowboarding until Jan 1.  It didn't make sense to decorate.  I might have cried hysterically and thrown a bit of a fit because we all know how I feel about the month of December and holidays.. Mom and Kel said we couldn't be without any Christmas spirit. :) My family is the greatest!

What did I do with my day?

I went into school today and started to set up my classroom.  I have a VERY good friend, Carrie, who came with me.  She was such a help.  We moved ALL The furniture around and set up my classroom library!! I only took one pic because I forgot to take more. I somehow convinced her to come back with me tomorrow so I will take pics of my classroom.

Green Baskets: DRA leveled library

Blue Baskets: Fiction books- each basket is a subcategory

Yellow Baskets: Non Fiction books- each basket is a different topic

When I got home, I spray painted popsicle sticks. I will post a pic of the final outcome when I print the labels for my popsicle stick can. Woot!

My popsicle stick masterpiece. Probably spray painted about 200 sticks.

Welcome Back to School Wreath

I made a wreath to hang on my classroom door.

Cut ribbon about 15-17inches in length and tie in knots around wreath form

Keep tying...I alternated ribbon colors.

almost done!

Tie a longer piece of ribbon to the top to hang it from

Hanging on my laundry room door until its time for school

I am looking for a small chalk board to attach.  It will say "Welcome to Mrs. Carusi's Class"

Wreath form: $4.99 at Michaels
Ribbon: 21yards for $16.45 from ebay
Time: about an hour (with a break for dinner)

Super Cute Quote

Quote I found on Pinterest but this this hangs in my house.

Another DIY I borrowed from Pinterest

Shower curtain hooks to hold my necklaces. Pretty adorable.

Purchased hooks from Walmart: 2 packs- $12
Towel rack in guest bathroom- free
Time- 10 minutes

Fireplace Cover

So, as you know, I have been OBSESSED with Pinterest.com and have found myself using some any spare moments to browse the millions of fabulous images on this site.  I really don't think there is anything I don't think is kinda cute.  Some things may not be my style, but I haven't seen anything horrible.

All I want to do is craft, re-do, organize, move around and re-hang some things e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. in my house.  I was cleaning out the coat closet and found this beauty. I KNEW I was keeping it for a reason all these years.

Mine is just like this except bronze. I forgot to take an actual pic before it was taken apart

As soon as I saw it a Vegas style light show went off in my brain.  I knew what it would be perfect for.  An earring holder!!!!! I immediately called Kel and told her of this amazing find that I found in my own home!  She was excited too.. especially because there was enough for 2!! She gets one as well.  Brett and I took it apart, then put it back together. This is how it turned out.

Wire mesh already intact! I barely did anything to it!

I need to get a new ribbon for the top- but this one was from a Tiff's box I had lying around..it will work for the meantime. New earring holder fits beyond perfectly in between our two closets in the master.

Ta-Da! I hung a few earrings to see how it would look. I think I like it.

Cost- $0.00
Time- Probably 7 minutes. Maybe 8 if you include tying the bow at the top and hanging the earrings.