Metallic glitz

Look at how pretty these are! I've never been a huge fan of metallic shoes but these are just too cute. I'm so excited that Born is starting to make some cute shoes instead of chunky, clog-like things; they are the most comfortable shoes and they last a long time.

Born

Stuart Weitsman

French Sole These have got to be my fave. So adorable!!!

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My future's so bright.....

I would wear these sunglasses at night!

Ray Ban 

I am falling head over heals for these. A friend of mine was wearing these the other day and my jaw dropped in awe, I just had to try them on. I love Ray Ban! However, I'm still unsure of how I feel about shelling over $100 for a pair of sunglasses. Worth it? Maybe I could justify the purchase as an investment in the health of my eyes. It is really sunny in Houston.

Or you could just click HERE to buy them for me and that will end that whole problem. =P
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Life

Life is an interesting experience, sometimes you just have to sit down and take prospective.


Estevan and I have had some exciting turns in our life over the last few months and I am very thankful for all of them. The very first turn was our trip to Texas where Estevan interviewed and was offered a new job; on that very same trip we received an offer for our home which we very quickly negotiated to our selling price. Our home was on the market for 4 weeks and we sold it without having to pay the bank. That, in itself, is a miracle in Michigan.

Next, we moved and got settled into a beautiful city that has every amenity that we could ever have dreamed. In that same city, I have found my niche as a substitute teacher. The friends I have made in each school are the most amazing people and are willing to go above and beyond to help me find a permanent position. Just the other day I received a letter of recommendation from the entire first grade team at one of the schools. I'm so proud of what they had to say that I just have to share an excerpt.....

"Erica is an exceptional teacher. She’s a 'natural' when it comes to interacting with young children. She possesses and demonstrates strong classroom management skills. She conducts herself as a seasoned teacher when dealing with behavior problems and academic needs. Erica has a calm, but firm, manner when engaging with students. Naturally, they respect her and trust her."

Their letter still makes me a little choked up when I think about how much they mean to me and vice versa. I'm blessed to have found such truly wonderful people here in Texas. It occurred to me last night that I'm trying to find a teaching position in a school district where it's about who you know... and I know a lot of people! The very next turn will be finding an open position and 'wowing' their socks off in an interview.

That next turn in our life is coming upon us very quickly and it's looking good. Most of the foot work has been done; me resume is ready, my portfolio is full, my experiences are plentiful, and my connections are speaking highly of me. It's time to sit back and wait for what life has in store. Pin It Now!

*Sigh*

These shoes deserve their own post. Found via Basically Anything That's Awesome.

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Storage Ideas

Within the last few weeks, after our house was filled with guests for Christmas, we have decided to downsize our home. We moved from a lovely 3 bedroom home in Michigan and into a much bigger 3 bedroom home in Texas. We thought that we would be able to fill it up nicely like we did before but apparently we completely underestimated the amount of purging that we did. Now we are stuck in a house with one bedroom completely empty besides one lone desk. Since this is a huge waste of space and money we are now seriously considering moving into a 2 bedroom apartment with attached garage just north of The Woodlands. However, with a move like this (from house to apartment) I will need to consider how items are stored in order to maximize the space. And who else to turn to besides Martha?! Here are some amazing storage ideas from non-other than the queen herself.



We have two oak chests that are not being used to their fullest potential and I think I just found the perfect idea for them. All you have to do is purchase an adjustable hanging file-folder frame for the files in the bottom. Then add two pieces of molding to either side of the trunk to hold up the organizer tray. The organizer tray is made up of many different sized wooden boxes glued together and painted to match. SO SIMPLE!

Find full directions here.














This closet is amazing! Every detail is so well thought out. I just can't even stand it that my closet has piles of purses, shoes, and umbrellas lying on the floor.






















Oh wow, where has this idea been hidden all these years?! When we moved from Michigan I had piles and piles of paint cans that had the most piddly amount of paint in each. I will definitely keep this handy idea in mind the next time we paint rooms!





















Don't even get me started on how I need to organize my craft supplies. Project supplies are stuffed into a cardboard box, scrapbooking things are piled up in the corner of our bedroom, pencils and markers are God only knows where! This tidy little cabinet is exactly what I need... only minus the chintzy curtain. Pin It Now!

Salt and Pepper Shakers

Good Sunday morning to you! It's been an awfully boring weekend for us but it has been productive in one respect. We finally put away everything having to do with Christmas! I'm pretty embarrassed to say that it's taken so long but at least it's finally done.

While I was scouring the house for any remaining items I came across our snowman salt and pepper shaker collection. We have only 3 sets but they make a cheery holiday display in our kitchen. We're always keeping our eyes open for more snowmen sets but didn't add any this year so I decided to do a little online browsing last night and you won't believe what I found! These are just a few prime examples....

Wow. That's all I can say.

I need these.

Who can say "no" to two matching Mr. Peanut shakers?

What is even going on here? Seriously.

And this set is for my Love Duck. =)

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Birdhouse Jewelry

Amy Lapierre and Alen Lapierre run a unique little jewelry shop in NYC called Birdhouse Jewelry. I've fallen in love with their whimsical designs and, seriously, who can turn down inexpensive 18 karats? Check out their Etsy shop here.





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Original Artwork

Alight, I'm going to come clean with you. I'm kinda running on fumes for creative thoughts right now... I guess I'm taking a break from all the holidays where I used my noggin too much! So where do I go when I need a little inspiration? I go to Etsy. I love that site not only because it contains so many fabulous hand-crafted goodies but because the site itself is just so darn beautiful to look at and browse. I found an amazing artist during my last perusal, her name is Laura Sue, and you can check out the rest of her collection here. I love those last two paintings of the books, I'm thinking of making something similar using actual books as stamps.







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Blogging

It's so amazing how popular crafting blogs are becoming, even my own little blog has visitors from all over the world. I love this world-wide community and every one of my 16 followers (and those who are dedicated without being a public "follower", google analytics is the best). Pin It Now!

Chicken Gyros

I am loving this recipe. Sounds so good I had to share it! I found it through an amazing website called Annie's Eats, you can find many more delicious recipes there. I'll keep you posted when I try this recipe out... it has so few ingredients that I think I might try it this coming week.

Annie's Eats

Chicken Gyros
Ingredients:
For the tzatziki sauce:
16 oz. plain yogurt (not nonfat, if possible)
1/2 hothouse cucumber or 1 regular cucumber, peeled and seeded
2-3 cloves garlic, pressed through a garlic press (or finely minced)
1 tsp. white wine vinegar
Salt and pepper
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Extra virgin olive oil

For the chicken:
4 cloves garlic, smashed
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tsp. red wine vinegar
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 heaping tbsp. plain yogurt
1 tbsp. dried oregano
Salt and pepper
1 1/4 lbs. chicken pieces (I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts)

To assemble:
Pita bread
Fresh tomatoes, seeded and diced
Red onion, sliced thin

Directions:
To make the tzatziki sauce, strain the yogurt using cheesecloth (if you don’t have that, a strainer lined with a coffee filter will work) over a bowl. Let strain for several hours or overnight, if possible, to remove as much moisture as possible.

Shred the cucumber. Wrap in a towel a squeeze to remove as much water as possible. Mix together the strained yogurt, shredded cucumber, garlic, white wine vinegar, salt and pepper to taste, and lemon juice. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

To prepare the chicken, combine the garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, yogurt, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Whisk together until mixed well. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour.

Cook the chicken as desired, either in the skillet or with the broiler. (I butterflied the chicken breasts and then cooked them under the broiler.) Once the chicken is completely cooked through, transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Cut into strips.

Heat pitas (I sprayed with some spray oil and then popped them in the toaster oven for a few minutes). Top with chicken, tzatziki sauce, diced tomatoes and sliced onions. Serve immediately.

Source: adapted from Elly Says Opa!
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Happy New Year

Thank you to all my readers for your patience in this time of blogging drought here. I have been quite busy cooking, entertaining, eating, drinking, playing games, and traveling around this past week. Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures of my holiday exploits but the memories will last longer than photographs ever could. I wish the holidays could last longer, but I have to admit that I'm very much looking forward to getting back to normalcy.

The holidays are quickly coming to a close and the new year is starting off on the right foot. My New Year's Resolution this year is to be more dedicated. During 2009 I gave up many of the things that I loved because of money, time, motivation, etc.... The excuses are stopping this year! My scrapbooks will be bursting at the seams, my book shelves will collapse under all the weight, my Wii Fit board won't know what hit it, my oven will be begging for mercy, and this blog will document it all. So be prepared dedicated readers, you are in for a treat.

The goofballs in the robes say, "Enjoy your weekend!"

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