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Summer Bucket List – Thursdays With Tracie

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Last year was the first time I had heard of a
“Summer Bucket List”
I love lists!!!!
That is the only way I ever get anything done!!!!!

So last summer, I began my own summer bucket list by writing down all the things I wanted to do with the kids for the summer and I stuck it on the fridge. I am proud to say we finished everything on the list! The only thing was, by the end of the summer the list was a mangled mess!

This year, I wanted to figure out a way to track all of the fun summer things we will be doing. I love the idea of looking back with the kids and seeing everything we have done for the summer! Our bucket list needs to be hung up high (a mommy’s level) otherwise it will be used as a teething ring, paper airplane, or a mop! So this is what I came up with:

I found this cute clipboard at Target in the dollar spot. I got out my scrapbook paper, letters, sharpies, summer stickers and a pack of clothespins.

On one side of the clothespin I wrote what we want to do this summer. Some of the items on our list are camping, tie dye, banana split night, library program, Splash Park, build a fort and Legoland. On the other side of the clothespins I wrote “We did it!!”

My plan is to start with everything on one side and when we complete it, I will flip the clothes pin around to the other side (the side that says, “We did it!”) and by the end of the summer we hopefully will have all the clothespins flipped!!!

With my Bored Jar and my Bucket List, I am ready for the summer!!

Thanks Mandy for having me!!!

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Welcome To Link Party #34 – “Turning the Daunting Into the Do-able”

Welcome to Link Party #34!
“Turning the Daunting Into the Do-able”

I can’t wait to see what you are going to share this week!

If you missed the highlights from Link Party #33 -
CLICK HERE

Rules for the Party:

1. Please no Etsy Shops, Businesses, or Giveaways.
2. I’d love it if you followed me on Linky Follower! (Right hand column). Leave me a comment so I know to follow you back.
3. Grab a button please and post anywhere on your blog (I won’t be able to feature your project unless you do).
4. Please link up something NEW that you have not shared before. Link up only YOUR work and not someone else’s.
5. Most important – please visit someone who has linked up and leave a kind comment. Don’t you be a “hit and run” blogger now . It only takes a few minutes to say “hi” to someone new! We all love comments!

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Link Party Highlights #33 – “Turning the Daunting Into the Do-able”

Have you ever had one of those weeks where it literally has been HELLACIOUS and it’s only Monday???? Well that’s MY LIFE! I have to be thankful though.. they truly are luxury problems… so no whining on my part. Promise! I’m going to be thankful and count my blessings. DONE DEAL!

Here we go – great link ups again this week. Everyone had that 3 day weekend last week and it showed. Ya’ll have been busy! Also fun to see alot of new blogs linked up. New blogs to stalk .

Brenda from Cottage4c made a beautiful Summer Mason Jar Window Treatment.

These vases just enhance Brenda’s view.
Gorgeous!

Leslie from The American Sewing Guild showed us how to Embellish with Perfect Rick Rack Every Time!

She has a great tutorial and a secret material she uses!

Tracy from Soul Style shows us how she mastered Outdoor Decorating in her own back yard.

She created 3 outdoor spaces… this is 1…
head over to her blog so you can see the other 2.
Very creative!

Linda from With A Blast shows us how to make Coffee Jello’s.

Great summer time treat!

Mari from Inspired By Family Magazine shares some Blog Humor and a great Blog Tip.

So scary how I can relate to the blog humor!
I’m sure you will too.

Laura from The Iron Stone Nest shows off her new Coffee Table. Guess what it’s made from…

A chicken crate!
I loved how it turned out and you can roll it anywhere!

Connie from Penny For Penny found a round metal picnic table and made it into a Clock.

Great job Connie!!!

Nichi from The Mandatory Mooch shares these Pistachio Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting.

Y.U.M.
She shares the recipe on her blog.

Emmeline from Dear Emmeline took some old out-of-style Coffee/End Tables and made them fabulous!

These turned out gorgeous.
Love the colors.
The fabric is from a cast-off curtain panel!

Jen from The Consigner Designer shows us what she made out of a Dresser Drawer.

Great job Jen!

Melanie from Artzy Creations made a Floral Print Owl Clock for her daughter’s room.

I love the colors and the whimsicalness of this cute little owl.
(I thought I made up this word, but it’s in the dictionary)

Lisa from Recaptured Charm made this beautiful Padded Headboard.

She has a very easy to follow tutorial on her blog.

Thank you everyone for sharing your amazing projects this past week!

If you were featured, I’d love it if you grabbed a “featured” button (in the right hand column)
and paste it somewhere on your blog everyone can join the party.

Ready for Link Party #34?
CLICK HERE

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Weight Watchers Eggplant Rollatini With Tomato-Basil Sauce

This is a delicious recipe that I made a few weeks ago.
Vegetarian and low fat.
Fresh Ingredients!
Only 5 Weight Watcher points!

Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Begin by preparing eggplant:
2 medium eggplants
Cooking spray

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Slice 2 medium uncooked eggplants (tops and bottoms removed) lengthwise into four 1/4 inch thick, long slices
3. Lay eggplant in a single layer on prepared baking sheet and lightly coat tops with cooking spray.
4. Bake, flipping once, until golden brown, about 10 minutes per side. Remove from oven and set aside.

Sauce:
1 Tblsp olive oil
2 cloves sliced garlic (large – about 2 Tbsp)
2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
2 Tbsp basil, fresh and torn

1. Place oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add sliced garlic; saute’ until it begins to brown, about 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, stir to combine and reduce heat to low.
4. Add torn basil, stir to combine and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Cover, remove from heat and set aside.

Filling:
1/4 cup minced onion
1 small uncooked zucchini, diced
1 clove crushed garlic (large – about 1 Tbsp)
1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup parsley, fresh, chopped
2 Tbsp basil, fresh, chopped
3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg
1/4 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

1. Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and zucchini; saute’ until onion starts to brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in chopped garlic and cook 1 minute more; spoon onion mixture into a small bowl to cool.
4. In another small bowl, combine ricotta, parsley, chopped basil, and 2 Tblsp of Parmesan; stir to combine.
5. Add cooled onion mixture; stir to combine.
6. Add egg, salt and pepper, stir to combine.

Assemble:

1. To make rollatini, reduce oven to 400 degrees.
2. Spoon 3 Tblsp of sauce in bottom of an 8 x 8 inch glass or nonstick metal baking dish and swirl to coat bottom with sauce.
3. On a clean cutting board, place 1 slice of eggplant. Place 2 Tblsp of filling at the narrow end of the eggplant and roll up; place in prepared baking dish, seam side-down.
4. Repeat with remaining eggplant slices; arrange in a single layer in dish.
5. Spoon remaining 1/2 cup of sauce and remaining Tblsp of Parmesan over eggplant.
6. Bake until sauce bubbles, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Yields 2 pieces of rollatini per serving.
Serves 4
5 WW Points per serving

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Last Minute “Mr.” & “Mrs.” Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Want to Link to “Turning the Daunting Into the Do-able” Link Party?
CLICK HERE

Are you looking for a quick and easy Teacher Appreciation Gift?

Oh, I remember the days when all 4 of my children needed something to give to their teacher’s at the end of the year. It was always so much fun coming up with something that ALL OF THEM would be happy with… yup, joy to THAT one!

This time of year is like the holiday season with the end of the year parties, the gifts, planning a summer vacation… craziness! Not to mention the extra energy they have! Darn them for being so happy .

Hopefully, these ideas will lighten your load! By the way, all of the links to each one of these adorable, creative, simple and cheap ideas have free downloads AND tutorials. Awesome!

For the “Mrs.”, “Ms.” or “Miss” Teacher

1. Dry Erase Bouquet from Happy Scrapps

2. I Couldn’t Have Picked… A Better Teacher! from Dixie Delights

3. Water Glasses from Lisa Storms

4. Mini Oreo Apple Pops from The Crafting Chicks

5. Flower Pot from The Weekend Homemaker

6. Cookie Jar from Home Is Where They Love You

What about the “Mr.” Appreciation Gifts?
Here are 6 more great ideas!

1. Sharpies and Smarties from Little Pumpkin Grace

2. M & M’s Teach from Domestically-Speaking

3. We Need S’More Teachers Like You! from Key Ingredient

4. Simply the Best! From Be Fickle

5. Grilling Kit for a job “Well Done” from Mom On Time Out

6. There Is No “Sub” stitute for a Teacher Like You! from The Creative Homemaker

I hope this helps you out a bit. I wish I was in your place…
yes, even trying to come up with making all my children happy with one gift.

My baby is graduating next week from high school.
The years go by fast.
Enjoy every single stinkin’ day with them.
They are treasures.
IT’S A DARN GOOD THING THEY ARE CUTE!

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Welcome To Link Party #33 – “Turning the Daunting Into the Do-able”

Welcome to Link Party #33!
“Turning the Daunting Into the Do-able”

I can’t wait to see what you are going to share this week!

If you missed the highlights from Link Party #32 -
CLICK HERE

Rules for the Party:

1. Please no Etsy Shops, Businesses, or Giveaways.
2. I’d love it if you followed me on Linky Follower! (Right hand column). Leave me a comment so I know to follow you back.
3. Grab a button please and post anywhere on your blog (I won’t be able to feature your project unless you do).
4. Please link up something NEW that you have not shared before. Link up only YOUR work and not someone else’s.
5. Most important – please visit someone who has linked up and leave a kind comment. Don’t you be a “hit and run” blogger now . It only takes a few minutes to say “hi” to someone new! We all love comments!

6 Comments

Link Party Highlights #32 – “Turning the Daunting Into the Do-able”

I hope everyone is having a beautiful Memorial Day and observing and remembering the men and women who have died while serving in our nation’s service.

Here are the fabulous features from Link Party #32. If you were featured, please grab a “feature” button and place it on your blog somewhere so everyone can join in the party . You can find the button in the right hand column.

Alecia from Chicken Scratch NY made a Doily Covered Lamp Shade.

Alecia has a wonderful tutorial to show you how she made
this beautiful, unique lamp shade.

Rachael from Rustic Urban made this Rustic Barn Wood Headboard as part of her master bedroom re-do.

Amazing!

Katie from The Crafty Blog Stalker shared some YUMMY looking Apple Nachos.

These make my mouth water just looking at them!

Karin from Art Is Beauty made this beautiful Garden Potting Center out of a free armoire.

What a great vision she had!

Kirsten from the Sweet Swiper shared a summertime Asian Bowtie Pasta Salad.

Perfect for those hot summer months
when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.

Karen from Redoux Interiors shows us How To Make Anything Look Like Real Wood!

Her tutorial makes it look very easy.
Can’t wait to give this a try!

Melysa from Moments With the Montano’s made this amazing looking Pineapple Sangria.

I love pineapple and all of the other ingredients she puts into it!
Very refreshing.

Jodi from Meaningful Mama made this beautiful Neopolitan Cake for a baby shower.

Adorable!
Just like the ice cream… a flavor for everyone .

The Creative Lady Of the House linked up an amazing tip – A Simple Way To Stretch Your Shoes.

You HAVE TO GO TO HER BLOG and check out
her “recipe” for stretching your shoes.
AWESOME!

Kim from Reposture made an Ipod Cake for her son who turned 13.

Kim did an amazing job on a very “cool” cake.
Great job Mom!

Terry from Forever Decorating made this charming and romantic Teacup Chandelier.

So original!
Love the addition of the crystals.

Fabulous job ladies!
Thanks SO MUCH to everyone for linking up your projects and
inspiring US ALL!

Ready for Link Party #33?

CLICK HERE

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Thursdays With Tracie – “Mommy, I’m Bored” Jar

Summer is almost here and I am so excited!
I love summer!
I love swimming.
I love BBQ’s.
I love not having to get up and run around like a chicken getting everyone to school!
I ESPECIALLY LOVE having the kids home.

However, I DON’T LOVE the “I’m bored blues”
that set in quite quickly at my house.

Last year we did a bucket list for the summer and it was so much fun (which I will share with you in my next post). This year I wanted to try something different. After spending some time in Blog Land, I came across Shabby Beach Nest’s blog and I absolutely loved her version of a Bored Jar!!! It was pure genius! So I went to work tweaking it to fit my crew.

I decided I needed something that my boys would not be able to go through and pick and choose what they wanted (“You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit” – that’s the rule in this house) and something that would be appropriate for each child. Coloring might be exciting for my 3 year old but my 9 year old would not be amused.

Materials that I used:
1. Clear paint can (Beverley’s)
2. 3 different colors of scrapbooking paper (1 for each boy, the baby doesn’t need the bored jar yet!!)
3. Fun ribbon
4. Glue
5. Stickers (letters and whatever you have on hand to seal the strips of paper with)
6. Gallon Ziplock bags.
7. Tote with lid.

Directions:
1. Tie the ribbon onto the handle of the paint can.
2. Glue ribbon around the bottom of the outside of the paint can.
3. Cut a circle from the scrapbook paper and glue to the lid of the can.
4. Using your letter stickers, add “Bored Jar” to the top of the can.
5. Cut the scrapbook paper into strips (using 3 different colors).

6. Add your fun ideas to the strips and seal them with a sticker (no peeking!).

Here are some of my ideas:

-For my 3 year old (his color is yellow) I did: bubbles, sock puppets, coloring, design your own shirt (with fabric markers) and sidewalk chalk art.

-For my 7 year old (his color was orange) I did: water balloons, make a paper airplane, bake cookies, clean up playroom (yes, now you see why I want them sealed!)

-For my 9 year old (his color is green) I did: origami, build a Lego ship, build a catapult, make a movie, write a play for the family and clean out the car.

For some of the slips, I wrote surprise, craft and art.
This way, it will be mommy’s choice .

7. For any of the ideas that needed special supplies, I used individual Ziploc bags for each project.

Example: Origami project – I printed ideas off the internet and put those and the paper into the Ziplock bag.
Sock puppets – socks, eyes, and fabric marker into a Ziplock Bag.

I wanted to have the supplies on hand so I won’t be running all over town in 110 degrees purchasing the supplies to do the activity… by the time we would get home, they might not be bored anymore!

8. I gathered all of my filled Ziplock Bags and put them in a tote, which will be going into my closet so there won’t be any peaking.

I’m armed and ready for my boys to say, “Mommy, I’m bored”.
Three weeks and counting until summer begins!

Thanks Mandy for having me, have a great week everyone!

Tracie

If you are looking for Link Party #32

CLICK HERE

I’m sharing at these wonderful parties:

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Vintage Bridal Brooch Bouquet

If you are looking for Link Party #32
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If You are looking for Link Party #31 Highlights
CLICK HERE

Ready for some eye candy?

I have to tell you that I’m absolutely SMITTEN with these
Vintage Brooch Bridal Bouquets!
They are gorgeous.
I love the fact that they will last forever.
Yes, they are pricey, but I bet they would be pretty easy to figure out how to make.

M.L. from House of Whimsy shared this gorgeous bridal bouquet last week at the Link Party.

I have been thinking about these amazing bouquets ever since.
I got busy searching today (between packing boxes) on Pinterest and Etsy.

I hadn’t planned on writing a post and sharing with all of you, but
I got so much enjoyment looking at all of the different, beautiful,
sparkly colors, I wanted to share.

You can click here to see a fairly easy tutorial
on how to make one.

I also found a great website with a great selection of brooches.
Fabulous Brooch

I’m adding this to my DIY list!

HairBowsWonderworld