Cuurrrrennnntttllllyyy

I've seen this on a few blogs, so I thought I'd try it out!  If you'd like to do one for yourself, you can borrow a blank copy from HERE, like I did:)

Desk Storage

For my new classroom, I needed some small storage for the top of my desk.  You know, pens, pencils, tacks...that kind of stuff.  I didn't exactly know what I wanted, but I was in a crafty mood.  So off to Hobby Lobby I went.  I stumbled upon this small, plain, little wooden box.  

My classroom is decorated in bright colors and polka dots.  I love how happy it looks.  I thought about decoupaging it, but decided the best thing would be to just paint the base.  First, I sanded the edges of the drawers, I knew from experience if I didn't, after a couple coats of paint they wouldn't fit anymore. The colors I chose were Folk Art's- Calypso Blue and Neon Green.  I was pretty sure the fresh wood was going to soak up most of the paint, so I started with a coat of Mod Podge.  After that dried, I added a coat of paint.  I chose to paint the drawers all one color-green and everything else blue.  

I am trying to be very organized this year, so of course I had to label the drawers.  This time I did decoupage the letters.  Using my Cricut, I cut out the words for each drawer, in hot pink glitter paper:)  

After letting everything dry and putting the handles back on, I slipped the drawers in and done!  Very simple, easy, cute and functional.

    

2nd Grade!!!

This week was very exciting for me.  Thursday was my first day with kiddos in my OWN classroom!!  After a semi-freak out Wednesday night (which is not like me AT ALL) I had to be at school bright and early the next day.  I would say that my first day as a teacher was a success, no one was lost and I even ended the day with a smile:)  I am very blessed to be at the wonderful school that I am.  

Over the Christmas break my parents and I worked very hard on my new classroom.  The goal was to make it cheery and welcoming for the students, and I think that I achieved that!

New Year

So the New Year has begun.  We rang it in while sleeping in our big comfy bed...I did actually wake up at 12 due to allll of the fireworks that were going off around us:)  A large pot of taco soup was the best way to end 2011.  It is yummy and super simple.  First, brown your meat, then add all of the other ingredients and cook it until its warm.  I like it best served over fritos, and topped with sour cream and cheese.  

• ground meat- I use turkey
• 2 cans pinto beans
• 2 cans hominy
• 1 can stewed tomatoes
• 1 can rotel
• package ranch seasoning
• package taco seasoning
• 2 cups water 

Internet Domination

I've been a member of Facebook for a while now.  The thing is, I am actually much more of a creeper than an active user.  I have never been one to check in everywhere and I think I have had about 2 total status updates during all of my FB years. Recently I have found Pinterest and ohh do I love it!  If there is anyone out there that hasn't found Pinterest yet, well you should check it out.  I have tried so many new recipes and craft ideas.  Also I have found some great websites and blogs through Pinterest.  While I still check out my FB once and awhile, I can openly admit that I am addicted to Pinterest.  Now if I could just keep my house clean and not spend all of my "spare" time on the internet.
Head on over to pinterest and follow me!

Recipe: Martha Stewart's crisp coconut and chocolate pie - Style At Home

What better way to start off blogging than with a pie. I love sweets...that's a fact. This was a super simple recipe and it was pretty good. I made this for Christmas and took it to my parents house. My husband, who isn't much of a dessert eater, really enjoyed this pie. It tasted almost just like a Mounds candy bar and was the best when it was cold. Overall I was pretty pleased with my contribution to Christmas dinner.

I've linked to the original website so you can make one for yourself, just click on this post's title.  The only thing that I did differently was cook the crust a bit longer. It had been in the oven for about 10 minutes, and it wasn't browning. So I moved it to the lowest rack and ended up cooking it about 20-25 minutes altogether.

                                     

Here it goes...

As I'm sure it's very obvious, I am new to the blogging world. I am very excited to be here though.  Wednesday I will be teaching 2nd grade for the first time and I am even more excited about that!!  It is through teaching that I became familiar with blogging.  I have found some fabulous ideas from fellow bloggers for the classroom and I hope that I can one day share some equally fabulous ideas with you.  Thanks for reading and have a very happy New Year!!

Amanda