Photo Saturday

view from the water taxi in the Baltimore Harbor during Sailabration weekend...which celebrated the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.

only the good...

it's so hard not to feel like a little kid when I use this phrase...but really what it comes down to is that it's just not fair...on Tuesday, one of the most wonderful people in the world that I've had the pleasure to know, and in this case, call family, passed away...

Jon was B's cousin, but to me he was more than that...even though we only spent a few days each year with them, he was not just family, but a friend...a snowboard instructor, a great team mate for family game nights, an amazing husband and father, and he had a great relationship with his sister and parents...and he was nowhere done living...

I only hope he knows just how much we all loved him, and that we will never forget him...

Thursday's Shoe Story

It's such a strange transition that my closet has taken...from tons of heels that were way too high and way too skinny, to sensible, comfortable flats that I can wear teaching, or just out running errands.

slowly packing up the bags of donations to goodwill, and replacing (of course...can't let the supply get too low!) I came across these, super comfy and I think super cute shoes at Target...oh Target, the store I need to stay far, far away from!

They are a good option when closed-toed shoes are necessary, and their neutral color makes them match just about everything :)  although, realizing that this is not the best photo...since they pretty much blend into the carpet...oh well!

DIY Wednesday - Glitter Keys

One of my (many) goals for the summer, along with taking time to do art of my own, getting my house in some kind of order, trying out new recipes, and above all relaxing...I wanted to try out some fun and easy DIY projects that I've seen on Pinterest and other blogs I frequent.

So the first project I decided to tackle was glitter-fying my keys...since we all know what a huge fan of glitter I am, so I thought it would be a great place to start!

I had seen this pin on Pinterest a few months back, which lead me to an adorable blog My oh My written by a fellow Art Teacher, CMae.  You can see her original post here, and I suggest you poke around on her blog if you like art, books, crafts, or just a good read!


First I chose a color from my extensive glitter collection, found some glue in my basket of adhesives, and I put down some wax paper, to contain the mess.

One layer of glue and glitter, left to dry for an hour, and then repeat on the next side.

Then to keep all that glitter from flaking off into my purse, car and everywhere else...of course let's face it...it's everywhere in my house anyway...a layer of clear nail polish on each side.

And voila!  Glitter keys...DIY project #1 of the summer complete :)

Recipe Box - Baked Ham & Egg cups

I always have said that I wasn't a breakfast person- when I was younger at home with my parents, my Dad would always have his breakfast plates all set up the night before, and I would always sit in the morning and the usual "I don't know" would be my answer to the question of what I wanted for breakfast...

Fast forward to college, and I would roll out of bed with just enough time to get dressed and grab my books for class, so lunch was usually the first meal of the day (unless you count coffee, which I totally do)...

And then the real world, where long days sitting in a cubicle made me feel even hungrier then usual...probably because I found most of those experiences to be boring and un-fulfilling...and eating just was a way to pass the time...so I found my way back to breakfast after all these years...but working breakfasts meant bagels, which are fine...but not every day...

So now that I have the honor of teaching Art to the youth of Baltimore City...I get to take my time having breakfast for the next few weeks while I'm on summer vacation...so new breakfast ideas..GO! 


I bring to you...yet another Pinterest find...baked ham and egg breakfast cups...which came from the blog Simple Delights...I only had sliced cheese, so I substituted that...but these are delish!  I have made them pretty regularly for the past two weeks and the best part- each is just 100 calories!  Full of protein...a great way to start your day :)

squeeeeeeeeee!!!

yup...exciting things are happening in my business-world...the business I have sorely neglected for oh, the past 12 months while I was completely consumed by being a first year teacher...now it's time to recharge my batteries and get some work done that is my own...and I just had a lovely phone call with someone who is going to help me get those dreams under way...

SOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!  you'll just have to stay tuned until I have stuff to show you..ahh anticipation :D

holy $#!?...last day of school is tomorrow?

I can NOT believe it...180 days of school...well 179,  and tomorrow is the last day of my first year of teaching.  I know that teaching is what I am meant to do, and even through all the ups and downs (and to be honest, more of the downs) I really feel like I've found my calling, what I've always been meant to do...

and now I get a nice few months of summer to reflect on the year...but mostly RELAX :)



ready for some of this white strawberry-lemon sangria...perfect for sitting by the pool :)

found on Pinterest, of course...you can get the recipe here, on the Kitchen Treaty blog


bottoms up!