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Showing posts from 2013

How a Cookie Scoop and a Plastic Zipper Bag Changed My Life

It all started back in high school when I would go over to my best friends house.  Her mom made the most wonderful cookies.  I mean what were these things?  They didn't taste at all like the cookies you cut off the roll that I made.  They weren't like the burnt things my older sisters used to make and let me have.  These were cinnamony deliciousness like no other.  The were called "Snickerdoodles."  I don't know if my friend and her mom were tired of me coming over and eating all their cookies or what but, they gave me the recipe.  Every year since then, at Christmas I make a batch of Snickerdoodles. Yummy Snickerdoodles fresh from the oven. Why just at Christmas, you ask?  Well, they are just too much darn work.  They rate right up there with ginger people and sugar cookie cutouts.  First, you mix up the ingredients, then you roll the dough up in a ball, then you roll the ball in a bowl of cinnamon-sugar to coat, then bake.  This dough is VERY sticky. 

Party Decorations (Eagle Court of Honor) on the Cheap

These will be centerpieces on the tables at my Son's Eagle Court of Honor *Update:  See how I re-used these same cans for a patriotic luncheon.   The other night I was surfing around on the t.v. and ended up watching "Extreme Cheapskates."  I found myself thinking, "Ohhh... what amateurs!"  But, I couldn't tell anyone.  I mean I didn't want anyone to know how "cheap" I actually am. I really think they set some people up on that show.  I mean seriously?!?  You share a toothbrush to save money?  Buy 2 toothbrushes and each will last twice as long, same with the deodorant.  Yuck! Anyway, there was this lady only wanting to spend $50 on her 10 year old son's birthday.  Since I'm always looking for inexpensive ways to celebrate, I kept watching.  What?!?!  She had his birthday party at a retirement home for $30?!?!  What about having it at your house or the park for free, hello people?  Instead of the Elvis entertainer (who I'

Homecoming Mum

I started researching mums and realized that they are a Texas tradition.  I always thought everyone did them.  Oh, well... the rest of the world's loss.  Back when I was in high school there were not craft stores like there are now.  Your mum was bought from a florist by your date or your parents or by your best friend.  Making them yourself was unheard of.  One year while teaching, I made myself a little mum but I so wanted to make another mum.  I love creating new things and now that I have boys in high school and one has a girlfriend, I have a chance to create a homecoming mum. In my research, I realized that you can pay more than $300 for a homecoming mum.  I'm sorry, but that is absolutely ridiculous.  I found a few websites that helped me out but now I would like to share with you how I made mine and how I saved on costs. First lets start with the ribbons.  Homecoming mums are made with cheap floral ribbon.  Unfortunately, it's hard to find if you're not bu

Hollywood and Movies Style Classroom, part 2

This is part 2 of my classroom decorations for Hollywood and Movies.  Please see Part 1 here. We made it through our first week of school.  I'm still adding some final touches to my room but it's mostly done, finally. I have a rectangle shaped room.  Above the window I put The Jett Pack in clapboard letters.  I actually found a free font and then cut it out on my electronic cutter.  Beside and below the window is "A Star Is Born."  I took pictures of all my students (mostly on Meet the Teacher night) wearing sunglasses and the girls got to wear a boa.  I printed the pictures in black and white with their names and birthdates like a real "headshot," mounted it on black construction paper and then laminated it. The other side of the long wall, I hung a few little decorations and some old movie posters. The back wall actually has my leftover bulletin board from last year.  Shhh!  Don't tell anyone.  I ran out of time and it still went wi

Hollywood and Movies Style Classroom, Part 1

Two years ago, I decided to try a themed classroom and I loved it.  I had so much fun with my nifty-fifties class.  But, it was time for a change.  What should I do?  I considered several options and finally decided on a Hollywood or Movies theme. This first picture is my clock.  I took a trashcan, turned it upside down and traced it on a piece of white poster board for the large circle.  I traced a frisbee for the inside circle.  Then, I just started to free draw the gears.  I found black and silver spray paint, headed outside and gave it a light coat.  The "film" is just brown butcher paper that I added a few lines and dashes to.  I love how I was able to staple it to the wall with dimension. Next, is my... wait stop.... don't laugh... my school doesn't have smart boards.  We have "flannel graph".  Seriously, the red is felt and I have felt cut outs that I can stick to the board.  I wanted black felt but couldn't find any at the local Walmart

Cards for Operation Write Home

Each of these cards was made by using the sketches on Operation Write Home .  I would have a friend pick a number, I would find the corresponding sketch and create.  It was a blast.  Hopefully, I will actually send some of these cards to Operation Write Home for our military to use to send to their loved ones.  However, not all of these cards are actually eligible.  If you decide to send card to OWH, make sure you follow the guidelines including "no glitter".