Day Spa Discount for TEACHERS!

Calling all teachers in the Westchester, NY area!!  Bella Maiya Day Spa in Briarcliff Manor, NY is currently giving teachers a 30% discount off of ALL services!  

I recently began getting monthly facials at this cozy and comfortable day spa!  You can go directly to their site here.  

In addition to facials, they offer an array of services which include massage, waxing, body treatments, spa parties and more!  

5 Awesome Apps for Summer - MUST SEE!

Amanda and I love following Ellie over at Creative-Geekery blog. We've been participating in her weekly link party, The Pin It Party Pinterest Link Up for the past few months and have been featured during a few of those parties, too! Due to the craziness of the end of the school year, we haven't been participating in link parties as much as we'd like to, but we'll be getting back into our routines soon! Even though I'm not participating in link parties, I'm still following our favorite blogs and I couldn't wait to share this post with you! 

Ellie posted about 5 Awesome MUST-HAVE Apps for Summer and they're SO cool! Check them out: 

1. Wild Time for when you need a little inspiration to get outside and do something! Decide how much time you have to spend outside (anywhere from 10 minutes to 1/2 a day) and choose from tons of fun and free activities. Or hand the iPhone or iPad to the kiddos and let them pick.

2. iExit Interstate Exit Guide for road trips! Find out what kind of services and restaurants are available at each exit on the highway you are traveling along. This little app also tells you how far it REALLY is off the highway. No more 20 minute detours for the Dunkin Donuts you saw a sign for along the highway.

3. SkyView for star-gazing! Just point your iPhone, iPod or iPad toward the sky and it will tell you what is up there. Stars, planets, satellites and so much more. Huge learning potential!

4. iSunburn to keep you safe in the sun! As the mom and wife to three of the palest folks you will ever meet, sunblock is my best friend. I am a VERY laid-back person but when it comes to sunblock and its reapplication, I do not joke around. This app will give you tons of localized info about your daily UV situation as well as remind you to REAPPLY. As the daughter of a melanoma survivor, I cannot stress to you enough the importance of sunblock. And don’t forget to put it on yourself!

5. Just Drink Water to keep you hydrated! I have a hard enough time staying hydrated in the winter so come summer time I need all the help I can get. This app will help you set hydration goals, keep track of your intake and will even remind you when it is time to grab another glass. 

Messy Curls

Happy Friday, Everyone! I decided that I'll be taking a break from High Five for Fridays during the summer. I may participate a few times or perhaps find another way to reflect on my summer days. We'll see what happens! ;-)

Even though I'm not linking up with Lauren Elizabeth for High Five for Friday, I'm still visiting her blog and checking in on her posts. The other day she posted a hair tutorial for messy curls.  I love watching hair tutorials in general because I still can't seem to find the best way to style my hair. My hair is naturally curly, but I straighten it all the time. I like to wear it curly, too, but still can't find the best way to style it every day. I also love watching the tutorials because I enjoy hearing about the products that are used. 

I'm embedding Lauren Elizabeth's tutorial video for Messy Curls below. If you have long hair and are curious about a new way to style, check it out! 

Here are the products that Lauren Elizabeth used in this tutorial:

1 1/4 inch Hot Tools Curling Iron

Clipless Curling Wand (1/2-1" attachment)

Kenra 25 Hairspray

Tresemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo

Bumble & Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish

Making a Homemade Piñata!

Marc's nephew turned 7 last week, and as the party was approaching, his sister asked if we could make a piñata that would actually break open.  The store bought piñatas are made of heavy cardboard and are impossible for little hands to break open with any size stick.

We immediately took on the challenge and decided to construct a piñata that would look good and be fun to hit!  I found the blog, Oh, Happy Day!, where they highlight different party suggestions and ideas.  I was determined to make this piñata work!

I went to Target, where I found a shipping box for around $4.  I picked up a package of tissue paper, some glue and some tape (packing and masking tape).

This was a team effort, and Marc was able to draw out the number seven, and cut it out to make it a solid shape.  

Creating a piñata while watching the world cup!

The piñata before all the decorations!

Then I got to work with the tissue paper.  I was able to take one sheet of tissue, cut it into four strips.  I folded each strip the "hot dog" way, and snipped them to make little tabs.  Starting at the bottom, I glued the strips around the number seven, being sure to alternate colors to make a pattern.  If you'll notice, I had to add a little bit of pink!

The piñata turned out great, and we were THRILLED that after six or seven kids, the piñata burst open!  It was the first time at Markian's birthday party that the kids were able to hit it open without the help of an adult.

If you're thinking about making your own piñata, I promise, it isn't too much work, and the kids will love you for it!

Happy Birthday, Markian!

America's Test Kitchen

About 5 years ago, my Mom introduced me to America's Test Kitchen.  Here's a great description from their website:

"America's Test Kitchen is a real 2,500 square foot test kitchen located just outside of Boston that is home to more than three dozen full-time cooks and product testers. Our mission is simple: to develop the absolute best recipes for all of your favorite foods. To do this, we test each recipe 30, 40, sometimes as many as 70 times, until we arrive at the combination of ingredients, technique, temperature, cooking time, and equipment that yields the best, most-foolproof recipe.

Our recipes, equipment reviews, ingredient taste tests results, and kitchen tips are made available through our magazines, our websites, our television series; America's Test Kitchen and Cook's Country from America's Test Kitchen, and our cookbooks."

America's Test Kitchen gets down to the science of cooking, ensuring that your recipes turn out great every time.  I was once a subscriber to their magazine, Cook's Country, gaining insight into cooking each month.  

Here's a sneak preview into one of their television shows (which is available on Public Television):

Tomato Basil Tart:

Equipment Review: Stand Mixers

Science: The Best Way to Use a Whisk

Magical Wand Fruit Kabobs

Happy Fourth of July!

There are so many great recipes to make to celebrate the 4th this weekend! This is one of my favorites because it involves two of my favorite fruits, watermelon and blueberries, which I blog about often.  These are great to make at any point during the summer and super cute for the kids, too! 

I obtained the recipe from She Knows blog and I love how she states, "This fun and edible foodie craft will have kids casting spells and eating healthy! Fresh blueberries are pushed onto a wooden skewer and topped with a piece of star-shaped watermelon." 

Magical Wand Fruit Kebabs Recipe

Yield 8 fruit kebabs

Ingredients:

• 1 pint blueberries
• 1-2 (1-inch think) slices of watermelon (depending on size)
• 8 long wooden skewers

Directions:

1.   Wash blueberries and set aside.

2.   Using small, star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out eight stars from the watermelon slices.

3.   Push about 16 blueberries onto the skewer, leaving about five inches open at the bottom.

4.   Leave about three inches at the top and top the blueberries with a star-shaped piece of watermelon.

5.   Keep cool and enjoy cold! 

{Soul Pancake} The Science of Happiness: The Secret to a Happy Family

Have you ever had a time where you watch a video...a movie...read a card...something and it brings tears to your eyes?  This video did it for me.  I'm not a parent, but I am someone's child.  I am also a teacher, working with kids every single day, looking out for their well-being.  My students talk to me about many things, including their worries, fears, anxieties, excitements, and loves, among other things.  My students tell me things about their families (maybe much more than you as a parent may realize...I have heard about fights between moms and dads, and other things you'd wish your little ones didn't repeat).  Regardless, I know that each family dynamic is quite different, but at the root of it all, your kids just want you to spend time with them.  You may be busy with work and other things in life, but you may be surprised as you watch this video what kids are really thinking!

Red, White & Blue Nails!

In preparation for our big Fourth of July Weekend, I'm gathering inspiration for some fun nail art. Here are my six favorites from Babble.com! Number 2 is my favorite... what's yours? 

Tea Time with Sophia Grace and Rosie

There really isn't much for me to say about these videos!  I think you just need to watch and enjoy for yourself!!!  I love these two!


Here's some of my favorites:

Lemonade Stand in a Box!

A few weeks ago, I attended my first lemonade sale of the season. The kids were absolutely adorable! How can you pass them by?! Lemonade stands were a huge part of my childhood growing up and a favorite summertime memory! 

I saw this super cute lemonade stand printable on The Crafting Chicks blog. Click on over for directions on how to print everything.

I also found this Lemonade Kit gift idea on the Idea Room blog which I thought would be a cute addition to any summer gathering. Click on over for more details! 

Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad

If you're looking for great summer recipes, check out Budget Bytes blog. I was drawn to the Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad and made it this past weekend. It was really good!

The dressing is light and tangy and the fresh vegetables are crunchy and absolutely delicious!

Here's the list of ingredients and directions from Budget Bytes. Click here to follow the step-by-step photo process.

Ingredients

• 12 oz. bow tie pasta $1.39
• 2 medium roma tomatoes $0.61
• 1 medium summer squash $0.39
• 1 medium zucchini $0.39
• 1 medium broccoli crown $1.27
• ½ medium red onion $0.57
• ⅔ (15 oz.) jar roasted red peppers $1.34
• ½ bunch parsley $0.49

VINAIGRETTE

• ¼ cup vegetable oil $0.16
• ¼ cup olive oil $0.44
• ⅓ cup red wine vinegar $0.21
• 1 Tbsp dijon mustard $0.06
• 1 tsp dried oregano $0.05
• 1 tsp minced garlic $0.12
• ¾ tsp salt $0.05
• to taste fresh cracked black pepper $0.05

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and boil for 5-7 minutes or until tender. Drain in a colander.
2. While you’re waiting for the pasta water to boil and the pasta to cook, prepare the vegetables (squash, zucchini, broccoli, tomato, onion, parsley, red pepper). Give the vegetables a good wash and then cut into bite sized pieces (onions and red pepper thinly sliced; parsley removed from stems and chopped).
3. While the pasta is cooling, prepare the vinaigrette. In a small bowl whisk together the vegetable oil, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, and vinaigrette. Stir until everything is well mixed and coated with vinaigrette. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.

First Monday of Summer

The first Monday of summer...

Restful...

Relaxing...

Relieving...

Laid back...

Enjoyable...

Too good to be true!!!

I can't tell you how good it feels to be off for the summer.  Yes...I have lots of things planned, but to have the first Monday of summer is like having the first bite of an ice cream sundae.  Delicious, cool, and refreshing!!  I hope you enjoyed your first summer Monday, too!!

Happy Birthday to My Husband!

Happy Birthday to the man of my life, the king of my dreams, and the mate of my soul.

Today and every day I celebrate you!

When I tell you… I love you, it’s not out of habit. I say it to remind you that you are the best thing that has ever happened to me.

When I tell you… thank you, it’s not out of habit. I say it because I am amazed that you never give up on me or my dreams and that you are selfless when it comes to family and future.

When I tell you… you are my best friend, it’s not out of habit. It’s because I value your input, your outlook, your knowledge, and your love.

When I tell you… you inspire me, it’s not out of habit. It’s because your work ethic and your self-discipline are qualities I pray our future children will have.

When I tell you Happy Birthday… it’s because this is the happiest day. It’s the day I get to celebrate your accomplishments, your faith, your love, your motivation and your desire to make others happy. Most importantly, I get to celebrate you and the day that God made me the luckiest girl in the world.

I love you, Paulie! I know few things for sure, but I am certain, I am the luckiest! Sharing my life with you is the greatest gift of my life. 

Happy Birthday! 

MUST SHOP: BodenUSA

Boden USA is a clothing company that is run out of England, and has amazing British inspired clothing.  When I go on this site, I dream and plan outfits.  Don't get me wrong, their prices are a little steep, but if you catch a good sale, you can get some good quality clothing for an affordable price.

Boden carries clothing for men, women and children.  Right now, they're having a 50% off sale!

The dress above is $29.60 (originally $148.00!)

This dress is $52.80 (originally $88.00!)

Jersey Romper $19.80 (originally $28.00)

Jersey Playsuit $23.00 (was $34.00)

Check out Boden USA to see all the great sale items!!!