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August 31, 2015

Master Bedroom Update with Perfect Linens


Good Morning!  I hope your weekend was a great one.  Ours was a good mix of both work and play.  The first week of school is now behind us and we are looking forward to a great school year!  One of the rooms we I did a little work in over the weekend was our master bedroom.  There were a couple of things I've been wanting to update and one of those being our sheets.  And I am super excited to have found a wonderful set at Perfect Linens




I decided to go with these "second skin" sheets in blue double stripe and absolutely love them!  Not only are they beautiful and add the perfect touch of color to our all white bedding, but they feel amazing to snuggle up in.  They are a 400 count, enzyme-treated 100% Egyptian cotton sheets.  The way the cotton is manufactured gives you a "tucked-in" yet airy experience.  I also love how generously-sized the flat sheet is allowing you to fold back the stitched embroidery detail which is so pretty.

 
 
If you've been reading awhile, you might also notice that we played musical furniture in here as well.  I decided to move the bed in front of our windows and we are loving the new arrangement!  It surprising gives us a lot more room in here.  
 

We are really loving the changes we made in this space.  The new arrangement and new sheets give this room the much needed update it needed.  And I am so impressed with these sheets from Perfect Linens.  My décor style is all about keeping things simple and these sheets fit perfectly with my style.  Both gorgeous and comfortable and a lovely addition to our master bedroom. 
 
I am also excited to share a discount coded with you all.  To receive $35 off your purchase use the code Happiness35. 
 
Have a great day!
 
*Thank you Perfect Linens for sponsoring this post.
 
 


August 27, 2015

School Basket Organization System


Hi there everyone!  I hope all the kiddos that headed back to school this week are having a great start!  I loved seeing all the back to school pictures on IG!  Such cuties!!  I can hardly believe we have almost finished the first week!

Something that really helps us stay on top of things during the school year are these wall baskets.  I shared this basket organization system as a guest post earlier this week, but also wanted to share it on my blog too.  It is one of my most favorite organization systems for back to school and helps keep the counters clutter free and our kitchen space looking tidy!


 
In the back of our kitchen, we have a nice size desk space that I use daily.  It's just a nice central location in our home.  My laptop sits there and I love being right in the kitchen which also opens up to our family room, so I still feel part of whatever is going on.  The laundry room is through the door directly behind this desk, so I can keep on top of that when I work too.  We have a home office, but most everything I do happens right in this space.  It is definitely command central for our family.

 
You can see all three baskets that I use in the picture above.  There are two wall baskets labeled with each of my kids' names and then a larger basket on the counter that is part of this system as well.  The wall baskets are from World Market and they are a nice size (these are the medium size) and I love that they are wide enough to hold a binder.  Most wall organization systems I looked at, fit papers and notebooks, but not a binder.  The counter top basket is from Target.  You may notice that this space also leads into our dining room, so I like that these baskets look a bit nicer then other wall paper holders. 



So here's how it works for us...

During the school year when the kids come home with their 20 daily pages each, I quickly sort through them and toss what I don't need and then place whatever I need to keep in the larger counter top basket.  If I have time, I sort through and file the important papers to keep in the binders that are inside each child's basket.  But if we are running out the door for something or if I just don't feel like sorting papers immediately, they stay in the basket on the counter and things still look neat until I can get to them. 


Since school starts for us today, here's a look at what has been inside these baskets for the summer.  Below you can see that included along with the binders are their flashcards and whatever book they are currently reading.  During the school year these also hold any weekly study items like sight words, as well as box tops or other items we need to save or collect.

 
In each binder, I have clear protector sheets to keep permanent papers intact such as the school year calendar, class schedule, etc.  I also have dividers to file papers for their extracurricular activities, religion classes, and other miscellaneous items. 
 
And here's a close up look at the tabs for my daughter's binder.  I have them labeled right now with:  School, Sports/Cheer, Piano, Religion, Miscellaneous.
 
 
 
 

This basket system has worked so well for us!  It's really simple, but so necessary and such a big help keeping up with all the kids' important papers.

And if you're looking for a way to organize your kids' art supplies, this organized kids' arts and craft closet has been a really popular post for my readers in the past around this time of the year.  It has made the kids' school projects during the year so much easier with everything in order.

Have a great day everyone!

We can also keep in touch here:

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August 20, 2015

Our trip to Florida | 30A and vacinity

 
Hi there!  I hope everyone's week is going well!  Today I wanted to share a few pictures of our trip to Florida last week.  It was a great way to end the summer!  We visited this area two years ago, but it was a quick trip, so I was happy to spend a little more time here this year.  The entire 30A area and surrounding beaches are really gorgeous!  I'll just let the pictures do the talking...
 
 
 
 
The top four are in Rosemary Beach, which has stunning architecture and beautiful cobblestone streets.  And below is in Seaside, which has beautiful cottage homes and is just so charming.  
 


 
We did a little shopping and ate out once, but really spent most of our time on the beach.  We set up camp and pretty much stayed all day!
 
 
 
 

Really such a gorgeous, family friendly location!  We will definitely be back!
 
Have a great day!!
 
P.S.  The operation organization series hosted by 11 Magnolia Lane is still going on for several more days.  Lots of inspiration being shared.  It will be my turn to share on Monday.  Check out the schedule in the post below.
 
 
 

August 17, 2015

Operation Organization | Back To School Edition

 
Good Morning!  I am still in a vacation coma, but wanted to pop in and let you know about a super fun and helpful series I will be taking part in over the next 2 weeks.  Amy and Christy at 11 Magnolia Lane put together an organization series twice a year...once after the New Year and then in August a Back to School edition.  I participated in January and I'm excited to be back joining with this talented group again this round!  Christy is kicking it off today with Customizable, Printable Kids' Chore Charts.  So clever!  Hop over and check these out!  And below is a little more about the series and a line-up of who will be hosting.
 
See all of the previous posts in our Operation: Organization series {here} and follow the Pinterest board {here}. 
 
Operation: Organization {Back to School Edition} 2015 Schedule:
8/20: Monthly Pretty Preppy Party
8/27: Pretty Preppy Party Features
8/28: Simply Organized

Have a wonderful day!

 

August 13, 2015

Mexican Style Salad with Salsa Ranch Dressing


Good Morning!  When I find a delicious recipe that's a keeper I love sharing it with you all.  This salad is so amazing!  It's pretty filling, so I make for dinner and it can stand on it's own.  No other sides necessary.  And the dressing is pretty scrumptious as well. 


Mexican Style Salad with Salsa Ranch Dressing

Ingredients
  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1 packet of taco seasoning
  • romaine lettuce
  • cherry tomatoes
  • 2 avocados, peeled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup colored bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup of fresh corn kernels
  • 8 slices of cooked crumbled bacon
  • 1 bunch of green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco cheese
  • 1 cup ranch dressing (from the refrigerated section)
  • 1/2 of spicy salsa
Method
  1. Chop and prep vegetables.
  2. Season chicken with taco seasoning coating both sides.
  3. Grill chicken until done and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
  4. Place ranch dressing and salsa in blender and puree until smooth.  *tip - sometimes I substitute a jalapeno ranch dressing to eliminate this step and it is just as yummy.
  5. Pile chopped lettuce on a large platter or bowl.  Slice chicken and arrange over lettuce.  Add avocados and tomatoes.  Sprinkle corn, green onions, bacon and queso fresco over entire salad.
  6. Serve immediately with a serving of salsa ranch dressing.
*recipe adapted from here


Hope you enjoy!



August 10, 2015

Wear It Now Look


Hi there!  I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!  I know all the stores are switching gears and putting their Fall clothing out, but because it is 100+ degrees here in Texas, all I can think about is cool, comfy summer pieces.  Once school lets back in and football season kicks off I will be Fall ready.  But for now here are my latest summer wear-it now pieces that I'm loving!  This denim off the shoulder dress is less than $20!  It is on the way to mi casa.  The sandals are also on sale and the sunnies are so fun and only $12!
 
We are still in Florida for the week, but I wanted to share this post before things sell out.  And I will be back in a couple of days to share the best salad recipe ever!  Have a wonderful week!

 

August 6, 2015

Our Trip to Cinnamon Shore


Happy Thursday!  I finally had a little time to sort through some of our pictures from our recent trip to Cinnamon Shore on Mustang Island in Port Aransas, TX.  If you follow on Instagram you may have seen a couple of these already :)  We shared a home with friends of ours and had a really fun week here soaking up the sand and surf!  It is a charming beach community with stunning homes, a beautiful beach, gorgeous pools and fun activities including a s'mores and movie night, kids camps, etc.  We loved it here and hope to make it an annual trip.  Here are a few pictures from our stay...


One of the activities they have is a sandcastle lesson.  Nothing formal, just everyone gathered on the beach for a few instructions and then off to create!  It was actually really fun to learn and so easy!  I have been going to the Texas coast almost every summer all my life and now I finally know how to build pretty sandcastles with a plastic knife and fork :)



They have a couple of beautiful pools that we mostly just dipped in to remove all the salt and sand, as we spent most of our time at the beach.


Walking around the community admiring all the homes was of course one of my favorite parts of our trip :)  They are all gorgeous!  The architecture is beautiful and I fell in love with the all the porches.  Most have huge porches with either a swing, rocking chairs or Adirondack chairs.  Such a perfect spot to relax with a glass of wine or sweet tea.  Here's a few I captured...






They also have a huge lawn where everyone gathers in the evening and a couple of stocked ponds that we fished.  Even after a full day at the beach, the kids ran and played on the lawn or fished, while we enjoyed refreshing beverages.  Just a great way to end the day!  Both kids made new friends during our stay and there's just lots of great families to hang out with.  Overall a wonderful, close to home get away!

And finally, I got to get a peek at the 2015 Coastal Living Showhouse while we were there!  It's a stunning home!!  It opens next week, but in the meanwhile, you can see more about it here!   

Have a great day...



August 3, 2015

Summery Mudroom


Good Morning!  I hope everyone had a great weekend!  When I realized this weekend it was already August 1st, all I could think about is that our summer is quickly coming to an end.  And I'm just not ready yet.  Last year I was ready to get back to a routine, but this year we have had such a fun summer and I don't want it to end.  #endlesssummer  We do have one more vacation planned which I'm excited about, but after that it will be back to school mode :(

Anyways, one thing I love about summer is taking back our little mudroom area.  During the school year it is full of backpacks, lunchboxes, jackets, sports bags, etc.  But in the summer, I put all that stuff away and dress it up a bit.


 
This mudroom is right as you enter from our garage, so it's a space I see several times a day.  Having it pretty when I enter our home makes me a happy girl.  I picked up this pillow and throw at Target at the beginning of summer and love the sunny yellow.  My bag is a purchase from last summer on sale at Banana Republic Factory and I've used it all summer!  Love the size and the stripes!
 


My pool bag hangs in here as well all summer, but other then that I like it cleared out!  We have a couple of other hooks on a separate wall for the dog leash, and a few other things, but this area is mine to make pretty for a few months out of the year!

I am also guest posting over at Crazy Wonderful today.  It's a fun series my friend Shelley has put together called 'inside my bag.'  Hop over and check it out and just to warn you...you might get sucked into her blog.  Her home and DIYs are amazing!!

Have a wonderful day!