Pinterest & A Public Service Annoucement

I'm still as addicted to Pinterest as I was a few months ago.

At first, I couldn't get enough of the home decor ideas that flooded the screen in front of me.  But then I discovered recipes.  Ohhhh the recipes.

Pictures of red velvet this and pumpkin that.

After making a few desserts, I graduated into entree territory.  For some reason, Pinterest had me actually wanting to cook.  And I don't mean Hamburger Helper (which I love.....tsk tsk tsk......no judging).

So far I've been thrilled with all the recipes I've tried!  The mister has been too!  He especially loved a Chicken Enchilada Pasta dish, and he even ate the leftovers.  We also liked a White Chicken Enchilada recipe.

But his favorite of my escapades was probably the Jalapeno Poppers, which he didn't even eat.  No, he doesn't like jalapenos.  He just likes terrorizing me when I'm clumsy or forgetful.

While making the poppers, I sort of forgot that I'd handled jalapenos.  And I guess I must have touched my face.  Because all of a sudden, I was aflame!  Random spots on my face were stinging.  It was the worst burning sensation you can imagine. 

Washing my face didn't work.  I had to resort to Google.  And in my search, I read that milk was a great remedy for jalapeno burns.  So, a plate of milk was served up.  And face first I went.

Being in such a vulnerable state left me defenseless against the mister, who was snapping photo after photo of this horrifying event......

So let this be a lesson.  Upon touching jalapenos, wash your hands in soapy water prior to touching your face.  Or earlobe.

But if you forget, remember the tale of the terrorized wife, and pray you have a jug of milk.

Top Ten List: Fall

Now that school is in session and lazy days by the pool are no longer, I am ready for my favorite season of the year. 

I love all things autumn.  

Here is my "Top Ten Reasons Fall Rocks" list.....

1.  Pumpkin Spice Lattes return at Starbucks.

2.  Speaking of pumpkins, I can buy a few of the heirloom variety for my front porch!

3.  Trees light up in shades of yellow, orange, and red.

4.  The air becomes crisp, but it's still warm enough to get away with long sleeves and maybe just a jacket.

5.  I can trade out flip flops for flats..........and maybe sneak some boots in too.

6.  Back to pumpkins again.  It's time for pumpkin muffins and pie. 

7.  Soup and hot chocolate season is upon us. 

8.  Halloween!  Costume time!

9.  Thanksgiving!  Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy..........with family.

10.  Friday night football games at the high school.  A blanket, hot chocolate, and marching band performances at halftime!

Did you really think I'd be able to stop at ten?

11.  Flaming red mums (alongside my pumpkins) for curb appeal.

12.  Fall bouquets at the Farmers' Market, not to mention the other fall produce you can scoop up there.

13.  Leola's fall open house.  With Jan's bittersweet wreaths.

*   *   *   *

There.  All done.

Surely, I've convinced 

you that fall is the best.

Memory Lane

Nothing can take you back quite like a visit to a small hometown fair.

The Republic Fall Festival was this weekend, and I somehow convinced the mister that we needed to go.  I think throwing in "it's for the kids" really worked (meaning: for his little nephews). But really, I just wanted to go.

This fair was a childhood staple.  A must every August before school started. 

While looking around Friday night, I realized some of the exact same rides were there from way back when.  In fact, I'm pretty sure this ride hadn't even gotten a new coat of paint since the last time I rode it....

And even though it wasn't quite as magical as it was as a preteen, I got to enjoy it through a three year old's eyes.  A fearless three year old, who was shrieking with delight while our legs dangled many, many feet above the ground...

So while we were suspended at the top of the Paratrooper, I took a minute.  The view wasn't too bad....

 

It made me smile.  And it made me a little wistful for the deathtrap of a ride, The Zipper, which was nowhere in sight. 

Probably for good reason.

I wish I had a dollar...

For every time someone has told me I look like this actress who is gonna be on a new show this fall. 

I could buy a new car.

Not really, but seriously......it has happened a lot.

So maybe I could buy a new pair of shoes or something.

My celebrity look-alike..........

Me.....

Agree or disagree?

A new phase of work shenanigans....

Pinterest is very inspiring.  You can find lovely home decor ideas, recipes, craft projects, and so many other wonderful things.  The list really does go on and on.

Little did I know, however, that work related shenanigans could also be sparked by this amazing web-site.

One day, while scrolling through all the inspiration, my eyes became fixed on something so outstanding I just knew it would have to be replicated.

And replicated it was.  A few Google images and Picnik edits later, we (Whit and I) had ourselves a nice little poster to hang directly above the copy machine.....

 
You can't say you weren't warned.

Hodgepodge....

Prepare for randomness.

Look what arrived in the mail after three months of being on backorder..........

This baby is going in the special room.  Which I planned on having finished by now, but summer sort of got in the way.

*   *   *   *

My last hurrah before school starts happened last weekend.  The annual camping and float trip.....

We are becoming quite the accomplished campers.  I learned everything I know from the Pullan Family.  They are experts.  And they are fun too.

*   *   *   *

Here's what happens when you acquire fake tattoos and you're supposed to be working on getting your classroom back in order.........

Aren't we fierce?

The Booth

Some big changes have been happening in booth world.

Two of us decided to branch out on our own........and get spaces by ourselves!   

AHHHHH! 

Scary, but exciting!

I moved to an "endcap" on the other side of the store.  I decided to dress it up from just plain pegboard.......

To a burlap backdrop.......

Added a little bunting at the top, and then it was staging time.......

I'm thrilled with how it turned out..........now come to Relics and buy my stuff!

Pretty please....

It's that time again....

School is practically in session.  Which means my classroom must be put back together again.......

The best custodian ever painted my room this summer, so I'm in the mood to redecorate my space.  Light gray is so much better than butter.  Butter colored walls are bad.  Gray colored walls are good.

Another good thing?  My new rug.........

That's chevrony goodness, huh?

And my sort-of-new chairs, which were headed to storage until I spotted them..........

To match my brown and blue color scheme!

Instead of these awful things........

  

Which are orange.  And huge. 

And very wide.  And won't stay on 

desks at the end of the day.

And they are orange.

The chairs, newly painted walls, and my chevron rug inspired me to buy curtains too......

To hide six shelves of this........

But let's talk about this horse.........

I mean last summer it was a sombrero wearing JFK bust.  Now this?

Who is messing with me?  And why do you like to leave random objects on my desk over the summer?

This isn't over! 

Let the horsing around begin!