Pinterest... It's a love/hate relationship

So, I've had a Pinterest account for a while now.  But, I just recently became addicted.  I can't stop pinning!!!  I've mainly been obsessed with school related pins.  It has really motivated me to get back into my classroom (this is very good because I have to go back to work this FRIDAY).   I've found all sorts of amazing things I need to try out for this school year.  However, I can't stop pinning to actually get things done!

I did find some time to try out this cute gift I am going to give to my team that was inspired by Nothing But Country. 

And I made these awesome scratch off reward tickets using things I already had around the house!

And I've even made a few shirts... like this one:

Hopefully I will get some work done in my classroom this week and I can show more of the projects I hope to do!

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

I've had several friends ask me for this recipe recently, so I thought this would be a good place to share it with everyone.  Several years back my family put all their favorite recipes together and created a family cookbook.  This little book has seriously become my cooking bible (this along with all my wonderful Pioneer Woman Recipes).  This is a sweet dip that is great for parties or other get together.  I usually serve it with teddy grahams because they are the perfect size and they wont break when you dip them.

Ingredients:
1 - 8oz pk softened cream cheese
1/2 cup softened butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup mini choc chips
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar, brown sugar and vanilla. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover and chill in the fridge for 2 hours. Shape it into a ball. Wrap with plastic wrap and chill for another hour. Roll the cheese ball in finely chopped nuts before serving.

Little Girl's Dress

This past week I made what might have been the easiest garment ever!  I just bought one of those cheap dollar patterns to make a dress for the same friend's little girl to wear on her first day of school next week.  I had it done in no time.  I even added some embellishments to make it super cute.  It probably cost less than $5 to make and I still have material left over!

Nap Mat

I am so proud of myself for my latest creation.  Thanks to Jenny Garland I was able to make a nap mat for a friends daughter.  She is starting pre-k this year.  The directions were very easy to follow and I had it done in no time.  I know nothing about nap mats, but I thought the buttons and carrying strap were genius.  LOL!  Here are a few pics of the completed mat!