GETTING ORGANIZED FOR FALL {BACK TO SCHOOL}

After yesterday's post, I headed off to church which provided just the distraction attention I needed to bring me through my mental block. Munchkin headed off to Sunday School and I had the me (and HIM) time necessary to bring me CLARITY and FOCUS.

SO TODAY:
Even though I overslept a bit, and was running about a half hour behind schedule (late for kindergarten drop off) afterwards, I was able to fit in a quick jog with little h in tow, and music/story time at the library.  And I know ALL IS WELL (in my soul).  It seems that its taken me close to a year, but I feel like I'm finally finding my rhythm. With professional goals, and the children, and the house. Its still a work in progress, but I feel like I am MAKING PROGRESS.

I'll be getting more into my journey to finding my rhythm and how I'm working to manage the flow of things (and these little people) a bit on the blog.  But in the mean time, I wanted to share this.

A few weeks in already and the notices, home work, weekly progress reports and TONS OF ART WORK are starting to pile up.  I used these downloadable sheets (preschool - sixth grade) printed on card stock to get me started on these ready-to-fill scrap books.

You'll also need:
1" binder
8-tab plastic divider pages
Clear sheet protectors

Next I'll be working on these.

Any tips on what stays vs. what goes is WELCOME.
xx,
Bunnie

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p.s. Thank you Carla for lending a few from your arsenal.

Serve the Best Summer Party

Summer is in full swing over here and I've already pulled out my party box (where i keep my impromptu party supplies) a few times already. Who doesnt love to have a few friends over for food and drinks and games to celebrate beautiful weather and having the sun shine for so long! I wanted to share a few tips on how to pull off the best little summer parties all summer long.

THE DECOR

Set the Stage
Mason jars full of fresh blooms or stems from the yard are always a lovely setting for a party at home. Add in a few surprises like these simple DIY paper butterflies and linen napkins (i just finished a gazillion of them), lanterns and a bright colorful table cloth.

THE FOOD
Simple and Fresh
Make simple dishes you can serve outdoors with something special for dessert. Try grilled chicken, Crisp Greens, skewered fruit and for dessert, and in season berry sorbet.

THE PERFECT DRINK
Light and Crisp
Mason Jars filled with fresh lemonade with mint, Prosecco or a signature drink like this Coconut Republic (I cant get enough  of).

Did I mention I like ANYTHING in a mason jar? Its the country girl in me:-) I'd love to hear how you put together a little shin dig. do share!

xx,

Bunnie

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photos: 1 2 3 

Thanksgiving Prep - Check!

A little Martha Stewart for some planning and entertaining inspiration.

I finally finished preparing for the week. Now I just have to check off my to do list!

Menu and shopping list complete.

I settled on a traditional Southern menu. I went with favorites that my mom usually makes and a few of my own traditions as well. No Thanksgiving is complete without my Grandma Bessie's Sweet Potato pie. Although she is no longer here. Her pie is a hearty and sweet as I remember her to be.

Cant wait to use these new (thrifted) dishes I scored a few weeks back along with these bowls!!

Munchkin is helping with the place settings.

Will need to do a condensed cleaning schedule. I wasn't coordinated enough to schedule some help here:-/

My favorite and handy Heather Bailey Memo Planner that I picked up from Target at the end of the summer.

Ready, Set, Go!!

Any tips on making this week go more smoothly? 

Any traditions you'll be incorporating this holiday?

Hope you're having a great Monday!!

Grab Your Aprons and Hot Glue Guns! - Martha Stewart is in Atlanta!!

I should not be spreading the word. After all seats are limited. Maybe its the Martha in me. Feast your eyes on this:

sorry if the flyer is a little grainy. it was the best i could do on such short notice, but I just had to share.

Pretty Little Pink Party

I actually wasn't going to do a party this year at all (pffft!). How could I even consider it right? Just a pretty little pink party upon the munchkin's request.

my stab at darcy miller (esque) invitations.

a few friends some pink play doh, cup cakes, and gerber daisies was all we needed for a pinktastic celebration.

pretty little pink party hats (gold for the boys) hand made by bunnie of course.

pink crayons, pencils, note books and sweets 

(m & m's and pink chocolate chip cookies with pink sprinkles - of course).

it was a pinkalicious day!

bunnie's kitchen

Now that little h is 2 months old, the munchkin has stopped covering herself in band aids and the meal train that my fabulous friends put together for me in my time of need:-) has ended, I'm (semi) back in to the swing of getting meals on the table for my family.

So super excited about the copy of My Recipes - 5 Ingredient Weeknight Dishes I picked up at the Publix during my grocery run this week. It Includes recipes from some of my faves: Cooking Light, Southern Living, Sunset and Real Simple (to name a few).  And to top it all off, these 5 ingredient fixes are giving my grocery budget some much needed organization and relief!

First up:

Tortellini with bacon and greens

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 15m| Total Time: 30m

Ingredients

• 1  pound  cheese or meat tortellini
• 4  ounces  sliced bacon (i use turkey bacon)
• 6  tablespoons  unsalted butter
• 2  cups  arugula (about 1 bunch) or I bet this would work well with spinach
• 1/4  teaspoon  kosher salt
• 1/4  teaspoon  black pepper

Directions

1. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions.
2. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 7 to 8 minutes. Reserve the bacon and discard the drippings.
3. Wipe out the skillet and return it to medium heat. Add the butter and swirl or stir with a wooden spoon as it starts to foam and sputter. Remove from heat as soon as it begins to turn golden brown and smells nutty, about 1 minute.
4. Break the bacon into small pieces and add to the skillet with the arugula, salt, pepper, and cooked tortellini; toss well. Divide among individual bowls.