Valentines, Throw me something sister, & MORE!

Valentine’s Day & Mardi Gras are quickly approaching!

The last time that I can remember Valentine’s Day falling on Mardi Gras break (perk of the teacher life) was in 2013. I was teaching Kindergarten at the time and we celebrated Grandparent’s Day, had a Mardi Gras parade, and Valentine party all on the Friday before the week off! Whoa! That was an exhausting day with 15 little students. 

Last year, it was our first year in daycare and I wanted something cheap and easy to make for my son’s classmates. He was in the one-year-old room; therefore, I was not about all the candy and hard treats…. Choking hazard! I found a PDF online and Mr. C got busy and taped them to some strawberry applesauce after dinner. Here are some ideas below: 

• http://www.forkandbeans.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Youre-Awesome-Sauce.pdf 

• https://www.naturalbeachliving.com/applesauce-valentine-printable/ 

• https://meandmyinklings.com/awesome-sauce-valentines-with-king-soopers/ 

My super organized friend, Anna, sent me this awesome cheap idea for Valentine’s Day. I was thinking about using it this year! https://passionatepennypincher.com/valentine-juicebox-printable-great-classrooms-food-allergies/ 

Stay tuned for a future blog post highlighting Anna’s very own organizing company (In Line Organizing) . What a great teacher, momma, and entrepreneur! 

My good friend, Morgan, has a little freebie for us for Valentine’s Day!  She is a full time momma to three beautiful boys and an educator helping teachers and students with technology. We might collaborate and do a post on being a NICU mom in the future. 

She has a company called Designs by MVondestein. Check her out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designsbyMVondenstein 

Her cute freebie is below! 

BRIE Bracelets

One day on Facebook, I saw a post about BRIE Bracelets. I thought wow! That is so unique.

I needed a set of pink/gold bracelets to match an outfit; therefore, I reached out for a custom order.

She incorporated my husband, my baby boy, and my father in this set. It was the perfect set and

I love wearing them whenever I can. 

After chatting away, I learned a lot about Brielle and her adventure of starting this business. 

Here is a little about her and her growing company: 

I’m a teacher. Two kids, 5 year-old and 10 months. The 5-year-old always wants more bracelets made for herself,

while the 10-month- old tries to get me to play as soon as he sees me breaking out the beads.

Cole was born 2 weeks before schools were closed in March, so we were able to stay home together

for 6 months. The plan was to only make them for myself and Christmas gifts.

I kept having dreams of the name BRIE Bracelets.

One night, my best friend was asking questions about getting her new business out on Facebook.

So to help her, I made a page for BRIE Bracelets to see how it all worked.

Before I knew it, she started inviting all her people to my page and it just took off from there.

I wouldn’t be able to do this if it weren’t for my husband. He keeps the kiddos

occupied so I can create! - Brielle Broussard 

Her friend who inspired her business has her own business as well.

She is a teacher too and I know her from student teaching.

I will highlight her page Creative Creations by Cristi in a future blog post. 

Please see the giveaway below. We will be giving away NOT ONE,

but TWO custom orders from BRIE Bracelets.

One for you (or another) and one for a little girl in your life! 

Who loves saving money? Or getting money back? 

My sister told me about this app and I thought she was not telling me the truth at first,

but she was and it is SOOOO EASY! I've been using this GetUpside app to save money

and I love it. I've gotten $29 so far.  Give it a try if you have to get gas --

every dollar counts right now!Use this link or enter my promo code

NATALIE73788 to get an extra 15¢/gal cash

back on your first purchase: https://upside.app.link/NATALIE73788

I'll also get an extra 15¢/gal cash back after you use the app (so thanks!)

You can cash out at any time and get a giftcard, money straight to PayPal, or a check.

You can even earn some cash back at some stores and fast food restaurants. https://app.getupside.com/ 

Mardi Gras Vs. COVID Pandemic 

Can’t stop the KING CAKE & treats!

This year, Mardi Gras will be a little different. Thanks COVID!

We aren’t big Mardi Gras people in our household, but we do love some King Cake!

I found these easy recipes and I might try out one (or both of them)

before/after our Mardi Gras adventure/getaway. 

• https://www.tastemade.com/videos/cinnamon-roll-king-cake 

• https://ladyandtheblog.com/easy-king-cake-recipe-for-mardi-gras-cinnamon-roll-king-cake/ 

A teacher I met while student teaching (way back in 2011), started up her own business

with wonderful good eats.I was browsing Facebook…. like always (Haha!)

and landed on her page. Tee’s Kitchen will seriously make your mouth water. 

She has everything from meat pies to sweet treats!

I tried a few of her custom made orders and they were delicious! 

One lucky winner will win a Valentine’s Day “Love Box.” 

Valued at $15 - Includes the following:

2- cake truffle hearts (red velvet)

2 - turtle brownies

2 - chocolate covered strawberries

Pickup will be in Maurice on Sunday, Feb. 14th 

Throw me Something, SISTER! 

I will pull the lucky winner for subscribing to the blog a little early.

Since February 7th is a special day for me and a week before Valentine’s Day,

I will share the winners of the Target GiftCard as well as the goodies mentioned in this post.

I will reach out to the winners and then post the winners and a special picture in my next post. 

If you haven’t signed up to receive email updates,

please do so with the following link: https://forms.gle/6oN9xvcRiLGmBoAX8

(Do this ASAP to be entered to win a $20 Target gift card!) 

Please use this link to sign up for all our great

giveaways on this post: https://forms.gle/1ZauKSqfCxVowwxT9 

Future Posts: 

• “Hunting” & Glamping from a City Girl 

• Past & Future Camping Adventures 

• All about the VINO, Date Nights, and More! 

• Purging & Organizing 

• Healthy Easy Recipes

• Finally Summer! Summer Adventures 

** Feel free to give me more ideas. I am ALWAYS up for new ideas.  :) 

Thanks for reading, 

AFTM