Tuesday To Do # 25 and # 23 & # 24 List Makers

Hello Friends!

I promise I visited each of you today...had trouble leaving a comment when the comment space came up with the post.  If I had to click on "post a comment," I was able to comment.

So, if I was unable to leave a comment on your site, please know how much I appreciate you linking up your lovlies these past two weeks!

I'm starting to feel better and hope to be able to keep up a little better now.

Here are my List Makers from the last two weeks:

The Closet Crafter's superbly funny Arsenic Apron

Sunla's Designs' Mad Hatter's Tea Party

Rae Gun Rambling's Lazy Cookie Bottom Brownies

Loving Every Second's Peach Cobbler Cupcakes

Pressed Down, Shaken Together's Perpetual Family Photo Calendar

If you were on this week's To Do List, then please feel free to grab a  LIST MAKER button:

TUESDAY TO DO

FEATURED BUTTON  <center><a href="http://www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src=" <a href="<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51243403@N02/5510091012/" title="Tuesday To Do FEatured by jamianntexas, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5253/5510091012_ebe78ff067_m.jpg" width="125" height="125" alt="Tuesday To Do FEatured" /></a></a></center>

Now on the the party...

Link up your creations!  Sewing, crafting, cooking, tips, photography, tablescapes, parties, scrapbooking, collectibles...it all works.  Please save your items for sell, your giveaways and your own parties for those specific blog parties.  You're the best!

(Borrowed these little rules from the Shabby Nest...she's got it going on!)

1.  Become a follower of The Blackberry Vine.

2. Link directly to your post and not just to your blog.

3. Grab the TUESDAY TO DO BUTTON from the sidebar, and link back to the Blackberry Vine.  (Yes, it can be a little time-consuming, but it's the sweet blogger thing to do!)

4.  Please visit other participants and leave them some comment love.  Comment, comment, comment!!!

I reserve the right to remove posts that are not in keeping with the spirit of Tuesday To-Do including but not limited to those that link to your shop, your giveaway or your linky party, and those that do not link back to the Blackberry Vine. Thanks for playing fair!!

Tuesday To Do #24

Hello sweet friends!

Sorry the party is soooo late.

I have been feeling pretty puny lately, but am certain we have pinpointed the culprit and I can start the recovery process...YAY!!!!!

With that being said, I just haven't been able to look at the computer.  Oh, I made at a quick check a few times via the iphone, but I just haven't had the energy/patience/train of thought to do more than barely check email every now and again.

Now, I'm not telling y'all this so you'll feel sorry for me or anything.  I'm SO good and getting LOTS better.   I just want those of you who were kind enough to party here last week to know why I didn't drop by your blog and say hi.  It's important to me to try to get to everyone every week because you were sweet enough to take the time to stop by here.  That's just being neighborly (in my bloggy world, anyway!)  I know I won't always be able to do it, but I feel badly when I don't.  (Also I need a little grace if this is full of spelling/grammatical errors...some of these meds are making me quite loopy!)

So today is a better day and I'm determined to at least get the party going (I knew I was going to be out of commission for a while and had everything ready to go ahead of time...was POSITIVE I would be well way before now!)

Anyway, let see if anyone is still out there and up for a little weekday party...

On with the party...

Link up your creations!  Sewing, crafting, cooking, tips, photography, tablescapes, parties, scrapbooking, collectibles...it all works.  Please save your items for sell, your giveaways and your own parties for those specific blog parties.  You're the best!

(Borrowed these little rules from the Shabby Nest...she's got it going on!)

1.  Become a follower of The Blackberry Vine.

2. Link directly to your post and not just to your blog.

3. Grab the TUESDAY TO DO BUTTON from the sidebar, and link back to the Blackberry Vine.  (Yes, it can be a little time-consuming, but it's the sweet blogger thing to do!)

4.  Please visit other participants and leave them some comment love.  Comment, comment, comment!!!

I reserve the right to remove posts that are not in keeping with the spirit of Tuesday To-Do including but not limited to those that link to your shop, your giveaway or your linky party, and those that do not link back to the Blackberry Vine. Thanks for playing fair!!

Teacher Gift Idea - Donate Books to the Class Library

A great way to say thanks to your child's teacher is to

 1) order books when she passes out the Scholastic book order forms

(the more the students buy, the more points she earns to buy items for the classroom.)

AND 

2) order an extra book for her classroom library when you do.

Many times there are $1.00 books on the order forms that are PERFECT for this sort of thing.

These inexpensive books are a great way for her to suppliment her library and/or give-a-way to students.

A personalized book plate for the donated book is a nice touch.

CLICK HERE to download a blank version of the book plate shown.

For more great teacher gift ideas

CLICK HERE!

Smiles!



My Top Ten Teacher Gifts

As the school year gets ready to begin, my thoughts start turning to the teachers that will spending a large part of their days with our children.

Being a former teacher and a room mom,  I thought I'd share with you my top teacher gift ideas.

another kate creation

1. Visa Gift Cards – individually or as a whole classroom contribution are ALWAYS a hit.  They can be used anywhere for anything anywhere!  Gas, groceries, spa day, maid service, ANYTHING!!!  There are lots of cute ideas out there for dressing up a gift card.

the blackberry vine

2. School Supplies – extra supplies for the students or “nice” supplies for her; think cute file folders, notebooks; nice pens, nice scissors, etc.  Pick up extras before school starts when the prices are CHEAP!

3. Books – order extra books when filling out the book orders each month. For every book you buy the teacher earns points that she can use towards extra books for the classroom.  Make book plates to put inside each book your family donates.  For a free book plate printable, CLICK HERE.

4. Items for Rewards – dollar store toys, kids meal toys, cool pencils, stickers, etc.  Collect items from party favor bags and kids meals.

5. Lunch – bring or make her (or the entire grade level) lunch. To plan ahead of time, make a menu for her to fill out and return to you so you know you’re getting her exactly what she wants!  This is nice anytime of the year, but a special treat for her birthday (or half-birthday.)  For a free Get To Know You printable, CLICK HERE or CLICK HERE.

the blackberry vine

6. Dinner – when you pick up your kiddo from school, drop off a frozen entree (that you made earlier that week, month) with as many of the fixings as possible. i.e. manicotti, garlic bread, salad, pound cake and fresh berries for dessert.  Be sure everything is disposable so she doesn't have to worry about returning dishes!  This is especially nice for the teacher with a family at home.  What a treat to not have to wonder about what's for dinner! CLICK HERE FOR BLANK MENU.

the blackberry vine
7. Homemade items - Cookies, snacks, pies, cakes, anything yummy!  This is especially nice for the teacher with children.  Bringing home a sweet treat for after dinner or for breakfast is always a hit.  CLICK HERE FOR CINNAMON ROLL PRINTABLE; FOR CINNAMON ROLL RECIPE.

8. Coffee/Tea/Soft Drinks – Drop off her favorite drink during the school day.  A fancy caffeine pick-me-up is always a nice treat, especially for those on a budget (aren't we all!?!?)  CLICK HERE FOR YOUR OWN TEACHER INFO SHEET

9. Your Time – volunteer to do what ever you can to make her day easier. Teachers of the younger grades may have many items to cut out/prepare for each weeks’ lesson.

10. Your Prayers – for her, her family, her principal, her class, etc As you develop a relationship with the teacher, you may want to send her a note letting her know that you pray for her every day. Asking if there is anything specific that you can pray for her is always appreciated? Let her know no request is too small.  For a First Day of School Prayer, CLICK HERE.

Don’t forget the others that help to make your child’s year a wonderful one. The school secretary is a big one…especially the one who takes most of the calls and helps most of the parents. Be REAL nice to her…she deserves it!

Smiles!

Linking to some of the fun parties in my side bar ->

Morning Glory Muffins

These easy muffins are perfect for a yummy breakfast or for a filling afterschool snack!

1/4 cup milk

1/4 vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 (15.2 - oz) packages cinnamon streusel muffin mix

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 (8 - oz) can crushed pineapple in juice

3/4 cup grated, peeled Granny Smith apple

3/4 cup shredded carrots

3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans

1/2 cup raisins

Cooking Spray

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. grated lemon rind

2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Whisk together first 3 ingredients until blended.

Remove and reserve streusel packet from muffin mix package.  Stir together contents of muffin mix packet and cinnamon in a large bowl.  Make a well in center of mixture.  Add egg mixture, pineapple and next 4 ingredients, stirring just until moistened.

Place baking cups in muffin pans.  Spray with cooking spray.  Spoon batter into cups, filling two-thirds full.  Sprinkle evenly with reserved streusel packet.

Bake at 425 degrees for 18 to 23 minutes or until golden.  Cool in pans on wire racks for 5 minutes.  Remove from pans and cool on wire racks.

Stir together powdered sugar, lemon rind, and lemon juice until smooth.  Drizzle over muffins.

Yields about 18 muffins.

Enjoy!!

Linking to some of the great parties on my side bar!

Tuesday To Do #23 and #22 List Makers

Hey Friends!

It's Tuesday To Do Time again!

If you missed checking out the list makers from #20 & #21 CLICK HERE.

These are a few of the great post from last week that caught me eye:

Love this Nautical Party by the Partiologist!

Lovely beachy accent by Jessa Jill

Great vintage school teacher chair redo by the Frosted Gardner

If you were on this week's To Do List, then please feel free to grab a  LIST MAKER button:

TUESDAY TO DO

FEATURED BUTTON  <center><a href="http://www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src=" <a href="<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51243403@N02/5510091012/" title="Tuesday To Do FEatured by jamianntexas, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5253/5510091012_ebe78ff067_m.jpg" width="125" height="125" alt="Tuesday To Do FEatured" /></a></a></center>

Now on the the party...

Link up your creations!  Sewing, crafting, cooking, tips, photography, tablescapes, parties, scrapbooking, collectibles...it all works.  Please save your items for sell, your giveaways and your own parties for those specific blog parties.  You're the best!

(Borrowed these little rules from the Shabby Nest...she's got it going on!)

1.  Become a follower of The Blackberry Vine.

2. Link directly to your post and not just to your blog.

3. Grab the TUESDAY TO DO BUTTON from the sidebar, and link back to the Blackberry Vine.  (Yes, it can be a little time-consuming, but it's the sweet blogger thing to do!)

4.  Please visit other participants and leave them some comment love.  Comment, comment, comment!!!

I reserve the right to remove posts that are not in keeping with the spirit of Tuesday To-Do including but not limited to those that link to your shop, your giveaway or your linky party, and those that do not link back to the Blackberry Vine. Thanks for playing fair!!

Giving Gleefully - Emma's Story

Hi Dear Friends! 

 This week I received an email from a follower asking for some support for her daughter Emma and for the United Way.  Below you'll find her video, the letter from Emma's mom, Reagan, and the link to the contest.  Please follow the link and vote for Emma's video if you are moved to do so.  Sharing this information on your blog would also be a lovely act of kindness.

Our Family was blessed to have the support and care from the Central Indiana United Way that TRULY made a difference in Emma's life.

Joshua & I were honored when my employer, the Gene B. Glick Company asked if we would participate in a promotional video for the United Way to tell Emma's Story. Emma is positive that she is now famous, go figure, and I was hoping that you would PLEASE make it true. You can vote one time per person daily, and the rules for voting, etc. are listed below.

I ask that you please send this e-mail to EVERYONE that you know, post it on your facebook, twitter account, etc. our family has been so lucky to have the help that we did from the United Way, and through this contest we could ensure that the United Way of Central Indiana continues to get the funding necessary to change the lives of families like ours.

(When you go to the link, Emma's video is the one that has a photo of a BEAUTIFUL little girl in a princess dress & crown)

http://www.givegleefully.org/

Voting and Comments:

The site will allow 1 vote per person per day.

Votes for videos will be cleared at the end of each month (August, September, October and November).

The top vote-getter for each month will be awarded a prize (see below) and become eligible for grand prize voting.

Grand prize voting will take place December 1-11, 2011.

Users must create an account consisting of their name and email address to add comments.

Donations:

Donations may be given online to United Way of Central Indiana in honor of specific video submissions.

Donations are processed by PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account to donate using a credit card.

The top donation-getter each month and for the entire competition will be awarded a prize (see below).

Donations will be ongoing for the duration of the competition and tracking will not be reset each month.

For purposes of the competition, only donations received by December 12, 2011 will count toward determining the overall top video. United Way will continue to accept online donations any time of year, even after the competition has ended.

Thank you so very much,

Regan

Tuesday To Do # 20 & #21 List Makers

Well, I'm feeling a bit better and wanted to go ahead and recognize the List Makers from the Tuesday To Do Party #20 & #21...I hate being behind.

Better late than never right?!?!

The new-mommy-to-be at Life with the Ellwoods created this super sweet alphabet wall for her nursery...love it!

This magnet make-up board that Andrea created at the kurtz corner is awesome!

Love this tee-pee Michelle created for her FIVE boys!

This You Are Loved Always sign is so sweet.  Be sure to check out more of Laura's lovely pictures at Corner House.

Fried okra is one of my all-time most favorite things to eat though I've never actually made it for myself.  This yummy recipe from Permanent Posies has given me the itch to give it a try!

Eat Cake for Dinner shared this scrumptious recipe for Zucchinni Cake Cookie Sandwiches...can't wait to give these a try!

These easy Parmesan Knots from Chef-in-Training look too easy

 and too good to not try.

If you were on this special To Do List, then please feel free to grab a  LIST MAKER button:

TUESDAY TO DO

FEATURED BUTTON  <center><a href="http://www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com"><img border="0" src=" <a href="<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51243403@N02/5510091012/" title="Tuesday To Do FEatured by jamianntexas, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5253/5510091012_ebe78ff067_m.jpg" width="125" height="125" alt="Tuesday To Do FEatured" /></a></a></center>

Can't wait to see what you link up next!!!

Smiles!!

Kitchen Tip - Buttering Corn

My friend and I were making dinner for our kiddos the other evening

when I saw this great idea for buttering corn!

Put a stick of butter on a piece of bread...this keeps it from sliding around.

(Didn't realize she was doing this untill she had already started..thus the half mushed butter and bread! Forgive the pic!)

Then simply roll corn in butter.

Is this clever or what?!?

If I remember correctly she picked this tip up from her brother-in-law who was one of five kids.  She said they would fight over the buttered bread once all of the corn had been coated.

Let me know if you give this a try!

Smiles!

Linking to some of the great parties on my side bar!

Tuesday To Do #22

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to remind you I'm still out of commission this week and probably next week, too!  We'll have a HUGE Feature for the last few parties!  Thanks for continuing to share your amazing talent!

Now on the the party...

Link up your creations!  Sewing, crafting, cooking, tips, photography, tablescapes, parties, scrapbooking, collectibles...it all works.  Please save your items for sell, your giveaways and your own parties for those specific blog parties.  You're the best!

(Borrowed these little rules from the Shabby Nest...she's got it going on!)

1.  Become a follower of The Blackberry Vine.

2. Link directly to your post and not just to your blog.

3. Grab the TUESDAY TO DO BUTTON from the sidebar, and link back to the Blackberry Vine.  (Yes, it can be a little time-consuming, but it's the sweet blogger thing to do!)

4.  Please visit other participants and leave them some comment love.  Comment, comment, comment!!!

I reserve the right to remove posts that are not in keeping with the spirit of Tuesday To-Do including but not limited to those that link to your shop, your giveaway or your linky party, and those that do not link back to the Blackberry Vine. Thanks for playing fair!!

Tuesday To Do #21 and #20 List Makers

Will have a HUGE Feature list in a couple of weeks...out of signal range this week and next, but the party is scheduled to go on!!!

Thanks to each of you for sharing each week!

HOPE everyone is enjoying the last month of summer!

Smiles!!!

Now on the the party...

Link up your creations!  Sewing, crafting, cooking, tips, photography, tablescapes, parties, scrapbooking, collectibles...it all works.  Please save your items for sell, your giveaways and your own parties for those specific blog parties.  You're the best!

(Borrowed these little rules from the Shabby Nest...she's got it going on!)

1.  Become a follower of The Blackberry Vine.

2. Link directly to your post and not just to your blog.

3. Grab the TUESDAY TO DO BUTTON from the sidebar, and link back to the Blackberry Vine.  (Yes, it can be a little time-consuming, but it's the sweet blogger thing to do!)

4.  Please visit other participants and leave them some comment love.  Comment, comment, comment!!!

I reserve the right to remove posts that are not in keeping with the spirit of Tuesday To-Do including but not limited to those that link to your shop, your giveaway or your linky party, and those that do not link back to the Blackberry Vine. Thanks for playing fair!!