Teacher Appreciation Week: All- Star Teachers

Welcome to this week's series of

Teacher Appreciation Week!!!

I had the fun opportunity this week to help with my girls school's Teacher Appreciation Week and asked some of the ladies at Potluck on the Porch to help.  I  helped decorate the teacher's lounge, halls, and ended up decorating a couple of doors at the last minute. (like the last 30 minutes of set up time)

The committee decided to set our theme around "All-Star Teachers and Staff" with a sports theme.  Here are the decorations we made:

Here is a great tutorial. We actually used paper napkins and it works great!!!!

This table is for the food we serve each day during Teacher Appreciation Week!

Each day we made up a fun name for the food we will be serving.

Monday: Breakfast of Champions: Muffins, Bagels and fruit

Tuesday: Concession Stand Snacks: Nachos and cheese, popcorn and other fun snacks

Wednesday: Tailgate Party: Crackers, meat and cheese trays, veggie trays and other party snacks

Thursday: Pep Rally Picnic: BBQ chicken sandwiches, chips, salads and drinks

Friday: "Time-Out" for Treats: Desserts



Table Decorations

For instructions click read more.... just below the pin it button.



Jan

Linking to: Uncommon Design

Creating my way to Success

Potlucks on the Porch Etsy Shop Grand Opening!!

We are so excited to announce the opening of our ETSY SHOP!! We've been hard at work and are excited to show you
some of the frames we make... well actually, my husband, Mike, and his friend, Jerem {who have joined us in this Etsy shop} do the making.  We Potlucks on the Porch ladies sell, design, and  help reclaim old wood... Without further ado, introducing...

AND

The extremely awesome part about these frames is that you can choose the color and finish. Wait till you see the amazing and beautiful possibilities!!

 With the purchase of a frame, here are the choices of color:

With the purchase of an "antique" or beadboard frame (a.k.a. the Devon, Nantucket, Kennebunkport, or Antique frames below), you may choose an antiqued, distressed or weatherworn finish.

To further explain:
 
Antiqued- {as seen in the colors above}. This involves painting  the frame and sanding spots of it. Then an antiquing agent is applied to give it a "worn" look.

Distressed: The base paint coat is dark, then the color of  choice is painted over the top. This leaves the base to show through.

 Weatherworn: This involves a combination of crackling, dry brushing, and sanding.


With the purchase of a frame from the "barnwood" section of our shop, you may choose a rustic, antiqued, or distressed finish.

 
 Rustic: a process of painting and sanding to mimic those old awesome painted barns.
Antiqued & Distressed = see above :).


Here's a closer look at some of the frames we are selling right now...

Barnwood Window Pane Mirror

 "Devon" Style Beadboard Frame

Antique Country Frame

Barnwood Window Pane Mirror

Western Laramie Barnwood Frame

Antique Country Frame

Kennebunkport Beadboard Frame

Nantucket Beadboard Frame

Barnwood Window Pane Mirror

Barnwood Panel Window Frame

Devon Beadboard Frame

Barnwood 4 Panel Frame

Head on over to our ETSY SHOP and have a look!! Watch for some deals in the coming weeks for these frames!

Thanks for stopping by!
Nancy

P.S.If any of you have advice about selling on Etsy,  please let us know in the comments!!!

36 Fun and Meaningful Easter Celebration Ideas

The other day, my sister told me that  she would LOVE it if I would post  a list of  meaningful ways to celebrate the true meaning of Easter.  I couldn't let go of the idea....so here it is.

I LOVE the yummy chocolate that comes out at this time of year.
 I love the bunny and chickie crafts, I love coloring eggs. I love Easter egg hunts, and Easter dresses. The candy is great too, and so are the beautiful Easter baskets.

 I don't think this fun stuff is totally separate from the amazing true meaning of Easter. Actually, the fun aspects of Easter can be symbolic teaching tools to help our children  (and ourselves) understand the  most wonderful meaning of Easter....


Eggs symbolize life. 

Last year, the robbins in my backyard left the eggs in the picture above= one of the greatest Easter gifts I've ever received!

While decorating Easter eggs, talk  about all of the kinds of animals that hatch out of eggs. Here are some fun egg activities...

1. Easter Egg Garland by Crafty Endeavors
2. Easter Egg Cupcake with Yolk Centers by The Cupcake Project
3.You've been Egged by Eighteen25
4. Felt Egg Holder and Finger Puppet by While Wearing Heels

5. Rice Krispie Easter Eggs via The Kitchn
6. The Nest Egg by Very Heatherly
7. Easter Egg Bunny Cups by BHG
8.Homemade Cadbury Creme Eggs by The Instructables

9. Read The Egg Tree by Katherine Milhous. This book's pictures are an exquisite Pennsylvanian Dutch style and won the Caldecott Medal in 1951. I fell in love the first time I read it. One day I will frame all the pictures for Easter decorations. I love the illustrations THAT MUCH!

Children's Books and Reviews said this about The Egg Tree:
 "In addition to being attractive, this picture book is developmentally valuable for children in several ways.  First, the book provides an educational view into the traditional culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch.  As one reads, one absorbs the slow simple pace of rural life.  In this story the Easter Rabbit is not a fictional creature, but rather a real rabbit that eats flower petals in the beautiful springtime garden.  Moreover, the children do not hunt for plastic or chocolate eggs, but for real hard-boiled eggs, which they proceed to eat for breakfast.  Here, then, is a refreshing break from the commercialism of contemporary Easter.  One review on LibraryThing.com worries that the simplicity of the traditions might seem “a tad dull” to the modern child.  However, I think the story and illustrations are enough to hold young children, and it is just plain good for this simpler, slower life to seep into the soul of the hurried modern child."



Bunnies and Chicks Remind us that Jesus created the earth. That's a Truth that we can remind ourselves and our children as they are enjoying all of the cute little animal festivities. Here are a few of the many fun creations:

10. Bunny Tails Printable by Live Laugh Rowe
11. Bunny Tail Cookie via Tumblr
12. Good n' Plenty Bunny Cookies Tutorial by Six in the Suburbs
13. Chick & Bunny Garland via Parents
14. Peeps on a Stick by Your Home Based Mom
15. Yarn Bunnies by Crafts n' Coffee



Nature reminds us of the Resurrection. Just as Jesus died, and came back to life... so do the flowers, and so will we. This is something to think about and teach our children.

16. Flowers and Veggie display via BHG
17. How to grow Easter Grass (or wheat grass) by Make and Takes
18. Easter Branch Bouquet by BHG

A few more nature ideas:
19. Take a walk and take pictures of, or collect things that died during the winter and are now coming back alive in the Spring.
20. Go visit a farm with some baby animals, and talk about the joy of life and all the creations we have.
21. Give everyone an empty Easter Egg and let them find something that they love about nature to put in the egg. Later have a show and tell.



Here are some creative ways to teach families about the true Easter story:

22. Easter Story Cookies {from the Bible} by Eat at Home
23. Telling the Story of Easter with Jelly Beans by Being LDS
24. Names of Jesus Easter Garland by The Homespun Heart
25. Tips for Hosting a Kid Friendly Passover by Red Tricycle
26. Easter {Resurrection} Breakfast Rolls via Amelia's Cookbook
27. Easter Story Finger Play from the Friend via Sugardoodle

28. Resurrection Eggs by Heather Beadle

29. Scripture Verses for Easter Story in an Egg Carton by Mom Fare 

30. The Eater Story Free Printable by It's Overflowing

  
**31. For adults, THIS  Easter study packet from the Bible is an amazing resource made by Shannon a.k.a The Red Headed Hostess. She is an incredible teacher and student of the scriptures. I guarantee that THIS  packet will enhance Easter for you and your family. Here's a little sneak peek... Make sure to check it out. You'll love it.

32. New Easter clothes teach that it's important to Jesus that we wear our Sunday best to church as we worship, and learn about Him.

 

 Here are some of our own "Potlucks on the Porch" Easter celebration ideas that can be both fun and meaningful...

33. Jordan Almond Eggs and Chicks

34. Spring Bundt Cake

35. French Kiss Casserole (for Easter Breakfast, however, "French Toast Casserole" may be more appropriate!)

36. 30+ Springtime Celebration Ideas ... find lots more ideas! 

 As we embark on this week before Easter, I hope it is fun and meaningful for you and your family. 

How do you combine the fun and the true meaning of Easter?

~Nancy


Linking to: Favorite Things, A Glimpse Inside 
Weekend Wrap Up Party, Tidy Mom, Whipperberry, Family Fun Archives
 The Best Blog Recipes, Six Sisters' Stuff
Or So She Says,  Its Overflowing, Gingerbread Blog

 

Best Ever Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies!

Do I promise too much in giving this cookie an eight word name? I think not. From the first bite I knew they were worth every syllable. If you are into chocolate and peanut buttery delight, you've got to give this recipe a try.

To Make:

In a medium bowl whisk  2 1/2 C. flour, 1/3 C. cocoa powder, 1 tsp. baking soda and 1/2 t. salt.

In a large bowl beat 1 C. butter, 3/4 C. sugar, 3/4 C. brown sugar and 1 tsp. vanilla until smooth. Add two eggs beating well after each addition.

 Coarsely chop 20 Reese's peanut butter cups. Gradually add in flour mixture and stir until mixed. Fold in 1 C. semi-sweet chocolate chips and the chopped peanut butter cups. Drop by teaspoon onto ungreased cookie sheet and cook for 8-10 mins at 375.

Dive into decadence!
~Maren

Our "Lucky" Winner

Thank you to all that participated in our "Pot of Gold" giveaway! We are happy to announce our winner:

Thanks you all for your support and comments!

-The ladies from Potlucks on the Porch

Napkin Rings

Are you hosting a party????

 

Here is a great way to add some color,

decorate with your theme, and have a place for your utensils!!!

 

Bridal Shower Napkin Ring



Ribbon tied around napkin with a plastic ring attached.

Birthday Party Napkin Ring

Curling ribbon around your napkin

Soccer or Sport Theme Napkin Ring

Ribbon tied around your napkin

Baby Shower Napkin Ring

Feet stamped on paper and layered with paper.
 Use a strip of paper to make a ring around napkin and glue square to the strip of paper

4th of July BBQ Napkin Ring

Wrap wire garland around a napkin

 Fire Cracker BBQ Napkin Ring

If you don't want to add utensils, just add a paper cut out that will match your theme.

Princess Party Napkin Ring

Use a sticker

 

Santa or Christmas Party Napkin Ring

Squares cut in silver and black,
Use a strip of black paper to make a ring around the napkin and glue the squares to ring

 

Snow Flake or Winter Party Napkin Ring

Snowflake die cut, cut two small holes and attach with ribbon.

 

 Other Ideas:
      Graduation Party Napkin Ring- Black napkin and yellow tassle
      Valentines Party Napkin Ring- Red or pink napkin with hearts
      St. Patricks Party Napkin Ring- Green napkin with gold circle
      Easter Party Napkin Ring- Pastel color napkin with paper egg
      Halloween Party Napkin Ring - Orange napkin with orange and black ribbon and a spider ring
      Spring Party Napkin Ring- Pastel color napkin with flower die cut
     
     
     

           Don't forget to sign up for our 

Lucky Day Giveway!!   

 

and stay tuned tomorrow when the winner is announced!!!!

 

Jan