Creative Juice {74)

The blogging world seems a bit quieter to me lately, perhaps the end of the school year, beginning of summer, and the impending holiday weekend are to blame?

Or just awesome weather?

Now, before you all pack your bags or host those BBQs... {meanwhile, I'll be at an autism conference instead of the former}...it's time for another edition of Creative Juice.







Did you miss the awesome features from last week?  If so, click here.

THE ANTI-RULES AND REGULATIONS

-seriously, don't follow me.  i would write anyway even if i had 2 readers.  hi, mom!

-don't visit any other links.
-don't leave a snarky comment. or say hi. whatever.

-only link things you are selling on etsy

-don't show love by using a button or text link back.  i'll throw this party even if no one shows.  like carrie bradshaw on her 35th birthday.

-link up the same projects week after week.

go forth and be awesome,

nicolette

when he speaks for the first time

more inchstones have been reached.

by way of Moosey's speech therapist,  a first sentence.

which of course, was related to food: "I want pretzels."

behold, the power of gluten-free snack treats, 

able to evoke the first subject and predicate from my son's soul.

i wish i could have heard it

but the look on Ms. Emily's face was worth every penny of therapy

to me, this is more important than that first step or first word

a return to the boy he was...

{Moose at 15 months, pointing...}

*Kids with "autism" don't point, curious, right?*

{Moose at 12 months...with appropriate play}

and there are the subtle things this week

like walking with me through the grocery store without insisting on a cart, 

without flailing on the ground, 

without protest

and come to think of it,

the protests in the car  if i deviate from the expected route

have vanished too

but these steps forward 

come at a price

his stomach has been a nightmare

his sleep fractured

but the gains...

coloring, really coloring without chewing the marker

truly engaging and playing with others

finally opening the car door by his big boy self.

and the words

more words are coming

slowly like train cars 

the wait is painful,

the hardships sometimes too much to stomach

the fights suck energy you didn't even know you had

but the the joy 

of each day and every inchstones, 

plentiful

Thanks for reading,

Nicolette

featured from creative juice {73}

This week's features showcase a newfound love of mine in home decor: white.  Up until the past 6 months, I detested white.  As a former art teacher, color is mandatory in my home.  But lately, I crave white everywhere...


Life has become so loud, that white is a whisper. Clean. A blank canvas.
All the things I crave...


Well, quiet mostly.  

If you are featured, please grab some bling here.  I'll also be sharing your post at my pinterest...


Be kind to your fellow bloggers, so traffic is directed back to their sites.

From This Euphemeral Life: A Storied Dresser Makeover

'

From Live Love DIY: A Bedroom Retreat in Grey & White

From Gingerly Made: A Crate Linen Cabinet

From Here Comes the Sun: Mason Jar Organization for the Bathroom

From Creative Chaos: 5 ways to wear 1 {no-sew!} cloth

'

and some nosh...

Strawberry Jam Ring Cookies from Simply Sweet 'N Savory
{I will adapt these gluten-free.  Yes, I will}

Creative Juice Thursday really brings me happiness {and tons of great ideas}.

Are you following my new site The Classroom Creative?  It's great for teachers and parents of kiddos aged PreK-5th grade.  I'd be honored if you supported it.

Thanks for reading.

Nicolette

smile file 5.18

Just a few things, posts, insights, and pins that have made my...

From The Department of Aching Nostalgia:

My Pinterest board: Viva La 80s always cheers me up when the kids are driving me mad.  Which this week was often...

Here's few of my favorite pins from that board:

                                                                Source: imremembering.com via momnivore's on Pinterest

                                                                   Source: ragtradervintage.com via momnivore's on Pinterest

                                                                       Source: ifunny.mobi via momnivore's on Pinterest

there's much more to gawk at my pinterest...

If you are in your 30s or 40s, this will take you back.  My favorite board, ever.

From my growing obsession with fashion blogs:

{which helps me escape from all things stressful here at the estate}

Meet:

{via}

From the department of retail therapy:

Despite the fact that I was reprimanded
by the ancient target cashier for buying these bad boys, 

"Young lady, are you trying to be tall?  You're gonna kill your feet! " 

I broke down and purchased them, after a few weeks of lingering
near these leopard monsters
 when I stopped at Tar-Jay for diapers
{oh the indignity of paying for diapers now,
after years of my cheap cloth ways}.

They're impractical.
They're leopard. 

And they make me 5'4" 

Yes, please.

You  know you want them too, so pony up and treat yourself.

From the Department of...Flats are more Practical for Preschool Drop-off:

Hello, flats.

I've been searching for flats at many a Target, TJ Maxx, etc as my flats as we say in my neighborhood dialect of Italian, are getting "shongad"{which translates into a variety of expletives}.

After years of not updating my wardrobe, it's high time.

Even if it's from where i buy diapers.

This picture doesn't give these flats justice.  if you want them, check here...{only 19.99} 

but I will be getting them in the nude color...

Speaking of nude. 

{shhh}

 I started reading this.

I may the last breathing American woman to read it, but

oh, my word...

It's so bad it's good.

Have a lovely weekend,
Nicolette

creative juice {72}

hey everyone! hope you all are having a wonderful week thus far.  it's time again for another...

in case you've been enjoying the weather and having been away from the blogging world...

the classroom creative is now open for all your educational and crafty needs.

i have finally started crafting again after a long hiatus, so stay tuned for a few new and useful projects.  i  realize, without creating, i'm one crabby mama.

if you'd like to see the outdoor-related goodness i featured on monday from last week's creative juice, please click here.

THE ANTI-RULES AND REGULATIONS

-seriously, don't follow me.  i would write anyway even if i had 2 readers.  hi, mom!

-don't visit any other links.
-don't leave a snarky comment. or say hi. whatever.

-only link things you are selling on etsy

-don't show love by using a button or text link back.  i'll throw this party even if no one shows.  like carrie bradshaw on her 35th birthday.

-link up the same projects week after week.

go forth and be awesome,

nicolette

we don't need no education {i'm guest posting today}

I'm teaching today over at my friend Sarah's site.
 Come stop by and see what I'm up to!

Features from Creative Juice #71

I have gardening on my mind this week, as Chicago's last frost date is tomorrow, May 15th.  It's so hard to find organic plants in this city.  I went to six stores today, only to score one Roma tomato plant.

So this week's features from Creative Juice #71 reflect my preoccupation with gardening, backyard parties, and the great outdoors...






If you are featured, please grab some bling here.  I'll also be sharing your post at my pinterest...

How to Grow Organic Celery Right Out of Your Own Kitchen from Whole Lifestyle Nutrition

{I will be doing this!}

Square Foot Organic Gardening from Natural Mothers Network

{Perfect for apartment dwellers or urban spaces}

Fork and Cork Plant Markers from ArtsyVava

{timely, as I just bought two bottles of organic wine from Trader Joe's}

What gardener doesn't have cases of ball jars???

Perfect for your summer parties.

Dolled up Mason Jar Cups from Cherished Bliss

A Daydream from DK's Crafts...
Yes, please.
Please.

Thanks for reading,

Nicolette

********************************************************************************

SPONSORED BY:

The Classroom Creative

We take the dirty work out of teaching.