FREEBIE FRIDAY: Teacher's Appreciation Day!

It's FREEBIE FRIDAY and with just one more week left in Teacher Appreciation Month, today's featured printables will help you come up with something cute for the educators in your child's life.  

Up first, just attach this sweet printable I saw over on Skip to My Lou to a store-bought note pad and voila - instant adorableness!

Or fill a berry basket (Hello recycling!  Teacher's Appreciation + Earth Day all in one post!) with some fruit-scented goodies and add this tag from The Girls at Eighteen25 for a super cute gift.

Hope you enjoyed today's pick!  I've got more Teacher's Appreciation Day ideas here and for more fab freebies, check out my Freebies and Printables boards on Pinterest!  

ANYTHING GOES THURSDAY: Spring Is in the Sweets

The flowers have just started blooming here in Rhode Island and the sweet smells inspired me to share some ideas for buds that will have your taste buds begging for more!

This flower mosaic cake is so pretty!

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How much would your kiddos love some Flower Pot Pie with Bumble Bee Pudding?

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3-D Potted Flower Cookies are sure to hit the spot. 

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And all it takes to make these springy cupcake toppers is lollipops and marshmallows!  

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So there's a little taste of spring for you (get it???).  If you're looking for more fab flower ideas, visit my Pinterest Boards!  

TEN THINGS TUESDAY: Summer Salad Edition

It's a balmy and beautiful 80 degrees in Rhode Island today and that gets me in the mood to eat out on our deck.  But nothing too heavy... I think I'm in the mood for a nice, hearty salad.  Yes, you read that right, and here are ten drool-worthy recipes I'll definitely be trying out this summer.

Meaty Salad I'm Loving:  Just the picture for this Thai Steak and Noodle dish from Camille Styles makes my mouth water!

Pretty Salad I'm Loving:  Display a Classic Cobb in all of its rainbow glory like Babble.com shows here and you've got a pretty and tasty way to serve a crowd.

Avocado Salad I'm Loving, Part 1:  Life's Ambrosia puts a pasta salad spin on a BLTA (that's bacon, lettuce tomato and avocado sandwich) that looks delish.  

Avocado Salad I'm Loving, Part 2:  It doest get much simpler than this Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette from Authentic Suburban Gourmet.

Layered Salad I'm Loving:  Looking for a simple but impressive dish to bring to BBQ's and parties?  This Southwestern Layered Salad from Skip to My Lou will do the trick!

Salad That Will Impress Your Friends I'm Loving:  Who wouldn't be wowed by this Melon and Peach Salad with Prosciutto and Mozzarella from My Recipes?

Tastes Like Greece Salad I'm Loving:  I would eat this Mediterranean Orzo Salad from Centsational Girl every day if I could.  It's THAT good.

BLT in Salad Form I'm Loving:  A Bird and a Bean is brilliant because BLT + pasta = heaven in my book.

Warm Salad I'm Loving:  I usually don't equate warm with salads but this heated spinach number from Eclectic Recipes sounds divine.

Fruity Fishy Salad I'm Loving:  I don't know that I would have thought to put raspberries with scallops but this sassy salad recipe from The Family Kitchen makes me want to ASAP!

Salad Even a Man Will Love I'm Loving:  If your husband is anything like mine, he doesn't consider a salad a meal.  Maybe this Buffalo Chicken version from The Family Kitchen will change his mind.  

So there you have some of my must-make salads for summer.  For more fun recipe ideas, visit my Scrumptious Salads Pinterest Board.

And I'd love to hear about the things you're loving right now!  Share the app, movie, book, craft idea, TV show, whatever that's got you giddy in the comments and your picks might be included in next week's TEN ON TUESDAY feature.  And for more of my favorite things, check out my Pinterest boards!

Please note that this list is made up of things I actually use, read, watch, try, etc. and truly enjoy.  These opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way to share them here.

FUNDAY MONDAY: Getting Bookish {GIVEAWAY}

Last Thursday night, my mother asked me to take her to an event a friend of hers had planned featuring a night out with author Adriana Trigiani.  I hadn't read any of her books but my mother LOVES them so I figured it couldn't be that bad, right?  To my surprise it wasn't bad at all - it was freaking hysterical!

Adriana didn't do a typical reading from her new novel, like most authors do on a book tour.  Instead, she spent the time - which flew by - telling hilarious anecdotes from her life, mostly focused on growing up in her big, Italian family.   A few times, I laughed so hard, tears came to my eyes.  It was THAT good of a time.

So now I'm reading Adriana's latest book, The Shoemaker's Wife, and I cannot put it down.

It was inspired by her grandparents, Lucia and Carlo, and highlights the immigrant experience in America at the turn of the century.  If you're a sucker for historical fiction like I am, you'll love this book!

And if you get a chance, be sure to check out Adriana Trigiani when she makes a stop in a town near you (find all of her upcoming tour dates here).  Trust me, it's an experience you won't soon forget!

And I've got good news because not only do I have a copy of The Shoemaker's Wife to give away to a lucky AFOMFT reader but it's also autographed by the author!

To enter to win, just post a comment here telling me the best book you've read lately (this is mandatory). For additional entries:

• Follow AFOMFT on Twitter (@AFOMFT) and tweet the following: Enter to win an autographed copy of The Shoemaker's Wife by @AdrianaTrigiani @AFOMFT! http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Blog or post on Facebook about this giveaway with a link to this post (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and make sure your comments include a link to your status or blog post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post. Comments on Facebook will not count as entries. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and ends April 23rd at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on April 24th. If the winner does not contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

And if you haven't already, don't forget to enter to win the perfect spring necklace right here - the giveaway closes tonight!

FREEBIE FRIDAY: Country & State Art Prints

It's FREEBIE FRIDAY and today's featured printable comes from Jenna at Q.A. Design.  I've been trying to come up with something fun to do with a wall in the girls' playroom and when I saw her downloadable state and country art prints, I knew I'd hit the jackpot.

Aren't they fabulous?  I love the color combinations - just popping them in a simple white frame will make a huge impact - and with 65 different options to choose from, there are so many ways you could group them - states you've visited, the countries your family is from.... the sky's the limit!

Hope you enjoyed today's pick and for more fab freebies for the holiday and beyond, check out my Freebies and Printables boards on Pinterest!

ANYTHING GOES THURSDAY: My Real Job Revealed

I've gotten a few e-mails asking what the "real" job I often reference is so for ANYTHING GOES THURSDAY, here's a little peek at what I'm up to when I'm not blogging here.

I co-own a production company called MAD FUSION which specializes in producing content for television and the Internet.

I've currently got six amazing projects in various stages of development which I can't wait to share with you guys, and recently wrapped a series of webisodes for NickMom called "Mom Shopping Network" which spoofs products created for mothers.  Here's a peek at a few of my favorite spots:

Mom Shopping Network - Bathroom Breakaroo
Get More: Mom Shopping Network - Bathroom Breakaroo

Mom Shopping Network - Pretend You're Perfect Kits
Get More: Mom Shopping Network - Pretend You're Perfect Kits

Mom Shopping Network - The Motivator
Get More: Mom Shopping Network - The Motivator

Mom Shopping Network - Kid-Proof Couture
Get More: Mom Shopping Network - Kid-Proof Couture

So when I go MIA from AFOMFT for a bit, it's probably because I'm off somewhere producing something new for Mad Fusion.  I'm trying to find the balance between doing both but I'm learning that running your own business sometimes means putting everything else on the back burner.  I promise not to let it happen too often, though!

If you'd like to keep up with what we have coming down the pipeline at Mad Fusion, you can follow us on Facebook or Twitter, and for more of the Mom Shopping Network, visit NickMom!

TEN THINGS TUESDAY: Teacher Appreciation Edition

Did you know that April is Teacher Appreciation Month?  Now you do!  And here are ten fun ways to show your child's teacher just how thankful you are for everything they do.

Simple DIY I'm Loving, Part 1:  This flower pot from Mariah at Giggle Galore is easy to make and oh so sweet!

Simple DIY I'm Loving, Part 2:  Head on over to The Idea Room for the how-to for this darling chalkboard mug.  Fill it with a gift card to local coffee shop or some hot cocoa and you're good to go.

Cake That Keeps on Giving I'm Loving:  What's Scrapping shows you how to transform school supplies into something fabulous!  

Life-Saving Idea I'm Loving:  Hit up your local Dollar Store to get lots of goodies to make up a survival kit for your favorite teacher.  Funky Polka Dot Giraffe has a great list to get you started.

Super Sweet Teacher Treat I'm Loving:  Take a page from Simply Savvy and make a candy-gram every educator is sure to love.  The message alone brings a smile to my face:

I SKORed big when I got you for a teacher. 

Don't SNICKER, but I think you're great! 

You are MOUNDS of fun and you have brought me so much JOY. 

I think you ROCK. (pop rocks) 

Thanks BEARY much (gummy bears) for always being so JOLLY (jolly ranchers) and

 for helping me become such a SMARTIE. 

Teachers like you are worth a MINT. (york peppermint patty) 

I'd be a NERD if I didn't thank you for helping me put the PIECES (reeses pieces) 

of the knowledge puzzle together. 

You are Might Magnificent. (m&ms) 

Thanks for a great year!

Cute Take on Chocolate I'm Loving:  It doesn't get any cooler than these edible chocolate chalkboards from Hungry Happenings.  And they're a lot easier to make than you may think.

Picture Perfect Present I'm Loving:  Print out this free download from Positively Splendid, add a picture of your kiddo and pop it into a frame for a gift from the heart that won't cost an arm and a leg.

From the Heart Art Idea I'm Loving:  Some crayons + a canvas x a hairdryer = some beautiful artwork.  Add a message inside the heart telling your teacher how great she is for a personal touch.  {NOTE: This is an image from Pinterest that doesn't seem to have a source.  If anyone knows where it originally came from, please let me know!}

Thirst Quenching Gift I'm Loving:  Lisa Storms came up with this great gift idea that's not only practical but fun too!  A thank you note and some drink packets inside of a reusable straw cup, topped off with a cute printable.  Fantastic!

Bag I'm Loving, Part 1:  I love love love these personalized tote bags from The 36th Avenue!  Desiree used vinyl to make hers but you could also try iron-on transfers too.

School-Worthy Bouquet I'm Loving, Part 2:  Fill a vase or mason jar with some magnetic letters like  One Charming Party did and regular buds get a scholarly twist.

So there you have some of my favorite ideas for educators.  For more fun finds, visit my Teacher Appreciation Pinterest Board.

And I'd love to hear about the things you're loving right now!  Share the app, movie, book, craft idea, TV show, whatever that's got you giddy in the comments and your picks might be included in next week's TEN ON TUESDAY feature.  And for more of my favorite things, check out my Pinterest boards!

Please note that this list is made up of things I actually use, read, watch, try, etc. and truly enjoy.  These opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way to share them here.

AND THE WINNER IS....

Congratulations MAUREEN!  You've won an Organizing Utility Tote from Thirty-One!  I love mine and I'm sure you will too.

Please e-mail me at afomft@gmail.com by end of day Thursday, April 12th to claim your prize. If I do not hear from you by then, a new winner will be chosen.

FUNDAY MONDAY: Spring Into Fashion {GIVEAWAY}

Spring seems like it's finally sprung which means so many wonderful things - flowers are in bloom, the kids can play outside and, of course, adorable new clothes for us mamas!  I've got my eye on quite a few must-haves this season and they all have one thing in common - color, color, color!

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And what better to sport with all of these bright and bold clothes than a great neutral piece of jewelry?  Something like this:

So pretty, right?  I love the combination of frosted and gold beads, and the extender clasp means you can wear it shorter or longer.  And because I think it's the perfect springtime accessory, I've not only added one to my closet, but I'm also giving one away to a lucky AFOMFT reader!

To enter to win, just post a comment here telling me what you're most looking forward to this spring. (this is mandatory). For additional entries:

• Follow AFOMFT on Twitter (@AFOMFT) and tweet the following: Enter to win a fabulous necklace to add to your spring wardrobe from @AFOMFT! http://tinyurl.com/AFOMFT
• Blog or post on Facebook about this giveaway with a link to this post (worth 2 entries so please post two comments) and make sure your comments include a link to your status or blog post.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry (two if you've blogged about the giveaway) and make sure to include a link to your tweet, blog post, etc. All entries must be posted on AFOMFT as a direct comment to this post. Comments on Facebook will not count as entries. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and ends April 16th at 11:59 pm EST. The winner will be selected by random.org and announced on AFOMFT on April 17th. If the winner does not contact AFOMFT within 48 hours, a new drawing will be held so be sure to check back to see if you've won!

And if you haven't already, don't forget to enter to win a fabulous Utility Tote from Thirty-One - the giveaway closes tonight!

Happy Easter

From our family to yours!