I can't follow directions!

I feel like my standard disclaimer for crafts needs to be that I can't follow directions.  I know I'm a teacher.  I emphasize (to the kids) how important it is to follow directions.   The truth is. . . it's a real struggle for me!

I saw this card on Pinterest. 

Source

 I thought,  

"That's cute and simple."

"I can do that." 

"I even have that embossing folder".  

"I don't know know that I have those same colors."  

"I think I will just stick with yellows and oranges."

"Hmmm. . . maybe a pink background?"

 "Or this brown kraft paper?  It looks good with everything!"

"Now, how can I make this look less feminine?  How about striped ribbon?"

"Or how about this cute little chick?  He looks so sweet with the yellow!"  

"Should I add some flowers?"

I ended up with five birthday cards.  They all look quite different than the "inspiration" card and from each other.

 Friday night I went with 9 co-workers to a painting party.  Have you heard of these?  You basically get step-by-step directions to a painting and paint along while listening to music and drinking.  Here was the assigned painting for the night.  It's called Chevron Chic.

You know I REALLY can't follow directions when my painting turns out like this.

It's a bit more Seussical than whimsical. . . A bit more Nightmare before Christmas than Chic.  Oh well, I like it.

You know I'm linking up with 4th Grade Frolics.  I like seeing how projects come out when you do follow directions.  #mondaymadeit

I am starting a series tomorrow about the International Literacy Association Conference I went to last week.  Come back tomorrow to check it out!  #ILA15
Update:  Find posts here and here.  

3 Easy "Pizza" Dishes

 I don't cook much.   When I was dating, I waited for signs of seriousness before cooking for a guy.  After cooking my now-husband Sloppy Joes and some kind of pasta dish, he presented me a recipe to cook for him.  Apparently he was also waiting for signs of seriousness before this bold move! 

The recipe is called "Breakfast Pizza" but is actually more of a casserole.  He got the recipe from a co-worker after devouring almost the entire pan at a work function.  It's been his most prized possession since (slight exaggeration).  The eggs on top look weird but are really pretty tasty!   

Last fall, I saw a What's for Dinner? post at the teaching blog Ms. Fultz's Corner.  I often wonder what's for dinner because, like I said, I don't cook much.  I saw this recipe and thought I could make it.  It is so yummy.  I'm linking to the original recipe (click on the picture) and then posting my version as I make a couple of changes.  

I know that looks like a lot of pepperoni- my husband insists because when you cut it the pepperoni gets smushed throughout the casserole.

This final recipe is one of my daughter's favorites.  She likes to "help" cook these pizza calzones.  I like how simple this recipe is but it seems to take all day to make.  I really should make extras and freeze them!  I got this recipe from a great blog I follow- The Coupon Project.  They are a deals blog but post about all kinds of fun topics. 

Hope you enjoyed these 3 yummy "pizzas".  I'm a teacher and I made this in the kitchen so I'm linking up with Not Very Fancy.  I made all three in the last 2 weeks so I'm linking up with Monday Made It from 4th Grade Frolics.