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Spot of Tea Designs

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2016 Goals – Half Way Update

Lifestyle

You may remember back in January when I listed my 2016 goals out there in the blogisphere in hopes that it would motivate me to complete some of these tasks!

1/2 way update of Spotofteadesigns.com 2016 goals

It’s officially over half way through the year so its time for an update! Let’s see how I’m doing…

House:

Powder Room Makeover - featuring before and after photos! | spotofteadesigns.com

  • Redo downstairs half bathroom – UPDATE: It’s done! See the makeover here!
  • Paint/semi makeover of master bedroom – UPDATE: The color has been chosen and the paint has been purchased! New curtains have been hung and a new bedspread has helped brighten up the room. Just waiting on a good weekend where Derek has time to paint then I will share as another room in the Nehil Home Tour!

DIY Family Gallery Wall - frames made to match using @DecorArt_Inc Americana Chalk Paint | Spotofteadesigns.com

  • Update family wall gallery in living room – UPDATE: So excited for this one! This DIY project has been in progress this past month and hopefully hung and shared soon! Hint: It has to do with the colors seen above!
  • Tackle toy clutter in the living room – UPDATE: We bought this Tot Tutors Toy Organizer unit and its been working out thus far. Each morning Hailey comes downstairs and Brielle brings her a tub full of her toys. Like most babies, Hailey loves the tub more than the toys! This unit looks like it will hold up but I’ll let you know if I change my mind down the road.
  • Develop a solution for the lack of a mud room. UPDATE: I’m still on the fence as to where/how to create a mudroom type space in our foyer area but in the meantime, Derek has created a little board with hooks hung low enough for Brielle to hang her jackets. It’s not in my ideal location but has been a good solution until we make up our minds. I’m considering this complete for 2016.

Personal:

  • Develop a personal style. UPDATE: Slowly but surely I’m collecting some new clothing pieces to fill my closet but I wouldn’t say I have a distinct style YET. I was recently introduced to Lularoe leggings and am undecided on what you actually call my style. It’s a momiform nonetheless!

Easter Bunny Cake Tutorial - recipe and decorating tutorial #sweetereaster #shop #cbias #ad

  • Try at least one new recipe a month. UPDATE: Below are the new recipes I tried with my comments on the results:
    • Crockpot Orange Chicken – Delicious! This was my first ever crock pot recipe and I loved how easy it was! This is officially added to my rotation and the week after I was able to make shredded BBQ chicken sandwiches in the crockpot with left over BBQ sauce purchased for this recipe!
    • Made from scratch Yellow Cake and Buttercream frosting. I’ve never made either of these two cake types before but was happy to take them when making our Easter Bunny Cake back in March!
    • 16 Minute Shrimp Scampi – Good recipe but mine took more than 16 minutes!
    • Creamy Chicken Piccatta – Another recommended recipe. I think I had too much lemon in mine. I recommend letting the sauce sit for a few minutes to thicken up before pouring on top but otherwise, yummy!
  • Practice patience more with the girls. – UPDATE: total work in progress. Derek went to school 2 nights a week for his masters for a few months followed by some unique work situations with 12 hr days, 6 days a week that lasted for weeks. This didn’t fair well for my patience! The warmer weather and ability to get outside more has helped in recent weeks so I hope to continually work on this goal!

Marriage:

  • Go on more date nights. UPDATE: This didn’t happen as much as it should, but again his work situation put a big damper on the beginning of this year. We have plenty of family time that makes me happy but I’d love more time for just us two that doesn’t involve sitting on the couch together watching tv. Hoping for more downtime!

Blog:

  • Participate in more group activities. – UPDATE: My friend April and I attended a NJ Blogger’s meet up in February where we met a few new local bloggers whom I now follow socially!

Less mess solution for summer snacks for toddlers - Waffle Bowls! #SnackBrighter #Cbias #ad | spotofteadesigns.com

  • Consider sponsored content wisely. – UPDATE: There are lots of sponsored posts that sound appealing but don’t make sense for my content type but I feel like I’m choosing to partner with products and brands that work with my family’s lifestyle. This was one of the yummier ones we got to experience and liked!

Follow me on Instagram to see my work in progress updates before I’m ever ready to share a final “after” post on the blog!


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A while back I worked with @custompictureframes to A while back I worked with @custompictureframes to showcase different DIY ways to use their beautiful frames in different ways in your home. Their new website FINALLY launched and I'm happy to share the first post of mine that's on their blog! 
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Head to their site to check out how to make this cute clothing line style photo display using screw eyes in a frame. 
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If you're looking for new frames for the home, see their big selection that you can order in practically any size you need! I have several in my house (in fact they are the only frames we have hung up in our house since moving in 2 years ago).
They didn't offer basketball in our town this year They didn't offer basketball in our town this year due to everything going on and restrictions in indoor sports. If its still going on in your neck of the woods, celebrate your all star with these cute cookie topped cupcakes after a big game!
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See more of my basketball party hacks --> https://spotofteadesigns.com/basketball-party-hacks/
I'm so excited for today's blog post as it's the f I'm so excited for today's blog post as it's the first of a series for 2021! I'm now part of a fun collaboration with other fellow creators offering free cut files! @officialcricut and @silhouette.inc users alike will love these free designs that you can add to t-shirts, canvas bags, pillows or make them out of paper!
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I designed this Tic Tac Toe Valentine's t-shirt with my oldest in mind, as she loves games and always new need shirts for the themed days at school. Grab it and the 12 others (seen on the second image) on my blog, Spotofteadesigns.com. 
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Direct link --> https://spotofteadesigns.com/tic-tac-toe-valentines-free-cut-file/
❤️💗 Holiday Hashtag Series 💗❤️ Mark ❤️💗 Holiday Hashtag Series 💗❤️ Mark your calendars the fun three week series #DIYitsValentines starts Monday January 25th. There will be weekly features and lots of inspiration!!! So get your projects ready and say hello 🙋🏻‍♀️ to our fab and fun hostesses:
♥️ Beth @thekingstonhome
💗Christina @sunshinetulip
💌Katie @katieinthedetails
♥️Laura @destrophoto
💗Lexy @lovinglifewithlexy
💌Lydia @lydioutloud
♥️Mariah @giggles_galore
💗Michelle @michellespartyplanit
💌Paula @frogprincepaperie
♥️Tara @spotofteadesigns
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We can’t wait to see your Valentine inspired DIY decor, parties, treats, and crafts! {📷: @giggles_galore} #crafts #diy
#ad Last year was tough for so many reasons, but o #ad Last year was tough for so many reasons, but one of the bright spots for us was the first year of our backyard garden! We’d call my mom on video chat for advice, took turns watering and weeding it, and eventually enjoyed all the vegetables, herbs and flowers for months. 
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We’re currently planning ahead for this year’s garden which involves sporting our mask whenever researching plant choices. I'm partnering with @choosenewjersey to remind you to #maskupnj and social distance yourselves when you’re not staying home.
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Things are changing daily in our state, but you can keep yourself informed with the latest updates on COVID by visiting https://covid19.nj.gov and downloading the free app for info on symptoms and exposure notification.
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Do you have any suggestions on easy to maintain plants for our garden?
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#spotofteadesigns #njblogger #maskup #quarantinelife #nj #slowthespread #nehilbirthdaytwins 
#mydayswithkids #childhoodunplugged #memoirsofmotherhood #theartofchildhood #candidchildhood 
#lethembelittle #simplychildren #lifewithkids #raisingmytribe #littleandbrave #adventureswithchildren 
#momstatus #momswithcameras #heymama #mynameismama #storytellingmama #mamatribevibes 
#everysquareastory #littlestoriesofmylife #motherhoodmoments
Currently working on this year's Valentine's day m Currently working on this year's Valentine's day mantle but wanted to throw it back to the time when 37 year old me did macaroni art. 🤣
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