raise your hand

Looking for a easy, fun, quirky teacher appreciation gift? Then download this printable and add a simple frame for a {im}perfect gift. and you know, who doesn't love a mustache?????

Keeping it simple,

more than just apples

May 5- 9 is one of a teacher's favorite weeks of the year, only surpassed by the 10 weeks of summer vacation- Teacher Appreciation Week. And though a teacher would never turn down a gift given by a student, well, we really have enough apples- apple charms, apple pictures, apple tchotchkes, apples, apples, apples. Let's face it, teachers are people too and love outside of the apple box ideas.

 Pinterest is a room mom's best friend when it comes to celebrating those great teachers in your child's life. From the simple ideas {check this one out} to the over the top super mom, Martha Stewart-esques, you can find it all. Here's a run down on my top 10 pinterest Teacher Appreciation gifts.

1/ great key fob tutorial complete with printable from she's kinda crafty
2/  puns make a great gift beginning- here's one from tammy mitchell photography
3/ love these mini clipboards from dollar store crafts
4/ for the book lover, here's sew crafty book bag from city house studio
5/ this gift's a perfect bullseye from landeelu
6/ love this box of sunshine from happy money saver
7/ teachers are waiting for summer too & this gift will get them ready from the lovely cupboard
8/ recycling a Pringle's can into a pencil snack pack- great idea from gluesticks and tape
9/ cute packaging can make the most simple gift spectacular
10/ here's another great round up of ideas


When in doubt, remember gift cards are always the right size. You can find these pins and more on my board, more than just apples. Follow me for more ideas for thanking that special teacher. And while we're on the subject of great teachers- don't forget all those special programs teachers too- art teachers, music teachers, P.E. teachers, etc. These people are truly the unsung, forgotten heroes of the elementary education system. They typically teacher every student in a school building with very little support or praise. They are the backbone of a child's education, giving praise, encouragement, and inspiration daily.

Check back this week for a couple of style & {im}perfection freebie printables for the [im]perfect teacher appreciation gifts.

take time this weekend

I'm a sucker for a good quote or a chevron print. Put the two together and you have a little {im}perfection.

 Life here was been more than a little chaotic (the toughest months for a teacher have got to be April & May) and the posting has been severely spotty. But thanks for baring with me and the new blogger growing pains. 

My gift to you, my faithful readers (all 5 of you...) this springy little printable. Click here to download and share. Enjoy your Easter holiday!

first {im}pression

they say you only get one chance to make a first impression and this super cute and simple Easter burlap carrot door hanger makes a perfect impression. Pair it with the perfect pink geraniums, a pop of teal, and this cute door mat from Target & you have a quite a statement. Hoppy Easter!

burlap door tutorial

Begin by creating a template for your carrot. In my very professional way (LOL), I cut half a carrot from old newspaper so that my shape would be symmetrical. Trace on to your burlap with pencil.

Using a rotatory cutter, cut out two copies of the carrot. I just doubled over the burlap & cut them out at the same time. The rotatory cutter makes it a snap to cut out rounded and irregular shapes.

Here's the finished cut out. Next comes the painting. I love acrylic craft paints because of the variety of colors.

Begin painting the base orange color. Let dry or blow dry.

Move on to the green leafy top and finish up with some fun sherbetty orange polka dots.  

Using a paint pen, add your phrase. I thought Hoppy Easter was a fun twist. 

Let's put this thing together. Cut several ribbons to length desired and knot loosely on both ends. Make sure to leave a "tail" to hot glue between the two layers of burlap.

 Using a hot glue gun, glue the front (painted) and back (plain) sides of the burlap together. Don't forget to add the ribbon hanger at the top.

Leave an opening to stuff your carrot. I love to use old plastic store bags- great way to recycle all those Target bags! Finish hot gluing the edges. Enjoy the finished piece!

window shopping

I love the couple of weeks in Texas that we call Spring- temperatures below 80, nice & sunny, and breezy. Mornings can start off pretty chilly and this lovely cocoon cardigan from Target is the perfect light-weight cover up.This is actually the second time I've purchased this cardigan. The first one had an unfortunate accident on our way home from a family vacation to Walt Disney World. A can of aerosol sunscreen leaked all over the back of the original creating a huge stain. Needless to say,  I looked for months for the perfect replacement. On a recent trip to Target (Tar- Jeh when we're feeling fancy), I located this little gem in a light cream. It works with everything, sundresses, shorts, jeans, and pencil skirts too. My new old fav cardi was just the completer piece I needed for this window shopping outfit (plus anytime I can add a belt is a plus)!

just in case you were wondering what's in the j. crew bag, check out my #outfitdujour on instagram- picked up a love bird baseball tee on sale- love shopping <3

cream cocoon cardigan: /Target/

chevron maxi dress: /anthropologie/ similar similar

yellow leather & rope belt: /anthropologie/ 

wooden bead necklace: similar 

orange polka dot cross body bag: /fossil/

ombre leather sandals: /aldo/ similar

#instanthappy, the first week

So here's a recap of the first week of my #instanthappy challenge. I love taking time every morning to reflect on one simple thing that makes me happy. It's amazing how something so simple can really change your perspective. Also, my 13 year old daughter (that's her up in the top left corner a couple of years back) is "following" me and playing along too! That makes it a win/ win for me, no matter how many others out there play along. But if you'd like to start your day a little bit happier, the rules are simple- click the pic to find me on instagram. Follow me and upload a pic everyday #instanthappy. Looking forward to see your happy.

sbux after dark

So,I'm sure that you all heard the latest sbux news...... some locations will soon be serving wine, beer, and small plates after 4 p.m. So your favorite morning coffee stop has just become your after work girls' night out location.
    In honor of the news, here's my take on a sbux favorite for after dark.

sbux after dark

the essentials:
starbucks via very berry hibiscus refresher packet
bottle of your fav fruity red wine (try middle sister- goodie two shoes)
frozen berries- raspberry or mixed berries
ice

mix up the very berry refresher according to package directions. add 12 oz. red wine. chill or if your {im}patient, add ice. pop in a handful of frozen berries. sip & enjoy

How will you begin your weekend? I know that a glass of sbux after dark is in order at my house.

instant happy

Welcome to the instant happy 30 day challenge! In an effort to make this world a little bit happier, I've decided to begin a happiness challenge. It's pretty simple: everyday this month upload a pic of something that makes you happy to instagram #instanthappy. Follow me @ styleandimperfection to share the fun. Help spread the word by putting the badge above on your blog or instagram profile. Happiness is contagious! Let's make April the happiest of all months this year.