Early Birthday Gift - Botanical Lace Thermal Tote

My birthday is this weekend...whoop whoop!  


I'm just getting older at this point, but I love birthdays!  It is the one time of year where it is about you!  And I might even add that for a tiny moment the world might actually revolve around you for a change.  It was a typical Friday at work except when I got to another elementary school my co-worker and friend Amber had a little birthday surprise for me.  She got me a new lunch tote!  Which is awesome since my other lunch tote is about 4+ years old, and recently had a run in with some pizza sauce :(   I'm not sure what I love more the fact that it is black, white and hot pink (all of my favorite colors) or that it's actually bigger than my old one!  Sounds simple enough a lunch tote, however, I pack my lunch almost everyday so at this point it's a necessity.  Not only does Amber carry this awesome lunch tote (and many different styles also) but they have tons of fun products to order and personalize.  Since I'm a soon-to-be auntie (for the second time) instead of a basket this year I might have to browse some more of the Thirty-One items!

Mazel Tov (with shopping)!

Bug Activity

Bugs, Bugs and More Bugs!

This activity is pretty simple for utilizing with students to practice new words and/or targeted articulation.  One SLP used it as a matching goes for synonyms so the ideas are endless!  It gives you the opportunity to practice but make their activity into a game.

Materials Needed:

            Bug template

            White copy paper

            Construction paper or Card stock

            Laminate paper

            Whiteboard Marker

            Mason jar, paper bag or some kind of bug holder

Prepping for the activity:

1.     Print the bugs out onto white copy paper.

2.    Make copies of the bugs onto 5 or 6 different pieces of construction paper or card stock.  (Tip: If you are using a copy machine load the construction paper on the side tray to print)

3.    Cut out the construction (or card stock) paper bugs.

4.   Laminate the bugs.

5.    Cut the bugs out again.

6.    Create a little bug hold either out of a mason jar, paper bag or a bug holder. 

Activity:

You will be able to write on the back (with a whiteboard marker) of the bugs new words and/or targeted articulation that you want your students to work on. The students will have fun picking bugs!

Mother's Day Adjective Flower

I was inspired to create this adjective flower from The Teacher's Lounge website.  I was trying to find a flower template that would be easy for teachers and/or students to cut out and still look like a cute flower.  I found the flower template here.  This flower idea can be utilized for any Spring/Summer activity since the center of the flower is a noun and the petals are adjectives.  Great way for students to practice and have a take home for their Mom!

Materials:

Flower template

Various colors of construction paper (or scrapbook paper) for petals

Green construction paper for the stems and leaves

Blue construction paper for background

Prepping for activity:

1.   Print out flower template.

2.  Copy template onto different colors of construction paper (Tip: If you’re using a copier put the construction paper in the side default tray).

3.  Cut out the flower construction paper pieces (petals, stems and leaves).

It would make more sense for students to write on the petals before gluing them on the blue construction paper.  But this also allows for errors, you can just flip the petal over!

Happy Early Mothers Day!

Sunday Funday - Easter Cupcakes and Cake

Since I was seven years old I remember Glynis (my other mom) making an Easter bunny cake.  She would let me help make the ears but for the post part Glynis did it all.  I LOVED waking up on Easter and seeing her making the bunny cake.  He always had this droopy sad face because she was cooking for us and baking at the same time.  So needless to say the cake didn't have time to cool all the way before she started icing the cake.  Even as an adult on Easter morning Glynis was making her infamous Easter bunny cake.  So this year as an engaged woman I decided to make the Easter bunny cake for Mark!  And then I was got a little carried away because I thought cupcakes would be a great idea as well.  The basic idea for the bunny cake can be found here.  The Easter basket cupcakes I got the idea from here and the Hatching Baby Chick Cupcakes I got from here.  I saw the pictures and just kind of made up how they should look.  I made over 20 cupcakes so I did 10 that had coconut and 10 without.  So Mark can take them to work and his coworkers could enjoy. 

On the Hatching cupcakes next time I make them instead of using warheads for the egg I would probably use a cookie or fondant.  To color the coconut I used a concentrated gel to mix with butter cream icing.  And I used sour patch jelly beans instead of regular jelly beans for flavor!

Enjoy!

Wedding Wednesday – Father of the Bride Cuff Links

I can’t think of a better way to make your dad feel special on your wedding day than with a unique wedding gift.  Father of the bride cuff links!  Here’s a quote to sum this gift up “Find a gift for everyone in the wedding party especially the man who loved and raised you and is now loosing his little girl in the happiest and saddest day of his life show him how much you appreciate him with these cuff links he will wear them proudly because they are from his little girl.”  Love it!

You can find the cuff links on amazon, esty, here and here.  Also try searching google and there are a variety of styles available!

Sunday Funday - Easter Egg Sound Blending Activity

 

Easter Egg Sound Blending Activity:

I created this Easter egg with the help Microsoft Word AutoShape.  This by the way was a total challenge to make the lines match up!  If you have ever tried to use this function in Word you can feel my pain. 

Materials:

White copy paper

3 different colored pieces of construction paper

Easter egg template

Laminate paper

Whiteboard Marker

Prepping for activity:

1.   Print out Easter egg template.

2.  Copy template onto 3 different pieces (colors) of construction paper. (Tip: If you’re using a copier put the construction paper in the side default tray)

3.  Cut out the egg template pieces.

4.  Laminate your egg piece.

5.  Cut out your laminate egg pieces.

6.  Write on the egg pieces with a whiteboard marker.

With the letters on the different sections of the Easter egg it allows students to play around with their sounds at the beginning and ending of words with different vowels in the middle.

  

I was inspired to create this egg activity because of a candy corn sound blending activity I found.

Thirsty Thursday - ABC Tasting

Today is “my Friday” since tomorrow is a teacher workday.  Woo-hoo!  So for thirsty Thursday I found an offer for an ABC Tasting!  I could not believe when I found this.  What’s the catch!?!  You have to be 21, duh!  But other than that it’s FREE!  Sometimes I would love to taste alcohol before I buy it.  I don’t drink a lot but if I’m going to have a drink I like to stick with what I know.  However, this gives us the chance to have a little tasty taste before purchasing.  Love this idea! 

Now to find a wine sample…

Wedding Wednesday – Personalized Wedding Dress Hanger

How fabulous would your wedding dress pictures look on a hanger with your new last name!?!  I love seeing pictures of brides getting ready and the dress is hanging in the background.  Or just that beautiful picture of the dress flowing.  Some bridal pictures I've seen the hanger is looking a little shady (or old) and these hangers seem to solve the problem!

I found these hangers for sale here and here.  I'm sure you could Google other people who are selling this but be careful because the M on Mrs. looks sketchy on some of them. 

Mazel Tov!

Sunday Funday - Bulletin Board Spring/Summer Idea!

I found the original bulletin board idea here but the original bulletin board source can be found on Mrs. Picassi's Art Room Blog.

This bulletin board idea just seems perfect for Spring!

Instructions (sort of):

I put the blue bulletin board paper up first as the main background.  Since we didn’t have any brown paper I used black bulletin board paper for the tree limb.  I used a few pieces of light green cardstock that I cut for the grass.  Over the light green grass I put up green bulletin board paper as more grass.  I used three different pink and green pieces of 12x12 cardstock to create the bird pieces, leaves and flowers.  I drew on with black marker the bird’s legs.  I’m not sure if I gave great directions/information but feel free to ask questions if needed! 

Materials Used:

Sky: Blue bulletin board paper

Tree limb: Black bulletin board paper (we didn't have any brown paper)

Grass: Green cardstock

Grass: Green bulletin board paper

Bird template

Leaf Template

Flower template (it's really a leaf template)

Scrapbook paper

Black marker

Pictures of my process:

Fly!

Silly Saturday Find - Plastic Paper Plate Holder

I'm lazy some days and hate washing dishes!  I don’t know a better way to avoid doing the dishes then by using paper plates.  I was cruising through the Dollar Tree's spring/summer selection when I came across plastic paper plate holders!  They're great and come in a set of 4 for $1.  The plastic paper plate holder is convenient and helps sturdy a paper plate.  Which is a summer must have!         

Fun Finds Friday - Dog Treat Freebie!

I love my two dogs, Chloe and Bailey.  They're our kids, our little puppy family!  We don't give our pups treats everyday.  For one because Chloe is 8 pounds overweight (per her vet), and number two because I have no idea why!  But I was cruising the internet and found a dog freebie!  WalMart has an offer for a free sample of Purina Beneful Baked Delights!  It's so easy to get your freebie after you go to the link above (which takes you to WalMart) just click on the “Get your sample Combo” (like the picture below).  After you fill out your information it lets you know that you should get your sample in four weeks.  Pretty simple!  Let me know how your pups enjoy it!

Thirsty Thursday - Coffee-Mate Freebie!

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Tomorrow...Friday March 22 Coffee-mate will be giving away coupons for a free bottle of creamer!  All you have to do is "like" them on Facebook.  And at 9 am PST go to their Facebook page, where they will be giving away 200,000 coupons for a FREE bottle of Coffee-mate. 

Coffee-mates Free Flavor Friday starts tomorrow at 9 am PST!   So if you can't login to Facebook at work or you are on the go you can still participate by going to:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CoffeemateUSA
Mobile: http://m.freeflavorfriday.coffee-mate.com/
Coffee-mate.com: http://freeflavorfriday.coffee-mate.com/

 

Good Luck & Enjoy!

Crock-Pot Barbecue Pork

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I definitely enjoy a good barbecue pork sandwich or just shredded barbecue pork.  And what better way than in a crock-pot!  I used 2.66 pounds of pork, obviously use as much as needed for your family and add more ingredients as needed.  Next time I would add onions to the mix for flavor, but I didn’t have any so I just used onion powder.  One thing I love about cooking this recipe overnight is the next day the pork just falls apart.  Which means you aren’t wasting time cutting up the pork.  And of course, I love the slow cooker liners!  It is the easiest way to clean up and not have to worry about extra mess when cooking.  So onto the recipe!

Ingredients:

1 Slow Cooker Liner

2+ lbs. Boneless Pork Loin Roast (or your choice of pork cut)

2 tbsp. McCormick Grill Mates Applewood Rub (or seasonings of your choice)

2 tbsp. McCormick Grill Mates Smokehouse Maple (or seasonings of your choice)

2 tbsp. McCormick Grill Mates Cowboy Rub (or seasonings of your choice)

1 tbsp. Onion powder

2 tbsp. Minced Garlic

½-1-cup Chicken Broth (or water)

1 bottle Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey Barbecue Sauce (or your   choice of BBQ sauce)

Directions:

1.     Use the slow cooker liner to line your crock-pot. (Tip: This makes for an easy clean up!)

2.    Mix McCormick Grill Mates applewood rub, McCormick Grill Mates smokehouse maple, McCormick Grill Mates cowboy rub, onion powder and minced garlic in a bowl. (Tip: You can also place in a bag –like a shake’n’bake kind)

3.    Take the rub you just made and spread on the pork.

4.   Place pork, chicken broth and half of the bottle of barbecue sauce into crock-pot.

5.    Cook on low 10-12 hours.

6.    Remove pork from crock-pot. (Tip: Empty continents into a strainer).

7.    Place pork back into the crock-pot.

8.    Add the rest of the bottle of barbecue sauce.

9.    Pork will be soft enough to use a silicon spatula to mix up sauce.  This will also shred the pork in lieu of having to cut it up.

10.  Leave on warm for another 1-3 hours to allow the barbecue sauce to soak up.

Enjoy!

Silly Saturday Find - Wine Glass With Straw & Lid

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Well after yesterdays engagement ring fiasco I might need a glass of wine!  

And what better way to drink wine than in a plastic wine glass with straw and twist on lid!  Ironically, we are still calling it a wine glass even though it is plastic!?  Anyway!  At first, I thought the adult sippy cup was a gold mind.  But now I’m so torn!  It sounds like a great cup to be sitting outside on a nice sunny day, or by the pool.  Or after you had a few too many, but of course, none of us would do that!  Or on the bright side the wine glass would prevent any bugs from landing in your drink.  Ugh, there is nothing worse than enjoying a cocktail when you realize some bug just took a noise dive in it!  I’ve never actually dropped a wine glass (knock on wood) but the fact that its plastic could be beneficial if you had a party.  The nice thing also is that the lid is a twist on, so you can opt to serve your poolside guests with or without it.  It just seems like something fun to have for the summer!  You can't find this wine glass at Bed Bath and Beyond yet (I checked!) but it is for sale here, here and here!  I wonder if they make margarita glasses? 

Enjoy!

Thirsty Thursday - Gevalia Coffee Freebie!

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Again not your typical or stereotypical thirsty Thursday idea.  But I found another coffee freebie I had to share!   I've never had any Gevalia coffee before.  So what better what to try it than a freebie, of course!  Head over to Targets Sample Page to collect your freebie.  All you have to do is enter your personal information, answer 8 questions about your coffee preferences to request your freebie.  You should be enjoying your Gevalia coffee in 8 to 10 weeks.

Wedding Wednesday – Groom’s Cake!

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Here is a chance to honor the man in our lives!  I love the idea of incorporating a groom’s cake into the wedding.  A majority of the wedding is girly colors, flowers and feminine touches everywhere.  So why not make your man feel just a little extra special!?!  A great idea is a groom’s cake!  It can be a cake made of your future hubby’s favorite things or hobbies (hunting, games, cars, beer, golf, sports, etc.).  Basically anything you want!  This is a chance for you to be creative and show how much you’ve been paying attention to the little things.  Typically a groom’s cake is presented at the rehearsal dinner.  If his cake is displayed at the wedding it is usually on a separate table then your actual wedding cake. The cake is supposed to represent a gift from you to him, as husband and wife.  As far as price is concerned when I did some research the cakes started at $40 and went up to $200.  Keep in mind it will depend on how many people you want to feed (just like with your wedding cake).  This tradition like many others seems to not have an actual story to how it began; however, it’s supposed to be a southern tradition.  

So dig in!

Silly Saturday Find...An Adult Sippy Cup!

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Have you ever been sitting there watching tv distracted go to reach for you cup.  And then splash!  That’s the sound of liquid that is now becoming one with your end table.  Which always surprises me how quickly it makes its way to the floor.  Personally I feel like a 4 year old.  Thought I could use a big girl cup but apparently I can’t!  I’m not the only person in my house that has an issue with this so let me not take all the credit ;) So cruising the internet I came across an adult sippy cup!  I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry or bust out my wallet!  For $8 plus shipping you can own this adult sippy cup.  It’s tough to say whether this would be the new to-go cup I would take out with me (since it’s glass!) but in another sense it’s like why didn’t I think of that!  And what sippy cup wouldn’t be better than one on sale!  I’m still debating if we should order one to try I don’t have very many mason jars in my house, who are we kidding I don’t have any!  But I just envision myself driving to Wal-Mart and getting lured into buying mason jars!  I’d love to know if you have used one or are planning on using one.  I’m still intrigued!  Inquiring mind want to know!

This adult sippy cup made me think of this picture I saw online:

Have a great rest of the day!  

Fun Finds Friday - Godiva!

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I was searching on the internet and trying to find something fun, yummy or chocolate!  And I discovered a few weeks ago that Godiva is carrying more yummy-ness than just chocolate.  Godiva is now serving up Godiva Spirits Infused Vodka!  I'll be trying it at an upcoming house party, now to find some yummy recipes to go with it!  If you order anything from their website use the code DELIGHT for 15% off.  

    

Thirsty Thursday - Coffee Freebie!

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Not your typical or stereotypical thirsty Thursday idea.  But I LOVE coffee! 

And what a great way to discover different  types of coffee you ask?  A freebie, of course!  Head over to Nescafé USA on Facebook to collect your freebie.  All you have to do is “like” their page on Facebook, and click ‘Free Sample’ tab on the left hand side to request your freebie.  And you should be enjoy a variety of coffees in 6 to 8 weeks!  What's your favorite coffee!?!

Wedding Wednesday Freebie ~ Free Issue of Bridal Guide

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What better way to start of a Wednesday than with a freebie!  And a wedding freebie at that! So I got engaged to the love of my life on December 31, 2010!  And planning a wedding or even thinking about a wedding can sometimes be stressful.  Myself and most people (I'm assuming) are on a budget so I love being able to find a good wedding freebie or DIY website.

With that being said (drum roll please) I found a website that will give you 1 complimentary issue of Bridal Guide (Note: This is NOT for a trial offer just a one time freebie!).  All you have to do is provide your mailing information.  There is also a box to check for them to NOT send you anymore free offers so this would eliminate junk email or mail!  Go collect your wedding freebie!  The website stated it will take about 6-10 weeks to receive your freebie (this is noted at the top of the page after you send your information).  They will offer you more freebie offers but they are for digital subscriptions you can just close out the window if you aren't interested.

Chori-Pollo

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Chori-Pollo aka Chorizo and Chicken.  I personally love chorizo!  I can eat it with eggs or put it in my stuffing.  When I’ve been out cruising the local Mexican restaurants I figured I’d concoct my own recipe to enjoy this dish at home.  Some people find the taste of chorizo to be spicy, I don’t think it’s very spicy but that’s just a friendly warning J

Ingredients:

1 lb. (or so) chicken breast

1 package chorizo

1 packet of Sazón Goya seasoning

1 can pineapple chunks

1 jar cheese & salsa dip

1 package tortillas

1 can refried beans

1 package Mexican or Taco Rice

1 bag tortilla chips

1.  Cook your refried beans and rice according to their package. (I would start with cooking the beans and rice first so that while they are cooking you can work on the main dish.)

2. Cook the chorizo in a large skillet.  (Tip: When the chorizo is finished scoop out the meat and leave the “juice” in the pan).

3. Cut up the chicken breast into strips or cubes.

4.  Cook your cut up chicken in the “juice” and add one packet of Sazón Goya seasoning.  Stir this mixture together.  (Tip: When the chicken is done scoop out the meat and leave the “juice” in the pan).

5. Cook ½ - 1 can of pineapple in the “juice” just long enough that it isn’t super mushy.  So maybe 5 or so minutes on each side.

6. Remove pineapple from skillet and dump out the “juice.”

7.  Combine chorizo, chicken, pineapple, and half of the jar of cheese and salsa dip in the original skillet or a bowl.

8. Heat up a tortilla (in the microwave or oven).

9. Layer tortilla with refried beans, rice, then your chicken/chorizo/pineapple/cheese mix on top.
10. Fold up your tortilla and enjoy!

11.  Serve with a side of tortilla chips and cheese and salsa dip.


Enjoy!