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May 18, 2014

End of the Year Teacher Gifts

It's the end of the school year and many people are wondering what to get their child's teacher as a gift.  I love ALL the gifts I receive from kids (personalized gifts, drawings, gift cards, etc.), but my favorite are the practical gifts.  Because I know how I am and what I like, I have been searching the web (Pinterest mostly) to find gifts for my kids teachers.  Each one of my children have two teachers (6 teachers total), so I want to find something that won''t break the bank, is cute, and practical.  Another idea that was brought to my attention is to find a couple of other parents in your child's room and go in on a gift together.  This is a HUGE money saver.

Because you took the time to create or buy something for your child's teacher, I am sure they will appreciate anything you give them.  Below are some of my favorite ideas for end of the year teacher gifts.  I know there are so many more, but these stuck out to me. 

Teacher Gift Idea #1: Cookie Jar with the teacher's favorite cookies.

 Teacher Gift Idea #2: Summer Time Themed Gift

 Teacher Gift Idea #3: Cup filled with sharpies: "Because of you, my mind is SHARP for next year."

Teacher Gift Idea #4: Starbucks Gift Card

Teacher Gift Idea #5: S'mores Gift




Teacher Gift Idea #6: Orange You Glad It's Summer?


Teacher Gift Idea #7: Simply the Best

Teacher Gift Idea #8: Tearrific Teacher

   Teacher Gift Idea #9: Polished Teacher

Hope these gift ideas help you! 












TWO Weeks Too Long

It's been two weeks and too long since my last blog update.  With the end of the school year quickly approaching, it has been very busy in our home!  I have missed blogging and I have done a lot of cooking since my last post, so I had to really think about what I wanted to post today.  I decided to post two recipes this week.  I have also included my weekly menu plan below.  Sorry I have been away for so long, but hopefully, these two recipes will make up for it :).

Because Memorial Day is next Monday, I am posting one of my favorite short ribs recipes.  I made these ribs about two weeks ago and they came out so tender and so delicious.  If you do not feel like taking out the grill, this is a great recipe.

Recipe: Oven Cooked BBQ Short Ribs
Ingredients:
  • Garlic and Herb seasoning
  • Black Pepper
  • Mesquite seasoning
  • Italian Dressing
  • Your favorite BBQ sauce
Directions: 
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Wash meat thoroughly.  Season meat with seasonings listed above. 

2. In a large bowl, add the Italian dressing.  Then add the seasoned meat to the Italian dressing (For best results, let meat marinade in this overnight).

3. Place seasoned/Italian dressing covered meat in a large baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.

4. Add your favorite BBQ sauce all over the meat (you a basting brush).

5. Cook in the oven covered for about 1 hour (or until meat is cooked through and tender).  Uncover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.   Serve with your favorite side (I served with red beans and rice).  Enjoy!

        The second recipe was inspired this morning.  Everyday for breakfast my children eat pancakes or waffles.  Well this morning, I wanted something different.  I looked in the refrigerator and the pantry to see what I could make.  First thing I saw was cinnamon and I knew it had to be French Toast!  My kids love french toast, especially with powdered sugar.  I never knew how easy it was to make until I saw my friend Maritza make it when she came to visit.  If you are tired of pancakes and waffles, try making this simple, but tasty recipe. 

Recipe: Cinnamon French Toast with Powdered Sugar

Ingredients:
2 eggs
1/2 cup of milk
teaspoon of cinnamon
powdered sugar
6 slices of bread

Directions: 
1. In a large bowl, add eggs, milk, cinnamon.  Mix well.  

2. Heat a large pan over medium heat.  Then add butter to the pan.  Next dip your bread quickly on both sides in the mixture.   Add to the pot.  


3. Cook on both sides for about 2 minutes.  Very important that your heat is not too high, otherwise your bread will get brown quick but the middle will still be raw.  When you see a nice pretty brown color, then flip over and cook other side.  If the middle looks really soft (mushy), keep cooking).

4. When you take the toast out, butter one side and sprinkle powdered sugar on top.  Serve and enjoy!


Weekly Menu Plan for May 19-24
Monday and Tuesday: Lasagna with garlic bread (I know it seems like we eat lasagna a lot, but the kids love it and my lasagna recipe is really good!
Wednesday and Thursday: Baked Buttermilk Chicken with rice and butter beans
Friday: A Birthday Dinner Out
Saturday: Shells Shrimp and Garlic Pasta