Jolly Rancher Lollipops

Jolly Rancher LollipopsNeeded: jolly ranchers, candy sticks, parchment paper, foil & a cookie sheet
1) Cover the cookie sheet with foil and then place a layer of parchment paper

2) Unwrap jolly ranchers and place side by side on parchment paper (However you'd like to arrange)
Use three together for extra large lollipops, and only two together for regular lollipops.

3) Heat jolly ranchers in oven for about 5-8 minutes at 250 degrees.
Keep a close eye on the oven and take out the candy as soon as they've barely melted together.

4) Remove the candy from the oven and immediately lay candy sticks into place on melted candies. Slowly twirl in melted candy to coat the stick and so it will hold in the lollipop.
5) Let the lollipops cool for about 30-45 minutes before eating or wrap up.

Up-Cycling for My Classroom

Up-cycling (using recyclables to create new things) Jars

For some reason I kept a Quaker Oats container and large salsa can in the hopes of making something crafty out of them. Both have sat in the closet for 4-5 months....until today! I made both into holders for papers in my classroom.


Return to Sender - When I receive a no name paper, it will be placed in this large salsa jar polka dot can. It will be the students responsibility to check here when a missing assignment note is given.

 TOPS Report - Our school uses a great program called Accelerated Math. It is an individualized math program that students work in at their own level and at their own speed. Every time they scan their card, it prints out a TOPS report and it gives the student and teacher feedback on achievement and needs for the student.

File Cabinet Project

There is nothing worse looking in my classroom then my three file cabinets. The drawers are banged up, scratched and each cabinet is a different color.


I hadn't thought about fixing them until I saw on pinterest how you could decoupage anything, even file cabinets....That got me to thinking and I talked asked my hubby to help me make my file cabinets look better. He wasn't sold on the idea but like always begin gathering the supplies. We spent around $4 for spray adhesive and about $3.50 for scrapbook paper at Hobby Lobby.  


Supplies Needed

• Ugly file cabinet
• Scrapbook paper
• Scissors and craft knife
• Paint, spray adhesive, clear coat sealer and Mod Podge 

Directions
 - Clean and prep file cabinet(s) for paint
- Spray or roll the entire cabinet (including drawers) in desired color

[Allow to dry completely]


- Create a template out of cardstock and use it to cut the scrapbook paper
- Double check cut paper before using adhesive spray
- Spray adhesive on the cabinet and paper before placing it on the drawer door
- Smooth the paper and remove all of the bubbles
- Cover edges with modge podge
- Allow to dry before closing cabinet doors

I absolutely LOVE how these cabinets turned out. (The picture doesn't do it any justice.) The cabinets look great and help tie other parts of my room together so nicely! I can't wait to get my labels finished and in place.

This project was very time consuming and would not have been possible without the help of my SUPER supportive hubby! Thanks hubby!!

Peanut Butter Cup Cake

 

Reese's Cup Cake
There are several recipes for this cake online. All you have to do is google it. Or log on to my newest obsession - Pinterest! There are also TONS of these located there. I however didn't have a lot of time and am not Betty Crocker so I simplified it A LOT!

For mine I used;
1 - Box of Cake Mix (any flavor)
1 - Tub of Butter Cream Icing
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

I baked the cake per directions from the box in 2 - 9inch cake pans. Allowed it to cool on a wire baking rack. I put a little icing in between the two cakes so that it wouldn't fall apart. I then iced the entire cake. While I was icing, I put the Reese cups in the freezer (it was way easier to cut each when they were frozen). I then cut Reese cups in half and placed them at the top and bottom of the cake. I then crumbed the rest of the cups for the topping.

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I made this for my dad for Father's day and I have to toot my own horn for a minute. It was moist and oh so sweet! Next time I'm going to try to make my own icing, but for now! Sweet dreams!

20 Minute Brain Break

Engaging Research - 20 Minute Brain Break

During the summer I am usually obsessed about deep cleaning, organizing and working on homework. This summer however I am finished with deep cleaning and organizing and have completed my masters degree so I have no homework. Instead I've been a reading machine. I'm up to date on Karen Kingsbury books (my fav author), the Women's Murder Mystery Club and another series that will remain unnamed.

So I thought I'd start researching engaging and brain boosting techniques that are easy to manage and implement, as well as free. I found this great website full of "brain break" tips! http://www.minds-in-bloom.com/2012/04/20-three-minute-brain-breaks.html Most of the activities take 3 minutes or less and are fun!

Teaching Blog Addict: 5th Grade

Ran across a great research for anyone who likes to read blogs from teachers.

Check it out here.

7 Tips of Charismatic People

I ran across this article today online -

Think about the most charismatic person you know, and you will discover that he or she has developed all of these traits. Some of them may have come naturally; others possibly took a lot of concentrated effort. This list is not meant to be exhaustive. Rather, these are some obvious traits that you’ll see.
I’m willing to bet that with some practice, you can develop these characteristics, too!
1. Keep Smiling – When you smile at people, you will make them feel good about themselves, and they will appreciate you for it.
2. Try Not to Argue – When you find yourself wanting to argue, say something like, “go on” or “I hear you.” Charismatic people listen well, seek to understand, and they will rarely opening contradict you.
3. Give at Least Three Compliments Every Day - It you do, you’ll be amazed at how different people treat to you. It can be a comment about someone’s dress or personal appearance. It can be as simple as, “My, you’re in a good mood today, ” or “you did a great job on that assignment.
4. Make an Effort to Physically Touch Three People Each Day – Touch a co-worker, your business associate or customer on the arm, pat her on the back, or give a friendly hug. Your efforts at physical closeness will allow those around you to do the same.
5. Mirror the Positive Emotions of Those Around You - If someone is excited about her new car, you should show excitement too. If they’re smiling as they tell you a story, smile along with them.
6. Maintain Eye Contact When Someone is Speaking to You – When you maintain eye contact, it makes people feel as though you are really tuned in, listening and responsive.
7. Work on Your Sense of Humor - Try to tell one or two jokes a day. Charismatic people make us feel good about ourselves by lightening the mood.

Which ones come naturally to you? Which ones will you make an effort to cultivate?

Chicken & Spinach Pasta Bake

You can view the original directions here.
Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked rigatoni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 medium)
• 1 (10-oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 3 cups cubed cooked chicken breasts
• 1 (14.5-oz.) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
• 1 (8-oz.) container chive-and-onion cream cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 cups (6 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese $ 
   
   
   
  
  
  (original recipe from Southern Living.com)
1. Prepare rigatoni according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, spread oil on bottom of an 11- x 7-inch baking dish; add onion in a single layer.
3. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or just until tender. Transfer onion to a large bowl, and set aside. 4. Drain chopped spinach well, pressing between layers of paper towels. 5. Stir rigatoni, spinach, chicken, and next 4 ingredients into onion in bowl. Spoon mixture into baking dish, and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese. 6. Bake, covered, at 375° for 30 minutes; uncover and bake 15 more minutes or until bubbly.

Directions

This turned out so yummy! I had it prepped in about 15-20 minutes. Next time I make this I may go ahead and cook the chicken ahead of time so that I can cut the prep time down some.

Hubby really enjoyed this (said he'll ask for it again) which is rare as he usally says there isn't enough meat in pasta meals.

Try it and let me know how it turns out for you!

The Five Dollar Savings Plan

 


Have you heard about the $5 Savings Plan?  I had never heard of it until surfing the web...or should I say...pinterest! It sounds relatively easy and painless because you don't have to cut this savings money from any where else in your budget. I'm thinking about taking it a step further and go ahead and label what the money is for so that we'll continue saving.


Here's how the $5 Savings Plan works:  Whenever a $5 bill comes into your possession, you save it in a special jar or envelope.  Over time, they will add up. 



Has anyone else used this savings plan?? Did it work? If so, please let me know as I'm very curious to know about this savings plan!

Christmas Break Project #1

I always make a LONG to do list during breaks from school and I would LOVE to say that I always get all items accomplished but....Anyway...the first large item on my list was to organize our guest bathroom cabinet.

I hate to admit that our cabinet had gotten so messy but we don't see it everyday and I think that's part of the problem. This cabinet is suppose to hold guest towels, all sheets, beach towels, and car towels. 

 I emptied out everything from the cabinet and started over. I folded everything (again) and stacked by category.I then put items in the cabinet by how often it is used, with the most used items being easiest to reach. 

 I hate folding sheets but while surfing Pinterest (won't talk about how addicted I am to it) I found a couple of pins about folding sheets and using the pillowcase for easy location of the exact sheets once in a cabinet and I must say that I like the way they look in the cabinet now.

Next project - Organize Bathroom Supply Cabinet