Come celebrate with Crayola!

To celebrate their 110th birthday, the 8 original Crayola crayons are throwing a birthday bash at the Crayola Experience, the worlds only interactive Crayola family attraction. The new Crayola Experience features four large floors of new interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind attractions that your kids will love! They focus on the magic of color and the encouragement of creativity in children, and it will be opening this May
This seems like a place Jack would LOVE!  Bes of all, right now, you can enter to win a three-night all expenses paid stay for four to celebrate the birthday and the Grand Opening in May 2013! Sounds like so much fun, I know I'm entering!

To enter, visit Crayola's Facebook page and click "enter here"! Good luck!

disclosure:  Crayola provided me with the information

TeachHUB, and the first infographic made by (my) kids!

For National Library Week, TeachHUB.com and Clever Girls Collective are proud to present the world's First Ever Infographic Made By Kids! For more information about TeachHUB.com, please visit their website.

  
I don't know if you all know this, but I am a special education teacher.  Because of this, I am always on the hunt for the most new ideas, current practices and lessons that meet the common core.  I look on pinterest, blogs, message boards...you name. it!  We now I found a great new site with all of this along with ideas and techniques to use in the classroom.  TeachHUB is the newest place for teachers to go for up-to-date education information, a place to share ideas and "borrow" others, and where you can go to find professional development of your choosing.  

TeachHUB's mission is to improve the quality of education by making available the most current, complete and affordable resources for all K-12 Educators.  "Built by Teachers, for Teachers, we offer free lesson plans, the latest in education news, professional development and real teacher blogs plus the tools and applications modern Educators need to maintain a level of excellence in their classrooms."  TeachHUB.com provides the latest in education technology, news and tools. It's a great free resource for all K-12 teachers.

My favorite part?  I really like that on the home page, they list the top 7 stories using pictures.  This way I can see at a quick glance the newest topics being featured. It's quick and easy to find what other educators are interested in and checking out.

Recently I administered a survey to my students asking them varied questions about what they know about reading, who their favorite characters are, and what do they know about certain library topics.  The kids loved that they were filling out a "survey", and I loved the answers to "what does your teacher do over the Summer?" 

Check out the first infographic made by kids: 

TeachHUB.com is a free resource for teachers and parents who want the latest in education news and technology. You can see the latest articles from TeachHUB by subscribing to their Facebook pageor following them on Twitter.
 

I was selected for this opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, and content and opinions expressed here are all my own. To learn more about the TeachHUB.com, visit their website.#CleverTeachers #NLW13

Do you follow me?

My relationship with pinterest is like a marriage.  At times I can't get enough of it and want to spend all my time with Pinterest, and then other times I need my space and have to get a little "me" time.  Well right now I'm in my "Can't get enough of" phase, and I think you should join me.  You can check out all my boards and my obsessions with desserts and Adam Levine. 

 



 

Follow me here.

Oh and I would love it if you would leave your pinterest profile in the comments below!

How to Trick the Picky Eater: Freshfoods Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker Review

Even though Jack is eating solid foods, he is one of the pickiest eaters I have ever seen.  No meat, no cheese, and he has to inspect everything!  Trying new things is an even bigger struggle; I am hoping that this is just a stage and he will soon grow out of it.

So when I was given  the Freshfoods Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker from NUK through the Moms Meet blogger program, I was excited to see what I could blend up for him to eat.

The Freshfoods Baby Food Maker is an all-in-one steamer, blender and food processor so that you can make your own, homemade baby food from scratch in one convenient appliance with minimal effort. Since I’ve always been one to make as much of my own household items from scratch as it is, making my own baby food was always something I’d intended anyway. But this food maker simplifies it so that even the most novice of mommas can whip up good-for-you meals for their babes, lickity split.

With the food maker, you can make up to four meals at a time and select whether you want smooth or chunky texture. The machine itself is pretty small so that it’s quite manageable (as compared to my regular food processor). You steam (if necessary) and blend in the same container so it’s not very messy at all, and clean-up is simplified. Plus, if you want to steam two different foods at once, there’s a separate steam compartment so that you can multitask without hassle. Once you set the choices, it only takes about fifteen minutes or so to steam the veggies and then a couple more minutes to puree them and you have fresh, whole-foods dinner ready for baby.

What's great about this maker is that it works great for toddlers.  I can blend up fruit, and sneak in those veggies to make sure he is getting all he needs nutrition wise.. I’ve already tested it out by steaming sweet potatoes and apples and making "apple sauce".  I've also make smoothies with spinach mixed and Jack loved them both.  The best part was that it was SUPER easy to make and even easier to clean up! I can even steam veggies for my husband and I!

If you're interested in trying it yourself, you can download a $20 coupon for the Freshfoods Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker as well as print a coupon for any Freshfoods accessory. Find out more about the Freshfoods Baby Food Maker and other Freshfoods products for baby (including freezer trays, a food mill or popsicle molds) on the NUK website or by following NUK on Facebook.

Find the Freshfoods Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker on Amazon.

Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinions on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

Wordless(ish) Wednesday..Easter

Spring Break is over now and I am back to work.  The countdown is now on for Summer break.  We didn't go anywhere, but we still had a great time....bowling, museums, seeing friends, and just relaxing.   I didn't take as many pictures as I wanted but I did want to share a few Easter time pictures. Jack loved the Easter egg hunts..even in the cold weather! I hope you all had a wonderful Easter and have a great week ahead.  

 

Love giveaways?

Don't you love giveaways?  I do.  And I just happen to be part of one over at Yellow Bird, Yellow Beard.

Head on over there and enter to win a $20 shop credit to my shop Smitten Image.  While there check out her great blog and the over giveaways going on.

Easter Goodies..

I can't believe Easter is here already.  I can't believe it's still FREEZING outside in almost April.  But I AM so happy I have a week off for Spring Break.  We have no plans except to relax and have fun.  I am hoping to take some pictures and post a bit more this week.

I thought I would share a few of my favorite Easter finds around Pinterest.  I am going to try out the homemade Reese's tonight, the are my all time favorite candy!

 

 

DIY Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs

Easter deviled eggs

Peep's on a stick

Brown Butter Easter cookies

Carrot chocolate strawberries

Glitter Easter Eggs

Wordless(ish) Wednesday ...bowling

I never was a big bowler growing up, but I would do it now and again.  When I did bowl, I was awful.  For about the past year or so though, Jack and I have become expert bowlers.  In the summer we would go every other week or so, and now it's every month or so.  Jack has a ball and I am ready to join a league!!  We went with my family over the weekend, and had a blast. 

my little len

I had to share this picture of my dog Lenny.  He LOVES the snow.  He runs, gets buried and keeps on going.  He has the time of his life out there; I think he would stay out there all day if we let him.  

And since we're talking dogs, I thought I would share some of my Etsy favs for pups.  They are all handmade and affordable!! Check them out.

clockwise from top right:

Two Tails Dog Bakery 

Glam Mutts

The Brick Kiln

Sugar Plum Collars

Zero calorie cake

I love birthdays.  I think that it is a great time to celebrate and have a great time.  And what better way to celebrate than with cake.  Well  ChapStick has won my heart, and come out with limited edition cake batter and velvet cupcake Chapsticks. The best part is you will not have to burn off the calories after!  The cake-inspired flavors moisten your lips with the sweet flavors of velvet cupcake and cake batter flavors.  They are both so good, I can't decide which I like better!

You can find these limited edition chapsticks at Walmart, CVS and Walgreens nationwide for a limited time. Pick one up for your favorite persons birthday or celebration and use the back of the wrapper to personalize it as a sweet gift. Make that small sentiment extra special with yummy chapstick. They are such a cute little addition to gifts or for party favors!  I am obsessed with these soft and sweet chapstick flavors.

 

You can check out more with ChapStick on their site, and on Facebook.

Disclosure: “The ChapStick® velvet cupcake product, information and gift have been provided by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. Velvet Cupcake

Chicken Tortilla Soup

March is almost here, which means the start of Spring, but over here we are still dealing with some wintery, cold weather.  What's better to end one of those days with a nice warm bowl of soup.  I have never made Chicken Tortilla Soup, but saw thought I would give it a try.  This recipe is great if you are short on time (about 45 minutes to make) and is one of the best Chicken Tortilla soups I have tasted (my husband agrees).  The best part are the garnishes at the end....avocado, tortilla strips, cheese...perfect!  

Chicken Tortilla Soup

8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1-1/2 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup Red Bell Pepper
• 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 can (10 Oz. Can) Rotel Tomatoes And Green Chilies
• 32 ounces, fluid Low Sodium Chicken Stock
• 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 2 cups Hot Water
• 1 cans (15 Oz. Can) Black Beans, drained and rinsed
• FOR THE GARNISHES:
• Sour Cream
• Diced Avocado
• Diced Red Onion
• Salsa
• Grated Monterey Jack Cheese
• Cilantro
• Tortilla strips

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix cumin, chili pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil on chicken breasts, then sprinkle a small amount of spice mix on both sides. Set aside the rest of the spice mix.
Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until chicken is done. Use two forks to shred chicken. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium high heat. Add onions, red pepper, and minced garlic. Stir and and cook 3-4 minutes or until pepper are tender.   Add the rest of the spice mix, stir to combine, then add shredded chicken and stir.
Pour in Rotel, chicken stock, tomato paste, water, and black beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer 20 minutes.

Ladle into bowls, then top with tortilla strips, sour cream, diced red onion, diced avocado, salsa and grated cheese.   Enjoy!

adapted from Pioneer Woman's Chicken Tortilla Soup

Enter to win over $600 in prizes!

Today I am happy to be a part of Sugar and Dots raffle and giveaway to help another blogger in need.  Every $1 entry gets you a free print from Sugar and Dots and go towards helping a blogger who lost everything in a home fire.  With each raffle ticket you will be entered to win over $600 in prizes including a $15 credit to my shop Smitten Image.

If you feel like doing something good today, go check it out.  Enjoy your Sunday.

it's time...

We put off putting Jack in a big boy bed.  Part of the reason was that Jack never tried to climb out and he liked being in there.  It was his little safe place.  The biggest reason though, that we didn't switch was because everyone would tell us "Once you put them it the bed, they will never take naps!"  or "Once you switch they will be coming in your room every night!"

So we waited.  Well the time finally came we decided to switch.  Before we did I went over the rules for the new bed.  

1.  You can read/play/etc in your room, but no leaving your room.

2. If you want to leave or it's time to wake up let Mommy or Daddy know

I was praying that he would follow the rules and off to the big boy bed we went....

It has been a success...he is being such a good boy.  At night we watch him in the monitor (it's so funny!) and he gets his books, jumps around a little, and then turns off his light, turns on his star turtle and goes to sleep.  I can't believe it was this easy.  He still naps, and in the morning he yells "I'm ready to wake up!"

Let's hope this lasts. I think it will...I have to say, when given rules, Jack is very good about remembering them, and following them.

How was your transition?  Easy?  A nightmare?

Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake

 

 

Chocolate is my downfall, I can't say no. So when I saw this Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake on Two Peas blog, I knew I had to make it. I just needed a reason. So what better reason than a Sunday dinner with family.  This recipe was so easy (no mixer required!), and even though I was a bit scared, came out flawlessly from the bundt pan. 

It tastes...AMAZING.  It is now my go to cake and is for sure going to be a favorite in our family.  Now find a reason to make this cake. .....like that it's a Tuesday in February!!! 

(Please excuse my cake picture...it's a bit messy...)

Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake

Yield: Serves 10

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

 

Ingredients:

For the cake:
1 cup unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
1/3 cup cocoa powder (we use Dutch processed)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup water
2 cups all-purpose Gold Medal flour, plus more for the pan
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the chocolate glaze:
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons corn syrup (or agave nectar)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Directions:

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour a 10 or 12-cup Bundt pan and set aside.

2. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa powder, salt, and water and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring, just until melted and combined. Remove from the heat and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking soda. Add half of the melted butter mixture and whisk until completely blended. The mixture will be thick. Add the remaining butter mixture and whisk until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking until completely blended. Whisk in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and the vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.

4. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes and then invert onto a rack. Let cool completely before glazing.

5. While the cake is cooling, make the chocolate glaze. Place the chopped chocolate and corn syrup (or agave) in a medium bowl and set aside. Combine the heavy cream and sugar in a small saucepan and put over medium heat. Stir until the cream is hot and the sugar is dissolved. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and whisk until smooth.

6. Generously drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Cut into pieces and serve.

photoraphy

So I have been into photography for years.  In high school I took a class and was really into it. I even won some district awards for some things I did.  For years after that I didn't do much with it, but when Jack was born I decided I needed to buy a nice camera and start at it again.  To me a good photo is essential when having kids.  Photos capture so much and I love looking back at all of them.  Since I got back into photography however, I have not taken any classes; I just sort of learned on my own..reading blogs, youtube, etc.  

Well finally I went ahead and signed up for an online course from Clickinmoms.  Shooting 101.  It is great.  I knew the basics of manual, but this really helps me break them down and see why my pictures were not like I want them to be. I am now addicted, and want to sign up for every class they have.  The only thing is Jack may get a bit tired of posing for me. ...BUT I did want to share a picture from my first week. It's not perfect, but I like it, and I love that little face.

Have a great weekend...Spring is not that far away!!!