Five on Friday Week 13
This gorgeous leaf picture was taken in the UP of Michigan by my friend Bobbie Blackburn.
Welcome to Five on Friday Week 13!
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- The weekend is here-Well this week was a little crazy at work and I am super glad that today is Friday. My fellow teachers and I have been dealing with pre-Halloween excitement, Halloween candy overload, then sugar crashes, all on top of the book fair being in the media center selling dozens of little trinkets and invisible ink pens. I also did an owl pellet dissection in small groups with my class. They LOVED it!!!! I was super grateful to have a few wonderful parent volunteers. It’s been fun every everyone this week, but I’m exhausted! I can’t wait to sleep in past 6 on Saturday!
- Free pickle buckets-So it was brought to my attention that my school garden would be torn up over our holiday break. I have several plants that were killed in the hurricane, but even more plants that I have planted in tire flower beds that were thriving. In order to save the plants and to be able to continue to keep the garden growing, I was tasked with finding planters without spending any money. I happened to be driving through a parking lot this week that has a McAllisters when I saw a man pushing a cart filled with buckets. I was instantly inspired. I quickly drove over to the man, who turned out to be the manager of McAllisters. We struck up a conversation and he offered to save all of the pickle buckets for me. The buckets are white and will make excellent planters. Best of all they are FREE!
- The weekend is here-Well this week was a little crazy at work and I am super glad that today is Friday. My fellow teachers and I have been dealing with pre-Halloween excitement, Halloween candy overload, then sugar crashes, all on top of the book fair being in the media center selling dozens of little trinkets and invisible ink pens. I also did an owl pellet dissection in small groups with my class. They LOVED it!!!! I was super grateful to have a few wonderful parent volunteers. It’s been fun every everyone this week, but I’m exhausted! I can’t wait to sleep in past 6 on Saturday!
- Stranger Things and relaxing-I am super excited to binge watch season 2 of Stranger Things on Netflix with Mr. Teacher this weekend and relax. Last weekend was busier than we had anticipated. We had a great time at the Halloween party. Mr. Teacher doesn’t want his identity revealed, but here we are, all dressed up. We were Bob Ross and a happy tree with our pal Chippy.
- Grilled Cheese-Today is actually National Sandwich Day. We celebrated early this week with this super yummy Brie, Cabot Sharp Cheddar, Granny Smith apple, and Dave’s Killer Raisin the Roof Bread. It was awesome! I will post the official recipe this weekend, I just honestly don’t have the energy to do it right now. I know you will love this comforting grilled cheese.
- Anniversay-November 1 marks the 3rd anniversary of Mr. Teacher and I becoming an item. It’s been a wonderful 3 years and we are looking forward to many more happy years together. I would like to again thank our wonderful co-workers for hooking us up. You did a great job!
Remember it’s the little things that count! Have a wonderful weekend and don’t forget to share your top 5 below. Also don’t forget to sign up for weekly emails!
Happy Friday!
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Five on Friday Week 12
This gorgeous leaf picture was taken in the UP of Michigan by my friend Bobbie Blackburn.
Welcome to Five on Friday Week 12!
- Oktoberfest-We had a wonderful time at Oktoberfest in Cape Coral with our friends. We drank super delicious giant beers, pigged out on schnitzel, brats, sauerkraut, and potato pancakes with apple sauce. We also got black forest cake, apple strudel, and this fluffy almost marshmallow dessert too. We sang toasts,danced the Chicken Dance at our table, and tried miserably to say the name of the beer correctly-schofferhofer. It was a super fun and much needed day!
Heather and I -PROST!
Brats with spicy mustard and sauerkraut, giant potato pancakes with apple sauce, and pork schnitzel sandwich on rye bread with mushroom gravy, more sauerkraut, and German potato salad.
Our dessert. Sorry, I ate the cherry from on top of the cake before the picture was taken. OOPS!
- Coffee-So anyone who reads this or knows me, knows that I LOVE coffee. It’s not just for the need of caffeine, it’s the smell and flavor. I love an ice cold coffee with coconut milk. I am totally addicted to Starbucks frappuccinos made with almond milk and cinnamon powder or just coconut milk. Mr. Teacher calls them my coffee shakes and I can drink a venti in about 2 minutes flat. SO GOOD! But now that the weather is cooler I am back to wanting my hot coffee again made in fancy French press that Mr. Teacher got me a few years ago for my birthday. Well Mr. Teacher found this awesome small craft coffee roasting company called S&W Craft Roasting. Their coffee is AMAZING! They focus on single origin coffees. They’re super polite and helpful. Their website gives you information about the several kinds of coffee they offer. They have a sampler pack that you can try too. I have yet to try a coffee I didn’t like! The company was so kind and generous, that when I received my order this week, they had sent me a few extra kinds to try! I was so excited to get this yummy smelling box in the mail! This week I have been drinking Costa Rica Finca San Luis Black Honey and I absolutely can’t wait to try the rest.
Look at all this amazing coffee!
They even wrote me a nice note!
- Cooler Weather-Well it finally happened in Florida, it officially feels like fall! This morning it was actually chilly out. I got to wear a super cute long sleeved dress, my favorite burnt orange fringed cardigan, and my cowboy boots. I know I should’ve take a picture, but today was a bit crazy. I might even have to wear a hoodie tomorrow morning because it will only be 66 out. YEA!
- Halloween Party-I am really excited that we get to go to a Halloween Party on Saturday night. I can’t wait to play games, see everyone costumes, and hang out with our friends again. We are bringing Demon Eggs to the party. You can find the recipe here. It should be a spooktakular evening! I will post pictures of our costume next week.
- Baked Apple Cider Donuts-Well I said I was going to post the recipe and I like to keep my promises. These donuts are YUMMY! I just bought more cider at Publix too so I can make us another batch. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Remember it’s the little things that count! Have a wonderful weekend and don’t forget to share your top 5 below. Also don’t forget to sign up for weekly emails!
Happy Friday!
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Halloween Recipes for Kids and Kids at Heart
I love Halloween! I think it is so fun to get dressed up in costumes, attend parties, watch shows about haunted locations, and make creepy, but tasty food. I don’t always love all of the candy. I would rather have something savory. Below are a few of my favorites. I hope you enjoy them too!
These amazing, creepy, and cool spider web pictures were taken by a friend from high school, Bobbie Blackburn, in the UP of Michigan.
Halloween Cheesy Monster Eyeballs. These delicious meatballs can be thrown together quickly. They are a great appetizer or can be served over pasta for a meal after trick or treating. 
Demon Eggs make the perfect party appetizer. They are dyed with beet juice and are filled with heart healthy avocado! It’s scary how good they are! 
Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Peppers are cheesy and yummy! You can easily cut out a little face and make the orange pepper look like a jack-o-lantern. They are boolishious! 
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Five on Friday Week 11
Welcome to Five on Friday Week 11!
Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Peppers
- Almost back on track-Well it’s Friday again, and I am almost caught up on sleep, the house doesn’t look too crazy, and I don’t have a ton of work to do for school this weekend, so it is looking like I can FINALLY get back on track with posting some recipes. I am so sorry that I have been neglectful! I have some really yummy stuff that I can’t wait to share with you! They perfect for fall and Halloween. I just know you will love them.
Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup
- Date Day-This weekend we get to go on a double date with some good friends to the Cape Coral Oktoberfest. I can’t wait to drink some beer out of a big stein, listen to some music, and eat a ton of German food. Bring on the sauerkraut and pretzels. I will share some pictures next week. You can check out all of the fun at Cape Coral Oktoberfest here.
- Cooler Temps-I LOVE being warm and living in Florida. I grew up in Northern Michigan and I even though I have lived in the South for several years, I swear I haven’t warmed up yet. And even though I love it hot and sunny, there is something about this time of year that makes me want to put on a pair of cute boots and sweater. Next week it looks like I just might get that chance. It is supposed to be in the 60s in the morning when I leave for work and it will only get to the mid-70s during the day. Bring on the cute fall layered looks!
- Quarter 1 of school is OVER!-We actually made it through what had to be the craziest First Quarter of the school year ever. I am so grateful that in the last few weeks we have gotten back on track with teaching and our weekly schedules. We have completed 3 weeks now without a holiday or hurricane day or tropical storm day off. Report cards are done! I ready for Quarter 2 with my amazing class.
- Halloween Costumes-Mr. Teacher and I have been going back and forth over what to be for Halloween this year. We have been invited to a costume party and we’re super excited to get dressed up. We just could not agree! He wanted gory and scary! I wanted cute and easy to put together. Well, after about a month of heated debate, numerous Google, and Pinterest searches, I am happy to announce we have come to a consensus about our costumes. We are super excited about it, but sorry, it’s going to remain a surprise.
Coming to The Teacher’s Table Next week:
Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup, Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Peppers, and Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Baked Apple Cider Donuts
Remember it’s the little things that count! Have a wonderful weekend and don’t forget to share your top 5 below. Also don’t forget to sign up for weekly emails!
Happy Friday!
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Five on Friday Week 10
Welcome to Five on Friday Week 10!
1-3 Well the Hurricane Drive is over. I have been in distribution and clean up mode all week. We have helped so many in need! It was so amazing to see the faces of the people when they were told to just pick and take whatever they wanted or needed. The animal shelter and homeless shelter were also incredibly grateful! I couldn’t get an exact count of all the items because I lost count when we got in the hundreds of each thing donated. Here are the estimated numbers: After helping numerous children and their families at school who took carloads of clothing, household supplies, bedding,strollers and more, we still donated 75 fifty gallon bags of clothes and shoes to the local homeless shelter. We donated 10 bags of bedding including sheets, comforters, and blankets to the homeless and Puerto Rico. We donated about 1,000 lbs of dog food, cat food, cat litter, puppy pads, and dog bones to the Buckingham Animal Shelter. We collected 20 boxes of kids toys, 3 chairs, 3 car seats, 15 boxes of food, and 4 cases of water that will go to the Salvation Army. We collected dozens of packages of toilet paper, paper towel, diapers, feminine products, shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes to be sent to Puerto Rico. A set of bunk beds and a twin bed was also donated to kids in need at our school along with gift cards so they could purchase something new and needed. Thank you to my wonderful sister who runs the Gulf Coast Town Center Starbucks and who is sending these items to Puerto Rico for us. Thank you to my awesome neighbors who are in the process of dropping off the donations to the homeless shelter. Thank you Sheri for calling all of the people in need and getting them to come to the school. Thank you Janet for dropping the pet supplies off at the shelter and picking up furniture with me after school. Thank you to my co-workers who have helped get stuff to the stage, collected items, encouraged others to help, and who have put up with me running on very little sleep. Thank you to my students for getting your families involved, for helping to get stuff organized in the morning before school started and while attending the after school program. Thank you Ms. S and Ms. Torres for letting me take over the stage the last few weeks. Thank you to the janitors for helping to set up tables and carry heavy items. Thank you to Mr. Teacher for putting up with take-out food, me being over tired, and a slightly messy house over the past two weeks. Thank you to everyone who donated time, money to purchase gift cards and items, or items. Words can not express how much you are appreciated!!!!! If I have forgotten anyone I am truly sorry, it was not done intentionally!!!!
This is me with my wonderful class and a few amazing co-workers along with the stage full of donations. Sadly not everyone could make it to the picture.
Please ignore my messy counter! OOPS!
These turned out great! They were also really easy. You’re going to love them!
4. Some gracious person donated 3 huge boxes of peppers to the food drive portion of my hurricane drive. I put them on the stage and asked everyone if they wanted peppers. Apparently many people are not huge fans of bell peppers. When none were taken by the needy families, I begged the janitors at school to take some, and I also convinced my dear friend Sheri to take a few too. It was Friday night at 5:30 and I still had about 50 peppers that I didn’t want to rot, so I decided I had better take them home and put them to good use. So Saturday I washed and prepped the peppers. I ended up with a gallon bag full of sliced and 3 bags of hollowed out ones to put in the freezer for later, I kept out a container of sliced for Mr. Teacher and I to eat this week. I also decided it was the perfect time to perfect my Philly Cheese Steak Stuffed Peppers which I did using the orange peppers to give them a Halloween touch. Here is what they looked like. I will post the recipe next week. 
5. Today is Friday. I am so happy that I can sleep in past 6 tomorrow! I am so happy that it’s Happy Cart Day at work and we get lots of coffee! I am so happy that I have the weekend to get caught up on housework, report cards, and sleep!
Remember it’s the little things that count! Have a wonderful weekend and don’t forget to share your top 5 below. Also don’t forget to sign up for weekly emails!
Happy Friday!
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Five on Friday Week 9
Welcome to Five on Friday Week 9!
- I am still super happy and flabbergasted by the outpouring of support and donations we have received to help those in need. I will be posting the numbers of what was collected and where it goes next week. Below are a few pictures of the stage at my school. I can not say thank you enough to everyone who has helped promote, gather, and sort all of the items!
- One of my dear friends and co-workers got me a Teacher Box from Penzeys. I wouldn’t have bought one for myself, but I thought they were super cool. I love the pins, the bumper sticker, and the book! They are now decorating the handle of my teacher work bag and the bumper sticker is on my computer. Thank you Beth!
- I’ve discovered Penzeys Pumpkin Spice this week. I used it on top of Dave’s Killer ‘Raisin’ the Roof’ Bread that I had toasted and spread with cream cheese. I’m now addicted! The Pumpkin Spice is delicious and has a hint of vanilla,. It makes this breakfast bread even more special. I put my toasted raisin bread, cream cheese, pumpkins spice breakfast in my environmentally friendly Lunch skins. Also, If you haven’t tried Dave’s Killer Bread you need to! They are a wonderful company, doing wonderful things, and they have a wonderful product!
I used organic low-fat cream cheese to add a bit of creaminess and extra protein.
Lunchskins are awesome! They come in all sizes and have lots of fun patterns.
- I have been waiting impatiently for my DNA results to come back from Family Tree DNA. They finally came back last night and revealed some surprises. I can’t wait to do some research this weekend! I can’t wait to further explore my families history.
- I am so happy that Tijuana Flats is close to my house and offers a teacher discount on top of their weekly deals. After this very busy week, I’m beat and too tired to cook. They made my night a lot easier! Mr. Teacher and I both had a big beef burrito with black beans, guacamole, queso, chips, and an assortment of hot sauce for the grand total of $17. Sometimes you just need take-out.
Remember it’s the little things that count! Have a wonderful weekend and don’t forget to share your top 5 below. Also don’t forget to sign up for weekly emails!
Happy Friday!
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Crock-potting Indian Style
I love my crock-pot dearly. I also love my friends, helping to improve recipes and Indian Food. I recently had the opportunity combine all of my loves into creating this easy throw together, knock-out, flavorful, Crock-Pot Indian Butter Chicken. This recipe comes together in minutes and will rival that of any restaurant.
Let me go back to the beginning, Mr. Teacher and I had our good friends over for dinner and we were discussing food. Our friends had been excited to try a crock-pot butter chicken recipe, but they were very disappointed in how it turned out. They said it was missing something and couldn’t figure out what it was. Well I took it as a challenge. They sent me a copy of the recipe and I went to work trying to make it better.
A few days later, I thought I had it. I made a big batch of Butter Chicken and it was FABULOUS!!!! I brought some left-overs to work the next day for Heather to try. She agreed that it was delicious. Now I get to share this easy recipe with you!
My recipe features fresh and flavorful spices from Penzeys. They are wonderful and I think really make the difference in this dish. I put the links to several of the spices I used below if you would also like to try them and I strongly encourage you to do so! I also lightened the original recipe up by removing over half of the butter, using low-fat coconut milk, and fat-free Greek yogurt. Trust me you will not know that the fat is missing!
If you have a recipe that you think could be improved, email me or comment below. I love a good challenge and I would be glad to help you out as well.
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Fall is Here
Fall is here and nothing says fall more than food featuring pumpkins and squash.
While I love all sorts of pumpkin treats from pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffins, and pumpkin spiced coffee, sometimes I want my pumpkin a little more savory. This pumpkin risotto is the perfect thing for chilly fall evenings. It’s fancy enough for company and yet easy enough for a yummy weeknight meal. You can find the recipe here: Fall Pumpkin Risotto .
Acorn Squash is one of my favorite things to eat in the fall. This Curry Roasted Acorn Squash is the perfect fall side dish. Your house will fill up with the delicious smells of the curry spices and the sweet smell of the roasted acorn squash. This is a very easy dish that comes together in minutes, is low-fat, vegetarian, and full of flavor. You can find the recipe here: Curry Roasted Acorn Squash.
Give these recipes a shot and let me know what you think.Don’t forget to subscribe to receive email posts and updates. You can now save my recipes to your yummly account! More recipes will be up soon and you don’t want to miss out on what’s new at The Teacher’s Table.
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Five on Friday Week 8-The Gift of Giving
It’s time for Five on Friday where I post a list of the top five things that spread some joy this week. If you would like to spread some joy and help people directly affected by Hurricane Irma, please email me!
I know I usually talk about food and products that I really have enjoyed over the week, but lately I just can’t get away from Hurricane Irma and her aftermath. I want to help! I want to make others safe and comfortable again. Here is a copy of what has been shared on Facebook around Lee County and with parents at the school where I teach. Please feel free to copy and share it as well. I know there are so many in need right now all around the world, but one small donation can really help!
HELP NEEDED!!!
Hello Friends. We have quite a few families at my school who have lost everything as a result of Hurricane Irma. Lots of our students are now living in hotels or with family or friends because their own homes are uninhabitable. Several of our parents now have no income because of the devastation Irma caused our area.
We are collecting items at school to give to these families with the hopes of alleviating some of the burden and challenges these families are facing. Specifically we are asking for donations of clothing & shoes (all sizes from infant to adult), bedding, household items, diapers, and children’s toys. Think of everyday items that are needed to take care of you & your family… these are the things that are desperately needed!!
We are also collecting pet food, pet toys, litter and puppy pads for Lee County Shelters affected by Irma.
In addition, we are doing a non-perishable food drive for the Salvation Army in Lee County.
You may also send gift cards and needed items will be purchased for those in need.
Anything at all that you can do to help is greatly appreciated !!!!
PS… any items that are not used by our Gateway families will be sent to help with the hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.
Here is what is spreading joy this week!
- Back to work-I have truly missed the kids in my class. I am so happy to be back to work and teaching. Even my kiddos who were affected by the hurricane and lost everything are back more ready and willing to learn than ever! We have a lot of stuff to fit in, but we will somehow get it done.
- Make-up days-I am grateful that the school board of Lee County approved days for making up the time we were off from the hurricane easy to manage. We thankfully will still have a holiday break, and a spring break.
- The gift of giving- I am truly excited that I get to teach the kids in my class what if feels like to help others and to give not only of gifts, but of time and energy. Yes, I had students in my class whose families lost it all, but even those kids are willing to help others. Yesterday was the first day of our clothing, personal items, household goods, pet food, litter, pet toys, puppy pads, and non-perishable food drive. My students eagerly helped to unload cars of donations. They helped carry boxes. They help organize the items. They just want to make the world a better place. I am very proud of them and I can not wait to see what happens over the course of the next week.
- and 5.The snowball effect-I am so thrilled beyond belief of the outpouring of support I have already received for this donation drive. What started out as a non-perishable food drive has turned into a drive to help 4 different charities simultaneously, all of them local and with all of the unused items being sent to help others in Puerto Rico. Word is spreading about this drive thanks to my wonderful family, friends, and co-workers who have posted and shared this information on Facebook, told their churches, friends and families.If you are a teacher in another state and would like to involve your students in It is wonderful to have everyone coming together for a common goal.
The hurricane was awful, but at least it is bringing people together and bringing out the best in each of us. If you would like to help the Lee County Animal Shelters,Lee County Salvation Army, or The families of children in Lee County Schools please email me and I will get you the information. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
What has made you smile this week? I would love to hear your top five too. Please leave me a comment with your top 5 below. Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly newsletter!
Happy Friday!
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Five on Friday Week 7ish
Welcome back to Five on Friday where I post a list of the top five things that made me happy during the week. I know it has been three weeks since I have posted this, but I am finally back!
- Disney with family- My mom’s birthday is in September. She requested months ago that we go to Disney for 2 days to celebrate. We did 3 parks in 2 days. We rode every ride! We stayed open to close both days and spent 1 night at the All Star Movies Resort. It was really fun to go with my nephews who are just about 3 years old. They like to ride the rides now and we were having a blast dancing and singing while we waited in line. I am a little sleepy, but it was worth it!
Riding Small World
2. Matching Shirts-My mom has always wanted up to wear matching shirts with our names on them when we go to Disney. We have lots of tee shirts that are the same, but nothing with names. I thought it would be the perfect surprise for our trip. I had everything all planned out, then Irma hit. The shirts I ordered didn’t get here in time, I didn’t have access to my friend at work who was going to help me, and I certainly wasn’t going to bother someone about making the shirts after a hurricane. We also didn’t have internet so I couldn’t print anything off of etsy. I had to have them for mom’s birthday! So, I decided to get creative. I ordered some supplies from Amazon (Thank God you can shop on your phone!) and set down to work with what I had. I don’t think they turned out half bad and mom loved them!
3. Back to work-I am excited to go back to work tomorrow. The students do not come back until Monday, but we have a day to plan and get stuff back together before their arrival. I have missed my class!
4. Inspiration at Epcot-I love bao buns! I have had them numerous times out in restaurants and Epcot has this really yummy version with duck in hoisin sauce featured in their China Booth during the food and wine festival. They were so yummy I just wanted more, but I didn’t have any room in my belly and today I am back home. So as tired as I am, I decided that I would try to duplicate the recipe at home today with what I had in the fridge and pantry. I was not about to go to the grocery store. I didn’t have fresh cilantro or green onions for the top, but I did have hoisin,pork chops, and a hundred spices to work with. So I found a few recipes for the steamed buns, figured out a dough that would work, created a steamer out of a metal strainer and stock pot, and blended up some 5-spice powder. I would say that they turned out pretty well! I’m going to perfect the recipe in the upcoming weeks and I will have it up soon.
5. Generous and Kind People-I am so happy that people are willing to help with my upcoming Disaster Relief Drive that will benefit the animal shelters in Lee County. I usually do a food and blanket drive for the animals before the holidays, but right now they are in desperate need of help! I can not stand to see animals in need. It is so heartbreaking! My dear friend and co-worker Janet, got me a phone number today of a group that needs help. I contacted them and they really need cat and dog food, litter, puppy pads, and toys. My principal is also willing to help and for us to use our school as a collection area for the items. My wonderful sisters are already starting to stock up on stuff needed for this drive. FYI cat food is bogo at Publix this week!
Then tonight my sister had a friend of hers in Indiana that is also a teacher contact me. She wants her class to do a drive to help the schools impacted by Irma. This is so kind and generous as well! I will be working in the upcoming days to find out what is needed in the schools. I know our school wasn’t severally damaged, but others were. Supplies are expensive and teachers do not get paid very much money.
The hurricane was awful, but at least it is bringing people together and bringing out the best in each of us. If you would like to help the Lee County Animal Shelters or Lee County Schools please email me and I will get you the information. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
What has made you smile this week? I would love to hear your top five too. Please leave me a comment with your top 5 below. Don’t forget to sign up for the weekly newsletter!
Happy Friday!
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