Holiday Spirit

This time of year comes so fast, Once Thanksgiving passes I usually have to stop a realize Christmas is just around the corner. In realizing that I come to realize I haven't even thought of Christmas shopping or what the right gifts to buy are and with that I usually get quit Grinch like. I get stressed and over whelmed. This year is no different in the Christmas shopping aspect, I just stopped and smelled the coffee today that I have 26 days to complete my holiday list, but I have to say this year I am not stressing. I'm putting my energy towards something positive this year. ART. I've helped our three year old classroom gain A little holiday cheer:)

(My Charlie Brown Mural)

(The kids loved watching me paint the famous SANTA CLAUS)

While sharing classroom photo's I figured I'd share one of my favorite projects. The family tree project! We sent ours out two weeks before Thanksgiving, so kids could share their families and tell us who and what they are thankful for. I added my addition to our Family Tree wall this morning. I loved being able to share some of my favorite family photos with the children in class. It's also such a comforting feeling to have treasured memories displayed in the workplace. I love it:)

(My treasured memories)

Delicious

Over the Thanksgiving break I had some fun experimenting in the kitchen. I tried out a delicious stuffing with sauteed celery, garlic and apples, mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar and butter, and string bean casserole. Last night I thought It would be fun to re-create one delicious dish from  Page One Restaurant, called Onion Crusted chicken. I made the main dish along with two sides, lemon pepper wild rice, and string beans.

Onion Crusted Chicken Recipe 

4 large boneless skinless chicken breast 

1 package Lipton's onion soup mix

Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Italian seasoned breadcrumbs 

• Clean chicken breasts, remove fat and rinse with warm water. 
• Mix balsamic dressing and E.V.O.O in small bowl. 
• Mix onion soup mix and one large handful of breadcrumbs in another bowl. 
• Dip each chicken breast in dressing mixture and cover with dry mix. 
• Place in a casserole dish.
• Repeat for all 4 chicken breasts.
• Drizzle remaining dressing on top and around the chicken and add remaining dry mix.
• Bake in oven at 350 degrees for a half hour.
• Take chicken out and flip over, add more E.V.O.O if needed.
• Bake for another thirty minutes. 
• Take out and ENJOY :)

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

 I was at my happiest about two weeks ago when I went to Florida for five fast days to visit my home away from home for Halloween!! Whenever I head out that way, my best friend and I are always searching for something new and fun to do. This time we opted for lunch at a new local brewery, Bj's Brewhouse. They had a nice selection of home brewed beers, my personal favorite being the Pumpkin Ale, its like pumpkin pie in a beer! DELICIOUS! The Spinach stuffed Mushrooms and Avocado Egg rolls were perfect as well! Bj's might be one of my new favorite spots in South Florida!

                                       ( Me & The beautiful BESTIE out to lunch)

                            ( The delicious stuffed mushrooms and avocado egg rolls)

   In the search of last minute additions to our homemade Halloween costumes we thought that searching through the racks of a goodwill store might be the perfect spot to look. To our surprise we came across a hidden treasure that I could not resist slipping into.... Can you guess what it is? A miraculous find that any fashionista would drool over. A Vera Wang dress for a fabulous price of $80!!! Now ladies after a hit like that.. cant you see my fascination with thrifting! :)

 ( My Boyfriend & I dressed as Misty & Ash ketchum from Pokemon. My Best friend & her Boyfriend dressed as the characters from Mortal Combat! )

                                         

                                                           ( Vera Wang Dress)