A Magnificent Way to Make Meals!

Like the alliteration used in the title?? If that doesn't scream English teacher, I don't know what does...

I just completed my Action Research class for my masters where I had to choose a problem to study and create a paper/presentation over it.  The official question I researched was, "How will implementing a meal plan affect my budget and attitude?"  Now I hate to give up all my secrets, but I'm no great cook.  Three+ years out of college and I'm still no Betty Crocker.  This research project allowed me to discover the BEST meal planning website ever.  Seriously, best.ever.

You have to create an account, but it's FREE!  It will try to get you to upgrade to some better version for a price, but click no thanks at the bottom.  The site can link to your local grocery store (Dillons, Super Target, Homeland were the ones I was familiar with) and then it will let you know what items are on sale at your store for things you'd need in the recipes you select.

My favorite thing about this site is the plethora of recipes.  You select the types of food and dishes you like, then scroll through the many options of meals.  They include prep time, ingredients, recipes, sale items, ratings, etc.  At the end it allows you to print your grocery list (that they generate), recipes, and meals.  They also have an app for the Iphone.  Search "Food on the Table"

Here's the awesome website:

http://www.foodonthetable.com/

Enjoy! :)

Sock Hop, Anyone?

Need another reason for why I have the greatest job ever?

This past week was Spirit Week for Homecoming and favorite decade day had me in this little number.  I also got to wear my pajamas (my personal favorite day).  I wish I had pictures of other teachers throughout the week.  Let's just say, the Gorillas have some great school spirit.  

Another Year Older

Happy 20th Birthday, Kid! (Wow....)                        

To the most beautiful Cowgirl around!  You sure do have a lot of nicknames--Malibu Barbie, Cowboy Barbie, (Heck...anything Barbie) because of how darn cute you are, but you will always be The Kid.  You are such an encouragement to me and you stretch me to love people well like you do!  If you don't have this gal as a friend, you are missing out because she is a great one!

It's always a guaranteed great time laughing and being silly when we spend time together!  

You're a great vacation buddy and are always up for a good time.  I wouldn't want to share the hotel bed with anyone else :)  Hawaii, here we come!  (T-minus 73ish days)

We've all been more than impressed with the way you're dominating college life and growing up so fast.  Words can't express what you mean to me as a sister and friend.  

Excited for a great Sauder Sisters Reunion next weekend.  Love you, Kid!

I'm Back

I had been doing so good on blogging and keeping you all up-to-date on the latest...until September came, and then it left....so very quickly.  I can't believe it is October, people.  Here's a very quick update--because I'm sure you've been dying for it ;)

I've done some fall cleaning...

Before

After

I've had a very hard time finding a shoe organizer that I like and have room for in my closet.  This spinning one with pockets has been a keeper so far.  (Bed Bath and Beyond) 

Carved a pumpkin with friends

Sad to say, the pumpkin looked so great on the porch for less than a week because of all the rain we got here.  No complaints- just a nasty, soggy, moldy mess to throw away. 

The Kid (almost birthday girl) and I

This past weekend my mom came and stayed with me!  We shopped till we I dropped, ate out together, and we even went grocery shopping and she helped me make some meals to freeze.  Seriously, a great mom!  The next day we drove down to Stillwater to join in Cowboy Barbie's honor of being initiated into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.  Had a fun time touring the place with her.  We couldn't go 100 feet before she'd stop and talk to someone she knew.  #socialbutterfly

All in all, life is good and going by fast! I'm really enjoying my students this year and my master's class is going well. Get excited for some future posts featuring a birthday shout out and an awesome meal planning website!