Thursday, September 9, 2010

Friday Favorites

It's been a busy week. Why does it seem that everything hits all at one time? Wow. A lot going on and trying to keep it all straight. Whew...

So, I haven't been checking out many blogs and such this week but I did manage to find a few goodies for you. These are definitely worth checking out.



You've got to read The Shape of a Mother posted on Binkies and Briefcases. Wow, can I relate to Stephanie!

I am loving these super cute Dollar Store Mugs that I saw posted on How Does She? Yep, I will be making some of these!


Wednesday, September 8, 2010

September is...

Over 12,000 children are diagnosed each year in the US with cancer.
My date was May 23, 1983.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Just making you aware.

Thoughtful Thursday


Easy Banana Pudding Parfaits


I need to use up some bananas before they go bad and this is one of my favorite ways to do it. I found this recipe from Kraft several years ago. It is quick, easy and my kids love it.


Banana Pudding Parfaits
(photo by Kraft)

24 NILLA Wafers, divided
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Banana Cream Flavor Instant Pudding
2 cups cold milk
3/4 cup thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
1 medium banana, cut into 20 slices

Crush 20 of the wafers to form coarse crumbs; set aside. Add dry pudding mix to milk in medium bowl. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. Gently stir in whipped topping.

Layer half of the crumbs and 8 of the banana slices in four individual dessert dishes; cover with half of the pudding mixture. Repeat layers, reserving 4 of the banana slices for garnish. Cover and refrigerate parfaits at least 15 min.

Top each parfait with 1 each of the reserved wafers and banana slices just before serving.

Harris Teeter week of 9/8/10


Here are a few good deals on my Harris Teeter list this week...


Evic Item...HT brand cereals 12-20 ounce, $0.97 (limit 2)


New York brand Garlic Texas Toast BOGO at $3 (1.50 ea)
use $0.50 coupon = $0.50

HT Fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts B1G2

HT milk $2.47 (excludes organic)

Campbells Select Harvest soup $1.25

Campbells condensed soup, select varieties, $1


Go here to check out the full ad with coupon matchups.

13 Things Your Child's Teacher Won't Tell You

I saw this on Yahoo today and thought I'd share...

13 Things Your Child's Teacher Won't Tell You

Interviews by Neena Samuel

A look inside a teacher's mind could help you understand lesson plans and maybe even guide your child to perform better.

1. If we teach small children, don’t tell us that our jobs are “so cute” and that you wish you could glue and color all day long.

2. I’m not a marriage counselor. At parent-teacher conferences, let’s stick to Dakota’s progress, not how your husband won’t help you around the house.

© iStockphoto / Thinkstock

© iStockphoto / Thinkstock

3. We’re sick of standardized testing and having to “teach to the test.”

4. Kids used to go out and play after school and resolve problems on their own. Now, with computers and TV, they lack the skills to communicate. They don’t know how to get past hurt feelings without telling the teacher and having her fix it.

5. When I hear a loud belch, I remember that a student’s manners are a reflection of his parents’.

6. Your child may be the center of your universe, but I have to share mine with 25 others.

7. Please help us by turning off the texting feature on your child’s phone during school hours.

8. Guys who dribble a ball for a couple of hours a game can make up to $20 million a year. We educate future leaders and make about $51,000 a year.

9. We take on the role of mother, father, psychologist, friend, and adviser every day. Plus, we’re watching for learning disabilities, issues at home, peer pressure, drug abuse, and bullying.

10. Kids dish on your secrets all the time—money, religion, politics, even Dad’s vasectomy.

11. Please, no more mugs, frames, or stuffed animals. A gift card to Starbucks or Staples would be more than enough. A thank-you note: even better.

12. We love snow days and three-day weekends as much as your kid does.

13. The students we remember are happy, respectful, and good-hearted, not necessarily the ones with the highest grades.


Sources: American Federation of Teachers; interviews with elementary and middle school teachers in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, and Texas.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Menu Plan Monday

Do you plan your meals for the week? Month? I can't quite figure out a whole month at a time but I do like to plan out each week. I make my plan based on what I have on hand and what is on sale. This helps with the budget and it keeps me organized, especially during hectic weeks.

I'd love to know what you are planning for dinners this week for your family.

Here's what my menu looks like...

Monday...grilled chicken, wild rice, green beans

Tuesday...sandwiches, pasta salad, fruit

Wednesday...spaghetti & meatballs

Thursday...chicken pot pie, blueberry muffins, fruit

Friday...leftovers

Saturday...attending a pot luck but not sure what I am bringing yet


I've linked my menu to Menu Plan Monday...check out what everyone is cooking this week.