Smell The Roses

So, Today I am linking up with Jessica over at Lovely Little Things.  Jessica  has an amazing blog, that is lots of fun!  But, what I TRULY love about her blog, is that every week, she challenges her readers to "Stop and Smell the Roses"....literally!!  This past week, she issued the challenge to "Buy a stranger a cup of coffee (or lunch) without them knowing it."  As soon as I saw this, I knew I was in!!

One day last year, when I was having a bad day, I went through the Starbucks drive-thru, only to discover, the person in front of me had paid for my coffee!!  That one, simple act of kindness has stayed with me, and I have been looking for the right time to "repay the favor."  So, last Monday, I went through the Starbucks drive-thru line, got my "Free Birthday Coffee" (Hooray Starbucks for acknowledging how great my birth was!!), and paid for the person behind me.  I have to tell you, this was so rewarding!  I felt so good about myself all day, that I decided I am going to try to do this more often.

So, thank you Jessica....for reminding me to "Stop and Smell the Roses," and to remember it is better to GIVE than to RECEIVE!

Are you interested in seeing what's this week's challenge??  Check out Jessica's Blog!

File Cabinet Friday

The other day, I was in the Math TPA (The teacher prep area), and came across this little beauty:

GOOF OFF:  THE ULTIMATE REMOVER

So, my question is this:  If my students are "goofing off" and need to be removed, can I spray this on them to make them disappear??  I mean, it does say "Professional Strength."  :-)

Enjoy your Friday!!

Eggplant Stacks

Here's a little recipe that I whipped up last night.  It's super simple and super yummy!!

Eggplant Stacks

1 Medium to Large Eggplant
1 Small Container of Ricotta Cheese
1 Egg
1 Small Jar of Marinara Sauce
1 cup of Shredded Italian Cheeses
Salt
Pepper
Parsley
Olive Oil
Bread Crumbs

Preheat oven to 375.  Slice the Eggplant into thick sliced rounds, and saute each round in a tiny bit of olive oil on a medium-high heat (You could oven roast the eggplant slices if you prefer), so that each side is lightly browned.

In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese and 1 egg.  Add a little parsley, salt, and pepper (If you have Parmesan cheese, this would be yummy, too!).

On a baking dish lined with parchment or foil, place one cooked eggplant round and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Then, top with a dollop of the ricotta mixture, a little marinara sauce, and some shredded cheese.  Repeat this process until you have 3 layers.  Sprinkle a bit of bread crumbs on top.

Bake all eggplant stacks at 375 for 30-45 minutes (Or less if your oven cooks faster than mine =-).).

Serve with a side salad.

YUM!!

I didn't have any jarred marinara sauce, so I made my own with a can of Italian tomatoes, some fresh basil, a garlic clove, and some red wine.  This dinner was very easy and tasty!  It made 5 eggplant stacks for me, so I've stuck some in the freezer, hoping they will be good options for my lunches during the week.

Let me know if you try it!

YouTube Tuesday

I gladly present....

Shit Girls Say, Part 2

Happy Tuesday!

January Birchbox

January's Birchbox had impeccable timing, arriving just in time for my birthday!

I learned about Birchbox, a monthly subscription service for premium beauty samples, from Kate over at The Small Things Blog.  It's always so much fun to open, and this month's box was no disappointment!

January's box had a theme of "clarity" and was filled with items to detox and rejuvenate.

Items in my box this month included:

Befine Night Cream

Viva La Juicy Perfume

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner

VMV Hypoallergenics Re-Everything Eye Serum

Witchcraft Granola (From Top Chef Judge Tom Colicchio's NY-based chain!!)

Birchbox Magnet



What did you get in your box this month??

Happy Birthday!

Today is my 31st Birthday! 

(Cue excessive clapping)

30 was filled with change, but was surprisingly empowering. 

After all I've experienced, I have high hopes for 31... 

Here's to 31 years, and counting!

File Cabinet Friday

Have you ever heard the phrase "Children should be seen and not heard"??

I do not agree with this statement, but I do have to say, there are days when a teacher needs a little peace and quiet.  However, when you are surrounded by teenagers, the chances of getting that are slim to none.  Enter what I have named, "THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT EVER":

One of my creative, and VERY TALKATIVE students gave me this for Christmas.  (Please note that it says it can only be used my "Mih G" - as he has a little bit of an accent, and that is how he says my name, and that it can only be used 1 time - he was very specific in his disclaimer).  I honestly have to say, it was the best present I received from my students, only going to prove that the best things in life don't always cost money.

Happy Friday!