Nothing Says Lovin...Straight from the Oven

Mmmm Monday-Happy Mother's Day

I had the privilege of hosting our annual Mother's Day Dinner yesterday.  Along with being the BEST mother in the whole wide world she just happens to be the BEST baker and cook as well.  I wanted to do something extra special for her and the other moms that were invited to dinner so when I found this adorably clever container for a cupcake I knew I had to create it.  Thanks to Claudine Hellmuth (Retro Oven template and tutorial) it was easy and fun!

After creating several of these I have one HUGE hint.  Make sure everything lines up perfectly when assembling or you'll get a crooked oven...trust me!  Other than that they all went together seamlessly.  

A little chocolate gift  went to all the someday mothers (daughters, nieces, etc.).  Each treat was labeled with a  sweet tag found here

Add a few chocolate covered strawberries, a fabulous dinner, hugs and kisses all around, and we have SWEET SUCCESS.

Love You MOM!

Mmmm Monday--Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

After a long winter nothing looks better to eat than a beautiful fruit salad. I found this recipe on Pinterest and it just sounded so FRESH.  After serving it at a Garden Party we all agreed it was VERY delicious.

Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing - Easy

Yield: enough for a crowd

1 pt. container strawberries

1 pt. container blueberries

1 bunch (about 1 1/2 lbs.) seedless grapes (green, red or a mixture of both)

1/4 cup honey

juice from 2 limes (about 2-3 tablespoons)

Rinse strawberries, blueberries and grapes. Gently pat dry the fruit. Hull strawberries, then cut each in half; if large, cut into quarters.

Remove stems from blueberries, if any.

Remove grapes from stems.

Gently combine all three in a large bowl or aluminum tray. Set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together honey and lime juice. Pour over fruit.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cauliflower Cheese Spread

Don't you just love cauliflower!  I do...and if you don't try this and you just might!  This recipe was given to my family many years ago by my Aunt Cathy in Southern California.  She taught cooking classes at a local university and would always share her yummy recipes with us. This side dish is so quick and so delicious.  And because it's a vegetable it must be good for us...right!

Wash WHOLE head of cauliflower.  Place in microwave dish, cover tightly with saran wrap and cook till tender...but not mushy.

While cauliflower is cooking mix:

1/4 cup mayo

1 squirt mustard (any old kind)

finely minced green onions (as much or as little as you like)

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

(I double this recipe if the head of cauliflower is large)

Once cauliflower is cooked place the cheese spread on top of the cauliflower head and return to microwave for 1 to 1-1/2 min. or until cheese is melted.

  

Serve!  It's just that easy!

NOW PLAYING...Teacher Appreciation Week 2013

TIME TO ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET...

WE LOVE TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK AT OUR SCHOOL.  WE HAVE SO MANY TALENTED PARENTS THAT TAKE TIME OUT OF THEIR BUSY SCHEDULES TO SAY THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL TEACHERS AND STAFF.  

BELOW IS JUST A SAMPLING OF WHAT HAS BEEN DONE FOR THIS FUN WEEK:

"NOW FEATURING" signs were on each teacher's door reporting the "EXTRA" exciting and fun things about them.

Parents spent lots of time decorating classroom doors.  All of them were FABULOUS!

 All teachers/staff received fun and yummy surprises in their 

IN BOX every day of the week.

The Teacher's Lounge was decorated in an Award Winning fashion.  Teachers and staff were served breakfast and lunch the entire week with Concession Snacks on Friday.

We even had a lighted marque!

  

NOW PLAYING

OUR TEACHER APPRECIATION COMMITTEE OFFERED SUGGESTIONS FOR STUDENTS TO SAY THANK YOU MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY OF TA WEEK.

MONDAY:  

WRITE IN YOUR JOURNAL ABOUT WHAT MAKES YOUR TEACHER A SUPER STAR.

Kate also made cookies for her teacher and attached this ticket.

TUESDAY:

AS A SUPERFAN, SHOWER YOUR TEACHER WITH FAVORITE TREATS.

Kate wanted to give her teacher along with the principal, secretaries, librarian, custodian, etc. a little treat for this day.  Just a cello bag with microwave popcorn, personalized candy bar and the tag on top.

Template found here

WEDNESDAY:

SUPER STARS ARE TREND-SETTERS.  WEAR YOUR TEACHER'S FAVORITE COLOR.

Kate wore her favorite BLUE outfit and thought her teacher needed just a little something more.  We bought a BLUE cup/straw from the dollar store, filled it with pretzel M&Ms and a Crystal Light packet, then attached the "Creative Juices" tag. 

Template found here 

THURSDAY:

TROUBLE ON THE SET!  YOUR SUPER STAR NEEDS SUPPLIES.  BRING A NEEDED ITEM.

This was an important one for Kate...not sure why but she wanted her teacher to have lots of supplies.  We found great teacher supplies, including a calculator at the dollar store, popped them in a cello bag, attached a bow and the fun tag pictured below.

Template found here

FRIDAY:

ASK FOR YOUR SUPER STAR'S AUTOGRAPH.  SAY "THANKS".

This was my pick for Friday.  Our children have been blessed with great teachers all throughout their elementary years.  As a parent I am so grateful for GOOD TEACHERS.  And so many of them are still a part of our hearts today. 

Template found here 

 Kate adores her teacher especially when she reads and tells stories to the students.  She chose one of the Cuddle Me Quilts from our CFB ETSY STORE to gift to her teacher as a reading quilt.  We attached the tags (see below) and wrapped it in cellophane, "tootsie roll" fashion.

....AND THE CURTAIN CLOSES ON ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK!

WE HAVE GREAT TEACHERS...AND PARENTS!