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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

THIS IS IT......

This is what I have been waiting for.

I have information about how you can purchase our book.

ISBN #:

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-4568-4021-1

Book orders can be placed through the Xlibris’ Book Order Department.



To order from Xlibris:

• Call: 1-888-795-4274

• Fax: 1-610-915-0294 or 1-610-915-0293

• E-mail: orders@xlibris.com

• By mail, please send your order, along with a check or payment information to:

Attention: Book Orders

Xlibris

1663 Liberty Drive

Suite 200

Bloomington, IN 47403



(Please note that for orders sent by mail, Xlibris has a processing turnaround time of 5 business days before order placement.)

ORDER ONLINE:


Book page: www.xlibris.com/MyDarlingTeddyBear.html

Author page: www.xlibris.com/MimiandBella.html


Thanks for your support. I hope you enjoy our book as much as we do.

Thanks,

Dawn

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

how cool is this?! Check it out....

http://www.theydrawandcook.com/


enjoy

Dawn

FINALLY

HOW EXCITED AM I??????????

SUPER EXCITED --in case you didn't notice hehehe

I finalized the changes needed for our book, My Darling Teddy Bear. Publishing begins in the morning.

I am going to make phone calls tomorrow for story times and book signings.

I hope you get to read (and buy) our book.


Enjoy!

Dawn

Friday, December 24, 2010

TWITTER PARTY

ok I think I figured it out--I will have a twitter party with hashtag #mimibella date and time to be announced the first week of January. The topic will be children's books. Hope you can make it.

Dawn

Christmas traditions


What Christmas traditions do you carry on for your children? Some people put much effort into passing on traditions for their family but some traditions just evolve over time.

We eat Hibachi for Christmas dinner. We started this the first year Sophia was born. I have a friend who is Jewish and I asked her to spend Christmas with us and just decided to go to Benihana. We had a blast and continued the tradition.
When I was little, I have fond memories of christmas eve at grandma's house and we watched the wizard of oz while we waited for Santa to come. That is something I do with Sophia as well.
Sophia made her own tradition with her cousin Katie. I bought a gingerbread house last year and they built it and this year SOphia lobbied for another one "MAMA, ITS WHAT ME AND KATIE DO TOGETHER!" How could I argue with that!
We also listen to Alvin and the chipmunks as we open gifts on Christmas morning. We finish gifts with a cup of hot chocolate and breakfast.
We always make sure we donate food for a family. We also donate old toys in preparation for new toys. We also buy toys for toys for tots. It was important to pass on the spirit of giving to others to Sophia and she truly has embraced it and is a very compassionate little person. She makes me proud.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Seafood angel hair pasta


ok i wanted to make something with scallops that were in the freezer. Here is what I came up with.




1/2 lb baby scallops
1 jar of Goya artichoke hearts
1 jar Wegmans white clam sauce
1 can petite diced tomatoes (with jalapenos if you like spice)
salt
pepper
garlic
italian seasoning


Boil whole wheat angel hair pasta in a pasta pot.

While pasta is cooking, sprinkle salt pepper garlic on scallops. sear scallops in a pan with a spray of Pam olive oil.

Brown them.

pour in jar of white clam sauce and boil

whisk to get the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

add 1/2-3/4 can of tomatoes with the juice-- whole can if you like.

add artichokes, salt pepper, garlic, italian seasoning.

simmer for 10 mins.


Pour strained pasta in a bowl and pour scallop mix over the pasta and toss.

Served with salad and garlic bread.

YUMEEE!!!!

My four year old ate the whole plate!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

video game education?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGCJ46vyR9o&playnext=1&list=...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A-ZVCjfWf8





I hope you watched these powerful videos. I am a veteran teacher with 2 master's degree. One in admin and supervision and one in ESL and educational technology. I am also a mother of a four yr old who could teach her teachers how to use technology. She proficiently uses an ipod touch, A first generation ipod, tivo, wii, laptops, desktops, tv, vcr and dvd players.



SO many people say that video games are ruining our children. I actually don't agree. I think technology is a powerful tool in teaching our children. My daughter is addicted to wii! Some of you may be horrified that a 4 yr old could be addicted to Wii but I think with supervision and guidance video games can be educational.

While my daughter plays Wii, she READS the sentences and directions as they pop up on the screen --yes FOUR years old-- she reads everything, everywhere we go. She also counts, adds and subtracts when she gains or loses coins in games. She also has to use logic and reasoning skills for these games (should I eat a power candy now or wait until later). I am usually playing the games with her and making her aware of the concepts as she moves through the games.



I think even children who don't have guidance with the games use these skills, though they just don't realize and make a connection to the concepts because of a lack of supervision. If you watch a child who is below level in reading, they will be able to play, and often win, video games with ease. The problem usually stems in a classroom because they are not making a connection between what they just did on the video game to what they are learning.

I have found that when I incorporate technology in my lessons, my students are more apt to pay attention and it promotes engagement because they ALL want to do something on the smartboard or the computer. Smart boards allow me to use color and highlight concepts that I want the students to pay close attention to as well.



How much technology do you allow your child to use?



Could your child teach you about technology?



Do you still think video games are the root of evil after reading this and watching the videos?



I welcome a great conversation!



Dawn

Friday, December 17, 2010

What are your aspirations for the new year?

I just did a reflection of 2010 and though there have been some rough patches, It was a very good year. I graduated from Drexel University with my second master's degree in Ed technology, I won a laptop from a local radio station, I have won numerous twitter based contests as well as blogging contests, my daughter and I wrote a book and it is in the process of being published, and my wonderful daughter turns five in 2 weeks!

With that being said, you would think, how could next year top this year? Well, my hopes are that it will! I aspire to move myself into a position to make more money and to work more independently.

I plan on doing marketing for our book in order to make a profit and work with a business partner in a new venture. I also plan on using my degree for technology education for my full time job.

What do you aspire to for the new year?


Dawn



“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network blogging program, for a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (make sure you link to http://own.twittermoms.com/about)

Thursday, December 16, 2010

FINALLY

The book has started the publication process. Can't wait to share the info for you to buy the book!


SOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!



Dawn

Sunday, December 12, 2010

The gift of language.....

Some of you may already know but I have been doing marketing for Claudia and Ckatranslations. Please consider the gift of a foreign language for the holidays.

Gift
Cards!


Give the gift of a foreign language!

Greetings!

This Holiday, give the gift of a foreign language to someone you love! CK Translations and EasyLearn Languages is now offering Gift Cards for the Holiday season. Share the good news with family and friends! Available in denominations of $20, $30, or $40 to go towards classes!

CK Translations is proud to give back, and this Holiday season you can also sponsor a child who otherwise would not be able to afford classes. Contact us for more information!


Happy Holidays!
Claudia Krusch
CK Translations

856-848-8870
assistant@cktranslations.com
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CK Translations | 1007 Mantua Pike | S#1 | West Deptford | NJ | 08096

Yumeee garlic hummus

I made homemade hummus this weekend and it was SUPER yumeee!!! (oh and SUPER easy!)


1 can garbanzo beans (hand peel them)
2 tbls minced garlic
2 tbls lemon juice
pinch or two of salt
pinch of pepper
1/4 cup veg oil

Put everything in food processor except oil.
stream in oil as you pulse
pulse until smooth

Enjoy!

I served them with naked bagel chips

Dawn

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

How do you say Merry Christmas?

Say Merry Christmas with the gift of a second language!!


What do you get for that person who has everything --no matter their age--how about a CKTRANSLATIONS gift card?! They come in a variety of prices and come in a nice little box!

Check out the blog at easy learn languages to see what a class would look like.

http://easylearnlanguages.com/blog/

Sophia is super excited for the holiday class. Would love to have others join us!

Dawn

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Saturday, December 4, 2010

TURKEY JERKY BURGERS

I made this today for linner and it was SUPER yumeee!!

1 lb ground turkey
1/2 medium onion chopped
1 gala apple chopped
3 baby carrots chopped
jerk seasoning


Mix all ingredients and form into patties. I grilled them on the Forman grill and oh boy will I make these again and again! YUMEEE!

Dawn

THE DAWN DAILY

http://paper.li/mimimama72#

Thursday, December 2, 2010

YIPPPPPPEEEEEE

I got my first comment. Eileen is the first person to make a comment on my blog--how i love her!

Dawn

DOG UPDATE

Ok after thinking about it and talking to Sarah--I have decided a dog is NOT for me! I told jim NO dog--maybe a cat but then we have to get rid of the fish! I do not want or need any more responsibility. I can't even keep track of what i got now!

Dawn

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

I WON!!!

I won a target gift card for my blog entry for the Glide Oral B contest!

I am so excited. I bought new rechargeable batteries for the wii remotes.

OPINIONS NEEDED.....

OK so while Sophia is at piano lessons with Jim and Mr Frank is teaching her, Jim texts me each week.

So this week he says, "ya know, she really wants a cat." I said " i know, but DO NOT come home with one tonight!"

So he says, "ok how about a dog for Christmas?"

I said NO, i am not walking my ass out in the snow to walk a dog!

I also told him that I have childhood dog issues! They were never "Dawn's "best friend."

so he said, maybe this is a time that you can get over your dog issues with maybe a small yorkie.

I told him that i will think about it.

OPINIONS PLEASE?!!

ALL THE HAPPENINS>>>

First of all............

My book is ready to be published! Illustrations are completed, we are getting a photo taken for the back cover and it is ready to go!

Second of all.........

You can now give the gift of language with a GIFT CARD! CK TRANSLATIONS is offering gift cards so you can give that special someone the gift of learning a new language for the holidays.

EASYLEARNLANGUAGES.com

THIRD of all........

Tis that time of year to celebrate with friends and family.

EasyLearn Languages and Mathnasium
Invite You!
What: Holiday Party at Mathnasium!
When: Friday, December 10th 5:30-7:00pm
Where: Greentree Place
1892 E. Route 70
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Who: YOU! And feel free to bring a friend or two!
RSVP: assistant@cktranslations.com by December 6th!

Dear Friends,

We want to celebrate the holidays with you! Join us for live music, refreshments, games and more!

Also, if your child plays piano/keyboard and wishes to play for us at the party, there will be a designated time for students to play for family and friends! Just let us know if you
are interested.

We hope to see you there!

Claudia Krusch

EasyLearn Languages




Fourth of all..........


The new website is ready to roll.... I have been working with Claudia to launch a website which gives parents ONE place to look for anything child related in the southern New Jersey area. If anyone needs a place to advertise please contact me and I will be happy to give you our information.


I hope this is the beginning of MANY new and positive things in my life. I need some positive!

Dawn

Sunday, November 28, 2010

on the hunt.....

I LOVE brunch on a Sunday morning but we usually end up going to the same place-Due Amici's in Cinnaminson.

Where do u go for brunch in South Jersey? Give it a rating of 1-5 (1 being the best) and a short description. We will welcome all suggestions. Thanks.

Dawn

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Yumeee Beef Stew

I needed a quick crock pot recipe and had limited food in the house so I made a quick and super yumeee beef stew.

1 lb stewing beef
handful of baby carrots cut in half
2 sweet potatoes cut into 1 inch chunks
1 whole onion julienned
1 carton of beef stock
salt
pepper
garlic powder
thyme


Add all ingredients into crock pot. Sprinkle garlic powder and thyme to make a thin layer on top of the liquid, three or four turns each of a salt and pepper mill. Mix and cover. Cook on low for 7-9 hours.

You can add peas and corn at the end to heat them through and add move veg.


Tastes yumeee with brown rice and nice bread.

Enjoy

Dawn

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

My favorite road trip

My parents were divorced when I was very young. When I was in second grade we moved to South Jersey and my dad and his family remained in North Jersey. My dad would travel 2 hours down to my house to pick me up then we would drive back to my Grandmother's house for a family day on Saturday afternoons. My dad would often bring me back that night so it was another 2 hrs in the car.
Being in the car with my father was always fun. I have three favorite things I would do in the car while we were driving. First, we would play the license plate game. I also liked figuring out what the special tags spelled out. (For example--gr8mom).
The second thing I loved to do in the car was read. I was a book worm growing up and anything that was mystery related was right up my alley. My father would always ask me how I could read while the car was moving and not get car sick!
The third things I LOVED to do in the car (and still love to do) is cloud gaze. I have fond memories of laying down in the back seat (this is obviously before the seat belt craze that we now have) and look out the window to make shapes of the clouds as we drove. I specifically remember one weekend when I was about 9 or 10 and as we were driving back home, I saw a perfectly formed funnel at exit 5 on the turnpike. It was a perfectly formed mini tornado funnel over a field. It was parallel to the car as we drove on the NJ turnpike. That was such an exciting day!
I miss having that time to drive in the car with my dad. Now that I am grown and have a family of my own, I am the one driving with my daughter in the backseat to go see my dad 2 hours away. I hope my daughter will have fond memories of road trips with me as I do of trips with my father.

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Discount Tire blogging program, making me eligible to receive a $50 gift card and be entered for a chance to win a prize valued at $1,000. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (make sure you link to http://discounttire.twittermoms.com/about)

Discount TireDiscount Tire

Thursday, November 18, 2010

blackfriday deal

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/shopping-guide-find-best-black-friday-deals/story?id=12154661

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Bison

I tried bison about a year ago because I was told it was low in cholesterol. I have tricked many a people into eating it because you really can't tell a difference from beef. Here is an article I found about it.

http://www.mobisonassoc.org/bisonhealthy.htm

Dawn

Sunday, November 14, 2010

TEN TIPS for making life a little easier

I have ONE daughter and life gets pretty hectic. I try to organize myself the best I can to make our lives a little easier. Here are some tips I use--do you have some great tips?

1. Morning time is almost unbearable in my house. I have done a few things to try to make it a little better for myself and my daughter. The biggest fight we have in the morning is what clothes to wear. Even though Sophia is only 4, she has become a fashion diva. She has decided that she will not wear pants anymore-DRESSES ONLY! After a few days of this fight I decided to pick clothes out the night before for BOTH of us. I even pick an extra outfit for Sophia because there are mornings when she doesn't want to where the dress she picked the night before.

2. The next thing that I have found makes the morning easier is packing our lunches the night before. I usually bring leftovers for lunch for myself and Sophia's preference now a days are ham and cheese sandwiches. I pack them and put them in the fridge and put the non cold items in our lunchboxes for the next morning.

3. I have found that it is easier for me to get everything organized and packed before I wake up Sophia in the morning. I am blessed that she LOVES to sleep in.

4. Once I pack everything in the morning, I hang the bags on the doorknobs so everything we need is ready to go at the door. I am forgetful too so this ensures I do not leave anything behind. I start hanging things the night before if need be.

5. While clothes can be a problem in the morning; shoes are the other half of the problem. I finally bought shoe hanging racks and hung them up on the wall next to her closet. When she takes her shoes off, she knows to put them in the shoe hanger so we do not have to look for shoes in the morning. They are all in one spot.

6. Rides in the car can be tedious with a child if they are constantly telling you they are bored. I have ensured that Sophia will NEVER be bored in our car, whether we are driving 10 mins to school or 2 hours to grandpa and grandma's house. I got coloring books and TWISTABLE crayola crayons and colored pencils (no pencil sharpening in the car, books that Sophia can read to herself, maze books, and a few small toys to keep in the car. I have organized them in reusable shopping bags which hang over the backs of the front seats.

7. I have a problem of keeping track of small items. I lose things often. I decided to buy an ottoman that is also storage and when I need to put something away for "safe keeping" I put it in the ottoman.

8. Keeping track of smaller items is one thing I have a hard time remembering but I also have a hard time with appointments. I have tried keeping a pocket calendar but then i would never remember to look at it. I was overjoyed when I bought my blackberry though because not only can I put my appts. in there but I have the phone set to RING at me BEFORE the appt to remind me. I put the appts in when they are booked so i don't forget to put it in.

9. Grocery shopping is always a chore for people. I do not always have time to do this but I have found that when I do, it makes my life easier. I flip through recipes and plan a menu for the week. From this menu I make a grocery list to bring with me. This is helpful because I not only have a list for the store but I also have meals planned for the week.

10. This brings me to my last tip which goes along with the last tip. Once I bring the groceries home, I make Sunday a cooking day. I cook at least 2 of the recipes I have planned and freeze them so I can take out a prepared meal and heat it during the week. This makes late nights a relief when I come home and know that I do not have to cook dinner after a long day.

I hope you can use one or all of these tips to make YOUR life a little bit easier.

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Oral-B blogging contest, making me eligible to get full-sized Oral-B Glide products and a $30 Target gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.” (make sure you link to: http://www.twittermoms.com/forum
/topics/blogging-contest-share-ten)



Thanks for reading!

Dawn

Friday, November 12, 2010

Thanksgiving Fun and learning....

Sophia loves playing this match game that Ms. Claudia told us about. We haven't seen Ms. Claudia in a few weeks so we are looking forward to tomorrow morning's class!

Enjoy the website game and I hope you learn something new that you can include on your day of being thankful!

http://123teachme.com/games/drag_n_match/category/thanksgiving


For more interesting Thanksgiving talk visit:

http://easylearnlanguages.com/blog/


Dawn

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Italian Sunday Dinners

Before I got pregnant, I told myself that I wanted to make Italian Sunday dinners a tradition for my daughter. We had pasta most Sundays when I was growing up. I want Sophia to grow up with this tradition. Today I made chicken gravy and it was better than I could have ever asked for.


Chicken Gravy

6 chicken thighs
1/2 lb bison or ground beef (i like Bison bc it is supposed to be lower in cholesterol and tastes just like beef)
1 medium onion
3 tblsp olive oil
2 tblsp minced garlic
2 cans crushed tomatoes
4 tbsp italian seasoning
4 tbsp garlic powder
1/4-1/2 cup red wine (can use beef or chicken broth instead if u like)


Put 1 turn of large pot of olive oil (about a tbsp)
heat pan
add chicken and brown all sides
remove chicken when browned into a bowl
add minced garlic to pot
then add julienned onions (sliced long ways)
cook about a minute then add bison (or beef) and brown
add between a 1/4 to 1/2 cup red wine ( go by ur taste) DEGLAZE PAN
let simmer for about a minute or two
add chicken and juices back to pot
cover all with 2 cans crushed tomatoes
sprinkle all of the italian seasoning and garlic powder on top of tomatoes
Stir and cover
simmer for about 4-5 hours
mix occasionally

ENJOY!!!
YUMEEE!!!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Whats your favorite sandwich?

Sandwich Night Sweepstakes
apps.facebook.com
Enter the Sandwich Night Sweepstakes. Over the next six weeks, you will have six chances to win a $100 gift card from the Grain Foods Foundation to create a Sandwich Night at home, and one chance to win a food fabulous weekend in Savannah, GA with celebrity chefs Jamie and Bobby Deen.

My favorite sandwich is turkey, carmelized onions,artichokes and colby jack cheese on cibatta bread and grilled. YUM

Saturday, October 30, 2010

halloween lesson




I videoed and edited my first movie!

Harvest Stew

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this "stew". Rachel Ray did a similar version on her show but I decided to make my own version of it.

Harvest Stew

Ingredients:

2 tbl olive oil
1 lb ground turkey
2 tbl minced garlic
2 tbl thyme
1 small onion julienned (cut long ways)
1 small yellow squash cut into half moons or quarters (whatever size you prefer)
1 small zucchini cut in half moons or quarters
1 baby eggplant peeled and cut into quarters
3/4 cup red wine ( I like to use port)
1/2 can tomato paste
2-3 cups chicken stock
brown rice (i use a 2 cup boil in the bag)

***** you can add less veg or more or other kinds of veg to taste--I have added mushrooms and broccoli as well.


Cooking:

Put one tbl oil in a large spaghetti pot
add onions and garlic-sautee for about a minute
add squash, zucchini, eggplant and 1 tbl thyme
saute for about 2 mins.
remove veg onto a plate
add 1 more tbl oil
add ground turkey, add 1 tbl thyme cook until browned
add 1/2-3/4 cup of port wine (to taste)
Let it simmer about a minute
add 1/2 can tomato paste
mix
add veg back to pot
add enough stock to cover meat and veg and a little more for "broth"
let flavors meld by cooking for about 45 mins to 1 hr.

Serve with brown rice and crusty bread.

Enjoy!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Croutons

THese are super easy....

Get a nice loaf of bread. French or italian or I like asiago from Panera.

Cut bread into 1/2 inch cubes.

sprinkle cubes with garlic powder, parsley and thyme.

Mix the seasonings around the bowl with the bread using your hands

swirl olive oil around the pan

put enough cubes in the pan to cover the bottom.

Brown and remove,

Continue more batches as necessary and don't forget to add more oil after removing the last batch.

Enjoy

Sunday, October 17, 2010

EASY LEARN LANGUAGES

CK Translations easy learn languages

Girls classes called Las Ninas--

Mamas gave the ninas Manicootie (unsure of spelling but this is phonetic)

We used a variety of nail polish colors to reinforce este es + de colores.

CK Translations is now introducing BOYS classes that will include using legos and transformers.

Very exciting for ALL children!

Call Clauida for more info. 848-8870


Dawn

Crockpot Salsa Chicken

LOVE this recipe--it couldn't be easier...

I placed 6 chicken thighs in the crock pot.

Covered them by sprinkling on taco CHEESY mix

Added about a cup of salsa -i used mild because of Sophia but I prefer hot

Cover and cook on low while at work--8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

I served it with brown rice and salad

Enjoy

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Chicken noodle Soup

Eileen asked me for my crock pot recipe for Chicken Noodle Soup and it couldn't be easier.

I saved bones from all the chicken we have eaten to fill a gallon sized ziploc and froze them until I used them today.

I put the bones in the crock pot, used a box of chicken stock, which is about 4 cups and then filled the box with water so about 4 cups of water as well. This was enough to cover the bones. I cut an onion in quarters, i chopped 5 ribs of celery into thirds and put a third of a bag of mini carrots. Salt and pepper about a tblsp each--more if u prefer. I simmered on low for about 7 hours then removed the bones and picked off any left over meat. I also removed the large pieces of veg and put into a bowl. I then strained the liquid into a large bowl and picked through the chicken in the strainer for meat. I threw away all the bones and added the liquid, meat, and veg back into the crock pot. I also added a chicken breast I had cooked and froze for the soup. I cooked it on low for another hour. I boiled noodles in a pot and added them to the crock pot when finished.

The bones add a depth to the stock I used and make the water blend better.

ENJOY!!

I made grilled cheese sandwiches with swiss and american cheese on asiago bread from Panera. YUM.

Dawn

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Waiting for superman...... A teacher perspective....

I broke down and went to see waiting for superman. I took notes during the movie and there is soooooooo much information to process. I was VERY upset with Oprah (still am) for donating 6 million dollars to charter schools in an attempt to fix public education ? Does that even make sense? The movie had very interesting information and brought in a compassion aspect by following a handful of students.
My observations :

Each president wants to be the "education" president including the current President but our current sec of education has no teaching experience and wanted to be a professional basketball player. This is a trend in education. MANY people who are "running" schools and districts do NOT have an education background, they are business people who think they can "fix" the system.

CHILDREN DO LEARN:
Children can learn but they need a support system, drive and to value education. THIS COMES FROM HOME!!! So many of my students come to school with extra baggage and it DOES interfere with their daily life. Having been a product of extra baggage, I know what it is like to carry the weight of the world around all day long.

CHARTER SCHOOLS:
The movie promoted charter schools but charter schools do not have to follow the same rules as public schools-even though they get federal funds. The movie did not show that charters can expel behavior problem students--and guess where they end up--in MY classroom with 30 other students!
The movie told us that children in charter schools who are below reading level EACH get their OWN tutor until they make progress. Public schools do not have the funds to give each student their own tutor but there are teachers I know that do not eat lunch during the day and sits with students to do private tutoring in small groups.

Michelle Rhee:
This is the new "chancellor" of the Washington DC school district. She is a woman who admitted in the movie that she was never a teacher, principal or a superintendent in any school district yet here she is in the highest school district position. I admire that she wants good things for the children because really, who doesn't. However, completely blaming the teachers is not going to fix anything.
There are issues that are much more complex.

A teacher is a teacher is a teacher?!!! NOT

I resent the fact that the movie stated a teacher is a teacher is a teacher! I will pat myself on the back and let anyone know, I AM A KICK ASS TEACHER. I take my job seriously and have high expectations for ALL of my kids. Are there teachers out there who suck? YES, but don't lump all teachers together!

Unions:

The movie also promotes "unions as menace". Unions are one thing teachers have to protect them AND THE CHILDREN. Why would you want your child to go to school in a classroom with 45 other children. SMALLER class size IS EFFECTIVE and 30 kids to a room with ONE teacher is NOT smaller class sizes! Why would you want your child to go to a school that is not safe because girls are being raped in stairwells by other students? The union promotes safe environments for teachers AND students. Don't we all deserve going to a safe LEARNING environment?


NO EXCUSES:
The creator of the Harlem charter in the movie said that they have a NO EXCUSES policy. This is often a top down problem in public schools. I was told once that my expectations were too high for a group if Kindergarten students that I was trying to teach addition too. My daughter is 4 and I have high expectations for her just as I do my students and I make EVERYTHING a teachable moment for her. GUESS WHAT--she is four and can read and does addition and subtraction and LOVES to learn anything and everything she can.
School starts at 830 but we are NOT to mark children late until 845. Does that make sense? As far as I am concerned that is setting them up for failure from the beginning! This does not hold parents accountable for getting them their on time and teaches the students it is ok NOT to get to work on time in the future. This is not how the real world works. Should a teacher come to work late--they get warnings and written up!

MY CONCLUSION:

The movie promotes charter schools that have set high expectations and found a method that works. THIS IS THE KEY. There is NO reason we can't have high expectations for ALL students and we need teachers who know how to implement the curriculum effectively.

I agree that there is no great school without great teachers and yet teachers are being bashed in the news lately with the opening of this movie.

Tony Danza is getting a taste of what it is like to be a teacher (on a gingered up side) and he is realizing that it is not such an easy feat! Watch TEACH on A and E Friday nights.

Thanks for listening to my perspective.

Dawn

Sunday, September 26, 2010

so excited!

I have my first follower!!--Thanks WiiMom!!

We played Wii ALLLLLLLLLL day today!
\Dawn

chicken loaf

1 lb ground chicken
2 tbsp ketchup
2 tbsp spicy mustard
1 egg
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs (or rice crumbs for glutten free)
1 tbsp worchesthire sauce
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp tarragon
1/2 minced onion

Mix all together form a loaf in a baking pan.

Bake for 35 mins on 350 degrees

ADD TOPPING

mix 1/2 cup ketchup and 1 tsp brown sugar smooth over the top of the loaf and bake another 10 mins.

What language/s do you speak....

What language/s do you speak?

If you don't speak a second language, would you like to? Contact CKTranslations.com

PLEASE REPOST so others may have this opportunity as well. THANKS

Saturday, September 11, 2010

GIFTS

Sophia has been taking Spanish classes for about 2 and a half years with Ms. Claudia at CKTranslations. She loves Ms. Claudia very much. Claudia is a wonderful teacher. She does fun interactive lessons with the children that incorporates a foreign language. Sophia is at a point that Claudia can speak to her completely in Spanish and she can understand her. She also speaks way more than I can most days!
I took two years of Spanish in college and I think Sophia has learned more in her 2 yrs than I did!

Check out easylearnlanguages.com for more info on how you or your child can get the gift of language in your lives.

Dawn

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

Kim Coles blogged a list of things she is grateful for and inspired me to do the same.

First and foremost I am thankful for my darling Sophia-even when she is fresh!

2. Having a job to support me and Sophia.

3. My family.

4. For those times when Jim takes Sophia and gives me a short break. I miss her terribly when she is not with me but I can appreciate the down time.

5. For having so many wonderful friends.

6. For facebook for the fact that it has reconnected me with people whom I spent a large chunk of my life with at one point in time.

7. For love--good and bad.

8. a roof over our head

9. a solid education

10. Claudia Krusch's inspiration

11. the ability to cook

12. for having MAD teaching skills!~

13. for being driven and not allowing abuse in the past to bring me down.

14. three gorgeous days of PERFECT weather.



I KNOW there are MORE things I am grateful for and as I remember them, I will add them to the list.

Friday, September 10, 2010

recipe of the week--Baked Chicken Milanese

1 lb thin cut chicken breasts
2 eggs
1-2 cups whole wheat flour
1-2 cups panko bread crumbs

Dip breasts in flour then egg then panko. Put into a baking dish and bake on 400 degrees for about 30 mins until cooked through.

I serve it with applesauce, salad and risotto. Yumeee!

EXCITING NEWS

I Have SUPER exciting news. I have started the process for publishing my first book. The book is a bedtime story I made up for Sophia and it cracks her up each time I tell her the story. I thought maybe just maybe other kiddos would enjoy the book as well. The book is called "My Darling Teddy Bear".

I will keep you all posted as to when the book is released. I have someone starting the illustrations for me this week. I hope to have a release by Christmas.

Monday, August 30, 2010

cornish game hens

I was hesitant to make cornish game hens but i love miniature things and they look like mini chickens so I decided to try it!

I found a recipe on foodtv.com and as usual, I made it my own.

Cornish Game Hens stuffed with brown rice

RICE

I used regular brown rice--not instant and followed package directions. I added about 2 tsp garlic powder and 2 tsp thyme, salt and pepper ( two turns of the grinders). Instead of water I used chicken stock. 2 cups stock to 1 cup rice.


HENS
I cleaned out the hens and sprinkled them inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.

When the rice is almost finished (cooked about 30 mins) remove about half to stuff into the birds. Let the rest continue cooking on the stove.

Stuff the birds with rice and put about a 1/4 inch of stock in the bottom of the baking pan.

Bake on 450 degrees ( about 50 mins) until you poke it and juices are clear.

Pour juices out of pan into a small pot to make gravy and put the birds back into a 500 degree oven to crisp the skin for 5-7 mins.

Add 1 tbsp cornstarch to juices add salt, pepper, garlic, thyme and boil to thicken.

I served applesauce and a salad with the birds.

YUMEEE!!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

test

money--

ok so i have not finished doing my YEARs worth of finances in a spreadsheet so I haven't moved on in listening to Suze orman's book.

Here is what I decided...

I spend way too much money and there is NOT enough money coming in!

My new positive outlook....

I want to show sophia how to be money responsible and not IRRESPONSIBLE like the mama. I have already seen signs that she has picked up my spending habits and she doesn't understand the concept of money--yes I know she is only 4 but she thinks we have unlimited funds and that just isn't so.

So what is a shopaholic to do?

I have reached out to a friend of mine who has a friend who was in the same situation as myself and she hired a personal checkbooker. This person took control of her money, gave her an allowance and she was out of debt within a year.

Something MUST change. I am tired of living paycheck to paycheck and still in debt!

will keep you posted.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

YUMEEE SOUP




I made a variation of Giada DeLaurentis' beef and canelloni bean minestrone. I served it with salad and mini grilled cheese sandwiches.

Ingredients

* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 onion, finely diced
* 1 large carrot, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch pieces
* 1 rib celery, trimmed and diced into 1/4-inch pieces
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 8 ounces lean (8 percent fat) ground beef
* 3 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 tablespoon tomato paste
* 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
* 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
* 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 dried bay leaf
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Directions

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, add the oil and heat over medium heat. Stir in the onion, carrot and celery and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Increase the heat to high and add the ground beef and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and mix to combine. Add the broth, tomatoes, beans, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the liquid has reduced by half, about 30 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with Parmesan.



I also added al dente whole wheat elbows. I also added yellow squash and zucchini chucks. This was even better than I could have hoped for!

GRILLED CHEESE

I used munster, swiss and cooper cheese on mini slices of asiago bread and grilled them on the trusty George Foreman grill. YUMMM

SALAD

Salad is a bag of romaine mix, oranges, apples, about 4-5 turns of the bowl of olive oil, sprinkle garlic powder all over the top of the salad, sprinkle italian seasoning all over the top of the salad, add about a 1/4-1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar, add enough to your taste I like more vinegar than oil. put lid on bowl and shake it all together. Chill in fridge until ready to use.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Green Home

http://www.everydayhealth.com/photogallery/10-easy-ways-to-green-your-home.aspx?xid=nl_EverydayHealthHealthyLiving_20100731

Green Home

http://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-home/eco-friendly/alternative-household-cleaners.aspx

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

week 4 recipe--buffalo chicken burgers and homemade blue cheese

Buffalo Chicken Burger

1 lb of ground chicken
1/2 package of blue cheese crumbles
3 tbs hot sauce (more or less to your taste)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 minced onion

mix all ingredients. You can make 8-10 sliders or 4-6 regular size burgers

I grill them on the George Forman grill and use plenty of olive oil spray so they do not stick.

Dress it with some blue cheese dressing.




Blue cheese dressing recipe

Ingredients

* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
* 2 tablespoons sour cream
* 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
* 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
* Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, 1/4 cup blue cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, and salt, until smooth. Gently stir in the remaining 1/4 cup blue cheese and season with pepper to taste. Use now or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

week 3 Yummmeeeee summer treat

I like this one.

Yummeee summer treat

***** a few days prior**** freeze about 5 fresh chunks of pineapple, 10 raspberries, 10-15 strawberries.


Ingredients:

5 frozen pineapple chunks
10 frozen raspberries
10-15 strawberries
(bananas if desired)

1-1/2 cups strawberry yogurt
1/2-1 cup applejuice

Mix all ingredients in blender and chop, mix, puree until smooth. You may need to add more applejuice to loosen it up.

You can serve from the blender or pour into freezer pop mold for another time.

ENJOY

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Money?

What is money--I never have any and I am tired of NOT having any. I had an itunes gift card and was able to purchase Suze Orman's Financial Freedom and The Secret DVD by Rhonda Birn. Both were suggested to me and I am listening to Orman's book right now.

So far she has told us to think of a money memory. My memories are topped with a bookbag. I had THE ugliest camoflague green bookbag while i was in school and I HATED IT. I never had a cute little schoolbag like the other girls and I didn't have cool sneakers or clothes like other kids.

I find that my daughter does not want for anything. I promised myself that my children would not be in the "poor" situation that I found myself when I was growing up. My daughter will be able to participate in soccer and dance and go on school trips and will have cool clothes and sneaks. I do not want her to have negative feelings about money as I do.

Suze Orman is now discussing changing your memory to a positive one. I will keep you posted as to what my new outlook looks like when I figure it out!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

BABY ALIVE FOOD RECIPE

OK, the nerd that I am, my mission this summer was to find a recipe for making baby alive food without having to buy it. This is what I came up with and it worked pretty good.

1 tsp of sugar substitute
1/2 tsp glycerin (bottles can be bought at pharmacy or grocery store)
1 drop of desired food coloring GEL

I made "strawberries" for my daughter to feed her baby with red food gel. You can be creative with the color combinations for a variety of foods to feed the baby!

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Wii1

Sophia and I did the first wii day today. I did Yoga and she worked on balance. I gained 35 lbs since last year and my BMI has gone up. I am NOT happy with myself!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Wii Challenge

I am going to start the 30 day Wii challenge today. I will keep you posted as to how it is going.

Recipe of the Week--2--Chicken meatballs

1/2 lb ground chicken
1 tbs Worcheshire sauce
1 tbs spicy mustard
1 tbs ketchup
1 egg
2 cups Panko bread crumbs
olive oil spray


Preheat the oven to 350* Mix all WET ingredients then add small amount of Panko at a time until wet ingredients are absorbed. Take about an inch of meat and roll into small ball. Bake for about 20 mins--flipping after 10 mins.

* means degrees

***Gluten Free can be made with rice flour.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

comment about vegspahet

-I made the recipe on your website tonight and the fam loved it--added shrimp and it was quick, and delish. thx!!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Recipe of the Week-Vegspaget-1

Vegspaget



Ingredients:

Serves about 4 people

2 turns of the pan of olive oil

½ medium zucchini cut in quarters

½ medium yellow squash cut in quarters

1 tsp chopped garlic- more if you desire

½ thinly sliced onion

1 medium can of petite diced tomatoes

½ lb whole wheat spaghetti


Directions:

Make ½ lb whole wheat spaghetti per directions on package.

In a sauté pan. put two turns of the pan of olive oil and let the pan heat up.

Put in the garlic, zucchini, squash and onions.

Saute until tender crisp.

Add the can of tomatoes and heat through.

Drain pasta and toss into pan with veggies.

Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

* I have made this by adding shrimp to the sauté, lump crabmeat, as well as artichokes. Add whatever you would like. It is still tasty.

** Make it Gluten Free by using Gluten Free pasta.

Hello

Hello,
I wanted to create a venue to post healthy and yumeee recipes. While I am not a nutritionist, I like to think that I can create healthy, yumeee and fairly quick meals for my daughter and I. Should you have a recipe to share that qualifies, please feel free to share it with us. I will post a recipe of the week with the hope that you try it and give me some feedback. I also look forward to having you post recipes for us to try as well. Thanks for coming and I hope you continue to come back.




Dawn