Pinterest Aprroved Recipe Link-Up: July Edition

Hi friends! Welcome back to another month of sharing our quick, easy, and yummy Pinterest Approved recipes. 
I'm entering my last week of summer vacation :( This is a perfect time to link up and browse around for some easy recipes to do throughout the year! I've tried quite a few recipes from Pinterest that were just o-kay...or not so good at all. After a long day at work, I want to come home and eat something G-O-O-D. I'm anticipating a busy year ahead as our school is getting accredited with WASC ....and lucky me, I'm on the writing committee :/  I'll really need to work ahead on my meal planning so that I'm not buying take out every night!!  Enough with my blabbing...let's get started!

If you're new to this link up, the rules are easy! 

photo and recipe via Budget Savvy Diva

This spanish rice is SO good and super simple to make! It definitely tastes a lot better (and is probably better for you) than the boxed version of spanish rice. 

Spanish Rice

Spanish Rice Recipe- slightly adapted

Ingredients:

1.  1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice 
2. 1/2 medium size onion (chopped)
3. 1 tablespoon oil 
4. 1 teaspoon cumin
5. 1 cup hot salsa (we like spicy foods--and hot gives a pretty good kick! If you aren't a spice fan or have kids, I'd knock it down a notch or two with mild or medium)
6. 2 cups of chicken broth

Directions:

• Add oil to a hot skillet on medium heat- add onions and cook for 5 minutes
• Add rice and stir. You want to brown the rice a bit
• Once rice is a bit brown (about 5 minutes)- add cumin, salsa, and chicken broth.
• Cover and reduce heat to low
• Check on it 20 minutes later. Have yourself a sample--it should be cooked. If not, cook for a few more minutes. 

photo and recipe via Chocolate Therapy This is the EASIEST thing to prep....like EVER! There basically is like no work invovled with this crockpot recipe!!

Simple Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Ingredients:

1. 6 boneless skinless chicken breast, thawed
2. 1 1oz. envelope of taco seasoning
3. 16 oz. jar of salsa

Directions:

• Dump all the ingredients into your crockpot. Give it a stir to mix up the seasoning and salsa. 
• Cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours
• When done, pull the chicken out, throw it into a bowl and use a hand mixer to shread the chicken!
• Place chicken in tortilla and ENJOY! 

These recipes go perfectly together and will take you no time to whip up. We usually start the rice and then take our dogs out for a walk while it cooks. When we get home, the house smells amazing and dinner is ready! 

I look forward to bringing you more yummy recipes on the 3rd Sunday of next month! If you'd like to check out my past Pinterest Approved Recipes you can find that here, here, and here.

Please consider following me on Pinterest, I have tons of food boards, education boards, organization, and wedding boards! 

I hope you'll take the time today to share YOUR favorite Pinterest Approved Recipes :) 

An InLinkz Link-up

Pinterest Approved Recipe Link-Up: June Edition

Good Morning!!  I'm back again with my friends Angelia, Tonya, and Nicole for another:

If you're new to this link up, the rules are easy! 

This month was the start of the Whole 30 for me. It actually isn't as bad as I had anticipated things to be. I definitely have a ton of cravings, but the further I get into this (I'm currently on day 12) the more the cravings diminish. I've been having to do a ton of food prep and cooking (with the help of my fabulous hubby) since I get tired of eating the same things quickly!! 

The thing about The Whole 30 though is that it isn't like a 'diet'. I think of it more as a cleanse to reset your body but cleaning it out of all things bad. The surprising, yet amazing thing about it is that the food actually tastes good delicious! I truly look forward to eating my prepped meals and nightly dinners....the best thing about it is that I have been eating more than normal and dropping weight all at the same time! 

All of my recipes today are Whole 30 approved! 

One of the best thing about the Whole 30 is that you can eat potatoes!! I love potatoes!!

photo and recipe via Sweet Little Bluebird

These potatoes are to die for!! I eat them for dinner AND for breakfast! 

Roasted Garlic Potatoes

Ina Garten Recipe- Slightly adapted

Ingredients:

1. 2 1/2 to 3 pounds of Yukon Gold Potatoes (you could really use any potato, but this is what we used). Cut into quarters.
2. 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (we used quite a bit less because didn't want it too oily).
3. 5-6 garlic cloves, minced.
4. Black pepper, to taste
5. 1 tsp. Himalayan Sea Salt
6. 2 tsp. dry parsley flakes

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• In a large bowl, toss potatoes in EVOO, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Be sure to coat potatoes evenly.
• Place potatoes on a cookie sheet in a single layer.
• Place on the middle rack of oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, turning the potatoes two times while baking.  (cooking times will vary depending on oven)

And it's that simple!

Next up is the yummiest shrimp you'll have tasted! photo and recipe via From Cats to Cooking

This was recipe was SO SIMPLE yet so DELICIOUS! 

Roasted Garlic & Herb Shrimp

From Cats to Cooking Recipe

Ingredients:

1. 2 lbs shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail off.
2. 1.5 tsp paprika
3. 1.5 tsp Italian Seasoning
4. 4 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1.5 tsp dried basil
6. 1 tsp black pepper
7. 1 tbsp lime juice
8. 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
9. 1 tsp salt (I used Tabasco Salt for an added kick)
10. wooden skewers

Directions:

• Toss mixture with shrimp in a large bowl. Add about half of the seasoning to start, and keep adding until shrimp is coated to your liking. (I had quite a bit of seasoning left over)
• Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, soak skewers in water.
• Preheat grill to medium heat.
• Thread shrimp onto skewers and cook about 3 minutes on each side. 

That's it for today! I look forward to bringing you more yummy recipes on the 3rd Sunday of next month! If you'd like to check out my past Pinterest Approved Recipes you can find that here and here.

Please consider following me on Pinterest, I have tons of food boards, education boards, organization, and wedding boards! 

I hope you'll take the time today to share YOUR favorite Pinterest Approved Recipes :) 

An InLinkz Link-up

Pinterest Approved Recipe Link-Up: May Edition

Good Morning Teacher Friends! 

I'm back again with my buddies Angelia and Nicole for another Pinterest Approved Recipe Link-Up. I'm so excited to find some new recipes and test them out over the summer. 

If you're new to this link-up, welcome! We are so happy to have you here today. You can check out this post to find out a little more about this link-up.

The rules for this link-up are simple, though:

Let's get started!

Summer is right around the corner for many of you, which means lots of time to spend with family and friends. What better way to spend your time than through a BBQ?! My husband and I love having friends over and we usually always use our grill when throwing parties. One of our all time favorite grilling recipes are these Chipotle Turkey Burgers. 

I'm not a big fan of beef, and I love all things spicy--so these burgers are right up my alley! The turkey mixture is mixed up with chipotle peppers and garlic. #heavenly

Switch It Up!

Like I said, these burgers are our go-to and we eat them quite often. I get bored with eating the same things easily, so we often like to switch it up on how we serve it. Here are some ideas:

1. Add diced jalapenos to the guacamole mixture for an added kick.

2. If you're feeling lazy, just add sliced avocado instead of guacamole.

3. Serve it on a bun or wrapped in lettuce.

4. Add sautéed mushrooms and onions. 

5. Serve your burgers up with some cheese. 

If you'd like to use these images in  your post, feel free to snag them below:

Thank you for stopping by today and we hope you'll link-up with us :)
We will back again on June 19 to share more new recipes!

Aloha,

Courtney

An InLinkz Link-up

Pinterest-Approved Recipe Link-Up

Good Morning and Happy Sunday Friends! I am so excited to be bringing you the first {of which we hope there are many more}

Angelia, Tonya, and Nicole are my go-to girls for questions about teaching, blogging, TpT, and  life in general. Just like you, we are all busy teachers who are trying our best to juggle work, home life and keeping up with our families. One of the things that we often find ourselves sharing amongst each other are quick, easy, and delicious recipes. 

Pinterest is a great source to find yummy recipes, but there are so many out there. When we get home from a busy day at work, we want to make sure we are feeding our families a GOOD meal. 

Aint' nobody got time for a Pinterest recipe fail!  

On the 3rd Sunday of every month, we will be hosting our Pinterest-Approved Recipe Link-up!! 

We will share our favorite, *successful* Pinterest recipes that we've done in the past or throughout the month and we hope that you will share yours too!! 

The rules for this link-up are simple:

Without further ado, I will be sharing 2 of my favorite recipes (that were a success on the first try) that I found from Pinterest. For convenience, I am linking you straight to the source that the recipe came from rather than to my Pinterest board. Enjoy!

One of my all time favorite pasta recipes is this Spicy Sausage Pasta that I found over at Kevin & Amanda's. This recipe is so SIMPLE to make and only takes 30 minutes (or less) from start to finish. The best thing is that you only have one pot for clean up! #jackpot 

This is the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight {or for one of those days that got you feeling like you were run over by a bus} lol. The ingredients are pretty basic pantry staples (except for maybe the heavy cream). I always like to buy sausage when its on sale and freeze them for when I need them in a crunch. 

My husband and I both LOVE all things spicy. The pasta has a good kick as is, but I like to kick it up a notch by using this sausage instead of the smoked turkey sausage. These sausages are sooo yummy {and cheesy}!! 

This next recipe is much healthier than the first. 

You can find the directions for this Quinoa Salad over at Cherished Bliss.

My husband does not like Quinoa but he does like this salad…so much that he will ask for me to make it. The reason I like this recipe is because it is so simple to toss together. I know that some people cook their quinoa on the stove, but I just throw mine into a rice cooker for ease. Not only is this a simple recipe but you could actually serve it as a breakfast, lunch, or dinner item. 

For breakfast I like to add this salad and some scrambled eggs to a tortilla to make a breakfast burrito (this is the hubbys fav.) You could also just scramble eggs and eat this on the side.

For both lunch and dinner, you could eat this salad as is or add it to some lettuce. We also sometimes do tacos and eat this as a side. 

****************************************

If you'd like to follow me on Pinterest, you can do so {here}. 

Our next link-up will be on May 15, and we hope you come back to find some new recipes and link up your new favorites. 

If you'd like to use these images in  your post, feel free to snag them below:

We would love it you'd link up with us. Don't forget to leave some love for those you visit ;) 

An InLinkz Link-up

Aloha,

Fab. Five for Friday (a day late) and some NEWS!!

Hi gals, sorry my Friday post is a day late...I had to take my car in to get tires changed yesterday after school so didn't have time for a posting. BUT..I've been hard at work pinning so let's get to my Fabulous five pins for this week. Again, I've been pinning so much lately that I'm having a difficult time narrowing down all of my fabulous pins. Feel free to check out my pinterest board to see what I've been up to! All of my pins this week have a common theme...sorry, no educational pins this week! 

Source: saifou.com via Courtney on Pinterest

Isn't this picture SO adorable?? I love the idea  of my dad (or any dad) having this picture framed in their office or at home :)

Source: ohamanda.com via Courtney on Pinterest

Have guests sign puzzle pieces with advice/best wishes. Put the puzzle pack together, frame it and display in your home!

Source: etsy.com via Courtney on Pinterest

This is a MUST HAVE. I always tear up at weddings when I see the bride walking down the aisle with her Daddy. Can you tell I'm a daddy's girl??! haha

Source: organiser-un-mariage.com via Courtney on Pinterest

When I get married, I totally want a set of photos like these!! Gotta remember to bring some sparklers!! 

Source: fhiky.com via Courtney on Pinterest

How beautiful is this table arrangement?? I think that candles make all wedding look so elegant!!

SO..does anybody notice a common theme with all of my pins for this week?! Yup, you got it!! They're all about weddings.......Why??

I GOT ENGAGED!!! :)

On Tuesday, the boyfriend and I went on a hike...Once we got to the top he wanted to take a photo of me looking out at the scenery (he's been getting a little into photography lately and has been wanting to take photos like that) so the good girlfriend I am..I decided t model for him. He was taking a bit long to snap the photo so I turned around and he was down on one knee with a ring!!!! I was SO SHOCKED and it was completely unexpected. Of course, I said yes.and I am so excited for all that we have ahead of us. I must say that this was probably by far my most favorite hike I've ever taken..or ever will take. I went up the mountain with a boyfriend and came back down with a fiancee!! :) All the pain in my legs and the tiredness I was feeling when I was going up...totally disappeared on the way down! haha. 

Fab. Five for Friday

I'm so excited! My mom flew in today from Maui. She's here to help celebrate my future sister-in law's bridal shower. We are taking her to Aulani, the new Disney Resort out at Ko'olina for a day at the spa tomorrow. I really need a good massage (will be my first ever), hopefully I won't be too ticklish or in too much pain!! This is what I get to look forward to :)

Here's my fab. five from pinterest this week. I'm hoping my comments show up under my pictures this week..they didn't last week :/

This HILARIOUS video of some dedicated teachers singing "Rock the Test"
Source: youtube.com via Courtney on Pinterest

Love these cute wedges by jessica simpson
Source: m.nordstrom.com via Courtney on Pinterest

Simple yet elegant center piece
Source: elizabethannedesigns.com via Courtney on Pinterest

How cute and simple is this?! Daily Objectives <3
Source: Uploaded by user via Courtney on Pinterest

Last but not least, This super cute Anchor Chart for Earth Day!! I wish my charts looked like these!
Source: acupcakefortheteacher.blogspot.com via Courtney on Pinterest

Fab. Five for Friday and a Game of Tag!

Happy Good Friday!! Today we are off from school but unfortunately I slept the entire day away!! Didn't feel so good after a fun night out with an old friend.

So I've been seeing that a lot of bloggers share their top five pinterest finds on Fridays! This seems like a lot of fun, especially since I'm addicted to pinterest. This will be my new Friday posts!! Hopefully you'll get some new/cute ideas from me :) Here are my first five to share for this week:

Love this sparkly blingy nail polish!

Source: steffels.blogspot.com via Courtney on Pinterest

This is SO COOl. Imagine how fun this would be for kids to eat?!

Source: 9wows.com via Courtney on Pinterest

Uhm. How true is this?! I'm one of those people who get really into shape then really out of shape :/  AND I'm always having to start over! 

Source: sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net via Courtney on Pinterest

Loving this quote. I need to make this cute and put it up in my class!

Source: Uploaded by user via Courtney on Pinterest

I'm also loving all of the new resources that are popping up for common core

Source: mentoringminds.com via Courtney on Pinterest

Blogging is so cool, there are always so many fun and awesome "things" happening in the blog world.

Corinna at Surfin' Through Second AND Amy over at The Crazy Adventures of a University Grad have both tagged me for this fun game of TAG. Here are the rules:

Here Are The rules:

* Post these rules

* Answer the 10 questions that the tagger posted for you

* Create 10 questions of your own to ask the people that you're about to tag

* Tag 10 people and link them with your post (and let them know they've been tagged!)

Here Are The Questions I was Asked (I'm just going to pick one set to answer):

1. What is your favorite sweet treat?

Oh MY, I LOVE sweets so this is tough. BUT I would probably have to say my FAV. is ice cream!! 

2.  What other profession besides teaching did you aspire to?

Hm. Ever since I was little I always imagined I would be a teacher. I did think of getting my masters in counseling...

3.  What talent do you possess that not many people know about?

Not very many people know that I've danced hula for almost my entire life!! I started at the age of 4 and I have also danced professionally in a luau show for 5 years. I've also been hired for weddings, special events and even danced at the Maui Airport on Friday evenings.. (Have you seen me before while on vacay?! haha) 

4.  Who is a celebrity that you would love to meet?

I would LOVE to meet Rachel Bilson. I've always been a fan of hers :)

5.  What inspired you to become a teacher?

WELL. My mom is a teacher and so was her mom :) I wanted to be a teacher though so that I could help others. As I was growing up, especially in high school, I noticed the lack of parenting and neglect that so many children grew up with. Because of that, they grew up not caring about school and/or wanting to learn. I wanted to become a teacher who makes a difference in a child's life and teaches them that they can do whatever they want, despite what others may tell them. I want to let them know that I'm here to support them, love them and care for them...

6.  If you could do a Teacher Exchange program for a year, where would

you want to teach?

HM. I would love to teach in Japan!

7.  What is your favorite pair of school shoes?

My fav. pair of school shoes would have to be any comfortable flats. I would love to be one of those teachers who rock really nice heels and sandals but my feet couldn't handle :(

8.  What are your top 3 favorite places to shop?

Eden in Love, Macy's, and Forever 21

9.  What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you

while teaching?

HM. There have been so many funny things that happened but I'm pulling a blank right now...

Imagine your best student. This was about a girl who was that student. She was well behaved, always followed rules and directions, never got in trouble and was very smart! WELL I usually put on a timer and when the timer goes off all students need to be seated. The students were transitioning from a move around activity. Everyone was seated however somebody left a chair in the middle of the room. I said that somebody needed to put it away, so that girl goes to put it away but the timer goes off. She froze and looked like a deer stuck in headlights. She was so scared she was about to cry! Instead of telling her it was okay, I couldn't help myself and started busting out laughing! 

10.  How/Why did you get into  blogging?

Well I started reading teacher blogs (don't even remember how I got started) and I have learned so many new things and got so many good ideas. I decided to blog so that I can reflect on my teaching and thought it'd be cool to be able to look back on things I've done throughout my career! I am so thankful for blogging because all of the wonderful people in this community help to make me a better teacher each and every day!!

Alright. Here are my questions to you:
1. What is the one thing that you couldn't live without in your class?
2. If you could teach any grade, what would it be and why?
3. What is your absolute favorite food?
4. What does a typical morning breakfast look like for you?
5. Nicest thing that a parent has ever said to you?
6. Most touching moment with/from a student
7. Favorite website besides blogger and pinterest.
8. Best place you've ever traveled to and why?
9. What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends?
10. About how much time, on average, would you say that you spend doing things for school?

AND here are the 10 lucky ones I'm tagging: