I don’t know whether it was because I watched Leap Year (2010) on Netflix or because St. Patrick’s Day has come and gone but my travel bug still gnawing on me to FINALLY get around to planning my trip to Ireland; but whatever the case, I got my butt in gear.
I discovered a really great app, called Visit A City when my bestie and I plan our girls trips we use a fantastic app called, Visit A City. The app has a TON of great destinations and features pre-made itineraries, travel tips, detailed maps and lots of background information about your destination and all the tourist attractions including the prices of admissions for them. It also allows you to customize the itineraries and create your own. It really allows you to maximize your time at your destination. When we were in San Francisco it came in handy to be able to use the app offline and still access the plans we saved. I would highly recommend it to anyone planning a trip!
I wanted to jam pack as much as I could into the week I allotted for my trip however I wanted to actually ENJOY my time there… I didn’t want it to a be a blur or only spend short amounts of time at my bucket-list attractions or simply “drive by them.” I have been on holidays like that in my twenties and I always wished I had spent more time and I always felt super exhausted. But I thought the pace and timings offered on the itineraries on Visit A City met my needs. My itinerary will seem very nerdy to some…but I LOVE it!
Day 1 -Cliffs of Moher
Day 2 -Trinitiy College -Ha’Penny Bridge -Temple Bar -Dublin Castle -Chester Beatty Library -St. Patrick’s Cathedral -Marhss Library -Whitefriar Street Church
Day 3 -Kilmainham Gaol -Irish Museum of Modern Art -Guinness Storehouse -Museum of Decorative Arts & History -St. Michans Church -The Old Jameson Distillery
Day 4 -Wild Wicklow and Glendalough Tour
Day 5 -The Book of Kells & Old Library -Old Parliament House -Grafton Street -St. Teresa’s Church -Little Museum of Dublin -St. Stephen’s Green -Newman House
Day 6 -National Gallery of Ireland -National Houses of Parliament -National Library of Ireland -National Museum of Archaeology -National Museum of Natural History -Number 29 (Georgian House Museum) Day 7 -Cork and Blarney Castle Rail Trip
I was given this recipe by a coworker; talk about an easy, hearty meal to make during a hectic work week but it also freezes very well. Instead of ground beef we prefer to used ground moose meat; but I’m looking forward to trying this recipes with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
Ingredients 1 lb of Ground Beef 1 package of Chilli Seasoning 1/2 cup of Water 1 (15 oz) can of Cannellini Beans (rinsed & drained) 1 (15 oz) can of Black Beans (rinsed & drained) 2 (14.5 oz) cans of Crushed Tomatoes 1 (4 oz) can of Green Chillies 2 cups of Rice (cooked) 1.5 cup of Cracker Barrel Marble Cheese
Directions 1. Spray a 9 X 13 casserole dish with cooking spray. In a large skillet scramble fry the meat, add water and chilli seasoning and mix well. Stir in both types of beans, the tomatoes and green chillies. Cook for 5 minutes.
2. Spread the rice into the bottom of the casserole dish then pour the beef and bean mixture over top and sprinkle with cheese. Cover with foil.
3. Bake at 375F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes.
Tip: If you want to freeze this recipe, use a disposable pan instead. Remember to wrap it first with plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When heating remove the plastic wrap.
In need of some inspiration for this week’s contribution to the blog, I started off the morning with a cup of coffee and my computer. There are some amazing blogs out there from women of all walks of life about a variety of topics near and dear to their hearts. I read blogs about Catherine Middleton, recipes, clothing, teaching/education, hunting, fishing, gardening and of course blogging and owning your own business. I came across The Uncaged Life a few months ago. In her own blogpost, The Reverse Bucket List, Becca Tracey reminds us that although it is important to think about the future (where and how we get there) it is very important to reflect on what we have already achieved and how those experiences (both positive and negative) have shaped who we are today. In fact it is vital to never discount our past and to be grateful for it. At the end, Ms. Tracey challenged her readers to “create [their] own list of 50 accomplishments; [reminding us] that nothing is insignificant,” (2017). The author says that this is a great way to, “[c]elebrate your past, and get ready to rock your world when you see just how awesome you already ARE,” (2017). I figured that I would share mine with you all. Please note that these milestones are in no particular order or occurrence or importance.
1. Have the opportunity to shape the lives of young people each and everyday 2. Learned to fly 3. Had a poem published 4. Read the complete works of Jane Austen and Agatha Christie 5. Sturgeon fishing in the Fraser River 6. Worked in a Sickbay with members of the Canadian Armed Forces 7. Won scholarship money 8. Was a Master of Ceremonies for a large event 9. Experienced great food and art in France and Italy 10. Found solutions to body image issues 11. Lived on a floor with 30+ people from all walks of life in university 12. Learned to speak a second language 13. Cared for sick family members 14. Took a gamble 15. Paid off my line of credit in 8 months 16. Took a cruise with my mother 17. Learned how to hunt (and butcher my own food) 18. Took time to travel around United Kingdom to connect with my roots 19. Traded my city lifestyle in for life in the country 20. Had a piece of artwork in a gallery 21. Got my driver’s license after great trepidation and procrastination 22. Read an old journal I kept 23. Writing for a blog 24. Played clarinet in a marching band 25. Completed my Masters degree in education 26. Experienced total and utter grief 27. Survived a hostile work environment 28. Became an aunt 29. Camping trips with my dad when I was young 30. Own my own home 31. Visited the Vatican 32. Fly-in fishing trips in Northern Alberta 33. Reconnected with estranged family members 34. Rode a motorcycle 35. Put myself out there and tried online dating 36. Joined sea cadets 37. Learned how to say ‘NO’ without guilt 38. Maintenance of important friendships 39. Survived being bullied throughout elementary school 40. Got married 41. Became a blood donor 42. Enjoy good health 43. Moved to a different province 44. Deemed most changed in high school 45. Become honest with myself 46. Marvelled at glaciers in Alaska 47. Salmon fishing in the Pacific Ocean 48. Got through university without any debt/student loans 49. Tried acupuncture 50. Have my own business
I was gifted an awesome journal for Christmas this year; Picadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts. I thought it would be fun to spend a few moments each Wednesday working through this journal and then sharing them with you.
I enjoy spending a quiet night in watching our all time favourite movies especially after a crazy work week. These are my top three all time favourite movies!
Emma (1996) In this movie, set in early 19th century England we meet the smart, witty and very pretty, Miss. Emma Woodhouse. Emma spends her time running the Woodhouse household, caring for her father, arguing with Mr. Knightley and matchmaking. She embarks on a mission to find her friend, Harriet Smith a suitable and respectable husband. Despite making a successful match early on in the movie; Emma realizes that her talents as a matchmaker are questionable after a series of disastrous matches and unrequited love. She has to give it up in order to find her own happily ever after. This is by far the best book to motion picture adaptation I have ever seen. Having first read this particular Jane Austen novel in grade five and falling in love with it and her books in general; I knew I had to watch the movie! And I did, every Sunday morning for years; and I haven’t gotten sick of it yet. This classic novel (and movie) is what Clueless (1995) is based on.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) Holly Golightly, played by Audrey Hepburn is a beautiful young woman living in New York working as a high class escort. Holly meets the handsome novelist Paul Varjack played by George Peppard; the boytoy of a wealthy married woman. They form an unlikely friendship while navigating their trials and tribulations in the big city. No better word describes this movie, than ICONIC; from Hepburn’s endearing portrayal of Holly and the class and glamourous nature of New York City. The image of Hepburn standing in her stunning black dress eating her danish in front of Tiffany’s is ingrained in my mind and probably will be forever. The movie doesn’t just rest on Hepburn’s beauty or talent as an actress or singer; the storytelling is impeccable. Everyone (including me) loves a good story. If you are interested, I recommend reading Truman Capote’s novel as well.
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977) Considering my previous two choices (romantic comedies), this may seem like a strange choice. In this movie, Darth Vader holds Princess Leia hostage as a way to prevent the Rebel Alliance from rising up against the Empire. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo as well as the trusty droids (C-3PO and R2D2) and full complement of additional lovable characters have to launch a mission not only to rescue Leia but to help further the cause of the Alliance; to restore order and safety in the galaxy as a whole. This was the first Star Wars movie I saw and it set me up for a life-long obsession with the franchise; however I must say I am NOT a fan of Episodes 1-3; but love all the other ones (both from the original trilogy and the latest additions). Normally, I don’t like this genre of film but this movie really changed my mind.
My husband and I had the pleasure of dining at Sabor in Edmonton this time two years ago…and it was AMAZING, in all aspects: from the beautiful interior of the venue itself to the food & drinks and the service. Sabor is an upscale but in no way pretentious eatery offering Portuguese and Spanish cuisine, wine as well as live music. Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE food and trying new dishes, cuisines and restaurants, so I was more than a little excited when I found out we were going to Sabor.
My best friend is getting married next month; with restrictions in place we couldn’t have a traditional bachelorette party; so I decided to take her to Sabor now that it is open for dine-in once again 🙂
Food Memories: What my hubby and I ate/sampled… -Fresh oysters from the incredible raw bar selection -Meat and Cheese Board-Pan Seared Scallops -Grilled Piri Piri Prawns -Oven Roasted Whole Mediterranean Sea Bass -Lobster Risotto -Beef Tenderloin with Over Roasted Vegetables -Roasted Chicken -Cheesecake -Tiramisu -Chocolate Cayenne Mousse
*I should mention that the food for the wedding was served family style when my husband and I went. Oh life before the pandemic!!
What I am looking forward to eating… -White Sturgeon Caviar from the raw bar -Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail -Grilled Calamari -Avocado & Cucumber Bruschetta -Chicken, Smoked Duck & Port Pate -Lobster Bisque -Beets with Italian burrata, truffle oil and balsamic -Octopus & Mussel Salad -Seafood Paella -Three Boars which includes grilled Iberian black pork, roasted pork belly, braised pork cheeks and boar black bean feijoada
*Obviously not all in one sitting haha… We will have to keep going back!
I was gifted an awesome journal for Christmas this year; Picadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts. I thought it would be fun to spend a few moments each Wednesday working through this journal and then sharing them with you.
Let me preface this blog post with the following statement: I love my job and I wouldn’t trade it for the world; however there is a fair amount of humor involved in the day to day life of a teacher. The internet abounds with funny quotes and memes about teachers. I have a ton of coffee mugs and clothes with funny teacher quotes; my latest acquisition is a shirt that says: “Teacher?!? I prefer ‘Educational Rockstar’” And every Educational Rockstar should have a well stocked arsenal (desk drawer) of things to get them through the day.
Funky Coloured Pens or Red Pens To edit, correct and write copious amounts of both summative and formative feedback, that we desperately hope gets read, taken into account and incorporated. But remember, the cooler the colours the more likely they are to get swiped by those sweet, angelic students or other teachers, because you leave them lying around while trying to put out fires all day, standing in line at the photocopier or on a student’s desk when you go over to help them. Sometimes you even stick them behind your ear or in your bun and forget about them, giving your students many laughs as you fumble around looking for them…much like your glasses!
Extra Pencils/Pens/Erasers Borrowed from the supply cupboard in the staffroom, from your own personal collection or the lost and found. This is a must! In addition to being a teacher you are also a Staples store; there to supply your students with all the things that were listed as mandatory for them to bring to class each day. You know you enable your students to be forgetful by covering for them, but it is waaay better than having them sit in their desks doing nothing. Idle hands do the devil’s work after all.
Calculator A calculator that you probably got free at a convention or professional development day; one that you have clearly written your name and room number on so that it doesn’t go missing. It is also one of the things in your desk that when you lend it out to a student, you make them give you their shoe to ensure its prompt return. This is a must, because you are the humanities teacher and not very good at math. Heaven forbid you make a mistake adding up their test mark; you’ll be hearing about it for days….and days…and days…
Hand Sanitizer/Hand Lotion They are cute but they are germy. It is so much more work to book a substitute than to take preventative measures; you lathering on the hand sanitizer each and every time you collect homework, high five, find yourself on the receiving end of a hug or picking up balled-up Kleenex left on desks or on the floor. Speaking of which you have to run down to the office at break and get another box because they have depleted yours. Of course all that sanitizing and handling paper all day dries out your hands so you slather on hand lotion (non-perfumed of course) so that they don’t crack. Let’s face it during flu season all you really want to wear is a Hazmat suit.
Assorted Medicines (Tylenol & Pepto Bismol) This you keep in the locked drawer of your desk. Thirty-four students doing group work is louder than a Metallica concert; even when the kids are on task. You probably were already sick or already had a headache but you can’t take a sick day because you have to get through the curriculum and the kids need you. You pop a couple Tylenol with your coffee and power through. Teaching is stressful; the thought of staff meetings, parent-teacher interviews, staying on top of marking, making sure your grading program is calculating properly, doing report cards, volunteering for upteen different extracurricular activities, making phone calls, sending emails, supervising the hallways at lunch, getting together missed work for a student who is going on vacation for two weeks at the last minute, planning the next field trip, planning lessons, getting everything you need prepared for the next day on top of trying to figure out what to make your family for dinner…well let’s just say it can cause you a little bit of indigestion. But don’t worry you have that tasty pink liquid in your desk to take the edge off.
Cough Candies/Chloraseptic Spray Your voice is your instrument; without it you are useless, without it you are powerless. You need it not only to lecture about the latest unit but you need it to simply have conversations with your students to build relationships. When it feels like you have razor blades in your throat or that nagging cough is interfering with your lesson, you reach for your Halls or your Fisherman’s Friend and keep on talking.
Gum/Toothbrush & Toothpaste You will inevitably hear from your students that your breath smells, whether it is from your disgusting tasting Fisherman’s Friend, your coffee or your lunch. Aren’t they sweet? We teach them from a young age to be honest, man did that backfire on us!!! If you are lucky enough to have time at lunch (insert laughter here) or have a prep block that doesn’t consist of you madly trying to cross things of your to-do list; you may actually be able to brush your teeth.
Snacks They probably have to be gluten-free, nut-free and healthy of course; although you sneak a little bit of candy and chocolate in there too. These snacks are not only for you, since you rarely get a lunch and you don’t want the kids to hear your stomach growl during silent reading time but also as bribes for the kids to partake in whatever activity you have planned for the lesson or prizes for random acts of kindness. But you also have snacks in your desk because you know that little Jimmy or little Sally in the back-row, didn’t have breakfast and the thought of that child going hungry all day breaks your heart.
Deodorant You’ve been running around like a chicken with its head cut off all day, your FitBit is telling you that you have really put on the miles and burnt a million calories; you are sweaty! You can’t smell like a junior high kid fresh out of gym so between classes you quickly apply more.
Random Things This is the collection of confiscated items that you still have to return. The things kids bring to school nowadays…
It has been a WHILE since I did a “Current Addictions” feature; and there is a lot to get caught up on; so I have broken with my traditional format (I’ll return to it next month).
1. Through Thick & Thin Necklace Set from Bryan Anthonys This set is stunning. It is simple yet beautiful. It captures the essence of friendship; being there for the other person through all of life’s highs and low. This set comes in 14K gold or silver and retails for $60 USD. The jewellery from this shop is designed and crafted in the USA. Check them out on Instagram.
2. The Happiness Planner This planner caught my eye when I was perusing the agendas/notebooks in Chapters with my bestie. I had just finished telling her about the daily three list I was doing about gratitude following a professional development session. This planner is “designed to help you not only plan and manage your schedules & to-do lists, but also live a truly happy and fulfilled life by embracing the power of positive thinking, mindfulness, gratitude, and self-development.”
3. Love and Lore Jewellery Travel Roll I was supposed to head off to Texas in January for a trade show with my husband; but it was cancelled due to the pandemic. I found this super cute and feminine travel roll for my jewelry. The last girl’s trip to San Fran that I went on with my bestie I found that I definitely needed one. This roll is made of “ soft velvet [with a] beautiful floral print and rolls up easily into a compact carrying case. [And] features five zippered compartments of various sizes for bracelets, necklaces, rings, hair ties and more [with] a leather strip [to] secure earrings.”
4. Pampa Steakhouse On on adventure into Edmonton; I noticed a new location of Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse. After hearing rave reviews from family and friends about the downtown location; I am eager to try the food at this new location (which is MUCH closer to home). The 17th century tradition of tradition of Brazilian BBQ (or churrasco) features “succulent grilled meats and feijoada.” Pampa offers everything from brunch to cocktails.
5. Muskot Plant Pot & Fejka Potted Plant I found this adorable set at Ikea on the weekend. I picked it up to add a little bit of pep/life to my desk at work; it also doubles well as pen holder and I don’t have to worry about watering it over midterm, Christmas or spring breaks.
6.Teacher Tote Bag from Groove Bags You don’t have to be a teacher to find something great from Groove Bags. They have a WIDE range of products from bedding sets and blankets to pillows and leggings and more. These come in an equally WIDE variety of patterns and colours. I have my eye on this tote because it’s not only perfect for ferrying marking back and forth from school to home, but it is also a great bag to take on field trips. It is water resistant, has durable, long lasting carrying straps and multiple interior compartments (for pens, keys, flash drives; you know all the teacher essentials). Size: 16” L, 5” W 10” H. Bonus: You can also buy comfortable teacher shoes to match!
7. Rustic Jewellery Rack There are a plethora of talented local vendors in Alberta that would be able to custom make this pretty piece for me. However, making it myself following the steps outlined on the Visibly Moved blog will prove to be a fun project on a girl’s weekend.
8.Nike Akamai Golf Shoes I am really new to the golf scene. I go a few times during the summer with my husband to a beautiful local course. I got a set of clubs from a co-worker last year and a few more golf accoutrements last Christmas. The only thing missing are a pair of proper golf shoes; that and some semblance of golf skills, but I digress. Apart from being lightweight and durable these shoes are a perfect hue of funky.
9. Flower Puzzles These Smithsonian Seed Catalogue puzzles are made by Sure-Lox and you can purchase them at Wal-Mart. I already have one of these puzzles and I am keen to get the rest of the collection. I have begun to enjoy doing them at the kitchen table in the evenings. I plan on framing the completed puzzles and hanging them up around our house; they are also a great gift idea for friends who like to garden.
10.Disrupting Thinking: Why How We Read Matters by Kylene Beers and Robert E. Probst As a senior high school English teacher, I sometimes hear in the hallway that, “reading is boring.” This really takes me aback because I LOVE reading; I have been an avid reader all my life. I have heard great things about this book and the authors themselves. I look forward to finding out why the disengagement with reading is occurring and what I can do to approach reading in a new/different way with the students in my classroom.
I was gifted an awesome journal for Christmas this year; Picadilly’s 200 Writing Prompts. I thought it would be fun to spend a few moments each Wednesday working through this journal and then sharing them with you.
