Cheap & Easy Mother's Day Gifts

Mother's Day is around the corner.  A day for all you exhausted moms out there to be recognized and honored for all that you do!

In the past, my husband and kids have given me great gifts.  Perfume, flowers, DIAMOND EARRINGS....  Let's just say I've been spoiled.  This year, we are on a major budget so I won't be expecting any big ticket items.  That's why I've put together this list of cheap and easy Mother's Day gifts that would mean so much to me.


*Mommy Journal:
No, I'm not hoping to become the next "Bridget Jones."  I saw this somewhere before (don't remember where).  It's an unlined journal where your kids can write you a note or draw a picture each year.  What a great keepsake to look at each year on Mother's Day or any holiday really.

*Coupon book:
This is an ol' faithful.  I would love a coupon book with chores that the kids (and husband) promise to do.  I would just hope that they put enough coupons in it so that I can cash in the whole year through!
 


*Breakfast in bed:
My husband makes yummy breakfasts.  I would love a tray all decked out with a rose, hot coffee, and all the regular breakfast trimmings like you see in the movies.
 


*Alone time:
This one goes hand in hand with breakfast in bed.  I want them to drop off the breakfast & then leave me to my own devices.  Is that mean?  I love them.  I really, really do.  If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be a mom, so I really should want to spend it with them.  But come on.....I need a day off!


What are some ways that you want to feel appreciated this Mother's Day?

Alexis

Sane Cooking ~ Easy Quinoa Salad

Quinoa (keen-wah) is a healthy grain that everyone is talking about.  I know all of the raves that quinoa gets from the health food side of things.   It's gluten free, cholesterol free, a good source of protein...yadda, yadda, yadda.  I WANT to like it, but does it taste good?

I tried Anti Mom Blog's recipe of cheesy quinoa.  It was delish (even though I used the wrong kind of cheese)!  I wanted ways that I can try to make this grain a part of weekly meals in my house, and still change it up. 


I recently had a get together with the girls, and one of my friends made this YUMMY quinoa salad.  Apparently this little grain can morph into whatever you want!  So, I decided to replicate it and serve it to the Hubs.  He loved it!



Easy Quinoa Salad


Ingredients:
1 c quinoa
1 can black beans
1 small can of corn
1 tomato (chopped)
cilantro
olive oil
salt


Directions:
Prepare the quinoa according to the package directions (mainly boil the quinoa in water for 15 mins.).  Rinse the black beans and corn in water and add to cooked quinoa.  Chop the tomato and add to quinoa.  Add cilantro according to your taste.  Drizzle with olive oil and salt to taste.  Mix & enjoy!




I'm telling you, this is so yummy!  You can add any veggies you want....next time we are going to try red onions, peppers, and fresh avocado.  This salad is a great side dish for, well anything, or you can eat it alone.  I think it's going to be my new go-to lunch for the school year!



How do you like to eat quinoa?


Alexis

Sane Cooking ~ Tortellini Soup

This isn't a recipe really as it is just an idea.


On those days when you are so busy that dinner is not the top of your agenda, here is an idea that is both healthy and EASY!


Tortellini Soup


Ingredients:
1 package (or 2 depending on the size of your family) Buitoni Three Cheese Tortellini
6 c chicken broth
carrots diced
scallions diced
grated parmesan cheese


Directions:
Bring 6 c of chicken broth to a boil.  Add carrots for a few minutes to begin the softening process.  Add the tortellini.  Bring to a simmer.  Cook for about 10 minutes until the tortellini are tender.  Add scallions for last 2-3 minutes.  Serve hot with parmesan cheese for flavor.


You can add anything to this soup.  Some ideas are leftover chicken breast strips, celery, onions, kale, spinach.  The possibilities are ENDLESS!!




Check out more Sane Cooking ideas. 



Alexis

Sane Cooking ~ Parmesan Crusted Turkey With Sweet Potato Fries

There is no hiding the fact that I LOVE Skinnytaste.   As I've mentioned before, Gina makes yummy and healthy recipes that I ALWAYS recommend!! 


This past week, I prepared a delicious meal for my mom and kids.  It was so easy that I will DEFINITELY be making it again!!

Dinner is served!!

Turkey Cutlets with Parmesan Bread-Crumb Crust 

• 8 (4 oz) turkey breast cutlets
• 4 egg whites, beat
• 3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
• salt and fresh pepper
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tsp olive oil
• lemon wedges for serving

Heat oven to 250°.

Season cutlets with salt and pepper. Combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese in a medium bowl. In another bowl beat egg whites. Dip turkey cutlets in egg whites, then breadcrumb mixture, shaking off excess.

Heat a large nonstick frying pan on medium heat. Add half of the butter and olive oil. When butter melts, add 4 cutlets and cook a few minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside on a baking sheet and keep warm in oven. Add remaining butter and oil to frying pan. Cook remaining cutlets. Serve with lemon wedges.



Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, washed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• paprika to taste
• salt and fresh pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425°.

Slice each potato into 1/2 inch thick strips. Toss with oil, salt, pepper and paprika. Place on a non-stick baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

Turn potatoes and bake until bottom is browned, about 10-15 minutes more. Serve immediately.


You REALLY need to try these two recipes...so easy and yummy!  The fact that they are healthy are just an added bonus!


Don't forget to visit Skinnytaste for more yummy and healthy meals.


Click for more Sane Cooking ideas.


Alexis

Staying Sane as a Room Parent

As a teacher, I have learned along the way that the more organized I am in the classroom, the more organized my room mom will be.  This will in turn make our classroom activities more successful.


Now that I am a parent volunteer in my boys' classrooms, I am trying to have the same approach to organization.  My job is to help make the teacher's job easier.  Luckily there are MANY other moms who have volunteered, so I am not flying solo on this one.  


Making a chart is the best way to stay organized and keep each activity and the volunteers in order.  

Here is an example of a chart that can help to quickly see the materials and volunteers needed for each activity.  The names of the volunteers can easily be written in so the teacher will know right away who to expect for each day.


What ideas to you have for being an organized room parent?


Alexis