The Perfect Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Do not wait another minute to make this recipe!  If you need something easy, fast, delicious, and gluten free & dairy free this recipe is so perfect for you!

This recipe is so sweet, juicy, and flavorful and only uses a handful of ingredients.  You can use the teriyaki chicken for the whole week by pairing it with different sides: steamed rice, brown rice, fried rice, chicken teriyaki sliders, asian salad, quinoa, and the list goes on!

But enough talking, here is the easy & quick recipe to try now!

Recipe:
For the slow cooker-
-3-4 chicken breasts
-1/2 cup chopped white onion
-1/2 cup honey
-1/2 cup soy sauce (gluten free soy sauce found at Aldi)
-1 tsp ginger
-1 tsp garlic

 For the Sauce:
-1/4 cup soy sauce
-1/2 cup cold water
-3 Tbsp. cornstarch

Putting It All Together:

1.  In a bowl mix together the garlic, onion, ginger, and soy sauce.
2.  Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker.  Then pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken.
3.  Turn the slow cooker on high for 4 1/2 to 5 hours.  The chicken should be cooked through and shred very easily with a fork.
4.  Remove the chicken after 4-5 hours and place on a plate.  Finish shredding.

Now, for the sauce:

1.  You CAN use some of the sauce from the crock pot.  I scooped out about 1/4 of a cup of the leftover mixture into a bowl to use for the new sauce.
2.  Combine 1/4 cup of fresh soy sauce in bowl with 1/4 cup from the crock pot.  Mix together.
3.  Mix together the cold water and 3 Tbsp. of cornstarch until the cornstarch is dissolved.
4.  Pour mixture into a saucepan.  Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.  Let it boil for about 1-2 minutes.  It will thicken quickly.
5.  Once it has thickened, removed from heat and pour the sauce on top of the chicken.  Toss to cover and combine.

This recipe is SO delicious and easy to make.  I had most of the ingredients on hand and am planning on making it again this week. The only ingredient I needed to buy again fresh was the chicken!  It keeps very well but it won't be around for long because of how delicious it is!  I forgot to snap some pictures the last time but will make sure to do so next time! Enjoy this yummy dish :) 

Teacher Survival 101--Emergency Kit

While this is only my third year of teaching, it didn't take but only a few days during my first year of teaching, actually make that my first year of student teaching, to realize I will need a few extra items in my purse to get me through each day.  As I threw a few more items in my bag each week, I realized it was getting a little out of control with the mini pharmacy I was beginning to store in there and the added weight was making me pack even more meds into the bag for aches and pains.

I had seen emergency kits on Pinterest before, and am the master at packing lists and toiletry kits, so I knew exactly what I needed to do for my classroom.

First, I decided to pack absolutely everything I may eventually, someday, maybe need.  If I were to actually do this, I would need a whole filing cabinet full of things to ease aches, pains, hunger, and so on.  After I begrudgingly eased up on my Type-A-must-have-everything-perfectly-just-so I narrowed it down to just the essentials of things that I would need on any given day for any given {most likely} emergency.  And I came up with this...

Emergency Kit
1.  Cute plastic box with lid {I got mine at Target a year or two ago}
2.  Airborne
3.  Tea
4.  Tylenol/Advil
5.  Pepto Bismol
6.  Sudafed
7.  Bandaids
8.  Makeup {cover up}
9.  Deodorant
10. Shout wipes
11. Sewing kit
12. Summer's eve wipe

In the Zipper Bag
1.  Toothbrush
2.  Toothpaste
3.  Floss

It makes my life as a teacher just a tiny bit easier....and when it comes to teaching, I'll take what I can get to make my life easier.  I hope this gave you some ideas for your classroom or even a smaller one {in a cosmetic bag} for your purse!

Meatball Casserole

In my attempt to be more creative in the kitchen and cook bigger quantities, I've taken some recipes I've found and had to tweak them to becomes my own creation.  It's been pretty fun but there is always that moment of "oh, this is going to be a disaster" just before it turns into something perfectly delicious.


This latest one I found was basically lasagna that used penne pasta, but my hubby can't have gluten OR dairy so those types of recipes are tricky. 


I went to work getting the appropriate substitutes and came up with...

Meatball Casserole!

The recipe includes:

-2lbs of ground beef
-1 onion
-2 boxes of Barilla Gluten Free pasta
-1 jar (although I would maybe add 1 1/2 jars next time) of Prego Traditional pasta sauce
-1 zucchini
-1 squash
-baby spinach
-Salt, Oregano, Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1.  Cook ground beef in a skillet with the onions. Cook until thoroughly brown then cover.

2.  Cook pasta completely as directed on the box.

3.  Cut up and cook squash and zucchini on stove.

4.  Grease a 9x13 baking dish (I actually ended up needing both a 9x13 and an 8x8).

5.  Add pasta, meat, squash, zucchini, and as much spinach (uncooked) as you would like. 

6.  Add salt, oregano, and pepper.

7.  Pour sauce over and gently mix together in baking dish.

8.  Cook at 350 degrees for about 20-30 minutes until sauce is bubbling. 

Making sure every piece of meat is fully cooked!

Such a big batch that I needed two baking dishes!  This is why I wish I had more sauce.

Before it went in the oven.

After cooking in the oven.

This recipes keeps really well and although I didn't freeze it, I'm sure it freezes well, too!  Enjoy this delicious recipe!  I made it about 2 weeks ago and am going to try it again this week..it was that good!



What in the World is Bullet Journaling?

...And why have I never heard of it before?

Apparently bullet journaling is not a new thing.  I recently discovered it by following a random person on Instagram, and I was in for a pleasant surprise!  I remember exchanging decorated notes with a friend from high school in between classes and that is what I instantly thought of when learning of bullet journaling.  Well, those notes and our cute, organized high school planners because that was the last time I really kept a detailed planner of events, homework, tasks, etc.

Typically I buy a new calendar planner in January and then again in August {when I go back to teaching} and they each last about 3-4 weeks.  I am an extremely organized person.  I make lists. I like making lists. I keep important events, appointments, and reminders in my calendar.  I have tried finding a planner that I like to consistently keep up with, but nothing is worth the weight {the ones I like seem to weigh 10 pounds} to tote around in my purse daily.

I had been looking through Instagram posts about bullet journaling for a few weeks now and have been interested in this hobby and way of organizing.  A couple days ago, I was ready to try it out!  It has only been a few days and with Spring Break coming up, I don't have a lot to jot down in my journal/keep track of for the next week or so, but it has been fun creating new layouts, trying new handwriting, and getting ideas.

In this post I'll share the supplies I've used and some tips on how to start bullet journaling.

You will need a little free time, as organizing and setting up your journal is a creative outlet as well as a way to organize.  It's not something to rush through.  I have been using it as a stress relief outlet lately.

 

Supplies that I first started with:

-Eccolo Graph Journal
-10 Pack of Staedtler Pens
-Ruler
 

Supplies that I gave in and bought a few days later:

-20 Pack of Staedtler Pens
-20 Pack of Crayola Markers
-Pencil bag pouch

Snagged this pencil bag pouch at Target for $2.50!  Last one there and didn't have a tag so they gave it for me at a super discount!  I think I saw it there a few months ago for at least $12.00.

With my pencil bag find, I decided to splurge on the 20 pack of fancy pens.  Any brand, any kind will do.  I had a 10 pack since MIDDLE SCHOOL.  These babies will last forever. 

This journal was $5.99 at Office Max.  I also got a small ruler for .99 cents there. 

 Bullet Journaling Realizations:

1.  I can come and go as I please.  If I skip a week, it's ok.
2.  There are no mistakes.  I started a few weeks before I found out about an index and other layouts I liked.  That's ok.  I just started a few pages later.
3.  It will be a fun progression to look back on over the weeks/months/year to see how my handwriting and layouts have improved or changed.
4.  It has given me a new creative outlet!  I feel like I never get to do artsy things anymore and this is perfect.
5.  It's keeping my mind active.
6. I've started {read: bought} so many planners and always end up using them for a month or less.  This helps me stay organized exactly how I like to stay organized.
7.  I can add a journal entry throughout my calendar layouts, scrapbook a certain memory, or cutely scribble down some notes from a meeting all in my bullet journal.  It has so many uses and there is room for everything!
8.  You can track different things such as workouts, water/food intake, weather, budgeting, etc.  So helpful!

There are so many more things I love about bullet journaling but I figured I would just share some {beginning} pictures for you!  I'm getting better with each page :)

First BuJo entry, ever.  Notice that I didn't even do a key first!  Oops.  Newbie ;-)

Here's my key!

Found a layout similar on Pinterest and made it my own.  And added a Bible Verse quote at the bottom.  Thinking about adding some color. 

Started an Index {that I need to fill in a bit...} This will help keep track of what is where.  I've started to label my page numbers, too.

Hopefully this answers questions, inspires you, and gets you excited about what Bullet Journaling is all about!

 

     

California Dreaming

This past spring break my husband and I went back to one of my favorite places ever...California!  He had never been before, and that is where I have spent the majority of my life (still the majority, Texas hasn't won over yet!) growing up.  We spent 7 whole days exploring San Diego, Orange County, and one last day in The City of Angels. 


I just wanted to share a virtual scrapbook of the trip and share some of the awesome things we were able to do...there was not enough time in our seven days to squeeze in everything and we have come up with long lists for many more trips back!


We flew in on a Sunday so I could have a day off from school to finish packing, a day to sleep in, and just to catch my breath.  This was SO smart.  It made our travel day much easier.  We got up pretty early Sunday morning to head to DFW airport, but all in all our flight was quick and easy.  Once we landed to hop on a bus {this part was long and painful} to the Budget rental car center and wait in long lines to finally receive our car.  Now, we booked our car about 7 months ago so we definitely had a reservation.  We figured we would get a plain, four door economy car.  That is typically what a rental car is.  For $20 a day, and just something to get you from point A to point B, that's all you need.  But as we are making our way down the aisles of cars we finally stop at....

THIS!

(Sorry for the bad picture quality, we never did get a picture hugging/kissing the car goodbye)

Our super cheap rental car ended up being a 2016 brand spanking new Mustang sports car.  So far our vacation was off to a good start!

We found a gluten free approved place to grab some lunch then headed to the 405 (to the 5, wink wink--if you've never seen the Californians from SNL, YouTube it now!) to drive down to San Diego.  My hubby got to drive the 'Stang while I took in the sights I had missed SO much the past three years.  I've missed the palm trees, the water, the air.  Everything.

Once we got to San Diego, we had a relaxing night after the long day of travel.  We ventured out for dinner at In n Out (which yes, I know this is in other states now, but it just tastes better in California) and a dip in the Jacuzzi at our hotel. 

The next morning we hit the beach!  It was a bit overcast, windy, and even drizzly at certain points during the day, but still a perfect beach day in my book.  The weather made for some big waves so we went out on a pier on Pacific Beach in San Diego and watched them for a while.  The ocean is so calming.

We really need to invest in a selfie stick

We walked the entirety of Pacific Beach all the way down to Mission beach and back up stopping at the Ale House for lunch.  Such. Good. Food. by the sea.  Quite exhausted from our morning walk we went back to the hotel and relaxed for a while.  We got to meet up with one of my friends who I've known since Kindergarten!  We've been in Daisy's together, played soccer together, were pen pals when I moved away for a few years, and were in all of the same classes through the awkward middle school years.  After we had enough of a nap in the hotel, we headed to Sea Port Village to meet up with my friend and her boyfriend.  We ended up eating at Sea Port Village at this restaurant called Puesto.  If you're ever in the San Diego area, go there!  It is famous for it's tacos and it did not disappoint!

After dinner we walked around some more and headed home, exhausted.  We got up the next morning to head back to Irvine, where I grew up.  This is where we spent the majority of the trip {my favorite place}!  In Irvine we visited my old house, my hubby saw where I went to high school, we ate at one of my favorite high school restaurants {La Sirena Grill}, and went to Corona Del Mar {not the prettiest beach but the one I frequented most growing up}.  And of course, Irvine is only about a 10-15 minute drive from Disneyland so we had to stop in once or twice!  My dad got us two-day park hopper tickets through his work so we could choose any two days we wanted to go.  It was such a nice treat!





Hubbs at CDM! He braved the 50 degree water temps to body surf.  We also saw dolphins!!  I had never seen them that close to the shore before.

My beloved first job, Golden Spoon frozen yogurt was replaced by an Asian Bistro :(

My lovely home I grew up in from middle school through high school!

One of our two delicious sushi dinners :)

One of the biggest highlights of the trip for me was getting to go back to Disney.  I know Disney like the back of my hand...where to go first, the best places to eat, what lines to get in first, all the shortcuts, etc. etc.  I was even lucky enough to spend a night with my parents and two friends in the Disney Dream Suite INSIDE the park overnight and walk around the park at 2AM in our bathrobes back in high school!  To say I love Disney is an understatement.  We only snapped a few pictures while at Disney, but it was SO fun! 

Alice in Wonderland, a family favorite :)

I've never been good at Astro Blasters!  My aim is horrible.

Love this ride even though I'm still terrified when peering over the edge!

Cinderella's Castle with my Prince

We ended our trip by driving into LA (our first time hitting some true Los Angeles traffic) and checking into a fancy hotel.  We were so tired that we didn't really hit any of our LA sights to see on our list.  That's okay though, we have made plans to take a few more CA trips in our future!  We were however, randomly selected as VIP guests and presented with a red carpet in our room and free appetizers!  It was pretty funny, but made ordering room service in for the night just that much cooler.

This trip meant so much to me that I could share some of my favorite parts of California with my hubby!  I'm excited to go back soon and visit again :) Enjoy the pictures!



Broccoli Beef Bowls

My husband and I have found a new favorite date night restaurant!  It is still pretty cheap, there is one about 5 minutes from our house, and it is absolutely delicious!  Although it isn't new by any means, we have recently discovered Genghis Grill.  Although for dining out Genghis Grill is not too expensive, for how often we would like to go it can get a little pricy.  I thought that we could recreate some of the deliciousness at home.  So far so good and I can't wait to try more variations!

What you'll need for broccoli beef bowls:
-Beef
-Chicken
-Broccoli
-Carrots
-Rice
-Garlic salt
-Pepper
-Soy Sauce

These are the basic ingredients. Basically anything else you would like to add, you can!  At Genghis Grill they even have mandarin oranges to put in the bowl, which I think is strange, but my husband gets them every time!

Some additional ingredients you may want to try:
-Spinach
-Green Peppers
-Other Vegetables
-Noodles, Brown Rice, Quinoa
-Bacon
-Other spices

At Genghis Grill they cook everything at once (meat and veggies).  I've found it easier to cook it separately, but I'm sure that takes away from some of the flavors mixing together.  Whatever is easier for you, or you are more comfortable with, go ahead and do that!

Directions:
1.  Cook the beef in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil.  Cook until no longer pink in the middle.  Drain the olive oil, add spices and return to low heat for 2-3 minutes.  Remove from heat.

2.  Wipe out pan or use a separate skillet and add another tablespoon of olive oil.
3.  Add vegetables to pan, add spices, and saute until tender. 
4.  In separate pan, cook rice.
5.  When finished, combine all ingredients (including any sauces, such as soy sauce) into one bowl and enjoy!

This sounds like a lot of moving parts, but is actually really quick and easy!  Plus, if you make this in large quantities it lasts quite a while!  

Enjoy your Genghis Grill look alike meal!

Caffeine Free{dom}

The past few months I have known I've needed to make a change.  I hardly had any energy, was having 5 migraines a week with only a few days of relief before the next one struck, frequent stomachaches, fatigue, moodiness, and many more symptoms that I'm still dealing with!  Slowly but surely things are improving and I'm working with a few doctors, started working out, and I'm cleaning up my diet.

One of the biggest and hardest changes I made was 100% cutting out caffeine.  I didn't feel I was dependent on caffeine but it turns out my body was craving it.  I would have Starbucks most days (either homemade or buying it; I'm saving money either way now) and also drink a can of Dr. Pepper most days!  I tried cutting down and was successful but would always go back to drinking one or two caffeinated drinks per day.  While drinking all of this caffeine I was taking a good amount of Advil and I was creating my own Excedrin Migraine {ibuprofen + caffeine}.  Because of the caffeine, your body can get dependent on the positive effects and cause rebound headaches/migraines.  This is what was happening to me and I didn't even realize it!

Images Courtesy of Google

So, on December 7th, I decided to not give in to the caffeine headache and officially went caffeine free and have not looked back!  December 7th, 8th, and 9th were excruciatingly painful and I was still feeling detoxing effects for the next few weeks, but it has been incredibly rewarding.  I can wake up {fairly} easily and can get through the day on my own. I don't rely on needing to stop at Starbucks when I'm out and about or worrying about having enough Dr. Pepper in the fridge during the week before the next grocery run!  Talk about saving money, too...that added $5 to every grocery run, every morning before school, or just being out and about on the weekend!

I was disappointed the first couple of weeks because my migraines weren't getting much better.  I was doing research online and found various results suggesting that caffeine can take as little as 1-2 weeks to leave your system and as long as up to a year {ain't nobody got time for that!  So with that news, I continued to stick with it, eat healthy {I hardly eat any chocolate as that has trace amounts of caffeine}, and continue walking for exercise especially when I did not have a migraine.

Images Courtesy of Google

Now that I am 84 days caffeine free (Hallelujah!) I can say that I am feeling some positive effects.  I still get migraines, but am working with a neurologist and endocrinologist (well, I am seeing an endocrinologist this week actually) to get the migraines even more in control.  The biggest changes I can see migraine wise are the lessening fear I have attached to the migraines.  If I don't have a Dr. Pepper available, I don't need to worry that a migraine will strike in the next 15 minutes.  Cutting out the caffeinated Starbucks and Dr. Pepper also means cutting out all of that sugar!  I'm sure I've replaced it with other sugars (such as Gatorade sugars) but there is SO much research out there about how bad soda is for you!  I am down to two migraines a week when they do come (so they don't last as long) and they come much less often.  The neurologist that I am working with also has given me a new daily medication to try, but my goal would be to not depend on any medication daily!

It is a truly a habit now and my body {at least I don't think...} doesn't crave caffeine.  There have been a few times I've craved something bubbly and in that case I have made sure to get caffeine free soda such as A&W rootbeer, sprite, or La Croix {yum, and p.s. for anyone who has had this, don't you feel fancy drinking it?!}.

Fancy Schmancy
Images Courtesy of Google
I hope this encourages you that you CAN be caffeine free and it is SO beneficial to you!  Comment below if you've tried going caffeine free, if you want to try, or if you are nervous to try it.  Let me know if you want to for health reasons or if you're interested in doing it for whole30, etc. :)  Can't wait to hear from you!