Trader Joe's Has Hit The Town

Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending Trader Joe's Grand Opening here in Miami.  After hearing so much about TJ's through fellow bloggers and visiting one in Naples, I was stoked to find out that one was being built down the street.

To begin, grand opening was out of control! People everywhere, no parking, jam packed lines, no walking room....but I was in heaven! Minus the crowds of course. How could you get angry though....everyone was just as thrilled as I was!

While there, I wanted to make sure to buy some weekly usuals to compare quality and price. I found that TJ's has great quality produce and store brand snacks for a much better price than local competitors. As for meat, I'm not sure I would buy it again there- especially since The Fresh Market has such phenomenal Tuesday specials. Anyway, if you live in town, make sure to check it out- located just a few blocks from Dadeland Mall in Pinecrest.

What's your favorite TJ's product? 

If You've Ever Waited In Line...

At our house, Sundays equal "big grocery" day, and if you're anything like me, you'd understand my pain in long deli lines - 45 minutes is just out of control..

But there is good news, I promise!

I would like to introduce Publix Online Ordering. I tried it yesterday for the first time and was extremely pleased. While running errands, I simply went online through my phone and placed my lunch meat/cheese order - And can you believe it was ready for pick up at the exact time I requested it. 

How do you like your's cut? Thin, Medium, Thick? No problem, all options are included on site. 

I hope this piece of information helps you in the future and contributes to a Happier Monday! 

How To Host An Author's Birthday Party

A few weeks ago, I decided to teach the students about famous authors: How they became an author, How they found their illustrators, What they studied in college, What gave them inspiration - so on and so forth - in hopes that one of our conversations would someday, ignite a passion to what they want to be when they grow up.

Step 1:
Decide which author you want to celebrate and study. I chose based on birthdays. This month, we are studyied Steven Kellogg (born on Oct. 26).

Step 2:
Create signage to promote what you are doing.

Step 3:
If possible, step a table filled with books from the author so that kids can get a better understanding of their work.

Presenting:
When I originally thought about presenting authors/illustrators to the students, I remembered how boring it was to sit in a classroom and hear biographies of people I'd never heard of... I had find a way to think of something that would strike the interest of Pre-3 through 2nd grade.

There are many ideas that could be done during an author celebration, here are just some of mine:

1) Have the students sit down (we sit on bean bags) and explain that "Today we are having a very special birthday party." And of course you know first thing to strike their minds will be a cake.

2) I then explained our author of the month program and how it was going to be set up.

3) Now comes the fun part, (while doing research, I can up with some pretty funny stories of Steven as a child) so I reenacted them for the students and they loved it! I believe this helped them understand that authors are ordinary people just like them.

4) Next, I read the students a story by Mr. Kellogg - depending on the age level, I chose a different title.

1//2//3

5) QR Introduction: Many of the students asked about the QR code on my presentation board, so I had the chance to explain it to them like this.... "The image is like a secret passage way- When you scan it with a device, it will take you to the other side. Something your eyes cannot do!" They were so excited to hear this and wanted to know where our code led. I explained to them that it led to an author visit with Mr. Kellogg that we will be going on next week during a "virtual field trip" using our iTouches.

6) Are you wondering when the actual birthday party came in? Oh yes of course, they didn't let me forget! Did I mention it was going to be virtual too? Using a birthday candle app, I was able to create a cake with 72 candles (they couldn't believe how old he was, sorry Mr. Kellogg). I absolutely loved this app because once you create the cake, you can have the students blow out the candles, and trust me those iPads were soaking wet when we were through.

So what did you think? Would you host an author's birthday party for your class? Have you ever done this before? I would love to learn your tips and tricks! 

A Living Room Tour

If you ask me where I spend the majority of time at home, I would say the living room (kitchen being a close second). The living room is our "coming together" space - and although we have other bedrooms in our quaint 1950s house, everything seems to get done in this space.

From start to finish, the living room renovations took about a year (added the final touch last weekend). Everything you see has pretty much been redone: paint, floor, baseboards, furniture, windows, shutters... you name it. Living under renovations is definitely challenging, but well worth it in the end. Our next project for this room is to add some more art to the walls. Suggestions welcome!!

Welcome into our living room.

paint: Glidden
tile: Bella floors
fan: Lowes
rug: Pottery Barn  (similar)
couch: Rooms To Go
shutters: Norman Shutters
chevron painting: handmade
frames,wicker trunk & lanterns: Marshalls
coffee table: belonged to my grandma-in-law
tv counsel: Clive Daniel 
blue chair: West Elm (garage sale find)
trunk: vintage find
coffee table platter: Pottery Barn 

Sweet Potato Fries

I am sort of bummed that the weekend is almost over. It's been nice over here this weekend. My dad was in town, so we got some good bonding/relaxation time. On Friday night, I made some delicious and healthy fries to go along with out steaks that took just about no time at all!

Have you ever tried sweet potato fries? Yum, yum - one of my favorites! They are similar to french fries, just with fewer calories and grease.. who needs that stuff anyway? Try them for yourself!

Sweet Potato Fries
Servings 3

2 large sweet potatoes
salt/pepper
dry or fresh rosemary
olive oil
garlic powder

1. Cut sweet potatoes into thin wedges.
2. Mix all other ingredients together in bowl and then place in ziplock bag.
3. Place potato wedges into bag and spread marinade all over.
4. Spread potatoes on lined tray and bake in 400 degree oven for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Enjoy!