What's for dinner? (April Edition)

I'm getting a late start, but here are some of our new dinner favorites!  April was super busy, but we managed to try some new recipes, which makes this foodie-mom super happy!  And even more, these recipes were super easy!  What new recipes did you try last month. . . share in the comments! 

Asian Lemon Chicken
This chicken was super yummy and not as much work as this orange chicken.  If you haven't cooked with cornstarch. . . it really is a life changer!  It also has pineapple juice. . . so don't forget to pick up a can when you head to the store.  I highly recommend adding a little cornstarch to thicken the sauce up, because it was runny side.

Baked Sesame Chicken
You might think we were on a chinese food kick, and you'd probably be right.  But, really, I am feeling way more comfortable in my Oriental food making than I used to.  It is so easy and equally yummy!  This recipe, came on a night towards the end of the month, where I was almost out of anything worthwhile.  We had chicken and rice and not a whole lot of anything.  It was also carnival week, and there was absolutely NO time to go grocery shopping.  My poor family suffered that week!  But, I found this recipe and I had all the ingredients!  That was a serious win!  So, I baked these guys up right in the skillet I browned the chicken in (yes, I was lazy and yes, it's a cast iron skillet, so it can do both. . . you should buy one if you don't).  My husband can't wait to have this one again! 

Garlic Rosemary Pork Tenderloin
I had originally bought the pork tenderloin sitting in my freezer for a different meal.  I will probably try that recipe a different day, but last month it was used for this.  We really liked it, and it was super simple.  I might even do the rub and slice it before freezing it and make a freezer meal with it.  That way the flavors have more time to marinate and make it super easy for a weeknight meal! 

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Monday Meanderings & Link Up

  I saw the beach this weekend.  I touched the sand with my own two feet.  My heart is happy.  My to do list is getting smaller, which means commitments are coming to a close and summer is near!  I may not be looking forward to the summer heat, but I am looking forward to sleeping in and quiet days and so are my boys!  3 and a half weeks and it will be here!  I've got lots of planning to do (I'm a planner, but you knew that. . . I think!).  

As the to-do list is getting shorter, I've been having time to read things. . . this post is the result of that. . .

My bff is awesome and even more so,because we have kids at similar ages and stages. This post said it all! 

I've been digging into 1 & 2 Thessalonians with a wonderful group of ladies and we are celebrating in the morning.  I made this.  I am going to have to make more, my husband was super sad that there wasn't any for him.  In fact, we may be seeing this a lot!  

Since, Children of the Day is over, I've gone back to doing the She Reads Truth study.  If you are in need of a good study, do this.  Go buy a notebook and some fun colored pens.  Get into the Bible.  Study.  Journal.  Grow.  

This post was so encouraging.  It seems like whatever way you turn there is mommy guilt from some blogger making you feel like you are not doing enough or doing to much or something.  I am anti-guilt.  This post rocked. 

This is heartbreaking.  Utterly heartbreaking.  

 And to end on a happy note, this.  Go watch the movie now.  You can't watch it too many times!

Teachers need Hugs (and a free printable!)

Teacher Appreciation Week is almost over (and I am just now getting to this post. . . craziness!).  We have been so busy spoiling our teachers that the week has flown by!  It is so much fun!  So, if you are looking for something quick and easy to do for tomorrow, I have one for you.  All you need to do is make sure your color ink is stocked up, that you have a sandwich or snack sized bags, and pick up a bag of hugs when you are at Target or the grocery store getting last minute groceries for tonight's dinner. 

Then, go print it out, cut it, and staple it to your bag full of hugs.  An instant gift that will definitely bring a smile to that special teacher in your life!

Also, if you don't really want spend even a small amount of money to say thank you to your teacher, please consider making a card for them and telling them they are valued.  A little bit of encouragement goes such a long way!  Another way to do little things, is to get involved in some capacity with your schools parent-teacher club.

Click here to get your printable. 

Please feel free to share how you used this, but please don't use it as your own.  Please link back to this post. . . it's the nice thing to do. 

Teacher Appreciation Week Inspiration

Ahhh.   I am determined to get this post out today.  Things are a bit crazy around these parts. . .and crazy in an absolutely wonderful way.  The school carnival was Friday Night and it was amazing!  And, tomorrow starts Teacher Appreciation Week.  Excitement is high!

So, because Teacher Appreciation is coming up soon I thoughtit would be a good time to flashback to some previous posts that make great gifts for teachers.  These things really don't take that much time, or even much money, and a little bit goes a long way to make your child's teacher's day.  If you are new to this blog. . . encouraging teachers is something that I take very seriously.  As a former teacher, I know how much work they put into your child (whether you think so or not). I highly recommend taking the time to spoil that teacher in your life at least one day during teacher appreciation week. 

Muffin to do but appreciate you!

Bake some yummy muffins and click over to this link for a free printable to make the gift complete!

Last year's wrap up

A week's worth of inexpensive and fun gifts with links to print each one out. 

Movie Night

This as fun and super easy!  Check the post for all the details

Coffee Sleeve Love

You know me and coffee sleeves.

Check here for more on these. . . also, those dollar reusable cups they are promoting work awesome as a gift and so does filling it with a Starbucks card.  Awesomeness in a cup!

So, that's all for now.  If you need more inspiration, there's a ton on Pinterest.  Let me know what you're doing for the teacher's in your life?