running buddy

I have a new fitness partner. She can run a mile in under 10 minutes, looks adorable in workout gear and entertains with plenty of chatter. yep - it's Miss P!  We have committed to running 3 times a week for lent, and I've snuck in a few solo runs.  We've also done some yoga and strength work.  Go us! Paige has been the beneficiary of my advice - 'starting the workout is the hardest part.'

Here are a few of my favorite running inspirations, a la pinterest:

   

Belated Valentine's

Happy President's Day! The fam is on a week break now so I'm hoping to catch up a bit on the blog. 

We had a nice, uneventful Valentine's Day.  My students spoiled me, and I have their cards displayed in the dining room. It is so cheery!  After my heavily choreographed party, with stations and coordinating headbands, I raced over to Miss P's big kid party. I just got these two pics before my camera died.  The third grade party required a lot less work than my Kinder party.  As a helper parent, I volunteered to get a big trash bag, and stopped a boy from kicking others in the behind. :)

I treated myself to this book for Valentine's. Very cute, light and a fast read.  You can find it here

We are off to get our taxes done now. Cross your fingers for me!!  I'll be back with recipes, staycation plans, and my new fitness regime.

Valentine's Toffee

Over the holidays, Paige and I discovered making toffee.  Delicious, easy, and rhymes with coffee - what's not to love? : )

We made it for Christmas, but I think it would work out nicely for Valentine's Day. Here's how to do it.

Kids' Toffee

(recipe adapted from Scholastic Parent & Child)

You need:

28 honey graham cracker squares

1 cup light brown sugar

2 sticks of butter

1 12-oz package semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup mini candy of your choice - we use crushed sugar cone pieces, you might do valentine colored sprinkles, or mini-pink/red m&m's

Directions

Preheat oven to 350

Line a jelly roll pan (cookie sheet with sides) with aluminum foil, and spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Spread honey graham crackers until pan is full to all sides

Combine brown sugar and butter in saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a rolling boil and remove from heat.

Pour brown sugar/butter mix over graham crackers and spread until evenly coated. Bake for 10 minutes.

Remove and pour package of chocolate chips over whole pan.

As chocolate melts (this is cool to watch) use the back of spoon to spread chocolate to all sides (as Paige is doing above).

Sprinkle with candy of choice (as Paige is doing below!)

 

Allow toffee to cool for 1 to 2 hours.

Break into bite size pieces and serve.