Adventures in Glassworking

I'm always a fan of trying new things and I'm so fortunate to have a partner in life and crime who appreciates a good adventure. My other piece of good fortune is living in the Bay Area where one can dabble or emerse themselves into any hobby that comes to mind.  

Glass blowing or working was an interest for both of us.  Here we are at the Bay Area a Glass Institute, taking a one day course to make a heart shaped paperweight.  I had zero experience working with glass but the instructors make it clear that they are there to help you all along the way.  I would definitely take a course here again, maybe the glass blown pumpkin in the fall.

Back in the Saddle

It has been a while but I'm back and a few things have changed. My partner and I are engaged. We are planning our Septembet 5th wedding in Monterey CA. 

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We both left the classroom to be administrators and currently hold positions as Deans for our respective charter schools. We also started dancing hula and have become emerged in Polynesian culture. For more about that, check out my other blog, Li'ula Island Home.

What I've learned from my recent experiences and life changes? I learned that my life continues to become more and more full. I remember coming home after working and knowing that there were so many things that I wanted to do but "didn't have the time or the energy". My life used to consist of work, home, TV, cook dinner, eat dinner, dishes, and bed time. Day in and day out. Now, I don't have more time, I just intentionally schedule my time outside of work. Even when I feel tired, I still drag my butt to dance class. When I leave class, I feel accomplished and full of joy and sometimes, even more energized.  If I could go back 8 years send give myself some advice, I would say, "girl you can sleep when you are dead! All of those things you wish you were doing, go try it out. Make time to do the things you love and intentionally plan quality time with your partner."

Preparing for the New School Year

As a student, I was always one that needed to read and write in order to learn.  Like many of my students, the more opportunities I had to manipulate the content, the more likely I was to retain the material.  With this in mind, I created anchor posters that brighten my classroom while giving students an opportunity to gaze upon the previously covered topics.  Here are examples of the posters that my students find most helpful and eye catching.  I have made a few new ones in preparation for the new school year.

My classroom website

Check out my website, used my parents and students.  I've created more posters and more pictures of my safe learning haven soon to come.

Always a teacher and student,

Frankie Mae

I am a baking fool!

For a girl who doesn't normally bake, I have been measuring and mixing up a storm today.  It all started with some giant squash that came out of the garden at my school.  I've linked the recipes as well. 

Look at the size in comparison to the other items 
in the photo.
I
Zucchini pasta with crushed red pepper and garlic, chicken sausage and an artichoke.

Zucchini Muffins

Banana Bread
I used one less banana and added an avocado for a milder banana flavor.

I'm very proud of the baked goods as I don't typically measure when I cook.  Yes, I know...... I'm a math teacher but I know how things taste and baking is very unforgiving in that respect.


Enjoy,
FM

Pinterest French Toast

No Flipping!  No waiting while keeping slices warm! More time to snuggle in bed!

Another idea that has jumped from my computer screen to my kitchen.  This was so simple and easy, I'll never make French Toast on the stove top again!

Ingredients: 
4 eggs
6 slices of bread
2 tbs sugar
1 tsp nutmeg
1tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup milk ( I use almond milk)

Step 1:

Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar,nutmeg, and cinnamon

Layer bread into a baking dish or pan. (grease if desired but not necessary)

Step 2: 

Pour wet mixture slowly over bread.

Gently tilt pan to allow liquid to be absorbed.

Cover with foil.

Step 3: 

Bake, covered at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes

Step 4:

Serve with butter and warm syrup!

Enjoy

Like it, Post it, Pin It!

Frankie Mae

Pinterest Pizza Rolls

Pinterest Pizza Rolls

Ingredients: 

Pizza Dough

Pizza Sauce

Mozzarella Cheese

Pepperoni

Garlic Salt 

Italian Seasoning

Butter

You may have seen it on Pinterest as I did.  I did not have a pan small enough so I placed them in a greased muffin tin and I used pizza dough from my local grocery store.  I rolled out small balls of dough and placed 2 pieces of pepperoni, a tsp of pizza sauce, and a tbs of mozzarella cheese in the center.  Pull the edges together to form a seal and place in a greased muffin tin.  Brush the tops with butter, dust with garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and sprinkle with a bit more cheese.  Bake for 20 mins. at 425 degrees.  I tried it!  It worked!  Serve with extra sauce for dipping.

More Reasons to love Oakland!

At the Grand Lake Theatre, there is an organist that plays old show tunes.  He is amazing, as the organ is an insanely complicated instrument of three different key boards, switches and pedals.  The audience applauds after each song and eagerly awaits the organs decent and the raising of the red velvet curtain.

The instant camaraderie that comes with sitting on the third base line at an As game, being able to bring in your own snacks and drinks, tail gating through the 3rd inning or longer, and taking BART directly to Oracle are just LOVELY.




Just across the bay from all of this. (Dolores Park, SF)