Believe in the Magic Traci Diary

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  • Three Word Challenge – Where is My stuff?!?

    Introduction

    Today I was given the words:

    SADDEN
    MISPLACE
    LOST

    I am excited to create a post using those words. The post can be either fiction or nonfiction, whichever sparks my imagination. I am encouraged to be creative with these words!

    So Many Moves

    I am on my fourth move in that many years.

    First move was down a couple halls to the workroom made into my resource room. That room was a hot mess before I got in there. Since it was a workroom, Chromebooks were strewn around and many boxes had been stored in there. I’m sure a lot of things were misplaced in that room.

    Second move was across the hall to the cross categorial resource room. I was going to be a self-contained teacher. Once I opened the cabinets, I was saddened because once again I was left with random supplies like glitter, old paint, and rocks from previous occupants. The one bookshelf I was looking forward to using was lost. They had torn out the carpet that summer and retiled the floors. Even though the furniture was labeled, thinigs were still misplaced in the buillding. I had to go on a scavenger hunt to find it. Luckily I finally did.

    The third move was a doozy. I left the previous school district to move to the one in the town I live in. I was given a few hours two different afternoons to come in to claim my property. This time I was saddened because I had been in that district for the past 23 years. But it was time to move on. I take half of my supplies into my new school because I knew we were moving buildings this year. A lot of what I used was misplaced and lost in boxes, left at my previous school, or kept in our garage for the year.

    I am now on my fourth move. A month ago, I went to my new room or what I thought was my new room. One of our rocking chairs was lost. For the next two hours or so, I tried to find it. I called it Chair Gate 2024. Then I got a message from my principal. We moved your room. The chair was not misplaced but in it’s new room.
    For the past few days, I have been going into my room to organize my things. Some items that I thought were missing or lost are now being found. Even though I am estatic to find them, I am also saddened because they bring up memories like my 20 year pin from my previous school district. I am trying to decide if I want it in my new classroom because it reminds me of where I’ve come or if I need to bring it home and put it in a memory box.

    We will be in this building for the next three years. I won’t have to move next year. Four moves in four school years is a lot.

    More

    Three Things Challenge #M779

  • Three Word Challenge – Bunsen Burner

    These are the words I was given:

    SINGE
    BURNT
    ASHEN

    Back in the 80s, early 90s, big bangs sprayed on with almost a whole bottle Aquanet or some other aerosel hairspray was the norm.

    In middle school, a girl’s hair ended up burnt because she had her hair too close to the Bunsen burner. Maybe it was a little singed and not totally burnt. I can’t totally remember. I hope her face during not turn ashen in color after her hair catching on fire.

    The whole incident taught me two lessons: make sure you are not using flammable material near an open flame and pull your hair up in science class during experiements.

    Three Things Challenge #M778

  • Share Your World – August 5, 2024

    Yesterday I was in my classroom for 5 hours getting it prepared for the new school year. Our school moved buildings, so I had my own personal boxes plus the boxes they provided for us. I needed to get the boxes they provided unpacked, so I could give them back to them. Plus my friend was in town. As a result, I could not Share my World until now.

    1.  Do you like decorating or would you prefer to have someone come in and do it for you if you could afford it?

    I’m not one to decorate. If I could afford it, it would be nice to have someone come in and decorate my house or even my classroom. I’m not one to even decorate my room. This year, I have limited wall space, so there is less that needs to be decorated. There are two bulletin boards. I’m providing the materials for the boards but assigning the decorating of the boards to them.


    2.  Do you prefer papered or painted walls in your home?

    I like the look of most wallpaper. If it’s not too loud of print. But painted walls is the way to go.


    3.  Where do you go when you want to be alone or have some quality Me Time?

    It depends. I can’ t think of anywhere in particular at this moment.


    4.   If you buy a treat for yourself (say a box of chocolates or a bottle of wine) do you like to share?

    It depends on the person if I share. The other day I got my usual two pieces of chocolate from a local coffee/ chocolate shop. My friend was in town. So I shared those pieces of chocolate. If it was my husband, I may not have not shared. Not because I didn’t want to but because he doesn’t like the same type of chocolate I do.

    Sharing my World 5th August.

  • Meal Prep Menu #1

    Jump to Menu

    Weekly Prep

    Each week, you need to make a batch of creamer.

    If you like iced coffee, make a batch for the week.

    You have the flexibility to choose between preparing both of the recommended recipes for each meal or selecting just one. Consider this menu as a starting point for your week, offering you plenty of room for creativity and variation.

    If you choose to make only one, consider prepping ingredients for the rest of the week.

    • Air Fryer Bacon
    • Wash and Cut up veggies
      • Carrots
      • Cucumber
      • Celery
      • Radishes
      • Broccoli
      • Cauliflower
      • Mushrooms
      • Etc. . .
    • Wash your fruit – Don’t wash berries far in advance because they will mold up quickly.
    • Brown hamburger
    • Cook chicken and shred it.

    Onto the Menu

    Breakfast

    1. Two-Minute Microwave Pancake Bowl – Make 3 kits so you can dump and go.
    2. Blueberry Almond Cottage Cheese Bowl – Make 2 bowls.

    Snack

    1. Veggie Tray with hummus
    2. Meat stick (Simms from Aldi is a delicious, low-cost option.) with cheese cubes and a handful of crackers or pretzels (Think homemade P3 and adding a carb.)

    Lunch

    1. Snack boxes – One of my favorite lunches. Hard-boiled egg version – Make 2 lunches.
    2. Sweet and sour meatballs, rice, skillet green beans – Make 2 lunches. (Freeze any additional meatballs for the future.)

    For the fifth lunch of the week, use leftovers, treat yourself to lunch, or have a frozen dinner.

    check out my meal plans for dinners.

  • Blueberry Almond Cottage Cheese Bowls

    1–2 minutes

    Jump to the recipe

    Introduction

    Cottage Cheese is a fantastic source of protein that will help fuel your day. This delightful recipe is quick and delicious. It satisfies your sweet tooth with the addition of blueberries and honey. This makes it a perfect protein-packed breakfast option.

    What you need

    • cottage cheese
    • fresh or frozen blueberries
    • honey or maple syrup
    • Cinnamon
    • Sliced almonds
    • Collagen peptides, optional

    Ways to Adapt The Recipe

    Use different fruit or nuts instead of the blueberries and almonds.

    Blueberry Almond Cottage Cheese Bowl

    • Servings: 1
    • Print


    Believe in the Magic Traci Diary


    If you are going to meal prep this, I would eat it within those 3 days. So 3 bowls would be a perfect amount to make.

    Use different fruits or nuts if desired.


    Ingredients

    • 1/2 c. cottage cheese
    • 1/4 c. blueberries, fresh or frozen
    • 1/4 c. sliced almonds
    • 1 to 2 tsp. cinnamon
    • 1 Tbsp. honey or maple syrup
    • 1 Tbsp. collagen peptides, optional

    Directions

    1. In a small bowl, add the cottage cheese. If adding the collagen peptides, add it. Mix to combine.
    2. Top with the blueberries, almonds, cinnamon, and honey or maple syrup.

  • 31 Days of Meal Prepping: 2024

    1–2 minutes

    Introduction:

    Welcome to 31 Days of Meal Prepping! As the new school year begins, we are eager to prioritize our health by making nutritious choices. Despite our busy schedules, we are committed to finding creative ways to enjoy healthier meals.

    Some of the recipes are brand new, while others are tried and true favorites. This mix promises to take your meal prepping game to the next level!

    Link to Each Day

    Day 1 – Two Minute Microwave Pancakes
    Day 2 – Blueberry Almond Cottage Cheese Bowls
    Day 3 – Meal Prep Menu #1
    Day 4 – Fruit on the Bottom Yogurt
    Day 5 – Basic Granola
    Day 6 – Pecan Pie Energy Bites
    Day 7
    Day 8
    Day 9
    Day 10
    Day 11
    Day 12
    Day 13
    Day 14
    Day 15
    Day 16
    Day 17
    Day 18
    Day 19
    Day 20
    Day 21
    Day 22
    Day 23
    Day 24
    Day 25
    Day 26
    Day 27
    Day 28
    Day 29
    Day 30
    Day 31

    Other Meal Prep Posts:

  • Two Minute Microwave Pancake Bowl

    1–2 minutes

    Introduction

    On busy days, you can skip the stove flipping and enjoy a quick pancake meal instead. With some weekend prep, you can have the ingredients ready to go. When hunger strikes, simply mix them in a bowl with water. Pop them in the microwave for two minutes. Then add your favorite toppings.

    What you need

    • Your Favorite Pancake Mix
      • We use Kodak protein pancakes.
    • Water
    • Cinnamon
      • Includes antioxidants
      • Anti-inflammatory properties
      • Lower blood sugar levels
      • Improves heart health
      • Antimicrobial effects
      • Improve brain ability
    • Vanilla Extract, optional
    • Collagen Peptides, optional
      • Supports skin elasticity and hydration
      • Promotes joint health and reduces pain
      • Aids in muscle recovery and growth
      • Strengthens hair and nails
      • Contributes to gut health and digestion
    • Toppings: Nut butter, nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit, fresh fruit

    Ways to Adapt The Recipe

    The easiest way to adapt this recipe is simply to use different toppings. You can also add protein powder or collagen peptides for extra protein. If you want extra flavor in your pancakes, add some vanilla extract.

    Two Minute Microwave Pancake Bowl

    • Servings: 1
    • Difficulty: easy
    • Print

      From: Cookingwithtraci.wordpress.com

      The easiest way to adapt this recipe is simply to use different toppings. You can also add protein powder or collagen peptides for extra protein. If you want extra flavor in your pancakes, add some vanilla extract.

      Toppings ideas:

    • Pecans, dried cherries, and chocolate chips
    • Walnuts and apples
    • Coconut, fresh pineapple, and mango
    • Blueberries and almonds
    • Maple syrup – Go old school.

    Ingredients

    • 1/4 c. pancake mix
    • 1 to 2 tsp. cinnamon
    • 1/4 c. water
    • 1 to 2 tsp. vanilla extract, optional
    • 1 Tbsp. collagen peptides, optional

    Directions

    1. Add the pancake mix, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and collagen peptides to a microwavable bowl. Mix until combined.
    2. Microwave for 2 minutes.
    3. Top with your favorite toppings.
    4. Enjoy

  • Meal Plan #4

    1. Introduction
    2. Meal #1 – Chicken Tortilla Soup
    3. Meal #2 – Taco Tuesday
    4. Meal #3 – Hamburger Helper and Veggie
    5. Meal #4 – Chinese
    6. Meal #5 – Cheesesteak, roasted potatoes, Veggie

    Introduction

    In order to be kind to myself, I’ve created six meal plans that I can use when I’m not feeling very creative.

    This week I’m sharing the third meal plan. There are no specific days for each meal. You can choose which meal to cook based on your schedule. I do have one suggestion which is to cook the soup at the beginning of the week. This way you will have it to use as leftovers for lunch.

    Meal #1 – Chicken Tortilla Soup

    Recipe

    Meal #2 – Taco Tuesday

    • Fish or Shrimp Tacos
    • Chips and Queso – We like the refrigerated one from Aldis.
    • Sauteed Peppers and Onions
    Fish Tacos
    Shrimp Tacos
    Sauteed Pepper and Onions

    Meal #3 – Hamburger Helper and Veggie

    Hamburger Helper
    Veggie

    Meal #4 – Chinese

    • Fried Rice
    • Stir Fry
    • Teriyaki
    • Pepper Steak
    Fried Rice
    Stir Fry #1
    Stir Fry #2
    Pepper Steak
    Teriyaki Chicken

    Meal #5 – Cheesesteak, roasted potatoes, Veggie

    Cheesesteak #1
    Cheesesteak #2
    Roasted Potatoes
    Veggie
    Meal Plan #1
    Meal Plan #2
    Meal Plan #3

    Join me next week for another menu.

  • Reasons he adores us (Three Word Challenge)

    Three Word Challenge:

    I was given these three words to write a post on.

    HUMAN
    CANINE
    FELINE

    My canine Gaston adores his humans for totally different reasons.

    Dad takes him on his walks because Mom cannot handle the tugging of the leash when he wants to be super friendly. Too many hip and back problems, so as a precaution Mom does walk him like she did with the previous canine who resided at the house. Hubby also takes him over to his mom’s house, so he can play with his friends.

    He adores his Mom because she is the one who will take him for rides to places where they speak through a speaker and then give him pup cups. While driving there, he can feel the wind blow on his face, smell all the smells, and bark hello to passerbys.

    He also adores when Mom comes home after being mean and leaving him to fend for himself. Running out of the house when Dad opens the door, running to the car, and jumping up so he can smell and then kiss her hello are routines to assure Mom knows how much she is loved.

    In the morning, he adores the fact Mom and Dad wake up and spend time with him. He comes to the bedroom door, opens it if it was left ajar, checks on them, and then stares at them until Mom and Dad get up, so they can pet him.

    It’s Gaston’s world and we just live in it.

    I think the biggest reason he adores us is that we don’t have any felines in the house.

    Three Things Challenge #M772

  • Share Your World – July 29, 2024

    1.  Have you ever wanted to design your own home?

    I wish I could have designed my own home. I would love to have an Italian villa sort of house with a courtyard in the middle. I always tease the boys they need to get good jobs to pay for my retirement home with a courtyard in the middle. Imagine making your coffee and drinking it in a conservatory sort of area where no one can bother you. It would be peaceful and private.


    2.  Have you designed anything specifically for you or your family?

    There is nothing specific I can think of that I have designed for my family. Oh wait, I did help design my wedding my dress. My mother-in-law then sewed for me.


    3.  Does anyone in your family have ‘artistic qualities? (ie. painter/artist, sculptor, landscape gardener etc)

    My husband designed a pond for his mom’s house. However that is the extent of his artistic abilities. My great uncle was a semi famous folkart painter. He died in the 90s but his stuff is still sold at auction houses when you can find it.


    4.  When it comes to property or buildings, do you prefer a modern design or a more traditional approach?

    I love the feel of a traditional approach of a house. I feel as though it adds character. But if you were to ask me about school buildings, it all depends on the building. My town just opened a new high school. I love how it’s got natural light and is open instead of the closed in feeling of the school I work in. However it lacks character which makes it unique. Maybe it’s the not so worn in piece of the school because school has not had students in it yet except for those who are in extracurricular activities.

    Share Your World 29th July