I really like going for walks outdoors, but when the weather is bad then that’s not possible.  Another solution is to walk at the mall which is fun because then I can pop into Old Navy or the Gap and see if they have any cute baby clothes on clearance for Baby J, our 18 month grandbaby (and now also for Baby C who is due in 2 1/2 months).  But it’s not always convenient to take a trip to the mall.  That’s one really great thing about treadmills. If the weather is bad, it’s inconvenient to go to the mall, or someone is in their pajamas, they can still exercise…any time of day or night.  That’s something to think about!

If you are interested, you can go to How to Teach Kids to find out about the origin of Valentine’s Day which was interesting to me.  One part I thought was really interesting was that the first mass production of Valentine cards was in 1847 when they produced paper lace Valentine’s.

There are also activities for kids, a children’s DVD about Valentine’s Day and a long list of children’s books about Valentine’s Day.

Years and years ago, we used to have a small business.  It would have made things so much easier if we’d had a barcode scanner, but back then there weren’t any stores or businesses that I know of that had scanners.

Barcode scanners have simplified things so much, especially since so many businesses are computerized.  And one really great benefit is when it is time to do inventory.  (That was always such a pain!)  A scanner would make doing inventory so much easier!

Need some tips or techniques to add to your teaching materials?  I have started a new site called How to Teach Kids to share ideas that I have used in my 19 years of public school teaching and also ideas from teacher friends.  Hopefully, you will gain a new idea or technique to use if you are teaching your own children or a classroom of students.

#1. What’s the funniest sounding food or ingredient you know of?

“Dirt Cake” sounds funny.  That’s all I can think of right now.  I’m curious to see what others say.
#2. How do you pronounce “cavatelli”?

I have no idea because I don’t even know what it is…LOL.  I looked on Wikipedia and found out it is a type of pasta with a rolled edge, and it is pronounced several different ways such as “cuv-va-dill” or “gab-a-deel” or  “cav-a-dell” or “Cuh-vah-tee.”
#3. How do you pronounce “gnocchi”?

Again, I have no idea because I’m not familiar with it either.  I’m so glad I can look on Wikipedia.   Well…that did not help at all.  Here is the pronunciation according to Wikipedia: “jnck:i” (Italian).  It’s an Italian noodle or dumpling that is thick and soft.
#4. Share a recipe that calls for mozzarella cheese.

Now this I can do.  I’m in a hurry, so here’s a recipe I already have written.

Kid’s favorite: Meatless Lasagna

Here’s a neat recipe from a friend of mine, who is an awesome cook, that would be great for Valentine’s Day or anytime:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups Bisquick
• 3 ounces cream cheese
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2/3 cup raspberry preserves

Cut these ingredients together until crumbly:  Bisquick, cream cheese and butter.

Add milk, blending with a fork.  Put on floured board and knead 20 times.  Divide in half.  Roll each half to about 9″ x 12″.  Slash at 1′ intervals down each side.  Put 1/3 cup preserves down the center.  Fold edges over preserves so that it looks braided, sides overlapping.

Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.  Cool.  Frost with butter icing.

Saint Xavier University offers an online MS nursing degree and is known for being a “Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.”  There are only 14 other schools in the nation who have received this honor. That recognition says a lot to me about the quality of their program and their professionalism which is known nationally and internationally.   The professional faculty trains students to be leaders in health care and to meet the needs of our world today.  These are the kinds of nurses we need in health care, ones that will provide excellent patient care management while working with physicians and other health care professionals.