Strawberry Banana Trifle- Mmmm!

Wanna show up to your next BBQ with the most delightful dessert? Try this super easy, must-have recipe. I got it years ago at a recipe exchange and have loved bringing it to BBQ's ever since. I usually have copies of the recipe with me just in case someone asks for it. (And they usually do!) I love trifles, because they are beautiful, easy, perfect for this time of year; and usually a big hit at any BBQ or picnic! Trifle bowls are also quite inexpensive. I got mine at Walmart several years ago for about 6 or 7 bucks! Have a fab weekend!!



Straberry Banana Trifle

5 oz box instant vanilla pudding
3 c cold milk
9" angel food cake (cut in chunks)
4 bananas (sliced)
16 oz fresh strawberries (sliced or cut big)
12 oz whipped topping (thawed)

Mix instant pudding and milk. In trifle, layer half of each: cake chunks, pudding, bananas, strawberries and whipped topping. Repeat layers. Serve fresh!

Teacher Thank You/Appreciation Gift Ideas

I am so grateful for my kids' teachers! It was recently Teacher Appreciation Week at school. That was around the time I went out of town on my "sisters trip" to Kansas; so I was crazy busy leaving, and catching up when I got home. So my teacher gifts were a little late, but better late than never eh? Here is one of the teacher gifts I did this year...

This one was really simple- Just type a quick saying like, "There's no 'Sub'stitute for a teacher like you" and print it on cardstock, 2 per page so it will fold into cards. Grab a gift card from your favorite sub shop and stick it on with mini glue dots. Write a nice note of appreciation inside to make it even more special, and throw it in a celliphane tied with ribbon. Walla! A gift any teacher would love and appreciate! (Got the idea from SkiptoMyLou.)

If your life is as crazy as mine and you missed "Teacher Appreciation Week", don't worry! You still have a week or two to throw something special together for an End-of-the-Year thank you gift. Here's what I did last year. I got the idea from EverythingPink, via TipJunkie.


Here are some other ideas via TipJunkie.

Music Lessons- "Let's Play Music!"

Danicia with Let's Play Music! teaches an exciting, new music curriculum which teaches advanced musical skills to young children using age-appropriate methods. Music educators have long taught that the young child learns best thought play, experience and discovery. Let’s Play Music! uses play as the medium through which difficult concepts and skills are learned.

This exciting curriculum will lead your child from very basic music introduction using singing, and rudimentary instruments through a three year program. By graduation time, students will be playing piano at an intermediate level, transposing music, composing their own music, sight-reading music, and prepared to excel in any further piano instruction.

Here is a special offer from Danicia, herself!! {{so excited!}}
Because this is such a new and innovative curriculum, I am anxious to give you and your child (age 4-8)* an inside look into what you can expect from each and every class period. I would like to invite you to attend a special sneak preview Sample Class, FREE! There you can observe your child participate in class and ask any questions you may have. I am positive that your experience will be enlightening, refreshing and FUN! Please visit our website and watch the online video for lots of great information!

I will begin enrolling for the 2009-2010 session on APRIL 13. Please call me at 968-0058 or e-mail at dave_danicia@yahoo.com to register for a Sample Class and discover the fascinating world of Let’s Play Music!

(I am really excited and want to sign up my yongest in this!)

My Town- More Lessons

I have 3 piano teachers to shout about!

*Heidi P. in north Meridian is in the process of scheduling for summer and starting on next fall.

As of April 30, she had at least 3 openings during the summer months - June, July & August. She will offer 8 lessons during those months, including 3 group lessons. Those 3 openings will carry into my Fall / Winter / Spring Quarters.

Heidi offers 45 minute private lessons, and 90+ minute group lessons for $65 dollars per student per month.

Give her a call at 846-9496 for more info.

*Bethany C. in west Meridian (north of Cherry Lane between Ten Mile and Black Cat) has taught kind of sporadically for the last 7 years. She is taking students ages 6 and up starting now.
She charges $10 per lesson, which usually ends up at $40 a month.

She uses the Faber Piano Adventures books, but if someone already has other books she'd be happy to use those.

Bethany's contact number is 286-9595.
(I am signing up my 2 oldest with Bethany for the fall because she lives nice and close to me.)

*Danicia with Let's Play Music... More info to come!!

*Macie S. in west Boise does cheer/tumbling classes during the summer months! She is also taking sign-ups for the fall dance session. Check out her website for more info.

(This is where I take my 4 year old for dance, because it's a laid-back atmosphere, in a conveniant location, and SO much less expensive than the typical dance studio. $25/month! Can't beat that!)

*Mindy in Nampa is doing her Kids Cooking Camps again this summer. Go check out her blog for more info and contact numbers! (Mindy's Pie Pantry pies are truly the best I have ever tasted!)