Savouring the Last Days of School:Effortless Fashion and Food

I've always loved the unique selection and impeccable quality of the Boden brand and was thrilled to find this Boden dress (new with tags)for 70% off at www.thredup.com. The hat is from www.llbean.com , earrings are on sale now at www.kohls.com , and bag is available at www.yoins.com. The phone case has recently been reduced in price at www.neimanmarcus.com.

My necklace and bracelets were all recent purchases at www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com.

The jacket is Lauren Ralph Lauren from www.macys.com.

The shoes I'm wearing here, out on the playground, are Madden Girl, purchased years ago at www.cohoes.com.

These similar styles are available at www.zappos.com, www.oasis-stores.com, and shoemall.com .

It's been an amazing year in my classroom with a group of very spirited, inquisitive little friends. I love how my students are easily engaged and eager to participate in all our learning activities.

These last week few weeks have been extra busy for my students. They are preparing for kindergarten graduation and getting ready to become full -fledged first graders.

After a busy morning working on proper sentence formation, we did take a little bit of extra time to play outside and appreciate the beautiful weather.

We also took a few minutes to visit the gymnasium to check out the new equipment our principal , Mrs.LeMar, just purchased.

Isn't this the coolest thing you've ever seen? I might get one for my own backyard. Kidding.

Meanwhile, back in the classroom...

We all got back to work ( I promise, Mrs.LeMar 😉and Mr.Piccirelli 😉 ).

By the end of the day -

True Story.

Perfect time for a very simple, but very flavorful dinner:

Peppered Beef in Parsley Crust

Ingredients:

2 T. peppercorns

4 T.butter, softened

1 cup parsley, chopped

2 lb. tenderloin roast

To do:

Grind peppercorns until coarse in texture and spread evenly on a large platter. In a small mixing bowl, blend butter and parsley well. Spread butter mixture over roast, covering all sides evenly. Place roast on platter and roll in cracked peppercorns until roast is coated. Bake at 425 degrees for 1 hour. Serve thinly sliced with creamy horseradish on the side.

Melon Salad with Honey Dressing

Ingredients:

1 cantaloupe melon

1 honeydew melon

3 T. lime juice

2 T. balsamic vinegar

3 T. honey

2 cups lettuce

2 cups arugula

To do:

Slice melons in half, peel and cut into chunks. In a small bowl, mix lime juice, vinegar, and honey together, blending well. Pour over melon and toss. Place torn lettuce on salad plates. Using a slotted spoon, remove melon from bowl and place on lettuce, drizzle dressing over top.

Need a special drink to complete your meal?

Watermelon Martini

You will need:

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup salt

6 oz. fresh watermelon juice

2 and 1/2 oz. vodka

2 and 1/2 oz. limoncello

1 oz. fresh lime juice

Ice

Watermelon slices for garnish

Chill 2-3 glasses in freezer 10 minutes before making. Mix sugar and salt and spread on flat bread plate. Dampen rim of glass with water or lime juice and dip into salt mixture. Combine watermelon juice, vodka, liqueur, and lime juice in a shaker. Fill with ice and shake 6-8 times. Strain and pour the mixture into prepared glasses and garnish with watermelon wedges.