Slow Cooker Sunday

Being on a substitute teacher's income with a long commute home, I am always looking for ways to save time and money. Creating make ahead slow cooker meals seemed like a way to achieve both goals.

I started by browsing through Pinterest. There are a ton of great blogs dedicated to slow cooker meals and how to properly prep and freeze them.

I compiled my recipes from different blogs and sites. I tried to have them include a few of the same ingredients so I wasn't buying TOO many things at the store. I knew they would all include some sort of meat. Pay attention to your local grocery store's sales. Today, I was able to mix and match 5 different kinds of meats and cuts for $19.95. What a deal!

After printing out my recipes, I compiled my grocery list.

I found it easier to break the ingredients up by type. Meats, Cans, Seasoning/Sauces, and Produce. It made life simpler when I was going through the grocery store isles. I wrote down everything I would need and then went in my kitchen first and crossed off what I already had.  And yes, I did bring that clipboard with me into the store to shop (recipes on the bottom, lists on top).

I bought good quality gallon size freezer bags as well as Reynolds Wrap Slow Cooker Liners. The liners save a lot of clean up time, especially if you are going to be using your crock pot several times throughout the week.

When I got home, I laid all of my ingredients out on the table which became my work station.

 

**Get out all of your freezer bags and label them along with the required cook times before you start filling the bags. **

For me, it was easier to work on one recipe at a time. Once each bag was filled I squeezed all the air out of the bag and laid it flat in the freezer. 

When the bags are completely frozen you can stand them up and file them if that gives you more room in your freezer.

It only took 2 hours to prep and make my freezer meals. I was able to make seven meals for $86. That comes to about $12 per meal. Each meal has at least 4 servings. Each serving is about $3. Where can you get a wholesome and healthy plate of food for $3.00?!

I can't wait come home after a long day at school and have these meals already prepped and cooked. It will make Slow Cooker Sunday totally worth it.

How to Survive a Long Commute

My new commute to work this year runs me about 45 minutes on a good day. With that chunk of time stolen from my day, I need to be as efficient as possible in the morning. I save some tasks for the drive and have in place things to look forward to.


Grab Your Cup of Joe

I purchased a couple of Aladdin travel mugs from Target. Make sure they will fit in your cup holders.

Buy Here

I bought them in the same brand and style so that I wouldn't have to fish around everyday for the right lid. They all fit, no matter the color. I brew my coffee at home and drink it in the car. It will save you so much money to make your coffee at home. If you can't get away from drinking your Starbucks, give yourself one day a week to pick up coffee on the way. Choose a day you are the most miserable for a good pick-me-up.

I also bring a straw with me in my travel mug. I can sip as I drive without having to lift the mug up and risk a coffee spill if I go over a bump in the road.

Breakfast on the Go

I cannot say it enough, I do not want to waste my precious sleeping time to sit and watch the sun rise while I eat breakfast. I eat my breakfast in the car. I usually make myself some type of breakfast wrap or a breakfast sandwich. See my breakfast sandwich post here!

Proper Listening Material

Find some talk radio in the morning that you enjoy. It makes the drive go by faster, I promise. In the morning, I listen to...



On my way home from work I really like listening to podcasts. You can find and download podcasts about virtually ANYTHING. My personal favorite is Stuff You Should Know. I figure I have 45 minutes every day, I might as well get smarter while I drive! I have learned about Miranda Rights, how police sketches work, myths about the brain and more!





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Overall, don't try to think about how long your commute is. No matter how much you think about it, it's still going to be a long. Try to use it as your time to reflect and relax.

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Make A Book Center

Most students I encounter love making their own books and stories. This Make A Book Center makes book making easily accessible. This can be a nice alternative to independent reading during the day.

Here is a close up of what this first grade teacher added to her center.

Wires, wires, everywhere!

Hide those pesky wires with a pool noodle!

 Cut the noodle to the length desired and cut a slit through one side to fit the wires inside.

Sub Extras

I have mentioned in previous posts ( seen here and here ) some items that are a good idea to have with you during your days as a substitute teacher. Guess what, I have more ideas on what to bring!

1. A BIG water bottle

Who knows if you will be able to find a water source other than a bathroom sink to refill during the day. If you don't want to waste time at a school you have never been to before you probably will not be searching (or have the time) to find the teacher's lounge. You will be doing A LOT of talking so you'll want to have that water by your side. My water bottle has my name on it too.


**** Label your lunch bag with your name!!! I left mine at a school and had to go back the next day to retrieve it. The secretary was able to hold it and return it to me.

2. Something to write with

3. A notebook....that stands out

You may find some great ideas in a classroom that you don't want to forget or want to jot down something adorable a student says to you. I like having a notebook with me to write down whatever I need, including notes to the teacher. My advice is to get a notebook with a fun pattern that stands out so it is easy to locate if you place it somewhere in the room.