Monday, February 8, 2010

Menu Plan Monday - Week 2


My first week of menu planning was wonderful!  I got all my shopping done on Monday at Trader Joe's.  I had a few hits and one miss with Monday night's pasta dish.  It really does make a difference to be organized and no exactly what we're having for dinner.  

Looking forward to this week.  Hopefully we can get out from underneath all this snow so I can get to the grocery store!


Week Of: 2/1 – 2/7

Monday

Spinach-Black Bean Lasagna

Tuesday


Wednesday

 LEFTOVERS

Thursday


Friday

Salad
Bread

Saturday

Pepper-Crusted Flank Steak

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Green Beans

Sunday

Pizza

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Monday, February 1, 2010

Getting Our House In Order: Menu Planning


It's time to give this notion of "planning" meals a try.  Flying by the seat of my pants while trying to keep my sanity aren't working anymore.  I know it's a simple concept, but I've gotten real good at pretending it's okay to decide what to have for dinner at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.  


Who knows . . . I might be clipping coupons and looking at sales sections soon!


Monday
Meatless Monday: 
Vegetable Ribbon Pasta


Tuesday
Meatloaf Muffins
Mashed potatoes
Field Peas


Wednesday

Pan-Fried Pork with Blueberries
Cornbread Stuffing (Trader Joes)
Green beans 


Thursday
Breakfast: eggs, Morningstar sausage links (veggie), toast and fruit


Friday
Clean Out Fridge Night


Saturday
Homemade pizza - Trader Joe's fresh dough w/herbs
Veggies w/ dressing



Sunday
Baked Penne with Ham and Broccoli



Our Breakfasts:  yogurt  and granola, oatmeal, waffles, green smoothies, fruit
Our Lunches:  cheese and crackers, pb and js, fruit

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

A Colorful Valentine: Crayon Hearts



I came across these directions for making cute crayon hearts.  I had everything it called for, so I gave it a shot.  I decided to use red, purple, pink and white crayons to make it a little bit festive.  


I used Word to create the heart border around the white card stock card.   So cute!  


Monday, January 25, 2010

Planning Is In Her DNA

Meg has her 4th birthday coming up . . . in March.  She's been planning this party since she blew out the candles on her 3rd birthday cake!
Art & Craft party
We've decided on an "arts and crafts" theme party at home.  The teacher in me is very excited about all the wonderful supplies.


The ideas are starting . . . more to come!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

My Heart's Mind



When tragedy occurs I go through the same process.

I choose to ignore it.  If I don't acknowledge it, it doesn't exist.  If it doesn't exist, I don't have to compare it to my own tragedy and loss.  I don't have to spend hours reliving the day we lost our girls.

I try to control it.  I convince myself if I could just get on a plane and hold those orphaned children it will all be okay.  If I'm in the midst of it and I can decide who gets the supplies they need it will be okay.

I obsess over it.  It gets into my head.  I have a hard time appreciating the joy that's right in front of me because of all the devastation.

I give.  Everything counts and technology makes it so easy to give in any way you can.

I pray.  I pray for those who have lost loved ones.  I pray for those left to put it all back together.  I pray for the people who have so easily given of their time to help.  I pray the next time a tragedy happens, I'll start praying and I'll remember how powerful God's grace can be.

Monday, January 18, 2010

From Goodwill to Pottery Barn

A few months back I picked up this beauty at Goodwill.  I was drawn to the little rope detail of the frame.  It was only $5 and in great shape.  I definitely hid it from the kids though - have you ever seen a scarier clown?



I'd forgotten I'd ordered these from Pottery Barn awhile ago.  I can't remember what my original plan was for them.  I thought about the Goodwill frame and decided there was probably a good way to put the two together.




I covered a self-adhesive foam board in linen.  Popped out the clown paining and used a staple gun to attach the board.  Then I simply hung the keys from some finish nails pushed right into the foam board.  The project cost around $25 and makes a nice addition to our living room.


Check out Kimba's site for more DIY projects.