Quiche was not on this week's menu but for some reason that's what I was craving last night. I had everything I needed for a vegetable version (fresh spinach, asparagus, onion, mushrooms) so I ignored the slated curry chicken/vegetables and whipped up a quiche instead. As we were eating, Randy said ....
"This is good, Julie. Much better than that Yoko Ono Salad you tried to feed me last night."
It was bok choy salad and apparently not a hit with my husband. LOL!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Menu Monday
Meg and I spent a very nice weekend in Tampa with my family. My niece celebrated her 12th birthday with an America's Top Model themed party on Saturday which we followed up with a "make your own pizza" dinner and a lively game of LOGOS at my parents house later that evening.
Here's the pretty birthday girl -
It's a new week which means another menu and another five sessions of bootcamp. (Did you hear my heavy sigh?) On tap for this week...
Monday - Baked Salmon, Baked Sweet Potato, Bok Choy Salad
Tuesday - Chicken Curry and Rice
Wednesday - Green Salad with Mesquite Chicken
Thursday - Caesar Shrimp and Pasta (new recipe)
Friday - Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken with Pintos, Cilantro Lime Rice (new recipe)
I'm off to do some grocery shopping!
Here's the pretty birthday girl -
It's a new week which means another menu and another five sessions of bootcamp. (Did you hear my heavy sigh?) On tap for this week...
Monday - Baked Salmon, Baked Sweet Potato, Bok Choy Salad
Tuesday - Chicken Curry and Rice
Wednesday - Green Salad with Mesquite Chicken
Thursday - Caesar Shrimp and Pasta (new recipe)
Friday - Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken with Pintos, Cilantro Lime Rice (new recipe)
I'm off to do some grocery shopping!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Catching Up
My friends and I got in on an awesome local Groupon deal a couple of weeks ago. We each purchased a 5 week membership to boot camp for $29. It's a $199 value so we scored big time! Of course, there's just one catch. We have to attend 5 days a week for all 5 weeks or we are required to pay the additional $170. How's that for motivation? :-)
We started on Monday evening. It's now Thursday, our 4th day, and to say we're sore is a huge understatement. The fitness place is called Hard Exercise Works and I'd liken it to football practice. We're running, jumping, hanging, lifting, squatting, pulling, etc, etc, etc. Of course my shoulder limits what I can do but there are always alternate exercises. (No hanging, no pushups, etc for me.) As I'm typing this, I think the only part of my body that doesn't ache are my fingers.
It will be very interesting to see what the next 4 weeks brings....
Monday, March 19, 2012
Back to School
Meg perked up toward the end of the week so we were able to get out and enjoy the latter portion of her vacation, finishing up a visit to a local Farmer's Market and dinner with friends. A few days before that, though, I ducked out and drove to Orlando to visit with Jay.
It was a quick trip up and back but I've been missing him and wanted to see firsthand how he was doing. He's been extremely busy with classes and clinicals so I was very happy that we finally found the opportunity for a get-together, even if it was only a few short hours. We had dinner at a Japanese restaurant followed by a little leprechaun shopping for his sister. It was really, really nice and he's doing very well.
While driving back to his place he pointed out a new store that had gone in just down the street. He had no idea what it was, other than huge. A quick google determined that it was a craft/decor store so we took a look-see. (I can't remember the name of it right now...something Garden.) I'd liken it to a home "decor" Big Lots. We didn't buy anything but did find quite a few interesting items. If either of us had an extra $100 to blow, this guy would have gone home with Jay.
He called him "his new drinking buddy." In another aisle across the store we found these, the perfect accompaniment....
Needless to say the store was filled with a lot of stuff that "made you go hmm..." but we had fun looking around. I'm not sure whether I found it funny, irritating or both, but in the few short hours that I was gone she called and/or texted no less than 6 times to "tell on" Daddy. "Daddy says I have to eat cereal for dinner.....Daddy's says he's working but he's really playing his computer game.....Daddy won't play with me......when will you be home, mommy?" ...... *sigh*
Back to today. It's Monday so that means menu time. Randy has requested more salads so he should be happy this week.
Monday - Cobb Salad
Tuesday - Pork Tenderloin/Veggies in the crockpot
Wednesday - Green Salad with Grilled Shrimp
Thursday - Salmon, Sweet Potato, Veggies
Friday - Baked Chicken, Rice, Zuchini/Mushrooms/Onions
Saturday - Cobb Salad
Thanks again for stopping by!
It was a quick trip up and back but I've been missing him and wanted to see firsthand how he was doing. He's been extremely busy with classes and clinicals so I was very happy that we finally found the opportunity for a get-together, even if it was only a few short hours. We had dinner at a Japanese restaurant followed by a little leprechaun shopping for his sister. It was really, really nice and he's doing very well.
While driving back to his place he pointed out a new store that had gone in just down the street. He had no idea what it was, other than huge. A quick google determined that it was a craft/decor store so we took a look-see. (I can't remember the name of it right now...something Garden.) I'd liken it to a home "decor" Big Lots. We didn't buy anything but did find quite a few interesting items. If either of us had an extra $100 to blow, this guy would have gone home with Jay.
He called him "his new drinking buddy." In another aisle across the store we found these, the perfect accompaniment....
Needless to say the store was filled with a lot of stuff that "made you go hmm..." but we had fun looking around. I'm not sure whether I found it funny, irritating or both, but in the few short hours that I was gone she called and/or texted no less than 6 times to "tell on" Daddy. "Daddy says I have to eat cereal for dinner.....Daddy's says he's working but he's really playing his computer game.....Daddy won't play with me......when will you be home, mommy?" ...... *sigh*
Back to today. It's Monday so that means menu time. Randy has requested more salads so he should be happy this week.
Monday - Cobb Salad
Tuesday - Pork Tenderloin/Veggies in the crockpot
Wednesday - Green Salad with Grilled Shrimp
Thursday - Salmon, Sweet Potato, Veggies
Friday - Baked Chicken, Rice, Zuchini/Mushrooms/Onions
Saturday - Cobb Salad
Thanks again for stopping by!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Happy St. Patty's Day!
St. Patrick's Day is one of my daughter's favorite days of the year. She is very proud of her Irish heritage and her name...Meghan Claire. I started a tradition about five years ago by presenting her with a Bucket O' Green, something similar to an Easter basket but filled with green goodies. This year she asked if I would make a treasure hunt leading her to her bucket. With a little help from the internet I was able to grant her wish JulieWorld style.
She woke up to a note from the leprechaun which started her out on the hunt.
The first clue led her to her shoes...
Inside the shoe she found this....
I found the downloadable PDF at gluestickandtape.com. I added the Clue# to the front and a rhyme on the back. She found a little baggie of mint M&Ms hidden for each of the clues. This clue read...
"Ah, missy. . . you found this with ease. Me next one is hidden where you go after a sneeze."
That clue lead to her a box of Kleenex's in the kitchen where she found another baggie and clue. The hiding spots included the silverware drawer, under her pillow, a dining room chair, in the garage freezer, her sock drawer, my Margarita machine *wink*, the dryer and last but not least....her Bucket O' Green stashed in my shower.
She woke up to a note from the leprechaun which started her out on the hunt.
The first clue led her to her shoes...
Inside the shoe she found this....
I found the downloadable PDF at gluestickandtape.com. I added the Clue# to the front and a rhyme on the back. She found a little baggie of mint M&Ms hidden for each of the clues. This clue read...
"Ah, missy. . . you found this with ease. Me next one is hidden where you go after a sneeze."
That clue lead to her a box of Kleenex's in the kitchen where she found another baggie and clue. The hiding spots included the silverware drawer, under her pillow, a dining room chair, in the garage freezer, her sock drawer, my Margarita machine *wink*, the dryer and last but not least....her Bucket O' Green stashed in my shower.
Inside her bucket was an owl tote, this shirt from Justice that she'd been eyeing, several St. Patty's Day items and some candy. She seemed to really enjoy the hunt and definitely loves her goodies. She immediately changed into her shirt and took her new tote to the Farmer's Market with us. :-)
So be it leprechauns, green pancakes or green beer, I hope everyone gets out and enjoys this beautiful St. Patrick's Day.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Down Time
Meg's still not feeling well. I know it must be a total bummer to be sick during spring break but at least she's not missing school. Her primary complaint now is a sore throat so she and I are spending another quiet day at home.
She slept until noon so I took advantage of my free time to sneak into JulieWorld. I made this card and have the components all ready to go for eleven more just like it.
She's up and moving around now. I'm going to run out and get her a McDonald's shamrock shake. She LOVES mint and I'm sure it will be just the thing to bring a smile to her face.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Menu Monday
Another Monday, another menu. I love that I'm so well stocked that I didn't have to rush out to the store today. In fact, I won't have to go until Wednesday. Yay!!!
Because it's spring break week I'm leaving two days open for juggling...
Monday - Fresh salmon cakes, oven fries, baked asparagus
Tuesday - Tacos/Burritos (a carryover from last week)
Wednesday - Chicken Caesar Salad
Thursday - Vegetable Quiche
Friday - Caesar Shrimp and Pasta
Meg's feeling a bit fatigued so we had a lazy day around the house today. I'm hoping to start on my bathroom redecorating this week. First up will be repainting my vanity. The doors and drawer fronts are off and in the garage so it's simply a matter of getting my butt in gear. Hopefully we both get a burst of energy tomorrow.
Because it's spring break week I'm leaving two days open for juggling...
Monday - Fresh salmon cakes, oven fries, baked asparagus
Tuesday - Tacos/Burritos (a carryover from last week)
Wednesday - Chicken Caesar Salad
Thursday - Vegetable Quiche
Friday - Caesar Shrimp and Pasta
Meg's feeling a bit fatigued so we had a lazy day around the house today. I'm hoping to start on my bathroom redecorating this week. First up will be repainting my vanity. The doors and drawer fronts are off and in the garage so it's simply a matter of getting my butt in gear. Hopefully we both get a burst of energy tomorrow.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
The Wild, Wild West
I wanted to share a photo I had taken of Meg and one of her BFFs last month. There was an "old time photo" trailer set up at our county fair. I've always thought they were cool and was very happy when it didn't take much coaxing to get Meg and her BFF to pose.
A woman helped them pick out their clothing, adjusted it "just so", composed their pose with perfection, and then stood back with me while her husband took the shot. I honestly can't remember the last time my daughter wore her hair down, let alone, don a dress! They looked so beautiful.
Her friend is also a tall, thin blonde (a year older than Meggie) so they are often confused for sisters. Meg's been begging me to let her put the photo up in her room but I wanted to get it scanned first. Now it's hers.
A woman helped them pick out their clothing, adjusted it "just so", composed their pose with perfection, and then stood back with me while her husband took the shot. I honestly can't remember the last time my daughter wore her hair down, let alone, don a dress! They looked so beautiful.
Her friend is also a tall, thin blonde (a year older than Meggie) so they are often confused for sisters. Meg's been begging me to let her put the photo up in her room but I wanted to get it scanned first. Now it's hers.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
The Collector of All Things Crap
Meg has always been a collector. First it was My Little Ponies, then Strawberry Shortcake/Friends/Horses, followed by Disney Princesses, Squinkies, Zhu Zhu Pets, etc, etc, etc. Her latest "gotta have" are called Shoulder Buddies. I liken them to trolls but the girls are quick to tell me that "They Are NOT Trolls!!!" (The bottoms are magnetic and they attach with a separate metal disc.)
Believe it or not, their collections have expanded since this photo. Here are Meg's, lovingly housed in a case from Home Goods ... purple, of course.
The car is from Steak & Shake and she fashioned that blue ribbon thing to be their medal. (Didn't I tell you that trophies/medals are important?) She will sit and talk/play with these little things for hours. And if her BFF isn't here with her personal collection, the two of them will FaceTime so the whole group can play.
At ten, Meg sometimes seems so grown up but at times such as these, she's still such a little girl. I may moan and groan over all of her collections but I will definitely miss these days when they're over.
According to the girls, they come from The Land of Understand and each one possesses a different type of "smart." A cute concept but of course being that they all have their own names and their own "smarts" they are a nuisance to the mother of a crap collector.
Believe it or not, their collections have expanded since this photo. Here are Meg's, lovingly housed in a case from Home Goods ... purple, of course.
The car is from Steak & Shake and she fashioned that blue ribbon thing to be their medal. (Didn't I tell you that trophies/medals are important?) She will sit and talk/play with these little things for hours. And if her BFF isn't here with her personal collection, the two of them will FaceTime so the whole group can play.
At ten, Meg sometimes seems so grown up but at times such as these, she's still such a little girl. I may moan and groan over all of her collections but I will definitely miss these days when they're over.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Menu Monday
I'm into my third month of weekly menu planning and can't believe it took me all these years to figure this out. Knowing the answer to the age old question "What's for dinner?" is nothing short of AWESOME and a single weekly trip to the grocery store is pretty darned fab too. We're definitely eating much better. I prepare more things from scratch (no more Betty Crocker) and we always have fresh fruit and veggies (goodbye Del Monte). Who knew it was this easy? :-)
Menu for the Week of March 5th -
Monday - Turkey Meatloaf, Mashed Cauliflower/Potatoes (new recipe)
Tuesday - Black Bean Soup, White Rice
Wednesday - Green Salad withe Mesquite Chicken
Thursday - Tacos/Burritos
Friday - Salmon Cakes/ Seasoned Potato Wedges
Menu for the Week of March 5th -
Monday - Turkey Meatloaf, Mashed Cauliflower/Potatoes (new recipe)
Tuesday - Black Bean Soup, White Rice
Wednesday - Green Salad withe Mesquite Chicken
Thursday - Tacos/Burritos
Friday - Salmon Cakes/ Seasoned Potato Wedges
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Scooter Style
A quick post to share the page I created today. I can't stand purple. It's my least favorite color, hands down. It also happens to be Meg's absolute favorite color. Her room has a lot of purple in it. Her clothes are primarily purple. Even her phone case is purple. Why should I care? I wouldn't except for when I scrapbook. It's hard to enjoy playing with pretty photos and wonderful memories when I have to use purple. Bleck!
Meg saw it, immediately sighed and said "Ooooh, Pretty Page!" Why? 'Cause it's PURPLE!
. . . A footnote to my previous MP3 player post. My mom reminded me that I failed to mention that we get our audio books FREE from our local libraries using the Overdrive PC and Ipad App software. That's definitely a big plus! Check it out if you're interested.
Meg saw it, immediately sighed and said "Ooooh, Pretty Page!" Why? 'Cause it's PURPLE!
. . . A footnote to my previous MP3 player post. My mom reminded me that I failed to mention that we get our audio books FREE from our local libraries using the Overdrive PC and Ipad App software. That's definitely a big plus! Check it out if you're interested.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)