tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56887390796564593442024-03-13T23:57:55.818-04:00The life of a simple wifeLife.<br>
One day at a time.<br>
One dream at a time.A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-50918018584995049472011-09-26T09:15:00.000-04:002011-09-26T09:15:51.789-04:00Menu: September 26 - October 2<div align="justify">Ugh. The Last Quarter Insanity seems to have started a month early this year. It kinda makes me a little afraid of what the next three months will bring. I mean, usually it's crazy with Girl's birthday and Halloween and my birthday and Thanksgiving and Christmas and all the end of the year stuff I do, but if it's going to be SO CRAZY that the Universe started hitting me a month early?? Ohdear.... maybe it's time to hide in my closet. <br />
<br />
Lots to do and my printer is broken. Because, you know, NOW is when I need it most. *sigh* I do believe my head is going to explode any day now...<br />
<br />
So, food! Because, apparently, we need to eat. Or so I'm told. <br />
<br />
As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" target="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/MPM_Button.png" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div align="justify"><u>Breakfasts</u><br />
<b>choice of:</b><br />
cereal (dry or with milk)<br />
cheesy eggs (actually egg beaters, but whatever)<br />
apple or banana and peanut butter<br />
hard boiled egg and cheese<br />
oatmeal and fruit<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Lunches</u><br />
<b>choice of:</b><br />
leftovers<br />
sandwiches (tuna, peanut butter, whatever) and fruit<br />
bocca burger<br />
turkey burger<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u> <br />
<b>dinner</b>: leftovers (cleaning out the fridge)<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: pasta, salad, garlic toast<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: Honey Mustard Lime Chicken (adapted from <a href="http://www.kitchenparade.com/2008/04/lime-chicken.php" target="new">this recipe</a>), green beans, corn nibbles, salad<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: tuna burgers (adapted from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Tasty-Tuna-Burgers/Detail.aspx" target="new">this recipe</a>), rosemary sweet potato steak fries, salad<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Friday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: beans and rice<br />
<b>fixing ahead for the weekend</b>: <br />
- chicken spaghetti casserole<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>weekend lunches and dinners</b></u><br />
- chicken spaghetti casserole (adapted from <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/chicken_spaghet/" target="new">this recipe</a>)<br />
- various leftovers<br />
- probably tuna sandwiches if we need more food<br />
<br />
<br />
Aaaaand, I think that's it. I need to get a move on and tackle my day. Maybe if I'm extra charming, I can coax the printer to work just long enough to get some vital stuff printed. Maybe. Hopefully. Please...? <br />
<br />
<br />
Blue skies, world. </div><img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" />A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-18128544695194847072011-09-12T09:47:00.000-04:002011-09-12T09:48:56.082-04:00Menu: September 12-18<div align="justify">
Huh. September. When did THAT happen? Guess summer kinda ate my life. <br />
<br />
So, school's back in session (is this really the fourth week already? wow...) and I've been adjusting to (1) being by myself again and (2) getting things done. The first is a easy, the second is... well, I'm getting better.</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>
<div align="justify">
Speaking of getting better, I have a huge list of stuff I want/need to get done this week so I need to get off the computer and get moving. </div>
<div align="justify">
<br />
So, food! Because it makes a really awesome <strike>bribe</strike> incentive for my family to do what I want when I feed them. <br />
<br />
As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" target="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/MPM_Button.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="justify">
<br /></div>
<div align="justify">
<br />
<u>Breakfasts</u><br />
<b>choice of:</b><br />
cereal (dry or with milk)<br />
cheesy eggs (actually egg beaters, but whatever)<br />
apple or banana and peanut butter<br />
hard boiled egg and cheese<br />
Amish Breakfast Casserole pancakes<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Lunches</u><br />
<b>choice of:</b><br />
leftovers<br />
sandwiches (tuna, peanut butter, whatever) and fruit<br />
bocca burger<br />
turkey burger<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u> <br />
<b>dinner</b>: spaghetti (making sauce from scratch, as in... squishing tomatoes scratch), garlic toast, salad<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: spicy orange and sesame chicken sandwiches (adapted from <a href="http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/spicy-orange-sesame-chicken-sandwiches" target="new">this recipe</a>), salad<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: leftovers<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: beans and rice, salad<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Friday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Melt-In-Your-Mouth-Meat-Loaf/Detail.aspx" target="new">meat loaf</a>, green peas, roasted golden potatoes<br />
<b>extra</b>: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Honey-Lemon-Cookies/Detail.aspx?ms=1&prop25=55660435&prop26=WhatsCooking&prop27=2011-03-24&prop28=PhotoArea1&prop29=Photo_3&me=1" target="new">honey lemon cookies</a><br />
<b>fixing ahead for the weekend</b>: <br />
- disappearing chicken casserole <br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>weekend lunches and dinners</b></u><br />
- <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2011/09/disappearing-chicken-casserole.html" target="new">disappearing chicken casserole</a>, broccoli<br />
- various leftovers<br />
- probably tuna sandwiches if we need more food</div>
<br />
<div align="justify">
<br />
I think that's it.<br />
<br />
Lots to do now.<br />
<br />
<br />
Blue skies, world. </div>
<br />
<img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" />A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-83925309517145156692011-08-08T09:15:00.001-04:002011-08-08T09:16:25.962-04:00Menu: August 8 - 14<div align="justify">Wow. Another week gone? Already? Where is the time going? <br />
<br />
I thought to have something more... engaging to say this morning, but I don't. I'd really like to go back to bed, though. That would be fantastic. Too bad I can't. There's just too much to do.<br />
<br />
So... food. Because my family likes it when I feed them and I really need to get busy.<br />
<br />
As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" target="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"></a><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/MPM_Button.png" /></a></div><br />
<div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
<u>Breakfasts</u><br />
<b>choice of:</b><br />
cereal<br />
cheesy eggs (actually egg beaters, but whatever)<br />
apple or banana and peanut butter<br />
hard boiled egg and cheese<br />
bagel and yogurt<br />
Amish Breakfast Casserole<br />
pancakes<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Lunches</u><br />
<b>choice of:</b><br />
leftovers<br />
sandwiches (tuna, peanut butter, whatever) & fruit<br />
hot dogs<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u> <br />
<b>dinner</b>: leftovers (beans and rice, chicken)<br />
<b>extra</b>: chewy lime sugar cookies<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: ginger-marmalade chicken, herb-roasted potatoes, green beans, broccoli<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: honey spiced pork chops, mac & cheese, green peas<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: tuna casserole, salad<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Friday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: sweet and sour chicken stir-fry, rice, broccoli<br />
<b>extra</b>: honey lemon cookies<br />
<b>fixing ahead for the weekend</b>: <br />
- chicken salad dijon with grapes and apple<br />
- ham and cheese potato casserole<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>weekend lunches and dinners</b></u><br />
- chicken salad dijon with grapes and apples<br />
- ham and cheese potato casserole, broccoli</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
I... really... should have links up there, but I don't. It's a sluggish sort of morning.<br />
<br />
<br />
Blue skies, world. <br />
<img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </div>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-85430165233623369722011-08-02T06:49:00.000-04:002011-08-02T06:49:06.985-04:00Hmmm...I... really... need to update my website. <br />
<br />
That is all. <br />
<br />
Blue skies,<br />
<img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg">A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-41861547832121551282011-08-01T09:02:00.000-04:002011-08-01T09:02:01.315-04:00Menu: August 1 - 7<div align="justify">Holidays and vacations, while fun, really screw up my menu planning. I suppose we'll just have to take more vacations so I can practice meal planning around/for them. It seems logical to me. <br />
<br />
Things are kinda... weird... lately, so I'm trying to stick to simple meals that Girl can prepare if I'm swamped. Sometimes, I ask her to cook for no other reason than to give her that power in the kitchen. But don't tell her that. She might stop being so helpful. <br />
<br />
Um... food. Because I don't really have anything else to say this morning (kinda time crunched, actually) and my family REALLY likes it when I feed them.<br />
<br />
As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" target="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"></a><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/mealplanmonday_v2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div align="justify"><br />
<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
<u>Breakfasts</u><br />
<b>choice of:</b><br />
cereal<br />
cheesy eggs (actually egg beaters, but whatever)<br />
apple or banana and peanut butter<br />
hard boiled egg and cheese<br />
bagel and yogurt<br />
Amish Breakfast Casserole<br />
pancakes<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Lunches</u><br />
<b>choice of:</b><br />
leftovers<br />
sandwiches & fruit<br />
hot dogs<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u> (<b>Lunch at Red Robin</b>)<br />
<b>dinner</b>: leftovers<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: cheeseburger pasta, garlic bread, salad<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: tuna casserole, crescent rolls, salad <br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Thursday</u> (<b>GROCERY DAY</b>)<br />
<b>dinner</b>: frozen pizza<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Friday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: sweet and sour chicken stir-fry, rice<br />
<b>fixing ahead for the weekend</b>: <br />
- all the chopping and grating for the Amish Breakfast Casserole<br />
- beans<br />
- rice<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>weekend lunches and dinners</b></u><br />
- leftovers<br />
- beans & rice<br />
- more leftovers<br />
- maybe a rotisserie chicken from the deli</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">Things have been kinda crazy in my world lately so I've not had the chance to work on sorting out my recipes and updating my <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/" target="new">recipe blog</a>. I'm hoping to get project kicked off in the next week, but with the start of school looming just 22 days away, I might have to wait. <br />
<br />
And I believe that's it for the food this week. Now it's off to the orthodontist and used bookstore.<br />
<br />
Blue skies, world. <br />
<img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </div>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-80467956907404549902011-06-27T06:00:00.009-04:002011-06-27T09:20:07.750-04:00Menu: June 27 - July 3<div align="justify">Last week was... fun. Summer is, without a doubt, in full swing. <br />
<br />
We didn't get to the <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Roasted-Turkey-Legs-2/Detail.aspx?ms=1&prop25=56363613&prop26=HealthyBites&prop27=2011-04-06&prop28=Recipes&prop29=Recipe_3&me=1" target="new">roasted turkey legs</a> over the weekend so that's shifted to Monday. The <a href="http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/lentilsbrownrice.htm" target="new">lentils and brown rice tacos</a> that we didn't get to have been shifted forward to Wednesday.<br />
<br />
There will be a few new recipes popping up in the near future. We've all decided we need to lose some weight so Girl and Husband picked out <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-biggest-loser-family-cookbook-devin-alexander/1013984038?ean=9781605297835&itm=1&usri=the%2bbiggest%2bloser%2bfamily%2bcookbook%2bbudget%2bfriendly" target="new">The Biggest Loser Family Cookbook</a> this weekend while we were out. Some of the ideas they suggest are simply... not... going to be implemented in our weight loss endeavors while others are ideas I've been trying to get both Girl and Husband to embrace for a while. Since this is <i>their</i> idea, I am tentatively optimistic about the results. It'll be easier for me to eat better if they're the ones wanting the healthier meals. <br />
<br />
Also, they think we should all eat breakfast in the morning. Amazing. I wonder why I never thought of that. <br />
<br />
So! In the mean time... food. Because my family REALLY likes it when I feed them and it's so much easier to <s>bribe</s> convince them to do things when I have food.<br />
<br />
As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" target="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"></a><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/mealplanmonday_v2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div align="justify"><br />
<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
<u>Breakfasts</u><br />
<b>choice of:</b><br />
cereal<br />
cheesy eggs (actually egg beaters, but whatever)<br />
apple or banana and peanut butter<br />
hard boiled egg and cheese<br />
bagel and yogurt<br />
<strong>Saturday</strong>: Amish Breakfast Casserole<br />
<strong>Sunday</strong>:<a href="http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/oatmeal-pancakes-714679/" target="new">Oatmeal pancakes</a>, turkey bacon<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Lunches</u><br />
<b>choice of:</b><br />
leftovers<br />
sandwiches & fruit<br />
hot dogs<br />
chicken pot pie<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Roasted-Turkey-Legs-2/Detail.aspx?ms=1&prop25=56363613&prop26=HealthyBites&prop27=2011-04-06&prop28=Recipes&prop29=Recipe_3&me=1" target="new">roasted turkey legs</a> (I still need to make some <a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/pomegranate_molasses/" target="new">pomegranate molasses</a>), french fries, salad<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: Apricot, Ginger, and Chicken Casserole, lima beans, broccoli<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: <a href="http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/lentilsbrownrice.htm" target="new">lentils and brown rice tacos</a>, salad <br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: spaghetti, garlic rolls, salad<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Friday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2010/05/hamburger-noodle-casserole.html" target="new">hamburger noodle casserole</a>, broccoli, salad<br />
<b>fixing ahead for the weekend</b>: <br />
- all the chopping and grating for the Amish Breakfast Casserole<br />
- Chicken Salad Dijon with grapes and apples<br />
- mixing the <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Tasty-Tuna-Burgers/Detail.aspx" target="new">Tasty Tuna Burgers</a> (but not cooking them)<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><strong>weekend lunches and dinners</strong></u><br />
- leftovers<br />
- Chicken Salad Dijon with grapes and apples (plus fruit on the side)<br />
- <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Tasty-Tuna-Burgers/Detail.aspx" target="new">Tasty Tuna Burgers</a> (plus Rosemary Sweet Potato Steak Fries and salad)<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify">As I typed out the above, I realized that I've been remiss in posting recipes in my <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/" target="new">recipe blog</a> so I'll be working on that some this week when I get the chance. <br />
<br />
And I believe that's it for the food this week. <br />
<br />
Blue skies, world. <br />
<img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </div>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-7121803984882300332011-06-19T22:32:00.000-04:002011-06-19T22:32:46.558-04:00Menu: June 20 - 26<div align="justify">WOO-HOO! Last week worked great. We cooked what was supposed to be cooked and we ate it! Not only that, but I made a <a href="http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1913,154179-246202,00.html" target="new">chocolate-cherry ribbon dessert</a> for the weekend and it was great. I've already started considering way to tweak it to make it better suited to our tastes.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping for success again this week and just to make it more of a challenge, I'm planning breakfasts and lunches, too.<br />
<br />
As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" target="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"></a><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/mpm1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
<u>Breakfasts</u><br />
<b>choice of:</b><br />
cereal<br />
cheesy eggs (actually egg beaters, but whatever)<br />
hard boiled eggs and fruit<br />
turkey bacon<br />
toast<br />
bagels<br />
fruit<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u><br />
<b>lunch</b>: LUNCH OUT (<i>Red Robin after orthodontist appointment</i><br />
<b>dinner</b>: tuna casserole, broccoli, salad<br />
<br />
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<b>lunch</b>: leftovers OR sandwiches, salad, fruit<br />
<b>dinner</b>: hamburgers, fries, salad<br />
<br />
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<b>lunch</b>: chicken nuggets, salad, fruit<br />
<b>dinner</b>: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-Garlic-Broiled-Chicken/Detail.aspx" target="new">easy garlic broiled chicken</a>, mashed potatoes, green peas<br />
<br />
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<b>lunch</b>: leftovers OR sandwiches, salad, fruit<br />
<b>dinner</b>: <a href="http://www.thefamilyhomestead.com/lentilsbrownrice.htm" target="new">lentils and brown rice tacos</a>, salad<br />
<br />
<u>Friday</u> <i>cooking all weekend meals today</i><br />
<b>lunch</b>: foraging<br />
<b>dinner</b>: leftovers<br />
<br />
<u>Weekend</u><br />
- <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Roasted-Turkey-Legs-2/Detail.aspx?ms=1&prop25=56363613&prop26=HealthyBites&prop27=2011-04-06&prop28=Recipes&prop29=Recipe_3&me=1" target="new">roasted turkey legs</a> (first, I'll have to make some <a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/pomegranate_molasses/" target="new">pomegranate molasses</a>), french fries, salad<br />
- baked black bean and salsa chicken (an adaptation of <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/2010/04/baked-black-bean-salsa-chicken.html" target="new">this recipe</a>), rice, broccoli<br />
<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
I believe that's about it. <br />
<br />
Blue skies, world.<br />
<img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </div>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-42035753709301663902011-06-12T22:54:00.000-04:002011-06-12T22:54:22.909-04:00Menu: June 13 - 19<div align="justify">Things didn't go quite as planned last week. Life happens. I've shifted a few of the missed meals forward to this week (and next week) and am hoping I've figured how to avoid the "omg-too-many-leftovers!" situations that have been causing all the problems.<br />
<br />
It's late, I'm tired, and I think I'm being kidnapped tomorrow. I need to be in bed so I'll make this short.<br />
<br />
Food... because I'm supposed to feed them. Or something like that. <br />
<br />
As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" target="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"></a><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/mpm-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><u>Breakfasts</u><br />
<b>choice of:</b><br />
- whatever can be found (actually, the husband is probably fending for himself since it'll be a miracle if Girl or I are out of bed early to actually eat breakfast)<br />
<br />
<u>Lunches</u><br />
- haven't got a clue. Probably a lot of foraging this week.<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: disappearing chicken casserole, broccoli, salad<br />
<br />
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: leftovers<br />
<br />
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: chopped beef stroganoff, broccoli<br />
<br />
<u>Thursday</u> - <b>GROCERY DAY</b><br />
<b>dinner</b>: cheddar mac & ham casserole<br />
<br />
<u>Friday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: DAD COOKS! YAY!!<br />
<b>additional cooking (what I'll cook)</b>: weekend meals<br />
<br />
<u>WEEKEND MEALS</u><br />
<b>one</b>: <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2007/04/shepherds-pie-la-my-mom.html" target="new">shepherd's pie</a><br />
<b>two</b>: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Asian-Orange-Chicken/Detail.aspx" target="new">asian orange chicken</a>, rice, salad<br />
<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
And that's all from me. Time for sleeping. <br />
<br />
Sweet dreams, world.<br />
<img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </div>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-5550156316381980942011-06-06T09:29:00.000-04:002011-06-06T09:29:00.062-04:00Menu: June 6 - 12<div align="justify">We're getting better with actual eating of what's planned, but there's still quite a bit of work to be done in that area. <br />
<br />
School releases the <s>animals into the wild</s> kids for the summer Friday with an early release time. As always, I have no idea what sort of impact that will <i>really</i> have on my days. This year, Girl wants a "social life" during the summer. I'm not yet sure what sort of Mom Magic I'm going to have to work to make that possible. I'm still trying to find out <i>exactly</i> what she wants. <br />
<br />
So, food... because we always have food. My family is so much <s>less growlish and bitey</s> more pleasant to be around when I feed them. <br />
<br />
As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" target="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"></a><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/mpm-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><u>Breakfasts</u><br />
<b>choice of:</b><br />
- whatever can be found, including white cheddar popcorn and cheesecake (nothing really <i>planned</i> this week, I'm tumbling some ideas around in my skull)<br />
<br />
<u>Lunches</u><br />
- haven't got a clue. Most likely, it'll be leftovers or sandwiches with fruit. Or maybe just a bowl of white cheddar popcorn and some M&Ms.<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Skillet-Chicken-Parmesan?pmcode=GPA51VH079&_mid=560500&_rid=560500.450900.336005" target="new">skillet chicken parmesan</a>, green beans, crescent rolls, salad<br />
<b>additional cooking</b>: pasta sauce<br />
<br />
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: sloppy tater joe casserole, broccoli, salad<br />
<b>additional cooking</b>: sloppy joe sauce<br />
<br />
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Asian-Orange-Chicken/Detail.aspx" target="new">asian orange chicken</a>, rice, salad<br />
<br />
<u>Thursday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2007/04/shepherds-pie-la-my-mom.html" target="new">shepherd's pie</a><br />
<br />
<u>Friday</u><br />
<b>dinner</b>: DAD COOKS! YAY!!<br />
<b>additional cooking (what I'll cook)</b>: potato skins, plus weekend meals<br />
<br />
<u>WEEKEND MEALS</u><br />
<b>one</b>: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Melt-In-Your-Mouth-Meat-Loaf/Detail.aspx" target="new">meatloaf</a> (still tweaking this recipe), mashed potatoes (using potato guts from potato skins), green peas<br />
<b>two</b>: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Lentils-and-Rice-with-Fried-Onions-Mujadarrah/Detail.aspx?ms=1&prop25=57331846&prop26=DailyDish&prop27=2011-04-18&prop28=DailyRecipe&prop29=FullRecipeLink&me=1" target="new">lentils and rice with fried onions</a>, <a href="http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2008/08/recipe-for-baked-falafel-patties-with.html" target="new">baked falafel patties with yogurt-tahini sauce</a>, salad<br />
<br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
I think that's all. Any guesses on which meal will be skipped/shifted to a future date?<br />
<br />
Much to do today and I'm running out of time. <br />
<br />
Blue skies, world. <br />
<img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </div>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-79756531122776619972011-05-30T10:18:00.000-04:002011-05-30T10:18:25.629-04:00Menu: May 30 - June 4<div align="justify"><br />
Last week's menu went a little awry around Wednesday. The Asian Orange Chicken meal got bumped, so did the Skillet Chicken Parmesan meal, and, well, actually, the rest of the week. Things got weird. It happens.<br />
<br />
I've been using <a href="http://www.plantoeat.com/" target="new">Plan To Eat</a> to plan my meals (and grocery lists) since November so last week's explosion of meals not cooked isn't much of an issue. I simply pulled those items into the coming weeks and all is well.<br />
<br />
So! Food. Because my family <i>really</i> likes it when I feed them.<br />
<br />
As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" tareget="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><br />
<div align="justify"></div><br />
<a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"></a><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/mpm121.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><br />
<u>Breakfasts</u><br />
<b>choice of:</b><br />
cold cereal<br />
cheesy eggs (actually egg beaters, but whatever)<br />
banana and peanut butter<br />
hard boiled egg and cheese<br />
toast<br />
biscuits<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Monday</u><br />
<b>lunch</b>: leftovers OR sandwiches<br />
<b>dinner</b>: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Tasty-Tuna-Burgers/Detail.aspx" target="new">Tasty Tuna Burgers</a>, french fries, salad<br />
<br />
<u>Tuesday</u><br />
<b>lunch</b>: leftovers OR sandwiches<br />
<b>dinner</b>: <a href="http://www.plantoeat.com/recipes/115652" target="new">Chopped Beef Stroganoff</a>, broccoli<br />
<br />
<u>Wednesday</u><br />
<b>lunch</b>: leftovers OR sandwiches<br />
<b>dinner</b>: Chicken and yellow rice, salad<br />
<br />
<u>Thursday</u> - GROCERY DAY<br />
<b>lunch</b>: leftovers (or take out, depending on how long the shopping takes and how hungry I get)<br />
<b>dinner</b>: leftovers<br />
<br />
<u>Friday</u><br />
<b>lunch</b>: leftovers OR sandwiches<br />
<b>dinner</b>: <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Baked-Ziti-II/Detail.aspx" target="new">Baked Ziti</a>, salad<br />
<br />
<u>Saturday</u><br />
<b>lunch</b>: leftovers OR sandwiches<br />
<b>dinner</b>: Lentils and Brown Rice Tacos, Salad<br />
<br />
<u>Sunday</u><br />
<b>lunch</b>: leftovers <br />
<b>dinner</b>: leftovers<br />
<br />
<br />
I believe that's everything. I'm still working on indexing my recipe blog and adding more recipes there. I'm also still trying to figure out if I even want to keep it since most everything I put there will undoubtedly (eventually) be added to my <a href="http://www.plantoeat.com/" target="new">Plan To Eat</a> account/cookbook. Eventually, everything will be all orderly. Eventually.<br />
<br />
Blue skies, world.<br />
<img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </div>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-8866690654677247242011-05-23T09:02:00.003-04:002011-05-23T10:23:41.876-04:00Menu: May 23 - 29<div align="justify"><br />It's been almost a year since I've updated this blog. A lot has happened in that time. A lot that I'd just as soon not delve into here. This isn't the place for it. Instead, let me just say that, as a part of my grieving process, I'm making extra efforts to blog again. Creating, it seems, is my way of coping with a lot.<br /><br />I suspect (hope) this renewal of blogging will begin as a trickle of skimpy posts that eventually develops into a small but steady stream of more interesting and detailed posts. And I will more than likely miss a week or two during the first months (or, at the very least, be late with the posting) as I reintegrate this task into my weekly routine. Though, truthfully, finding my writing voice again is more of a concern to me than missing or being late with a post. I started losing it last January and lost it completely over the last six months. <br /><br />Or maybe I just need to reconnect.<br /><br />Anyway... food...<br /><br />While I still plan the weeks Sunday through Saturday, I'll be listing the menus here as Monday through Sunday for one very simple reason: Sundays are ALWAYS "leftover" days. I try to cook enough food on Friday to carry us through to Sunday night. I get two days I don't have to cook and my family still gets to eat. Win-win. Listing Sunday through Saturday meant starting the week by re-listing what I had previously cooked or listing "leftovers". Neither option appealed to me, so I reached for another option. I'm kind of quirky that way.<br /><br />As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" target="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"><p align="center"><img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/mealplanmonday_v1.jpg" border="0">></p></a><p align="justify"><br /></p><p align="justify"><br /><u>Monday</u><br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2007/04/shepherds-pie-la-my-mom.html" target="new">shepherd's pie</a><br /><br /><u>Tuesday</u><br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2007/04/shepherds-pie-la-my-mom.html" target="new">shepherd's pie</a> leftovers<br /><br /><u>Wednesday</u><br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a com="" recipe="" chicken="" target="new">Asian Orange Chicken</a>, rice, broccoli<br /><br /><u>Thursday</u><br /><strong>make early in day</strong>: pasta sauce<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Skillet-Chicken-Parmesan?pmcode=GPA51VH079&_mid=560500&_rid=560500.450900.336005" target="new">Skillet Chicken Parmesan</a>, broccoli<br /><br /><u>Friday</u><br /><strong>dinner</strong>: LEFTOVERS<br /><strong>cooking for weekend</strong>:<br />- <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/spaghetti-with-fresh-tomatoes" target="new">Spaghetti with Fresh Tomatoes</a><br />- <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Lentils-and-Rice-with-Fried-Onions-Mujadarrah/Detail.aspx?ms=1&prop25=57331846&prop26=DailyDish&prop27=2011-04-18&prop28=DailyRecipe&prop29=FullRecipeLink&me=1" target="new">Lentils and Rice with Fried Onions (Mujadarrah)</a><br />- <a href="http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2008/08/recipe-for-baked-falafel-patties-with.html" target="new">Baked Falafel Patties with Yogurt-Tahini Sauce</a><br />- <a href="http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2007/08/recipe-favorites-middle-eastern-tomato.html" target="new">Middle Eastern Tomato Salad</a><br /><br /><u>Saturday</u><br /><strong>lunch and dinner</strong>: FORAGING ON WHAT I COOKED FRIDAY<br /><br /><u>Sunday</u><br /><strong>lunch and dinner</strong>: FORAGING ON WHAT I COOKED FRIDAY<br /><br /></p><p align="justify"><br />And that, I believe, is all. <br /><br /><br />Blue skies, world.<br /><img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </p>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-72315209651127569622010-07-12T09:02:00.003-04:002010-07-12T09:32:46.550-04:00Menu - July 12 - 17<div align="justify"><br />Okie dokie, then. Last week was all sorts of fubar for all sorts of reasons. With the husband out of town, the kid and I pretty much just foraged all week. Neither one of us felt like eating much anyway. <br /><br />So! This week... <br /><br />The husband is back in town and I have high hopes for this week but, eh, we'll see. It's not even noon on Monday and already my day is scrambled. <br /><br />I recently borrowed the book <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Artisan-Bread-in-Five-Minutes-a-Day/Jeff-Hertzberg/e/9780312362911/?itm=1&USRI=artisan+bread+in+five+minutes+a+day+the+discovery" target="new">Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day</a> by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois (their website is <a href="http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/" target="new">here</a>) and had hoped to try their method of bread mixing/making today but I don't think I'll get to it. Not today. I'll shoot for Wednesday or Thur...oh, not Thursday. Grocery shopping is on Thursday. Maybe Friday, then, since Fridays are cook-a-thon days anyway. We'll see. When I do get to it, I'll take some pictures and share my thoughts.<br /><br />Oh, and I'm dropping the chores list from the menu because that's not what these menu posts are about. They're about food. So... menu!<br /><br />As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" tareget="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"><p align="center"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/mpm1.jpg" border="0" /></p></a><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><p align="justify"><br /><u>Breakfasts</u><br /><b>choice of:</b><br /> cold cereal<br /> oatmeal<br /> cheesy eggs (actually egg beaters, but whatever)<br /> banana and peanut butter<br /> hard boiled egg and cheese<br /> toast<br /> biscuits<br /><br /><br /><u>Sunday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: IHOP (after the Minions movie)<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: frozen pizza/foraging<br /><br /><br /><u>Monday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: tuna sandwiches, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: parmesan pasta bake, salad<br /><br /><br /><u>Tuesday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: chicken legs, rice, random veggies and/or fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: fish, broccoli, corn, salad<br /><br /><br /><u>Wednesday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: chicken legs, rice, random veggies and/or fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2010/05/hamburger-noodle-casserole.html" target="new">hamburger noodle casserole</a>, salad<br /><b>baking (maybe)</b>: bread<br /><br /><u>Thursday</u> <b><i>GROCERY DAY</i></b><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: ---OUT---<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: leftovers<br /><br /><br /><u>Friday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: tacos<br /><strong>cooking for weekend</strong>: <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/chicken_spaghet/"target="new">chicken spaghetti casserole</a><br /><br /><br /><u>Saturday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers OR sandwiches, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/chicken_spaghet/"target="new">chicken spaghetti casserole</a> (trying for the first time), salad<br /><br />The <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/chicken_spaghet/"target="new">chicken spaghetti casserole</a> is finding its way onto our menu for the first time but I've heard such great things about it. With luck, it'll stay in the rotation of weekend meals because I just don't have enough meals in that category. (No, really, I don't. I need more recipes that serve 6+ people.)<br /><br />So, that's the our meal plan for the week. What's in your menu? (Am I the only one that reads that question and immediately thinks of the Capital One credit card commercials "What's in your wallet? Ugh. I need to go bleach my brain...)<br /><br />Blue skies, world.<br /><img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </p>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-28745216790356347952010-06-28T07:58:00.004-04:002010-06-28T09:02:23.219-04:00Menu (and chores) - June 27 - July 3<div align="justify"><br />Last week's menu went a little awry around Tuesday. The chicken with honey-orange sauce never got made. Neither did the beans, rice, tuna patties, or hoe cakes. We only resorted to eating take-out once, though, so I still count the week as a win. Sometimes life just gets a little hay-wirey. <br /><br />The husband left town yesterday morning and won't be back until Thursday morning so Girl and I are happily eating leftovers and not having to put much effort into the feed of ourselves until later in the week. Even then, it's not going to be much effort. It's summer, after all.<br /><br />So... menu... but first... I'm adding chores and activities to my menu this week as a trial to see how it works out. I'm not adding my daily To Do List; no one has the time (or desire) to see that mayhem. I'm just adding...highlights. <br /><br />As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" tareget="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"><p align="center"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/mpm121.jpg" border="0" /></p></a><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><p align="justify"><br /><u>Breakfasts</u><br /><b>choice of:</b><br /> cold cereal<br /> oatmeal<br /> cheesy eggs (actually egg beaters, but whatever)<br /> banana and peanut butter<br /> hard boiled egg and cheese<br /> toast<br /> biscuits<br /><br /><u><b>NOTE</b>:</u> We still have corn on the cob and peaches in the refrigerator, so all meals will be added to (or not) as desired (or needed). There's also a fairly good chance of me baking some bread this week.<br /><br /><u>Sunday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers (<a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/oven-fried-picnic-chicken/3eccf684-d179-4e04-bb39-306ff7b3ee82" target="new">oven-fried chicken</a> #2, potato salad)<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <s>leftovers (oven-fried picnic chicken #2, potato salad)</s> warm brownies and milk<br /><br /><b>chores</b>: none<br /><b>activity</b>: take Husband to airport in morning, Unnatural History (8pm - Cartoon Network)<br /><br /><u>Monday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers (oven-fried picnic chicken #2, potato salad)<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: leftovers (oven-fried picnic chicken #2, potato salad), corn on the cob<br /><br /><b>chores - me</b>: wipe down master bath, clean kitchen (wash small appliances, clear counters, clean oven hood, etc.), work on Emergency Notebook forms, laundry (sheets)<br /><b>chores - Girl</b>: wipe down main bath, clean all cabinet doors (kitchen & bath), 30 minutes on bedroom<br /><b>activity</b>: latch hook lesson, mom writing time<br /><br /><u>Tuesday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers (oven-fried picnic chicken #2, potato salad)<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: ground turkey burgers, baked beans, corn on the cob<br /><b>baking (maybe)</b>: bread<br /><br /><b>chores - me</b>: sweep and mop tile floors, work on Emergency Notebook forms, laundry (towels)<br /><b>chores - Girl</b>: clean light switches and door knobs, shake door rugs, sweep outside front door, 30 minutes on bedroom<br /><b>activity</b>: latch hook lesson, mom writing time<br /><br /><u>Wednesday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: --OUT--<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: leftovers (turkey burgers, baked beans)<br /><br /><b>chores - me</b>: wipe down master bath, balance budget, vacuum, laundry (light clothes)<br /><b>chores - Girl</b>: wipe down main bath, straighten bedroom closet, 30 minutes on bedroom<br /><b>activity</b>: GROCERY DAY<br /><br /><u>Thursday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: lemon chicken stir-fry, rice, salad<br /><br /><b>chores - me</b>: dust, work on next week's menu, laundry (gentle cycle load, dark clothes)<br /><b>chores - Girl</b>: clean bedroom, dust bedroom, vacuum bedroom<br /><b>activity</b>: pick up Husband at airport (930am), pick up library book(s) on hold<br /><br /><u>Friday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: black bean tostados, salad<br /><strong>cooking for weekend</strong>: shepherd's pie<br /><br /><b>chores - me</b>: clean master bathroom, sweep tile floors, laundry (Girl's clothes, bleach, towels)<br /><b>chores - Girl</b>: clean main bathroom, sweep and mop main bath, clean toothbrush holder<br /><b>activity</b>: cook-a-thon (with reading during down times), Merlin (10pm - SyFy)<br /><br /><u>Saturday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers OR sandwiches, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2007/04/shepherds-pie-la-my-mom.html" target="new">shepherd's pie</a><br /><br /><b>chores - me</b>: laundry (jeans)<br /><b>chores - Girl</b>: clean out car (w/dad)<br /><b>activity</b>: <i>nothing planned yet</i><br /><br /><br />I do believe those are the highlights. I left everything that appears on my <i>daily</i> list out, so there's no mention of my washing dishes (something I do several times a day) or clutter pick-up or exercise or arguing with Girl when she has a Teen Moment or so many other things. You'll just have to trust that it's all part of my day. <br /><br />Blue skies, world.<br /><img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </p>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-88931994251069039602010-06-21T05:17:00.003-04:002010-06-21T07:26:41.040-04:00Menu - June 20 - 26<div align="justify"><br />Last week had both Girl and kitty on drugs and healing. Both are doing much better. Girl was negative for Strep and Meningitis (both were a concern because both are going around this area) and kitty's blood tests came back with some enzyme or another slightly elevated which could mean a whole bunch of things. Right now it's a "wait and see" game with her, with the possibility of more blood tests in the future. I'm still fighting off whatever sludge monster has decided my head is a great place for its summer camping trip. <br /><br />I have great hopes that this week will be much different. Or, at the very least, hope nobody in our household will be sick. There are plans for a <a href="http://www.amcentertainment.com/smc/" target="new">$1 movie</a> and a <a href="http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/freefamilyfilm.aspx" target="new">free movie</a> (Tuesday and Wednesday mornings), opening the latch hook kits (see post <a href="http://asimplewife.blogspot.com/2010/06/coming-of-summer.html" target="new">here</a>), and at least one library visit. I have a running list of other activities that might wiggle their way into the week, too. I won't even mention the cleaning/chores.<br /><br />I've been working on finding fairly simple (and large) dishes that can be cooked in advance to minimize my time in the kitchen during the weekend. So far, it's working out really well. Having the food already prepared for the weekends has got to be somewhere in my top ten list of best ideas. I get days off (sorta) and they get fed something besides tuna; major win for all concerned (well, except kitty, who no longer gets tuna treats on the weekends). I'm toying with the idea of cooking dinners in the morning during the week. The days can get really busy in the summer and sometimes I just don't feel like cooking, especially on low energy days when it hurts to move. Knowing dinner was taken care of before the day even got underway would go a long way toward easing some of the angst on low energy days. Or just days Girl and I spent aaaall day out running around in the Florida heat. Even if all I did was cook the main dish and do the clean up in the mornings, it would help. The vegetables that would need to be cooked at dinner time are a breeze to not only steam but also clean up after. Less after-dinner clean up = major win for mom.<br /><br />So... menu... <br /><br />Oh. And the <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2010/06/pizza-casserole.html" target="new">pizza casserole</a> we tried last week was a hit. The recipe still needs a few minor tweaks but other than that, everyone loved it.<br /><br />As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" tareget="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"><p align="center"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/mealplanmonday_v1.jpg" border="0" /></p></a><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><p align="justify"><br /><u>Breakfasts</u><br /><b>choice of:</b><br /> cereal<br /> oatmeal<br /> cheesy eggs (actually egg beaters, but whatever)<br /> apple or banana and peanut butter<br /> hard boiled egg and cheese<br /> toast<br /> biscuits<br /><br /><u>NOTE:</u> With about a dozen ears of fresh corn on the cob and a little over ten pouns of fresh peaches lurking about, all meals will be added to (or not) as desired (or needed). There's also the <i>slight</i> chance of me baking some bread this week. Maybe. Or teaching Girl how to make biscuits from scratch.<br /><br /><u>Sunday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers (<a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2010/06/pizza-casserole.html" target="new">pizza casserole</a>)<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: leftovers (pizza casserole)<br /><br /><u>Monday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: chicken legs, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2010/05/easy-salisbury-steak.html" target="new">easy salisbury steak</a>, mashed potatoes, lima beans, salad<br /><br /><u>Tuesday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: chicken legs, lima beans, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2010/05/chicken-with-honey-orange-sauce.html" target="new">chicken with honey orange sauce</a>, rice, green beans, salad<br /><br /><u>Wednesday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: sandwiches, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: red beans, <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2007/06/tuna-patties.html" target="new">tuna patties</a>, <a href="http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/hoecakes.htm" target="new">hoe cakes</a>, salad<br /><br /><u>Thursday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: leftovers, salad<br /><br /><u>Friday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: potato bake, salad<br /><strong>cooking for weekend</strong>: oven-fried chicken (#2), potato salad,<br /><br /><u>Saturday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers OR sandwiches, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/oven-fried-picnic-chicken/3eccf684-d179-4e04-bb39-306ff7b3ee82" target="new">oven-fried chicken</a> (#2), potato salad, baked beans<br /></p><p align="justify"><br /><br /><br /><br />Blue skies, world.<br /><img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </p>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-51748154601253992452010-06-14T05:31:00.003-04:002010-06-14T06:07:45.170-04:00Menu - June 13 - 19<div align="justify"><br />Last week saw the end of the school year... and my daughter and feline getting sick. My family certainly knows how to kick off the summer vacation. Sheesh. <br /><br />Girl is on antibiotics and has slept most of the last three days. I expect her to sleep much of the next two or three days as well. Or sleep as well as she possibly can given the extent of her congestion. Her fever is mostly gone but the congestion is just... there. I fully expect her to be even more moody and miserable than her usual 13-year-old self when she is awake. Joy.<br /><br />Kitty appears to be on the mend. After a visit to the vet, some blood drawn for tests, and a dose of antibiotics, she's eating again. She's also being more social than she was last week and when I woke up this morning (at 4am), she was curled up on my hip. We should hear back from the vet about the blood tests sometime today.<br /><br />I should update my listed goals, however, finding the time to do that recently has been a little difficult. The thing about doing stuff not computer-related is that I'm no longer <i>AT</i> my computer all day long so finding time to do the dozens of things I was used to doing... a little difficult. Still, I'd rather be <i>doing things</i> and <i>updating less</i> than the other way around. And I seem to be <i>slightly ahead</i> of schedule today, so perhaps I'll be able to get that done later...assuming I maintain this momentum and continue to get stuff done.<br /><br />So food. Because my family likes it when I feed them. <br /><br />I will say this first, though: cooking the weekend's food on Friday during the day and having <i>prepared</i> food in the refrigerator has been making a world of difference in our weekends. Oh, we may still eat out... but it's by <i>choice</i> when we do, not because we're too tired to fix anything. The husband noted last night that he <i>really</i> liked the shredded chicken and rice being in the refrigerator. Actually, what he said was "This shredded chicken and rice thing? You can do that again." Yay me!<br /><br />As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" tareget="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"><p align="center"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/mealplanmonday_v2.jpg" border="0" /></p></a><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><p align="justify"><br /><u>Breakfasts</u><br /><b>choice of:</b><br /> muffins (link coming)<br /> cereal<br /> oatmeal<br /> cheesy eggs (actually egg beaters, but whatever)<br /> apple or banana and peanut butter<br /> hard boiled egg and cheese<br /> toast<br /> biscuits<br /><br /><u>Sunday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers (tacos or chicken & rice)<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: leftovers (tacos or chicken & rice)<br /><br /><u>Monday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers OR sandwich, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: pasta, homemade sauce (a variation of <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2007/06/yummy-all-purpose-tomato-sauce.html" target="new">this one</a> in which I use tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and a variety of stuff commonly found in my kitchen), salad<br /><b>stuff to do</b>: get ham cheese and potato casserole out of freezer to thaw<br /><br /><u>Tuesday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: fish, mac & cheese, broccoli<br /><br /><u>Wednesday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: sandwiches, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2010/05/ham-cheese-potato-casserole.html" target="new">ham cheese and potato casserole</a> (from the freezer), broccoli<br /><br /><u>Thursday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: ---OUT---<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: leftovers<br /><b>stuff to do</b>: GROCERY DAY! Leave out ground beef for burgers when dividing package for freezer<br /><br /><u>Friday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers OR sandwiches, carrots, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: hamburgers, fries<br /><strong>cooking for weekend</strong>: pizza casserole (new recipe!)<br /><br /><u>Saturday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers OR sandwiches, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: pizza casserole<br /></p><p align="justify"><br /><br />And now I need to get moving. It's 6am already and it feels like I'm falling behind.<br /><br />Blue skies, world.<br /><img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </p>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-13739708593824625852010-06-06T21:28:00.004-04:002010-06-07T14:51:03.318-04:00Menu - June 6 - 12<div align="justify"><br />So far we've been real good about following the menus, with the exception of fish nights. We always work around fish nights for some reason. Maybe because I don't really like fish. I'll have to work on that. We need to eat more fish.<br /><br />I've not been as good with lunches, but the listed items always get eaten. Just not on the assigned days. I either need to work on that or alter the way I list lunches. With Girl being home starting Friday, I'm not sure which would be best.<br /><br />Anyway, school releases the <s>animals into the wild</s> kids for the summer this Thursday with an early release time. My schedule is about to get a world of crazier than it already is. My brain is already cowering in fear.<br /><br />Oh, and the pancakes didn't work out so well for breakfast during the week. I'm not sure what the problem was. Perhaps I'll try it again another week with different execution plans.<br /><br />So, food... because we always have food. My family is so much more pleasant to be around when I feed them. <br /><br />Aaaaand, there are no links because my eyes are killing me and I'm too tired to post them then link them. I'll add links later in the week.<br /><br />As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" tareget="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"><p align="center"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/mpm-1.jpg" border="0" /></p></a><p align="justify"><br /><br /></p><p align="justify"><br /><u>Breakfasts</u><br /><b>choice of:</b><br /> muffins (link coming)<br /> cereal<br /> oatmeal<br /> cheesy eggs (actually egg beaters, but whatever)<br /> apple or banana and peanut butter<br /> hard boiled egg and cheese<br /> toast<br /> biscuits<br /><br /><u>Sunday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: sandwiches<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: black bean tostadas (link coming), salad<br /><br /><u>Monday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: pb&j sandwich, carrots, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2010/06/cheese-topped-lemon-chicken-breasts.html" target="new">cheese-topped lemon chicken breasts</a>, carrots, broccoli, salad<br /><br /><u>Tuesday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: grilled cheese sandwich, carrots, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: meat loaf, corn on the cob, green beans, salad<br /><br /><u>Wednesday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: fish, mac & cheese, broccoli<br /><br /><u>Thursday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: Healthy Choice frozen meal<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: ???<br /><br /><u>Friday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: sandwiches, carrots, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: tacos<br /><strong>cooking for weekend</strong>: chicken and rice<br /><br /><u>Saturday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers OR sandwiches<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: chicken and rice, salad<br /></p><p align="justify"><br /><br />And now I need to sleep.<br /><br />Sweet dreams, world.<br /><img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </p>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-84171548797289341922010-06-04T10:24:00.005-04:002010-06-21T05:43:09.529-04:00The coming of summer<div align="justify">There's only four more days of school and with the end of school comes summer. As with every summer, we're planning a variety of activities and some down/free time.<br /><br />One of the things we always try to include in our summer activities is a craft. Sometimes it works, most times it doesn't. Still, it's especially awesome if I can teach the kid something new and she actually enjoys it. This year, I'm going to teach her to latch hook.<br /><br />Surprised how little my local craft supply stores actually had on the shelves, I turned to the internet. After much deliberation (and more than a little frustration) we made our choices.<br /><br />Girl had a hard time choosing one. There simply aren't any goth-lite kits available. Everything is overly-girly (full of fluff, flowers, and/or rainbows), pure boy (sports related) or too childish or "old-looking" to hold the interest of a 13-year-old girl gothling. The other options were huge, over-priced kits that, while they appealed to her, simply weren't appropriate for a beginner's first project.<br /><br />But! ...of course there's a but. What kind of entry would this be without a but?<br /><br />But "mommy do good"! I found her something that really appeals to her. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.caron.com" target="new">Caron</a> has two pirate-themed latch hook kits. The one Girl squealed at was the <a href="http://www.shopcaron.com/Latch-Hook-Kit--Aargh-Matey-4012quot-X-12quot41_p_111.html#" target="new">pirate skull</a>.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.shopcaron.com/Latch-Hook-Kit--Aargh-Matey-4012quot-X-12quot41_p_111.html#" target="_blank"><img alt="Hosted by Photobucket" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/crafts/pirateskull.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div align="justify"><br /><br />Now, not being <i>entirely</i> goth (hence the goth-lite and gothling terms I use when referring to her) she was attracted to a heart kit. Since I needed a kit to do as well and nothing else was appealing to me either, I decided to get the other one she liked. I'll make it for her. It's one of those things moms do. It's a <a href="http://www.shopcaron.com/Latch-Hook-Kit--Heart-Glow-4012quot-X-12quot41_p_415.html" target="new">heart with a glow around it</a>.<br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://www.shopcaron.com/Latch-Hook-Kit--Heart-Glow-4012quot-X-12quot41_p_415.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Hosted by Photobucket" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/crafts/glowyheart.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><div align="justify"><br /><br />Yes, yes, she's a walking contradiction. She's awesome that way.<br /><br />Anyway, I ordered them earlier this week and both kits should be here by the end of next week so we'll be starting them before the end of the month. (I usually try to give her a few free days of nothing planned and sleeping in before we start with the summer fun.) With a hyperactive hurricane season being predicted this year, I'm sure there will be plenty of rainy days when we opt to stay home and latch hook or read rather than go out. Progress will be posted in my project blog, <a href="http://onedreamatatime.blogspot.com/" target="new">One Dream at a Time</a>, but I will also post the end results here.<br /><br />We're still hashing out the rest of the summer plans. There are movies to watch, books to read, places to go, household lessons to be learned (more on that later), and all sort of other <s>mischief to get into</s> fun to be had.<br /><br />Blue skies, world.<br /><img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /></div>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-46225771819647444942010-05-29T22:53:00.006-04:002010-05-30T14:43:39.256-04:00Menu - May 30 - June 5<div align="justify"><br />Last week was an inspiring success, so let's try again. Only maybe not so busy. And with actual writing this week. And more sleep.<br /><br />As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" tareget="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><p align="justify"><br /><br /><br /></p><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"><p align="center"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/mpm1.jpg" border="0" /></p></a><p align="justify"><br /><br /><br /></p><p align="justify"><br /><u>Breakfasts</u><br /><b>choice of:</b><br /> <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cinnamon-Peach-Cottage-Cheese-Pancakes/Detail.aspx?ms=1&prop25=37097381&prop26=DailyDish&prop27=2010-05-16&prop28=DailyRecipe&prop29=FullRecipe&me=1" target="new">pancakes</a> (trying batter in refrigerator & making 1-2 on demand)<br /> cereal<br /> oatmeal<br /> cheesy eggs (actually egg beaters, but whatever)<br /> apple or banana and peanut butter<br /> toast<br /> biscuits<br /><br /><u>Sunday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers (<a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2010/05/ham-cheese-potato-casserole.html" target="new">ham & cheese potato casserole</a>)<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: leftovers (<a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2010/05/ham-cheese-potato-casserole.html" target="new">ham & cheese potato casserole</a>)<br /><br /><u>Monday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: sandwiches<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: pasta with <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Tangy-Meat-Sauce?pmcode=CTA31VH139&_mid=558400&_rid=558400.438300.424639" target="new">tangy meat sauce</a>, salad, garlic bread<br /><br /><u>Tuesday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Skillet-Chicken-Parmesan?pmcode=GPA51VH079&_mid=560500&_rid=560500.450900.336005" target="new">skillet chicken parmesan</a>, broccoli, corn on the cob, salad<br /><br /><u>Wednesday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: pb&j sandwich, carrots, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: leftovers<br /><br /><u>Thursday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: grilled cheese sandwich, carrots, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: fish, baked potatoes, green beans, salad<br /><br /><u>Friday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: Healthy Choice frozen meal<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: pizza<br /><strong>cooking for weekend</strong>: sloppy joes<br /><br /><u>Saturday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers OR sandwiches<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: sloppy joes, oven-baked french fries, salad<br /></p><p align="justify"><br /><br />And now I need to sleep.<br /><br />Sweet dreams, world.<br /><img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </p>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-85324257046160746642010-05-23T21:48:00.004-04:002010-05-23T22:30:51.792-04:00Menu - May 23 - 29<div align="justify"><br />Last week was... weird. Girl got up and ate breakfast with me every morning. It got even more weird after that.<br /><br />Mister returned safely.<br /><br />The minor trouble spots for this week's menu are thanks to Girl's schedule. She's got all sorts of after-hours school stuff going on that has us not able to sit down at the dinner table at 6pm at least twice this week.<br /><br />I'm managing to eat lunch everyday but it's not always what I had thought I'd be eating that day. Still... improving. Yay.<br /><br />This week, I'm adding breakfast, but not in the daily grouping. Breakfast is too likely to change based on the amount of time we have in the morning. Or, you know, how we feel that morning. So instead of the daily 'map', I'm adding a selection of choices available this week. It's my plan to expand and rotate the options.<br /><br />So... food.<br /><br />As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" tareget="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"><p align="center"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/mpmlighter.jpg" border="0" /></p></a><br /><br /><p align="justify"><br /><u>Breakfasts</u><br /><b>choice of:</b> <br /> cereal<br /> oatmeal<br /> cheesy eggs (actually egg beaters, but whatever)<br /> apple or banana and peanut butter<br /> toast<br /> biscuits<br /><br /><u>Sunday</u><br /><strong><s>lunch</s> brunch</strong>: <a href="http://blogs.kqed.org/bayareabites/2009/03/05/meyer-lemon-ricotta-pancakes/" target="new">lemon ricotta pancakes</a><br /><strong>dinner</strong>: leftovers (pink beans, <a href="http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/hoecakes.htm" target="new">hoe cakes</a>, <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2007/06/tuna-patties.html" target="new">tuna patties</a>)<br /><br /><u>Monday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: PB&J sandwich, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: leftovers, salad<br /><br /><u>Tuesday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: Healthy Choice frozen meal<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2010/05/golden-chicken.html" target="new">golden chicken</a>, broccoli, corn<br /><br /><u>Wednesday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2007/04/pot-roast-la-me.html" target="new">pot roast</a>, mashed potatoes, carrots, salad<br /><br /><u>Thursday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: fish, baked potatoes, broccoli, salad<br /><br /><u>Friday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: grilled cheese sandwich<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: hamburgers, fries<br /><strong>cooking for weekend</strong>: <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2010/05/ham-cheese-potato-casserole.html" target="new">ham & cheese potato casserole</a><br /><br /><u>Saturday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers OR sandwiches<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2010/05/ham-cheese-potato-casserole.html" target="new">ham & cheese potato casserole</a>, salad<br /></p><p align="justify"><br /><br />And now I need to sleep. It's been an exhausting weekend and my eyes are refusing to stay open any longer.<br /><br />Sweet dreams, world.<br /><img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </p>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-11558935951501483772010-05-17T09:56:00.006-04:002010-05-20T15:38:05.868-04:00Menu - May 16-22<div align="justify"><br />Last week was good.<br /><br />The weekend was...weird.<br /><br />This week is starting out weird.<br /><br />I like weird.<br /><br />Mister is out of town this week. He woke me up a little before 4am so that I could be awake to lock the door behind him and also so that I would be up to get Girl up in time for school. I've been up - and productive - ever since. The majority of my task list for today is already done and it's not even 11am yet.<br /><br />This week's menu presented the problem of him being gone. Girl and I don't eat much or well when he's out of town. We eat like the stereo-typical bachelor or college student, minus the take-out. With that in mind, and wanting to change that, I cleaned out the refrigerator on Friday to see what was still lurking about. As it turned out, not much. A head of cabbage, some pine nuts, some sliced almonds, and about a cup of ricotta cheese. Awesome. Quick look in the pantry (after the husband inventoried it for me); check. Freezers? Check. Time to make a menu!<br /><br />The cabbage is now cole slaw. The pine nuts and almonds are lurking aimlessly for one more week. The ricotta cheese is hoping to be made into pancakes sometime before mid-June.<br /><br />I've been playing with the idea of being in the kitchen less during the upcoming summer but still having food for us to eat without resorting to take-out or fast food. We have few objections to "leftovers". That led me to ponder cooking in bulk. Bulk/batch cooking would save time, both in the preparing of meals and cleaning up afterward. From there, I started thinking about the weekends. They're especially problematic when I'm planning menus. It doesn't matter what time of the year it is, weekends are problem areas... mainly because we prefer to spend our weekends doing things that in no way even remotely resemble <i>work</i>. Easing into the bulk cooking for the summer seemed like the smart thing to do but I was uncertain how or when to tackle this. Combining my two issues (bulk cooking + weekends), I came up with the idea to try cooking the bulk of the weekend's food on Friday. That starts this week.<br /><br />As I said earlier, the weekend was weird. This resulted in me having to rework the menu I'd fretted over on Friday. Wee. No problem, though. I was up early this morning. Since I was reworking the menu anyway, I added lunches just so I know what I'm supposed to eat ('cause, you know, I might <i>forget</i> that I'm supposed to eat leftovers this week). Breakfast options... maybe those will find their way into the menu next week. Maybe. I can hope.<br /><br />So... food.<br /><br />As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" tareget="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new"><p align="center"><img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/mpm-1.jpg" border="0" /></p></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="justify"><u>Sunday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: --<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2009/07/oven-fried-picnic-chicken.html" target="new">oven-fried picnic chicken</a>, potato salad, cole slaw (<i>this is why I had to alter the menu for this week. The whole head of cabbage made A LOT of cole slaw and we ended up with A LOT of leftover chicken. If Mister was going to be in town, it would be no problem but with just Girl and me, that leftover food will feed us for days.</i>)<br /><br /><u>Monday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: leftovers, salad<br /><br /><u>Tuesday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <s>hamburgers, corn,</s> leftovers <i>(we had a LOT of chicken leftover...)</i><br /><br /><u>Wednesday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: fish, mac & cheese, peas<br /><br /><u>Thursday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: breakfast OR leftovers<br /><br /><u>Friday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: frozen pizzas<br /><strong>cooking for weekend</strong>: pink beans, rice<br /><br /><u>Saturday</u><br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers OR sandwiches<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: pink beans, rice, <a href="http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/hoecakes.htm" target="new">hoe cakes</a><br /></div><p align="justify"><br /><br />I guess that's it. I've got some laundry to tend to and some household paperwork to deal with and then... um... hmmm... Weird. I don't know what after that. Probably some writing and crocheting.<br /><br />Blue skies, world.<br /><img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </p>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-42599571400309507532010-05-10T09:23:00.006-04:002010-05-12T09:26:47.214-04:00Menu - 9 - 15 May 2010<div align="justify"><br />The move was successful. The holidays were crazy. In January, after 18 years of snuggling him day and night, I held my precious kitty in my arms while he slipped from this world. I spent January, February, and part of March either deeply depressed or battling depression. April was...better...ish, yet depressing in its own way. And now we're into May. Wee.<br /><br />So here we are in May. I'm trying to get my schedule back in place, trying to get back into familiar routines that work for me. That includes crafting, writing, blogging, exercising, and evening cleaning. Maybe there will be better words on future days. I don't know. I can still feel the depression lingering just on the outer edges of my existence; circling, nudging, nibbling. Whenever depression lingers like this, I always think of a shark swimming around something he's uncertain about, testing it, trying to decide if he's going to make it his snack or not. And right about the time the shark analogy starts tiptoeing through my brain, the twisted little twit in me smirks and mutters "We're going to need a bigger boat..."<br /><br />Anyway... menu! Yay food! I'm just going to list dinners for now. Planning breakfasts and lunch is just beyond me at the moment. With a little luck and by the grace of God, I'll be back to planning breakfasts and lunches by the end of the month.<br /><br /><br />As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" tareget="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><br /><br /><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/"><p align="center"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/greenmpm.jpg" border="0" /></p></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"><u>Sunday</u><br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2010/05/hamburger-noodle-casserole.html" target="new">hamburger noodle casserole</a>, salad<br /><br /><u>Monday</u><br /><strong>dinner</strong>: leftovers<br /><br /><u>Tuesday</u><br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <s><a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2010/05/easy-salisbury-steak.html" target="new">easy salisbury steak</a>, mashed potatoes, lima beans</s> <i>moved to weekend</i><br /><br /><u>Wednesday</u><br /><strong>dinner</strong>: fish, baked potatoes, broccoli<br /><br /><u>Thursday</u> (Mister's birthday)<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: <a href="http://wiferecipes.blogspot.com/2010/05/chicken-with-honey-orange-sauce.html" target="new">chicken w/honey-orange sauce</a>, rice, broccoli - <i>may go out, depends on how Mr. Husband feels when he gets home from work</i><br /><br /><u>Friday</u><br /><strong>dinner</strong>: tacos<br /><br /><u>Saturday</u><br /><strong>dinner</strong>: ???<br /><br /></div><p align="justify"><br />Much, much to do. Seriously.<br /><br />Blue skies, world.<br /><img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </p>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-40249354019060381892009-07-06T07:36:00.004-04:002009-07-06T08:11:46.745-04:00Menu - 5 - 11 July 2009<div align="justify"><br />Only 11 more days until we move. I should probably have some boxes packed or something.<br /><br />The freezer purging is going well. Between this week and next, there won't be much left that needs to live in a cooler while we move the freezer. I'm not certain, but I <i>think</i> most of what will be left will fit in the refrigerator freezer, so that would be helpful.<br /><br />I was going to babble about the move and replacing furniture, but I think I'll save that for another entry. There's much to do today and I need to get to it.<br /><br />So, menu...<br /><br />As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" tareget="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><br /><br /><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/"><p align="center"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/greenmpm.jpg" border="0" /></p></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"><u>Sunday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: waffles<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: sandwiches<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: OUT<br /><br /><u>Monday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: cereal<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers / sandwiches<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: tilapia, rice, broccoli, black-eyed peas<br /><br /><u>Tuesday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: eggs, grits, hash browns, bacon, biscuits<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: sandwiches<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: meatloaf, mac & cheese, peas, lima beans<br /><br /><u>Wednesday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: cereal, toast, fruit<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers / sandwiches<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: steak, baked potatoes, broccoli, yeast rolls<br /><br /><u>Thursday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: eggs, grits, hash browns, bacon, toast<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: sandwiches<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: spaghetti, salad, yeast rolls<br /><br /><u>Friday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: waffles<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers / sandwiches<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: roasted chicken, mashed potatoes (w/gravy), broccoli, black eyed peas<br /><br /><u>Saturday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: oatmeal pancakes<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: ???<br /></div><p align="justify"><br />Much, much to do. Seriously.<br /><br />Blue skies, world.<br /><img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </p>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-74015264673522374442009-06-28T21:18:00.003-04:002009-06-28T23:02:36.990-04:00Menu - 28 June - 4 July 2009<div align="justify"><br />Lots to do. Very tired. Just finished watching <i>Twister</i>. Child now has a better understanding of my intense fear of tornadoes and why <s>we'll</s> I will never live in the mid-west, even though I love that part of the country.<br /><br />Menu... <br /><br />As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" tareget="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><br /><br /><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/"><p align="center"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/greenmpm.jpg" border="0" /></p></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"><u>Sunday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: orange rolls<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: OUT<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: foraging<br /><br /><u>Monday</u> <br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: eggs, grits, hash browns, bacon, biscuits<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: tilapia, rice, broccoli, carrots<br /><br /><u>Tuesday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: cereal/oatmeal<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: sandwiches, pizza rolls<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: pot roast, salad (random veggies)<br /><br /><u>Wednesday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: eggs, grits, hash browns, bacon, biscuits<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: sandwiches/soups<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: red beans & rice, ground beef, salad<br /><br /><u>Thursday</u> <i>GROCERY SHOPPING DAY</i><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: waffles<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: ??? (depends on where we are)<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: shepherd's pie<br /><br /><u>Friday</u> <i>HOLIDAY - A. HOME</i><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: eggs, grits, hash browns, bacon, biscuits<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: roasted chicken, mashed potatoes (w/gravy), carrots, black eyed peas<br /><br /><u>Saturday</u> <i>HOLIDAY</i><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: oatmeal pancakes<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: ???<br /></div><p align="justify"><br />Sleeping now. Sleep well, world.<br /><img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </p>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-59860358868661602372009-06-15T21:59:00.003-04:002009-06-15T22:21:53.306-04:00Menu - 14 - 20 June 2009<div align="justify"><br />Wow. I posted the wrong dates on last week's menu. Oops. And there were all sorts of changes to last week's menu, too. <br /><br />Crazy weekend followed by super bad day has me posting this late. And past my bedtime, too. On a night when I should already be in bed and asleep because super early morning and insanely crazy busy day tomorrow. So, posting, then bed for some much need sleep.<br /><br />As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" tareget="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><br /><br /><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/"><p align="center"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/greenmpm.jpg" border="0" /></p></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"><u>Sunday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: cereal<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: salad, leftovers<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: foraging<br /><br /><u>Monday</u> <br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: waffles<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: soup and/or sandwiches<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: hamburgers, mac & cheese, peas<br /><br /><u>Tuesday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: scrambled eggs, hash browns, OJ<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: sandwiches, chips, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: pot roast (crockpot), crescent rolls<br /><br /><u>Wednesday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: cereal, toast, OJ<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: ravioli<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: --RANDOM NIGHT--<br /><br /><u>Thursday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: scrambled eggs, grits, hash browns, bacon, OJ<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: sandwiches, chips, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: cube steaks, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies, broccoli<br /><br /><u>Friday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: scrambled eggs, grits, hash browns, bacon, OJ<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: sandwiches, chips, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: homemade pizza<br /><br /><u>Saturday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: pancakes<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: soup and/or sandwiches<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: ???<br /></div><p align="justify"><br />Sleep well, world.<br /><img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </p>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5688739079656459344.post-75663938990174371632009-06-07T21:08:00.005-04:002009-06-15T22:01:02.575-04:00Menu - 7 - 13 June 2009<div align="justify"><br />So, um, yeah. <br /><br />Life got hectic. I got distracted. Life continued on even though I wasn't blogging. It does that.<br /><br />Menu this week is pretty heavy with the red meat. Um. Almost completely red meat, actually. Oh. Broccoli, too. It's a theme I'm going to call "let's clean out the freezer before we move". It'll be a reoccurring theme between now and the middle of July. I expect all sorts of weird food combinations to be popping up over the next six weeks.<br /><br />And to make things that much more exciting, summer happened, so now I'm planning breakfast and lunch, too. Wee.<br /><br />There should be recipe links on at least two items this week, but it's my bedtime and besides needing to get to bed, I just don't feel like (a) finding the recipes, (b) typing them out to post them in my recipe blog so I can (c) link them here. It's just too much effort tonight.<br /><br />Oh, and Friday is super busy. Not only do I have to take my grandfather to the doctor's office at 8am, but Friday is also the day the husband wanders out of town on business again. I usually take him to the airport, but that may not happen this time since I don't know how long I'll be with my grandparents at the doctor's office. <br /><br />I never plan weekends, 'cause, you know, <i>weekend</i>.<br /><br />So, anyway, on with the menu. <br /><br />As always, much gratitude for Laura at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/" tareget="new">I'm an Organizing Junkie</a> for hosting <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/" target="new">Menu Plan Monday</a>.</div><br /><br /><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday/"><p align="center"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/greenmpm.jpg" border="0" /></p></a><br /><br /><div align="justify"><u>Sunday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: foraging<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: foraging<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: oven-fried picnic chicken, baked beans, corn-on-the-cob, potato salad<br /><br /><u>Monday</u> <br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: cereal, toast, OJ<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: leftovers, steamed soy beans<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: tacos<br /><br /><u>Tuesday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: eggs, bacon, grits, toast, OJ<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: baked potatoes topped w/cheese broccoli, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: steak strips, rice, broccoli, carrots<br /><br /><u>Wednesday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: waffles, fruit<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: sandwiches, chips, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: cornish hens, baked potatoes, broccoli<br /><br /><u>Thursday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: eggs, bacon, grits, toast, OJ<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: sandwiches, chips, fruit<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: cube steaks, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies, broccoli<br /><br /><u>Friday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: cereal<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: --DEPENDS ON WHERE WE ARE--<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: hamburgers, mac & cheese, peas<br /><br /><u>Saturday</u><br /><strong>breakfast</strong>: cereal<br /><strong>lunch</strong>: ???<br /><strong>dinner</strong>: ???<br /></div><p align="justify"><br />Blue skies, world.<br /><img src="http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g40/simplewife/sig02.jpg" /> </p>A Simple Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07610901254069907445noreply@blogger.com1