Meal Planning Success

Since food photography does not seem to be my strong suit, you get a cute kid photo instead.

 I am still going strong with my meal planning.  Since I have been planning ahead, we have tried some really yummy recipes instead of relying on all of our normal stand-bys.  I thought I would share some of the recipes that we have enjoyed plus some tips for how I have been meal planning.

I am by no means an expert in this subject, but I thought it might be helpful to share how I go about planning our meals for the week. 
1.  If I come across a recipe on a blog or pinterest, etc., I go ahead and print it out and set it aside.
2.  On Thursday or Friday I look at the recipes I have collected and decide which ones I want to make.  Then I fill in the gaps with any meals I have been craving or think that the kids would actually eat.
3.  I plan for 4 dinners.  This leaves leftovers for one night during the week.  We usually eat out on Friday and Saturday night.
4.  I list a few snack ideas for school and after school.
5.  I have been trying to make one batch of soup each week for an easy lunch. I try to make this on Sunday.
6.  I have also been making a healthy-ish treat to have on hand for the kids.  The kids feel like they are getting something special and I don't feel guilty about giving it to them.  I also try to make this on Saturday or Sunday.
7.  I plan for easier meals on the days I know we have an activity like Tae Kwon Do.  If possible I go ahead and make an extra meal on a night I am not as busy, so we can just grab and go or warm it up and eat.
8.  Once I have my plan, I make a grocery list. 

I will admit that this is a ton of work, but so far it has been so worth it.  It is so nice to come home from work and not think about what I am going to make. 

Here are some of our favorite recipes from the last few weeks:

Orange Slow Cooker Chicken- Mitch added hot sauce to it to off set the sweetness.  The kids ate it so I am calling it a success.
Nut Butter Brownies- not necessarily healthy, but definitely yummy
White Bean and Kale Stew from The Vegan Slow Cooker
Totally Addictive Cornbread- Yummy and gluten free and dairy free
Spicy Lentil Collard Wraps- I used brown rice instead of bulgar wheat because it is what I had on hand.
Blueberry Banana Pie Vegan Overnight Oats- We all love these oats.  I have made 2 batches now.  I was skeptical about cold oats, but let me tell you these are REALLY good.  The batch lasts for a few days, so you can have breakfast for several mornings.

I am sure there are more, but these are the ones that are standing out. 

Baby Quilt Take 1

I made a quilt for a friend that just had a baby.  I used a super soft minky for the back.  I just quilted in the ditch along each row.  I used 9 inch squares with 4 of the squares cut in half, so that the squares are staggered. I was happy with how it was turning out until I added the satin blanket binding.  I took it off several times then finally it seemed like it was going well, so I just finished.  Now I keep looking at it and I am really unhappy with the wonkiness of it. Ugh.  I will probably end up taking all of the binding off again.

I liked the idea of the soft cuddly back and satin trim to make it more appealing to a baby, but now I am thinking about using cotton fabric to bind it.   Hopefully I will have take 2 next week.  

At least there is some proof that I did get some sewing done this week.

Happy Crafty Tuesday everyone.

Sunday Snapshot-Greatest Show on Earth

We took the kids to the circus on Saturday night, so instead of one snapshot I have several.

 

 

 

It was a pretty incredible show.

Kitchen Update- Painting Cabinets

This weekend was spent priming and painting our cabinets.  Ick. I forget how much painting cabinets stinks!  Mitch spent Saturday morning sanding, filling holes, and doing more sanding.  I was able to help a little bit between shuttling the kids around.

 

Then we spent the rest of the afternoon priming.  It took us a good 3 hours to get everything primed.

 

 

On Sunday we were able to get our first coat of paint on.  It turns out that this is definitely a two person job so Mitch didn't get anything else accomplished this weekend.  It just seems like it should go so much faster than it does.   We will put a second coat on next weekend.  We are using an oil based paint, which takes forever to dry.  Then Mitch needs to build the drawers so that we can put a countertop down.  I am excited to have more space to spread out.  I might even start moving some things into those cabinets once everything is dry.

Two Zip Hipster Bag

I finally found time to finish my Two Zip Hipster bag. 
I saw How About Orange's review of the pattern and knew I had to make one for myself.
I have found that if I break it into small manageable steps, I am more successful finishing projects.  I cut out the pieces one night.  Then interfaced the pieces the next night.  Then I completed the front piece with the pocket.  Then put the bag together.  It took all week to finish, but didn't seem like I spent hours slaving over it. 

The pattern is very detailed and easy to follow.  I love the front zipper, plus the top zips close so I can keep all my belongings nice and secure.  It is even big enough to hold an iPad, but doesn't feel huge when you are carrying it.  It even has an adjustable strap.  I would highly recommed this pattern. 

Here's a link to the fabric I used in case anyone is interested.

Silent Cinema

This week I am hoping to put together a baby quilt.

If you get a chance check out Sewcanshe.com today, she is featuring my Snack Bag Tutorial.

 

 

 

Sunday Snapshot- Playing in the rain

I found these crazy kids playing outside in the rain.  I can't believe it is the middle of January and the kids are able to play in the rain without freezing to death.  

Kitchen Update- Cabinet Progress

 

 Mitch has been spending every free minute working on the cabinets.  He has the bottom cabinets and upper cabinets finished and installed.  Now he has to make the drawers and doors.  Then we need to paint everything.  We decided to wait until we have everything painted to get the countertop.  The garage is already overflowing with wood, so no need to add to the clutter. 

I am really looking forward to organizing everything in this space.  We should have plenty of storage space now.

 

It is so strange to see the whole wall full of cabinets.  I should be able to start priming and painting next weekend while Mitch works on the doors and drawers.