Month of April Menu Planning

I thought I'd try something new and plan our menu out for the month instead of the week.  Well honestly, lately it's instead of the day.  I can't stand the "what's for dinner" question I ask and the farmer ask every evening.  So, here I go.  I'm also trying to plan ahead for the weeks to come when I start my new amazing job but more on that later.  Let's see if I can do this and actually stick to it.

I also think I'm gonna try to somewhat stick to the following template for each week and do up some freezer meals for the hubby for days I'm working late.

• Monday - Mexican
• Tuesday -Meat and 2
• Wednesday - Italian/Pasta
• Thursday - Casserole/Specialty
• Friday -  Leftovers or Eating out
• Saturday - Slow Cooker
• Sunday - Meat and 2

Week 1:

• Wednesday April 4 - Creamy White Chicken Lasagna, Side Salad & Garlic Bread
• Thursday April 5 - Broccoli & Bacon Quiche and Spinach Salad
• Friday April 6 - Leftovers
• Saturday April 7 - Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches & Sweet Potato Fried
• Sunday April 8 (Easter) - Ham, Mac-n-Cheese & Veggie

Week 2:

• Monday April 9 - Black Bean & Corn Salsa Chicken & Cilantro Lime Rice
• Tuesday April 10 - Swedish Meatballs, Rice & Veggie
• Wednesday April 11 - Shrimp Fettuccine with broccoli & bread
• Thursday April 12 (work) - Chicken Pot Pie
• Friday April 13 (work) - Leftovers
• Saturday April 14 (work) - Slow Ribs, Coleslaw, Baked Beans
• Sunday April 15 - Sausage & Cabbage, Scalloped potatoes & Veggie

Week 3:

• Monday April 16 (work) - Enchiladas, Spanish Rice & Corn
• Tuesday April 17 (work) - Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast, Brown Rice & Veggie
• Wednesday April 18 (work) - Spaghetti & Meatballs, Salad & Garlic Bread
• Thursday April 19 (work) - Red Beans & Rice
• Friday April 20 - Leftovers
• Saturday April 21 - Eating out for my lil bro's birthday
• Sunday April 22 - Salmon, Rice & Veggie

Week 4:

• Monday April 23 (work)  - Garbage Quesadillas, re-fried beans & guacamole with chips
• Tuesday April 24 (work) - Baked Chicken, Potatoes & Veggie
• Wednesday April 25 (work) - Spinach and Cheese Manicotti & Bread
• Thursday April 26 (work) - Shrimp & Grits, Salad
• Friday April 27 - Leftovers
• Saturday April 28 - Slow Cooker Pot Roast, Mashed potatoes & Veggie
• Sunday April 29 - Pork Chops, Brown Rice & Veggie

Welp, there it is.  Let's see how this goes.  Now I've got to run to the store to get the few things I need for tonight's dinner.

Slacker......

"Slacker....." This is what I hear calling from the back of my mind when I think about this blog. I promise to back strong as ever starting next week. This coming weekend I have my clinical test in Atlanta to finish my nursing degree, so my mind is consumed with that.

Oh well that and this:

Well and of course this little princess:

For the record, she did that to herself!! Well off to put the 2-legged and 4-legged babies down for naps. This mama's got to study!

Hello again, hello........

Life has been crazy.

I've also been...........sick...............pregnant..............lazy.

I promise to be back soon.  I miss blogging and getting all my thoughts out there.  I really is therapeutic for me.

I've really just been feeling less than inspired lately.  I can't seem to find the energy to do much of anything.  I know.....this life sounds exciting doesn't it.

Well, this is going to be short and sweet, but I will leave you with a picture of my adorable ladybug enjoying the sneak peek of springtime we got a few weeks ago.

Menu Planning Monday and a recipe......

I love soup.  Like really love it.  It's like the ultimate comfort food for me.  I also love that it's so easy to make.  Most soups I make involve a crock pot which for me is always a plus.  I mean, I love to cook but sometimes when the end of the day gets here, I'm tired and not in the mood to stand in the kitchen whipping up a masterpiece to put on the table.

This winter has been so cold here this year in the South and this soup recipe has been one of my go to recipes.

Ummmm....doesn't it look yummy?  I mean the soup, not the wine teasing this preggo lady that's hanging around in the background.

Ingredients:

• 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes (about 3 1/2 lbs)
• 1 large onion, chopped  
• 1 or 2 cloves of garlic minced
• 3 (14-ounce) cans of chicken broth
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons pepper
• 1 cup whipping cream or half & half
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream (optional)
• 4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (I often use bacon pieces you can buy in the salad section)
• shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Combine the potatoes, onion, garlic, broth, butter, salt and pepper in a 5-quart or large crock pot.
2. Cover and cook on high 4 hours or low 8 hours or until potatoes are tender.
3. Mash the mixture until the potatoes are coarsely chopped and soup in slightly thickened.
4. Stir in cream, cheese and chives. 
5. Top with sour cream, if desired and sprinkle with bacon and cheddar cheese before serving. 

Now for what's on the menu this week.....

• 2/14 Monday - Going out for a Valentine's Day meal with the hubby
• 2/15 Tuesday - Taco Night at the Farm with Spanish rice and beans
• 2/16 Wednesday - Chicken Leg Quarters in the crock pot, potatoes and broccoli
• 2/17 Thursday - Spaghetti, Garlic Bread and Salad
• 2/18 Friday - Chicken Pot Pie
• 2/19 Saturday - Leftovers
• 2/20 Sunday - Farmer Roy's Choice

Hope everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day!!  As always linking up over at the Organizing Junkie.

Slacker.....

I know I've been missing in action all week.  I'd like to blame it on something like I've been swamped doing something fabulous, but in reality I have no real good excuse.  I have been a little busy this week starting to study for a GINORMOUS test I have coming up in April and just doing regular ole mommy stuff but that's about it.

We do have several projects waiting in limbo out here at the farm.  I need the energy fairy to visit me so I can get them all done.  Here is a picture of the farmhouse table completely put together. 

I think the lil' princess approves so far.  We actually have also gotten all the holes filled, stained on top and painted with primer on the bottom.  Just have get a couple of coats of paint on the bottom and I'll share an official post about the finished project.

Well mommy duties call....I can smell the stinky princess from across the room.  Hope everyone is having a great week.  I promise to do better!

Superbowl Sunday!!!

I'll be working Sunday, but us girls at work love any excuse to eat.  I discovered this recipe at a friends Superbowl party 2 years ago.  It's so delicious so I love any reason to whip up a batch.  Oh and I don't even like chicken wings, but looooovvvveeee this dip.

Stock Photo

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Ingredients:

• 1 can diced chicken 
• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 8oz block of cream cheese softened
• 1 cup cheddar cheese

Directions

1. In a skillet, combine chicken and hot sauce until heated through.
2. Add ranch dressing and cream cheese and stir until melted through.
3. Add in cheddar cheese and mix thoroughly.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake uncovered for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.
5. Serve with chips, celery sticks or crackers.

Hope everyone has a fun Superbowl Sunday!!

Oh baby!!!!

Sorry about no post yesterday, but after spending the morning in Columbia at the doctor's office and the afternoon grocery shopping with the lil' princess I was exhausted. 

I know I've been pregnant for a few weeks, but this is one doctor's appointment I love.  It seemed a little surreal to me until I got to see the new baby on the ultrasound screen and see the tiny heart beating.

I already can't wait to meet this little one.  I have so many hopes and dreams for him/her.  I wonder what kind of little person you are going to be.  I mainly just hope you know that I already love you.  Your daddy loves you and your big sister loves you.  It's gonna be a long 9 months, but I can hardly wait for the day I'll get to hold you, kiss you and love you.

Menu, Menu, Menu..............

Took the lil' princess to downtown Columbia today with her Auntie and baby cousin to see the Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus Elephants Parade into town.  

I don't think the lil' princess knew what she was looking at, but she had a good ole time!!  I think she enjoyed all the other little kids around her, but I love watching her when she is having a good time.  

She is becoming such a good little walker.  I love watching her grow more confident, but it reminds me how fast she is growing up and isn't my little baby anymore.  Her aunt caught this cute little pic of her walking back to the car after seeing the elephants.

So here is the whats on the menu for this week.  I'm gonna declare now that I'm sticking to this!!

• Monday 1/31 - Pizza night {no, not homemade....yummmm}
• Tuesday 2/1 - Swedish meatballs, rice & something green
• Wednesday 2/2 - Asian chicken lettuce wraps & Veggie Fried Rice  {I've never made these, but devour them every time we are out....I'm a bit excited to see how they turn out}
• Thursday 2/3 -  Crockpot sloppy joes with homemade rolls & sweet potato fries
• Friday 2/4 -  Beef Stew a la crockpot & grilled cheese sammies
• Saturday 2/5 - Farmer Roy's night
• Sunday 2/6 - Leftovers

I'm linking up as always over at the Organizing Junkie.  

Gotta check this girl out!!

I know I've already mentioned Ana White before when I posted the beginning of the Farmhouse Table {almost done with it by the way, pics to come soon}, but seriously I am in love with her site.  I visit it at least daily and usually it ends up being more than once a day.  Just check out some of these projects.  My to-do list is growing so long.

I love that her site not only highlights her own projects, but guest and other bloggers can share their awesome projects as well.  These washer and dryer pedestals with organization is simply brilliant.  I love it better than any pedestal I've ever seen in a store.

I want this little table so bad.  I think it may be my next building adventure.  I have the perfect place in my oddly shaped living room for it.

I told the farmer that I wanted this media cabinet system from Ikea:

But check out this plan on Ana's site.  I think I'd rather build my own media cabinet.  I'm sure it would ultimately be better quality and actually made out of real wood as compared to composite stuff.  I'm not sure which would be most cost effective, but seeing how I have to drive 2.5 hours to Ikea it probably all evens out.

This is a must for our family room in the making.  {ever notice the lovely blue room in some of my pics?  that will one day be the family/dining room and no, it won't be blue}  I love the hidden storage.

 

One day far, far away when we are able to build a new laundry room and make our current washer & dryer location our mudroom, this is a must.  I can already see it in my mind and it's beautiful, beautiful I tell you.  See that wood there.....that will be for shoe storage, ahhhh shoe storage.....a girl can dream.

I could go on and on sharing, but I'll show you just one more.  This is definitely going to be my next project.  I think I'm gonna make two of these and retro fit another one with two baskets to fit in the hall linen closet next to the kiddos bathroom.  I can't wait to see how much easier this is going to make laundry day.

Go on over to her site and check out the hundreds of plans and ideas she has.  She is my new idol.  Also, check out her community.  There are awesome message boards where members share projects.  It's great to see how other great crafters/DIYers take her plans and make them or tweak them a little.  It's a wealth of knowledge and a great place for inspiration.

Big Girl Room in the making……

I think it’s safe to say that I’ve been planning the Lil’ Princess’ big girl room in my mind since she was about 6 months old.  I’ve actually been working on it for the last 2 months or so.  It’s taking me awhile to get it all done, but the end is now in sight.  Last Thursday I finally got a project done that I’ve had bookmarked since I saw it.

Go check out this book sling tutorial over at Penny Carnival.  Aren’t they just the coolest, cutest thing ever.  I thought so, and I fell in love when I stumbled upon them one day.  I knew I had the perfect place in the soon-to-be big girl room.

 

Believe it or not, they were so easy to make.  I think sewing on the rick-rack and making the appliques took longer than getting the sling itself put together. 

I found my double curtain rod hardware at Ikea.  They came in a 2 pack for $3.99!!  I found the dowel rods at our local hardware store for a mere $0.89 each.  Also, I picked up 1 1/2 yards of pink fabric for $3.50.  I actually only ended up using 1 yard of fabric and lined the sling with white fabric from the sheet I picked up from Goodwill for $2.13.  I already had the fabric for the "A" and "Z" in my stash along with the rick-rack.  All in all this project has cost me about $15.00 to complete so far.

I really want to find some cute little knobs to go on the ends of the dowels and paint them, but I couldn't wait to go ahead and get them up.

They actually hold a lot of books.  I was a little surprised that I could get as many in them as I did.  The lil' princess has already checked them out and they managed to stay up despite her pulling on them, so I think we're good.

You can probably tell, but I went for a pink and green theme for her room.  I found a super cute ladybug fabric forever ago and made her that quilt hanging on the chair.  The quilt is actually for her pallet bed that I'm also slowly getting done.  I have all my hardware for it & I've gotten it cut to the proper size, but I still have to get it sanded and painted.

Also, remember the sheet I picked up at Goodwill?  Here are the curtains that I made for the long window.

There is also a smaller window in this room that I have a curtain for.  Yes, I was able to make all these curtains and line the book slings for $2.13!!  Now that's what I call a deal.

I can't wait to share the finished project with you soon.  I still have several projects in this room to finish, but I'll keep you updated!

Linking up at these uber cool sites:

Menu Planning Monday.....well almost.....

I just never found the time yesterday to sit down and plan the menu for the week.  It was really obvious when the farmer and I stared at each other around dinner time trying to figure out what we were going to eat.....I hate that, I really do.

Apparently a woman's brain has a way of blocking out how you feel when your pregnant.  I forgot how tired you are during your first trimester.  I'm ready for the next few weeks to fly by and my energy to come bounding back to me.  Finding the strength to do anything other than take care of the little princess has been a struggle this last week.

Speaking of the little princess, check out this beauty:

Now if that isn't a face only a mother could love, I don't know what is.  I was actually trying to capture her licking the last little bit of ravioli off her plate before she launched it to the floor {fun, I know}.  Poor child, guess I should feed her more so she doesn't have to lick her plate.

Okay, here's what's on the menu for this week:

• Monday 1/24 - Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli  {this was so good the last time...}
• Tuesday 1/25 - Country Fried Steak, Mashed Taters & Sugar Snap Peas
• Wednesday 1/26 - Beef Stew a la crock pot & Grilled Cheese Sammies
• Thursday 1/27 - Cornish Game Hens in the Crock pot, Scalloped Potatoes & broccoli
• Friday 1/28 - Salmon, Brown Rice & Mixed Veggies
• Saturday 1/29 - Farmer Roy's Choice
• Sunday 1/30 - Leftovers!!

If you notice some repeats from last week, that's because I wasn't very good about sticking to the menu last week.  Like I said, I was tired.....oh well, made this week easier.

As always, I linking up over at Organizing Junkie.  So, go check out the other cool peeps that Menu plan like me!!

And the award goes to.......

Me!!!!  Yes you read that right.  I've been recognized by the awesome Dana at 3 Pink Cupcakes for the Stylish Blogger award.  Isn't she sweet?  Go check her out and those adorable baby girls.

Here's how it works.  Just like in kindergarten, we all have to play by the rules:

1. Thank the awesome person that gave you the award.
2. Share 7 embarrassing interesting things about yourself
3. Award 10 RECENTLY DISCOVERED great bloggers.
4. Let said 10 bloggers know about their awesomeness of this prestigious award.

Here are 7 things you wouldn't be able to live without knowing about me {much like these}:

1. I have a tendency to find a shirt or pants I like and buy 2 or 3 in different colors.  I know it's bad to do that, but I can't help it.  It's a sickness.  
2. I like to pretend I'm a good cook but truth be told.  If I don't have a recipe to follow, I couldn't make it.  Fake it until you make it baby!!
3. I secretly wish I was famous.  Like that type of famous that could act and sing.  Realistically I can't do either.
4. I've been outside of my house pretty much naked.  I live in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by trees.  I love that I could do that everyday and no one would ever know.  Well, until now.
5. My hubby is my bestest friend.  I can't survive a day without talking to him.
6. I love cheesy chick flicks.
7. I love shows like Glee and movies like Chicago.  I wish we could all live in musicals.  Wouldn't life just always be happy?

Others at the cool people's table.  Go check them out and I'm sure you'll see why I picked them:

• Apples and Elephants
• Baby Fields
• Grow Baby Grow
• The Testosterone Adventures
• Whimsies of the Wee
• Three Loud Kids!
• The Smedley Family
• Gardenview Cottage
• Just Add Whine
• Creative Outbursts

Peepshi.......Say what??

I failed yesterday.  I ran all morning looking in thrift shops for hidden treasures and then had a work meeting last night.  By the time I got home I was exhausted, so therefore I neglected the blog.  On another hand, I am happy to report that I found material for the little one's new curtains for a whopping $2.13, whoooo-hoooooo!!!  I'll be sure to share pics when I get them made and up {btw if anyone can find the hanging part of my curtain rod, I'll owe you forever}.

So I know a few days ago I posted this picture and promised an explaination, so here it goes.  Consider this a "crafty" food project the Farmer and I did last Easter.  The Farmer found this site and couldn't wait to try his hand at making his very own sushi peeps or peepshi.  We decided to whip them up for Easter dinner at his mama's since so many of the little princess' cousins were gonna be there and lets be honest, the kids are gonna get a kick out of this more than the adults.

  The ingredient list is super simple:

• Rice Krispie Treats {we were lazy and used the pre-made kind....the baby was only a few months old....stop judging me}
• Fruit Roll-ups {I think the site actually said to use Fruit by the Foot, but we just cut ours into strips}
• Peeps in a variety of colors

The Beginning........

Now if you really don't like peeps for eating, this is where you can get your revenge.  Grab a sharp knife and saw the little heads off some of the peeps. 

Theraputic isn't it?

I actually like peeps, so for me this is kinda sad.  Poor little peeps.  Oh and don't cut them all up,  you'll use a few whole pieces too.

The murder scene.....

Now, here comes the fun part.  Cut your Rice Krispies up and go to it.  Go ahead, get creative.  Make some Nigiri sushi or Sashimi or Makimono or whatever you want to call it.  Have a good ole' time.   Here's what we came up with.

Doesn't it all look yummy?  We just used a basic cutting board to serve it up.  Completed the look with a bit of extra Fruit Roll-ups to look like the ginger and a pair of chopsticks.  The little one's loved it and devoured it.  I think this would be super cute for a Asian themed kids Birthday or just for a quick snack for the little one.  I know it's silly, but we had so much fun.  Enjoy ya'll!!