tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27379715467815834622024-03-05T22:28:23.586-05:00 The MotherHOODThe MotherHOOD, is my personal journey through the trial, travails, and triumphs of motherHOOD.
I enjoy experimenting with Cooking, DIY Cleaning/Beauty Products, Homeschooling, Housework, and many more passions.
Join me as we take this journey together!
Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04722308606536110469noreply@blogger.comBlogger232125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-77868597517743211202017-01-26T17:43:00.001-05:002017-01-26T17:43:27.855-05:00David, Abigail, and Nabal.. A Twisted Tail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-40771422602958928162016-04-22T02:29:00.001-04:002016-04-22T02:29:21.989-04:00Intimacy Part II<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jjP-6Vx4oGE" width="459"></iframe>Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-63961966911726085752016-02-16T21:35:00.000-05:002016-02-16T21:43:20.816-05:00Mexican Pulled Beef<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Seriously, this IS CRAZY good!! </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am waiting for "the faja" to return home from work, and we all are just about salivating because of the incredible aroma wafting through the house right now. Poor guy might have to eat dinner by himself tonight!!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We typically make this in the crockpot, but because of the snowstorm we had today, I decided to roast it in the oven using my trusty heritage cast iron dutch oven. I perceived</span><span style="font-size: large;"> it would help warm us all up when we came back in from shoveling and playing in the snow!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqi0UzrVID4sUsDvvf4kaKA-qpjyLNogJffaChZVf4iarBPH8sIesl7Mh6ASFA27BIPE_iExIpJh29Nbj3ux29JFjYO8XuqQimsy1RN5uqxB0HEK4qGB2IVRYg79XVB74gN4BR4dTqG0/s1600/0216161701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqi0UzrVID4sUsDvvf4kaKA-qpjyLNogJffaChZVf4iarBPH8sIesl7Mh6ASFA27BIPE_iExIpJh29Nbj3ux29JFjYO8XuqQimsy1RN5uqxB0HEK4qGB2IVRYg79XVB74gN4BR4dTqG0/s640/0216161701.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">When I use the cast iron cookware</span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;"> my mom and grandmother passed down to me; </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">I envision anything I make in it is creating a legacy of memories for my children. </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps one day they too will create a much-anticipated meal for their brood in one of my cast iron collection </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">and think of this snowy day celebrating winter with me?</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I <b>will include the directions for all day slow roasting and crock pot cooking</b>. I managed to snap a few shots in the pan hopefully I will get pictures of the meal so you can see how I put together this dish! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgGhR80boSHjIr1PtCoG2dW1epKtnjnTu98eFgeUDvRE8l6j6Ve01OIVtLk0yoXcZpwEI8-p6c4lsCtE84ZlpOWWyQD7CC3QNy7VIY5bfNzVjqdUVEWWQvwUDsGeCby_1u3lTMCCg3Cw/s1600/0216161802a.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgGhR80boSHjIr1PtCoG2dW1epKtnjnTu98eFgeUDvRE8l6j6Ve01OIVtLk0yoXcZpwEI8-p6c4lsCtE84ZlpOWWyQD7CC3QNy7VIY5bfNzVjqdUVEWWQvwUDsGeCby_1u3lTMCCg3Cw/s640/0216161802a.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Typically I serve refried black beans</i>, but I ran out of my freezer storage, and I only have dried ones in my pantry I might not make them. O</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">rdinarily</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">yellow rice would make an appearance at the table, yet again I didn't have rice, plenty of couscous so, this time, I made garlic whole wheat couscous... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Necessity is the mother of invention, yes? I did pull together homemade Salsa Fresca and Guacamole so yeah, all I have to do is warm up the tortillas, dollop the delicious meat on top and add the accompaniments!</span></h4>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mexican Pulled Beef </span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">{Crock pot dish or Cast Iron Dutch Oven}</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">3-5 Lbs Top Round or Chuck Roast</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 C brine from pepperoncini peppers plus 1/8-1/2 C diced peppers, according to taste (I don't use them, it's a texture thing!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">2-3 T: Smoked paprika, cumin, Chili powder, & Oregano. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Scant pinch of Cayenne pepper, according to taste</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1-2 Beef Bullion granules,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">l large Onion diced,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Four cloves garlic smashed and minced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1/4C water</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Regardless of the chosen cooking method, sear roast on all sides. Once the beef has perfect sear marks either place in crockpot with rest of the ingredients, turn on low and cook for 6-8 hours until meat is fork tender.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA_dAqUbpXzvxRCPHoPVs0u5IBvFhj-LtEx1VrxNCbuD_qrnS3si-lkEX6K7z9efoi-k5VDt28SOftn0hslA8dI9vuW60bG06zEjj2JUku6mTdzMqziYd-XRyKWR2kQAsiCpNIShufCI/s1600/0216161802.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA_dAqUbpXzvxRCPHoPVs0u5IBvFhj-LtEx1VrxNCbuD_qrnS3si-lkEX6K7z9efoi-k5VDt28SOftn0hslA8dI9vuW60bG06zEjj2JUku6mTdzMqziYd-XRyKWR2kQAsiCpNIShufCI/s640/0216161802.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">To cook in the oven, preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, place beef in a well-seasoned cast iron dutch oven and sear as stated above remove beef and add water scrapping all the beefy goodness from the bottom of the pan. Return the beef and add the rest of the ingredients.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"> Cover with a heavy lid preferably a cast iron one, and cook for 2 hours.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Turn oven down to 300 and cook for two more hours until fork tender.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> The </span><span style="background-color: #f5f6f5; font-size: large;">way we </span><span style="font-size: large;">choose to </span><strike style="font-size: x-large;">eat</strike> <span style="font-size: large;">devour</span><span style="font-size: large;"> our Mexican Pulled Beef, is tucked away on a chewy tortilla smothered with </span><span style="font-size: large;">rich</span><span style="font-size: large;"> sour cream, and then covered with salsa fresco, guacamole, & shredded cheddar. However, you could use the meat to fill burritos, enchiladas, Mexican lasagna, pasta or some other delicious Tex-Mex dish:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mI2Ou4ywVRS4X2UbgpzhWQQRIVYWBobGuTFbWntonhNFlE_55M1f2BMGTb25b3X8i3JGIE-mfIbJixpqTa-VUyg2yKxHgExOAXiMThifPK_EWMXwhTyC2dI-Jhap06R_jC41IQQ5x68/s1600/0216161804.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mI2Ou4ywVRS4X2UbgpzhWQQRIVYWBobGuTFbWntonhNFlE_55M1f2BMGTb25b3X8i3JGIE-mfIbJixpqTa-VUyg2yKxHgExOAXiMThifPK_EWMXwhTyC2dI-Jhap06R_jC41IQQ5x68/s640/0216161804.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>All wrapped up and ONLY one place to go!! </b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZStvaYKPfiUJ0sCJzHbeZhyTa7OoC0iZXv_-MQufpyf0jEloIgtVVNp2KhNzs1gYTOAsHeoCD4HpUmYePFzqGl5gYGsDS7ghHUp73VyjcFKhx807WKezvngfm9IH4eMtUSZeBd7LzRPo/s1600/0216161806a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZStvaYKPfiUJ0sCJzHbeZhyTa7OoC0iZXv_-MQufpyf0jEloIgtVVNp2KhNzs1gYTOAsHeoCD4HpUmYePFzqGl5gYGsDS7ghHUp73VyjcFKhx807WKezvngfm9IH4eMtUSZeBd7LzRPo/s640/0216161806a.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-38221939888492018132016-02-07T08:00:00.000-05:002016-02-07T08:00:13.224-05:00Easy and Budget Friendly Menu B,L,D, Snacks + LInks! 2/7-2/13, 2016<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Last week I seemed to have a wee-bit of "Spring Fever" and made a tons of Mediterranean meals, this week it seems to be a bit Mexican inspired!</span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cookingclassy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/shredded+beef+tacos+2edited.jpg" height="624" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cookingclassy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/shredded+beef+tacos+2edited.jpg" target="_blank">Pic Credit</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I don't know how your family responds to Mexican food, but mine are SOO happy when they smell the meal cooking!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Breakfast:</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/chocolate-mousse-with-raspberries/" style="color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Chocolate Mousse w/Fresh Fruit</a><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">, </span><a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/4-healthy-quinoa-breakfast-recipes/" style="color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Fried Egg Quinoa w/Garlic Kale</a><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">; </span><a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/4-healthy-quinoa-breakfast-recipes/" style="color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Quinoa Banana Smoothies</a><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">; </span><a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/4-healthy-quinoa-breakfast-recipes/" style="color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Warm & Nutty Quinoa Bowl</a><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">; </span><a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/bottom-of-the-box-cereal-cake/" style="color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bottom of the Box Cereal Cake</a><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">; </span><a href="http://apumpkinandaprincess.com/2015/01/banana-blueberry-overnight-oats.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+APumpkinAndAPrincess+(A+Pumpkin+And+A+Princess)" style="color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">MYO Hot/Cold Overnight Oatmeal Add-Ins</a><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">; Cold Cereal; or </span><a href="https://tastespace.wordpress.com/2011/02/15/avocado-overnight-oats/" style="color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Avocado Overnight Oats</a>, Toast Mashers</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Lunch <span style="font-family: inherit;">Time O</span>fferings</b>:</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large; line-height: 20.79px;"> </span></u></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Tomato Soup w/Grilled Cheese Sammies, Chicken Nuggets w/Veggie Chips, Cheese & Veggie Plate w/Fruit Cup, Roasted Smoked Turkey & Avocado Wrap w/Crispy Oven Kale Chips and Hummus; </span><span style="color: #333333;">Leftover</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"> Gyros on Homemade Pitas w/Tzatziki Sauce & </span><a href="http://backtoherroots.com/2012/06/07/cold-greek-quinoa-salad/" style="color: #771100; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Cold Greek Salad</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">; PBJ on Toasted Bagel Thins w/Carrot Sticks and Hummus; & Greek Quinoa Salad w/Roast Chicken, Avocado, & Raw Baby Kale</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://makethebestofeverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/pancake11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://makethebestofeverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/pancake11.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://makethebestofeverything.com/" target="_blank">Pic Credit</a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Wedding Soup w/Salad & Homemade Bread</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Fish and Capers W/Greek Salad</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2012/04/whats-cooking-menu-for-april-30-may.html" target="_blank">Mexican Pulled Beef </a>w/Puffy Flour Tortillas</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Refried Beans, Yellow Rice</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://makethebestofeverything.com/2013/03/greek-yogurt-banana-pancakes.html" target="_blank">Greek Yogurt Banana Pancakes</a> w/Blueberry Syrup</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Chicken Spinach & Artichoke Bake</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Gr. Beef Tacos with guacamole salsa, refried Black Beans and yellow rice</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2012/06/super-yummy-caprese-chicken-with-few-of.html" target="_blank">Caprese Chicken </a>w/Angel Hair & <a href="http://www.spachethespatula.com/angel-hair-pasta-with-fresh-garlic-tomato-sauce/#_a5y_p=2279457" target="_blank">Fresh Tomatoes and Garlic</a></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spachethespatula.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/title8-620x413.jpg" target="_blank">Pic Credit</a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Snackie Treats:</u></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">Open-Faced Peanut butter Toast w/Blueberries; Hard-cooked Egg w/Green Apple Slices; </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">Avocado Toast Mash w/Fried Egg, </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://carrotsandcake.ca/spicy-honey-roasted-chickpeas/" style="background-color: white; color: #771100; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Roasted Chickpeas</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">; </span><a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/honey-coconut-roasted-almonds/" style="background-color: white; color: #771100; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Honey Coconut Roasted Almonds</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">; </span><a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/pumpkin-pie-smoothie/" style="background-color: white; color: #771100; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pumpkin Pie Smoothie</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">; Yogurt; String Cheese; Freeze Dried Peas, Veggie Chips, Hummus, </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">Carrots; Hummus; Popcorn; Banana Toast Crunch {</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 23px;">sprouted wheat bread with ½ tablespoon almond butter, ½ tablespoon peanut butter, ¼ sliced banana and 1 teaspoon chopped walnuts on top — with an optional sprinkle of cinnamon and drizzle of honey}</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">; </span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cherry Coke Salad; Greek Yogurt w/1/2 Scoop Protein Powder, Chai Seeds & Fresh Fruit; Roasted Sweet Potato w/Greek Yogurt Cinnamon and Maple Syrup; Oatmeal Cake Bars; Cheese Plate; Kieffer; Chai Tea Smoothie; Water Essence</span></span></li>
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Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-66688031884070703302016-02-03T02:30:00.000-05:002016-02-16T21:59:22.127-05:00Meal Prep: Drinks Version- Coffee Version with TRADE SECRET FLAVOR ENHANCERS!!!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;"><u><a href="http://amzn.to/1RNkAk5" target="_blank">Cold Brew Coffee</a></u></span></b></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>A must have in a meal preppers wheelhouse! </i></span></b></span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BeKiztSD2459okJ-HtM7eB32P84CKFKLeir4SWS9533EKkykgzWiXpcV78JKQaBt5sJwKScfrQscFE5UVYceBR5LyxSdgKWlhy91X_GNNAbDl7UmKnA6XVglnuYzymaVjCAJQAiciTQ/s1600/6a00d8341c5af653ef01156edff046970c-800wi.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BeKiztSD2459okJ-HtM7eB32P84CKFKLeir4SWS9533EKkykgzWiXpcV78JKQaBt5sJwKScfrQscFE5UVYceBR5LyxSdgKWlhy91X_GNNAbDl7UmKnA6XVglnuYzymaVjCAJQAiciTQ/s640/6a00d8341c5af653ef01156edff046970c-800wi.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.murderati.com/category/cornelia-read/">Pic Credit</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">In actuality you are making an infusion of coffee, by steeping it overnight using time versus heat to extract the coffee bean's essence- it's essential oils.</span></h3>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">I <b>love brewing coffee</b> this way, because:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The <b>flavor profile is much smoother</b> because, the <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 30px;">grounds aren’t exposed to the sweltering heat of boiling water, creating a cup of Joe that's lower in acidity. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 30px;"><b>Lower acidity creates a smoother </b><i>cup that’s less upsetting on the tummy. </i></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 30px;">By the same token <b>rapidly cooling hot coffee</b> will also cause a slightly bitter taste. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 30px;"><i>Cold brew’s lower acidity creates</i> <b>a naturally sweeter</b> </span><b style="line-height: 30px;">taste, win-win-win if you ask me!</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="line-height: 30px;">Now the piece de resistance <u>DOUBLE the </u></span><span style="line-height: 30px;"><u>caffeine</u></span></b><span style="line-height: 30px;"><b style="text-decoration: underline;">!</b> Funny, that w</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 30px;">hile caffeine extracts more easily at higher temperatures, cold brew’s high bean-to-water ratio and longer brew time give your " cup of good morning" more zip to your do-da. </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Recipe</u></b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">If lookup "Cold Brew" you will read a variety of recipes </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">ranging from 1/2 C coarsely</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> ground coffee beans to 1 Cup beans in a 32 oz container, basically, it is to taste. No matter how much you use; steep your coffee grounds for 12 hours in the fridge.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">I figured out if you use 1 Part Coffee to 4.5 parts water you can convert the recipe to any size container you want!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I am not a fan of strong coffee, so here's my recipe:</b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">1/2 C coarse ground medium roast coffee placed <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ct-eFuFStGhIT2THGehulRuip4y9HhS190QjKXf7x-LA07_Kvf6qg773bXQJBLNGPKMqzOwlLAuiqfWQLr7Tj01wfjIdN46N4UFsFNer7bImEHJQA5NAHfs74NprVM8LXc2BB2Atjx8/s1600/81kkm5KmunL._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ct-eFuFStGhIT2THGehulRuip4y9HhS190QjKXf7x-LA07_Kvf6qg773bXQJBLNGPKMqzOwlLAuiqfWQLr7Tj01wfjIdN46N4UFsFNer7bImEHJQA5NAHfs74NprVM8LXc2BB2Atjx8/s320/81kkm5KmunL._SL1500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1PyP03e">Best French Press Ever!</a></td></tr>
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in the bottom of a <a href="http://amzn.to/1RNkAk5" target="_blank">32 oz French Press (This is a great one, it includes three screens eliminating the need to double strain!)</a>, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pour filtered water overtop of grounds to fill halfway and give a stir to fully moisten the grounds. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then fill the volume of the container to the line of French Press with filtered water and gently top with lid. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Allow to steep 12 hours in the fridge. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then gently depress the plunger, and pour the concentrate into a lidded glass container. (I add 2 droppers full of liquid stevia and around 6 ounces of creamer.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Will keep for 2-3 weeks, HA! mine lasts a few days...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">To drink the beverage iced, fill a 16 oz glass with ice and use 2 oz of concentrate and fill with cold water</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Or 1 part concentrate to 3-4 (Depending on taste) parts filtered water or you can even heat filtered water and add concentrate.</span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1RNmQrO"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIpc86hMdr_O3kK502SQLMGLJFV0N32JNTGd0ZENdXL04kZzyOR16u-9RlWi6_36hyphenhyphenOxqQibYcpfWVykqMTtFPxApdGWUwtmhkRcFoyB94rimedfgkUbxxfU4z4gJe6Hcz6IwnsPyRg8/s400/71Q1SMWn8ML._SL1500_+%25281%2529.jpg" width="280" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1RNmQrO">Click Here</a></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wanna hear some super sweet trade secrets to awesome flavor?</span></b></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add 1- 14oz can sweetened condensed milk to your concentrate, this will make YUMMY creamy goodness to enjoy for pennies on the dollar.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add a couple cinnamon sticks to coffee grounds while steeping overnight.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add other spices to Concentrate while Steeping: Smashed Cardamom Pods, Scraped Vanilla Beans Pods, Grated Nutmeg, Cloves, Grated Hazelnut, Peppercorns, Ginger (Think Marsala Chai Spice!!)</span></li>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Posts may contain affiliate links to items I and want to share with you!</span></i><br />
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Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-55217162543387486992016-01-31T09:00:00.000-05:002016-02-16T21:48:28.755-05:00Quick, Easy, Healthy and Budget Family Friendly Meal Plan 1/31-Feb 6, 2016 B,L,D, Snacks +Links!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">February always brings hope to me; winter is nearly </span>halfway<span style="font-family: inherit;"> over, the days are getting a little bit longer and Valentine's Day is around the corner...</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Sorry <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 19.2px;">Punxsutawney Phil, I watched the</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 19.2px;">1934 version of Jack Frost</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 19.2px;"> when i was kid, <b><i>AND I KNOW</i></b> you have a deal </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 19.2px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 19.2px;">with him and winter in Northeast Ohio is NEVER </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 19.2px;">over before April 24th!</span><br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a name='more'></a>This week we are Mediterranean dreaming, even if we are ankle deep in snow our pallets can be transported to the sunny Greek Aisle!</span></h4>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-51fb4c74-72a8-a16f-0ed2-d628acf943e3"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><u>Breakfast Options:</u></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/chocolate-mousse-with-raspberries/" style="color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Chocolate Mousse w/Fresh Fruit</a><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">, </span><a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/4-healthy-quinoa-breakfast-recipes/" style="color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Fried Egg Quinoa w/Garlic Kale</a><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">; </span><a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/4-healthy-quinoa-breakfast-recipes/" style="color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Quinoa Banana Smoothies</a><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">; </span><a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/4-healthy-quinoa-breakfast-recipes/" style="color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Warm & Nutty Quinoa Bowl</a><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">; </span><a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/bottom-of-the-box-cereal-cake/" style="color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bottom of the Box Cereal Cake</a><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">; </span><a href="http://apumpkinandaprincess.com/2015/01/banana-blueberry-overnight-oats.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+APumpkinAndAPrincess+(A+Pumpkin+And+A+Princess)" style="color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">MYO Hot/Cold Overnight Oatmeal Add-Ins</a><span style="line-height: 25.2px;">; Cold Cereal; or </span><a href="https://tastespace.wordpress.com/2011/02/15/avocado-overnight-oats/" style="color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Avocado Overnight Oats</a>, Toast Mashers</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><u>Lunchtime Offerings:</u></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://%7B%2Asubject%20to%20change%21%20if%20get%20any%20turkey%20leftovers%2C%20will%20use/" style="color: #771100; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ham & Cheese Quinoa Cups</a><span style="line-height: 20.79px;"> Sweet Potato Chips, and Mandarin Oranges,</span></span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; line-height: 20.79px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Chicken Nuggets w/honey mustard<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/07/zucchini-tots.html" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> Zucchini Tots</a>, or Spinach Tots <i>{IF I can find them!}</i> & Vanilla Pears</span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; line-height: 20.79px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">Grilled Chicken Quinoa Yum-Yum Bowl, or </span><a href="http://www.tablespoon.com/recipes/taco-cupcakes/01bc4542-2c87-4b98-a8e8-ac81e79357d9" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Taco Cups</a> w/<a href="http://www.averiecooks.com/2014/07/crispy-roasted-parmesan-chickpeas-with-spiced-ranch-dip.html" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Crispy Roasted Parmesan Chickpeas, Spiced Ranch Dip</a>, Apple Slices,</span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; line-height: 20.79px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">PB&J Quesadillas w/Hummus Chips and Cucumber Spears w/Dippings</span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; line-height: 20.79px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://yummyaddiction.com/chicken-spinach-and-artichoke-pasta-bake/" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Chicken and Spinach-Artichoke Bak</a>e (Left-Overs) & Spinach Salad</span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; line-height: 20.79px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Fried Egg over Polenta and Garlic Kale w/salad</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SUNDAY</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MONDAY</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TUESDAY</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WED</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THURS</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FRIDAY</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SAT </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">XXXXXXXX</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cheesy Polenta & Kale w/Fried Egg</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://chicken%20shawarma/" target="_blank">Chicken Shawarma, </a><a href="http://mideastfood.about.com/od/chicken/r/chickenshawarma.htm" target="_blank">Tahini Sauce</a>, <a href="http://southernfood.about.com/od/vidaliaonions/r/Quick-Pickled-Onions.htm" target="_blank">Pickled Onions</a>, <a href="http://backtoherroots.com/2012/06/07/cold-greek-quinoa-salad/" target="_blank">Quinoa Greek Salad</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Spinach, Sausage, & Cheddar Quiche w/Chopped Salad</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2012/06/un-stuffed-greek-chicken-gouvetsi.html" target="_blank">Greek Chicken Giouvetsi</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/2011/05/slow-cooker-beef-gyros-by-aimee.html" target="_blank">Gyros </a>w/</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Quinoa Greek Salad</span></div>
<br /></td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2012/03/chicken-scampi.html" target="_blank">Chicken Scampi w/Angel Hair</a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Snackie Treats:</b></span></u></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Open-Faced Peanut Butter Toast w/Blueberries; Hard-cooked Egg w/Green Apple Slices; </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Avocado Toast Mash w/Fried Egg, </span><a href="http://carrotsandcake.ca/spicy-honey-roasted-chickpeas/" style="color: #771100; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Roasted Chickpeas</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">; </span><a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/honey-coconut-roasted-almonds/" style="color: #771100; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Honey Coconut Roasted Almonds</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">; </span><a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/pumpkin-pie-smoothie/" style="color: #771100; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Pumpkin Pie Smoothie</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">; Yogurt; String Cheese; Freeze Dried Peas, Veggie Chips w/</span>Hummus<span style="font-family: inherit;">, Carrots w/</span>Hummus<span style="font-family: inherit;">; Popcorn; Banana Toast Crunch {</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 23px;">sprouted wheat bread with ½ tablespoon almond butter, ½ tablespoon peanut butter, ¼ sliced banana and 1 teaspoon chopped walnuts on top — with an optional sprinkle of cinnamon and drizzle of honey}</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">; Cherry Coke Salad; Greek Yogurt w/1/2 Scoop Protein Powder, Chai Seeds & Fresh Fruit; Roasted Sweet Potato w/Greek Yogurt Cinnamon and Maple Syrup; Roasted Sweet Potato- smashed and drizzled w/maple syrup; Oatmeal Cake Bars; Cheese Plate; Kieffer; Chai Tea Smoothie; Water Essence</span></span></div>
Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-67402068001541084712016-01-27T15:34:00.000-05:002016-01-27T15:34:01.398-05:00Meal Prep #3: Stocking your freezer and Fridge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Let's do a checklist first!</b> </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Comfy shoes</b> on <i>(check)</i>, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Plan of action ready to go <i>(check)</i>, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Recipes gathered</b> & you have previously shopped for <b>all ingredients </b><i>(Check, Check)</i>, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">You have them all laid out on the counter and <b>grouped together</b> according to types</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dishwasher &/or strainer is emptied</b> and <b>sink is filled with </b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;">HOT</b><span style="font-size: large;"><b> sudsy water</b> </span></li>
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<i>(Check, Check, Check & Check!!) </i></i></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">You are NOW ready to proceed with your plan!</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19uNwPJV2_Dps-uZeeczYmkKUzezbpn5V8mRcfVhBkmgespqLH-4wPtyQf1w8LUP275prXyJvo77cdpfcuoGbbHdB72EYBH9-C8qhyOiWe1c8izgym3AuKOS1ORjnmT_kzxtmeO99_PA/s1600/time.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19uNwPJV2_Dps-uZeeczYmkKUzezbpn5V8mRcfVhBkmgespqLH-4wPtyQf1w8LUP275prXyJvo77cdpfcuoGbbHdB72EYBH9-C8qhyOiWe1c8izgym3AuKOS1ORjnmT_kzxtmeO99_PA/s400/time.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Multi-tasking is the key to successful time management here.</span></h3>
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71Osi7GNw2L._SL1000_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71Osi7GNw2L._SL1000_.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>While something is simmering</b>, sauteing, baking, or boiling- <i>chop something else</i>. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>While you're chopping</b>, Onions for instance- <i>think about how many </i>onions need to be diced, sliced, or minced and <i>do all</i> onions<i> at once</i> and <i>separate according to each recipe</i>. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Label freezer bags with <a href="http://amzn.to/1Q5iIS6" target="_blank">smear-proof markers</a></b>, (<i>These pens will change your life! LOVE these pens!!!) </i>include date and contents. IF necessary include instructions and other items needed on hand to complete the meal.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thinking ahead of steps like this can whittle away total time of prepping.</b></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Food safety <b>is extremely important,</b> be sure to handle </span><i style="font-size: x-large;"><b>one protein</b></i><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b>at a time. Thoroughly wash your hands<b><i> especially </i></b>when handling raw poultry and eggs, <b>don't forget countertops, all kitchen equipment and utensils used</b>, hence, the sink filled with hot soapy water, <i>after each protein has been packaged away</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Typically I only do <b>dinner prepping once every 1-2 months</b>. Once I see the freezer inventory getting low <i>I start squirreling away as much as I can from the grocery fund</i>, and that week we eat out of pantry storage only purchasing limited perishables. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">My personal choice for freezer containers is <b>Ziploc Brand double zip FREEZER Bags, </b>(not the sliders, I find them too difficult to quickly add proteins, time is a precious commodity when doing a session!)<b> <a href="http://amzn.to/1JKHcyD" target="_blank">QT</a>, <a href="http://amzn.to/1JKH2aJ" target="_blank">Gallon,</a> or <a href="http://amzn.to/1JKHyFG" target="_blank">2 Gallon sized Freezer Storage Bags</a></b>. If budget is tight I will use store bargain brand, yet I wouldn't trust them to thaw in my fridge without a container under it nor would I trust them to fast-freeze in the freezer without a lined baking sheet under it.</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Fast Freezer Tip: <b>Freeze Meals FLAT in Ziploc Freezer bags</b> on a lined baking sheet. ONCE completely frozen arrange according to Protein/Meal type (However you want to arrange your Freezer Pantry.) <b>line them up vertically</b> in a breathable, vented basket. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Doubling your freezer capacity</b> while <i>safeguarding against any leakage</i>!</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sunday is my typical day to "meal prep" for breakfasts, snacks, and lunches for the week.</b> In my <i>Menu Monday and Meal Planning posts</i>, I include what <b>breakfast, lunch and snack options I am making for that week.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">My <b>weekly prep is slightly different than my Freezer sessions</b>, although the approach is the quite similar- (One protein at a time, clean kitchen to start, hot sudsy water in the sink, and all ingredients out and in order...) yet <b>I am more methodical towards the ingredient placement and storage container choices.</b> </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91E8srwKP5L._SL1500_.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91E8srwKP5L._SL1500_.jpg" height="252" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1Pbvp8W" target="_blank">Link</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>I love <a href="http://amzn.to/1Pbvp8W" target="_blank">these containers</a>! </u></b>The size is just right for snacks and can <b>substitute bento boxes for a 1/3 of the price of those fancy containers!</b> Speaking of cost effectiveness--> In case someone accidentally throws them away- I don't flip a lid (pun totally intended!), and speaking of lids-->it is leak proof- yay! and it is great for portion control! It is safe for the freezer (up to -20 degrees), Great for Meal prepping lunches and breakfast in the refrigerator, and the manufacturer says microwave-safe (under 120 degrees)*. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><i>* I wouldn't use the dishwasher, the temps might warp as typical dishwashers reach over 120 degrees. They are thicker than typical deli containers and are BPA free, so no worries with leaching chemicals once heated, I personally won't reheat/cook using plastic "anything" in the microwave</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/79/9f/50/799f503a901065ab61afef11017ff8f9.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/79/9f/50/799f503a901065ab61afef11017ff8f9.jpg" width="424" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">When I make my freezer meal kits, I just dump the ingredients in the Ziploc Freezer bag, squeeze all the air out I can, zip it tightly and call it DONE! Fridge Meal Prep is </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">slightly different, especially when creating sensational salads like this one on the left-hand side! <i>(Ziploc is not supporting this post, I just happen to be a fan of most of their products!) </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The wettest part of your salad goes on bottom, build the rest of your salad from the bottom to the top based on the heartiness of the ingredient. Hence the fragile greens on top! I haven't used this Ziploc container before, however I think it is one of those <a href="http://amzn.to/1JKEQQu" target="_blank">Twist N Loc containers found here</a>.</span><br />
<i><br /></i> <i><br /></i> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Next week I will conclude the Meal Prepping series with final tips and tricks to help you when you are on the road ALL day! You know we all have days like this:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span> <span style="font-size: large;">8:45 Son's Bus</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">9:45 Fitting for Son's new Braces </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">11:00 am Meet w/c</span><span style="font-size: large;">lients</span><span style="font-size: large;"> to plan for February's SM Campaign</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">12:00-1:30 Groceries and lunch</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1:30 Drop off donations to T.L.C.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2:30 pm Eye Doctor App</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3:45 Son's Bus</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5:15 Ballet</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6:30 Conference</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7:00 pm AHG meeting</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">8:30 pm pick up daughter</span><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>This was an actual day from my calendar! I know most of you have days just as busy or busier than this, thankfully only 1-2 days a/week are this busy!! But during these crazy days, how do I keep myself from going into a diabetic coma, my daughter getting hangry and stay on budget all the while including actual learning?</b></span></h3>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">Stay tuned for my plan of action!</span></b></h2>
<i><br /></i> <i>**This post may contain affiliate links that help support this blog and my family. I list the products that have helped me and I use- occasionally I will list products that I am planning to use! Thank you for your support! :-)</i></div>
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Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-466676136015233592016-01-24T09:53:00.000-05:002016-01-26T00:19:14.477-05:00Healthy, Quick, Easy, Family & Budget Friendly Menu Plan- B,L,D, & Snacks w/Links Included!! Jan 24-30, 2016<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Winter is Here!! Funny living in Northeast Ohio we <i>JUST</i> started getting winter-like weather. A bit to the north of us in the snow-belt regions were hit a few months ago.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;"> </span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">But, in my area we forgot we lived in Ohio with all the 50+ degree days, sunshine, and zero snow. I was ready for it in <i>theory...</i></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtpvfQJ-anOG9l3jzH497hDPNesclqWLOOg3iAfU0vNudiQE2hZVjaP_qKXV7LspNWM3EaaowgFhxzQfYyhh6H37itu4L8mwyT-drLGW05cy2OVOVYkUcwGVFqtUA_u2vVXbQDyzxf3M/s1600/GIF-anxiety-excited-freaking-out-Kristen-Wiig-my-god-oh-my-god-OMG-shocked-GIF.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtpvfQJ-anOG9l3jzH497hDPNesclqWLOOg3iAfU0vNudiQE2hZVjaP_qKXV7LspNWM3EaaowgFhxzQfYyhh6H37itu4L8mwyT-drLGW05cy2OVOVYkUcwGVFqtUA_u2vVXbQDyzxf3M/s1600/GIF-anxiety-excited-freaking-out-Kristen-Wiig-my-god-oh-my-god-OMG-shocked-GIF.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
Our menu this week is filled with soul-warming recipes, that "stick-to-your-ribs" (Not to your waistline or <i>ehemm,</i> other areas!!), a little comfort, a little traditional, and whole lotta LOVE!!</div>
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<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><u><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Breakfast Options: </span></b></u></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.79px;">Baked Soaked Oatmeal "cake" Buttered Toast Hot Oatmeal-fruited-flax seed </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.79px;">Cold Cereal Pancakes Muffins</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.79px;">Eggs Fruit Juices </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.79px;">Veggie & Fruit Smoothies Kefir</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><u><b>Lunch Choice</b></u>: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> <b><u>Side Selections</u></b>:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Pizza Apple Slices Dried Berries </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">PB & J Roll-Ups </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Carrots and Dippings Oranges</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Fish Cakes Grape Tomatoes Banana Boats</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Quinoa Burgers Veggie Chips Yogurt</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Mac & Cheese Crackers Grapes</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Taco Cups Steamed Snap Peas Apple Sauce</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Grilled Cheese Cream O' Tom Soup Oyster Crackers</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwGU2GQR3jtvfHqcubObf765fGH1mwgy-yClq4iFDpgkEr8QqkKyeOwKyK5OOk6tSoywe9GhM5S97gdFQ2zCm2ZyneYSDMykci2fVo55Y8EwMki5KWEdF-oMw-4TpiVLy4X37GqcZXukH/s400/picha+pictures+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwGU2GQR3jtvfHqcubObf765fGH1mwgy-yClq4iFDpgkEr8QqkKyeOwKyK5OOk6tSoywe9GhM5S97gdFQ2zCm2ZyneYSDMykci2fVo55Y8EwMki5KWEdF-oMw-4TpiVLy4X37GqcZXukH/s400/picha+pictures+010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aimees.com/" target="_blank">Pic Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u>Dinner Time Offerings:</u></b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 0pt;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-7ac0877a-6764-ff1d-7141-7ec9fa8f86f6"><br /></span>
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<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; width: 624px;"><colgroup><col width="*"></col><col width="*"></col><col width="*"></col><col width="*"></col><col width="*"></col><col width="*"></col><col width="*"></col></colgroup><tbody>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Sun:</u> </span></b></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2014/02/cabbage-rolls.html" target="_blank">Stuffed Cabbage </a>w/Mashed Potatoes</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #333333;"><u>Mon</u></b><span style="color: #333333;">:</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Crunchy Baked Fish, Broccoli Rice</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #333333;"><u>Tues</u></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">:</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chicken-wild-rice-soup" target="_blank">Chicken, wild rice and mushroom soup</a></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b><u>W</u></b></span><b style="color: #333333;"><u>ed</u></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">:</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/217955/pumpkin-french-toast-bake/" target="_blank">Pumpkin French Toast Bake</a></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="color: #333333;"><u>Thurs</u></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mexican Macaroni</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u style="color: #333333; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">Fri:</u></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.365daysofcrockpot.com/2011/05/slow-cooker-beef-gyros-by-aimee.html" target="_blank">Gyros</a> w/Cold Greek Salad</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom: solid #000000 1px; border-left: solid #000000 1px; border-right: solid #000000 1px; border-top: solid #000000 1px; padding: 7px 7px 7px 7px; vertical-align: top;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"> </span><b style="color: #333333; font-size: x-large;"><u>Sat</u></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: large;">:</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/220751/quick-chicken-piccata/?src=VD_Summary" target="_blank">Chicken Picatta</a></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61hfIYz8LCL._SL1021_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61hfIYz8LCL._SL1021_.jpg" height="320" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="vhttp://amzn.to/1lIcAT4" target="_blank">Love these for those odd-sized things!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-7ac0877a-6764-ff1d-7141-7ec9fa8f86f6">
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Snackie-Treats</u></b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">:</span></span></span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hummus stuffed hard boiled eggs, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">Almonds, Hard Boiled Eggs, String Cheese, Dried Edema, dried </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">blueberries</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">, cranberries, </span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Raisins, bunny snack mix, pretzels, carrots with Hummus, Cottage Cheese, Kefir, smoothies, fruit, triscuits, hard cheese, </span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Cheese crackers, Veggie/fruit sauce, yogurt, sweet potato chips, veggie chips, Fruit Leather, Granola Bar, Protein Bars, Rice Cakes, </span></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Animal Crackers, </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;">Open-Faced Peanut butter Toast w/Blueberries; Hard-cooked Egg w/Green Apple Slices</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;">Avocado Toast Mash w/Fried Egg, <a href="http://carrotsandcake.ca/spicy-honey-roasted-chickpeas/" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Roasted Chickpeas</a>; <a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/honey-coconut-roasted-almonds/" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Honey Coconut Roasted Almonds</a>; <a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/pumpkin-pie-smoothie/" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pumpkin Pie Smoothie</a>; Yogurt; String Cheese; Freeze Dried Peas</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<i>**This post may contain affiliate links that help support this blog and my family. I list the products that have helped me, occasionally I will list products that I am planning to use. </i><i>Thank you for your support! :-)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2016/01/menu-plan-monday-jan-2516.html" target="_blank">linked to organized junkie's menu mondays</a></i></div>
Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-32357986231661413532016-01-18T23:42:00.002-05:002016-01-21T22:49:38.751-05:00Easy, Quick and Budget Friendly Meal Plan + Links... January 17-23, 2016<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;">We are week 3 into January, how's it going, have you been able to maintain your goals for 2016? Were the goals attainable, realistic? </span></h2>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><i>If you can't honestly answer "Yes", then simply take a step back, get perspective, and adjust. Maybe it's just me, but once I set a goal it's "Set in stone" and I feel this incredible guilt if I don't attain it, I have to tell myself, "It's ok to readjust". If that's you, take another look at your goals, and if some adjusting needs done give yourself some grace and adjust to a more attainable and realistic goal or mini goals that lead to the bigger picture.</i></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">This week I have saved my family time and money while creating fantastic, healthy, and filling family meals. How? Cook once and eat 3 times!! Yep, you heard right, I made bolognese sauce this week and that only gets more depth with time and it is perfect for this type of meal plan.</span></h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Breakfast Options:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/chocolate-mousse-with-raspberries/" style="background-color: white; color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Chocolate Mousse w/Fresh Fruit</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;">, </span><a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/4-healthy-quinoa-breakfast-recipes/" style="background-color: white; color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Fried Egg Quinoa w/Garlic Kale</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;">; </span><a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/4-healthy-quinoa-breakfast-recipes/" style="background-color: white; color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Quinoa Banana Smoothies</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;">; </span><a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/4-healthy-quinoa-breakfast-recipes/" style="background-color: white; color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Warm & Nutty Quinoa Bowl</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;">; </span><a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/bottom-of-the-box-cereal-cake/" style="background-color: white; color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bottom of the Box Cereal Cake</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;">; </span><a href="http://apumpkinandaprincess.com/2015/01/banana-blueberry-overnight-oats.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+APumpkinAndAPrincess+(A+Pumpkin+And+A+Princess)" style="background-color: white; color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">MYO Hot/Cold Overnight Oatmeal Add-Ins</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 25.2px;">; Cold Cereal; or </span><a href="https://tastespace.wordpress.com/2011/02/15/avocado-overnight-oats/" style="background-color: white; color: #771100; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Avocado Overnight Oats</a>, Toast Mashers</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Lunchtime Offerings:</u></span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://%7B%2Asubject%20to%20change%21%20if%20get%20any%20turkey%20leftovers%2C%20will%20use/" style="color: #771100; line-height: 20.79px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Ham & Cheese Quinoa Cups</a><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 20.79px;"> Sweet Potato Chips, and Mandarin Oranges,</span></span></span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Chicken Nuggets w/honey mustard<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/07/zucchini-tots.html" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> Zucchini Tots</a>, or Spinach Tots <i>{IF I can find them!}</i> & Vanilla Pears</span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">Grilled Chicken Quinoa Yum-Yum Bowl, or </span><a href="http://www.tablespoon.com/recipes/taco-cupcakes/01bc4542-2c87-4b98-a8e8-ac81e79357d9" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Taco Cups</a> w/<a href="http://www.averiecooks.com/2014/07/crispy-roasted-parmesan-chickpeas-with-spiced-ranch-dip.html" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Crispy Roasted Parmesan Chickpeas, Spiced Ranch Dip</a>, Apple Slices,</span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">PB&J Quesadillas w/Hummus Chips and Cucumber Spears w/Dippings</span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://yummyaddiction.com/chicken-spinach-and-artichoke-pasta-bake/" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Chicken and Spinach-Artichoke Bak</a>e (Left-Overs) & Spinach Salad</span></li>
<li style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: none; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Fried Egg over Polenta and Garlic Kale w/salad</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Suppertime Selections:</span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Sunday:</b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2015/12/tradtional-bolognese-sauce-made-quck.html" target="_blank">Bolognese Sauce</a> W/Angel Hair Pasta, Chopped Spinach Salad, Garlic Ciabatta Bread, Tapioca Pudding w/Whipped Sweetened Heavy Cream</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Monday</b></u>:</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5IgpMLMZLq6l0K4VE0Lro3zZ-baRGHe03G0x-_ulCmvnjR1WnAWCt0GbJXyvnDFnSRlB9XdQ185d-qif70y02d7PrdxbDnZos89ckSmcXGaWh8PmmatVNWdHm4VWtvId1TrCgUIPGrk/s1600/q1222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5IgpMLMZLq6l0K4VE0Lro3zZ-baRGHe03G0x-_ulCmvnjR1WnAWCt0GbJXyvnDFnSRlB9XdQ185d-qif70y02d7PrdxbDnZos89ckSmcXGaWh8PmmatVNWdHm4VWtvId1TrCgUIPGrk/s320/q1222.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/221936/quick-fish-tacos/photos/1017268/" target="_blank">Picture Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/221936/quick-fish-tacos/" target="_blank">Crunchy Lime Cilantro Fish Tacos topped w/Jalapeno Lime Cilantro Slaw</a> And Mango Salsa Rice</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Tuesday</u></b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://katehoban.com/recipes/slow-cooker-minestrone-soup/" target="_blank">Minestrone Soup</a> w/Chopped Salad and Garlic Ciabatta Bread</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FCYiH3dE-gaRG7fFPc7EhhQ9aYGMeOmT9SXENBnix7W06dqj56jVEEO8b2dZKtU6eiKQ6SzET7OpCeamaKuwYt2zK8ttfYyTxZDq2OsN74kkRBLIG-lsZrHoNbKZiXGMjAwuSTy-3zs/s1600/How-to-Make-Cinnamon-Roll-Pancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0FCYiH3dE-gaRG7fFPc7EhhQ9aYGMeOmT9SXENBnix7W06dqj56jVEEO8b2dZKtU6eiKQ6SzET7OpCeamaKuwYt2zK8ttfYyTxZDq2OsN74kkRBLIG-lsZrHoNbKZiXGMjAwuSTy-3zs/s320/How-to-Make-Cinnamon-Roll-Pancakes.jpg" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2011/03/01/cinnamon-roll-pancakes/" target="_blank">Pic Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Wednesday: </u></b><a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2011/03/01/cinnamon-roll-pancakes/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Cinnamon Swirl</a><a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2011/03/01/cinnamon-roll-pancakes/" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Pancakes</a>, <span style="font-size: large;">Crispy Bacon, and Chilled Fresh Fruit</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Thursday</u></b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lasagna w/ Crispy Garlic Kale, Homemade Artisan Bread, & Chopped Salad</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Friday</u></b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Herbed Garlic Focaccia Bread Pizza, Salad, and Cherry Cola Jello Salad w/Whipped Heavy Cream.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Saturday</u></b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://eesyslife.blogspot.com/2012/06/chicken-scaloppine.html" target="_blank">Chicken Scallopini</a> over Penne Pasta w/Roasted Veggies </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Snackie Treats:</span></u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Open-Faced Peanut butter Toast w/Blueberries; Hard-cooked Egg w/Green Apple Slices; </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Avocado Toast Mash w/Fried Egg, </span><a href="http://carrotsandcake.ca/spicy-honey-roasted-chickpeas/" style="color: #771100; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Roasted Chickpeas</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">; </span><a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/honey-coconut-roasted-almonds/" style="color: #771100; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Honey Coconut Roasted Almonds</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">; </span><a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/pumpkin-pie-smoothie/" style="color: #771100; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pumpkin Pie Smoothie</a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">; Yogurt; String Cheese; Freeze Dried Peas, Veggie Chips w/</span><span style="color: #333333;">Hummus</span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">, Carrots w/</span>Hummus<span style="font-family: inherit;">; Popcorn; Banana Toast Crunch {</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 23px;">sprouted wheat bread with ½ tablespoon almond butter, ½ tablespoon peanut butter, ¼ sliced banana and 1 teaspoon chopped walnuts on top — with an optional sprinkle of cinnamon and drizzle of honey}</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">; Cherry Coke Salad; Greek Yogurt w/1/2 Scoop Protein Powder, Chai Seeds & Fresh Fruit; Roasted Sweet Potato w/Greek Yogurt Cinnamon and Maple Syrup; Roasted Sweet Potato- smashed and drizzled w/maple syrup; Oatmeal Cake Bars; Cheese Plate; Kieffer; Chai Tea Smoothie; Water Essence</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2016/01/menu-plan-monday-jan-1816.html" target="_blank">Meal Plan Monday</a></span></span>Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-46211033860164207352016-01-13T09:00:00.000-05:002016-02-16T22:02:52.485-05:00Meal Prep: Iced Chai Tea Concentrate Recipe<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">It is super helpful "prepping" your daily beverages, and having drinks ready to go starting off an extremely busy day in the right direction!! Not to mention only helpful, "MYO" is soo economical! Check out these numbers:</span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1 box of tea $3.00-$4.50/box (Depending on sale prices & brand, I prefer <a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=price+of+yogi+tea&tbm=shop" target="_blank">Yog</a>i) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Go even Cheaper and spice your own loose black tea with <a href="http://www.chai-tea.org/rec/rec110.html" target="_blank">this MYO Masala chai Tea Recipe</a> or This <a href="http://www.chai-tea.org/rec/rec106.html" target="_blank">one is becoming</a> one of my favorites! <i>I will create a post about these recipes soon!</i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I use 2% Milk for my creamer and Liquid Stevia, 2 full droppers for my concentrate, the cost is so minimal I haven't figured it out, like under $1.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1 Box of tea makes 1 Gallon of tea concentrate, that will make 1 Gallon & 32oz of Chai Tea heaven!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The cost of Commercially prepared equivalent: $27-$69! No joke, price compare <a href="https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=price+of+chai+tea+concentrate&tbm=shop" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The cost of adjusting the taste, ingredients, and no added preservatives? PRICELESS!</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXgzIOJ3jclI0jWTw7SC8mRtQq1ckolJ8rduBHH_YPRCH4bEoxosbzpLsIG84Cno6wvniNgZbyieUH03XLT6Lrf3MEoi8n8LOZLZyK8KN2dNYGOxS0PXSGTbK8OeLfE17YJRpm8_PNSQ/s1600/ChaiTeaConcentrate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXgzIOJ3jclI0jWTw7SC8mRtQq1ckolJ8rduBHH_YPRCH4bEoxosbzpLsIG84Cno6wvniNgZbyieUH03XLT6Lrf3MEoi8n8LOZLZyK8KN2dNYGOxS0PXSGTbK8OeLfE17YJRpm8_PNSQ/s640/ChaiTeaConcentrate.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Chai Tea Concentrate</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">*Recommend using 2- bags Chai Tea/per 8 oz filtered water</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bring 64 oz of filtered water to boil, then add 16 Tea Bags tea bags. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Remove from heat, cover and allow to steep 5-10 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Gently warm milk while tea is steeping and set aside keeping warm.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Remove tea bags, do not squeeze bags will make your tea bitter.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add warmed milk and sweeten to taste. I use liquid stevia and 2 dropper fulls for this mixture.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">Most times I add another 32 oz of hot distilled water diluting the concentrate before I add it to the fridge. Other times, I keep it as a concentrate diluting per taste either reheating or pouring over ice.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-large;">If drinking iced, do not dilute, pour over a cup filled with ice and enjoy!</span></li>
</ul>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61P4xo0u02L._SL1171_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61P4xo0u02L._SL1171_.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1Kd5psn" target="_blank">Great French Press!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">I often use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/French-X-Chef-1000ml-Resistant-Stainless/dp/B012FOZZ8A/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=thmo07-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=OUMB6DOBOINPNV7C&creativeASIN=B012FOZZ8A" target="_blank">this French Press</a> to make my tea <i>(affiliated links:-)</i> And this <a href="http://amzn.to/1Kd4RCT" target="_blank">stainless steel</a> version will also keep your tea or coffee piping hot and bonus- is not as fragile as glass presses!</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6i_kYgCuknXlml7fWkF4GvtVUhfKDMuDEkurMf0dhXQIKs0mxlsh2SAlD4d4wF_rOAHM4ivK-5PkiH0U5ptS4a-IdjRw5uRkfUvIpk9W4TENdCJiokyNwcttKdYfSHk8tHM4AbwtFBA0/s1600/3248646853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6i_kYgCuknXlml7fWkF4GvtVUhfKDMuDEkurMf0dhXQIKs0mxlsh2SAlD4d4wF_rOAHM4ivK-5PkiH0U5ptS4a-IdjRw5uRkfUvIpk9W4TENdCJiokyNwcttKdYfSHk8tHM4AbwtFBA0/s320/3248646853.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P<a href="http://welladjusted.co/blog/2015/06/26/winter-warmer-homemade-chai-tea/" target="_blank">icture </a>Credit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-25672484035666824722016-01-11T01:00:00.000-05:002016-01-14T00:20:28.386-05:00Quick & Healthy Meal Plan Jan 11-17, 2016<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sooo...How was your first full week in the new year and that resolution to "clean up" your family's eating? </span></h2>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is what I find happens to me nearly every year: I get extreme, eliminate all "unhealthy" food and snacks from the menu, pantry, fridge... and by the second week someone is "hoarding ho-hos" or sneaking in a trip or two a week to a fast-food joint!!!</span></h3>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">This year I decided that to help my family succeed, I am including a few days a week for "comfort meals". My plan is to go minimally processed as possible and since I must watch my carbs if I included high carb side- I will double up on veggies and lean protein for my portion.</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">My plan for the next month is to include as much " #mealprep" as possible for lunch, breakfast and snacks. I have planned for dinners in this manner <i>since 1996</i> so I will continue what works for my family in that area. Currently, I am doing a "theme" planning for dinners as follows:</span><br />
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<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Sunday: Comfort Meals</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Monday: Meatless/Fish</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday: Crockpot</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Wednesday: Breakfast</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Thursday: One Dish</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Friday: "Fun" Food</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday: Pasta </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Breakfast Options</u></b>:</span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/chocolate-mousse-with-raspberries/" style="background-color: white; color: #771100; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Chocolate Mousse w/Fresh Fruit</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 25.2px;">, </span><a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/4-healthy-quinoa-breakfast-recipes/" style="background-color: white; color: #771100; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Fried Egg Quinoa w/Garlic Kale</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 25.2px;">;</span><a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/4-healthy-quinoa-breakfast-recipes/" style="background-color: white; color: #771100; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Quinoa Banana Smoothies</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 25.2px;">; </span><a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/4-healthy-quinoa-breakfast-recipes/" style="background-color: white; color: #771100; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Warm & Nutty Quinoa Bowl</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 25.2px;">; </span><a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/bottom-of-the-box-cereal-cake/" style="background-color: white; color: #771100; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bottom of the Box Cereal Cake</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 25.2px;">; </span><a href="http://apumpkinandaprincess.com/2015/01/banana-blueberry-overnight-oats.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+APumpkinAndAPrincess+(A+Pumpkin+And+A+Princess)" style="background-color: white; color: #771100; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">MYO Hot/Cold Overnight Oatmeal Add-Ins</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 25.2px;">; Cold Cereal; or </span><a href="https://tastespace.wordpress.com/2011/02/15/avocado-overnight-oats/" style="background-color: white; color: #771100; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25.2px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Avocado Overnight Oats</a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Lunch Time Offerings</u></b>:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://%7B%2Asubject%20to%20change%21%20if%20get%20any%20turkey%20leftovers%2C%20will%20use/" target="_blank">Ham & Cheese Quinoa Cups</a> Sweet Potato Chips, and Mandrin Oranges,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Chicken Nuggets w/honey mustard<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/07/zucchini-tots.html" target="_blank"> Zucchini Tots</a>, or Spinach Tots <i>{IF I can find them!}</i> </span><span style="font-size: large;">& Vanilla Pears</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tablespoon.com/recipes/taco-cupcakes/01bc4542-2c87-4b98-a8e8-ac81e79357d9" target="_blank">Taco Cups</a> w/<a href="http://www.averiecooks.com/2014/07/crispy-roasted-parmesan-chickpeas-with-spiced-ranch-dip.html" target="_blank">Crispy Roasted Parmesan Chickpeas, Spiced Ranch Dip</a>,</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Apple Slices,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">PB&J Quesadillas w/Hummus Chips and Cucumber Spears w/Dippings</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://yummyaddiction.com/chicken-spinach-and-artichoke-pasta-bake/" target="_blank">Chicken and Spinach-Artichoke Bak</a>e (Left-Overs) & Spinach Salad</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Fried Egg over Polenta and Garlic Kale w/salad</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Dinner </u></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Selections</u></b>:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXS6-N7H2eZ08OEJHGkc03Km3cfIV1RNq6VEpqOHFdZd233GHZw2Bor-FQMwJs22ZypCQPGPP_iLi5YHN227lY8zA0Rv0HdajlxtngqQ7ZaVzO5Ai4afQbcZcur-zkfgKv39SM1v5K0T8/s1600/2117043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXS6-N7H2eZ08OEJHGkc03Km3cfIV1RNq6VEpqOHFdZd233GHZw2Bor-FQMwJs22ZypCQPGPP_iLi5YHN227lY8zA0Rv0HdajlxtngqQ7ZaVzO5Ai4afQbcZcur-zkfgKv39SM1v5K0T8/s320/2117043.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Monday</u></b>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/50392/capers-and-halibut/">Seared Fish & Capers</a> w/ <a href="http://backtoherroots.com/2012/06/07/cold-greek-quinoa-salad/">Greek Salad</a> and Garlic Kale</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Tuesday</u></b>: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.365ishpins.com/day-116-crock-pot-hawaiian-chicken/" target="_blank">CP- Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken</a> over Heirloom Rice w/Roasted Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Mushrooms</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Wednesday</u></b>:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Sausage Gravy over homemade buttermilk biscuits and hashbrowns</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Thursday</b></u>: </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://yummyaddiction.com/chicken-spinach-and-artichoke-pasta-bake/" target="_blank">Chicken and Spinach-Artichoke Bake</a> w/Crisp Salad Greens</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Friday</u></b>:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">BBQ CP Ribs w/Mac & Cheese, Veggie Salad and Roasted Lemon Asparagus</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Saturday:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/904229/pasta-fresh-tomato-sauce?crlt.pid=camp.m1wBW9zbIY6r" target="_blank">Diced Tomatoes, Garlic, and Basil</a> over Angel Hair (Zucchini Spirals for me:-) w/Blackened Chicken Breast and Spinach Salad.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Linked to<a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2016/01/menu-plan-monday-jan-1116.html" target="_blank"> MenuMonday</a>s</span></div>
Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-58141810550932854872016-01-06T12:04:00.001-05:002016-01-14T00:20:43.384-05:00Meal Prep: #1- Review 3 Vital Questions to Ask Yourself<h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhge3lgtR-b1zLWEMK4bR1DEMf9Kow2o-l0MLEwMS3_d42ff2mNYGiO9P5Y0uXiDV7tJMXtjvAC-SBUo4MPyDhbFG4uio2s-pg0CVuyz_ADzBjlaXPjjoGrcmY4cwDu3QxLbaxAZzxrrN0/s1600/omc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhge3lgtR-b1zLWEMK4bR1DEMf9Kow2o-l0MLEwMS3_d42ff2mNYGiO9P5Y0uXiDV7tJMXtjvAC-SBUo4MPyDhbFG4uio2s-pg0CVuyz_ADzBjlaXPjjoGrcmY4cwDu3QxLbaxAZzxrrN0/s200/omc.jpg" width="162" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I have "Meal Prepped" since 1996, it was called Once a Month Cooking or OMC, Batch/Bulk Cooking, Freezer Cooking, and a myriad of other terms back then. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">At that time, we were renting a huge 1940's 2-story house that ironically had a ridiculously small kitchen with only 2 cabinets, 1 cupboard, 2' counter top, and a vintage fridge from the 60's. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">You know the type of "dorm or RV-Type" that has one long door and the freezer is this itty-bitty compartment- like an afterthought, above the very minuscule refrigerator space? Well, our first apartment fridge 2 years earlier was identical to this one below, then the house we rented was just a smidge larger than this one! If this is you, don't despair, I will post a link on how I did it here soon.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBxzoFqB5bgOhmvzLtSlPbd-ytb-lua4fuE2voDoy_XjdmKNiGAdM9ltXJA6fKuBvPop9Cfkh4q1wtT9AqS_ofisDcfo4JH1ancWpd987SFJx5EOeQZsKPOGphLZs-3mruODuNoivxUI/s1600/Philco-fridge-Gailsmile.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBxzoFqB5bgOhmvzLtSlPbd-ytb-lua4fuE2voDoy_XjdmKNiGAdM9ltXJA6fKuBvPop9Cfkh4q1wtT9AqS_ofisDcfo4JH1ancWpd987SFJx5EOeQZsKPOGphLZs-3mruODuNoivxUI/s320/Philco-fridge-Gailsmile.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjYkpuKu5XKAhUBGD4KHcqKBEoQjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fretrorenovation.com%2F2012%2F10%2F09%2Famerican-beauties-25-vintage-stoves-and-refrigerators-from-readers-kitchens%2F&psig=AFQjCNHl5aJZ_6dnV-2fGBBAMeanxoXr7g&ust=1452179142213250"><span style="font-size: large;">Picture Credit</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">I used TNT recipes that my family already enjoyed and included tips for freezer storage found in such books/Web Sites/Yahoo Groups/E-mail Newsletters as OMC, <a href="http://www.30daygourmet.com/" target="_blank">30 Day Gourmet </a></span><span style="font-size: large;">(I feel like Carol & Nancy are my friends!), </span><span style="font-size: large;">Freezer Friendly Yahoo Group... </span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a name='more'></a><br /></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">My first batch cooking session entailed making a HUGE batch of tomato sauce and then morphed it into different meal types, such as Spaghetti Sauce transformed into; </span></h3>
<br />
<h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Chili/Taco Soup, Minestrone, Baked Ziti, Beef-a-Roni, Lasagna, and Chicken Catchatori. </span></li>
</ul>
</h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">I would simmer the sauce all day, then divide into a variety of meal types adding beans, veggies, seasonings... basically everything but the pasta (starch breaks down in 3 days not safe to eat and is <i>NOT</i> tasty!). I worked 50-60 hours 6-7 days/week, as did my hubby on a totally different shift than I did so I was excited I could just heat and eat.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">I then progressed to another type of meal prepping, which I will discuss in later posts. The key is to be flexible, ask yourself these vital questions: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">1.) Is the way you are meal prepping working for your family-</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Are they complaining about the texture of the meal, the repetitiveness, or types of meal you're making (I.E fixing casseroles when family doesn't like them...)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">2.) Are you enjoying your Meal Prep method? </span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">How much time is it taking away from you & you from your family? Is the trade off "worth" the sacrifice for your family, yourself, daily schedule/chores, your sanity?</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">3.) Can you find ways to "tweak" any of this process?</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Make SANe meal pack instead of fully cooked meals or vice versa? Doing Dinner Meals one day/week in place of OAM? Excluding Other meals from your schedule or doing Breakfast or Lunch on another day if at all?</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
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Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-5286857924838866402016-01-04T01:36:00.000-05:002016-01-06T12:44:47.298-05:00Easy & Budget Friendly Menu Plan Jan 3-10, 2016<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></span>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Healthy, Budget-Friendly, and Easy</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Check, Check, & Check- this week's menu ticks all the right boxes! I </span></span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">recently </span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">discovered 2 incredible ladies and their blogs; Amelia Winslow of <a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/about-us/#more-about-amelia" target="_blank">Eating Made Easy</a> & </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #5c2633; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18.005px;">Anjali</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #5c2633; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18.005px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #5c2633; font-size: large; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18.005px;"><span style="font-size: large;">of <a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/" target="_blank">The Picky Eater </a>-</span></span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"> these ladies share an incredible vision of healthy living and have created awesome recipes that look delish! I can't wait to start off this new year with some of their best recipes! </span></span></h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGE-Lc0b8YUPsD-akWR73630HNs4t9nFq9KaLvmZ2Z8W1Poo09Izip4C5JhriGSkSyhXx-vDrZk2hRe0eeLD9inwDb1yh_Ma1q7j1iJdbq0fdIcJVWf1tfGlqlnqY_FkXntffwYkCMAxo/s1600/Chocolate-Mousse.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGE-Lc0b8YUPsD-akWR73630HNs4t9nFq9KaLvmZ2Z8W1Poo09Izip4C5JhriGSkSyhXx-vDrZk2hRe0eeLD9inwDb1yh_Ma1q7j1iJdbq0fdIcJVWf1tfGlqlnqY_FkXntffwYkCMAxo/s640/Chocolate-Mousse.jpg" width="632" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/chocolate-mousse-with-raspberries/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">PIC CREDIT</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Breakfast Options</span></u></b><span style="font-size: large;">: </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/chocolate-mousse-with-raspberries/" target="_blank">Chocolate Mousse w/Fresh Fruit</a>, <a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/4-healthy-quinoa-breakfast-recipes/" target="_blank">Fried Egg Quinoa w/Garlic Kale</a>; <a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/4-healthy-quinoa-breakfast-recipes/" target="_blank">Quinoa Banana Smoothies</a>; <a href="http://pickyeaterblog.com/4-healthy-quinoa-breakfast-recipes/" target="_blank">Warm & Nutty Quinoa Bowl</a>; <a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/bottom-of-the-box-cereal-cake/" target="_blank">Bottom of the Box Cereal Cake</a>; <a href="http://apumpkinandaprincess.com/2015/01/banana-blueberry-overnight-oats.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+APumpkinAndAPrincess+(A+Pumpkin+And+A+Princess)" target="_blank">MYO Hot/Cold Overnight Oatmeal Add-Ins</a>; Cold Cereal; or <a href="https://tastespace.wordpress.com/2011/02/15/avocado-overnight-oats/" target="_blank">Avocado Overnight Oats</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Lunch Time Offerings</u></b>:</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomato Soup w/Grilled Cheese Sammies, Chicken Nuggets w/Veggie Chips, Cheese & Veggie Plate w/Fruit Cup, Roasted Smoked Turkey & Avocado Wrap w/Crispy Oven Kale Chips and Humus; Left-Over Gyros on Homemade Pitas w/Tzatziki Sauce & <a href="http://backtoherroots.com/2012/06/07/cold-greek-quinoa-salad/" target="_blank">Cold Greek Salad</a>; PBJ on Toasted Bagel Thins w/Carrot Sticks and Humus; & Greek Quinoa Salad w/Roast Chicken, Avocado, & Raw Baby Kale</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dinner Selections</span></u></b><span style="font-size: large;">:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGi-hIUnUwFcCtUadVz7fsCt-INnrtIl7SDlyNlsoyY_qpxjYPubQ4fIvMf_i9NHtz_yl6daHcoRfmNJQmgCO9bUxz7_bS9hbnm9yqf7HbWv_fT6veFpo1nk4ko3t6ddrTzzMoZswFIA/s1600/5.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGi-hIUnUwFcCtUadVz7fsCt-INnrtIl7SDlyNlsoyY_qpxjYPubQ4fIvMf_i9NHtz_yl6daHcoRfmNJQmgCO9bUxz7_bS9hbnm9yqf7HbWv_fT6veFpo1nk4ko3t6ddrTzzMoZswFIA/s320/5.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/cheesy-polenta-with-eggs-and-greens/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pic Credit</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Meatless Monday</b></u>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/cheesy-polenta-with-eggs-and-greens/" target="_blank">Cheesy Polenta</a> w/<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/217944/garlic-kale/" target="_blank">Garlic Kale</a> and Fried Egg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Tuesday</u></b>:</span><br />
<span id="docs-internal-guid-3695c525-0b3c-637e-5920-07708beaa536"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Chix & Wild Rice Mushroom Soup w/Salad</span></span></span><br />
<span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Wednesday</u></b>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Vanilla Cinnamon Pancakes and Crispy Bacon</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Thursday</u></b>: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tuna Noodle Casserole w/Salad</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Friday</u></b>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tacos w/Salsa Freshca, Guacamole, & Yellow Rice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><b>Saturday</b></u>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/904229/pasta-fresh-tomato-sauce?crlt.pid=camp.m1wBW9zbIY6r" target="_blank">Garlicy Tomatoes </a>over Angel Hair w/Salad</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Sunday</u></b>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Salisbury Steak in Mushroom-Onion Gravy served with Creamy Whipped Potatoes & </span></span><span style="font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;">Buttered Super Sweet Corn</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHlQ8zVVrYodQzSO7rwias3PnDeAbZAVD-vcI74C_tProy87LsE3rjbAdOUdeN1PDchGzy6jxsxckqHi_6N57S7fhzTn91hFTlu3hc7g7LPlr6X96zXWDyf0-KtIIbCcAH_EZ1SEp0Vc/s1600/CnC_Spicy_Roasted-Chickpeas.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHlQ8zVVrYodQzSO7rwias3PnDeAbZAVD-vcI74C_tProy87LsE3rjbAdOUdeN1PDchGzy6jxsxckqHi_6N57S7fhzTn91hFTlu3hc7g7LPlr6X96zXWDyf0-KtIIbCcAH_EZ1SEp0Vc/s200/CnC_Spicy_Roasted-Chickpeas.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Snackie Treats:</u></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"> Open-Faced Peanut butter Toast w/Blueberries; Hard-cooked Egg w/Green Apple Slices; </span><span style="font-size: large;">Avocado Toast Mash w/Fried Egg, <a href="http://carrotsandcake.ca/spicy-honey-roasted-chickpeas/" target="_blank">Roasted Chickpeas</a>; <a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/honey-coconut-roasted-almonds/" target="_blank">Honey Coconut Roasted Almonds</a>; <a href="http://eating-made-easy.com/pumpkin-pie-smoothie/" target="_blank">Pumpkin Pie Smoothie</a>; Yogurt; String Cheese; Freeze Dried Peas, Veggie Chips, Humus, Carrots; Humus; Popcorn; Banana Toast Crunch {</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px;">sprouted wheat bread with ½ tablespoon almond butter, ½ tablespoon peanut butter, ¼ sliced banana and 1 teaspoon chopped walnuts on top — with an optional sprinkle of cinnamon and drizzle of honey}</span><span style="font-size: large;">; Cherry Coke Salad; Greek Yogurt w/1/2 Scoop Protein Powder, Chai Seeds & Fresh Fruit; Roasted Sweet Potato w/Greek Yogurt Cinnamon and Maple Syrup; Oatmeal Cake Bars; Cheese Plate; Kieffer; Chai Tea Smoothie; Water Essence</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Linked to #<a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2016/01/menu-plan-monday-jan-416.html" target="_blank">MenuPlanMonday</a></span></div>
Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-81299776645373976462016-01-03T16:40:00.000-05:002016-01-03T16:43:34.624-05:00Easy and Quick One Pot Unstuffed Stove Top Cabbage <h2 style="text-align: center;">
We LOVE stuffed cabbage! </h2>
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O<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">nce the leaves start to change outside and the weather gets cooler, this dish is on our menu </span>at least once a month. </h2>
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I don't always have time to do all the <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">necessary </span>prep steps, so when the time is of the essence I make this budget and time friendly alternative in a Dutch oven or heavy bottomed, large skillet. Though it is a quick fix "weekday meal" the flavor boasts the complexity offered by its slow cooked counterpart!</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIO7b7g7WOTybkOUkQjCv9RsmUFWUm4UJ9ft2TKDEmFX1IKm0QRsy5BdAsnflL6NEK5_NJ6_-zUwToxrej6BfOQAlB7ujOipe-WwjfWuangA_uWSDmrFT4WR4Na9Wa4_CqwTSaFjFdYs/s1600/b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIO7b7g7WOTybkOUkQjCv9RsmUFWUm4UJ9ft2TKDEmFX1IKm0QRsy5BdAsnflL6NEK5_NJ6_-zUwToxrej6BfOQAlB7ujOipe-WwjfWuangA_uWSDmrFT4WR4Na9Wa4_CqwTSaFjFdYs/s320/b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&ved=0ahUKEwjqpteyzI7KAhVLVD4KHZ40B5UQjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thewholegang.org%2F2010%2F03%2Funstuffed-cabbage-rolls-stew-recipe%2F&psig=AFQjCNGgebD9CGGSmO9GvBrd8oSCzEsslA&ust=1451943279945909">Pic Credit</a></td></tr>
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1 Lb. 80/20 Gr Beef 1 small head Cabbage, coarsely chopped<br />
1 Small white onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced<br />
8 oz. can Tomato Sauce 2-15oz Cans Crushed Tomatoes<br />
1-2 T Worchestershire Sauce 1/2 Lemon, Juiced<br />
1T brown Sugar <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1/4 C Water</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Kosher Salt & Fresh Cracked Black Peppercorns, to taste</span><br />
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Heat a heavy dutch oven over medium-high heat once hot add ground beef and chopped onion along with a sprinkle of S&P. Cook until gr. beef is cooked through and onion is softened.<br />
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Drain extra beef drippings, add water stirring with wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits and add the rest of the ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cover.<br />
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Cook covered, stirring occasionally until cabbage is softened about 45-60 minutes. Taste again and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve over hot buttered wide egg, Halushka, or Kluski noodles or whipped Mashed Potatoes.<br />
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Serves 4-6 with lunch leftovers!Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-11293134436233447542015-12-21T00:57:00.000-05:002016-02-16T22:37:13.823-05:00Tradtional Bolognese Sauce Made Quck and Easy!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This sauce is SOOO Good, it comes with a warning! </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We were all taking soo many samples before it was heated through, that a 1/4 of it was gone before dinner time!! </span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Be sure to guard your sauce while it cooks. And, SHH! Don't tell the kids there are vegetables cooked alongside the tomatoes,<i> it will be our little secret! </i></span></span></span></span></h4>
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<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<a name='more'></a><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3 Lbs Tomato Puree</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2Lbs Crushed Tomato</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2Lbs Ground Beef</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">10 Oz Cremini Mushrooms, Sliced</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 Lg Yellow Onion Diced</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 Lg Carrots Shredded</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 Stalk Celery Finely Diced</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 Red pepper Finely Diced</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2-3 T of Crushed Dried Oregano</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1-2 T Brown Sugar (According to Taste) </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3-6 Cloves are garlic finely grated on a micro-plane, </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(According to Taste) </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Coarse Ground Kosher Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper to Taste</span></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> In a heavy bottom large dutch oven brown ground beef and add veggies. Saute until beef over medium heat until cooked through, browned, and veggies are softened. </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Drain Grease and Add Brown Sugar. </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Combine tomato puree and crushed tomatoes adding to Dutch Oven, stirring frequently.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sprinkle in Oregano, S & P, and grate Garlic over sauce. Stir with wooden spoon to combine.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Turn heat to simmer and stir often. </span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The sauce is finished when heated thru, about 20-30 min. </span></span></span></li>
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<b><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For Deeper and richer flavor allow to simmer several hours over lowest heat setting and better the next day!</span></span></span></i></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We LOVE to serve this Bolognese Sauce over homemade pappardelle pasta, fresh French baguettes that have been charred under the broiler and rubbed with a cut fresh garlic clove, and rounding out the mean with a baby spinach salad sprinkled with feta cheese and toasted almonds and dressed with Balsamic and EVOO vinaigrette.</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h4>
Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-34406379210482531222015-03-25T12:09:00.000-04:002015-03-25T12:09:00.260-04:00Creamy Southwestern Penne Pasta Salad<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">This Creamy, smoky, salty, & yummy pasta salad is HIGHLY ADDICTIVE!!</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I created and quickly threw together this salad from the meager contents of my refrigerator for a pot-luck type gathering my Sister's for the Journey bible study group holds at the end of each study<i>.</i></span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></h4>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>("Kingdom Woman" by Dr. Tony Evans and his daughter Crystal was the study we had just finished & it is Soo Awesome btw!)</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The ladies loved it soo much they each had seconds!! I snacked on the miniscule bits of the salad the next day and it was even better! </span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I decided I had better write it down so I can re-create it it!</span></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj630kyxqNgpB05rm0hpBueI5pY9CRrsdDK4fJS6_42qrYNNXLqCPSiZR6NTBO2EEXSNI9ykRTf0BmqzDjkNFEMpQaKkeL8Bf1RLnWN7jljSi1ZnCAyy-xTBzCZinEKcG9d8C4ldRgPH6o/s1600/smoked_mozzarella_penne_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj630kyxqNgpB05rm0hpBueI5pY9CRrsdDK4fJS6_42qrYNNXLqCPSiZR6NTBO2EEXSNI9ykRTf0BmqzDjkNFEMpQaKkeL8Bf1RLnWN7jljSi1ZnCAyy-xTBzCZinEKcG9d8C4ldRgPH6o/s1600/smoked_mozzarella_penne_0.jpg" height="251" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">As you can see it was eaten so fast I didn't capture it on film, this looks very close! <a href="http://www.melskitchencafe.com/smoked-mozzarella-and-penne-salad/" target="_blank">Picture Source</a></span></td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;">1 LB penne pasta, cooked el dente` in salted water, & rinsed</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3/4 Lb grape tomatoes, sliced width-wise 3-4 times</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/4 LB baby carrots sliced in coins thinly</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1-2 Cups Mixed Baby Greens (I used Spinach, Swiss Chard, & Kale)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4 oz- Finely Crumbled Feta Cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 Palm-fuls Dried Dill</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Palm-fuls Dried Parsley</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 Palm-fuls Garlic-Garlic Tastefully Simple Seasoning</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1T Cumin</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 T Smoked Paprika</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 T Chili Powder</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 t Sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 Cup Olive Oil Mayonnaise</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 Cup plain Greek Yogurt</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1-2 T 2% Milk, as needed</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Salt to taste, if even needed</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fresh Cracked Black Pepper to taste</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">While pasta cooks, whisk together </span><span style="font-size: large;">Olive Oil Mayonnaise, sugar & plain Greek Yogurt to a large bowl. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Add Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, </span><span style="font-size: large;">Dried Dill, Dried Parsley, Garlic-Garlic, & </span><span style="font-size: large;">Black Pepper. Taste for seasoning, adjust if necessary.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Slice Tomatoes, Carrots, </span><span style="font-size: large;">& </span><span style="font-size: large;">add to Mayo-Yogurt mixture</span><span style="font-size: large;"> along with 1</span><span style="font-size: large;">/2 of the feta cheese, </span><span style="font-size: large;">finely crumbled </span><span style="font-size: large;">- set aside</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Fold in pasta immeadiately after cooked and rinsed in cold water. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"> <i>The key to the flavor of this amazing pasta salad is adding the slightly warm pasta to the "sauce" so the pasta can absorb all the delicious flavor</i>! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Fold in greens, then sprinkle in remaining feta cheese.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Cover and refrigerator for at least an hour for flavors to develop.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Just before serving toss salad and sprinkle dried dill on top for color and presentation.</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-83350162402844418462015-03-20T12:50:00.000-04:002015-03-20T12:50:01.297-04:00Fun & East FREE DIY Kids Gifts<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">These are soo adorable! </span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was cruising Google one night in search of Free Cupcake Tag Printables for an upcoming Bake Sale when I spotted this adorable craft!!</span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vol25.typepad.com/.a/6a00e552088d2b88340133f2885359970b-650wi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://vol25.typepad.com/.a/6a00e552088d2b88340133f2885359970b-650wi" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vol25.typepad.com/.a/6a00e552088d2b88340133f2885359970b-650wi" target="_blank">Free Printables and Original Post HERE!</a></td></tr>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">The original poster of this GORGEOUS cupcake printable suggested using adhesive paper to turn them into stickers or heavy card stock to complete this project. </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well,<b> I loved the idea</b> and thought <b>with the ink costs and time it would take to cut and create these</b>...<u><i><b>why not make it last longer and use sheets of adhesive magnets</b></i></u> like I did with the <a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2012/04/myo-magnetic-dolls.html" target="_blank">MYO Magnet Dolls? </a></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How adorable</b> are these magnets with a </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">brand new cookie sheet for under $10?? <b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Storage and part of the TOY!!!</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yeah baby! Now we are "Cooking!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Or just <b>store in a metal lunch box</b> or something like that for a carrier and </span><span style="font-size: large;">BINGO <b>instant gift or "Busy Bucket"</b> for those waiting times at</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Doctor appointments, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Restaurants, or</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Long trips in the car etc...!!</span></li>
</ul>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://vol25.typepad.com/vol25/freebie-build-your-own-cupcake.html" target="_blank">Printables found here!</a></span>Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-38547769260616034162015-03-16T14:21:00.001-04:002015-03-20T00:55:25.368-04:00What is Cerebral Cavernous Malformations?<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">What is she talking about? </span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Cerebral Cavernous </span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Malfor-What's-It-now?</span></h2>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Yeah, that was our </span><span style="font-size: large;">initial reaction in 2010 when the neurologist walked in the waiting room and dropped that "bomb"on us</span>.</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h4>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>In honor of National Developmental Delay Awareness Month, I thought I would share a little about my son's condition...</b></span></h4>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have had many people ask me about Izak's condition, at times his symptoms mimic autism, other times cerebral palsy, and others ADD ADHD. Yet he has none of these disorders and his symptoms aren't always apparent. The best I can explain is it's like he has many aneurysms in a circular pattern in his brain- though it is similar, technically CCM is not the same. To avoid giving you a "glazed over expression on your face" here's some slides I created to give you an idea of what Izak has and what we all face.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="511" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://www.haikudeck.com/e/TEVbTW7TtZ" width="640"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;"><a href="http://www.haikudeck.com/p/TEVbTW7TtZ?utm_campaign=embed&utm_source=webapp&utm_medium=text-link">Created with Haiku Deck</a>, presentation software that inspires</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 8pt;"> </span>
Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-18908448811532240532014-11-26T00:38:00.003-05:002015-03-17T22:51:39.450-04:00Pantry Challenge WEEK! Nearly FREE Meal Plan! 11-24-30,2014<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Getting caught up on some bills this week along with the
MRI for my son, 2 Thanksgiving Dinners, plus a family wedding out of
state BUSY!! Not sure how I will squeeze in the grocery store for
perishables and ingredients I will need to make the side dishes &
desserts to both dinners.</span></h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Luckily I scored at the grocery store a while ago and
stocked up on a variety of baked goods (TRY FREE!), seasoning mixes (try
.10 each!! Yep! nearly FREE!) as well as Cod and boneless skinless
chicken breast. So We will be eating out of our food storage mostly this
week, that is the dry goods & freezer. I am nearly depleted of
meat, so what I save this week I am going to have to save for next
week. </span></h3>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tablespoon.com/-/media/Images/Articles/qd/2012/04/2012-04-25-taco-cupcakes-586x322.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.tablespoon.com/-/media/Images/Articles/qd/2012/04/2012-04-25-taco-cupcakes-586x322.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tablespoon.com/recipes/taco-cupcakes/01bc4542-2c87-4b98-a8e8-ac81e79357d9" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Taco Cups from our Lunch Time Offerings!</span></a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>HOPEFULLY</i> we will have some turkey left overs to <b>sustain</b>
us next week! Hoping for the carcass so I can make turkey and barley
soup, turkey pot pie, and possibly turkey hash with all the rest of the
goodies!!<a name='more'></a></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">On to this week:</span></span></h2>
<u><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Breakfast Options: </span></b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7H_-kfkSFLHByrIFVS4d1bPVHO8lGGmhvJP0H5K5WrVdk9REf3b3QgTgO58afMuPwwpkDqtWsvewyGHz-KGJn94JW9bpFYGhNjReHSabrlBZv5GtJ4JowD0brUMGyQPUYwLIEVcOgY5s/s320/DSCN1796.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7H_-kfkSFLHByrIFVS4d1bPVHO8lGGmhvJP0H5K5WrVdk9REf3b3QgTgO58afMuPwwpkDqtWsvewyGHz-KGJn94JW9bpFYGhNjReHSabrlBZv5GtJ4JowD0brUMGyQPUYwLIEVcOgY5s/s320/DSCN1796.JPG" /></a></span></b></u></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">English
Muffin Toast w/homemade Peach Jam, Homemade Pancakes, Baked Oatmeal,
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies, Cold Cereal, or <a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2012/06/breakfast-burritos.html" target="_blank">Breakfast Burritos</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Snack Selections</b></u></span>: </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVmVNKgJzhah2XhgFDth6AWtoGUkUy4FRPbi0SwTwGghhETlSxsq8-z6acEsx4kjaVmW1cWrk7aOfAOc55Q4IHGSRtlzQWCY8ra7L2TWH_cPiPYcpzluS1GUMjS3Je_6Dpi4e80ZiBMPK/s1600/pb&j_lunchbox_muffins.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVmVNKgJzhah2XhgFDth6AWtoGUkUy4FRPbi0SwTwGghhETlSxsq8-z6acEsx4kjaVmW1cWrk7aOfAOc55Q4IHGSRtlzQWCY8ra7L2TWH_cPiPYcpzluS1GUMjS3Je_6Dpi4e80ZiBMPK/s1600/pb&j_lunchbox_muffins.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PB&J Muffins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2013/08/pb-lunchbox-muffins.html?m=1" target="_blank">PB&J Muffins</a>,
Cottage Cheese, Cheese Sticks, Pepper Jack Cheese, Sharp Cheddar
Cheese, Triskets, Carrots & Dippings, Cucumber Spears &
Dippings, Cream Cheese Ants on a Log, Grapes, Bananas, Applesauce,
Yogurt, Pudding, Jello, Granola bars, <a href="http://www.momables.com/homemade-fruit-pouches-smoothies-for-school-lunches/" target="_blank">Homemade Fruit-Veggie</a> Squeezies (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AJFHG8A?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=393177&creativeASIN=B00AJFHG8A&linkCode=shr&tag=mo0246-20&qid=1372085955&sr=8-1&keywords=yummi+pouch" target="_blank">Shop for reusable containers here</a>), Hard Cooked Eggs, Spinach & Kale Chips, or Hummus Chips. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Lunch Time Offerings</b></u></span>:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://cdn.iowagirleats.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DSC_0112.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.iowagirleats.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/DSC_0112.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://%7b*subject%20to%20change%21%20if%20get%20any%20turkey%20leftovers,%20will%20use/" target="_blank">Ham & Cheese Quinoa Cups</a> Sweet Potato Chips, and Mandrin Oranges, </span></li>
<li> <span style="font-size: large;">Chicken Nuggets w/honey mustard<a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/07/zucchini-tots.html" target="_blank"> Zuchinni Tots</a>,or Spinach Tots <i>{IF I can find them!}</i> </span><span style="font-size: large;">& Vanilla Pears </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tablespoon.com/recipes/taco-cupcakes/01bc4542-2c87-4b98-a8e8-ac81e79357d9" target="_blank">Taco Cups</a> w/<a href="http://www.averiecooks.com/2014/07/crispy-roasted-parmesan-chickpeas-with-spiced-ranch-dip.html" target="_blank">Crispy Roasted Parmesan Chickpeas , Spiced Ranch Dip</a>,</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Apple Slices,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">PB&J Quesidillas w/Hummus Chips and Cucumber Spears w/Dippings</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Potato, Ham & Corn Chowder w/Homemade Rolls, & Spinach Salad</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Left Overs as Lunch</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"> Turkey Montecrisco Sammies, left-over veggies stir-fried, fresh fruit cup</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Supper Menu</b></u></span>:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Monday</b></u>:Lasagna, Salad, Garlic Bread, & Pumpkin Pudding</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Tuesday</b></u>: Hearty Homemade Hickory Smokey Bacon, Corn, Ham, & Potato Chowder w/Yeasty Bread Rolls, & Salad.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Wednesday</b></u>: </span><span style="font-size: large;">Thanksgiving W/my hubby's side of family <i>{Bringing Bacon & Corn bread dressing, & Pumpkin Cream Cheesecake}</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Thursday</b></u>: Thanksgiving W/my side of the family <i>{Bringing Spinach and chopped Veggie Salad}</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Friday</b></u>: <i>(Bubba & Me time!)</i> TAKE-OUT!! Pizza, Chips, & Pop!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Saturday</b></u>: Broiled Cod in Garlic, Wine, & Caper Sauce, & Wild Rice w/Roasted Brussels Sprouts <i>{*Subject to change! If get any turkey leftovers, will use turkey in place of Cod or make Turkey & Barely Soup}</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Sunday</b></u>: Chicken Bruschetta with salad, and toasted bread </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>{*Subject to change! If get any turkey leftovers, will use turkey in place of Chicken}</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Linked to <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2014/11/menu-plan-monday-november-2414.html" target="_blank">Menu Mondays</a> </i> </span>Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-19824063630237113022014-11-17T01:55:00.001-05:002014-11-20T03:19:28.706-05:00Cheap, Quick, & Easy Family Friendly Meal Plan: 11-16-14<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Let the Craziness BEGIN!! So the holidays are a coming, in case the "Christmas Creep" displays in mid October didn't scream that to you even before the leaves had a chance to turn color let alone FALL for crying outloud! </span></h2>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.1023jackfm.com/files/HOLIDAY-ADVERTISING.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.1023jackfm.com/files/HOLIDAY-ADVERTISING.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>What are you planning on making for Thanksgiving? Do you stay tried and true or do you like to live vicariously through TV Chefs and make gourmet FOODIE type fare?</div>
</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <strike>NOT</strike> To prove my total dorkiness, but I have a notebook from way back circa Thanksgiving 1997 that not only has a meal plan, but a recipe list, grocery list, time table, and notes!! I still refer back to that time table and chore list so I can keep on time. I have scaled back as that was before children and I could crank out 5 side dishes, 6 pies, and made every single item from scratch. </span></h2>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h3>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This week is my calm before the storm, I plan on making some holiday cookies, but mainly eating as healthy as possible so when I have my 3 Thanksgivings in a row I won't gain too much!!<a name='more'></a></span></h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://myfrugaladventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Rainbow-Fruit-Cup-288x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://myfrugaladventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Rainbow-Fruit-Cup-288x500.jpg" height="320" width="184" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Breakfast Options</b></u>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Blueberry Breakfast Cake, Pancakes, Mason Jar Oatmeal, Eggs your way, Toasted points, Turkey Sausage, Fresh Fruit, Smoothies, <a href="http://myfrugaladventures.com/2013/09/rainbow-fruit-cups-healthy-snack-for-children/" target="_blank">Rainbow Fruit Yogurt Parfait</a>, & Cold Cereal</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Lunch Time Offerings:</b></u></span><br /><a href="http://eatingwelllivingthin.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/fluffy-falafel-and-an-easy-tzatziki/" target="_blank">Falafel with Tzatziki Sauce</a> (my favorite!) & carrots with dippings</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.superhealthykids.com/pack-able-sandwiches-on-a-stick/uploads/files/12164/large/Sandwich%20Stackers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.superhealthykids.com/pack-able-sandwiches-on-a-stick/uploads/files/12164/large/Sandwich%20Stackers.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Idea to get kids to eat veggies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.leesyslife.blogspot.com/2014/10/easy-and-quick-homemade-creamy-tomato.html" target="_blank">Homemade Tomato Soup</a> & Grilled Fresh made Sour Dough Cheddar Cheese Sammies</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://creeksidelearning.com/easy-lunch-recipes-for-kids-tortellini-meatball-soup/" target="_blank">Easy Tortellini Soup w/Meatballs</a> and salad </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Stuffed Crescent Roll Sammies, veggie and dippings, and jello</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Meatball Sliders, veggie chips, applesauce</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sneaky Mac & Cheese (w/2-3 pureed carrots in the sauce!) steamed broccoli and ranch dressing</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.superhealthykids.com/sticky-stacky-sandwiches/" target="_blank">Skewers Sandwiches</a> w/sweet potato chips, & yogurt. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Blueberry-and-pistachio-yogurt-bars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Blueberry-and-pistachio-yogurt-bars.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Snack Time Fare:</b></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Cottage Cheese w/Pineapple Chunks, Mandarin Oranges in Orange Jello, Yogurt, Cheese Plate, Veggies & Dippings, Hard Cooked Eggs, Peanut Butter Apple Slices w/Glass of Milk, Fruit & Veggie Smoothies, Cream Cheese Ants on a Log, Banana Ice Cream, & <a href="http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/58523/10-ideas-make-yogurt-bars" target="_blank">Yogurt Bark.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Supper Selections:</span></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sunday:</span></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2012/04/chicken-paprikash.html" target="_blank">Chicken Paprikash</a> w/Halushka Noodles and Chopped Veggie Salad</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FJFfAA9VGSDDNcqegh771A7146BEcV_phehEl_l6oifgResclELg5Ux8MywOlK5JUSUlRWFzTJpfesKPRBFug-pQjduLOecOGPj7J6ETG-xxWAi-CkHXuCurbJsVr4ee3u5u_WGEOW4/s640/DSCN1823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FJFfAA9VGSDDNcqegh771A7146BEcV_phehEl_l6oifgResclELg5Ux8MywOlK5JUSUlRWFzTJpfesKPRBFug-pQjduLOecOGPj7J6ETG-xxWAi-CkHXuCurbJsVr4ee3u5u_WGEOW4/s640/DSCN1823.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Meatless Monday</b></u>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2012/06/my-perfect-zuchini-patties.html" target="_blank">Zucchini Patties</a> on Whole Wheat Bread w/Tahini Sauce, Steamed </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Broccoli and Chocolate Pudding</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Tuesday</b></u>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2012/06/chicken-scaloppine.html" target="_blank">Chicken Scalapini</a> w/Angel Hair Pasta, Roasted Asparagus, and Baby Kale & Spinach Salad</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeM8kw1BXNara3ULICorFIsFHal3Ev8ZMu9EpzKk7xy1tVFGzF_jRVF-7ROL7gBBePeFcYHsk6rNJoBUd3Kjfl5BHZE7Q02b-ErdonRDa2BeOyOuaLz33tg0e5ilb7XI4dE3sjSKlO_eMO/s1600/IMG_7958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeM8kw1BXNara3ULICorFIsFHal3Ev8ZMu9EpzKk7xy1tVFGzF_jRVF-7ROL7gBBePeFcYHsk6rNJoBUd3Kjfl5BHZE7Q02b-ErdonRDa2BeOyOuaLz33tg0e5ilb7XI4dE3sjSKlO_eMO/s1600/IMG_7958.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Wednesday:</span></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">(This is my father's 70th Birthday party so not going low-cal!)</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2013/01/tender-caramelized-crock-pot-roast-pork.html" target="_blank">Tender Carmalized Crock Pot Pork Roast</a> w/<a href="http://www.kitchendaily.com/recipe/pesto-topped-grilled-summer-squash" target="_blank">Pesto Topped Roasted Zucchini</a>, <a href="http://www.kitchendaily.com/recipe/coconut-creamed-corn" target="_blank">Coconut Creamed Corn</a>, <a href="http://www.kitchendaily.com/recipe/real-cornbread" target="_blank">Cast Iron Skillet Bacon Corn Bread</a>, <a href="http://leitesculinaria.com/75745/recipes-cider-baked-beans.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Appalachian Cider Baked Beans</span></a>, and <a href="http://themixedstew.blogspot.com/2013/05/mondays-bread-bowl-sweet-pear-upside.html" target="_blank">Upside Down Pear Cake w/Spiced Whipped Cream</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Thursday</u></b>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">YYO {Your on Your OWN} Mom's night OUT!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Friday</b></u>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">MYO Pizza Night! Potato Chips, and Homemade Cookies</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Saturday</b></u>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Homemade </span><span style="font-size: large;">Bolognese Sauce w/Meatballs, Garlic Buttered Mozzerella Cheesey Bread, Chopped Salad, and Pumpkin Cheesecake with Spiced Whipped Cream</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Sunday</b></u>:</span></div>
<div class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2013/01/kapusta-cabbage-soup.html" target="_blank">KAPUSTA</a>- Cabbage Soup w/crusty Bread and Herbed EVOO and chopped Veg Salad</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> Linked to <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2014/11/menu-plan-monday-nov-1714.html" target="_blank">MenuMonday</a>s</span></div>
Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-59135853122194240882014-11-13T00:03:00.001-05:002015-03-18T01:40:59.652-04:00Cheap, Easy, Frugal and Simple Appetizers and Dessert Plan<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Need a simple yet "Foodie" type appetizer& Dessert menu AND on a tight budget? Yea...me too! </span></h2>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">This menu was created on the fly this past weekend during a ladies retreat. We had a team builder where as a team we had to plan, shop, and create an appetizer and dessert for $40 or under.</span></h3>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjJSPtdx9sZL-pTI2_I-gvw6e-cQ2zAc23KGpWNV_mfZfG9eP0TBOrvD3sjCvBTjUOIu3YZ3zZrMOFUzEsrBzs3c6lo7tlK5QYYjqFwMWs_UDUVis8f9MRITInrxMxPnIDV7fp35vtXU/s1600/10388083_988944931120359_7312048156941008252_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjJSPtdx9sZL-pTI2_I-gvw6e-cQ2zAc23KGpWNV_mfZfG9eP0TBOrvD3sjCvBTjUOIu3YZ3zZrMOFUzEsrBzs3c6lo7tlK5QYYjqFwMWs_UDUVis8f9MRITInrxMxPnIDV7fp35vtXU/s1600/10388083_988944931120359_7312048156941008252_n.jpg" height="400" width="206" /></a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While our team didn't stay on budget($2.50 over) nor did we win the competition...we did make an amazing trio of tempting tapenades that fed 15 people and we still had left overs! </span></span></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
</span></span></h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b>
<i><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">First up from the fashionable streets of Milan:</span></span></b></i><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Chicken Bruschetta-</span></span></u></span></b><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">3 loaves of GOOD crusty French Loaves</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">3-4 Plum tomatoes, diced</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">3-5 large grated garlic cloves (Depending on how much garlic you want)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 Lb Chicken Tenders </span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 C Shredded Mozzarella</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 Cup Shredded Fresh Parmesan Reggiano Cheese</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 red onion thinly diced</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">1-2 T + 2 t Basil</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">1-2 T Balsamic Vinegar</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Salt and pepper to taste</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 stick of butter- room temp.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 T of garlic salt </span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Italian Dressing</span></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Place diced tomatoes in a medium bowl, season to taste. Add diced onion, basil, balsamic vinegar and mix well. Add Parmesan Reggiano Cheese and finally add the grated garlic. Season to taste again and cover setting aside in fridge.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Coat Chicken in Italian Dressing and cover. Set in fridge for 30 or so to intensify the flavor. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Combine Garlic Salt, Basil, and softened butter. Slice the French bread lengthwise then coat with butter mixture and sprinkle with Mozzarella Cheese. Cut bread into 3-4" sections and lay on a cookie sheet that has been prepped with cooking spray.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bake in 350 degree oven until bread is toasted. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile, saute chicken in a seasoned skillet until cooked through. Cool slightly then slice into thin pieces.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Serve sliced bread with a generous topping of the tomato mixture, followed by a spoonful of chicken and drizzled with the Balsamic Vinegar-</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"> immediately serve</span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span><br />
<i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next Up a Taste of the Balmy & Fragrant Isle of Greece-</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Gyro Sliders</b></u>: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">3 Lbs ground Beef</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">8 oz Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">6 Oz Feta Cheese Crumbles</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 a large Cucumber, grated</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">pinch or 2 of sugar</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 Tomato</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 Red onion, Julienned</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Package of 24 small buns</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">1-2 T dried & crushed Oregano</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">5-6 garlic cloves, grated or finely minced</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 Lemon, grated and minced</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">1-2 T dried & crushed Dill</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Salt and Pepper </span></span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Combine Greek yogurt w/grated cucumbers, 1 oz feta
cheese, palm-full of dill and another of oregano, pinch or 2 of sugar,
salt and pepper & juice of lemon to taste, </span><span style="font-size: large;">set aside in covered container in fridge</span><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Gently mix ground beef, 1-2 cloves of grated garlic, 2 oz of feta cheese, salt and pepper, oregano & Dill. Spread across a prepped cookie sheet with a heavy-duty spatula to 2" thickness, making as smooth and flat as possible. Bake in 350 degree oven until cooked medium-well.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Allow to cool to slightly above room temp and cut into squares the size of your mini buns. Toast one side of the buns until golden then top with the gyro seasoned meant. Add a dollop of Tzatziki sauce and garnish with the thinly sliced red onions, diced tomatoes, and feta crumbles.</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">We rounded out the culinary journey with a tasty trip to Mexico....</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <b><u>Glueten-Free Chicken Tacos w/Salsa fresco:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 package of Gluten-free Tortillas</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 Lb chicken thighs, bonesless & skinless </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mexican Blend of shredded cheese</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sour Cream</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Bib Lettuce</span><br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Salsa Fresca</span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2-3 Plum Tomatoes, diced </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 -3 whole Jalapeno pepper(s), </span><span style="font-size: large;">thinly diced & ribs-seeds removed</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2-3 T Cilantro, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Salt and pepper to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Lime Juice 1-2 T </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Medium Red Onion-diced</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1-2 T Oregano, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 t Dried crushed Chipotle </span>&<span style="font-size: large;"> Cumin</span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Combine all of the salsa Fresca ingredients into a small bowl </span><span style="font-size: large;">and set aside</span><span style="font-size: large;"> allowing to mingle for 3 hours-overnight.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile, Saute chicken tenders until cooked through a brown but not dried out! Dice the chicken into small pieces yet still leaving distinguishable. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">This is what I would do in hindsight if wanting to make this an app. Arrange the chicken onto a Bib Lettuce Leave, will resemble a "bowl" and garnish with dollop of sour cream, top that with the salsa fresca, & sprinkle with shredded cheese. <i>Omit the gluten-free tortillas all together</i>. Or if serving as a taco arrange we did in the picture above.</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: large;"> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxfIp2knowzVdr6Iug-GNx5x9mXDhV4ii8UrDD8sEpBHN-QxnI-dOqsZwgtH62n_roo-Fc2RxsDKLh7sB9ECeCvoXB8-zfHwx5_Dz1I9YobVQXziacx083jGai7V4eskn40pu0J3ILpI/s1600/1538625_10204726717621383_1153188689666043224_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxfIp2knowzVdr6Iug-GNx5x9mXDhV4ii8UrDD8sEpBHN-QxnI-dOqsZwgtH62n_roo-Fc2RxsDKLh7sB9ECeCvoXB8-zfHwx5_Dz1I9YobVQXziacx083jGai7V4eskn40pu0J3ILpI/s400/1538625_10204726717621383_1153188689666043224_n.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pie didn't have the full 3 hours to set :-(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>The denouement of the evening's culinary journey concluded with a sumptuous and silky ice cream pie!</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pie</b></u></span>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 Gallon Vanilla Bean Ice Cream</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 Graham Cracker Crust in a pie tin</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 pint creamy peanut butter</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 container of caramel Syrup</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 bottle of Real Whipped Cream</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">8-16 Peanut Butter Cups</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Drizzle Caramel Syrup into the graham cracker crust and set aside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Allow Ice Cream to come to room temp and mix with entire jar of peanut butter. Mix until thoroughly combined and no visible clumps are seen!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Ladle Ice Cream mixture onto Crust and immediately cover and freeze for at least 3 hours </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Drizzle Caramel onto plate is a pleasing pattern then cut pie into 8-10 pieces and lay on top of syrup. Pipe whip cream onto pie and crown with a peanut butter cup or 2.</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">There you have it! </span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We did ALL of that for $42.50!! Amazing, yes? And it fed 15 ladies with left overs!!</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The best secret is finding GREAT food deals!! Luckily for us there was an Aldi right down the road and I got the </span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">all 3 of the </span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">homemade </span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">loaves for $1!</span></span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i></i><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-82718076129423453062014-11-09T18:21:00.000-05:002014-11-16T23:27:55.176-05:00Cheap, Quick, & Easy Budget Friendly Family Meals for 4 under $150/week!!!! Edition: 11-9-14<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">$150/week for a family of 4 PWEEEEHHH!!! </span><span style="font-size: large;">That is a tall order these days!!</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h2>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have compiled a List of my BEST tips we use all the time to help us stay on budget and save $$ during this tough economy... Click here to read my <a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2014/10/top-ten-money-saving-tips-to-keep-meals.html" target="_blank">TOP 10 LIST!</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2014/11/cheap-easy-frugal-and-simple-appetizers.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stay Tuned for MORE delicious Recipes on a DIME!! I will post the recipes my girlfriends and I made for a weekend retreat battle of the apps and dessert...we made a topenade trio consisting of Gluten-free Chicken Tacos, Gyro Sliders, Chicken Bruchetta on toasted Baguettes, and Peanut Butter Reece's Cup Ice Cream Pie...ALL FOR $42.50!! </span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now on to the Menu!!</span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Breakfast:</span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pick your Toppings Hot Oatmeal</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mason Jar Oatmeal</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Your Way Eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fresh-made Bread- either toasted, French Made</span><span style="font-size: large;">, Or Toad in the Whole</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cold Cereal</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Granola Parfaits</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Lunch:</span></b></u><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Pizza-dillas, yogurt, Carrots and Hummus</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Copy Cat Gyro</span> in Homemade Pitas w/Thinly Sliced Pickled Beets & Carrots, Hummus and Mixed Greens</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Ham & Cheese Cups, Apple Sauce, Yogurt, and Carrots w/Hummus</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Mixed Greens, Grape Tomatoes, Pickled Cauliflower, hard cooked Eggs, Feta Cheese and Balsamic-EVOO Vinaigrette</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Nuggets w/Honey Mustard, Oven potato Fries, Applesauce</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">PBJ, Crackers, Yogurt, and Chocolate Pudding</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/56787645277257457/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Tuna Patties</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> on a Homemade Pita w/Salsa Fresco, dallop of Sour Cream and scallions.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dinner:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Sunday</u>-</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup w/Homemade Crackers & Chopped Salad w/Vinegar & Balsamic Vinaigrette </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Monday:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hamburgers w/Caramelized Onions and sauteed Mushrooms, Roasted Veggies, and Mixed Greens Salad. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.chiantilvpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dscn0860aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.chiantilvpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/dscn0860aa.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Tuesday:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAYQjB0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chiantilvpa.com%2Fmenu%2Fchicken-scampi%2F&ei=_fNfVPzbFIKqyAT89ID4DA&bvm=bv.79189006,d.aWw&psig=AFQjCNGRkqNwhu9fYfp7Nv5gQVd3dDgzOg&ust=1415660914428605" target="_blank">Chicken Scampi</a> w/Bravo Copycat Pasta Mixed Greens salad w/Chopped Veggies, Pickled cauliflower & Beet pickled Eggs.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Wednesday</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Barbeque Country Ribs w/<a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2012/04/favorite-summertime-potato-salad.html" target="_blank">Carmalized Onions and Bacon Potato Salad</a>, Buttered Broccoli and Chocolate Pudding Pie</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Thursday</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Copy Cat Gyro Sliders with Tzatziki Sauce, thinly Sliced Red Onion, diced Tomatoes, & Feta Crumble, Quinona Risotto</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://simply-delicious-food.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/MG_1040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://simply-delicious-food.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/MG_1040.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Friday:</span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://simply-delicious-food.com/2011/02/18/baked-fish-with-lemon-butter-capers/" target="_blank">Baked Swai Fish w/Lemon Butter Capers</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Roasted Sliced New Potatoes w/Scallions and Hummus Dippings, Baby Spinach & Kale salad w/Lemon Garlic Vinaigrette </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Saturday</u>: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Chicken Bruchetta Pasta w/Toasted French Bread Slices & Mixed </span><span style="font-size: large;">Greens</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Snacks</b></u></span>:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Smoothies, Veggie Tray, Cheese Tray, Cottage Cheese, Fresh Fruit, Peanut butter Protein Balls, Granola Bars, Spinach & Kale Chips, Yogurt, Jello, Pudding, Fresh Fruit & Veggie Slurpee, Apple Sauce, Pop Corn.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2014/11/cheap-easy-frugal-and-simple-appetizers.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Unfortunately we didn't win the "Rekindle the Fire-Ladies Retreat Appetizer & Dessert Show-down" <span style="font-size: large;">(<i>We LOST to a sliced Loaded potato and a fried banana...But I'm <strike>not stil</strike>l sulking, really I am NOT!</i>)</span> we didn't stay under the $40 budget either... <b><br /></b></span></span></a><br />
<a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2014/11/cheap-easy-frugal-and-simple-appetizers.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>BUT we did WIN in creating delightful flavors </b></span></span></a><br />
<a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2014/11/cheap-easy-frugal-and-simple-appetizers.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>& we did WIN on stretching a budget!!</b></span></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2014/11/cheap-easy-frugal-and-simple-appetizers.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2014/11/cheap-easy-frugal-and-simple-appetizers.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">YOU CAN entertain with flair and style <i>or</i> feed your family on a shoe string Budget!! </span></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://leesyslife.blogspot.com/2014/11/cheap-easy-frugal-and-simple-appetizers.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yes, YOU CAN!!!! More to come!!! </span></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<br />
Linked to <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2014/11/menu-plan-monday-nov-1014.html" target="_blank">Menu Monday</a>s!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-19150020047474868182014-10-27T10:21:00.001-04:002014-10-27T10:21:46.187-04:00In Tha Muthahood...LOVE this!! You gotta check this out!!<br /><br />
<br /><br />
So very funny!! My sister posted this on my FB profile and I thought I MUST post this..NJOY!!!<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rCbPqi3virQ" width="459"></iframe>Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-28766302231064894582014-10-26T19:21:00.001-04:002015-03-18T02:09:05.639-04:00Top Ten Money Saving Tips to Keep Meals tight and on BUDGET!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When I first got married our weekly grocery </span></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">budget was...wait for it...</span></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">you best sit down!! </span></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">$25/week!! YIKES!! Totally TRUE! </span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjefO_pshlOGasq5PAewuhG_34eKNbCTx33QX494b2O57QxawIVM12mpXs1INIP0xx2grIqRNVBQbRSOQ42sZL94u-WCv3nWRJa_A-0c_mmAqz39qlIZOshXnhsoGrGNhyphenhyphenvullhBxFWQ/s1600/10246426_10203288205939490_2467901827773827648_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjefO_pshlOGasq5PAewuhG_34eKNbCTx33QX494b2O57QxawIVM12mpXs1INIP0xx2grIqRNVBQbRSOQ42sZL94u-WCv3nWRJa_A-0c_mmAqz39qlIZOshXnhsoGrGNhyphenhyphenvullhBxFWQ/s1600/10246426_10203288205939490_2467901827773827648_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awww... How cute were we? Circa 1994</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">We made about $850/month GROSS between the both of us!!
NO lie. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We didn't have a phone or cable, our furniture was from some
excellent "DUMPSTER DIVING" and "CURB-SIDE SHOPPING" on Trash night: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">our
second hand TV was a 10" <strike>model</strike> relic from the 1970's with rabbit ears attached, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">VCR was an original model weighing like 50Lbs or so with remote attached... </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I could go on about our dinning room table with </span><span style="font-size: large;">missing </span><span style="font-size: large;">glass panel inserts or the twin bed we shared...& on & on!!!</span></li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Fast
forward 20 years later... </b></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">WE have updated the electronics, still don't have land line (Who does these days?) and even the kids have iPods and iPads</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">That cable we didn't have for the first 5 years of marriage--we <strike>are in the process of </strike>getting rid off too, in the desire to save $!! In it's place we are relying on ROKU, Hulu Plus, & Amazon Prime. We have also have 2 more mouths to feed these days and only one pay check
we can depend on... Times are tough not only for our family~ nearly all of us want
to save buck or 2...So our budget is pretty tight.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>(UPdate3/18/15: 3 months cable free...and we LOVE it!!) </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">We try to keep the entire groceries, toiletries, & dog care needs on that $150/week!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Below I have compiled my BEST tips that have helped us save $$ during these tough times!</span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.operationhope.org/home/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Money-Happy.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://blog.operationhope.org/home/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Money-Happy.bmp" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAYQjB0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.operationhope.org%2F2014%2F03%2Fwomen-finances-the-best-ways-to-raise-your-credit-score%2F&ei=8nNNVLH_EMb9yQSCv4GoDQ&bvm=bv.77880786,d.aWw&psig=AFQjCNHa2nm5aUm8E9ertxr3Ube_8Vfb5A&ust=1414448390642199" target="_blank">pic credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Top Ten Tips to Keep Meals tight and on BUDGET!</span></b></u><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1.) <u><i><b>PLAN YOUR MEALS...and FOLLOW-THROUGH w/that PLAN!!-</b></i></u> I plan the best menus, with loads of GREAT ideas but I have an issue of follow through these days!! Adjust when life hits you a curve ball, but stay as close as to that plan as possible.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2.)<i><u> <b>Buy your proteins when they are sale & in BULK</b></u><b>:</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For instance we purchase about 20-30 LBS of BSCB when we can get it @ $1.99/LB or
less, Ground Beef $2.99/Lb or less, Round Steak-Roast $3.29/Lb or less
and so on... </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3.) </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>A<u>djust for the week you bulk purchase proteins</u></i>.</b> AND always try to keep under $150-save whatever $$ you are under & save the difference. Keep it tucked away for a protein sale later and stock up when you do!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4.) <b><u><i>Frequent Unclaimed Freight or Discount Grocery Stores</i></u>.</b>
KEEP a CLOSE eye on the expiration date!! Some of these types of stores
will get nearly expired dates, write the date on the front so you don't
allow it to expire in your pantry! We get gourmet, gluten-free, organic, side dish mixes for under $1 that feed 4.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5.)<b> </b><i><u><b>Open your eyes to possibilities in the discount stores,</b> </u></i>sometimes
you find a ton of rice side dishes & other times, you will find a
steal in the yogurt and dairy aisle and so on...Go in with an open mind!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6.) <b><u><i>Keep a PRICE JOURNAL with an idea of the staples you purchase on a regular basis</i></u></b> so if you go into a DISCOUNT store you have a better idea if that box of Organic Quinoa Pilaf is a "steal" @ $1.79 and so on...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">7.) <u><i><b>Have a "Snack" area designated in the pantry and fridge, then set a rule on usage.</b></i></u>
In my house only 2/day: one refrigerator & one pantry/day rest of
the day we "eat the rainbow". It must come from the ground or tree- not
man made snacks after that. Saves $ and is healthier!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">8.) <u><i><b>Make a-head meals & snacks for travel days</b></i></u>:
Sundays are a BUDGET killer for us! If we don't have something ready we
will purchase fast-food or restaurant chain of some kind and blow $40 or
more FAST! </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Snacks ready in the a cooler in the car for those trips home <b>PLUS-</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Have something thawed and ready to cook that is "heat & eat" <b>OR</b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Main dish simmering in the
crock pot</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">9.) <u><i><b>PLAN ALL the MEALS</b></i></u>...not
just supper, but breakfast, lunch, and snacks too! Making a meal </span><span style="font-size: large;">after you have scoured the sale adds is a HUGE budget
saver. Then </span><span style="font-size: large;">bring that meal plan with you to the grocery store, though you may have to adjust the list if there is a "manager's sale" or
when hitting the discount stores, but having a plan always help save
$$.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">10.) <i><u><b>Increase your Recipe Repertoire!</b></u><b> </b></i>Most times not only will you save $ making most convenient items from scratch you will be healthier.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2737971546781583462.post-83588752839151351432014-10-26T17:21:00.001-04:002014-10-26T17:21:30.136-04:00Easy and QUICK Homemade Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch!!<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Crisp Fall Evenings...</span></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjhwjGd5y6LpCmnp4QXuYHtTv86AjjUv5o8CXyLQ0ekdMqBlzWsDMvHuWGM7KoDnTr0lnpCkEqfEjuF4AzxUEErQxtbrmL1TB0zfbxUCDgCQoGbQ-6H2x1vXk852bnSL71jMOmzx-mrA/s1600/fall-road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjhwjGd5y6LpCmnp4QXuYHtTv86AjjUv5o8CXyLQ0ekdMqBlzWsDMvHuWGM7KoDnTr0lnpCkEqfEjuF4AzxUEErQxtbrmL1TB0zfbxUCDgCQoGbQ-6H2x1vXk852bnSL71jMOmzx-mrA/s1600/fall-road.jpg" height="270" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sarahkoller.com/?p=1511" target="_blank">Pic Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Just seem to call for Soup!</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Velvety- Rich and Creamy Tomato Soup</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">What do you do when you are out of tomato soup? </span></i></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Why make it from scratch<i> Of COURSE</i>!!!</u> Not only will be it cheaper and healthier- it will be tastier too!!<a name='more'></a></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h2>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGrcZOeqZsnp8bCE9BL0txR5HdjEzdux-fO9ttBJPMwm66uqUqCUvdcR6IVZM6s5vBhLr1kAznNhLWvkvyT6UQR8thbxGYTQBZx4t1nNvhH6nybud2AKDLaz9sOY2WxcQm4P7Rvc8HEk/s1600/eb854a603442c6eb1d317b6ea15de4e8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGrcZOeqZsnp8bCE9BL0txR5HdjEzdux-fO9ttBJPMwm66uqUqCUvdcR6IVZM6s5vBhLr1kAznNhLWvkvyT6UQR8thbxGYTQBZx4t1nNvhH6nybud2AKDLaz9sOY2WxcQm4P7Rvc8HEk/s1600/eb854a603442c6eb1d317b6ea15de4e8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/" target="_blank">Picture credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">The basic recipe is "soup"-er simple:</span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">28 oz canned <span style="font-size: small;">(or store bought)</span> Crushed Tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 Cups Whole Milk <span style="font-size: small;">(2% milk for lower calorie or </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Heavy cream</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> for richer taste use )</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2-3T Sugar & 1-2T Kosher Salt</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Combine ingredients and heat up in a 2 Qt sauce pan on stove top over medium-low heat, stirring often. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>That's it! </b><i><b>Easy-Peasy</b>!</i> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You could stop there <span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>or</i></span> gourmet` it up & add:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">4 oz Cream Cheese, diced & stirred until melted & blended or,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">1-2T Crushed Thyme or Basil,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 onion, sauteed in butter or EVOO or,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">4 oz jar of Salsa or,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">4 oz of finely shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Sharp Cheddar, or Smokey Gouda</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbLbB-USmjY70AOXHmZSPd5F_MFuYlAZqIlUPXDzqzRQuVqSJu3sTz2IDlXOF8btPzrH84b63RT9e-ZpYLQQz83lpvBWQt5JzsgoZ487cImFqqBoP156evP9bUNE2FlLoOM-hSRwRILQ/s1600/IMG_4332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbLbB-USmjY70AOXHmZSPd5F_MFuYlAZqIlUPXDzqzRQuVqSJu3sTz2IDlXOF8btPzrH84b63RT9e-ZpYLQQz83lpvBWQt5JzsgoZ487cImFqqBoP156evP9bUNE2FlLoOM-hSRwRILQ/s1600/IMG_4332.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAYQjB0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.saucygirlskitchen.com%2F2011%2F04%2F20%2Fhomemade-tomato-soup-in-just-20-minutes%2F&ei=n2BNVJzmEYmQyQT16IGQCA&bvm=bv.77880786,d.aWw&psig=AFQjCNFdvTK-G5bd2BrKm_9GLXqwi6Dnjw&ust=1414443448865645" target="_blank">Picture Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">IF you like it smooth use an immersion blender at the end and stir in:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Toasted Garlic Croutons at the end,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Grated Fresh Garlic at the end or,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">3 T Fresh Pesto at the end</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The only thing that could top this yummy soup off is the combo of Shredded, Smoked Cheddar and Gouda Cheeses Blended into Cream Cheese, topped with Fresh Grated Garlic. Then Spread onto Rustic & Crusty Homemade Asiago Cheese Artsian Bread, that is Toasted until Golden and DELICIOUS!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Yeah, That's how we do fall evenings in the 'HOOD...MotherHOOD, that is!</span></h2>
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<br />Leesyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017655732050595670noreply@blogger.com0