I find myself often hearing how lucky I am to be home all day with my kids, how it must be so wonderful and so easy.
I find myself trying to shoulder about 85-90% of everything that needs to be done in our house and with our kids because my husband works outside of the home.
I find myself feeling guilty if I want some personal time, or if I need a break for just a little while from being a mom.
Why?
Why do I do this to myself? And I don't mean being a stay-at-home-mom; I mean why do I beat myself up and stretch myself thin?
I'm a mom, cook, maid, laundress, dietary needs specialist, chauffeur, errand runner, bill payer, appointment scheduler, referee, nurse, human jungle gym, decibel labrat for Melanie, and the list goes on. Where, in all of that, do I schedule time for myself?
The truth is, I don't schedule me time. I feel guilty asking James to do things, or to take on the kids so I can have a little bit of time for myself. In my mind, he works 40 hours, plus does 20 hours of charting, every week. That's 60 hours of work. He deserves to sit down at the end of the day to a hot meal, a clean house, and happy kids.
The truth to that scenario: he comes home to a hot meal most nights, laundry all over the couch (that typically has to be rewashed when it's rained since our pooch drags mud all over the laundry), kids arguing, somebody is typically crying, a naked toddler (we are potty training, I should get a pass for this one!) running to him, dirty floors, and a stressed out wife. He comes home to tattling and being bombarded the moment he steps in the front door.
During the week, I'm up by 6:30. He gets the kids woken up while I get dressed. I get Mady to move her hiney out of her bed, get Adair to actually get dressed and do his chores, get both our coffees made, pull Melanie's clothing for the day, get her sippie cup and breakfast, break up any kid arguments that happen, and shuttle everybody out the door to get to school on time. I run errands, do the grocery shopping, work on laundry, do counseling appointments, take kids to doctor/dentist appointments, go to therapy appointments, and get Mady to dance. Somewhere in there, I squeeze in lunch for myself and Melanie. I still have dinner to make, laundry to put away, cleaning to do, rooms to pick up, etc. Most nights, I do not sit down until easily 9 pm. But that's fleetingly between loads of laundry, mopping, cleaning, etc. It's usually 10:30 before I go to bed, even though there are still things that need to be done. That's 16 hour days. I do that 6 days a week. I cut my husband slack for his 60 hours of cumulative work, when I'm putting in 96 hours a week.
As a stay-at-home-mom, why do I do this to myself? Why do I devalue what I do on a daily basis all because I do not work outside the home? Just today, between 3-5 pm, I had my oldest 2 cleaning their rooms, hanging up their laundry, putting up jeans/skirts/leggings/shorts, folding pajamas, cleaning up stray toys, and picking up all the shoes left in the living room. Granted, they were doing extra chores due to being grounded, but that's all things I typically do for them. While they did all this, I was cleaning up the dining room, kitchen, kids' bathroom, living room, changing out laundry, putting up our laundry, sweeping, and getting ready to be able to mop. All to make my home livable for my family.
As a woman, I need to give myself credit for how hard I work every day. I need to realize that I do NOT have to break my back trying to be the perfect mom and wife. James has never asked me to be perfect. He goes above and beyond to recognize everything I've done during the day. I demand perfection from myself, and beat myself up when I don't reach the standards I think I should.
It's time for me to start giving myself a break. It's time I stop demanding so much from myself. I cannot expect perfection from myself. I work over double when you don't factor in James' charting time. I deserve to allow myself a break.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
How do I do it?
Last night at bowling, I got asked by a teammate and her mom how I do it. How I can manage a child with very specific needs outside of what typical kids need, plus Melanie's needs. I was then asked what problems Mady has.
Where do I start?
How do I manage a child with specific needs? One day at a time. Each day is a fresh start. Will it always be sunshine and daisies? Oh heavens no. So many days are a struggle once his medicine wears off. Like, go outside and cry when I hit my wall. But, there are so many incredible moments that I get to share. So many triumphs he makes. Things that parents of a typical child would not see as being a big deal. He's trying new foods since he's been in Food Therapy. And not just new foods, but mixed foods. That's HUGE. He's so generous with his sisters when he's in a good mood. He's beyond creative, and can be so engaging. He loves his daddy and looks at him with so much awe. So how do I manage it? With love, and the mindset that each day is a fresh start.
How do I manage Melanie's needs? Because, quite frankly, I have no other choice. If your child was diabetic and needed insulin, you wouldn't give her sugar unless it was crucial. I read every label on every item we purchase. Not because I want to, but because she relies on me to do that for her.
The question about Mady caught me off guard. Yes, she's ADHD. However, as long as she's not had a ton of processed foods, her ADHD is naturally managed. It's amazing what full on homecooking and lots of fruits and veggies does for managing hyperactivity!
So how do I do it? Because I'm their mother. Because I have no other choice. Because they 100% deserve the best I can give them. Because I 1000% love my children beyond a shadow of a doubt. That's how.
Where do I start?
How do I manage a child with specific needs? One day at a time. Each day is a fresh start. Will it always be sunshine and daisies? Oh heavens no. So many days are a struggle once his medicine wears off. Like, go outside and cry when I hit my wall. But, there are so many incredible moments that I get to share. So many triumphs he makes. Things that parents of a typical child would not see as being a big deal. He's trying new foods since he's been in Food Therapy. And not just new foods, but mixed foods. That's HUGE. He's so generous with his sisters when he's in a good mood. He's beyond creative, and can be so engaging. He loves his daddy and looks at him with so much awe. So how do I manage it? With love, and the mindset that each day is a fresh start.
How do I manage Melanie's needs? Because, quite frankly, I have no other choice. If your child was diabetic and needed insulin, you wouldn't give her sugar unless it was crucial. I read every label on every item we purchase. Not because I want to, but because she relies on me to do that for her.
The question about Mady caught me off guard. Yes, she's ADHD. However, as long as she's not had a ton of processed foods, her ADHD is naturally managed. It's amazing what full on homecooking and lots of fruits and veggies does for managing hyperactivity!
So how do I do it? Because I'm their mother. Because I have no other choice. Because they 100% deserve the best I can give them. Because I 1000% love my children beyond a shadow of a doubt. That's how.
Sunday, May 10, 2015
Food Restriction Cooking
So, if Melanie cannot eat dairy, what do our meals look like?
Pastas
- noodles
-seasoning (we love using garlic salt!)
- olive oil
- meat
Meatloaf (always popular in our house!)
- ground beef
- breadcrumbs
- ketchup
- eggs
- seasonings
We do lots of beans, veggies, and fruits.
We just did a stir fry the other night that was a major hit!
Pork Stir Fry
- pork chop, cut up
- rice noodles
- peanuts
- green beans
- diced carrots
- soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp Madras curry (the only spice I actually measure out! lol)
- some garlic
That's all! Adair typically does not eat mixed foods. It's like pulling teeth. And then you put something in front of him that's new? Yeah, that's typically a no-go. We got him to try this meal though!
Breakfasts:
Melanie LOVES egg cups. I mean, LOVES. I make a dozen at a time, and she will go through all of those in a week. I also make her muffins with her almond milk, and she's a huge fan of pancakes and waffles. We have noticed that she can tolerate some baked goods with milk in them, but they have to be in serious moderation.
The thing I love the most about the cooking changes is the way my kids eat. Adair's favorite after school snack is raw carrots. Mady has always been my fruit kiddo. She will go through a pint of berries (any type) in one sitting if I let her. Melanie constantly wants things like green beans or raw broccoli. It's incredible to me to see my kids going for such healthy choices.
The munchkins do still love cheese. I'm so grateful that we have been able to find vegan cheese for her. It stinks in my opinion, but it's dairy free, soy free, casein free (which is what she's allergic to), and lactose free. It allows us a little freedom for cooking, plus being able to do sandwiches for her.
I'm working on writing down the recipes I cook. Most of them are "Oh hey, this needs to be used before this veggie goes bad. Wonder how I can use it? Oh, this sounds like it might work!" Seriously, that is my daily thought process now with cooking! And somehow, it seems to pull together really well at the end of cooking!
Pastas
- noodles
-seasoning (we love using garlic salt!)
- olive oil
- meat
Meatloaf (always popular in our house!)
- ground beef
- breadcrumbs
- ketchup
- eggs
- seasonings
We do lots of beans, veggies, and fruits.
We just did a stir fry the other night that was a major hit!
Pork Stir Fry
- pork chop, cut up
- rice noodles
- peanuts
- green beans
- diced carrots
- soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp Madras curry (the only spice I actually measure out! lol)
- some garlic
That's all! Adair typically does not eat mixed foods. It's like pulling teeth. And then you put something in front of him that's new? Yeah, that's typically a no-go. We got him to try this meal though!
Breakfasts:
Melanie LOVES egg cups. I mean, LOVES. I make a dozen at a time, and she will go through all of those in a week. I also make her muffins with her almond milk, and she's a huge fan of pancakes and waffles. We have noticed that she can tolerate some baked goods with milk in them, but they have to be in serious moderation.
The thing I love the most about the cooking changes is the way my kids eat. Adair's favorite after school snack is raw carrots. Mady has always been my fruit kiddo. She will go through a pint of berries (any type) in one sitting if I let her. Melanie constantly wants things like green beans or raw broccoli. It's incredible to me to see my kids going for such healthy choices.
The munchkins do still love cheese. I'm so grateful that we have been able to find vegan cheese for her. It stinks in my opinion, but it's dairy free, soy free, casein free (which is what she's allergic to), and lactose free. It allows us a little freedom for cooking, plus being able to do sandwiches for her.
I'm working on writing down the recipes I cook. Most of them are "Oh hey, this needs to be used before this veggie goes bad. Wonder how I can use it? Oh, this sounds like it might work!" Seriously, that is my daily thought process now with cooking! And somehow, it seems to pull together really well at the end of cooking!
I'm a dance mom!
Okay, if you know Mady, you see my crazy tomboy. She loves to play baseball, soccer, and be out in the country.
We decided in December that we were going to look into putting her in dance. Why not? She loves to be center of attention. I was not sure how she would react to it. She got bored in gymnastics since it was so much "sit around and wait for your turn". She's shocked me though. She LOVES to dance. She practically begs me nightly to take her to dance.
Well kiddo, buckle up. You've now got dance nightly! Her first recital/show is coming up, so we are in the busiest dance week a dance mom has. Hair and make-up nightly to get her 100% used to it. And if you haven't seen her lately, her hair is not super long. It's growing, but we currently use, I don't know, about 7-8 butterfly type clips, plus around 1-1.5 dozen bobby pins. And that's just to keep the short layers up! Remind me not to take her through a metal detector with her hair up like this.
Oh, and the make-up...bright blue eyes and super dark lashes. I don't do super dark make-up. Soft pink and medium brown eyeshadow, eyebrows filled in (thanks blonde hair!), black kohl liner, black mascara (lucky girl only needs 1 coat to get long lashes!), a little soft pink blush, and pink lips. She could knock you out with how beautiful she already is, and all of her stage make-up makes her pop so much more (but then again, I'm highly biased!). However, the eyeliner...I'm pretty sure I'd rather bathe our cat than tackle getting eyeliner on this child. You would seriously think I'm trying to stab her eye out with how she howls! Oh this crazy little nut.
James keeps telling me I much love being a dance mom. What I love is seeing my oldest daughter finding her niche, finding a hobby that she excels at, and that gets her excessive ADHD energy out. In just 4-5 months, she has learned so much. She knows what first position is, and very happily gets into it. We are working on her smiling while she dances, but she's at least up there and enjoying every moment!
We decided in December that we were going to look into putting her in dance. Why not? She loves to be center of attention. I was not sure how she would react to it. She got bored in gymnastics since it was so much "sit around and wait for your turn". She's shocked me though. She LOVES to dance. She practically begs me nightly to take her to dance.
Well kiddo, buckle up. You've now got dance nightly! Her first recital/show is coming up, so we are in the busiest dance week a dance mom has. Hair and make-up nightly to get her 100% used to it. And if you haven't seen her lately, her hair is not super long. It's growing, but we currently use, I don't know, about 7-8 butterfly type clips, plus around 1-1.5 dozen bobby pins. And that's just to keep the short layers up! Remind me not to take her through a metal detector with her hair up like this.
Oh, and the make-up...bright blue eyes and super dark lashes. I don't do super dark make-up. Soft pink and medium brown eyeshadow, eyebrows filled in (thanks blonde hair!), black kohl liner, black mascara (lucky girl only needs 1 coat to get long lashes!), a little soft pink blush, and pink lips. She could knock you out with how beautiful she already is, and all of her stage make-up makes her pop so much more (but then again, I'm highly biased!). However, the eyeliner...I'm pretty sure I'd rather bathe our cat than tackle getting eyeliner on this child. You would seriously think I'm trying to stab her eye out with how she howls! Oh this crazy little nut.
James keeps telling me I much love being a dance mom. What I love is seeing my oldest daughter finding her niche, finding a hobby that she excels at, and that gets her excessive ADHD energy out. In just 4-5 months, she has learned so much. She knows what first position is, and very happily gets into it. We are working on her smiling while she dances, but she's at least up there and enjoying every moment!
Funny where life takes you...
When I started this blog, it was to vent and share our life. Then it shifted to a cooking blog, a setting for me to share the recipes I was creating. Looking back at the things I used to cook, it astounds me at how far our life has come from that point.
Most people know this, but if you don't, I'm throwing it out there now: our youngest has a severe dairy intolerance. She also has a milder soy intolerance, which honestly frees us up a bit since she can do soy in moderation. Just how bad is her dairy intolerance? One Cheeto. James gave her just one Cheeto since he felt bad that she wanted one, and he's just not very good at denying her. Lol. She is definitely Daddy's Little Girl. So, what's the big deal about one little Cheeto? It seems innocuous enough, right? Wrong. One Cheeto caused her 72 hours of severe constipation and discomfort. The only way to eliminate this was to give my miserable little girl a suppository. To be quite frank, if you've never had to experience doing this with a miserable, squirmy toddler, I do not recommend it.
As I reread my past blogs, I realized how far my cooking has come in the past almost 6 months (we discovered Melanie's intolerance at 13 months old). We have eliminated cooking with cheese. I don't use milk in most my cooking; if I have to, I make a separate batch of whatever it is for Melanie. Cooking separate batches of food is highly time consuming, so it's become simpler to eliminate the dairy. We don't do most pasta sauces unless I make them from scratch. We now read every label on items we plan to buy. I cannot even risk purchasing things she *MIGHT* consume if they were cooked/packaged in a plant that handles milk. Cross contamination is a very real thing. What else is gone from our house?
- Ranch dressing (gasp!)
- mashed potatoes
- macaroni and cheese
- pizza
All things I love, all things I dearly miss. However, I have not eaten a meal without having to share it in about, oh, 5 years. So it's not worth the risk.
I'm that mom at restaurants. I have actually asked managers to show me ingredient lists in specific foods (like batters on chicken or shrimp) before I will order them for her, just to make sure she does not get anything in her system that will hurt her. I stop people from feeding her if they have food with dairy on their plate. I am so hypervigilant on what she consumes because I have to be.
Not only that, but she's allergic to blue food dye. That's fun!
If you saw her, though, you'd never guess she's got a serious food allergy. This child is such a little chunk! As long as she's not had foods on the "no way Jose" list, she is such a happy little ball of sassy energy!
Did I mention sass? This girl is my biggest personality. She is my sassy diva. She will not walk across grass barefoot. She does not like sandals that go between her toes. She HATES jeans. She prefers to be running around in a dress or a skirt. She has an obsession with giving me attitude. But, she exudes empathy at a young age. If I am having a rough day, she is the first one crawling up into my lap, giving me her sweet, wide-eyed concerned look, begging me to tickle her, and kissing all over me. I seriously have no words to describe all the sides of this girl. She has Mommy's sass, vibrancy, and energy, plus Daddy's sense of humor and his German stoicism when she's mad. The pout kills me!
When we got the dairy intolerance diagnosis, I had no clue where to go or what to do with it. I had no clue how to cook for her. In just 6 months, I have learned so much. Our diets have cleaned up immensely. It's crazy how much I've grown just from needing to change things for her health.
Most people know this, but if you don't, I'm throwing it out there now: our youngest has a severe dairy intolerance. She also has a milder soy intolerance, which honestly frees us up a bit since she can do soy in moderation. Just how bad is her dairy intolerance? One Cheeto. James gave her just one Cheeto since he felt bad that she wanted one, and he's just not very good at denying her. Lol. She is definitely Daddy's Little Girl. So, what's the big deal about one little Cheeto? It seems innocuous enough, right? Wrong. One Cheeto caused her 72 hours of severe constipation and discomfort. The only way to eliminate this was to give my miserable little girl a suppository. To be quite frank, if you've never had to experience doing this with a miserable, squirmy toddler, I do not recommend it.
As I reread my past blogs, I realized how far my cooking has come in the past almost 6 months (we discovered Melanie's intolerance at 13 months old). We have eliminated cooking with cheese. I don't use milk in most my cooking; if I have to, I make a separate batch of whatever it is for Melanie. Cooking separate batches of food is highly time consuming, so it's become simpler to eliminate the dairy. We don't do most pasta sauces unless I make them from scratch. We now read every label on items we plan to buy. I cannot even risk purchasing things she *MIGHT* consume if they were cooked/packaged in a plant that handles milk. Cross contamination is a very real thing. What else is gone from our house?
- Ranch dressing (gasp!)
- mashed potatoes
- macaroni and cheese
- pizza
All things I love, all things I dearly miss. However, I have not eaten a meal without having to share it in about, oh, 5 years. So it's not worth the risk.
I'm that mom at restaurants. I have actually asked managers to show me ingredient lists in specific foods (like batters on chicken or shrimp) before I will order them for her, just to make sure she does not get anything in her system that will hurt her. I stop people from feeding her if they have food with dairy on their plate. I am so hypervigilant on what she consumes because I have to be.
Not only that, but she's allergic to blue food dye. That's fun!
If you saw her, though, you'd never guess she's got a serious food allergy. This child is such a little chunk! As long as she's not had foods on the "no way Jose" list, she is such a happy little ball of sassy energy!
Did I mention sass? This girl is my biggest personality. She is my sassy diva. She will not walk across grass barefoot. She does not like sandals that go between her toes. She HATES jeans. She prefers to be running around in a dress or a skirt. She has an obsession with giving me attitude. But, she exudes empathy at a young age. If I am having a rough day, she is the first one crawling up into my lap, giving me her sweet, wide-eyed concerned look, begging me to tickle her, and kissing all over me. I seriously have no words to describe all the sides of this girl. She has Mommy's sass, vibrancy, and energy, plus Daddy's sense of humor and his German stoicism when she's mad. The pout kills me!
When we got the dairy intolerance diagnosis, I had no clue where to go or what to do with it. I had no clue how to cook for her. In just 6 months, I have learned so much. Our diets have cleaned up immensely. It's crazy how much I've grown just from needing to change things for her health.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Bacon wrapped cilantro cheese stuffed chicken
Okay, Mady was in a weird mood and didn't want to eat anything but the cilantro corn I made for the side-dish (apparently she thought dinner needed macaroni), but Adair devoured this! And I was so full after only half a medium sized chicken breast!
Ingredients:
Chicken breast
Cheese, finely shredded (I went with Colby Jack and Mozzarella)
Cilantro, fresh if possible
Paprika
Garlic Salt
Bacon, at least 2 strips per medium breast
The seasonings can be interchangeable with whatever suits your taste buds.
Preheat your oven to 400. Make a slit in your chicken breast, going about halfway into the breast, and leaving a half inch of uncut chicken on each side of the slit. Mix your shredded cheese, spices, and cilantro. I tossed mine by hand. Stuff your cheese mixture into the chicken breast. Wrap each breast with bacon strips, with the ends under the chicken if possible. Bake for 40 minutes. The best results are from baking on a roasting pan, so all the juices and bacon fat will drip down and not cause the bacon to remain soft and not crisp up.
The smell was incredible while they were baking. I put a side of cilantro corn (corn cooked with fresh cilantro, garlic salt, and white pepper) to go with it. This meal seriously filled us all up. And it's hard for me to eat until the point of being stuffed!
Ingredients:
Chicken breast
Cheese, finely shredded (I went with Colby Jack and Mozzarella)
Cilantro, fresh if possible
Paprika
Garlic Salt
Bacon, at least 2 strips per medium breast
The seasonings can be interchangeable with whatever suits your taste buds.
Preheat your oven to 400. Make a slit in your chicken breast, going about halfway into the breast, and leaving a half inch of uncut chicken on each side of the slit. Mix your shredded cheese, spices, and cilantro. I tossed mine by hand. Stuff your cheese mixture into the chicken breast. Wrap each breast with bacon strips, with the ends under the chicken if possible. Bake for 40 minutes. The best results are from baking on a roasting pan, so all the juices and bacon fat will drip down and not cause the bacon to remain soft and not crisp up.
The smell was incredible while they were baking. I put a side of cilantro corn (corn cooked with fresh cilantro, garlic salt, and white pepper) to go with it. This meal seriously filled us all up. And it's hard for me to eat until the point of being stuffed!
Friday, February 8, 2013
Spicy Garlic Lime Chicken and Rice
This recipe definitely needed a bit more heat for my liking, so next time I'll add in red pepper flakes. I didn't take into account that the citrus would greatly sweeten everything!
Ingredients:
Chicken breast (I used 3)
1-2 limes
Garlic Salt
Paprika or Red Pepper Flakes
Creole seasoning
Cilantro
Preheat your oven to 375. Put your chicken breasts on a pan lined with foil. Season to your desire with garlic salt, paprika/red pepper flakes, and Creole seasoning, doing a little more heat than normal due to the citrus.
Zest your lime entirely. Set the zest aside. Slice the lime and arrange 3-4 slices per breast, depending on the size of your chicken. Bake the chicken for 40 minutes.
Rice:
I used minute rice. Cook your rice according to the directions. Once the rice is set, add the lime zest, cilantro, garlic salt, and a dash of red pepper flakes for just a touch of heat. Be careful not to do too much pepper so it doesn't overpower the entire dish.
Serve up and enjoy! This dish lends itself easily to playing with different spices since citrus marries well with so much.
Ingredients:
Chicken breast (I used 3)
1-2 limes
Garlic Salt
Paprika or Red Pepper Flakes
Creole seasoning
Cilantro
Preheat your oven to 375. Put your chicken breasts on a pan lined with foil. Season to your desire with garlic salt, paprika/red pepper flakes, and Creole seasoning, doing a little more heat than normal due to the citrus.
Zest your lime entirely. Set the zest aside. Slice the lime and arrange 3-4 slices per breast, depending on the size of your chicken. Bake the chicken for 40 minutes.
Rice:
I used minute rice. Cook your rice according to the directions. Once the rice is set, add the lime zest, cilantro, garlic salt, and a dash of red pepper flakes for just a touch of heat. Be careful not to do too much pepper so it doesn't overpower the entire dish.
Serve up and enjoy! This dish lends itself easily to playing with different spices since citrus marries well with so much.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Grocery Shopping on a Shoestring Budget
A few of you asked me to post how I grocery shop and spend on average between $80-$100 a month on groceries to feed a family of 4. I will say there are some months that I end up spending $120 for the month, which is a lot to me. I figured I would share my secrets since some of you were interested.
Secret #1: Meat is a separate budget.
I know that sounds counter-intuitive, but we stock up on meat once every 2 months. Look at places like Albertson's. Lots of Buy 1, Get 2 Free, Buy 1, Get 1 Free, etc. Chicken, steak, pork. The staples. That is where we usually buy our meat. $40 can get you anywhere between $80-$100 worth of meat. James sets money aside every 2 months for that trip.
Secret #2: Know what you have on hand.
When I started out doing meal planning and extreme grocery budgeting, I spent an hour and a half going through cupboards and our fridge, freezer, and pantry, writing down everything I had on hand, right down to spices. This was a great wake-up call to see what we were wasting money on that was not being used. It also helped me with my meal planning.All my meals are planned around what I have on hand. Granted, I'll plan some where I need to buy several things to complete it, but knowing what you have on hand prevents you from buying excess.
Secret #3: Meal plan.
This one sounds simple, but I can attest that it takes some skill. It took me a good 2-3 months to really get the hang of this. When I sit down to meal plan, I plan for 2 weeks at a time. I factor in at least 2 nights for leftovers. We don't plan more since James and I both take leftovers (or try to) during the week for lunch. When you meal plan, write down every single item you need for each meal initially, especially if you aren't used to meal planning. It helps you see what you need at the store.
Secret #4: Don't shop hungry.
Yes, the age-old adage. I've had to train myself if I have to go to the store hungry to stick to my list. If you shop hungry, you overshop.
Secret #5: Buy generic.
Some things I will refuse to buy generic of (if you haven't bought generic green beans, I don't recommend it). Otherwise, I buy what I can generic: pasta, cheese, pasta sauce, etc. You do save money, and the generic items are usually made with the same ingredients as name-brand, you just are not paying for a fancy name.
Secret #6: Give yourself a time limit.
I usually spend about 30 minutes (not counting check out time) in the store. Having a specific shopping list aids in this. For me, spending as little time as possible in the store helps me stick to my list, as well as my budget.
Secret #7: Only buy what you need.
How many times have we gone to the store and picked up a bag of chips or a package of cookies? I'll admit, I still do this. Then, after walking an aisle or two, find myself thinking, "Do I really need this, or do I just want it?" There are times I will buy an item as a treat just because we want it. More often than not, junk food goes back to the shelf. Even with my kids. They already know better than to ask for cookies. In fact, when I tell Mady no, her response is a simple, "Ah man!" No whining or anything after that. The grocery bill racks up faster when you buy a bunch of stuff you do not need. Also, we buy the bags of Malt o' Meal brand cereal. The price per ounce is much cheaper, and the bag will end up lasting us the better part of a month or so.
Secret #8: Shop seasonally.
When I need to purchase produce, I stick with what's in season. You'll find lower prices then. For example, apples are lowest in price during the fall. Same with oranges (United has small navel oranges 5/$1 currently). I buy produce for the most part when it's in season or on sale. Bananas are always around at our house, as are apples usually. Berries tend to only be bought late Spring/early Summer. I keep frozen berries for the off-season. As tasty as fresh green beans are, I make do with canned when the fresh are not on sale. Same with fresh corn.
Secret #9: Skip as much processed as possible.
Yes, I still buy things like bread for convenience. However, I skip things like Kraft macaroni and cheese. For us, it's much cheaper to make our own. I also know that there is not some unnaturally orange sauce going into my kids' bodies. I also skip things like Shake and Bake. You can purchase a thing of bread crumbs for under $2, then add your own seasonings once you get home for cheaper than the box of Shake and Bake. Also, for me, skipping boxed mixes allows for a little more money to go towards produce.
I'm sure there is stuff I'm forgetting. I shop off a well-constructed menu plan and grocery list. I know what I have on hand pretty much at all times. I double-check my fridge and pantry before I ever leave for the store. I skip the aisles with things like chips and cookies.
However, I think the biggest money saver for us has been omitting processed foods and junk foods. I can fry up my own tortilla chips for cheaper than that bag at the store. And by eliminating the junk stuff in our house, both our kids ask for fruit and veggies for snacks. Mady is happy eating a bowl of pickles, berries, or carrots (not all together). And don't get me started on her love of yogurt with fruit mixed in!
By making our own food, most of it from scratch, we save a good bit of money every month. I know this post has been long. I apologize for that. I was trying to think through every step I go through, since I've been doing this for 6 months at least, so it's become second nature to me. My average grocery bill for 2 weeks tends to range between $30-$45. We have lots of leftovers during the week, and our kids usually have full tummies before bed, depending on how ornery they're deciding to be over what is served at dinner.
My biggest secret: I do not coupon. Nope. Not at all. I taught myself how to save money on groceries without needing to rely on coupons. I might venture into coupon land, but right now, I'm happy with where our budget is at for 4 people.
Secret #1: Meat is a separate budget.
I know that sounds counter-intuitive, but we stock up on meat once every 2 months. Look at places like Albertson's. Lots of Buy 1, Get 2 Free, Buy 1, Get 1 Free, etc. Chicken, steak, pork. The staples. That is where we usually buy our meat. $40 can get you anywhere between $80-$100 worth of meat. James sets money aside every 2 months for that trip.
Secret #2: Know what you have on hand.
When I started out doing meal planning and extreme grocery budgeting, I spent an hour and a half going through cupboards and our fridge, freezer, and pantry, writing down everything I had on hand, right down to spices. This was a great wake-up call to see what we were wasting money on that was not being used. It also helped me with my meal planning.All my meals are planned around what I have on hand. Granted, I'll plan some where I need to buy several things to complete it, but knowing what you have on hand prevents you from buying excess.
Secret #3: Meal plan.
This one sounds simple, but I can attest that it takes some skill. It took me a good 2-3 months to really get the hang of this. When I sit down to meal plan, I plan for 2 weeks at a time. I factor in at least 2 nights for leftovers. We don't plan more since James and I both take leftovers (or try to) during the week for lunch. When you meal plan, write down every single item you need for each meal initially, especially if you aren't used to meal planning. It helps you see what you need at the store.
Secret #4: Don't shop hungry.
Yes, the age-old adage. I've had to train myself if I have to go to the store hungry to stick to my list. If you shop hungry, you overshop.
Secret #5: Buy generic.
Some things I will refuse to buy generic of (if you haven't bought generic green beans, I don't recommend it). Otherwise, I buy what I can generic: pasta, cheese, pasta sauce, etc. You do save money, and the generic items are usually made with the same ingredients as name-brand, you just are not paying for a fancy name.
Secret #6: Give yourself a time limit.
I usually spend about 30 minutes (not counting check out time) in the store. Having a specific shopping list aids in this. For me, spending as little time as possible in the store helps me stick to my list, as well as my budget.
Secret #7: Only buy what you need.
How many times have we gone to the store and picked up a bag of chips or a package of cookies? I'll admit, I still do this. Then, after walking an aisle or two, find myself thinking, "Do I really need this, or do I just want it?" There are times I will buy an item as a treat just because we want it. More often than not, junk food goes back to the shelf. Even with my kids. They already know better than to ask for cookies. In fact, when I tell Mady no, her response is a simple, "Ah man!" No whining or anything after that. The grocery bill racks up faster when you buy a bunch of stuff you do not need. Also, we buy the bags of Malt o' Meal brand cereal. The price per ounce is much cheaper, and the bag will end up lasting us the better part of a month or so.
Secret #8: Shop seasonally.
When I need to purchase produce, I stick with what's in season. You'll find lower prices then. For example, apples are lowest in price during the fall. Same with oranges (United has small navel oranges 5/$1 currently). I buy produce for the most part when it's in season or on sale. Bananas are always around at our house, as are apples usually. Berries tend to only be bought late Spring/early Summer. I keep frozen berries for the off-season. As tasty as fresh green beans are, I make do with canned when the fresh are not on sale. Same with fresh corn.
Secret #9: Skip as much processed as possible.
Yes, I still buy things like bread for convenience. However, I skip things like Kraft macaroni and cheese. For us, it's much cheaper to make our own. I also know that there is not some unnaturally orange sauce going into my kids' bodies. I also skip things like Shake and Bake. You can purchase a thing of bread crumbs for under $2, then add your own seasonings once you get home for cheaper than the box of Shake and Bake. Also, for me, skipping boxed mixes allows for a little more money to go towards produce.
I'm sure there is stuff I'm forgetting. I shop off a well-constructed menu plan and grocery list. I know what I have on hand pretty much at all times. I double-check my fridge and pantry before I ever leave for the store. I skip the aisles with things like chips and cookies.
However, I think the biggest money saver for us has been omitting processed foods and junk foods. I can fry up my own tortilla chips for cheaper than that bag at the store. And by eliminating the junk stuff in our house, both our kids ask for fruit and veggies for snacks. Mady is happy eating a bowl of pickles, berries, or carrots (not all together). And don't get me started on her love of yogurt with fruit mixed in!
By making our own food, most of it from scratch, we save a good bit of money every month. I know this post has been long. I apologize for that. I was trying to think through every step I go through, since I've been doing this for 6 months at least, so it's become second nature to me. My average grocery bill for 2 weeks tends to range between $30-$45. We have lots of leftovers during the week, and our kids usually have full tummies before bed, depending on how ornery they're deciding to be over what is served at dinner.
My biggest secret: I do not coupon. Nope. Not at all. I taught myself how to save money on groceries without needing to rely on coupons. I might venture into coupon land, but right now, I'm happy with where our budget is at for 4 people.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Balsamic Asparagus
So I had some asparagus to finish up last night, and I didn't want to do the normal "throw it in a pan with spices and olive oil and roast it" bit. That's when I remembered we had balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients:
Asparagus
Tomatoes (I needed to use up grape tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes would go great as well)
Balsamic vinegar
Half a lemon
Garlic salt
Snap your asparagus like normal after washing it. Put it in a medium to large pan, depending on how much you're cooking. Slice the tomatoes in half and add them. Start cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently to keep the tomatoes from burning. Once the asparagus starts to turn vibrant green, add in a drizzle of balsamic. Be careful not to overdo the balsamic or the results will border on inedible. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the mix. Add a good amount of garlic salt (gives a lovely counter balance to the balsamic). Keep stirring. Cooking time should take 5-7 minutes total.
I unfortunately did not have any mushrooms on hand, but sliced mushrooms would also pair beautifully with this dish. Kids actually tried a bite of asparagus. Mady asked me to put a stalk on her plate and ate half of it, so I call that a victory!
Ingredients:
Asparagus
Tomatoes (I needed to use up grape tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes would go great as well)
Balsamic vinegar
Half a lemon
Garlic salt
Snap your asparagus like normal after washing it. Put it in a medium to large pan, depending on how much you're cooking. Slice the tomatoes in half and add them. Start cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently to keep the tomatoes from burning. Once the asparagus starts to turn vibrant green, add in a drizzle of balsamic. Be careful not to overdo the balsamic or the results will border on inedible. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the mix. Add a good amount of garlic salt (gives a lovely counter balance to the balsamic). Keep stirring. Cooking time should take 5-7 minutes total.
I unfortunately did not have any mushrooms on hand, but sliced mushrooms would also pair beautifully with this dish. Kids actually tried a bite of asparagus. Mady asked me to put a stalk on her plate and ate half of it, so I call that a victory!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Cheesy mac n cheese
Okay, I've done homemade for months now, but I went a step further and made the sauce from scratch instead of melting cheese on the pasta like I usually do. Results were super creamy!
Ingredients:
1 cup milk
1 cup butter
Cheese, cubed
Seasonings (I used sage, rosemary, garlic, and white pepper)
Macaroni
Panko
Heat your milk, butter, and cheese over medium low, stirring constantly to prevent the milk scalding. Once your cheese starts to melt, add your seasonings and cook your pasta. Pour your sauce over drained noodles.
I baked ours. You bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Pour noodles into a casserole dish. Mix in panko. Pour the cheese sauce on top. The panko helps everything hold tight while baking.
Ingredients:
1 cup milk
1 cup butter
Cheese, cubed
Seasonings (I used sage, rosemary, garlic, and white pepper)
Macaroni
Panko
Heat your milk, butter, and cheese over medium low, stirring constantly to prevent the milk scalding. Once your cheese starts to melt, add your seasonings and cook your pasta. Pour your sauce over drained noodles.
I baked ours. You bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Pour noodles into a casserole dish. Mix in panko. Pour the cheese sauce on top. The panko helps everything hold tight while baking.
Chocolate covered strawberry froyo
So I discovered I had yogurt that was unopened and needed to be used PRONTO. As in, expiring soon. Yeah...my go to is frozen yogurt! I modified this recipe, so I'll give credit at the end of my post.
Ingredients:
Full container of strawberry yogurt (cherry would be tasty too!)
1/4 cup cocoa powder, plus 1 tbsp
1tbsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3-4 tsp sugar
Combine everything in a bowl and mix well. It will take a bit to get all the powder lumps broken up. Pour into your ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions. Mine took about 45 minutes to really set. You get a good cocoa bite at first, then yummy strawberry!
Recipe compliments of chocolatecoveredkatie.com, modified from her brownie batter froyo.
Ingredients:
Full container of strawberry yogurt (cherry would be tasty too!)
1/4 cup cocoa powder, plus 1 tbsp
1tbsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3-4 tsp sugar
Combine everything in a bowl and mix well. It will take a bit to get all the powder lumps broken up. Pour into your ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions. Mine took about 45 minutes to really set. You get a good cocoa bite at first, then yummy strawberry!
Recipe compliments of chocolatecoveredkatie.com, modified from her brownie batter froyo.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Flavoring Up Cheap Pasta Sauce
Okay, so when I get groceries, I shop on a budget. I spend between $80-$100 a month on basic groceries to feed a family of 4. We spend about $50 every 6-8 weeks on meat. That is without coupons, so I know we could end up saving more if I did use coupons. That said, when I buy pasta sauce, I buy whatever is on sale or is the cheapest. Normally, that means we keep Ragu on hand. I've found that their Alfredo sauce is extremely and horribly bland and lifeless. Blah. So I wanted to flavor it up last night for our baked spaghetti!
Take one jar of Alfredo sauce, shredded cheese, and seasonings. Last night I shredded Colby Jack and Sharp Cheddar cheeses. Mix the Alfredo sauce and the shredded cheese together. I think I had a half cup of sauce and close to a cup of each cheese. Add seasonings. I opted for Oregano, Thyme, and Garlic Salt. I poured it over the spaghetti and mixed it all together, then baked it. However, you can also put it in a medium pot and cook it on medium heat, stirring constantly, until an even sauce results.
My mom does not like Ragu (bland and flavorless), but she said she thoroughly enjoyed the flavors last night. And she's not one to just smile and eat something if it's not that good. Both my kids devoured most of their adult-sized helpings (gotta love growth spurts!), and my husband literally asked me what brand the sauce was that I had used. :)
Take one jar of Alfredo sauce, shredded cheese, and seasonings. Last night I shredded Colby Jack and Sharp Cheddar cheeses. Mix the Alfredo sauce and the shredded cheese together. I think I had a half cup of sauce and close to a cup of each cheese. Add seasonings. I opted for Oregano, Thyme, and Garlic Salt. I poured it over the spaghetti and mixed it all together, then baked it. However, you can also put it in a medium pot and cook it on medium heat, stirring constantly, until an even sauce results.
My mom does not like Ragu (bland and flavorless), but she said she thoroughly enjoyed the flavors last night. And she's not one to just smile and eat something if it's not that good. Both my kids devoured most of their adult-sized helpings (gotta love growth spurts!), and my husband literally asked me what brand the sauce was that I had used. :)
Monday, December 10, 2012
Spiced Pork Sirloins
Okay, James cooked last night, but this is my brain child. The seasonings were a bit heavy handed, so not quite what I wanted, but I love that he cooked and tried to follow how I do it. Had the seasonings been in better ratio, it would have been tasty!
Ingredients:
Pork Sirloin
Creole seasoning
Salt
Sesame Seeds
Panko
Cilantro
Eggs (2)
Preheat your oven to 350. Mix your seasonings with the panko and sesame seeds (the seeds give a nice little crunch!). Be careful not to over salt your mix. Beat your eggs in a small bowl. Wash your room temp sirloins in the egg, then dredge in the panko mixture. Bake for 30 minutes.
As my husband learned, you don't want to get too much Creole seasoning or salt. You also want to make sure you mix the seasonings with the panko really well for even distribution.
Ingredients:
Pork Sirloin
Creole seasoning
Salt
Sesame Seeds
Panko
Cilantro
Eggs (2)
Preheat your oven to 350. Mix your seasonings with the panko and sesame seeds (the seeds give a nice little crunch!). Be careful not to over salt your mix. Beat your eggs in a small bowl. Wash your room temp sirloins in the egg, then dredge in the panko mixture. Bake for 30 minutes.
As my husband learned, you don't want to get too much Creole seasoning or salt. You also want to make sure you mix the seasonings with the panko really well for even distribution.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake
So boiling chicken to shred is one of my favorite techniques. The chicken stays so tender and moist! I needed a quick and easy way to use chicken that would fill up a toddler and preschooler who have hit growth spurts at the same time.
Ingredients:
Chicken breast
Pasta of choice (I used ziti)
Seasonings
Cheese of choice (I used mozzarella and colby jack)
Pasta sauce if you like
Set a stock pot of water on to boil. Once boiling, add your raw chicken breasts. Boil for 15 minutes. Let rest for another 10 on a cutting board after they cook. Boil your pasta until just about al dente. Drain well (I used a slotted spoon to dish it into my baking dish to make sure all the water was removed from the pasta). Mix in your cheese(s), seasonings, and chicken. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. It should get nice and gooey while the chicken stays really moist. Both my kids ate small, adult-sized portions of this and loved it!
Ingredients:
Chicken breast
Pasta of choice (I used ziti)
Seasonings
Cheese of choice (I used mozzarella and colby jack)
Pasta sauce if you like
Set a stock pot of water on to boil. Once boiling, add your raw chicken breasts. Boil for 15 minutes. Let rest for another 10 on a cutting board after they cook. Boil your pasta until just about al dente. Drain well (I used a slotted spoon to dish it into my baking dish to make sure all the water was removed from the pasta). Mix in your cheese(s), seasonings, and chicken. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. It should get nice and gooey while the chicken stays really moist. Both my kids ate small, adult-sized portions of this and loved it!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Something a bit different...a life update
So I have taken to using my blog to share recipes that I have tried. Cooking has been my realm to have a break from work, kids, dog...my own escape. However, there has been so much going on that I decided it was a time to actually give an update.
Today is closing day on our new home. I am so beyond excited, as any Facebook friend can attest based on my postings! This will allow us to provide our kids with so much more stability for the kids since we will no longer have to think about if/when our lease is up and where we would move. The kids have picked out their own rooms with no fighting. We have a large living room that is perfect for entertaining. Kitchen counters and cabinets were just installed 2 years ago. Large backyard, plenty of play space, quiet street, friendly neighbors (we met one last night on our final walk through!). I can't wait to get moved in and really make it ours!
James recently hit his first anniversary at Northern Oaks. He loves his job. He got a significant pay raise, and a 98.3 out of 100 on his review! I am so proud of the dedication he puts into his job. Our new neighbor we met last night actually knows him from Northern Oaks since she goes up frequently to visit one of her friends, who just so happens to be one of James's residents. He will be starting school in January to do a bridge program in order to receive his RN. His D.O.N. gave him a glowing letter of recommendation, and has said she wants to keep him on after he completes the 1.5 year program. I am so proud of him for going after this. He has wanted to get his RN for so long!
Mady is being the little energetic diva that she has always been. Her language has really taken off. Some days that little girl can talk circles around me! She is up to 5 and 6 word sentences routinely, and has begun using the word "and" in her sentences. I can still tell when her brain is working faster than her mouth can go. Lol. She gets caught up and tongue-tied before she figures out what she wants to say. She has such a little personality too! Hands on the hips, one finger out at me, and she loves to say, "You no tell me no Momma!". She gets in trouble, but we struggle not to let her see us laughing. Just the other night, she got The Look (moms, you know what look I mean!) for harassing Adair. She attempted to hide from me by covering her eyes up. You know, because The Look doesn't exist if she cannot see it. I almost busted out laughing in front of her. I just started laughing thinking about her response. She has started understanding that if she calls Roscoe, he will come running to her. She even tells me, "Momma, that my Roscoe. You no tell my Roscoe no. I put my Roscoe outside.". It's so sweet. She and Adair get along so well. If they are not together, they miss each other so bad. She constantly wants to take care of him, telling me he wants water or a snack, etc. It really makes my heart smile to see how she wants to take care of him and be with him nonstop.
Adair has adjusted pretty well to moving back to Texas after spending 4 months with his mom in California. We have had him home a little over a month now. It's been an adventure this past month for sure! He is such a sweet and loving boy. He still doesn't 100% understand not putting his hands on Roscoe's mouth since the dog loves to play and chew (playfully) on hands. We are getting there though. It's tough since he's been away from Roscoe for 4 months, and our pooch is quite playful and energetic. He loves playing with Mady. Except at daycare. Then it's the normal "OMG, my little sister is so ANNOYING!" mentality. lol. But he certainly defends her if she gets picked on. Typical "I can pick on her but nobody else can" thought process. He has made good strides in his speech, thanks to speech therapy started here and continued by his mom. He's not 100% where other children his age (4) are, but he's made such incredible advances. He loves sharing with Mady, and he is still obsessed with running nonstop! Our house is filled with happy squeals and shrieks that kill my eardrums nightly, but I LOVE it.
We just did our second evaluation with a local psychologist for autism. We are trying to figure out what is going on since there are still several things that just don't seem "normal" (I absolutely HATE that term and rarely use it). We are hoping to get the results soon so we know what else we can do to help him learn skills to conquer this world he lives in. He is going to do Speech Therapy, PT, and OT at West Texas Rehab, just waiting on that all to get going. I'm excited for him to do therapies at such a great facility.
Roscoe is still living in that puppy stage. We have had him for about a year now. He is a total bundle of energy. He will lay by the backdoor all day and whine to be in, then race through the house for about 30-45 minutes. Crazy pooch! He is phenomenal with the kids. They love sitting with him, hugging him, and playing with him. Although, at times I think Mady enjoys his toys as much, if not more, than he does! We have started training him to sit calmly with us on the couch. He loves to cuddle up on my lap, chest, wherever there is sitting space he can squeeze into. lol.
As for me, I've been keeping busy with packing, trying not to stress over the move, prepping both kids for the move, and my normal duties (work, cooking, house, etc.). It's crazy to think that just a year ago Mady and I were moving into our rental with James, getting everything set up for Adair to move in a few months later. It's so crazy to think about how much our lives have changed in just a year. And I wouldn't change any of it!
Today is closing day on our new home. I am so beyond excited, as any Facebook friend can attest based on my postings! This will allow us to provide our kids with so much more stability for the kids since we will no longer have to think about if/when our lease is up and where we would move. The kids have picked out their own rooms with no fighting. We have a large living room that is perfect for entertaining. Kitchen counters and cabinets were just installed 2 years ago. Large backyard, plenty of play space, quiet street, friendly neighbors (we met one last night on our final walk through!). I can't wait to get moved in and really make it ours!
James recently hit his first anniversary at Northern Oaks. He loves his job. He got a significant pay raise, and a 98.3 out of 100 on his review! I am so proud of the dedication he puts into his job. Our new neighbor we met last night actually knows him from Northern Oaks since she goes up frequently to visit one of her friends, who just so happens to be one of James's residents. He will be starting school in January to do a bridge program in order to receive his RN. His D.O.N. gave him a glowing letter of recommendation, and has said she wants to keep him on after he completes the 1.5 year program. I am so proud of him for going after this. He has wanted to get his RN for so long!
Mady is being the little energetic diva that she has always been. Her language has really taken off. Some days that little girl can talk circles around me! She is up to 5 and 6 word sentences routinely, and has begun using the word "and" in her sentences. I can still tell when her brain is working faster than her mouth can go. Lol. She gets caught up and tongue-tied before she figures out what she wants to say. She has such a little personality too! Hands on the hips, one finger out at me, and she loves to say, "You no tell me no Momma!". She gets in trouble, but we struggle not to let her see us laughing. Just the other night, she got The Look (moms, you know what look I mean!) for harassing Adair. She attempted to hide from me by covering her eyes up. You know, because The Look doesn't exist if she cannot see it. I almost busted out laughing in front of her. I just started laughing thinking about her response. She has started understanding that if she calls Roscoe, he will come running to her. She even tells me, "Momma, that my Roscoe. You no tell my Roscoe no. I put my Roscoe outside.". It's so sweet. She and Adair get along so well. If they are not together, they miss each other so bad. She constantly wants to take care of him, telling me he wants water or a snack, etc. It really makes my heart smile to see how she wants to take care of him and be with him nonstop.
Adair has adjusted pretty well to moving back to Texas after spending 4 months with his mom in California. We have had him home a little over a month now. It's been an adventure this past month for sure! He is such a sweet and loving boy. He still doesn't 100% understand not putting his hands on Roscoe's mouth since the dog loves to play and chew (playfully) on hands. We are getting there though. It's tough since he's been away from Roscoe for 4 months, and our pooch is quite playful and energetic. He loves playing with Mady. Except at daycare. Then it's the normal "OMG, my little sister is so ANNOYING!" mentality. lol. But he certainly defends her if she gets picked on. Typical "I can pick on her but nobody else can" thought process. He has made good strides in his speech, thanks to speech therapy started here and continued by his mom. He's not 100% where other children his age (4) are, but he's made such incredible advances. He loves sharing with Mady, and he is still obsessed with running nonstop! Our house is filled with happy squeals and shrieks that kill my eardrums nightly, but I LOVE it.
We just did our second evaluation with a local psychologist for autism. We are trying to figure out what is going on since there are still several things that just don't seem "normal" (I absolutely HATE that term and rarely use it). We are hoping to get the results soon so we know what else we can do to help him learn skills to conquer this world he lives in. He is going to do Speech Therapy, PT, and OT at West Texas Rehab, just waiting on that all to get going. I'm excited for him to do therapies at such a great facility.
Roscoe is still living in that puppy stage. We have had him for about a year now. He is a total bundle of energy. He will lay by the backdoor all day and whine to be in, then race through the house for about 30-45 minutes. Crazy pooch! He is phenomenal with the kids. They love sitting with him, hugging him, and playing with him. Although, at times I think Mady enjoys his toys as much, if not more, than he does! We have started training him to sit calmly with us on the couch. He loves to cuddle up on my lap, chest, wherever there is sitting space he can squeeze into. lol.
As for me, I've been keeping busy with packing, trying not to stress over the move, prepping both kids for the move, and my normal duties (work, cooking, house, etc.). It's crazy to think that just a year ago Mady and I were moving into our rental with James, getting everything set up for Adair to move in a few months later. It's so crazy to think about how much our lives have changed in just a year. And I wouldn't change any of it!
Pan seared steak
Okay, so most my dishes/cooking vessels are packed up, and I didn't feel like busting out the George Foreman. lol. So I used a skillet to do a light sear/fry on sirloin. Super tasty!
Ingredients:
Steak
Seasonings (I went with chili powder and garlic salt - everything else was packed!)
Olive Oil
I put enough oil in my medium skillet to thoroughly coat the bottom. While the oil was heating, I seasoned the steaks. I suggest a slight over-seasoning since the oil absorbed some of my meat's flavoring. Once the oil is hot, put your steak in. Sear it for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on how you like your steak cook. I did about 3 minutes per side and got a nice medium.
We served black beans with this.
Had I not had most my kitchen packed up, I would have kept with the chili and garlic, but I think adding a cheese crisp to the steak, or a parmesan crust with the steak being finished in the oven to get a nice color to the cheese.
Ingredients:
Steak
Seasonings (I went with chili powder and garlic salt - everything else was packed!)
Olive Oil
I put enough oil in my medium skillet to thoroughly coat the bottom. While the oil was heating, I seasoned the steaks. I suggest a slight over-seasoning since the oil absorbed some of my meat's flavoring. Once the oil is hot, put your steak in. Sear it for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on how you like your steak cook. I did about 3 minutes per side and got a nice medium.
We served black beans with this.
Had I not had most my kitchen packed up, I would have kept with the chili and garlic, but I think adding a cheese crisp to the steak, or a parmesan crust with the steak being finished in the oven to get a nice color to the cheese.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Oven Roasted Chicken
So whole chickens were on sale at HEB a few weeks ago. I decided to buy one and figure out what to do with it later. This past Saturday was that later. lol. I decided to try roasting the chicken, which meant I needed to borrow Mom's roasting pan. So I just invited them over. (This is beginning to sound like "If you give a mouse a cookie, he'll want a glass of milk..."). The result was AMAZING.
Ingredients:
Whole fryer chicken (mine was about 5 lbs.)
Melted butter
Herbs of choice (I opted for sage, oregano, paprika, and garlic powder)
Potatoes
A few tbsp of butter
Wash your chicken under cold water. Make sure all the straggly feathers were plucked, since nobody likes eating a feather! Preheat your oven to 375. Set your chicken on the roasting pan. Make sure all the innards were removed. Chop your potatoes. My chicken carcass held about 1 medium sized potato chopped small. Stuff in the carcass. Add the seasonings and butter. Mix it all with a spoon. Baste your chicken with the melted butter (or olive oil if you don't want too much butter). Cover all of the carcass really well. Sprinkle some of the seasoning on top. Roast for 1.5-2 hours, checking every 30 minutes to rebaste as needed. My bird took roughly the full 2 hours. I also made roasted potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms with the bird. This served 4 adults and 1 bottomless pit preschooler, with some left over for lunch the next day!
You do not have to stuff the chicken with potatoes. You can just add herbs for extra flavor if you want.
The skin should come out golden brown and crispy. The chicken is ready when the juices are running clear. This was soo tasty, and very fork tender. James cut it with a knife off the bone, but otherwise you didn't really need a knife at all!
Ingredients:
Whole fryer chicken (mine was about 5 lbs.)
Melted butter
Herbs of choice (I opted for sage, oregano, paprika, and garlic powder)
Potatoes
A few tbsp of butter
Wash your chicken under cold water. Make sure all the straggly feathers were plucked, since nobody likes eating a feather! Preheat your oven to 375. Set your chicken on the roasting pan. Make sure all the innards were removed. Chop your potatoes. My chicken carcass held about 1 medium sized potato chopped small. Stuff in the carcass. Add the seasonings and butter. Mix it all with a spoon. Baste your chicken with the melted butter (or olive oil if you don't want too much butter). Cover all of the carcass really well. Sprinkle some of the seasoning on top. Roast for 1.5-2 hours, checking every 30 minutes to rebaste as needed. My bird took roughly the full 2 hours. I also made roasted potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms with the bird. This served 4 adults and 1 bottomless pit preschooler, with some left over for lunch the next day!
You do not have to stuff the chicken with potatoes. You can just add herbs for extra flavor if you want.
The skin should come out golden brown and crispy. The chicken is ready when the juices are running clear. This was soo tasty, and very fork tender. James cut it with a knife off the bone, but otherwise you didn't really need a knife at all!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Creamy Ranch Pork Chops
Okay, I got this recipe from www.crockingirls.com. Amazing crockpot recipes! I made 1 modification though.
Ingredients:
Pork chops
1 can cream of chicken soup
6 mushrooms, sliced
1 package Ranch seasoning
1 can water
Put the sliced mushrooms on the bottom of your crockpot. Layer the chops on top. Sprinkle the package of ranch on top. Add the soup. Add 1 can of water. Cook on low for 6 hours. Super easy, super tasty!
Ingredients:
Pork chops
1 can cream of chicken soup
6 mushrooms, sliced
1 package Ranch seasoning
1 can water
Put the sliced mushrooms on the bottom of your crockpot. Layer the chops on top. Sprinkle the package of ranch on top. Add the soup. Add 1 can of water. Cook on low for 6 hours. Super easy, super tasty!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Juicy chop roast
Okay, this meal was an "Uh-oh, I have no chicken stock, beef stock, clear soup, soda, etc." This discovery was AFTER I put my chops and veggies in my crock pot. So I got creative. Haha!
Ingredients:
1 pkg thin pork loin chops
2 russet potatoes
2 small red delicious apples (or whatever apples you have on hand)
Sweet green onions
Carrots
BBQ sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Apple Punch juice (or whatever juice you have on hand)
DO NOT PUT YOUR MEAT IN FIRST! Normally you would, but thin chops stick to the bottom and end up getting tough. My suggestion: put your potatoes in first, then your meat. Add in the rest of your veggies. Dice your apples and add those. I used half a bottle of Brown Sugar BBQ sauce and 1-2 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce. Add in your fruit juice until it's about half-way full. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
This will end up nicely sweet. If you don't want it as sweet, add a spice. Next time, I'm planning on trying a pinch of ginger. Mady ate everything except the carrots (little goofball!), and James finished off all of my tough meat, so it couldn't have been too bad!
Ingredients:
1 pkg thin pork loin chops
2 russet potatoes
2 small red delicious apples (or whatever apples you have on hand)
Sweet green onions
Carrots
BBQ sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Apple Punch juice (or whatever juice you have on hand)
DO NOT PUT YOUR MEAT IN FIRST! Normally you would, but thin chops stick to the bottom and end up getting tough. My suggestion: put your potatoes in first, then your meat. Add in the rest of your veggies. Dice your apples and add those. I used half a bottle of Brown Sugar BBQ sauce and 1-2 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce. Add in your fruit juice until it's about half-way full. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
This will end up nicely sweet. If you don't want it as sweet, add a spice. Next time, I'm planning on trying a pinch of ginger. Mady ate everything except the carrots (little goofball!), and James finished off all of my tough meat, so it couldn't have been too bad!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Zebra Cake
This is my friend Beca's favorite thing that I have ever made. lol. She begs me to make it when she's in town even. Haha!
Ingredients:
White cake mix
Gel food coloring
Mix the cake mix according to directions. Separate it into 2 bowls. Add the gel food coloring of your choice (holds up better in the mix without watering it down too much). Now comes the fun part! Alternate scoops of white and colored batter, layering them into 2 greased cake pans. 9" worked best in my opinion. Keep layering the mixes until you have none left in the bowls. Bake the cakes at 350 for 30 minutes, or until your toothpick comes out clean. Ice the cakes and enjoy! When you cut into them, they will have an awesome zebra pattern!
Ingredients:
White cake mix
Gel food coloring
Mix the cake mix according to directions. Separate it into 2 bowls. Add the gel food coloring of your choice (holds up better in the mix without watering it down too much). Now comes the fun part! Alternate scoops of white and colored batter, layering them into 2 greased cake pans. 9" worked best in my opinion. Keep layering the mixes until you have none left in the bowls. Bake the cakes at 350 for 30 minutes, or until your toothpick comes out clean. Ice the cakes and enjoy! When you cut into them, they will have an awesome zebra pattern!
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