Monday, November 23, 2009

Menu Plan Monday 11/23/09


Last week we took a surprise overnight trip, probably the last one before baby comes, so most of my menu didn't happen. This week I am cooking some meals ahead and freezing for when baby comes, instead of doing all of it in one 3-4 hour session I am just cooking double to freeze half. The first listed is vegetarian, the second is not.
Monday: Chili
Chicken Strips & Gravy
Tuesday: Chili
Pizza
Wednesday: Mexican Casserole
Chicken Cacciatore
Thursday: Thanksgiving
I am making Green bean casserole and a pumpkin roll for dessert
Friday: Mexican Casserole
Chicken Alfredo Sandwiches
Saturday: Baked Ziti
Sunday: Baked Ziti
Chicken Parm Sandwiches
For more Menu Plan Monday, check out orgjunkie

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Baby Freebies

I signed up for the American Baby magazine, its free to expecting moms and new moms. I have started receiving coupons in the mail from them (I know its from them b/c I had a problem with my address). I got a coupon for $20 gift card to Target when you complete a registry. So I went this week to do my registry, on top of getting my gift card I also got a packet from them. It had diaper samples, formula samples, a $20 gift card for shutterfly, and lots of Target coupons for baby stuff. I'm really excited to get to pair these with manufacturers coupons to get some great deals. If you know of anyone who is expecting make sure they register at Target its definitely worth it.

I have also been finding lots of freebies online for diapers and formula. I received coupons in the mail from similac, & luvs so far, it doesn't hurt to sign up for as many companies as you can, you never know what you might get for free.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Menu Plan Monday 11/9/2009


My husband started a diet this week so we are really sticking to eating at home, and sticking to the meal plan. The first listed is vegetarian, the second is not.
Monday: Veggie Sandwich
Chicken Cacciatore
Tuesday: Dinner at church
Roasted Chicken & potato's
Wednesday: Falafel and tabbouleh
Chicken Alfredo Sandwich
Thursday: Falafel and tabbouleh
Grilled Chicken
Friday: Chicken Nuggets and Mac & Cheese
Pita Pizzas
Saturday: Chili
Chicken Parm Sandwiches
Sunday: Thanksgiving Dinner at church
For more Menu Plan Monday check out orgjunkie

I'm Still Here

I know that I have had lots of these types of posts recently and I don't mean to, really, life just gets in the way. I have been dealing with being tired a lot and when I do get bursts of energy I'm trying to get my house clean. Its been a never ending battle to get my house clean and keep it that way. We have gotten the baby's room emptied, now my husband has to get the room painted so we can get it all set up. We still have about 3 months, but my first baby shower is next month and I really want it ready so I can bring stuff home and put it away. I never got to take before pictures of the room like I wanted to, my camera was dead and it took awhile to find the charger. I'm getting really excited and want to be able to cross something off my never ending to do list. I feel like everything is revolving around being pregnant and getting ready for the baby to come. Since this is my first I'm not sure if its normal or not, hopefully it is or my friends and family are going to be really annoyed with me by the time the baby gets here. She is moving a lot and I can see my stomach move now which really weirds me out. I'm not sure how I feel about being pregnant but I know that in 3 months when she gets here, it will all be worth it.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Menu Plan Monday 10/26/09


Having a plan really does help me, at least when I stick to it. This last week some of the things on my menu I did not get to make because we were just too busy, and I forgot some things at the grocery store and never had time to make it back. This week isn't starting out much better but I'm determined its not going to get out of control.
Monday: Dinner out
Tuesday: Chili
Chicken Strips & Gravy
Wednesday: Chili
Hot Dogs
Thursday: Chicken Nuggets, Roasted broccoli
Chicken Strips & Gravy
Friday: Taco Salad
Tacos
Saturday: Baked Potato
Baked potato
Sunday: Dinner at church
For more Menu Plan Monday, head on over to orgjunkie

Monday, October 19, 2009

Menu Plan Monday 10/19/09


This week we are really trying to eat at home a little more than we have been lately. The first listed is vegetarian, the second is not.
Monday: Tuscan Soup
Pizza
Tuesday: Falafel Burgers
Hamburgers
Wednesday: Taco Salad
Nachos
Thursday: Falafel Burgers
Chicken & Gravy
Friday: Chili
Hot Dog Chili
Saturday: Potato Soup
Pizza
Sunday: Chili
Chicken & Gravy
For more Menu Plan Monday, check out orgjunkie

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Tips for a split vegetarian household


I am a vegetarian and I have been for 13 years. When my husband and I started dating I didn't know how to cook meat of any kind, I still don't like touching raw meat, but I have learned how to cook for him so he doesn't starve. For me, making two separate meals is normal, while I was on bedrest my husband told me he didn't know how I did it every day. That was the best compliment I could've gotten from him, just for him to recognize what I do daily. I have been asked if I have any tips to make it easier, so these are my tips:
1. Plan similar meals if possible. For instance I will make Spinach Stuffed Shells one will include pepperoni for my husband the other will not for me. That is the only difference between them so it makes it easier. Another is spaghetti, I make meatballs for him, and plain for me.
2. Make meatless meals that we both enjoy. There are different pasta dishes that we both like so then I only have to cook once on those nights. Toasted ravioli is one that we both like.
3. Baked potato bar, Pizza Bar, or Taco Bar. Prepare everything and put it out and we both make our own. This is fun to do sometimes

4. Make dishes that both need the oven on the same temp so you run it less, or dishes that both use the grill. I love grilled vegetables and I can also grill chicken or hamburgers along with it for him. Lots of meat is cooked in the oven at 400 or 450 and I can make a casserole and put it in along with it, then they are ready at the same time.

5. Do as much prep ahead when get home with groceries or when you have time on weekends. I try to make extra dishes that freeze well and put food into the freezer, then I just pull it out and put it in the oven while I make something for the other person, then it doesn't feel like I'm cooking as much on those nights because I only have to make one meal.

I hope this will help others who are in the a similar situation, I know when we first got married it took a long time for me to figure this out, and lots of things were burned as a result.

Should you compromise?

My siblings are all living in the world, most of them claim to be saved but nothing distinguishes them from everyone else. I believe that Christians should be set apart from the world.

Recently when we have family get togethers if I go I feel very outcasted, a lot of times I don't even get invited anymore or my mom tells me the day of. I know that I don't fit in with them any longer. My husband does not like to go with me because he doesn't like or respect them.

When I do go there are lots of things going on around me that I disagree with and I feel that by being there I am accepting that behavior even if they all know how I feel. I am the youngest of six, and all of them are much older than me. I don't think they see me as an adult yet. If I don't go then my mom will give me a guilt trip for not, she doesn't understand how uncomfortable it is for me.

What do you think, Is it ok to be around people who are engaging in behavior that you do not agree with just because they are family?

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Homeland Deals 10/14/09-10/20/09


Click here to see the Homeland Ad

  • Red Seedless Grapes $2.59 2lb
  • Yoplait Yogurt 10/$5 9-13 GM $.40/6 $2.20
  • Kraft Cheese $1.99
  • Post Honey Bunches of Oats $2.50
  • Hiland Orange Juice 1 gal $2.99
  • Post Grape Nuts $3.00
  • Propel 24 oz $.99
  • Betty Crocker Warm Delights $1.50 10-04 GM $.50/1 $.50
  • Old Spice Deodorant $1.69 9-27 PG $1.00/2 $1.38/2
  • Halls Cough Drops $1.00 9-27 S $.35/1 $.30
  • Dr Pepper 2 Liter $.99
  • Taco Bell Refried Beans $1.00
  • General Mills Cereal $2.50 9-27 S $1.00/2 $.50
  • Spaghettios $1.00
  • Ronzoni Pasta $1.25 $1.00/2 Printable $.50/2
  • Fun Size Halloween Candy $2.50 10-11 RP $1.00/2 $3.00
  • Pomegranates $2.29
  • Green Onion Bunch $.38
  • Fast Fixin Value Bags $5.99
  • Field Pecan Pie $4.99
  • Shawnee Mills Pouch Mixes $.50
  • Shawnee Mills Muffin, Brownie, or Gravy 5/$3
  • Griffins Syrup $2.00
  • Griffins Mustard $.99

I'm part of the Grocery Gathering!

Buy for Less Deals 10/13/09-10/19/09

Click here to see the Buy for Less ad

  • Hot House Tomatoes $.66 lb
  • Fresh Split Chicken Breast $1.00 lb
  • Bunch Broccoli $1.00
  • Jacks Pizza 12 in original $2.00
  • Keebler Chips Deluxe $1.66
  • Apples 3 lb bag $1.11
  • Milk 1 Gallon $2.22
  • Griffins Mustard $.88
  • Best Choice Veg oil $2.48
  • General foods international coffee $2.48 10-04 S $.75/1 $1.73
  • Cucumbers $.49
  • Spaghetti, Butternut, or Acorn Squash $.59 lb
  • Cello Carrots 1 lb bag $.59
  • Zucchini or Yellow Squash $.69 lb
  • Bartlett Pears $.89 lb
  • Gillette Mach 3 Disposable 3 ct $6.99 10-04 RP $2.00 $4.99
  • VIP Mix Veg or Corn $.99
  • Hiland Ice Cream $2.22
  • Kraft Cheese Singles $1.48
  • Hiland Cottage Cheese $1.99
  • Pillsbury Ready to Bake Cookies $2.48 10-04 GM $1.00/2 $2.96

I'm part of the Grocery Gathering!