Sunday, October 31, 2010

Meal Plan Monday


I have not been good at meal planning the last couple of weeks. It has been busy and we have had our share of sickies. I am planning on going grocery shopping tomorrow, so I need to work on that soon. So much to do, so little time. I will come up with a plan by tomorrow. I think I am ready for a vacation!

Friday, October 29, 2010

The 30-Day Giving Challenge


30-Day Giving Challenge
Ten bloggers have teamed up for this year's challenge. Join us! If you have a heart for giving, we invite you to join us from November 1 – 30, 2010 as we take giving to new heights, combining the efforts of thousands of people. We’ll be working together to bless our friends, family, neighbors, and complete strangers by making a conscious effort to give each day of November. And we’ll do it all for God’s glory.

Go HERE for more information.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Have you started Christmas shopping?


I started Christmas shopping the beginning of October. Our goal this year is to pay for all Christmas gifts with cash. I have been looking at deals online and just sent off for my parents Christmas gift from Picaboo. I made them a photo book from Picaboo where I only had to pay shipping (saved $30.00). Right now is the time to look for deals from Shutterfly, Snapfish and Picaboo.

Also look for coupons, I received $10.00 off Beauty and The Beast and Tinkerbell for little missie. I pre-ordered Tinkerbell and received a $10 gift card at Toys R Us and when I bought Beauty and The Beast, I received a free pumpkin, Cinderella water bottle and popcorn at Vons. These are the type of deals to look for.

I am also cashing out my Swagbucks($35.00 into Paypal), Mypoints (gift card to Panera) and Myview (cant' tell, it's for hubby) for Christmas gifts. I also participate in Pinecone research surveys and receive money into my Paypal account when I complete surveys. Let me know if you want more information on any of these. Happy shopping!

If you want more information on how to save for Christmas or buy Christmas gift with cash (no credit cards) take a look at her article HERE.

Monday, October 18, 2010

I actually made dinner!

Butternut squash and chickpea fritters

Pork chops, fritters and green beans


You know how much I like butternut squash and they are finally popping up at Farmer's Market. I came across the recipe in Sunset and added one ingredient to it.

Butternut squash and chickpea fritters Recipe:

8 oz butternut squash
1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
1 tsp fresh chopped sage
2 pieces of whole wheat bread
1 egg
2 tbsp flour
3 pieces bacon (the ingredient I added)
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 tsp red chili flakes

1. In a food processor pulse the bread until you make bread crumbs. It is optional to roast the squash, or you can use the pre-cubed squash from the store and put it in the microwave until it is tender. I prefer roasting the squash since it adds more flavor. Cook 3 pieces of bacon and crumble once cooled. Add the squash, chickpeas, egg, flour, sage, bacon and seasonings and mix together until combined.
2. Heat a couple tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or use the bacon grease to cook the fritters in until they are golden brown and cooked all the way through.

Pork Chop Recipe:

This was the best pork chops I have had in a long time and it was so simple.

Pork chops
1 tbsp grape seed or olive oil
4 cloves of garlic minced
salt and pepper
1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
2 tbsp soy sauce

1. Salt and pepper the pork chops on both sides and put in a Ziploc bag. Add the garlic, oil, soy sauce and thyme. Combine and put in the frig to marinate.
2. A couple hours before dinner I marinated the pork chops and grilled them on the grill until they reached 160 degrees and let them sit until it reached temp. of 165 degrees.

That is it and they were savory and juicy!

My favorite green beans:

Fresh Green beans
1/2 yellow onion
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

1. Soften green beans in the microwave or boil for a couple of minutes until softened a bit, but still have a snap to them.
2. On medium heat add sliced onions to the saute pan with 2 tbsp of olive oil and cook until caramelized adding the soy sauce half way through.
3. Add the green beans once the onions are cooked and add the minced garlic, salt, pepper and chili flakes and cook until desired doneness.
4. Taste and season with more salt or pepper.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Meal Plan Monday


I have not been feeling that great lately. I think whatever virus I had has now trying to infect my body so I have not done much cooking lately. I meant to make the pork chops tonight that I never got around to from last week, but that is not going to happen again. I only cooked once last week and we went to my in-laws for dinner and ate canned soup. Hopefully I can kick this bug and get back into the cooking mood again.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Meal Plan Saturday



Sunday- Gilroy Gardens
We are going to eat at Chili's since we have a $20 G.C. and 2 free kids meal coupons.

Monday- Breakfast included with our hotel stay
Sandwiches since we will not get home until later that afternoon.

Tuesday- Chicken Marsala

Wednesday- BBQ chicken sandwiches and fruit

Thursday- Pork chops, squash and chickpea fritters and salad

Friday- Out to dinner

Do you meal plan?

Not Planning Ahead
It's Tuesday, you're tired, and have no idea what you'll make for dinner. A great night for takeout, right? Using data from the BLS, it's estimated that the average family of four spends over $4,000 on eating out -- a very expensive habit that will make you broke in a hurry.