Friday, March 26, 2010

Spring!

So this past week and a half have been wonderful weather wise. We've seen the sun, blue skies and almost 80 degree temperatures. Chris and I decided that our yard needed some attention (well he did and I went along with it) so I worked in the flower beds while he mowed the grass and majorly pruned our Rose of Sharon bush. Not to be left out Ladybug joined us when she woke up from her nap. She helped Chris pull the truck around to load up with branches and then helped pull the branches down to the truck. I think she looks right at home, how about you?















She's still enjoying Goddard and this is what i found when I picked her up the other day:








I had no clue she had that much hair! So I'm off to the Bizarre Bazaar this weekend to find her some stylish new hair accessories. The only downside to this is that I have to do her hair in the mornings.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Menu Plan Monday-Tuesday

I seem to keep running behind posting our menus each week. I actually create the plan on Monday I just can't seem to get posted on Mondays. We still haven't managed to start South Beach and I think the plan might be to eat everything we have in the house before we start. Not sure how long that will take but it should make for some interesting meal plans!

We stayed on track for the most part last week despite two family hospital emergencies. That's right we had family at the hospital not once but twice last week. Everyone is fine now but we were beginning to think that we were being tested.

Now that things have calmed down some (relatively speaking)I should be back to cooking most every night.

Last week's menu didn't make it up because we were only home two nights for me to cook - lots of meals on the go!

Hopefully this week goes smoothly, here we go!

Monday 3/8
Potstickers, Stir fry veggies

Tuesday 3/9
Casserole
Leftovers
Drip Beef Sandwiches, green beans, sweet potato fries

Wednesday 3/10
Casserole
Leftovers
Salmon, Asparagus, butternut squash

Thursday 3/11
Casserole
Leftovers
Fried Chicken, Potatoes, Broccoli

Friday 3/12
Casserole
Leftovers
Deer Burgers, Sweet potato fries

Saturday 3/13
Eggs, sausage
Sandwiches
Grilled pork chops, Mac and cheese, Mixed Veggies

Sunday 3/14
Open for suggestions!

Madelynn helped me make dinner a few weeks ago. I can tell she's going to show me up in the kitchen before I know it.



Sorry the pictures aren't that great - it's hard to shoot a moving target! And why does it look her hair is red?!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

National Help a Pregnant Woman Day


"March 3rd is National Help a Pregnant Woman Day."


So, I have a little challenge for you! Do you know someone who is expecting? Are you expecting?


If you know someone...why not plan an act of kindness for them?


Stop by and fold some laundry.
Drop off baked goods.
Send flowers.
Hand write her a note of love and appreciation
Babysit her other kids for an hour.
Send her a gift card to Starbucks. (for after the baby of course!)


If you are pregnant... just send a link of this post to everyone you know!
Maybe someone will read it and snap up the opportunity to do something for you!
So what do you think? Can we make March 3rd National Help a Pregnant Lady Day? :)


Thanks to www.iammommy.typepad.com for this wonderful idea!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Recipe Time - Shepherd's Pie

Since Chris and I will be starting South Beach next week and our schedule this week is beyond crazy I'm forgoing a menu plan. We will be winging it and trying to eat through all the food in the house that's not 'South Beach Friendly'. This recipe is most certainly not diet friendly but Madelynn LOVED it - three helpings and then all the leftovers another night!

Shepherd's Pie - serves 4 with leftovers unless you're having Madelynn over!
*all measurements are estimations as I don't measure anything

2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 stick butter
1/2 cup milk or half and half
Salt and Pepper to taste

Boil potatoes until soft. Drain, add butter and milk. Mash with masher or fork. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

1 pound ground venison (can use beef, turkey or chicken)
5 cups frozen mixed vegetables
Olive oil - about 1/8 cup (less if you are using beef)
1/8 - 1/4 cup flour
1-2 cups beef broth
Salt, pepper, no salt seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder

Brown venison in oil. (if using beef omit oil and don't drain) Add frozen vegetables and cook until warmed through. Add flour and seasonings. Stir to combine. Add broth and stir until desired thickness.

Pour into greased 9x13 pan (a deep baker would be preferable) top with mashed potatoes. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

Serve immediately although leftovers are better! This can be made ahead of time and either refrigerated or frozen before baking. If you do make ahead it will take about 1 hour to bake.

Let me know how it turns out!