I can't remember the last time I was on the treadmill. I got it two years ago. For the first year I had it I used it a lot and it helped me lose 45 lbs. I was feeling GREAT!! Then BAM! I got pregnant last Christmas and took a long break from working out. Over a year since its been used. There its been right in my room. Collecting dust. I told myself I would use it pregnant. I never did. I told myself I would start right after the baby was born, never did. Now, 3 months later, I FINALLY plugged it in.
I have a long journey to complete and starting near the holidays isn't always the easiest thing to do, but my philosophy is better to start now and lose vs. gain more and have a bigger mountain to climb. From now until December 23rd, I will be on "a diet." Then I will allow myself a little bit of splurging, and then get right back on it again.
Where am I now? Well I currently weigh 5 lbs more than I weighed right after I had Jocelyn. So, I am heading in the wrong direction. That is only 15 lbs away from the most I have ever weighed. (A number I am keeping a secret until I feel comfortable to reveal.) I have done it before and I can do it again. I have never done this journey with a newborn, and never tried to lose weight while still nursing a baby, but those are obstacles I believe I can accomplish one way or another.
Why am I telling you? Well, I feel that if I am open and honest with my journey that maybe someone(s) will join me on it too. Also, by making a commitment to a group of people who are in and around all parts of my life I have to be real. I can't go ahead and post this blog about my weight loss, and then go into work tomorrow with a double-patty with extra cheese, a strawberry shake and large fries.
What's my commitment to myself? I will eat approximately 1700 per day, and work out for at least 30 minutes 3 times per week. I talked with Danny and he is going to help me stick to my commitment.
How am I doing this? I added an app to my phone (btw - I hate the word app. Is it really that hard to say APPLICATION?) to help me track my calories and track my workouts, weight loss, etc. This week my goal is to control my breakfast and lunch, and make it to the 3 workouts. Dinner is usually a little harder for me to figure out calories unless I put a lot of work into it. So, I am saving that for my accomplishment for next week or the week after.
What am I most worried about? Lots. I am worried about not sticking to it. Getting down on myself about food choices I make. Not working out because "I don't have time." Being tired. If you haven't noticed I love food. I just need to remind myself that there are alternatives for everything. Instead of indulging in a banana split with all the toppings, get a small serving of a smarter choice. Instead of a spaghetti dinner with garlic bread, lots of cheese, etc. I will choose whole wheat pasta and add more veggies instead of cheeses.
Well...I did 30 minutes on the treadmill tonight. I think I went about 1.5 miles in that time. 1/2 way through I hit the safety magnet and reset the darn clock. I usually do that when I am jogging, and it really ticks me off!!!!! I will take 1 day of rest and then try to workout again on Wednesday. I may even try to get in the gym at work and do some weights tomorrow. I think that really helped me last time. So here we go. Let the journey begin!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
FLYing through...Day 3.
So yesterday I got tons and tons of stuff done. I read on FLYlady that you aren't supposed to do too much because you will get burnt out. I am going to try to focus on my routines and keep a shiny sink. Its shiny RIGHT now!! YAY.
I just tried to take a picture of my shiny sink, but for some reason the camera didn't like how shiny it was. The flash was messing up, and after about 5 minutes I gave up. I will figure it out and post a shiny sink pic.
I am late in starting my morning routine. I am dressed, but haven't put on my make-up. I need to make the bed and "swish and swipe." It shouldn't take me long. The baby was up a lot last night, so I have a morning routine that has turned into an afternoon routine, but I will get it done.
Its so comforting having a plan in place to tackle things at a controllable pace. Instead of looking at the mountain of things that need to be done. I just put the baby down for a nap. In her REAL crib. First time in the big crib. When she was still in that awake, but sleepy state I turned on her little music thingy and she seems to be asleep. I don't want to crack the door to peek, just in case she isn't.
Yesterday: I did some laundry. I swept and mopped the kitchen. Shined the sink, of course. I did some general pickup around the house. I cleaned toilets and bathroom counter tops.
If you are following FLYlady this week is Zone 3. Bathrooms and 1 other room. My 1 other room is going to be Maia's room. We need to donate some stuff out of her closet. That will make it so much neater in there. I mean really how many blankets and pillows does 1 kid need?? And clothes? I know there is some stuff in there that she has outgrown. Time to purge!
In the bathrooms today I am going to focus on the drawers and get rid of old stuff that has been hanging around.
Last night, I created my "Control Journal" and I am working through the things for Wednesday. These things are: Weekly Home Blessing (vacuuming, dusting, cleaning mirrors, emptying the trash and wash sheets.
A little more about the control journal: This is RIGHT up my alley. I love a list, and this list encompasses SO many things. I also have my Menu Plan in this same 3-ring binder. I think I will also put our calendar in this book. Then everything I need is RIGHT there. This is like my "perfect" plan.
www.flylady.net - If you want to find more about the plan that I am following to balance cleaning, menu planning and life please visit this site.
I know that I am only one person, and I can't do it all. But if I make lofty goals to try to get it done, and do this with organization I will be better than I was before. Well, time to swish and swipe and put on a little make-up. ;)
I just tried to take a picture of my shiny sink, but for some reason the camera didn't like how shiny it was. The flash was messing up, and after about 5 minutes I gave up. I will figure it out and post a shiny sink pic.
I am late in starting my morning routine. I am dressed, but haven't put on my make-up. I need to make the bed and "swish and swipe." It shouldn't take me long. The baby was up a lot last night, so I have a morning routine that has turned into an afternoon routine, but I will get it done.
Its so comforting having a plan in place to tackle things at a controllable pace. Instead of looking at the mountain of things that need to be done. I just put the baby down for a nap. In her REAL crib. First time in the big crib. When she was still in that awake, but sleepy state I turned on her little music thingy and she seems to be asleep. I don't want to crack the door to peek, just in case she isn't.
Yesterday: I did some laundry. I swept and mopped the kitchen. Shined the sink, of course. I did some general pickup around the house. I cleaned toilets and bathroom counter tops.
If you are following FLYlady this week is Zone 3. Bathrooms and 1 other room. My 1 other room is going to be Maia's room. We need to donate some stuff out of her closet. That will make it so much neater in there. I mean really how many blankets and pillows does 1 kid need?? And clothes? I know there is some stuff in there that she has outgrown. Time to purge!
In the bathrooms today I am going to focus on the drawers and get rid of old stuff that has been hanging around.
Last night, I created my "Control Journal" and I am working through the things for Wednesday. These things are: Weekly Home Blessing (vacuuming, dusting, cleaning mirrors, emptying the trash and wash sheets.
A little more about the control journal: This is RIGHT up my alley. I love a list, and this list encompasses SO many things. I also have my Menu Plan in this same 3-ring binder. I think I will also put our calendar in this book. Then everything I need is RIGHT there. This is like my "perfect" plan.
www.flylady.net - If you want to find more about the plan that I am following to balance cleaning, menu planning and life please visit this site.
I know that I am only one person, and I can't do it all. But if I make lofty goals to try to get it done, and do this with organization I will be better than I was before. Well, time to swish and swipe and put on a little make-up. ;)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Newest, latest and greatest "project"
Starting something new again.
I have decided to take a stab at keeping the house clean and organized. I don't do a "bad" job necessarily, but I know I can do better (as I stare at my closets that need to be cleaned, and dusting that hasn't been done in ages). I am taking some advice from "FlyLady," http://www.flylady.net/. Which I found via a Facebook link from Jill...thanks Jill!! So it appears I am a FlyBaby. I have just read a little bit of the website. I am just taking some tips and suggestions from it and tweaking it to fit the ever-changing lifestyle of Lisa.
The gist: plan a cleaning schedule, stick to it, and don't try to do it all in one day. Seems like there is a daily task to accomplish to organize your house and eliminate chaos.
Day 1 (Sept 14, for me) - Shine your sink!! I can do that. Seems like an easy day 1, and I just shined my sink YESTERDAY....so I could be ahead of the game, but I will "play nice" and shine my sink tomorrow.
I cheated and looked ahead to Day 2, and that is just to make sure you get ready in the morning, which I do anyway. So I cheated again, and read Day 3. This seems to be when it starts. I am about to log in and find out the rest of it, and I will keep you posted. If you decided to join me on this journey, keep me posted on how you are doing.
Update on Food Plan (previous project): This was the best idea ever!! Jocelyn is 19 days old, and I still have frozen meals left. With generous friends that also gave us some meals, we ate for days and days and I have barely had to cook a thing. It has been wonderful and relaxing not to think about food, but at the same time I miss it too. My freezer still has meals in there, but I am now mixing in a few of my own cooked meals with the already prepared meals, but being able to warm something up on a whim is GREAT vs. trying to plan and prepare something when I feel like I don't have much time.
Heath and Fitness: Prior to being pregnant I had worked hard to lose about 43 lbs. I put on 34 pounds over the last 9 mos, and I want to get back to being fit and healthy. I am not exactly sure how to do this while maintaining the calories I need for breastfeeding, but I joined a site today http://www.babyfit.com/. Its a place to track calories and a workout routine with cardio and strength training. While I haven't been given the "green light" from the doctor yet, I am going to start tracking my food, water and vitamins, and work in some light strength training and cardio. Its free, and is a great way to put down what you have eaten. This is by the same creators of SparkPeople, but is specifically geared towards pregnant/breastfeeding women. Since having the baby I have lost 16 lbs. Which of course is mostly the baby and her previous "room" she housed, but its a start. I do feel extra round at the moment, but I know that will change as soon as I start actually working on it.
In a perfect world I see this in my future: A mother of 2 (done), married to a great man (done), trying to find a balance between work and family while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a clean house, and the crazy schedule of a newborn and a busy 6 year old with many school activities.............
The more I think about all of it.......the more I worry that I can't do it. I am going to try to take it day-to-day and not stress about it. Who REALLY cares if there is laundry in the laundry room and a floor that hasn't been swept? In the end, I will not be judged by how clean my house is, or how organized my food plan is, but to me its important. I want to set and example for my daughters that it can be done if you want it bad enough. I want them to know that if you make a plan, and do everything you can to stick to it you can accomplish anything you want.
So, back to Day 1: I will shine the sink! I also will feed the baby every 3 hours, find Maia's cheer clothes, do some laundry, and some generla pick-up/cleaning of the house. Maia's school lunch is already packed, and her clothes are ready for school tomorrow. The baby is due to eat in an hour, she is happily sleeping. Then I will hope that she sleeps well tonight so I can maintain this mental momentum to start tomorrow off with a BANG!!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Altering the plan a tad...
I believe earlier in my posts I wanted to be "done" with the plan by the end of the month. Well, I got a little side tracked(family visiting, Maia was sick, birthday parties), but...I am ready to hit the ground running to finish up in my original time plan. Its July 21st, so I have 10 days to finish up. I only have 4 meals left to make. No big deal. At least, that's what I am telling myself.
I have completed the lasagna, chili, spaghetti bake, and the chicken and bean enchiladas. That leaves me with Beef Stew, Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Mexican Casserole and Pulled Pork with BBQ sauce.
I have a good start on the proteins for the meals. I have beef, pork, and chicken for the Mexican casserole already. So, I just need to get a chicken for the chicken noodle soup. I will just add that to the meals for next week, and POOF... RIGHT back on track.
I keep telling myself reasons why I haven't "kept up" with the plan, but really...those reasons don't matter, and I am going to wish them away. They are negative excuses that are weighing me down. I still have plenty of time. When you look at the "big picture" one could say I am ahead of the game, since, so far, many of my meals have made more portions than I expected.
That reminds me, I need to pick up some more disposable Glad OvenWare. I ran out. I am about to make my meal plan for next week. We have some leftovers from some family gatherings, we will just eat those this week, so they don't go to waste. I will be creative and think of a way to re purpose them. I am getting a little tired of sandwiches...my pantry is filled with odds and ends. If I come up with anything good, I will blog about it.
Monday 7/26: Beef Tacos
Tuesday 7/27: Grilled chicken with side of fresh fruit
Wednesday 7/28: Hot Ham and Cheese Subs (new must-have pregnancy thing)
Thursday 7/29: Pork Chops with Apple Bourbon Glaze (getting a little fancy), with Rice.
Friday 7/30: Lemon Pepper Scallops with Rice Pilaf and side salad
Wow, I am excited about my menu already! I want those scallops now. HA! Well I have included a shot of my grocery list, and what it looks like. Please ignore the handwriting...
Now I will work on cooking tomorrow and/or Friday night, at least 1 meal on the list, while we eat leftovers. Guess I should pull out the pork and the beef to defrost. Then this weekend I will try to tackle two or three more, then I will be pretty much done. Then its time for the baby shower, and preparing for this tiny little bundle of joy. I am a very lucky woman. I have a wonderful husband and a fantastic daughter. They both really appreciate me, and I them. I have a supportive family, and learn something each and every day. My family is extensive - Aunts. Uncles, cousins. Some I talk to very often. I truly appreciate them and everything they taught me about love and life, the good the bad, and the ugly. My mother is very good to me, and to Maia. I know she is super excited about her 8th grand baby that is due sometime next month. Thanks to everyone, I love how you have impacted my life.
Wow...guess that was some pregnancy mushy gushyness...but...its all true! :)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Mmmmmm lasagna!
I made the lasagna and it turned out perfect! Here is the recipe I used, slightly adapted from my Mom's recipe. Which I will say is my favorite. I am getting better!!!
Ingredients:
1 package of hot sausage links (6 links total).
1 lbs ground beef
1 large package on baby Portobello sliced
2 cans of tomato sauce - my favorite is the Garlic & Herb by Hunts, the one way down at the bottom and usually the cheapest.
1 package of lasagna noodles (not cooked)
1 large container of cottage cheese
1 C Parmesan cheese
1 C shredded mozzarella
2 eggs
I made a "red sauce" with the meat and mushrooms, and a "white sauce" with the cheeses and eggs. Here is what I did exactly.
Red sauce:
1 C of water into large skillet. Add sausages. Cook 5 min on one side, 5 min on the other side while covered on medium-high heat. Then remove the cover, and toss most of the liquid. Cook another ten minutes total, turning 1/2 way until both sides are browned. Then remove from pan, leave the delicious goodness on the bottom of the pan. Add the ground beef. Add oregano, salt and pepper (to taste). Slice the sausages. When brown, add mushrooms, and cover again. Leave covered until mushrooms are done, add back in the sliced sausages. Then I let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to cook-off some of the liquid. Add 1 can of tomato sauce.
White sauce:
Mix 3 cheeses and 2 eggs. Add oregano and pepper. I didn't add any salt here since there were so many cheeses. This should be a pretty thick sauce.
Layering in 13x9 pan:
I put 3 large scoops of white sauce on the bottom. Maybe 1 cup total (it didn't cover the bottom completely). Then added uncooked noodles lengthwise. 3 long ways and 1 to finish off the end. Next I added a 1/2 of the red sauce, topped with 1 cup of white sauce. Add more noodles in the opposite direction. Add the second 1/2 of the meat sauce, and the last of the cheese. Top with noodles in the same directions as the first layer. Shake on more Parmesan cheese, then add 1 full can of tomato sauce to the very top. Shake down the sauce so its fully covered all over. Top with mozzarella. Cover with foil. Cook covered in foil for 1 hour. Then cook uncovered for 25 min or so. Until the top is golden and a little crunchy. Let sit for AT LEAST 30 min before you cut it.
Voila! The lasagna smelled SOOOOO good cooking, I couldn't resist cutting myself a slice. This was a good 3 hours from start to finish...(and the kitchen isn't clean yet). I can think of a million ways to change this up. Using spinach in the white sauce, using chicken instead of beef, etc. I am sure with the right selections, you could make a healthier version with fat free cheeses, more veggies, etc. If you don't like sausages or mushrooms, omit those, add your favorite veggies. You can use ricotta in the white sauce if that's what you have or like. I prefer the cottage cheese. I like the texture and the moisture it adds. I might to to make another one with more veggies. I love zucchini in tomato sauce, so maybe I will make up something to do with zucchini....but I am getting ahead of myself. I have a plan, and I am doing our best to stick to it.
Danny ended up eating a late lunch today, so I didn't make the Chicken Mexican casserole, but I will make it tomorrow. No reason I can't "rearrange." I have to learn to be flexible.
Well those dishes aren't going to wash themselves....
Ingredients:
1 package of hot sausage links (6 links total).
1 lbs ground beef
1 large package on baby Portobello sliced
2 cans of tomato sauce - my favorite is the Garlic & Herb by Hunts, the one way down at the bottom and usually the cheapest.
1 package of lasagna noodles (not cooked)
1 large container of cottage cheese
1 C Parmesan cheese
1 C shredded mozzarella
2 eggs
I made a "red sauce" with the meat and mushrooms, and a "white sauce" with the cheeses and eggs. Here is what I did exactly.
Red sauce:
1 C of water into large skillet. Add sausages. Cook 5 min on one side, 5 min on the other side while covered on medium-high heat. Then remove the cover, and toss most of the liquid. Cook another ten minutes total, turning 1/2 way until both sides are browned. Then remove from pan, leave the delicious goodness on the bottom of the pan. Add the ground beef. Add oregano, salt and pepper (to taste). Slice the sausages. When brown, add mushrooms, and cover again. Leave covered until mushrooms are done, add back in the sliced sausages. Then I let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to cook-off some of the liquid. Add 1 can of tomato sauce.
White sauce:
Mix 3 cheeses and 2 eggs. Add oregano and pepper. I didn't add any salt here since there were so many cheeses. This should be a pretty thick sauce.
Layering in 13x9 pan:
I put 3 large scoops of white sauce on the bottom. Maybe 1 cup total (it didn't cover the bottom completely). Then added uncooked noodles lengthwise. 3 long ways and 1 to finish off the end. Next I added a 1/2 of the red sauce, topped with 1 cup of white sauce. Add more noodles in the opposite direction. Add the second 1/2 of the meat sauce, and the last of the cheese. Top with noodles in the same directions as the first layer. Shake on more Parmesan cheese, then add 1 full can of tomato sauce to the very top. Shake down the sauce so its fully covered all over. Top with mozzarella. Cover with foil. Cook covered in foil for 1 hour. Then cook uncovered for 25 min or so. Until the top is golden and a little crunchy. Let sit for AT LEAST 30 min before you cut it.
Voila! The lasagna smelled SOOOOO good cooking, I couldn't resist cutting myself a slice. This was a good 3 hours from start to finish...(and the kitchen isn't clean yet). I can think of a million ways to change this up. Using spinach in the white sauce, using chicken instead of beef, etc. I am sure with the right selections, you could make a healthier version with fat free cheeses, more veggies, etc. If you don't like sausages or mushrooms, omit those, add your favorite veggies. You can use ricotta in the white sauce if that's what you have or like. I prefer the cottage cheese. I like the texture and the moisture it adds. I might to to make another one with more veggies. I love zucchini in tomato sauce, so maybe I will make up something to do with zucchini....but I am getting ahead of myself. I have a plan, and I am doing our best to stick to it.
Danny ended up eating a late lunch today, so I didn't make the Chicken Mexican casserole, but I will make it tomorrow. No reason I can't "rearrange." I have to learn to be flexible.
Well those dishes aren't going to wash themselves....
Monday, July 5, 2010
Making progress...
Well so far, things have worked out better than I thought. I made spaghetti on Saturday night, and ended up with MORE than enough. Danny and I ate dinner that night, and I made so much I was able to freeze 3 baked spaghetti pans. (Pasta noodles with meat sauce topped with more sauce and cheese.) Today, I made chili. Same thing happened. I over estimated what I needed. We had chili and cornbread for dinner, and then I was able to freeze two small portions, plus I froze some extra cornbread muffins. I am pleased with the plan of two meals that turned into 5 meals. Then, while we were eating dinner tonight I poached some chicken for chicken and bean enchiladas and to also use in my chicken mexican casserole tomorrow(see recipe below).
Now I am up to 7 meals in the freezer. Two pans of chicken and bean enchiladas all done and in the freezer. I have labeled them all with a temp to cook them at and for approximately how long. Then Danny can easily help too. Surely he can handle turning the oven on and popping a meal in.
For this upcoming week I have shopped and planned for this weeks meals. Plus adding two freezer meals. Here's the menu:
Tuesday - Chicken Mexican Casserole - 3 pieces of cooked chicken breasts(chopped), 1 can rotel, 1 can cream of mushroom, 1 can cream of chicken, 2 C cooked rice, 1/2 bag of tortilla chips, and shredded cheese- 13x9 pan. Mix rotel, cream of chicken and cream of mushroom (1 whole can of rotel makes it a little too spicy for Maia, so I usually use 1/2 can or less.) Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix in cooked chicken, top with cooked rice, crumble chips and make this the next layer. Top with shredded cheese. Bake at 350 until cheese is melty and delicious. Super easy casserole.
Wednesday - Pork Loin with Fried potatoes and broccoli - Grill pork loin, let rest. Potatoes- peeled and chopped, add a little margerine to the pan, add mrs. dash or seasoned salt. Cook covered until soft. Steam broccoli.
Thursday - Kielbasa with mac and cheese, side of corn - Grill kielbasa (aka polish sausage).
Friday night - Freebie/Leftovers - I am headed out to dinner and a movie with a friend, so Danny can fend for himself. Maia will probably go to my Mom's.
While at the grocery store I bought stuff to make the lasagna and to make beef stew (freezer meals). I think I am going to make a full size lasagna. Leftover lasagna is great, so I think that will work out best. My Mom has the best lasagna, but I am going to keep trying. I follow her recipe, and it still doesn't work out right. Eventually I will get it right. I plan to make that tomorrow while throwing together the quick casserole.
I only spent $98 at the grocery store this week. Danny said "you can't do all of that for less than $100" and I did. I think he secretly challenged me so I wouldn't overspend, but I got everything on my list plus a few extras.
I have this secret fear that all this hard work will somehow not work out. I told Danny tonight that with our luck in planning the fridge will probably quit working or we will lost power for days. But really, that's just my brain trying to prepare me for the worst. IF something happens, I can easily take food over to my Mom's fridge/freezer, etc. and we wouldn't lose anything.
Oh and on a side note: Totally bummer there were no coupons in the paper this weekend. I was ready to cut and shop...but alas, there is always next week. I even tried to print some, but the printer is not working right either...brand new ink, and it is barely visible when you print. So, I gave up on the coupons this week. Now I need to start planning on meals for next week.
I will have to find time to make the beef stew, but if I can squeeze it in this week, I will do it this weekend.
What are your favorite recipes that you make? Something family friendly.
Now I am up to 7 meals in the freezer. Two pans of chicken and bean enchiladas all done and in the freezer. I have labeled them all with a temp to cook them at and for approximately how long. Then Danny can easily help too. Surely he can handle turning the oven on and popping a meal in.
For this upcoming week I have shopped and planned for this weeks meals. Plus adding two freezer meals. Here's the menu:
Tuesday - Chicken Mexican Casserole - 3 pieces of cooked chicken breasts(chopped), 1 can rotel, 1 can cream of mushroom, 1 can cream of chicken, 2 C cooked rice, 1/2 bag of tortilla chips, and shredded cheese- 13x9 pan. Mix rotel, cream of chicken and cream of mushroom (1 whole can of rotel makes it a little too spicy for Maia, so I usually use 1/2 can or less.) Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix in cooked chicken, top with cooked rice, crumble chips and make this the next layer. Top with shredded cheese. Bake at 350 until cheese is melty and delicious. Super easy casserole.
Wednesday - Pork Loin with Fried potatoes and broccoli - Grill pork loin, let rest. Potatoes- peeled and chopped, add a little margerine to the pan, add mrs. dash or seasoned salt. Cook covered until soft. Steam broccoli.
Thursday - Kielbasa with mac and cheese, side of corn - Grill kielbasa (aka polish sausage).
Friday night - Freebie/Leftovers - I am headed out to dinner and a movie with a friend, so Danny can fend for himself. Maia will probably go to my Mom's.
While at the grocery store I bought stuff to make the lasagna and to make beef stew (freezer meals). I think I am going to make a full size lasagna. Leftover lasagna is great, so I think that will work out best. My Mom has the best lasagna, but I am going to keep trying. I follow her recipe, and it still doesn't work out right. Eventually I will get it right. I plan to make that tomorrow while throwing together the quick casserole.
I only spent $98 at the grocery store this week. Danny said "you can't do all of that for less than $100" and I did. I think he secretly challenged me so I wouldn't overspend, but I got everything on my list plus a few extras.
I have this secret fear that all this hard work will somehow not work out. I told Danny tonight that with our luck in planning the fridge will probably quit working or we will lost power for days. But really, that's just my brain trying to prepare me for the worst. IF something happens, I can easily take food over to my Mom's fridge/freezer, etc. and we wouldn't lose anything.
Oh and on a side note: Totally bummer there were no coupons in the paper this weekend. I was ready to cut and shop...but alas, there is always next week. I even tried to print some, but the printer is not working right either...brand new ink, and it is barely visible when you print. So, I gave up on the coupons this week. Now I need to start planning on meals for next week.
I will have to find time to make the beef stew, but if I can squeeze it in this week, I will do it this weekend.
What are your favorite recipes that you make? Something family friendly.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Step 2...
I cleaned out the freezer, there was a lot of stuff in there just taking up space. I am much happier with how it looks now. Instead of digging around and being irritated at what's in there I can actually find stuff, and there is plenty of space for the frozen meals. I froze some fresh berries that are in season and on sale, so when the fall comes we'll have some that we can use. Smoothies seem to be Maia's new favorite thing. She is using the Magic Bullet almost all by herself. We used the Yoplait smoothie mixes from the freezer section, but they were just "fun." I think from now on I will freeze some of my own yogurt cubes and use the fresh fruit we already have frozen.
I have rearranged the pantry, but it still needs work. The pantry will just be the way it is for a while. Nothing that impacts "my plan." I will tackle that once I get throught he freezer meals.
On to STEP 2 - I have gone to the grocery store and bought my supplies for dinner and some lunches to take me through to Monday night. I doubled the spaghetti and the chili. So when I cook that on Sunday and Monday, I can just freeze the leftovers.
Here is my weekly plan...
Thurs. - We were supposed to have Bratwurst with potatoes tonight, but Danny decided he needed to run some errands and we went out to eat afterwards. I just put the Brats in the freezer so I can pull them out next week or the week after.
Fri- MIL's birthday - We are headed out to eat again, so I didn't buy anything for Friday night.
Saturday - Lunch - Pepperoni Rolls with a side of Fresh Pineapple
Dinner - Tacos - Hard and Soft with tomatoes and lettuce, and refried beans
Sunday - Lunch - Sandwiches and Fruit
Dinner - Spaghetti with Garlic Bread (Doubled for #1 freezer meal post-preg)
Monday - Lunch - Cheeseburgers
Dinner - Chili with Cornbread (Doubled for #2 freezer meal post-preg)
While shopping for groceries I bought 6 freezer containers that will go from the freezer to the oven, and are disposable, but can be reused if they hold up. Gladware - 3-pk for $6. I probably could have got a better buy at Wal-mart, and not Homeland, but I was using coupons, and Homeland still doubles. Yay!! I didn't want to have to run to another store just for a small savings. Overall I spent $139, but that included lots of fruit for snacks, plus cereal, milk, bread, and the $12 for the freezer containers. It was higher than what I normally spend for less than a week of groceries, but I am pretty sure I overbought on hamburger, so it will all work out in the end. When I buy ground beef I buy the biggest pack at the best price, and freeze in smaller portions. Since I was doing hamburgers, chili (doubled) and spaghetti (double) I bought two big packs. In hindsight, I have enough for a lot more than that.
I am a bit bored with my meal plan for this upcoming long weekend, but I will post some pictures and recipes when I make them. I feel pretty good about the start I have towards the freezer meals for when the baby comes. I also have my meal plan for next week all laid out and ready to shop for. I will hunt a few coupons, get them printed, and I will be ready to roll. Blogging about my plans makes it easier not to fail at it.
Thanks for reading my blog...let me know if you have any suggestions :) I plan to get better at "saving money" with eating at home. We got really lazy for a while and were eating out a lot. We decided at dinner tonight that we are going to do our best to put more money in savings and spend less money on frivolous things. I realize the irony in having this discussion at dinner, but you have to start somewhere. I am terrible at thinking for the future...but I can do it. At least I am going to do my best. I am very much a "live in the moment" kind of a girl. Danny is the exact opposite. Which is good because if both of us were "live in the moment" we would have a bunch of bills and things we don't need. We are a good balance for each other. I let him "cut loose" and enjoy fun just for the fun of it, and he brings me back to reality so we don't go overboard.
Who uses coupons? What's your best way to save money using them? This is fairly new to me, and I want to get better at it. Let me know your tricks...
I have rearranged the pantry, but it still needs work. The pantry will just be the way it is for a while. Nothing that impacts "my plan." I will tackle that once I get throught he freezer meals.
On to STEP 2 - I have gone to the grocery store and bought my supplies for dinner and some lunches to take me through to Monday night. I doubled the spaghetti and the chili. So when I cook that on Sunday and Monday, I can just freeze the leftovers.
Here is my weekly plan...
Thurs. - We were supposed to have Bratwurst with potatoes tonight, but Danny decided he needed to run some errands and we went out to eat afterwards. I just put the Brats in the freezer so I can pull them out next week or the week after.
Fri- MIL's birthday - We are headed out to eat again, so I didn't buy anything for Friday night.
Saturday - Lunch - Pepperoni Rolls with a side of Fresh Pineapple
Dinner - Tacos - Hard and Soft with tomatoes and lettuce, and refried beans
Sunday - Lunch - Sandwiches and Fruit
Dinner - Spaghetti with Garlic Bread (Doubled for #1 freezer meal post-preg)
Monday - Lunch - Cheeseburgers
Dinner - Chili with Cornbread (Doubled for #2 freezer meal post-preg)
While shopping for groceries I bought 6 freezer containers that will go from the freezer to the oven, and are disposable, but can be reused if they hold up. Gladware - 3-pk for $6. I probably could have got a better buy at Wal-mart, and not Homeland, but I was using coupons, and Homeland still doubles. Yay!! I didn't want to have to run to another store just for a small savings. Overall I spent $139, but that included lots of fruit for snacks, plus cereal, milk, bread, and the $12 for the freezer containers. It was higher than what I normally spend for less than a week of groceries, but I am pretty sure I overbought on hamburger, so it will all work out in the end. When I buy ground beef I buy the biggest pack at the best price, and freeze in smaller portions. Since I was doing hamburgers, chili (doubled) and spaghetti (double) I bought two big packs. In hindsight, I have enough for a lot more than that.
I am a bit bored with my meal plan for this upcoming long weekend, but I will post some pictures and recipes when I make them. I feel pretty good about the start I have towards the freezer meals for when the baby comes. I also have my meal plan for next week all laid out and ready to shop for. I will hunt a few coupons, get them printed, and I will be ready to roll. Blogging about my plans makes it easier not to fail at it.
Thanks for reading my blog...let me know if you have any suggestions :) I plan to get better at "saving money" with eating at home. We got really lazy for a while and were eating out a lot. We decided at dinner tonight that we are going to do our best to put more money in savings and spend less money on frivolous things. I realize the irony in having this discussion at dinner, but you have to start somewhere. I am terrible at thinking for the future...but I can do it. At least I am going to do my best. I am very much a "live in the moment" kind of a girl. Danny is the exact opposite. Which is good because if both of us were "live in the moment" we would have a bunch of bills and things we don't need. We are a good balance for each other. I let him "cut loose" and enjoy fun just for the fun of it, and he brings me back to reality so we don't go overboard.
Who uses coupons? What's your best way to save money using them? This is fairly new to me, and I want to get better at it. Let me know your tricks...
Sunday, June 27, 2010
My very first blog...
Blogging is new to me. For a while, I didn't know when, where or why a person would blog something. Personally, I couldn't see any reason behind it, and then I started thinking more and more about it. I realized its a great way to share what you are passionate about, thinking about or just what's on your mind, and share it in a unique way.
Then I really, really, really wanted to blog, but I didn't think I had anything to say. I have finally decided on what I would blog about...kids and cooking. It's what I know best. Atleast, that will be my main point of view.
Me: I am 33, happily married for 8 years, and we have one daughter who is 6, Maia, and have another one on the way. She is due at the end of August.
First Discussion: Freezing and Preparing meals for when the baby arrives
Today, I decided this was the best idea ever! I have heard of it, thought about it, and even considered it a waste of my time. I wondered will I ever use the food I prepared? Well, the more I thought back to the first two weeks of being home with Maia, I realized I wish I had this then. Especially since my husband, Danny, can't cook. If it were up to him we would have hamburger helper every night. I have started my mission: plan and be prepared for the first two weeks of being home with the baby.
Background about me: I like to cook. Actually, I LOVE to cook. I love to cook anything from attempting a "gourmet" meal, to a quick and easy meal that comes mostly from a box with a few added things to kick it up.
My favorite weeks are when I have made a meal plan for 5 out of 7 days, shopped for everything I need ahead of time, and stick to it. I usually only make 5 meals because there is always leftovers, or an obligation that throws off the plan. I typically try to have the first 3-4 meals "fresh" and then have a 4th or 5th meal that can carry over to the next week if we don't use it (frozen, boxed, etc).
I try to be frugal, but it doesn't always work out that way. I want to be a lot better at managing what we throw away. I am the worst at using leftovers, its my downfall, FOR SURE! I have recently started to repurpose the leftovers into something else, and I am always pretty happy when I do that. So, if that happens, I'll let you know. I will also try to post what I spent, and how many servings I think it will make.
Here's how I started this evening:
A quick Google search was a great way to start thinking about ideas of what I would want in the freezer. It also made me aware of a few things I may have not thought about...the "been there done that" Moms were a great resource. I Googled "meals to freeze before baby". Read a few of the sites, and started making a list of the meals I think we would enjoy the most. Here is what I came up with:
1. Lasagna
2. Beef Stew
3. Chicken and Bean Enchiladas
4. Spaghetti Sauce with meat (hamburger and sausage) w/ veggies
5. Chicken Noodle Soup
6. Chili
7. Baked Ziti with Meatballs
8. Chicken Mexican Casserole
9. Chicken and Dumplings
10. Pulled Pork with BBQ Sauce
When reading about how other Moms have done this, a few things stood out to me that I want to keep in mind. I want to make sure that the portions aren't too big. If they are huge portions, I won't be able to defrost a smaller amout, if its just me, or if need more because we have company, etc. Also, I want to make sure that the meals are "nursing friendly." I want to make sure that the foods aren't too spicy, or have to many gassy vegetables that could cause stomach upset for the baby.
Others things I haven't fully explored are storage options, and easy clean up. I think my best bet will be to make the meals in aluminum pans that we can easily put in the fridge if there are leftovers, but also just dispose of when done. I don't want to have to heat the food in one pan, and cook it in another, and serve it in another, etc. Otherwise, I would just end up with a lot of dishes.
Sides dishes are another thing I will be adding to some of the meals. For the italian dishes, I will probably have some garlic bread. For the Chili, I will have some cornbread. I might make corn bread muffins that I can freeze, and easily defrost when we have that meal.
My next step is going to be cleaning out the pantry and the freezer. We have stuff in there that's probably expired or that we won't ever eat. I want to make enough space in there for when everything is ready. After they are cleaned out I will make a plan of what to cook next, and when to cook it. I have 10 meals planned, and I have about 9 weeks left until the baby gets here. I hope to cook two extra meals during the week (or weekend) SO I can have everything ready pretty quickly. Since this upcoming weekend is a long weekend, I might be able to squeeze in 3 meals. I am going to try to tackle the hardest things first. I am not too familiar with pulled pork, but I have made it once, and can make it again...its just the "low and slow" cooking method that bothers me. But in the end we will end up with some delicious food.
I have a meal plan ready for this week, but I haven't shopped for it yet. I guess I will be doing that tomorrow, oops. I should have planned ahead, but it was a busy weekend.
Lastly, I am not afraid of advice. If you have done this and can offer any ideas please let me know. What meals have you had success in freezing? Anything that didn't work out? I hope that if this works out as well as I think it will, I can make a meal or two for some friends when they have babies. I think its such a neat idea, and shouldn't be too hard to add to my regular weekly plan.
I will post again once I clean out the freezer and pantry. Hopefully in 2-3 days.
Then I really, really, really wanted to blog, but I didn't think I had anything to say. I have finally decided on what I would blog about...kids and cooking. It's what I know best. Atleast, that will be my main point of view.
Me: I am 33, happily married for 8 years, and we have one daughter who is 6, Maia, and have another one on the way. She is due at the end of August.
First Discussion: Freezing and Preparing meals for when the baby arrives
Today, I decided this was the best idea ever! I have heard of it, thought about it, and even considered it a waste of my time. I wondered will I ever use the food I prepared? Well, the more I thought back to the first two weeks of being home with Maia, I realized I wish I had this then. Especially since my husband, Danny, can't cook. If it were up to him we would have hamburger helper every night. I have started my mission: plan and be prepared for the first two weeks of being home with the baby.
Background about me: I like to cook. Actually, I LOVE to cook. I love to cook anything from attempting a "gourmet" meal, to a quick and easy meal that comes mostly from a box with a few added things to kick it up.
My favorite weeks are when I have made a meal plan for 5 out of 7 days, shopped for everything I need ahead of time, and stick to it. I usually only make 5 meals because there is always leftovers, or an obligation that throws off the plan. I typically try to have the first 3-4 meals "fresh" and then have a 4th or 5th meal that can carry over to the next week if we don't use it (frozen, boxed, etc).
I try to be frugal, but it doesn't always work out that way. I want to be a lot better at managing what we throw away. I am the worst at using leftovers, its my downfall, FOR SURE! I have recently started to repurpose the leftovers into something else, and I am always pretty happy when I do that. So, if that happens, I'll let you know. I will also try to post what I spent, and how many servings I think it will make.
Here's how I started this evening:
A quick Google search was a great way to start thinking about ideas of what I would want in the freezer. It also made me aware of a few things I may have not thought about...the "been there done that" Moms were a great resource. I Googled "meals to freeze before baby". Read a few of the sites, and started making a list of the meals I think we would enjoy the most. Here is what I came up with:
1. Lasagna
2. Beef Stew
3. Chicken and Bean Enchiladas
4. Spaghetti Sauce with meat (hamburger and sausage) w/ veggies
5. Chicken Noodle Soup
6. Chili
7. Baked Ziti with Meatballs
8. Chicken Mexican Casserole
9. Chicken and Dumplings
10. Pulled Pork with BBQ Sauce
When reading about how other Moms have done this, a few things stood out to me that I want to keep in mind. I want to make sure that the portions aren't too big. If they are huge portions, I won't be able to defrost a smaller amout, if its just me, or if need more because we have company, etc. Also, I want to make sure that the meals are "nursing friendly." I want to make sure that the foods aren't too spicy, or have to many gassy vegetables that could cause stomach upset for the baby.
Others things I haven't fully explored are storage options, and easy clean up. I think my best bet will be to make the meals in aluminum pans that we can easily put in the fridge if there are leftovers, but also just dispose of when done. I don't want to have to heat the food in one pan, and cook it in another, and serve it in another, etc. Otherwise, I would just end up with a lot of dishes.
Sides dishes are another thing I will be adding to some of the meals. For the italian dishes, I will probably have some garlic bread. For the Chili, I will have some cornbread. I might make corn bread muffins that I can freeze, and easily defrost when we have that meal.
My next step is going to be cleaning out the pantry and the freezer. We have stuff in there that's probably expired or that we won't ever eat. I want to make enough space in there for when everything is ready. After they are cleaned out I will make a plan of what to cook next, and when to cook it. I have 10 meals planned, and I have about 9 weeks left until the baby gets here. I hope to cook two extra meals during the week (or weekend) SO I can have everything ready pretty quickly. Since this upcoming weekend is a long weekend, I might be able to squeeze in 3 meals. I am going to try to tackle the hardest things first. I am not too familiar with pulled pork, but I have made it once, and can make it again...its just the "low and slow" cooking method that bothers me. But in the end we will end up with some delicious food.
I have a meal plan ready for this week, but I haven't shopped for it yet. I guess I will be doing that tomorrow, oops. I should have planned ahead, but it was a busy weekend.
Lastly, I am not afraid of advice. If you have done this and can offer any ideas please let me know. What meals have you had success in freezing? Anything that didn't work out? I hope that if this works out as well as I think it will, I can make a meal or two for some friends when they have babies. I think its such a neat idea, and shouldn't be too hard to add to my regular weekly plan.
I will post again once I clean out the freezer and pantry. Hopefully in 2-3 days.
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