Monday, February 29, 2016

A Non Sentimental Girl's View on Kon Mari.



Good morning, afternoon, or evening!  I hope you had a great weekend and your week has started off better than expected.

Today I bring you post number four in this cleaning series I started earlier this month. Can I tell you how delighted it makes me to see that you guys enjoy these posts?  Thanks for reading.

Last week we talked about the most important thing to do before you even attempt to clean: De-clutter.

If you missed that post you can catch up by clicking here.

I really hope you were inspired to sort through your plethora of items and at least trash/donate 25% of what you have.  We live in a society that really likes to buy, buy, buy and then hold on, hold on, hold on!  De-cluttering your entire home and eliminating what needs to go to File 13 or Salvation Army is critical.

A few of you emailed me that you had tried the KonMari Method of cleaning or rather organizing.  Please note:  I'm completely oblivious to trendy ideas.  So after reading a couple emails of singing her praises (I cannot get over how she just took her name and made it into a cool sounding approach to de-cluttering!  It really makes me want to know who Feng Shui is!) I Youtubed her method.



Here's my take away -

If you are a sentimental sweet heart then this method is all you and a bag of chips.  I guess I am representative of the group of humans who hold very few things sentimentally and can trash/donate something faster than the last nanosecond went by.

The Kon Mari Method suggests you take everything out at one time to go through it.  I totally dislike this method.  Now hear me out!  I totally understand the psychology of doing this.  You get stitch of clothing you own and it in one central location then you will probably realize you should shop your own closet instead of heading out to Loft next weekend.  What I do not like about this method of taking it all out and putting it in one location is that you can easily get overwhelmed.  When you are cleaning or organizing and you get overwhelmed you tend to slow your pace and eventually give up.  That leads you to shoving the stuff wherever you can make it fit.  If you get overwhelmed easily, I firmly believe you should stick to my little tip of sorting and organizing one area at a time.  But hey it is whatever works for you!  And only you know you best!



One take away from KonMari that I adore?  Well duh: The way that she suggests you organize your items.  You better believe I decided to make my drawers look like Gap's overstock drawers (everything standing up) and I gained a ton of closet space once I finished!  When I gain space in my 1930's home layout then that is reason to celebrate! (No storage in this bad boy. That was considered a waste back in the day.)

Many people said that this method of de-cluttering and organizing changed their lives.  Um, well, that's fabulous and congrats to those lucky people!  For me it did not alter my state of being but I was excited to have some more space in my little closet.

A side note:  I decided to try KonMari on my eight year old, semi hoarding, child.  I would hold up an item and say, "Do you love this so much you must keep it?" She looked at me like I was a six eyed, purple haired monster.  I was really surprised how quickly she started saying "give it away!" to me instead of "but I love it so much!"  If she would just feel that way about the stuff she cuts out of magazines and plasters to her wall.

The takeaway -



For those of you who have problems with parting with your items, clothing, paperwork, and Hallmark cards - this is for you.  I am guessing it could be very therapeutic.  A big part of this method is letting the past go and moving forward.  (See there is psychology to cleaning!)

If you are like me and lack the deep sentimentality side of your being then I suggest you review how she suggests you organize and store items.  They are total wins!

Til next time...









List No. 2 & 3

I blinked and February disintegrated.  No complaints, as we are that much closer to spring and summer, but really?!?!?!

Here was my February list...


And my results?

1.  Check, check, check.  I've done well and I'm happy to report it.  The gym is my happy place.
2.  Well there's always the spring...
3.  I read two books not three.  Shopaholic to the Rescue by Sophie Kinsella (if you love the series like me then you won't be disappointed!)  and DC Trip.
4.  I would say I get a score of 9/10 for this because very few nights went by without me cleaning it up!
5.  I did not get volunteer time in but I did send out a lot of donations!  That counts, right?
6.  Hmm...I made nothing but I did spray paint some stuff!! Bahahaha.
7.  Us time - yes I did!  Valentine's weekend we got a lot of time together!
8.  And I'm happy to report the kiddos had a great Valentine's Day.  The daughter got a new swim suit and goggles while the son got a Play Doh kit.

And now we move to March...

I'm throwing you a curve ball because I am not technically sharing a March Goals List.  Instead I'm showing you our Spring 2016 Goals List.  Yes, I said "our."  This is the list we came up with as a family of projects to complete between March and June.  It isn't a simple list but one that will take some effort and a lot of time.  But hey that's how we roll.


Needless to say we'll be a bit busy this spring!  The great part is most of that list is going to lead to blog posts and I hope you will find them fun.

Did you make goals for February?  How did they go?  Do you have anything on your to-do list for March or the spring?  Share it!









Sunday, February 28, 2016

Let's Make A Menu




February is outta here!  I am (oh so) ready for a spring plate when it is time to chow down!  Speaking of time to eat I'm just not very hungry at dinner anymore. I tend to want to get my calories between 6:30am and 2pm and then I'm done, shut down, over it.  Anyone else have this crazy eating pattern too? 

No matter what I have two kids who are ready for the last meal of the day so cook I do!  Besides I can pack it for lunch the next day :)

This week we'll be having the following:

Verde Salsa Crock Pot Chicken
A family favorite and way too easy to make.  A jar of green salsa, chicken breasts, some jack cheese and you're good to go!  I may even whip up some guacamole to go with it.

Pork Roast with Green Beans and Roasted Potatoes
Another favorite and a quick meal.  I buy the 1.5lb roast that cooks within thirty minutes.  

Lasagna with Salads
I do not make homemade lasagna because I just don't care to.  Plus, I'm not a big fan of the stuff (you know my noodle hate) so I plan to pick up a Stouffer's Lasagna for ease and to make my kids super happy.

And this week I'll be whipping up a batch of Hungry Girl's Slow Cooker Healthy French Toast!
If I like it then I'll share it on a future Tasty Tuesday post.

Happy week ahead to you!!!







Friday, February 26, 2016

Fridays Mean Something Again! (H54F)



Well someone started back to full time work again this week.  And that means Friday means something again!  It means that Friday nights are for viticulture sampling and Saturdays are for sleeping in and Sundays are for church and doing something fun with the family.

And Netflix.

Here's my five.

Funny Pictures Of The Day - 86 Pics:
This is so true....I'm always giving my vacuum a new do.

1.  Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning!

My cleaning roster is nearly full - well it is full for March and luckily I can still do this while I spend the majority of the days sitting at a desk I have flexibility to still go out and keep the cleaning going.  That is a huge blessing.  I may take on a new cleaning client in April but right now we're full.

Currently!  I cannot wait to bring this to you next week, all fresh and clean!


2.  The smell of paint!

I know that sounds weird but I'm so thrilled to smell fresh paint in my house.  My life just doesn't seem right until we're working on a home project.  I cannot wait to share it all when I bring back Around The House (ATH) next week!

3.  Tax Season!

We switched accounting services this year and I'm thinking I'll be totally happy we did.  The consultation was fabulous and not just because she had the cutest Pomeranian ever entertaining us....when I get puppy fever that is what I'm getting.  Naturally, when I see a dog I'm crazy about I have to google it and this dog has to be mixed with another lap dog breed.  Number one the face is shihtzu, the hair is more poodle, and the body type is pom....now who can help me find that mix?!?!

Serve up something beautiful! You’ll love these fun and stylish and sturdy ceramic bowl sets from Ree Drummond’s new Pioneer Woman collection, exclusively at Walmart. Perfect for mixing and matching, these bowls sturdy enough for everyday use and are dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe. See Ree’s full collection of affordable cookware and tableware at Walmart.com/thepioneerwoman and in your store.:
This is Walmart.  This is excellent.  Stop hating!  Start loving!

4.  Walmart!

I laugh because there is this mass of bloggers who hate Walmart.  I love the damn place.  They have some cute crap and this week I got one of the cuties they had to offer.  A travel coffee mug (found in the accessory department).  They also have some ADORABLE statement necklaces for spring and they are only $5.  I think I may just have a Walmart post coming up in March about some cute stuff they have to offer (that I maybe purchase...?)  And don't even get me started on The Pioneer Woman collection (pic)!

5.  Book Group?

This week I connected with Cait over at Cait's Cozy Corner.  I recognized her face from another blog that just happened to be her old blog!  She has some great posts and I just love her response emails to comments.  Seriously, I wish I was closer to ATL so I could join her tribe that she posted about yesterday!  But anyway - she's starting a book club and it looks like Party Girl by Rachel Hollis is the winner.  However, I'm totally intrigued by Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman which is coming in second place.  Anyhoo if you want to join in the book club then go over to see Cait's blog and look on the side bar to vote for the book we can all read together!

****

This week's recap is no longer a Saturday post but now simply found on my #H54F post.


Monday - Cleaning Post!  The pre-cleaning step you MUST take!

Tuesday - Tasty Tuesday Meals from Pinterest I'm making in March!










Thursday, February 25, 2016

Confession: February


Yesterday I skipped my Bible Study.  I'm confessing this because yesterday's topic in our group was confession.  I feel bad for skipping it but I do have a reason.  (There's the human in me, let me share my reasoning!)  My daughter would have had no where to go.  Her event was cancelled for a large scale youth (grades 6-12) event.  I opted to stay home and get some things done in place of going to Bible Study.  That led me to think that I had put something else before God and I felt guilty.  I'll mention guilt again in a little while but many Christians live with this proverbial guilt that we're taught we should feel about missing anything related to our faith and church life.  

You need to know that I didn't abandon ship all together!  I did spend time reading the lesson and answering the questions that went a long with it.  I also spent a lot of time in prayer.

Because I do that.

I pray.  A whole lot.

I mention my prayer journal in this blog here and there.  Admitting: The prayer journal has been the best thing I have added to my life so far in 2016.  Naturally, I'm a pen and paper girl (or keyboard and screen) and being able to let it all flow - these prayers and petitions - is just freeing to me.  It is my meditation and release.  With a pen and paper I can let burdens fall off my heart and onto paper and up to the Creator.  Do you know how refreshing and rejuvenating that is to my soul?  I.cannot.even.put.it.into.words.

I know that some of you will read this and eye roll it and give a good psychologically based rebuttal of it.  That is fine and dandy because I'm a college educated science major who also gets that 110% - but I am also a menial human being who has faith.  My faith has grown exponentially in the past ten years and that is more powerful than four years in a classroom.  Real life experience has shaped who I am both educationally and in my spirituality.

So here's the meat and potatoes of this post...

Confessing - What My Prayer Journal Has Shown Me.

There is so much grace falling on me 24/7, 365.  I have blessings I shouldn't be warranted but they are falling on me in tiny little mist droplets and in the form of big, fat alligator drops.  

I have asked and I have received.  I never realized how many small things I have prayed about that have really came to fruition.  Had I not journaled it I would never have seen the correlation.  Some things I have prayed about and days later I see the end result of that prayer being answered in some way, shape, or form.  Other times it takes weeks or a month but the prayer is ultimately answered.  I go back and read past prayers and see where I was and what I asked for direction in and then I realize God did hear me and did guide me.  He is good.

There has been more time spent thanking than asking.  I always thought I was an asker - it is part of that Christian guilt - I ask too much.  After reviewing two months of prayers I realize I spend more time thanking God for what I have been graced with other than asking for more.  Let it be known I have asked for guidance more than anything else.

This girl is happier.  I know it is a direct relation to the prayer journal and giving Him more control in my life.  Ultimately, God has the control but we hold on so tightly because to err is human!  Since I have been intentionally journaling my prayers and realizing that God is bigger and stronger and totally in control I can give Him my worries so much easier and live with a much lighter load.

I pray for you.  You, the random person I do not know.  I have noticed that more and more my heart is wanting more people to realize the wonderful gift that is God's love and grace.  I may be a Christian and you may be a Jew or Muslim but we have the same wonderful God who is waiting to for us to let Him take the control and guide us.  He has the keys to a happier life for us and the perfect map for steering our ships.  As my minister said a few weeks back - Let (for me Jesus) God in the boat.

There, I confessed.











Wednesday, February 24, 2016

WUW: February 24th 2016




What we're eating...
Click here for that!  I post it every Sunday.
Let it be known we are killing some strawberries and blueberries around this house right now.  I don't think they are technically "in season" but they are staying on sale and well...yeah!
Let it also be known my appetite for "healthy" food has vanished and really all I want is chocolate.  Wait, if I don't want chocolate I do want a spinach salad so maybe my healthy tooth is still around!

What I'm reminiscing about...
They were so tiny!!!


Lately my husband and I have been thinking we're old.  I know, I know we aren't old but this year I'll be 35 and I keep thinking where the hell did my twenties go?  Let alone where did my early 30's go.  We may have also been looking at pictures of our kids when they were babies and going wait what?  So lately I have been reminiscing about the last decade of my life.  Wow, it is on rocket fuel.

What I'm loving...

The color of the year here is orange...it isn't quite so mac and cheesey in real life!

My big babies - that pose she is rocking looks painful LOL!

My husband doing what he loves the most...clearing out stuff with the tractor!

Quite simply the fact that we have had some "pre-spring goodness" around here!  Last week I was in shorts and a tshirt while working!  Over the weekend we were outside doing yard work, tree work, deck work, paint work, etc.  We grilled out TWICE.  Yes, I am eating up the fact that winter has just about worn out it's welcome and is going to switch over to spring in a few weeks!

What we've been up to...
I think I answered that in the last one!  We did make a Spring Bucket List.  No it isn't what you're thinking - it is more tasks we want to complete between March and June.  I will have it up in a post at some point this week or next!

What I'm dreading...
How do I answer this?  Well, as you know I clean houses to make some extra cabbage for the family.  But this week I may get asked to do something I really love for a few months.  The catch is I don't know if I can accept without damaging my side hustle.  So I guess if you pray - add me to your list.

What I'm working on...
This house.  More information coming soon!

What I'm excited about...
Where do I begin?  I'm excited about spring, Easter, trips, sunshine, daylight savings time, projects...a whole lot!  Of course I'll leave it all vague for now because that is how I roll.

What I'm watching...

Dammit Mary, you old mean hag!
Anyone else sad that Downton Abbey is winding down?  Yeah, I'm mortified at living in a world with no new Downton's.
I'm also still watching Younger!
A few weeks ago Katie mentioned Teachers - I had to check it out - and I loved it!

Over Valentine's the hubs and I watched Hail, Caesar - do not waste your money or time.  It was terrible.  We watched The Revenant and it was good - from a girl who doesn't really like gruesome anything it was good.

What I'm reading...
DC Trip by Sarah Benincasa
A teacher shares her story of being a teacher chaperone for a 10th grade DC trip.  She's sharing her tale with a new teacher before she embarks on her first chaperoning trip.  So far it has had me smiling and laughing a little!

What I'm listening to...



You expect me to say Bieber and I say, duh.  But lately I have been working out to some old school pop and by old school I mean the stuff that was playing my jr and sr year of high school and the early years of college.  Think back to when Britney ruled the airwaves and that Justin Timberlake kid was just part of a boy band.  I forgot how much I love Pink too.  That stuff can get me pushing it a little harder in my workouts.

What I'm wearing...
Nothing worth sharing.  Generally shorts and a tshirt or work out clothes.  I promise at some point I'll make one of those posts that are so popular about what I wear and I'll shock everyone LOL!

What I'm doing this weekend...
Probably something but I'm not sure what!  I know it is supposed to be cold again so I may be crying?!?!

What I'm looking forward to next month...

Look at us!  9 years ago!

Darn it I answered this in what I'm excited about.  I think everything I listed was for March!!!  I can say on March 10th I will celebrate my 9th wedding anniversary and I'm super happy about that.  In case you didn't know I have the best husband ever.

What else is new....

My baby girl and I this past weekend :)

Little Man and I this past weekend!

Oh nothing much just working out like crazy and feeling great.  I haven't lost what I wanted to this month but that is because of my chocolate addiction. I did drop 5lbs and that means I'm eleven away from my goal.  I'm hoping to nix those pesky pounds in March.
I tried to Kon Mari method of de-cluttering.  At first I was so biased but it has led me to a blog post about it coming up in a few weeks.
With my calendar changing up my blog posts are going to be limited to 3-4 times a week instead of 7.  I'm kind of looking forward to that but also a little saddened by it.
My son is potty trained!  Except for night time when he still needs a pull up.
My daughter got a horse and a guitar last weekend.  Do you see rhinestones, big hair, and suede too???

















Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Tasty Tuesday

Pinterest...you steal my imagination and heart every time I stumble upon you.  Recently, I made a list of foods I want to try in March.  Why not show these off?  Maybe you have made some or are interested in them too?  Share!

These 20 Kid-Friendly Lettuce Wrap and Spring Roll Recipes Are Perfect For Summer: The last thing you want to do when it's really warm out is eat something heavy or steaming hot, right?:
PIN
I like lighter foods that require very little stove and oven work.  These?  The kids would love as well!

An easy weeknight dinner that's healthy and delicious!:
PIN
Two of my favorite foods, yes please!  Chicken and peaches - I would love to try this dish.  It may be just as taste bud happy as pork and pineapple!

Grilled Salmon with Herb Yogurt Sauce - this deliciously light and healthy meal is perfect for celebrating Spring:
PIN
We love salmon (and tuna) and we eat it a lot in the warmer months.  I need to make this recipe because it looks plain out divine!

Grilled Cheese with Avocado and Heirloom Tomato - 16 Healthy Spring Recipes for Kids | GleamItUp:
PIN
This is strictly for me as my husband doesn't like avocado or tomato and my kids are anti avocado (but the youngest I could persuade to dive into avocado, I'm pretty sure!)  What a perfect lunch sandwich!?!?!?

OK I am salivating like mad now....see ya later!











Monday, February 22, 2016

Before You Clean...



Lately, I have heard a lot of chatter about upcoming spring cleaning tasks.  I look forward to that first warm weekend of the year when we raise up the windows and knock the dust off every single nook and cranny.

Ahhh a house after a good spring cleaning is something that is quite enjoyable.  It just makes me feel happy from the tips of my toes to the top of my head.  Unfortunately, for me it does not last long because I have two kids under 10 years of age.

Before you run out to buy those awesome cleaners I shared with you last week; you need to do step one.

So many people forget the first step of spring and fall cleaning.  They get so hell bent on scrubbing that their minds neatly tuck away the most vital component of getting your home truly cleaned.

You must declutter.

Contrary to what you may be thinking cleaning comes after the decluttering of a home or office.  It is really hard to do a proper spring cleaning without first eliminating all the junk you no longer need.

Recently I sat down and made a list of items that people seem to hoard (myself included) that really need to be eliminated from their homes.  Here's what I came up with.



Bed linens
I am a sucker for sheet sets.  This must run in the gene pool because my grandmothers and mother also have a large number of sets for each bed in their homes.  The truth is, as well as my personal experience, you only need two sets per bed.  The set on the bed and the back up set for when the ones on the bed are in the wash.  No more and definitely no less.

Excess Drink Ware and Serving Ware
If you have a kitchen cabinet filled with random free plastic cups then it is time to deduct from that cabinet.
If you have a plethora of mix and match mugs it is time to eliminate from that teacher-esque collection.
Take note of how many glasses/cups you actually need your house (generally 6 for the average family) and add in how many guests you typically invite over for a function (this generally doubles your number to 12) and that is what you should keep on hand.
Now look in your service drawer and start eliminating the kiddie plates your child dined on at two years old (if you're child is ten now, well it is time to do away with those nifty sectioned plates.)  Do you have random mismatched plates?  Eliminate.
Service for 6-12 is all you need - and they should match or at least compliment each other in some way, shape or form.
Take note of anything that is chipped or cracked and let it go on to the next resting place as well.



Forgotten Toys
Buzz and Woody really made us have true emotions for all those toys that become forgotten.  Yay for that just being a Disney money making fantasy.  Those toys your littles and bigs haven't touched in months are ready to be donated to eager children who want to play with them!
While you're going through those toys also go through puzzles and games - missing pieces?  Recycle it.
Books should be evaluated now too.  Those that your children have grown out of or you're sick and tired of reading four times a day for the past sixteen months can be donated to local schools, preschools, libraries, and other facilities.

Half Empty/Never Used
This goes for the bathrooms, ladies.  I love a sample just like the next girl but if it doesn't get used within a couple weeks of receiving it then chunk it.  All the little bottles of shampoo, body wash, lotion, etc from hotels?  Either pack it in your camping bag, donate it to a shelter, or trash it.
Purge out your half used shampoos, body washes, face cleansers, make ups, nail polishes, etc that you have decided you aren't too fond of.  Deciding you do not like them does not warrant a space for them in your cabinet, linen closet, shower, or anywhere else.



Craft Supplies
Admitting I used to hoard these!  Go through this stuff and decide what you should really keep and what you should give to a fellow crafter or your child's school.  Art supplies are in heavy need for most public school systems because the arts get farted on (I had to make it catchy!)  If you are a crafter then you know it is hard to part with all your stickers and embellishments but it will just free up more room for your true crafting passion.

Cords
To think we live in a wireless age!  I have so many random cords, cables, and wires in drawers you would think I had raided a Radio Shack in 2001.  Do not save these!  If you feel like you must then just save one coaxial cable, a couple small power cords, and let the rest just go.  Remember - wireless in 2016!



Photos
This is the toughie.  I struggle with this.  When your kids were little you had their pictures made a bajillion times and you always ordered the HUGE package because everyone would want five to ten pictures right?  Wrong.So.Wrong.  So now you have a dump truck load of random pictures of your children.  Guess what - they are taking up precious space and it is time you let go.  Chances are your favorite pictures are on your walls or in a scrapbook or even on a CD.  Good - you can recycle those in the filing cabinet.  Yes, it hurts in a weird mom-only-gets-it-way but seriously let it go.  And always opt for the photos on CDs.

Nick Nacks
I had an Aunt that collected little teddy bear figurines.  They were cute when I was a kid.  Now that I'm 34 I think back on that Aunt and her collection and cringe.  Look, I hate nick nacks.  In my house I have one nick knack - a bird, a tiny, little, porcelain bird.  No really, it is like two inches in length and sits in my kitchen window.  I wish I could spread my hate for nick nacks but I cannot.  So I will beg you to go through your dust collectors and decide what is really invaluable to you and ask you why it is.  If you give a good enough reason (like it is 250 years old and worth a couple million bucks) then I'll let it slide but if its not a good reason (anything other than the aforementioned reasoning) then break up with it.

I guess you can tell I lack a lot of sentimentality.

Other areas to purge -



Every one's closet and dresser
We all have clothes that are too big, too small, too long, too short, and too ugly.  Purge, purge, purge.  And maybe you can sell those clothes at a consignment shop or sale or online!
Also, look at shoes!  Check the inside, the soles, the toes, and size.  Kid's feet grow like crazy so eliminate the shoes that are too small.  If you're own shoes are in bad shape it is time to send them on too.

Towels
Now is the time to eliminate the towels that make you give a someone-just-farted face.  The ones with stains, tears, unraveling of the fabric, can be tossed now.
Check your kitchen linens as well.
If you have cleaning rags then go through them and remember you shouldn't need more than three or four for the average home.  Any that are in a desperate shape should be tossed and your new unfabulous (yes, I made that word up) towels can be made into some new cleaning rags.


Paper Goods
Magazines - I love them but they are almost the equivalent to a nick nack to me now!  Read them, Google the recipes you liked and pin them.  Google outfits from the pages and pin them.  Then donate them to nursing homes, hospitals, doctor's offices, or just recycle them.
Newspapers - recycle do not keep.
Any document older than 7 years old can be shredded!  Yay, time to go through your filing cabinet!
Children's art work - if it wasn't a prize winning piece or if it was questionable as to what exactly it was then you are allowed to pitch it.  Trust me, my mom tossed my crap and I'm happy she did!
Cards - I only keep a few with something sweet handwritten in them and they are in my Bible.  The rest can return to pulp so I can be guaranteed more cards to come in the future!

I could go on and on about decluttering and purging but I am afraid I have lost you by this point.  Here's hoping you're ready to take on step one of the spring cleaning process - Decluttering!

Next Monday I'll have another cleaning post up!  Until then I'll see you later this week for more fun and shenanigans.






Sunday, February 21, 2016

Let's Make A Menu: ???



I have been drawing blanks on the menu this week.  Here's the deal - Lately I haven't wanted food.  I mean I want food but not real food.  I want yogurt or berries or chocolate.  There is no desire for a big, hefty meal but my kids just don't get that.  So I'm left going - Ok fine I will make a menu so you people can get nourishment at home.

Egh.

So here's what I came up with for this week.  Some food for the kids' and some food that mom will eat too.  Dad can fend for himself - just kidding, love.

We're going meatless two days this week...Monday & Friday.

Monday 
Cobb Salad
Mommy will eat this.  Mommy loves Cobb Salads and so do the kids.  I'll use facon in place of bacon.
Tuesday
Pork Loin (on sale at Food Lion)
Slow roasted pork loin is a family favorite here.  We'll serve it up with some succotash!

Wednesday
Chicken Noodle Soup & Salads
Wednesdays are so busy I just have to get my Progresso on.  They should seriously read my blog and give me some love because we eat the crap out of their soup.  OK my kids do - they love the Chicken Noodle.  My husband loves the chowders.

Thursday
Skinny Italian Chicken Strips
I call these skinny because they are 100% homemade.  I use the bare minimum to "bread" them and then bake them up instead of frying.  The kids love them.  These will be served with kernel corn and sweet peas.

Friday
Spaghetti with Meatless Sauce
If you read this blog then you know this is mom going out on a limb for her kids.  I hate pasta dishes.  So my kids will get filthy with the sauce and noodles while I cringe and probably down a shake for dinner tonight.  No worries - I'll get some popcorn down the hatch if we pick out a good movie to watch!







Saturday, February 20, 2016

Saturday Coffee & Catch-Up



Good Saturday, friend!  I hope you had a fabulous week and a gorgeous weekend to enjoy.  This girl is so stoked that spring is visiting this weekend (highs in the 60's and sunshine!)  Also, I'm a bit stoked both my kids are out to breakfast this morning and I have some free time (go see my IG @abrownieworld).  I imagine I'll end up at the gym soon....

This week was great around here.  I had a post each day for you - some to help you out and some to make you smile.  Admitting:I just like to write to make whoever reads this blog smile.  You make me smile in return in your comments.  Unfortunately, I'm not blogger savvy and some of you comment and I never receive that comment in my Inbox.  Please note:  I try to email everyone who comments here so if you don't get an email response then do not feel bad.  I probably just came back to your comment and replied.  Maybe this year I'll learn to be more knowledgeable with all the ins and outs of commenting options and other stuff.

Alrighty here's a snapshot of the blog this week...

Sunday (whoa it feels like ages ago) was Valentine's Day and I really hope you had a great one.  If you didn't then I hope your National Single's Awareness Day rocked out too.  My blog didn't celebrate the holiday but I did give you some food love with the {menu}.  Just to let you know I didn't even use my menu plan this week!  LOL - we are having burgers tonight if that counts for anything but I did not make the enchiladas (we had tacos instead) and I didn't even touch the chili ingredients!  Instead I roasted lamb - I'm not a fan but my kids adored it.



Monday was post number three in the cleaning posts I started writing.  Selfless plug here:  I clean houses for scrilla and I love it.  This week was super busy with houses on my list.  I don't use tons of cleaners, I have a few go-to's that I adore.  Each one was shared with you on Monday oh and there are only {4 Cleaners I prefer}!

Tasty Tuesday brought a recipe that my daughter really likes - {Biscuits & Sausage Casserole}.  This is a very filling breakfast/brunch casserole best served with berries and yogurt on the side.  Make it for tomorrow!



Twice a month I bring you {What's Happening in North Carolina}.  This week just happened to be the week for that.  I feel like we're in a lull before all the fun things start kicking off again (generally in March!)  There are some pretty nifty events going on across the state though!

Thursdays are reserved for random posts.  I don't follow a theme or idea for my Thursday posts which I really like!  This week I shared a slight problem I live with I called it {The Fever}.  It was great to know I wasn't alone!


It is always a {High Five kinda Friday} around A Brownie World.  I generally get over to the link up quickly to put my link in but this week I didn't get it in until super late.  So while I eat my breakfast I'll go hop around the link up and read other's fun stuff.  Oh my five included mentionings of things like spring and Canada and chocolate....

There's my week in a nutshell.  I'm thinking after this weekend I may just post a Weekend Recap.  Why?  It is only Saturday and my daughter has had a HUGE weekend.  A lot of fun stuff happened yesterday and I don't want to blow any details here.  Plus, as I mentioned in the opening, this weekend is going to be amazing so I think we may get to do some fun stuff outside!

You have an excellent weekend, friend!

xoxoxox


Friday, February 19, 2016

H54F: Chocolate & Canada


I may or may not be writing this post while devouring some semi-sweet chocolate chips straight from the damn bag.



1.  Ice Ice Baby
The kids were out of school on Monday and Tuesday thanks to the South's favorite winter past time - ice.  Luckily, we kept electricity flowing.  I'm not a good Amish girl.

2.  Fitbit you are my master.
So I decided to do double time at the gym with my cardio on Tuesday. Then as I finished up my extra long workout and looked down to see my Fitbit and realized it was on the charger at home.  I was almost in tears.  This is an addiction.



3.  And that's not all I'm addicted to, Johnny!
Nope, I'm addicted to chocolate and I am not kidding you.  Thanks VALENTINES for placing this crack/meth/heroin substance known as chocolate in my home.  I should be a good junkie and throw it away as soon as it enters....but I can't!!!!  I need it.  It needs me.  We're a bad team.

4.  You know it's all about that base(board.)
It has been baseboard week in my house.  They were all finished up as of Wednesday and then I moved along to cleaning the clients' baseboards.  I know you're like OMG she said that?!  Yeah, I did.  I clean for money.  Judge me.  If you weren't aware I started a weekly cleaning feature on the blog.  Every Monday I give my own tips on cleaning - so far I am two posts in the first one featured quick ways to keep your home neat and clean and the second post was my favorite cleaners.  Check back this coming Monday for a post on Step One to Real Spring Cleaning.



5.  Spring is coming!!!
Yesterday I posted about having the fever...spring fever!  Well this weekend is going to be glorious!  Highs in the 60's mean pool time (indoor pool as I am not Canadian!), cooking out, sitting on my porch, oh yeah bring it!

OK I feel bad by saying I'm not Canadian.  I am not a Canadian by birth or citizenship but I can tell you that Canadians LOVE Myrtle Beach, SC. When we go for the off season (typically in March) the Canadians are all up in the ocean and outdoor pool.  I LOVE that 60 degrees is their summer.  Hell, if I lived there (Canada) 60 degrees would be bathing suit and daquiri season for me too.  Live it up Gentle Northern Neighbors (and please let me in after this next election...!)


xoxoxox