Resolutions: Planning meals

Meal planning is essential around here. It helps me save money and sanity. I do my best not to wander the grocery story trying to think up what'll be for dinner the coming week... only to forget what I had dreamed up once I get home (not that that's ever happened to me.. nope. never.)

To top things off, I've had less of an appetite since I had a crown put on Nov. 12 and about 1/2 of my tongue is still numb. (Yes, that's more than two months for those of you wondering. My dentist insists it'll come back, but I'm not holding my breath.)

So, back to meal planning it is. I used to do this on Sundays, curled up on my couch, thumbing through my collection of cook books...

But now, I don't have quite so much time. So, I refer to my favorites here.


And found that I actually like this list from Real Simple Magazine. (LOVE that magazine.)

But, of course, I couldn't leave good enough alone... and I had to make some modifications. And ended up with this.

Makes shopping, prepping AND cooking easier. And, honestly, the process of filling out the list doesn't take long at all. I just do it right before I clip coupons and head to the store.

Now, if you're not a meal planner, but are still in search of a good list, you HAVE to check out this list from the website of one of the most interesting books ever, Milk, Eggs, Vodka. Check it!

Fare thee well, Awesome

Last week, Awesome was adopted.

He's in Virginia now, with a couple in their 50s and their 10 year old cream Frenchie named Rascal.

They have their own room -- with a doggie door to a fenced in yard.

They go on walks every day.

And it's a lot warmer there.



We miss you, Awesome.

And Brian reported you weren't so sure when he handed you over. But your new family reports you're doing great. Playing, snoozing, eating and lounging with your new brother. And you get to sleep in your new humans' bed.

Sounds like a good deal.

Coveting

Please tell me you've been in this situation:
You're just minding your business, flipping through the mail, when all of a sudden, you see the most gorgeous thing in the world and you MUST have it.

You never knew it existed before, and you're floored. HOW could the universe keep you and this object of desire apart for so long?

Please tell me I'm not alone here.

And someone tell Pottery Barn to quit sending me catalogs, so I don't fall in love with $139+ pickling jars. PICKLING JARS?!

(Source PotteryBarn.com)

Now, you must know that one summer, I kinda' fell in love with pickling. I blame Martha and this story on pickled grapes on NPR. (Yes, I made them. Yes, they were good.)

And while we're on the topic. What about these gorgeous pieces of art? Yarn bells. I need them. I mean, I've been knitting for, like, 5 minutes. Right?

A new hobby?

What am I thinking taking on knitting?


I guess all I can ask is that you

Chores for toddlers

I think most parents would agree that the ability of a child to actually contribute to order in the household is a beautiful thing.

Of course, there's not a ton that toddlers are capable of besides the general pick up of toys.... and, to my great joy, using a spray bottle. Even better, Ben LOVES it.



I can't say he's the most thorough housekeeper I've ever seen, but my theory is that he can't really make it dirtier, so I'll take what I can get.
Other things he can help with include:
-- folding kitchen towels in half (I fold make the first fold and he makes the second)
-- putting said towels in the drawer
-- putting away the silverware (minus the knives, of course)
-- filling the dog bowls with food
-- setting the table
-- putting dirty dishes in the sink

It's not a lot, but it teaches him to pitch in and, I'm pretty sure, gives him a sense of pride... especially when he completes task with a loud "I did it!"

I have a signature now

Just had to share ... you can get one too, at MyLiveSignature.com ... the ads are kinda' annoying... but you can do it!

What to do?

So... my husband is a very loyal reader over here... even though he might not admit it... That and I think I might be a bit obvious when I'm dropping hints... but, ask and ye shall receive, right? I've been on the search for a milk can all summer and winter. I've even had my friends on the prowl. I'm not 100 percent even sure why. I just know I want one. Well.... Ta da!

Bri must have told his mom who told her sister who found me one! Yeah yeah yeah yeah! So, now that I need your help.... what do I do with it now that I finally have it.

Paint it? I had envisioned white, but these colors match perfectly...

Vinyl lettering like this?

Welcome? More "Laeng, Est. 2005" decor like here? Is just "Milk" too obvious? What about function? I thought this cold be an umbrella holder (the top DOES come off) but, I dunno? Or I could just clean it out really well, then find tall branches/sticks and other stuff and stick them out of the top, sparingly? Like this but on a larger scale? Opinions, please!