Showing posts with label chill mamas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chill mamas. Show all posts

Monday, January 31, 2011

Menu Plan Monday - 1/31/11 and Mamavation

(just a happy picture - my daughter Tess, my MIL Karen, me, and my daughter Tara)

Wow, where did January go? The time is just flying by for our busy family, and I'll bet your's too!!!

This past weekend was full of crafting, cleaning, picking up my first Angel Food Ministries food boxes, posting a magazine giveaway at Apronista, updating the Flirty Apron Swap with more giveaways, traveling to a great Thirty One Gifts Celebrate and Connect meeting, working on our church's womens retreat, planning this Thursday's Chill MAMAs Supper Swap, signing up the troop for more girl scout cookie booth sales, and, of course, laundry and exercise! Whew - I need another weekend to rest from this one!

Thank goodness for menu planning --
Monday 1/31 - Navy Bean & Ham Soup
Tuesday 2/1 - Weight Watchers @ Work - Thai Chicken Salad
Wednesday 2/2 - New York Steak and Baked Potatoes
Thursday 2/3 - Supper Swap - Chicken Enchiladas
Friday 2/4 - Spaghetti and Meatballs
Saturday 2/5 - Minestrone Soup
Sunday 2/6 - 3-Packet Pot Roast

MORE MENUS at OrgJunkie.com


Monday is also Mamavation Monday. The inspiring Pete Cohen is our guest this week. AND, Earth Footwear is sponsoring a giveaway of a pair of shoes when we address this question:

Question: What does “wellness” mean to you?


Wellness is a state of being for me -- I strive for a balanced life of eating a variety of foods, exercising my body and mind, and feeling good. Some days are better than others, but I feel better now than I have in a couple of years.

No weight loss to report this week, but I'm exercising again and considering my meals and portion sizes again.



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Monday, November 01, 2010

Menu Plan Monday - 11/1/10


It's supper swapping week! So, in addition to the normal menu plan, I need to shop for and prepare 10 extra meals. I think those will be a BBQ Chicken and Cheddar Mini-Meatloaves.

Monday 11/1 - Pork cutlets with veggie/brown rice stirfry
Tuesday 11/2 - German lentil soup w/kielbasa
Wednesday 11/3 - Cheddar mini-meatloaves
Thursday 11/4 - BBQ chicken
Friday (supper swapping night) 11/5 - Sloppy Joes
Saturday 11/6 - leftover buffet plus nursery worker snacks
Sunday 11/7 - CP Roast Beef sandwiches


Visit Orgjunkie.com for MORE menu ideas!!

PS - If you like cute aprons, come check out my new Christmas Apron Swap at the Flirty Apron Swap blog!

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Saturday, April 24, 2010

Pioneer Woman Came to Portland

We Met Ree!!

Last Monday, T did not have school so I had arranged to take the day off of work for some fun together. Imagine my excitement when I found out that The Pioneer Woman was coming to town on her book signing tour the same day! T and I made an adventure of it!!

The official signing time was 6pm, so we headed over there around 3:30pm -- I had heard about LONG lines everywhere else so I didn't even know if that would be early enough. Powell's did a nice job of crowd control. When we arrived at 4pm, there were already about 100 people in line ahead of us. So, we waited in line to get a book signing ticket and a chance to sit in the chairs set up for her presentation. Two gals from my Supper Swapping Group, the Chill MAMAs, were planning on attending, too. Patricia had several friends from work who arrived ahead of us, but poor Carey wouldn't get off of work until 5pm. So, once we got our tickets -- mine was number 125 and they started at 20 -- Patricia sat with her other friends while T and I were able to save a seat for Carey, even though we were already in the third to last row of seats. We couldn't get her a signing ticket, though. When Carey finally made it around 5:25, she was given ticket #345 or something like that.

Ree had a little GPS issue and so arrived about 6:15 or so. What a cutie! Very sweet and down to earth, she spoke just a smidge and then spent about 15 minutes or so with questions and answers. Yes, she sang for us! Yes, there is a movie option for her story! Yes, Reese Witherspoon has expressed interest! Ree says that she spends about 4 hours a day on website stuff, which I found interesting.

Once the signing began, it took about an hour before it was my turn (they called us in groups of 10). Carey didn't want to be at the store until 10 at night, so gave me her book and took pictures for me. Thanks Carey. It was a fun night!!




Monday, December 14, 2009

Menu Plan Monday & Pantry Challenge Wrap Up




I've been diligently eating out of the freezer and pantry since December 1st. We DID end up getting take-out over the weekend, but no grocery shopping trips. We have an extra refrigerator in the garage that was full of food from a big Thanksgiving shopping trip and an upright freezer that I had filled with freezer meals, frozen veggies and such. Plus, we drink mostly Soy Milk and had a case already, along with a five dozen eggs, etc. I spent $0.00 for dinners for the past two weeks!! Right now, there are just three of us at home but two of our grown-up kids were home over the past two weekends. Phew! I'm still in the use-it-up mode so this week's menu is mostly from the freezer but I will definitely need to shop for some sides and fresh salad fixings.

Monday – Asian Flank Steak (Chill MAMAs meal), Broccoli, Rice
Tuesday – Three Cheese Enchiladas (made last month
Wednesday – Corned Beef Hash (from Sunday’s dinner)
Thursday – Herb Crusted Pork Chops (Chill MAMAs meal I didn’t get to last week)
Friday – Homemade Pepperoni Pizza, Salad
Saturday – Chicken and Dumplings
Sunday – use it up!

Head on over to OrgJunkie for more menu planning ideas! And, if you're reading this post, please leave a comment - they make me smile. Thanks!!!!

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Shawnee's Menu Plan Monday


It's a strange week in the Halligan household this week, but having a menu planned will certainly keep us grounded a bit.

Monday (T at a puppy practice): leftover chili and quesadilla
Tuesday (T at scouting event): Pinwheel Flank Steak**, potatoes, salad
Wednesday: Three Cheese Tortellini, salad
Thursday: Cheesy Chicken Bites**
Friday (T at puppet performance): Three Packet Pot Roast**, veggies, rice
Saturday: French Dip Sandwiches, veggies
Sunday (community group): Navy Bean Soup

** meals from Chill MAMAs supper swapping group

For more menu ideas, visit OrgJunkie.com!

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Soup Gone Wrong

This week, I had my Chill MAMAs over for Sausage Lentil Soup and an evening to talk about our first year of Supper Swapping. The evening was made a bit stressful because my honey helped me out.

First, let me say my husband is an AMAZING chef and loves to cook. I asked him to start the base of onions, veggies and sausage before heading to work at noon, then I would finish the soup after work before my guests arrived. Unfortunately, he called me to say he MIGHT have left the pot on low but was sure he hadn't. So, I didn't run right home. MISTAKE.

The good news is the house was fine and the dog wasn't overcome by smoke, but the stockpot may never be the same and soup was ruined. So, less than two hours before dinner, I said a prayer that all would go well, then had to pick up T from day care, run to the store for more sausages and quickly whip up a yummy soup.

You know, it worked out! We ate a little late but the Carey brought a veggie tray for an appetizer, and Kameo made us virgin Pina Colada-tasting slushies from ice, a can cream of coconut and a can of pineapple chunks. Kameo also brought home-made wheat bread. Kat had me warm up Hawaiian Rolls (yum), Patricia is experimenting with all things pumpkin this week and graced us with two desserts, and then Kris rounded the evening out with our drinks.

We talked about the likes and dislikes of the year; only a few flops. Everyone's continuing on and I know it will be a great year!


Busy Week, Quiet Saturday

Did everyone else have a busy week? I always forget how hectic autumn can be when I'm in the middle of summer. So, I tend to over-schedule once things get ramped up again. Not as bad as last year but here's a sample of what I mean.
Mondays -- There's a terrific puppet ministry at our church and this is first year that T was eligible to join. She's loving it! Practices are Monday evenings from 5-6:30 pm and then we'll have several performances in the next few months. It's Heros on TV, too, but I'm not loving it as much this year.
Tuesdays -- One Tuesday a month, T has Girl Scouts. This is the ONE activity she would not give up when we were talking about schedules that year. We found a new troop since we moved half-hour from the last one, and they're sweet. (I'm their new Cookie Mom, but that's a post in itself.) This week we were all set but illness got the leaders' daughter. So, next week is the first official meeting of the year. This is also the only night I love TV in the week -- of course, there are THREE shows on at the same times that I love. Thank goodness for DVRs on two sets!! My favorites are The Biggest Loser (yeah Abby, boo Tracey who I thought I'd love), NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service), and their new spin-off NCIS-Los Angeles with Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J.Wednesdays -- The only thing going right now is that T has school choir right after school for an hour. This week, I had my Chill MAMAs over for Sausage Lentil Soup and an evening to talk about our first year of Supper Swapping. The evening was made a bit stressful because my honey helped me out. Read more here.

Thursdays -- Ok, one more activity for T but just for a few weeks. Her new school offers Enrichment Classes like the old one did, and they're so fun. Parents and teachers volunteer their time to share their knowledge with the kiddos. T's very excited about her Advanced Arts and Crafts class for 45-minutes after school into December. This week, they made adorable hand-stamped cards.
Fridays -- Shockingly, we normally have nothing going on Friday nights. This week, T went to her new friend's house after school and had a wonderful time. Then, we headed to the local dog park with her Tualatin best friend and their labrador, Buddy. We spent an hour or so letting them run themselves ragged and stayed until just after dark. That is SO necessary for our sanity as a family; it's so not fair to our dog to keep him in the house, and he gets rowdy if he's not exercised enough. The fun part about the dog park is we've met two of Apollo's littermates, Suki and Inga. They both live nearby, unbeknownst to us, and we met there. The puppy above is a new friend, a Great Dane puppy named Henry. He's only two months older than Apollo but he's HUGE!

Saturdays -- T and I have been attending morning Puppy Obedience Classes with our sweetie. Today was "Graduation Day" and we somehow didn't fail. He only stole the class props a few times, didn't have an accident on the floor like those silly beagles =), although he couldn't fit through the tunnel so was given a free pass there, and we didn't have any cool tricks to perform other than "Sit" and "Shake". Next level classes are starting next week and I'm trying to decide if we're going to keep it up or have a short break. We really need the help, though, and it DOES wear him out.....Sundays -- We attend church regularly and I volunteer every other month in the nursery. We're also getting ready to host a small group in home in the early evening. Small groups are a great way to make our big church seem smaller, and to make new friends who are also believers.

Add in regular exercise, bible study, crafting, dog walks, sewing, LAUNDRY, and that's a typical week for our family! How does that compare to yours?

Today was super special ... T had two girlfriends over and they are so good together. It was a fun day. Now, we're watching Twilight and I can't wait for bedtime. =)

Monday, October 12, 2009

Menu Plan Monday


Yummy food for this week:

Monday - (Joyful Noise night) Chicken Parmigiana over Spaghetti
Tuesday - (Girl Scouts) Honey and Spice Pork Kebobs* with Veggies
Wednesday - Sausage and Lentil Soup
Thursday - Lil Cheddar Meatloaves* w/Baked Potatoes
Friday - chinese takeout
Saturday - handmade pizza
Sunday - Teriyaki Chicken*, Beef Stew

* meals are from my Supper Swap group


For more menu planning ideas, visit http://orgjunkie.com

Saturday, March 14, 2009

I feel like a Rock Star!

Friday the 13th was a lucky day for me!!

I was so surprised to find out that my interview with Lucy was published on SwapDex. Lucy and I both regularly host apron swaps and we teamed up earlier this year and hosted a swap together. Thank you JENNA, for posting a sweet interview. And it was her birthday too -- please stop by her blog and wish Jenna a Happy Birthday!!!

Plus, my supper swapping group, the Chill MAMAs, was highlighted on the local ABC-affiliate news, KATU, during a Problem Solvers special report. I am sad to say I couldn't watch the interview myself because DISH Network and KATU are in a dispute (GRRRRRR) but I will post a link to the video as soon as it is posted.

AND, one more -- Bakerella visited the Pioneer Woman last week and demo'd cupcake pops & bites. Well, I have several posts linked on that topic so my traffic is up. Check out the ones I made for family and friends HERE and HERE.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Menu Plan Monday 1/12/09

We are once again doing major freezer eating this week, using dinners made by my Chill MAMAs group using primarily recipes from the Fix, Freeze, Feast cookbook. Having a full freezer is certainly easier on the January budget! Oh, and don't forget to wear a flirty apron while cooking!! Join my Flirty Valentine Apron Sew Along!!

Monday
1/12 - Pecan Crusted Chicken Strips (holdover from last week) **Chill MAMAs
Tuesday 1/13 - Cam's Ribs (another holdover) **Chill MAMAs
Wednesday 1/14 - Apple Cranberry Pork Roast **Chill MAMAs
Thursday 1/15 - Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry with Brown Rice **Chill MAMAs
Friday 1/16 - Chicken Parmigiana **Chill MAMAs
Saturday 1/17 - Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings (recipe below)
Sunday 1/18 - Crockpot Beef Stew


Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons butter
2 10.75-ounce cans condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1 14-ounce can chicken broth
1 onion, finely diced
1 10-ounce package refrigerated biscuit dough

Place the chicken, butter, soup, broth and onion in slow cooker. Cover, and cook for 5 to 6 hours on high. One hour before serving, open biscuits. Roll each one to be about 1/4-inch thick and cut into 1/2-inch strips. Add to the slow cooker, laying on top of chicken and liquid. Overlapping strips of dough will occur. Continue cooking until the dough is no longer raw in the center, about 1 hour. Note: Dough will not cook into biscuits as you might think. It will become like traditional dumplings. Serves: 6 to 8.

Sunday, January 04, 2009

Menu Plan Monday 1/5/09

I am doing major freezer eating this week, using dinners made by the Chill MAMAs group/Fix, Freeze, Feast cookbook. Having a full freezer is certainly easier on the January budget!

Monday
1/5 - Breakfast for Dinner: Hashbrown, eggs and bacon (all low-fat, of course)
Tuesday 1/6 - Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs with mixed veggies and rice **Chill MAMAs
Wednesday 1/7 - Urban Garlic Chicken from my Chill MAMAs group/Fix, Freeze, Feast Cookbook Carryover from last week 'cause I forgot to defrost!
Thursday 1/8 - Baked Ziti **Chill MAMAs
Friday 1/9 - Pecan Crusted Chicken Strips, Onion Rings and Yellow Squash **Chill MAMAs
Saturday 1/10 - Cam's Ribs **Chill MAMAs
Sunday 1/11 - Tatum's Birthday - Spaghetti with Mozzarella Meatballs, Green Salad and Birthday Cake!

Also, MPMers, please consider yourself invited to join my apron swap with Lucy, Sassy Flirty Apron Swap. We have giveaways GALORE scheduled and sign-ups end Friday.

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