Mom's the Word!

Monday, May 05, 2008

Done, like dinner...

Dinner.

Lately it's been a 4-letter-word around here... In light of the fact that I now have 2 kids... Holy crap!! I have 2 kids!! Also - the fact that one of them is a 4-week-old colicky mess in the evening....The name of the game is simplicity, shortcuts, and letting go. This means taking help from the store... and a more relaxed approach to things. No this isn't that "Semi-Homemade" crap.... it's real life. Anyone who knows me knows this: I love to cook! I KNOW how to cook, I just barely have the time right now. I still am using natural vs. additive-ridden, organic vs. pesticide-riddled, and I am just trying my best to keep things as balanced as I can.

Menu Monday week of May 5-9, 2008

Monday (Cinco de Mayo!)

Fish Soft Tacos (Tilapia) (Relish! Recipe)
Grilled on grill pan - Brush with Olive Oil, season with salt & pepper & grill. Squeeze lime juice on too & serve with Pepperjack Cheese
Guacamole (Trader Joes pre-made)
Chips
Refried Black Beans
Corn

Tuesday:

Thai Chicken Satay Skewers with Peanut Dipping Sauce (Relish! Recipe)
Sesame Sugar Snap Peas (Relish! Recipe)
Jasmine Rice (frozen, microwavable, from Trader Joes)

Wednesday:

Almond-Crusted Chicken (Relish! Recipe)
Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Packaged from Trader Joes)
Broccoli

Thursday:

Pasta

Friday: Dinner out with Dad

Also, the added challenge of trying to be as dairy-free (for me) as reasonably possible... I had an iced Soy Vanilla Latte the other day @ Starbucks... it wasn't half bad. Vanilla Rice Dream on my Kashi this morning. But, I absolutely had Cheddar cheese on my BBQ Beef sandwich yesterday, without apologies.

So, the next few weeks will probably continue to be a little tough as I/we continue our adjustment. I realized yesterday that we're still trying to run on 1 kid time. Thinking it will still only take an hour to go to the grocery stores... when in reality, it now takes easily twice that... when you factor in the baby needing to be nursed, changed, etc. Getting 2 changed, clean, dressed, and out the door, into the car... We're figuring this out... cause we're adaptable like that!

Labels: baby daze, domestic goddess, Family, food, menu monday

posted by T.J.'s Mommy @ 9:28 AM 1 comments

Monday, January 21, 2008

Menu Monday Week of Jan 20-25

Sunday:

Quick Pasta with Mushrooms, onions, and Tomato Vodka Sauce (Jarred from Trader Joe's)

Monday:

Having James & Mish over for dinner...

Italian Parm Breaded Chicken (this was a special request)

Red Wine Risotto with Peas

Green Beans Sauteed with Garlic

Tuesday: Knitting Night... something quick, dunno yet

Wednesday:

Smokey Chicken Cheddar Quesadillas with Pea & White Bean "Guacamole" (Robin Miller Cookbook Recipe)

Beans/Rice/Chips/Salsa

Thursday:

Mac & Cheese with Ham (Rachael Ray cookbook Recipe)

Friday:

Dinner out with my dad

Labels: barefoot - pregnant and in the kitchen, domestic goddess, food, menu monday

posted by T.J.'s Mommy @ 12:00 PM 1 comments

Monday, January 07, 2008

Menu Monday

Several years ago, I had an epiphany. My husband and I like to go grocery shopping together... but oftentimes we didn't have A Plan.

As in, we'd go into the grocery store after working all day. (Mistake#1)

We'd shop when we were hungry, tired, or otherwise cranky. (Mistake #2)

We'd forget what we actually had in the pantry cupboards, and end up buying duplicate items. (Mistake #3)

We'd spend $75.00 and STILL have "nothing to eat" in the house. Yup. Mistake of all mistakes.

So, for the last 4-5 years or so.... I make a meal plan each week. I used to be a lot more anal about checking the sales, coupons, etc... which stores had what... planning my list to the exact item. And, although I could do that again... I don't necessarily want to, given the whole I have a toddler, and soon to be infant situation.

We go to Trader Joes, Costco, and Safeway most weeks. We spend quite a bit on groceries each week. I mean, yesterday, we spent about $160 between Trader Joes and Safeway. But, again, I was planning on making lasagna, and then we were having friends over, so we bought extra beer. :) Still, Travis and I have breakfast, lunch, and snacks at home every day during the week... and we eat at home most nights, except for the occasional lunch out - or the more frequent - pizza for dinner.

I really do enjoy cooking... as anyone who knows me can attest. My lasagna is renowned... and if not restrained, Jeff could probably eat 1/2 a pan in one sitting.... although not without facing severe consequences later.

My challenge is that right now, especially... I am really exhausted... so I want mostly no-fuss recipes, with lots of flavor... but that Travis will also eat.

So this week... here is my menu... we shop on Friday or Saturday most weeks, so this week my menu starts on Sunday:

Sunday: Lasagna/Garlic bread/Salad

Monday: Herb Roasted chicken with garlic and lemon/ rice/ broccoli

Tuesday: Mexican with black beans, spanish rice, chips & salsa

Wednesday: Hammy Mac & Cheese/ Salad

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Usually dinner out with my dad @ Chili's.

Saturday: Out of town @ in-laws

Labels: barefoot - pregnant and in the kitchen, domestic goddess, food, menu monday, recipes

posted by T.J.'s Mommy @ 10:35 AM 0 comments

Thursday, January 03, 2008

New Year...

I like that, each year... after the hustle and bustle leading up to the holidays... there is a week or so of just being. After all the shopping, and baking, and wrapping, and rushing.... after the unwrapping, and giving, and getting, and returning...the stores have the wrapping paper, and ornaments marked down to super-cheap.

It's calming... the Christmas trees and lights are still up. The decorations on the city light posts haven't come down yet... And... just like that... it's done. And calm. And comforting.

I made a huge pot of soup on New Years Eve afternoon. And it was just like that.... soothing, calming, comforting. There's something about the process of making soup. It's a labor of love.... chopping, nurturing, seasoning, simmering, stirring... and then you have this delicious meal afterwards. It's so nice.... especially, since we live in this culture of NOW! PREPACKAGED! INSTANT! FAST! To actually do something simple like take the TIME to make soup. It's not hard... but it's a departure from the norm. It's actually, almost meditative. Then you can package it up and send it home with your friends and family.

This year, I don't have any fancy resolutions, Uberlists, or goals. It's simple for me this year. I just want to enjoy my family, be the best mother that I can be, simplify, and make soup more often. :)

Labels: Christmas with the Family, domestic goddess, Family, married life, to do in 2008

posted by T.J.'s Mommy @ 10:02 AM 1 comments

Friday, November 09, 2007

Project Blue Puppy cake.

Cake? Baked, from a box, cooling on a rack right now.

Buttercream? Made. From scratch. Fluffy and just as achingly sweet as it ever was. Now with Non-hydrogenated shortening!

Tinted? (Yes! All 7 colors...) Blended, mixed, compartmentalized in Ziploc storage containers, tucked away in the fridge.... ready for buttercream hell tomorrow.

Hands? Also tinted. Purple, blue, pink, red. I look like I'm afflicted with some Technicolor skin disease.

I must really love this kid! :)

Kid is sleeping on the couch after a birthday dinner at Bubba Gump's and a chocolate brownie sundae at Ghirardelli.

He napped not today.... which means neither did I. But at least my bathroom is clean.

Labels: "Crafty bitch", birthday, domestic goddess, year 3

posted by T.J.'s Mommy @ 10:46 PM 1 comments

Friday, October 05, 2007

Blah, blah, blah

The last couple of days have been measurably better. Because of napping.... and for that I am greatful.

Travis is still being a tad more aggressive than I would like. He's freaked out and slapped me a few times... landing himself in trouble. Time-out, scolding....he seems sorry after he does it.... and he apologizes, but, damn.

I wonder, though.... where is this behavior coming from to begin with? We don't hit, he doesn't see it anywhere. I guess it's just a phase. Hopefully, it's short-lived.

Anyway....last night we went to the grand opening party for our new Safeway here in town. Er. Well, Del Rey Oaks. Oh My Gosh. It's the coolest grocery store in existence. No, really. They spent $15 million on it, and it's truely a sight to behold. This store.... 74,000-square-feet. Hell yeah!

They have a Starbucks Cafe with seating, a sushi bar, wood-oven bakery, TONS of freshly prepared stuff, and their produce section is just awesome!! Also, there are tons of organic and gourmet foods, and it's just awesome! Woohoo!

Yeah, I'm a dork.... but so are the other zillion people who went to the grand opening last night. Now, I just can't wait until the new Trader Joes opens!! :)

We came home, and I made Chicken with Apple Gravy, Rice Pilaf, and Green Beans for dinner. It was SOOO good!

Today, I need to go to Whole Paycheck and get a few things... I am attempting a Vegan cake for my brother-in-law's birthday tomorrow. I'm using this recipe for Vegan "Buttercream" Frosting which I'm sure I will add cocoa to. Hopefully it turns out, cause I have never attempted baking anything vegan before.

Oh, and the other day, I had my OB apointment. Everything seems great! :)

I got my doppler in the mail, and have found the heartbeat on my own, so YAY! Week 14, here I come!

Labels: domestic goddess, pre-schooler, pregnant, toddler tantrums

posted by T.J.'s Mommy @ 8:53 AM 4 comments

Friday, September 14, 2007

Fall is here!

I made Caramelized Apple Pecan Coffee Cake today. Starbucks has the recipe cards in their stores, and it is SOOOOO GOOD! MUCH better than the who-knows-how-old-version they have in the display case. Of course, the apples alone would be great on anything.... crepes, pancakes, ice cream.... drool.

The worst part about being pregnant is always wanting to eat, but not being able to. I am always full after not all that much food. Oh well. It's not like I want to gain THAT much, anyway!! :)

Labels: baking, domestic goddess, knocked up, pregnant

posted by T.J.'s Mommy @ 9:22 PM 1 comments

Saturday, September 01, 2007

How to be a Domestic Sleep-Deprived Goddess...

I was hit with early morning insomnia. Meaning, I woke up thereabouts 4:00am to pee. Then.... no sleep. Even though I lay in bed for nearly an hour. So, I threw on a robe, and came out to the living room. I knit a bit, and then surfed a little on the 'net.

Then, decided, well I've got 4 perfectly good blackened organic bananas on the counter.
So, I did the only logical thing. And right now I have a loaf of Nigella's Banana Bread tucked into the oven, baking away. (Sans raisins or nuts, only 'cause we didn't have any)

Um, yes, as a matter of fact it is only 6:30 AM!

When life hands you bananas, you make banana bread.

Labels: baking, domestic goddess, insomnia, knitting

posted by T.J.'s Mommy @ 6:26 AM 1 comments

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Cookies!! Dizzy!! Cookies!!

I decided it's been too long since I've baked cookies. So, I grabbed my copy of How To Be A Domestic Goddess by Nigella Lawson, and flipped through it. I found the recipe for her Snickerdoodles. It has seriously been ages since I last remember making these!

Travis helped me. :)He stirred the dry ingredients together with the whisk. blanketing himself and the countertops with whole wheat pastry flour. I always use WW Pastry flour when I bake. It makes no difference in the taste or texture of the finished product.... and it's much better for you anyway.

So, they're baking in the oven now.... and even though the recipe said Makes about 32.... I think I only got 15 -18 out of the recipe. They might end up huge! LOL!

I always do that. I can never, EVER get the correct yield out of cookie recipes, even if I use a teaspoon, or whatever. Don't know what's up with that.

In other news, the meds are making me lightheaded. Especially if I rise too quickly from a seated position. Woah! I read this is normal, but I will mention it at my follow-up appointment tomorrow morning, anyway. I hate having to be on something to fix me. But, I am resigning myself to the fact, that as long as it works, and it's safe, and the side effects aren't too bad.... I'll be okay with it.

Labels: baking, bp, domestic goddess, Ha, health

posted by T.J.'s Mommy @ 10:10 AM 1 comments

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