Menu Plan Tuesday

Yep, I'm late on planning.  Meh, it happens.
Let's see what I'll cook this week.

Tuesday: Chicken fingers, rice, steamed veggies, gravy, crescent rolls
Wednesday: Chicken Alfredo, steamed veggies
Thursday, Grilled shrimp, rice, steamed veggies
Friday: homemade pizza
Saturday: baked potatoes (maybe - it's so hot here, I'm not sure I can do it.)
Sunday: Burgers and fries (of course)

Happy Eating everyone!

Menu Plan Monday

It's Monday, time to think about what to feed your family this week.
Here's what we're having:
Monday: Hawaiian Haystacks
Tuesday: Pasta w/ vodka sauce, green beans, garlic bread, salad
Wednesday: chicken fingers, mashed potatoes, salad, zucchini
Thursday: Spaghetti and meat sauce
Friday: Homemade pizza
Saturday: grilled chicken, grilled veggies, roasted potatoes, rice
Sunday: burgers and fries

Hope you guys have a happy and healthy week!

Book Report: Traveler by Ron McLarty

Sent to me by my dear friend Judy, Traveler, by Rom Mclarty is next up in my book reports.  Set in East Providence, Rhode Island the story follows a man as he goes home and confronts childhood events that have followed him well into middle age and learns the truth about what really happened all those years ago.
As mysteries go, this was an easy one to crack.  I figured out the "whodunnit" about 100 pages before the reveal.  The love story plots aren't really believable or sympathetic.  The disappearing priest plot line is so very meh.  The ending is predictable and not even very satisfying.
What I did like about Traveler is the overwhelming "Rhode Islandness" of the book.  Having lived in Rhode Island for nearly a decade it was fun to read about places, things and attitudes I know really well.  Blackstone Blvd, Riverside, NY System, the constant mob undertones, the beaches, the names, even the buildings at Brown University.  There is a comforting familiarness in all of those things and even after six years here in North Carolina I still miss a good Dells Lemonade and sometimes, yes, even a gagger. 
Rhode Island is a funny little place.  People don't leave.  They are born, grow up, go to school, get married, have kids and die all in the same neighborhood.  Of course, there are exceptions - I mean, of course people leave and of course new people move in, like I did.  But they're at a significant disadvantage.  How do you find your place in a world where everyone has known each other since their grandparents got off the boat together in 1890?  It takes time but eventually you do.
I still miss Providence.  I'd still love to go back.  North Carolina has been a fantastic place for us to live but it still hasn't felt like "home" yet.  Not deep down in my bones.  There is a culture here that I just can't get in sync with and, try as I might, I feel like an outsider looking in.  I'm befuddled by NASCAR, the love for the Confederate flag (I was behind a car yesterday that had FIVE different Confederate flag stickers on the back windshield), the southern redneck drawl (not the charming drawl, I do like that), the appeal of vinegar-based BBQ and the general love of red neck culture.
I've digressed into not the book, but if you're looking for a little piece of Rhode Island, Traveler is a great book to bring back memories.  Just don't go into it looking for a complex, intriguing plot.

Thursday Weigh In

For the first time since joining weight watchers I neither gained nor lost weight.  I stayed exactly the same.  That's great news in my world due to, you know, the hormones.  I'm due for a big loss next week if I can keep with it.

Menu Plan Monday

My lovely in-laws will be here for the week so I am really looking forward to a bit of respite.  These boys are really exhausting.  I'm planning on using my Mother's Day gift to get a deep tissue massage, a manicure, a pedicure, a haircut and a touch up color.  I'm ready to spend a little time taking care of myself in addition to taking care of everyone else.  We should also be able to get in a nice dinner out this week!

Monday:  Grilled chicken, spinach and orzo salad, grilled zucchini,  rice
Tuesday: Chicken Tacos, Spanish rice, black beans, salad
Wednesday: dinner out
Thursday: spaghetti bake
Friday: homemade pizzas
Now - there is a chance we might go out of town next weekend.  If so, obviously we'll be eating there.  If not we'll do take out on Saturday and the usual burgers on Sunday.

Thursday Weigh In

There is something perverse about buying a donut and a muffin BEFORE your weight watchers meeting, sitting there for the 30 minutes (well 25 thanks to Andy) knowing full well that you 1) gained .4lbs and 2) are going to eat said donut despite the gain. 
In good news, I counted their points so, while it's not the best choice, it's not like it was illegal or the day is ruined.  I don't eat before weighing in because breakfast seriously makes me gain like 40lbs.  But the meeting isn't until 10 so I'm STARVING.
And also, I've officially lost a total of 4lbs since starting this all last year... so I haven't gained it all back.  #win

So for this Tuneful Tuesday - I bring "The Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies"

They are awesome.  They take older songs and punk them up.  True genius.

What are you listening to?

Menu Plan Monday

I can't believe it's been a week since I blogged!  And I did so well the week before.  I guess life just gets in the way sometimes. 
I am thrilled to report that my garden is flourishing!  For the first time in five different gardens!  Looks like the gardening class I took has really paid off.  It's  , pretty small garden.  Three tomato plants (each a different variety), cucumbers, squash. bell and banana peppers and some basil.  This summer I should be able to make tomato, basil & mozzarella salad where I've grown the tomatoes and basil and made the mozzarella!!
So anyway, time to plan for the week! 

Monday: Steak, grilled veggies, rice
Tuesday: Macaroni and cheese (with cauliflower)
Wednesday: grilled fish, rice, green salad
Thursday: Ham, potatoes, green beans
Friday:  Homemade pizzas
Saturday: Quiche
Sunday: burgers and fries

As a random question - does anyone know how to rid yourself of nightmares?  I have zombie nightmares like 2x a week (thanks "The Walking Dead) and now it's a real nuisance! 

Menu Plan Monday

We cleaned out our freezer today and determined that we will spend the week eating our freezer food.  The good news is our grocery bill will be really small this week.
The bad news is, freezer food isn't very exciting, that's why it's freezer food.

Monday: chicken curry
Tuesday:  beef tacos, spanish rice
Wednesday: Steak, baked potatoes, broccoli and cheese
Thursday - Sunday I'm on my own as the dad has to travel for work (yes, I'll be alone on Monther's Day).  We'll eat more freezer food and I'm sure we'll have some chick-fil-a thrown in.  I'd take myself out to Mother's Day brunch but no way would I fight my two monsters alone - then I'd be trying to scarf eggs benedict without enjoying them and everyone else around would either be annoyed by how my kids are incapable of behaving at restaurants or pity th epoor single mom treating herself to lunch on Mother's Day.

Hope you guys have a great week.... and have some fun freezer eating in store!