Getting Back on the Bandwagon

I really, really want to get with this blogging thing. I don't know why it's important to me, but it is.

I came to the realization the other day, that one of the reasons I wasn't blogging was because I've read in several places that people like pictures with blog posts. I can see that. I personally don't care one way or the other, but I can see it. I don't take a lot of pictures because, honestly, my house is a wreck. I have a small house, four children, and I procrastinate like nobody's business. Yep, there, I said it. I'm l-a-z-y. Lazy in the I-just-spent-four-hours-volunteering-at-the-school-and-now-I'm-tired-and-don't-want-to-do-anything-but-veg sense. *Not* as lazy as my husband, but I come close! And that's scary! I've also been a little depressed and that always dampers my cleaning mood.

So, I've spent the better part of the week cleaning. There's still a lot to do because I've procrastinated just as much as I've cleaned...but it's getting better. I'm hoping by Monday that it will be pretty ship shape and I can start sharing pictures without being overly embarrassed.

Also, I've been very inspired by Danielle's blog. I was directed to her site through an article I read about her and her family on Yahoo. In an effort to curb our spending and to *hopefully* save more, I've decided two things. One is to go grocery shopping once a month. The other is to go as green as possible in relation to household cleaners. I've done that once before with fairly good results. Then I got lazy and it was easier to just buy stuff than make it. I'm also going to attempt baking my own bread. Eep! I used to have a breadmaker, but I never ever used it (DH has a mild gluten allergy, so he's gluten free). I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for one at the thrifts, but until then I'm going to be doing it the old fashioned way :D

And in an attempt to get back on the blogging bandwagon, I'm going to start the month off right tomorrow and do my best to post every single day! Not that anyone will read it, but hey...stranger things have happened!

Until tomorrow!

Jenn

Christmas Eve 2011

For once, all the gifts are wrapped and under the tree. They were actually wrapped yesterday. For the first time ever. Usually I am wrapping on Christmas Eve. Until about 1 or 2 in the morning. So glad it got done yesterday!

Right now there is an Eggnog Cheesecake in the oven. I'm getting ready to make the sausage gravy for tomorrow's breakfast and prep my broccoli casserole. Then it will be time to stuff stockings and go to bed!

Enjoy your holidays!

New Year's

Hello my poor, poor neglected blog. I had such high hopes for us, but alas, life got in the way. This coming year though, I have reduced my work hours and will hopefully have more of that precious commodity...time.

I have never made resolutions on New Year's. I make goals. Something to strive for during the year. I don't always achieve these goals, but it's fun trying and I usually try something new. Here are the goals for 2012:

1. Blog everyday. I'm going to try and start this one now. I know I won't be able to do it everyday until the new year (there's just too much going on with the holidays), but I should be able to get some regular posting in. (not that it matters too much. I'm the only reader! lol!)

2. Continue to work my diet. It's not really a diet. It's an awesome eating plan. It's been working fabulously for the past few weeks, but again, with the holidays I've been pretty lax.

3. Learn to can.

4. Move away from processed food.

5. In conjunction with number four, make my own convenience foods and condiments.

6. Sew a seasonal (vintage) wardrobe.

7. Have (and maintain!) a container garden.

8. Keep my house orderly and clean.

9. Try and keep all gifts for giving homemade.

10. Knit a pair of socks (they are the bane of my existence!)

I may add to this as the year goes on. We'll see!

Menu Plan Monday

Whew! Last week certainly was busy! This week looks to be shaping up to be the same way. Luckily, my menu is made and once I find time to go to the grocery store (I was camping with Cub Scouts on my normal shopping day and I'm trying to see where I can squeeze it in this week), my suppers will no longer be a worry and I'll be able to cross them off the never ending to do list!

Monday-Chicken Paprikish, noodles, salad
Tuesday-Hamburger steak, cottage potatoes, green beans, chocolate Bavarian
Wednesday-Tangy ribs, bacon-tomato spinach salad, Sally Lunn bread, candy corn smoothie
Thursday-Pork chops, carrots with dip, scalloped potatoes
Friday-Rustic Autumn Soup
Saturday-Chili
Sunday-Roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, asparagus tips, peas, peach crisp, biscuits, candy corn popsicles



For a wealth of menu ideas, check out orgjunkie.com!

Progress

If you remember, Twila Jean is hosting a knit along for the 3-hour sweater. Here's my progress. I think it's coming along nicely, although it's been more than 3 hours! I usually work on it while I'm watching Project Runway, so this is probably about 4 hours of work. I did have to restart it once and I've made two mistakes. The first one I was able to fix, but I've not yet attempted fixing the second one. I just made the mistake, but didn't catch it in time to fix it right away. I think if this was the only thing I was working on it would be further along than it is, but I've also got a gray swing coat I'm working on for my new wardrobe and I've just cast on to make my oldest son a Harry Potter scarf.

P.S. Ignore the mess and the bit of fluffy tail!

Has it been a week already? Where is this month going? It will be over before I know it! Here' this weeks menu.

Monday-pork steak, salad, potatoes, buttered rutabaga  (left over from last weeks menu)

Tuesday-Meatball stew, salad, quick garlic toast, brownies

Wednesday-Marinated chicken, broccoli casserole, oven rice

Thursday-Pork chop stuffing casserole, buttered spinach, mashed potatoes, cupcakes

Friday-Out

Saturday-Camping

Sunday-Swiss steak, potato pancakes, salad, peach crisp

Do you struggle with what's for dinner? For hundreds of ideas, go here!

Weekly Menu

Monday-Spooky Shepherd's Pie, Salad, leftover pumpkin cake

Tuesday-Braised pork steak, mashed sweet potatoes, buttered cauliflower, apple dumplings

Wednesday-Chicken with gravy, peas, salad, chocolate pudding

Thursday-Out to dinner (our favorite local restaurant is closing :( )

Friday-Ham steak, fried cabbage, potato dumplings, pumpkin custard

Saturday-not sure entirely. Might go out.

Sunday-German skillet beef, buttered noodles, meringue ghosts

For more ideas, go here!