My goal for last month was to eat from our pantry and freezer as much as possible, supplementing with a few trips to the grocery store for fresh produce and dairy products. If my stuffed freezer is any indication, I didn't do so hot. So this month I am going to cut my grocery budget in half ($200) to force myself to get creative with what I already have on hand. I am determined to find those strawberries at the bottom of my chest freezer by the end of February. Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- Taco Soup, grilled cheese sandwiches Tuesday -- Mushroom & Spinach Lasagna, No-Knead Bread, Raw Tuscan Kale Salad Wednesday Keep Reading
What’s for dinner? This week’s menu plan (2/4)
What’s for dinner? This week’s (sugar-free, wheat-free) menu plan (1/28)
Menu Plan by Brittany I had a baby in December and have recently been fighting a losing battle against thrush. A sugar-free, wheat-free diet is supposed to help, so my diet has been restrictive, to say the least. Luckily, there are a few edible items out there that I can still eat. Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- Acorn Squash Soup Tuesday -- Crock Pot Whole Chicken, brown rice, some sort of vegetable. (I tried to find a simple recipe to link to but they all call for so many spices. All I do is plunk that thing into the crock pot on high for about 3 hours and use a meat thermometer to be sure it is done) Wednesday -- Keep Reading
What’s for dinner? This week’s menu plan (1/14)
During the month of January, I've been trying to create meals based on ingredients from my pantry and freezer as much as possible. I, along with my wallet and bathroom scale, am still recovering from December's crazy rush of shopping-cooking-eating. I normally hate the blahs of January, but I am loving this month so far. I think it just feels good to slow down and simplify our routine a bit. My husband helped me create this menu plan as we watched Downton Abbey last night. He asked for scallops to be added. You know, just in case I happened to pick some up when I was at the fish market this week. Needless to say, they didn't make the final Keep Reading
2013 Kia Optima Hybrid review
This is a guest review by my husband, Will. My daily driver is a 2005 Kia Optima LX so it will be impossible for me to review this car without it being a direct comparison. And to be honest, I love that 2005 so the cards are stacked against the 2013 from the get go. Here's my review of the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The Look Kia has apparently either hired or kidnapped the design team from Audi because the new look seriously turns some heads; whereas whoever designed the 2005 has most likely been shot on site because that thing is hideous. Some strangers in the parking lot at Albertsons gawked and congratulated me on the 2013, “Nice car.” This Keep Reading
2013 Kia Sorento review
This is a guest review written by my husband, Will. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where test driving a brand new 2013 Kia Sorento with a free tank of gas for a week could result in anything less than rave reviews. Let the raving begin… First things first: this well-apportioned vehicle was delivered to our front door with a full tank of gas and perfectly clean – that is, no sticky sugar residue, empty Starbucks cups, or cold French fries as is typical in our 2004 Mazda MPV. Absent also was the musty odor of smoke with each new rain as is found in my new-to-me 2005 Kia Optima. First impression: 5 out of 5 stars in my undefined grading Keep Reading
Safeway: Fun recipes, drink pairings and a $50 Safeway Gift Card giveaway!
Looking for some fun baking recipes for you and your troops this New Years Eve? Check out Safeway's Pinterest boards for some sweet inspiration. I found a fun Sugar Cookie Pop recipe and Nate and I went to work making the dough. The rest of the kids helped with the decorating. Safeway has a great resource for your parties with a list of dessert and cocktail pairings as well as the Safeway Beverage Calculator, designed to help you determine the right amount of bevies to purchase for your New Year's party. Visit Safeway on Pinterest for holiday inspiration and recipes for holiday meals, sides, baking, and dessert and drink Keep Reading
Last minute Christmas gift ideas
If you're still looking to pick up a few Christmas gifts, here's a list of deals still available: $100 MasterCard Gift Card for $90.95 at Safeway through January 5 $60 in iTunes Gift Cards for just $36 at Safeway through December 25 -- the coupon is no longer available, but you can still do the deal if you loaded it to your Club Card. Up to 70% off magazine subscriptions (including subscription to American Girl Magazine for $17.60) $10 Starbucks eGift Card + 20% off Starbucks purchase through December for $10 Get 4 unlimited video game cards plus large cheese pizza at Wilsonville Family Fun Center for $10 Get 2 movie tickets and a large drink or Keep Reading