Monthly Meals {November}

On to the second month of meal planning and so far it worked out really well.
The POSITIVES:
* Did not have to think about what to make for dinner
* The flexibility in moving meal/leftover nights to work around our schedule
* There are still at least 8 dinners left in the freezer for future months
* Mike loved the ease of breakfast & lunch wraps when getting ready for work
* Plenty of room in the freezer for everything (so far)

The NEGATIVES:
* I still ended up at the grocery store 6 times (a few things came up - back to no dairy, a tastefully simple party, stocking up on rice milk & a crockpot swap)
* Finding out that Braden is back to no dairy - so trying to find meals that would work for him
* Ran out of a few key items - bread, peanut butter, paper towels, eggs, etc.  So, next month I will really make sure to get more than enough

Grand Total for October - 515.45 (approx.)

November Meal Plan - mostly for myself to help with prep and for anyone that is looking for a new recipe to try.  There are a few things we'll be trying this month from the crockpot swap, so excited about that!!

In red I have included B's dairy free meal for the night!  Some provided through an Allergy Friendly Cookbook.

1 - Haddock & Spinach*
2 - Ribs, Coleslaw & sweet potato
3 - Meatball subs    Leftovers
4 - Leftovers
5 - Clam Chowder & Grilled Cheese
6 - BBQ Chicken & Potato
7 - Stromboli*  DF pizza
8 - Leftovers
9 - Chicken, Broccoli Alfredo   Mini Meatloaf & Sweet Potato
10 - Quiche    Scrambled Eggs & Broccoli
11 - Chicken Parmesan   DF version
12 - Leftovers
13 - Ranch Chicken (crockpot swap) & Green Beans   Mini Meatloaf
14 - Taco Chili (crockpot swap) & Cornbread
15 - Leftovers
16 - Breakfast Bake   DF version
17 - Mac N Cheese w/ peas & carrots (crockpot swap)  DF mac-n-cheeze
18 - Leftovers
19 - Homemade Pizza*  DF version
20 - Omlettes   Scrambled eggs & broccoli
21-23rd  Thanksgiving stuff
24 - Out to Eat
25 - Ziti*     DF version
26 - Dijon Chicken & Rice (crockpot swap)
27 - Leftovers
28 - Cilantro Lime Chicken
29 - Corn Pancakes   DF version
30 - Leftovers


Again I will be making the breakfast wraps & will double the batch of Buffalo Chicken wraps for lunches.  Also, for Braden I will be trying a few dairy free versions of smoothie recipes to see if I can get him to eat more veggies!!

I will also stock up on extra baking items with the holidays coming up!

Fifteen Months

A little summary:

* scoots backwards on his belly

* goes down the steps on his own (on his belly)

* took his first steps 9/12 back and forth to mommy & daddy

* two molars popped through bottom left 9/14, bottom right 9/ 28

* more interested in reading books - sitting still, turning pages & pointing at objects

* signing "up" and "please" 

* says "ball", "bat"
* loves to share handing objects back and forth with someone

* started going to music class: Little Music Makers 

* using a fork and spoon more regularly
* loves to feed others
* LOVES lights and playing with light switches
* more consistent nap schedule 12-2 or 3
* says "bite" when he wants some of your food
* puts cellphone up to his ear & sometimes says "hi"

* visited Great Grampy Ireland in Mars Hill 9/26

* started walking more frequently than crawling 

* has started trying to climb up on to things/furniture

* back to no dairy until his rash/hives go away

* has weaned and enjoys either whole milk or almond milk

* will throw little tantrums when frustrated or angry

* will sometimes correctly respond to "where is your nose?"

* 15 month check-up:  Height - 33.5 in (100%), Weight - 24 lbs, 1 oz (67%) Head - 19 in (87%)

Fall Decor

Over the last three years I have been slowly collecting holiday pieces to eventually put together as decoration on the mantle.  This Fall I finally had some things I could put up for fall/halloween decoration.  

One of the last pieces I added to the collection was a Subway Art project that I found through Pinterest.  It was really simple to put together and I think it looks great.  All I had to do was print the sign off on card stock and then I used Mod Podge to glue it onto an 8x10 canvas.  I also printed off a Fall bucket list and framed it, so we can check the items off as we complete them.       

Braden and I hosted an apple play date, so the apple art project was a nice added touch to the mantle.  The tutorial for the apple artwork can be found here.  

DIY Pillow Pad

When I was visiting my mom's last week Braden loved my niece's mini Mickey Mouse couch.  He was constantly sitting in it, lying back to relax in it and of course using it to climb up onto the big couch.

Instead of buying one, I thought I could make something similar.  So, I made him his very own own pillow pad.  On Pinterest, I found this tutorial that used a twin sheet.  I was able to complete the entire project during his nap.

 With the wrong side folded over sew the end to make a clean hem.

Turn the sheet right side out and measure/pin the divisions for each pillow.

Then sew across the fabric.

Fold over the end piece to make a nice clean, even hem for the top.  

When Braden woke up from his nap we tested it out.  I think he liked it!  

Meals for a Month (October) * Updated *

I don't know what it is about it, but I hate grocery shopping!  Thankfully, Mike tries to go as often as he can, but sometimes the timing just doesn't work out and I have to go.  

So, I have decided to do more planning & prep ahead of time, so that I only have to go ONCE a month.  Sounds crazy I know, but I was inspired by this family's experience, which I found through Pinterest.  They are a family of 8, so it takes a lot more work, so I think that our small family of 3 can handle it.  I talked it over with Mike and we are going to give it a try for the month of October.  

The Prep:

* Organized the pantry, cupboards, fridge & freezer.

* Set up cork board inside the pantry for the monthly calendar, grocery list, receipts & coupons.

* Searched Pinterest & other sites for freezer/crockpot meal ideas.

* Set up an October calendar with meal options.

* Created a HUGE grocery list based on the meals & items we need.

The Plan:

* Join Sam's Club in hopes that by going once a month we can get better deals on bulk items.

* Go shopping at Sam's Club & Hannaford.

* Prep and label any food that needs to be put in the freezer.

* Do some baking ahead of time & freeze items for lunch snacks or dessert.

* Mike can stop on his way home for items like milk, eggs & fresh fruit.

Below I have included the meals for the month with links. I found many of the freezer/crockpot meals on Pinterest as well. Having them organized here will help when I go to prep them all.  I'm sure we will end up being very flexible with the days, depending on what is going on (guests, trips away from home, busy days or unexpected events).  But, here is the plan...  (*written recipes we have at home, but I have linked recipes that are similar,  (new) - new to us recipes).

1 - Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil*

2 - Beef Tacos

3 - Pulled Pork Sandwiches

4 - Burgers & Sweet Potato Fries

5 - Baked Scallops & Greenbeans

6 - Leftovers

7 - Order Out

8 - Lasagna

9 - Omelettes

10 - Leftovers

11 - Meatloaf & Carrots

12 - Homemade Pizza

13 - Cheddar Broccoli Soup* & Beer Bread

14 - Ravioli (new) & Veggie

15 - Quesadillas (recipe is for shredded chicken) & Rice

16 - Leftovers

17 - Chicken Casserole* & Greenbeans

18 - Stromboli*

19 - Teriyaki Chicken (new), Veggies

20 - Leftovers

21 - Chowder & Grilled Cheese

22 - French Toast

23 - Chili (new)

24 - Spaghetti 

25 - Leftovers

26 - Order Out (Happy Birthday Mike)

27 - BBQ Chicken & Broccoli

28 - Cilantro Lime Chicken (new)

29 - Fajitas (new)

30 - Leftovers

31 - Pancakes

The plan is to also have enough groceries for breakfast & lunch.  A few baked goods will work for lunch snacks & dessert (muffins for breakfast).  I will also make and freeze some breakfast wraps & buffalo chicken wraps which will be available for the month.

Who wants to come over for dinner?

*Update*

The goal was to spend around $300 and I went over just a bit.  I ended up with about 186 at Sam's and 166 at Hannaford for a total of 352.  But, I have 3 bags of spaghetti sauce and 3 other meals bagged for future months.  Also for future months I will stagger the big items we need like toilet paper, dog food, etc.

As far as the prepping is concerned it took a full day.  Some of the meals I could only freeze the meat and will have to prep them on the day of, because I just did not have the freezer space for casserole dishes.  Instead of freezing baked goods I decided I will make a batch of muffins and cookies each week.

So, far things are going well.  I missed a few things that I had not put on the list, but I just adapted the menu to make it work anyway!  This week so far as been great, because I already know what will be for dinner and most of the work is already done!!!

Mess Free Painting

After a few finger painting attempts I have discovered that Braden does not enjoy getting his hands dirty.  He cries and screams any time I attempt a crafty project using paint or stickers.  He is fine with eating messy things like applesauce, yogurt or oatmeal with his hands - so I am not sure what the issue is.  

So, that is why I was excited to discover this blog on Pinterest which is geared towards toddler activities.  There are a few great mess free painting activities that I decided to try last week. 

First we attempted ice cube painting - the inspiration here. I used red paint and intended to cut the paper into little apple shapes for Fall.  At first Braden enjoyed shaking up the bag, but once he felt the ice cubes he wanted nothing to do with it.  I tried getting him to shake it again and he would either cry or just crawl away.  

The second attempt involved putting finger paint, paper, marbles and in a box.  I cut the paper into little pumpkin shapes and used orange paint, but the options are endless.  The Pinterest inspiration found here involved yellow paper & black paint to create bumblebees.  I put everything in a medium sized box & sealed it with tape.  Braden loved shaking it around, drumming on it, sliding it across the floor and throwing it.  Finally, a successful, mess free painting experience!  

Pinterest Challenge

As I mentioned in my home update post, my most recent Pinterest project is the styrofoam art piece.  I have decided to use that project as one of my entries for the Pinterest Challenge (five days left if you would like to join in the fun).  

We recently repainted our living room, which inspired me to work on the styrofoam art piece.  I wanted some new decoration for the one blank wall left in the room.  I have had no luck finding artwork that I like, so I decided to create my own.  

My inspiration came from a few different pins, but ultimately I decided to go with the more abstract option. The tutorial was great and really easy to follow. The one problem I had was with cutting the styrofoam - I could not get nice, clean, straight cuts.  So, I was little disappointed with the uneven pieces, but you have to look really closely to notice.  

I think the final product looks good, and I absolutely love the fabrics and how they pull the room together.  The only problem is that the piece looks too small on the long, blank wall that it was intended for. For now it works above the mantle. But, during the holidays I like to put up new decor on the mantle.  So, I think it will end up on the wall to the right.  It will balance out the room with the TV being mounted on the other side. 

Who is going to join me?