Menu Plan Monday!

A little later than normal, work is crazy busy! I have two employees out, so in addition to all my stuff, I am covering some of the major things they do. * are recipes I will post as I make them!

For LOTS of great ideas, visit Laura and the rest of the gang!

For November 17, 2008 thru November 23, 2008


Monday, November 17
Tortellini ai Formaggi
Breadsticks


Tuesday, November 18
Cheeseburger Soup*
Dinner rolls


Wednesday, November 19
Enchiladas
Mexican Rice


Thursday, November 20
Orange Chicken*
Rice
Peas


Friday, November 21
Beef Patties in Onion Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Corn


Saturday, November 22
Homemade Lasagna
Macaroni Grill Bread (made with Italian Seasonings and Garlic, topped with Garlic Butter)

Sunday, November 23
Roasted Chicken or Leftover Lasagna*
Roasted Veggies
Dinner rolls


Breakfast/Snacks/Etc.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pina Colada Cake*

Good news!

So I went yesterday, Got there at 2:05, did not leave until 4:55. They were all so nice, especially the mammogram tech. She told me the plan of action was for me to get an ultrasound, see if the doc could tell if it was a cyst or not from that. Then if he could, I was all done. If he couldn't, then off to mammogram I go. He wanted to do the ultrasound first due to my age, he said I was young, so I really didn't need a mammogram.

So I had the ultrasound, waited, then they came in and told me I needed to go for the mammogram. Thank goodness the mammo tech was so nice, she told me that he thought it was a cyst, but since he couldn't tell for sure, he wanted to do the mammo to cover all the bases. So off to mammo I went. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, uncomfortable, but not bad. The worst part is they put this marker (kinda like the male part of a snap) on the spot where the lump was...so when it squished me down, that pushed into my boob. Ouchie!

I had the mammo, went back and waited some more. Then the mammo tech comes back in and says he wants to do two more views. She reassures me that it's fine, he just sees some areas he wants squished some more to get a better look. She was very reassuring, but part of me was doubting it a bit at that point...I mean, would they just tell me if something was wrong? I didn't know and let me tell you my stomach was doing flip flops all day and this didn't help!

I went and had two more views done, then back to wait some more. I swear, I felt I was on the verge of tears the whole time. Then they came and got me and I met the doc finally. He told me he was pretty certain that it was a cyst, a benign fibroadenoma. He couldn't say 100%, but he is positive it is. He wants me to go for a biopsy, to make it 100%. He said the only reason was he saw no reason to remove it and due to my age, he would like to be 100%. So I have to do that.

I'm relieved! Of course it's not 100% yet, but he seemed sure. Let me tell you, that was one of the most nerve-racking experiences in my life! My stomach was in knots. I went home and essentially laid on the couch the rest of the night. I was so done!

Thank you all for the well wishes, prayers...it means so much to me, thank you!

So I have to schedule the next part of it, the biopsy. The sooner the better!

Split Pea Soup

I ended up not following the one I linked too, I tried one via memory! It turned out thick, so I might use maybe another half cup to a cup more liquid. I also cooked it forever, as DH wasn't home til late because of school. I think the smoked ham hock is soooo good!

Split Pea Soup

1 smoked ham hock
1 lb split peas
2 carrots, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
sprinkling of dried onion (or chop up some onion and throw it in)
6 cups liquid (I used 4 cups chicken broth and 2 cups water--next time I think I will up it a half cup, see how it does, then maybe a cup)

Dump ingredients in crockpot. Cook on low 8 hours or longer. Take ham hock out, remove any meat left on the bone and place back in the crockpot. Shred any meat that is in large pieces and place back in the crockpot.

Happy Hump Day!

Ok, I'm nervous about the mammo today. I'm just hoping and praying it will all be ok. All things considered I haven't gotten too emotional about it all, until today. I just keep thinking...what if?

Tomorrow is the day!

Good morning ya'all! Tomorrow I have an appt to get my mammogram/ultrasound done for the lump. Keep your fingers crossed for me ok?

Kitchen Tip Tuesday!/Tips on Tuesday!

TIP: If you ever don't have enough batter to fill your muffin tins, just fill the empty holes with water. This helps prevent the others from overbrowning and helps everything cook evenly!

For more tips, stop by Tammy's site for kitchen tips and for all-around tips, Sandra's is where it's at! Both these ladies have some awesome recipes!

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday!

Isn't the Thanksgiving TMTT too cute? Visit Lisa & Lana and the rest of us for other TMTT ideas!

Next month everyone will start sharing their favorite cookies and other goodies! Whoo-hoo! Can't wait for that!

One of my favorite fall recipes is my Chili recipe. It's easy and makes a bunch! Usually I can feed DH dinner twice, make chili dogs twice and some nachos out of one batch.

Meg's Chili

1.5-2 lbs ground beef

2 (29oz each) cans tomato sauce

2 (10-15oz each) can tomatoes and chilis/jalepenos (I say 10-15 oz, because I find them in all different sizes)

1 can (15oz) dark red kidney beans, undrained

1 can (15oz) chili beans, undrained

2 packets chili seasoning (I like to use one hot, one mild--depends on your family)

1 tsp sugar

a sprinkle of Old Bay if you have it

I just dump everything in my crockpot (bean juice and all)! Cook on low all day, 8-12 hours, leave the lid off the last few hours to thicken. I don't bother browning the meat, if you like to, feel free! It's versatile, if you want to add more beans, do so! Enjoy!

Happy Monday!

Well, the doc appt went as well as could be expected. It turns out I have PCOS. I kind of knew I did, I had all the symptoms and even had a cyst removed from my ovary when I was 16. Back then, there wasn’t a heck of a lot of info out there about PCOS. I came home and cried for a bit. It was kind of nice to know that some issues I’ve had are due to something and I’m not a freak of nature!

I have to read more about it…I need to make the time! My biggest concern, besides the weight battle is my ability to conceive. They say it can be an issue, but I guess we won’t know until we try. And that’s not happening for a few more years! She is going to refer me to a gyno, so that way I can develop a relationship now, rather than later.

Boob issue…good news is she thinks it is a cyst! She referred me to a radiologist, so I can get a mammo done. So I have to keep my fingers crossed for that.

Have to go back for blood work, so she said we will go from there!

Didn’t get guppy this weekend, he is sick, poor thing! Spent the weekend getting rid of wedding stuff, which I sniffled over. My house is less cluttered though!

I’m reading the Complete Tightwad Gazette. It’s about 10 years old (I think) so it’s a bit out-dated (I wish they would do an updated one!) but it has some helpful things in it. I think once we buy a house with a yard, I might buy it, as it has some house stuff in it that I think is helpful.

Ok, I’m all about saving money, but one reader wrote in to the Gazette and said she saves money by…get this…she lives in an apartment building, so when she does laundry, she just re-uses other people’s dryer sheets. She says she finds them lying around all the time. Ew. I’m not acting all hoity-toity, that just grosses me out a bit. I’ve heard of putting some fabric softener on a washcloth and throwing it in there (I’m actually going to try that once I’m out of sheets), but using someone else’s USED dryer sheet? One thing comes to mind…I know, TMI, but pubic hair! I can’t imagine what the heck could be on those things. Probably the dryer heat would kill the germs, blah, blah, but I have to draw the line!

Simple Woman's Daybook

Visit Peggy and the rest of us! It's so much fun to read everyone's daybooks!

FOR TODAY November 10, 2008…

Outside My Window...
The leaves are on the ground, the trees are getting bare.

I am thinking...
About PCOS, read some info online, but have to make the time to read more about it.

I am thankful for...
The doctor thinks the lump in my breast is a cyst.

From the kitchen...
Not a whole heck of a lot! I’m making chili dogs tonight with leftover chili.

I am wearing...
Gray floral sweatshirt with gray sweatpants, underoos, no socks (my feet are icicles!).

I am creating...
This post! Hahahaha!

I am going...
Nowhere today, tomorrow, I am going to get a breadmaker to replace mine that died.

I am reading...
The Complete Tightwad Gazette.

I am hoping...
That it really is a cyst!

I am hearing...
The TV on downstairs. DH took a vacation day today!

Around the house...
Two loads of laundry to do, one to fold.

One of my favorite things...
My chili, mmmmm!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Grocery shopping on Thursday. I might try a store that I’ve never been to before.
Obie is off to the groomers on Wednesday. I only get him clipped twice a year, we do it ourselves the rest of the time.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Obie riding in the car. You would THINK the cups would be uncomfortable, but he didn't seem to mind!

Menu Plan Monday!

I ended up making the chili Saturday, rather than Friday. Friday I made perogies (ok, frozen ones)!

Here is the menu plan for this week! I'll get some of the other recipes up as I go along, if you want any sooner, just let me know!

Head over to OrgJunkie.com for many, many menu plans!

For November 10, 2008 thru November 16, 2008

Monday, November 10
Chili Dogs
Oven Fries

Tuesday, November 11
Split Pea Soup
Grilled Cheese

Wednesday, November 12
Tacos

Thursday, November 13
Chicken & Broccoli Casserole*

Friday, November 14
Cheeseburger Soup*

Saturday, November 15
Baked Spaghetti*
Garlic Bread

Sunday, November 16
Chicken Croquettes* (Didn’t make last week!)
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Corn

Breakfast/Snacks/Etc.
Pumpkin muffins
Pina Colada Cake*

Happy Friday!

Why is it, after having your house picked up and kitchen free of dirty dishes all week, the night you decide to clean out the fridge (and in the process decide to wipe it down, which entails putting everything everywhere) someone stops by unexpectedly? My MIL stopped in on the way back home from her appointment. Of course, the kitchen looked like a disaster zone. Figures!

On a positive note, she’s not too picky like that…I’ve seen her house at its worst too. Another bonus ladies was that my bathroom was spotless! So keeping the guest bathroom clean all the time (which is always my goal) pays off!

On another positive note, Obie did fine at his doc appt. He has an early cataract in his left eye…which we suspected. He has problems seeing far away…we knew something was wrong, but we had been told before he was fine. So part of us doubted anything was wrong with his eyes and figured he just wasn’t paying attention. I have a saying (please forgive me if you are blonde and reading this, some of my best friends are blonde!) “He’s worse than a blonde, he’s a cream!” Obie has been vindicated! I’m upset about the cataract, but she said it is early and his other eye is fine. Heck, I’ll carry him around in a papoose all day or get him a custom helmet so he won’t bump into things, I don’t care!

Last but not least, today is doc appt day. So we will see about the boob issue. Also, have to get my other parts checked today too. Blech. I hate that. With technology nowadays, they can’t figure out an alternative to a speculum? I just pray I don’t have to fart the whole time! Ok, TMI, but you ladies know what I’m talking about!

Happy Friday! We get step-guppy this weekend and it’s supposed to rain tomorrow. So we are going to rent a game, play some board games, etc.

Thursday!

It seems like DH is being a dork because he is nervous about the boob issue. Understandable! We sat and talked last night and he understood where I am coming from!


I'm nervous about the doc tomorrow. In the meantime, today is Obie's turn at the vet. Poor puppy! He's going to ignore me for the rest of the day once he realizes where we are going.


I made the Mama's BBQ chicken last night, it was good...I think next time I'd put half the sauce aside, then coat it and blast it on the grill or under the broiler. I like crisp skin, but this didn't have that! I know, skin's not good for you, so I felt all self-righteous taking the skin off...like I was doing something good for myself, I "rose" above, lol!! Instead, it was really because I don't like soggy skin. But I like to let myself be delusional every so often...I think it's good for the ego!

Prayers/Thoughts Please

DH and I are going through kind of a rough patch right now. Any thoughts, prayers would be most appreciated. So much for the "honeymoon" period! We're just not seeing eye to eye on some things...family especially. It's hard, as my family is far away, his is right here. He just assumes we're going to spend every holiday with his, no mention of mine. He has some vacation days coming to him...I mean, I don't expect we will see my family as often of course, but I think I just feel that he could offer something...like hey honey, we'll make sure to visit next year, etc. You know, something? Part of me would like to have dinner here, as it's our first married.

We're also not seeing eye to eye on some other things too. I'm feeling really picked on...it might be childish, but I do. I got some great advice from a friend...she said to sit, hold hands and talk. Listen too. It's just that when he is being a butt, it's hard to do that.

Last but not least, I found a lump in my breast. It is moveable, freely so. It's probably just a cyst...but still. I do have some medical knowledge due to my job, so the rational side of me is just analyzing symptoms, etc. The other side of me is completely freaked. I have an appt Friday for an annual checkup, so the timing couldn't be better I guess.

So right now I'm feeling scared, sad and a little pissed off.

Kmart Super Duper Deal!

So last week, certain Kmarts had double coupons. Luckily, ours was one of them! Considering I’ve never been to the one here (I just moved here at the end of May), I went, armed with my TomTom and my list…um, organized by type of coupon, if there were any stipulations to the coupon (i.e. buy 2, only a certain type, etc)…all done in an Excel spreadsheet…yep, I’m a dork! I saved $63.67…not bad for a day’s haul!

Some of my best deals:

Colgate toothpaste, $0.50
Dove shampoo, $0.79
Dove shampoo (big guy), $1.49
Swanson broth (26oz), $1
Pedigree Good Bites treats, $0.29
Purina Carvers, $1.49
Beggin Strips, $0.50
Palmolive (24 oz), $1.50
Scotch Brite Nail Saver Sponge, $0.99
Glade Glass Scents, $1.00
Oust air sanitizer, $0.79
Renuzit air/fabric refresher, $1.19

I ended up buying 84 items for $133.63, which averages out to $1.59 per item. That includes makeup, a pair of fleece pants, candy for Halloween, etc. I think I did good! I would have done better had they had more in stock (like Resolve or Palmolive Pure & Clear) but I'm happy! I now have tons of shampoo, t.p., liquid dish soap, etc for awhile!!

What do you think?

Would you rather me post about last night's dinner the next day or do a summary at the end of the week with any changes, etc? Or edit the original post with the changes?

Let me know!

Kitchen Tip Tuesday!/Tips on Tuesday!

They kind of go together this week!




TIP: To make nice looking cookies, roll them into 1" balls. This seems to work best for cookie sheets, allows me to space them evenly. I use this method for chocolate/chocolate-peanut butter cookies.

For more tips, stop by Tammy's site for kitchen tips and for all-around tips, Sandra's is where it's at! Oh and both these ladies have some awesome recipes!

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday

It's my first time and Lisa asked for quick meals. I try to remember to do a protein, veg and starch...usually the sides are no problem, it's the protein that gets me! Stop on by for other TMTT ideas!

Some of my favorite quick meals are:

Best Grilled Pork Chops, I freeze the marinade with the chops so all I have to do is take it out and defrost. By the time I cook the chops on the grill, I can cook off a box of rice pilaf and heat up some peas.

Crescent Dogs (Tube of crescent rolls, 4 slices cheese, some mustart and hot dogs. Cut cheese in half diagonally, unroll the crescent rolls, split them up into 8. A squirt of mustart on each, half a slice of cheese and roll up. Bake at 350 for 15-20 min, til done.)

Frozen ravioli or stuffed shells...cook according to directions, add some pasta sauce (doctor it up or use your own) and cook some garlic bread. Add a salad and you are set!

Hamburgers are easy, as are hot dogs or turkey cheddarwursts along with baked beans, tater tots, etc.

Sloppy Joes are quick and one of my faves!

Election Day & November Goal! (House Marathon too!)

Happy Election Day!

I'm excited to see how this turns out, but even more excited to get rid of all the political ads!!! I come into work to 3 or 4 voicemails by those "bots"...ugh! Like a phone call by a bot is going to change my mind on who to vote for!

Also, those snarky ads...who do they think they are kidding. McCain this, Obama that. Blech...though, I think the local ads are worse!

Anyhoo, I'm glad it will be over.

That being said, I never made it to the library yesterday. Made some cookies, cleaned the bathroom, did the dishes and a load of laundry, whoot for me!

I slept like poop too, didn't fall asleep til midnight, woke up 3 times and finally got up at 6.

Do you know what fascinates me right now? The blogs where I see people spend $25 a week for two people (Miriam, she seems sweet) and $50 a week for 6 (Gayle, awesome site!) on groceries! It blows my mind. I have problems keeping it at $100 or less a week! That is my goal, to keep it below that. I would love to be at $50-75 for the two of us...that is my goal this month I think! I'm going to get some ideas from $5 Dollar Dinners, she has monthly plans and recipes. Not everything is a dinner we would eat, but it gives me some ideas and I can go from there.

Come join me! Come on, we can all use the extra $$ for the holidays!

Oh yes, to complete my day, there is a House marathon on USA today. I love me some House!

Simple Woman's Daybook

Visit Peggy and the rest of us! It's so much fun to read everyone's daybooks!

FOR TODAY Monday, November 3, 2008

Outside My Window...
The leaves are on the ground, but not for long as the landscapers are here! It is kind of gloomy out.

I am thinking...
It’s November already??!

I am thankful for...
I remembered to turn back the clocks and I love “fall back”…I like waking up feeling like it is later!

From the kitchen...
BBQ beef in the crockpot.

I am wearing...
Light gray fleece pants, white socks and a blue long sleeve shirt, and under-roos!

I am creating...
My work invoices.

I am going...
To the library to pick up a book or 4 after work.

I am reading...
Nothing, I ran out!

I am hoping...
Everything goes a-ok with Obie and me at the doc’s this week. We both have appointments!

I am hearing...
Obie bark at the landscapers.

Around the house...
Dishes to be done! Two loads of laundry to do.

One of my favorite things...
Going to the library. I’m an addict!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Library today.
Grocery shop on Thursday.
Laundry!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Biloxi baby! One of my favorite places! Went there for my birthday with Mom & Dad, this was a boat show we stopped by on a Saturday.

Peach Cobbler

I halved the recipes, made it in an 8x8. Shorter cook time too. It was good, but I have an old time recipe I love that I need to dig out! As always, changes in parentheses/bolded.

Peach Cobbler

Batter
1/2 cup melted butter (I used 1/4 c)
1 cup flour (I used 1/2 c)
1 cup sugar (I used a little over 1/3 c...cut in more than in half)
2 teaspoons baking powder (I used 1 tsp)
1/4 teaspoon salt (I used 1/8 tsp)
2/3 cup room temperature milk (I used 1/3 c)
1 room temperature egg (I used 1 egg)

Filling
1 (28 ounce) can sliced peaches, drained (I used a 15 oz can packed in juice, drained)
1 cup sugar (I used a little over 1/3 c again)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (I used 3/4 tsp)
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (omitted)

Directions:
1. Melt butter in a 9 x 13 inch pan. (I used 8x8)
2. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder & salt.
3. Stir in milk & egg.
4. Pour evenly over melted butter.
5. Combine peaches, sugar & spices and spread over batter-DO NOT STIR!
6. Bake 35-45 minutes at 350°F until batter comes to the top and is golden brown.

Serve warm with ice cream.

The Best Apple Pie Muffins Ever

Ok, I have to say...don't know if these are the BEST, but they are good! I could eat the topping after it's bakes on it's own...chewy and yummy. I made a dozen regular and I think about 18 minis. The topping kind of ran off a bit, I was sad. These need a bit more oomph to them...more spice. If you ever don't have enough batter to fill your muffin tins (as was the case for my minis, just fill the empty holes with water.)

As always, my changes are in bold or in parentheses.

The Best Apple Pie Muffins Ever

Topping
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Muffins
1 1/2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil (I used 1/3 c applesauce and 1/3 c oil)
1 egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups diced peeled firm tart apples (such as Spy, Granny Smith)
1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

Topping: In a small bowl toss together sugar, flour, butter and cinnamon until crumbly; set aside.

Muffins:
1. Prehaeat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl whisk together brown sugar, oil, egg and vanilla until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, soda and salt.
3. Stir oil mixture into flour mixture alternately with buttermilk.
4. Fold in apples, mixing just until combined.
5. Spoon into greased muffin cups filling 3/4 full.
6. Sprinkle topping over evenly.
7. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and tops spring back.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

My changes are in parentheses or bolded.

I get about 28.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (a MUST for chewy/crispy cookies)
3/4 cup chunky peanut butter (sometimes I mix chunky and creamy)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed (I use light too, whatever I have on hand)
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips or bittersweet semisweet chocolate chunks (I use semi-sweet chips, just stir in chocolate chips until it looks good)


Directions:
1. Cream the butter and peanut butter together until fully incorporated.
2. Add the sugars and cream on medium speed.
3. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until completely incorporated.
4. Add the flour and baking soda, mix until no white remains, then add the chocolate and mix on low just until everything comes together.
5. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto parchment-lined baking sheets. (I actually make 1" balls.)
6. Bake at 350° for 9 minutes or until golden brown. (They might look a little light, don't bake more than 10 minutes.)

Menu Plan Monday!

Swing by Organizing Junkie and check out the over 200 menu plans!

Just so you know, I've made Sharon's beef about 6 times...it is good! I just dump the frozen roast in the crockpot with the sauce ingredients, cook it all on low.



For November 3, 2008 thru November 9, 2008


Monday, November 3
Sharon’s Ono BBQ Beef (Just so you know, I've made Sharon's beef about 6 times...it is good! I just dump the frozen roast in the crockpot with the sauce ingredients, cook it all on low for most of the day. I then drain it and make the sauce again, put it all back in (beef & sauce) for another hour or two. I just don't like the grease it sometimes makes.)
Tater Tots
Salad


Tuesday, November 4
Bacon Cheeseburger Wellingtons (Will post later.)
Mac N Cheese
Salad


Wednesday, November 5
Mama’s BBQ Chicken (New recipe!)
Rice Pilaf
Green Beans


Thursday, November 6
Beef Patties in Onion Gravy (Tried and true--weren't sure we'd like the onion, onion, onion...but it's good!)
Mashed Potatoes
Peas


Friday, November 7
Chili (Will post later.)
Butter Bread


Saturday, November 8
Chili Dogs (made with leftover chili)
Oven Fries


Sunday, November 9
Chicken Croquettes (Will post one of these days!)
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Corn


Breakfast/Snacks/Etc.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin muffins
Best Apple Pie Muffins
Peach Cobbler
Oatmeal Coconut Cookies