MENU MONDAY

the menu for this week is pretty slim. ross and I are spending the weekend in Atlanta visiting his parents and celebrating the super-bowl with our small group. I'm thinking of bringing something cheese inspired :) not sure what this entails, but I will let you know.


Monday- Cauliflower Soup  (didn't  make the cut yesterday, still chomping down on the meatloaf!)
Tuesday- Grilled Chicken with Lemon Basil Pasta
Wednesday- Leftovers
Thursday- Leftovers
Friday- Atlanta
Saturday- Atlanta
Sunday- Super-bowl Party!

MENU MONDAY

is back.
yesterday I managed to get back up on the coupon horse and save $120 at publix! it feels good to have not only a heavy wallet but a stocked pantry again. without further ado here is our menu for the week with a few healthier changes:


Monday- Chicken Cacciatore (using chicken breasts instead of thighs)
Tuesday- Dinner at the Brown's
Wednesday- Leftovers
Thursday- Dinner at the Mayo's
Friday- Meatloaf and potatoes (using ground turkey instead of beef and skim milk cheese)
Saturday- Leftovers
Sunday- Cauliflower Soup (using skim milk instead of whole and fat free half & half and sour cream)

BOOK LIST

my bedside

Bad habit # 516, I start more than one time book at a time. When I say more I mean like 6. New year new me, right? Besides my Bible, I plan to read at least 12 books in 12 months. Here is my list in no particular order. Only rule is to read one at a time :)

1. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
2. The Girl Who Played with Fire
3. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest
4. Water for Elephants
5. The Help
6. Same Kind of Different As Me
7. Crazy Love
8. Heart of the Matter
9. The Creation
10. Solar
11. On Chesil Beach
12. Redeeming Love

the daniel fast

The hubby and are in the process of a 21 day fast based on the book of Daniel and Susan Gregory's teachings. The Daniel Fast is a partial fast in which some foods are restricted for a spiritual purpose. During this time we have restricted/changed our eating habits and engaged in a more focused day spent with the Lord. During this time we pray that God will strengthen our spirit, teach us self-control of the flesh, draw us closer to our Father, and stay focused on prayer.

Here are a list of the foods we have been avoiding...
All meat and animal products including but not limited to beef, lamb, pork, poultry, and fish.
All dairy products including but not limited to milk, cheese, cream, butter, and eggs.
All sweeteners including but not limited to sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice.
All leavened bread including Ezekiel Bread (it contains yeast and honey) and baked goods.
All refined and processed food products including but not limited to artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, and foods that contain artificial preservatives.
All deep fried foods including but not limited to potato chips, French fries, corn chips.
All solid fats including shortening, margarine, lard and foods high in fat.
Beverages including but not limited to coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.



This is what we have been eating...
All fruits. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Fruits include but are not limited to apples, apricots, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, figs, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, lemons, limes, mangoes, nectarines, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, prunes, raisins, raspberries, strawberries, tangelos, tangerines, watermelon
All vegetables. These can be fresh, frozen, dried, juiced or canned. Vegetables include but are not limited to artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chili peppers, collard greens, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, ginger root, kale, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mustard greens, okra, onions, parsley, potatoes, radishes, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, sprouts, squashes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, watercress, yams, zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you are not allergic to soy.
All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.
All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.
All legumes. These can be canned or dried. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.
All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.
Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters.
Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.


Ross thought I was crazy person for asking him not only to not eat meat but also sugar and dairy for 3 weeks. If you know me you know I have tossed around the idea of being a vegetarian for a while now. Meat really isn't my forte but sugar, people! its. killing. me. Its amazing how much as Christians we throw around Matthew 9:26 until actually practicing it. The Lord really does strengthen the weakest of weak. It is day 6 and I am feeling full in my Lord. 


In the book Susan has tons of her delicious recipes (I made Paella tonight a.maze.ing) followed by already made menu plans for each week. I'm shocked by how inexpensive it has been. Veggies and fruits do seem to add up quick but the fast is forcing us to eat at home and tofu is a lot less expensive than real meat. Speaking of tofu, don't be scared friends its really quite enjoyable. Promise. 


"What do you want me to do." -Mark 10:51 
Sounds simple right? Bartimaeus, a blind beggar,  pretty obvious that he would like to see his Jesus. Back to the impossible. Jesus was testing the beggars faith. He could have asked for money, food but instead he had faith in Christ's ability to heal him. The impossible was made possible. 
"Rabboni, that I may receive my sight."
"Go your way; your faith has made you well."
Crazy enough Jesus met Bartimaeus on his last trip to Jerusalem in Jericho. Never again would Jesus walk the same road that he met the blind beggar. Praise God for this kind of faith. I grieve in the times that the Lord has passed through "my Jericho" and I have not called out Abba Father! Are you listening?

menu monday

Ever since my early temp retirement I have been on a cooking hiatus! This weekend marked a first in the Thaxton household- dinner/lunch at home Friday , Saturday, and Sunday. In the beginning, an always open for biz kitchen, was an attempt to save money but now its really because... I. Love. it. Trying new recipes and always having a stocked fridge has won over my husband's and my heart. 
This week I am using recipes from my new favorite blog, Picky Palate.  Also, my friend Heather's recipe from Saving Money Living Life. I am babysitting Tuesday and Thursday night so I made sure to make dishes with lots of leftovers. Friday my mom is coming in town for the weekend so Saturday and Sunday we will try some new restaurants. 


Here is our feast for the week...
Monday- Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chops with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes and green beans
Tuesday- Leftovers
Wednesday- BBQ Chicken Pizza Soup
Thursday- Leftovers
Friday- Chicken & Spinach Pasta Bake


I am always looking for new, simple, and delish recipes so please please let me know if you have any. Who knows I might post it for next menu monday!




Linked to Org Junkie Menu Monday

exhausted

Totally not prepared for going back to work. You would think that with 3 months of unemployment there would be no need for a "to do list" after office hours. Ha! Sadie needs chow, we need chow, I have to register my tag at the DMV, send in my grad school application, make bridal shower invitations and a ton of DYI projects all this week!! I love how God reads my blog posts....


I am so thankful for the Lord's grace; granting me with His patience, and showing me that His plan is so much bigger than mine. The Lord truly is my sole Provider. I pray that His will continues to be mine. 


Although I am preparing myself for 8:30 night nights, I remain determined to continue out this menu for the week- even if I fall asleep while doing it. 
Monday-Chickfila (did I mention I'm exhausted?)
Tuesday- BBQ Pork Sandwiches & mac'n cheese: the best and sooo easy to make.
Wednesday- Southwest Chicken: new recipe!
Thursday- Spaghetti, salad, and breadsticks 
Friday- Headed home without the husband. So excited to see my family.... it's been way too long!


Thank you for all the congrats on my new job status. I feel so loved and cannot begin to tell you how much I  appreciate all your encouragement :)


You can find my Monday menu and many more at Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday!

menu plan tuesday

I finally finished the month's menu and is now nicely printed and hanging on the fridge. Pretty excited about trying new recipes this month! Here is what we are having for the rest of this week...

Tuesday- Cheddar Broccoli Chicken and Mashed Potatoes 

Wednesday- Cheesy Chicken & Salsa Skillet

Thursday- Leftovers

Friday- Leftovers, did I mention each recipe makes a ton!!

Both recipes are this family's favorites. Ross has been begging me for weeks to make each. I love the look on his face when he comes home to see all the goodies on the stove. Priceless. 

Now back to enjoying the warm weather! I've already started planting seeds in our make shift garden. :) 

You can find my Monday menu and many more at Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday!

february budget

No menu this monday. I just started planning for the month and in desperate need of groceries. Here is our grocery budget for february. Not the best month in savings but overall was under budget!

value of groceries: $271.52

amount spent: $138.41

savings: 50%

budget used: 69% ($61.59 still remaining)

** Disclaimer: Groceries include, well groceries, but also cleaning supplies, personal care items, etc. Basically anything that can be found in a grocery store.**

one great weekend

Our weekend was amazing! The weather was absolutely perfect. The hubs and I spent Saturday strolling through downtown Homewood, Sonic with the windows down for lunch, and successful shopping at Brookwood. Belk was having its Red Dot Sale so I ended up spending $41.91 and saved $274.55 on 3 tops, a cardigan, and dress all in season! Sunday was even more glorious by having the privilege to listen to our pastor (David Platt, look him up- completely devoted to Christ and His word) for 4 hours (church +class). Ross and I are taking a mission and evangelism class taught by David and it is nothing short of incredible. Learning how to effectively communicate the gospel should pretty much be the most important job as a christian. I have been so challenged already in this class and its only been the third week. The Lord is teaching me so much.


How was your weekend?


Now back to reality- Monday, cold and rainy. Spring is such a tease. 
Here's the menu:
Monday- Bachelor with the girls (I'm in charge of dessert: Mocha Dream Cake. I'll let you know how it goes)
Tuesday- Buttered Chicken, rice and green beans- Never ended up making this last week
Wednesday- Tacos
Thursday- Frozen Jambalaya 
Friday- Spaghetti 


This week is nothing amazing in the cooking department. If you read my Publix trip last week you know that I have a ton of pasta which Ross loves so we are golden. Plus, it the end of the month. 


Read On, 
MT


You can find my Monday menu and many more at Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday!

burnt milk

Ok, I have a valid excuse for the late post this Monday. Honestly, our internet was down ALL DAY. I was privileged enough to talk to a Charter Communications worker for two hours who I'm pretty sure lives in India. In all reality, I doubt there is any one out there that is chomping at the bit to read my oh-so-important post. With all that said, here is what's cooking:


Monday- Baked Potato Soup- to my dismay this meal was a total bust!!! I felt so bad for my hardworking, hungry, husband when he closed his nose to swallow each bite. Let's just say I burnt the flour/milk mixture. Has anyone ever smelled burnt milk? Enough said.
Tuesday- Chicken stir fry
Wednesday-Leftovers
Thursday- Buttered Chicken, rice, and green beans- my favorite family chicken recipe! My Nanny made this all the time for me along with my mom. I hope to post soon, just waiting on my mom to hand it over. Oh, and try this green bean recipe, it is the only way I can get Ross to eat the things!
Friday- Leftovers


How was your Valentine's Day?

Ross and I spent Saturday with a laid back celebration of our love. The day included a dozen roses, Valentine's Day the movie (matinee of course), romantic trip to Publix, followed by the best pasta ever. This year we decided to eat in and I am pretty fond of the fact that we did. Let's just say I redeemed myself with this recipe from the burnt milk episode tonight. Delicious. Who knew you could google search your favorite Cheesecake Factory recipe and save so much by making it at home. Half the battle was already won by knowing the hubby loved the dish to begin with. Definitely doing this more often. Dinner also included spinach artichoke dip and caesar salad (made by Ross) followed by my french garlic bread and homemade chocolate chip cookies. We saved a ton and even better, we spent a night together in the kitchen. A recipe for a perfect date.


Read On, 
MT


*** Disclaimer: When making the Louisiana Style Chicken Pasta don't use the amount of heavy whipping cream it calls for. 1. waaaay to unhealthy 2. not needed and tastes just the same. I cut the amount in half and maybe even a little less than that. I also used olive oil instead of butter to cook the vegetables and chicken.***


You can find my Monday menu and many more at Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday!

Monthly Menu

Apologies for no post yesterday on our week's menu. I spent the day acting like a mad woman with lots or errands, including a fantastic trip to Publix and Tarjay.

As you can probably guess I like to stay organized. Yes, I plan the menu for the week each week on the blog but in real life, I already have the entire month planned. The greatest app on my mac is the ical. I don't know how I ever lived with out it. Right now the system for the month's groceries is very random and usually depends on the first week of sales at Publix. I really really hate going to the grocery store. People laugh at me when I tell them I only go once a month but for Ross and I it works. I don't stockpile on the non-necessities and we really don't keep that many snacks. However, there are the occasional "free" items at Publix that I will pick up. Our monthly budget on groceries is $200 but lately we have only been spending $150 which equals out to $37/week. Here is how it ends up working:

1. I pick up the Publix/ Target weekly add

2. Look up the match-ups for their sales here

3. Print/clip coupons

4. Begin making a menu with the ingredients that I already have at home and adding the things that I need that are on sale

5. Make a grocery list

6. Don't buy anything that is either not on sale or you don't have a coupon for

7. Plug each dinner into ical

Menu

I usually try to come up with 12 meals for the month or three a week. I don't cook on the weekends and 2 meals during the week are either leftovers, fend for yourself night, or I make something quick like an Amy's frozen pizza.

Recipes

When coming up with recipes my greatest resource is allrecipes.com. Not only can you look up a meal but you can also type in any ingredients that you might have on hand, click search, and the site shows you all of the recipes that include these ingredients. Genius.

Meat

I do stockpile when it comes to meat. I normally only cook chicken and ground turkey so when they are marked down to $1.99/lb I buy at least 5 lbs each. I then separate the meat out of the packaging into freezer ziplock bags according to the amount I need for each recipe. I also keep my eye out when pork and beef are on sale and will included a recipe according to the on sale meat in my menu. Sam's Club or Costco is another a great place to stock up on your meat.

Produce

I stick to the season when buying fruits and vegetables. Its cheaper and easier to find. My secret weapon is buying at a local Farmer's Market. 1. Less expensive 2. I love supporting local farmers (my grandfather was a farmer) 3. Its found that local produce is better for you.

In the end the monthly menu is a great way for my husband and I to save money. Ross loves knowing exactly what we are having for dinner each night and gives him no excuse to eat out- otherwise he would every night. There are always those unexpected occasions where what you planned doesn't always work. For instance, tonight I planned on cooking taco soup but today we were invited to eat dinner at friend's house and watch Idol. This is exactly why I have the 2 floating days in the menu, I will cook it tomorrow night which was leftover night.

Going to the grocery store once a month does not work for everyone. With no kids in the picture our shopping list is slim. I am also trying to think of new ways to make my system more effective so if you have an suggestions I would love to hear them! You can also learn how I coupon/budget here.

Read On,

MT

Geaux Saints!

Ross can contest that I have never been that much of a football fan. However, being that my hometown is so close to NOLA my family has always cheered for the Saints and gone to games at the Superdome. I am so excited to see a city/football team that is gone through so much make it to the Superbowl. Laissez les bon temps roulez!

Last week was crazy busy and our menu got all mixed up. I ended up cooking different menu items than I posted so this week might be a little repetitive.

Monday- Chicken Taco Soup

Tuesday- Spaghetti (ground turkey marinara)

Wednesday- Chicken Stir Fry

Thursday-Leftovers

Friday- Headed to ATL for the weekend!

Happy Monday!

Read On,

MT

You can find my Monday menu and many more at Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday!

Menu Plan Monday

Another week another menu. Here is what the Thaxton's will be feasting on:

Monday- Fiesta Night! (Soft Taco Bake and Margaritas in honor of the Bachelor)

Tuesday- Chicken Stir Fry

Wednesday- Fend for yourself night due to church

Thursday- Chicken Taco Soup

Friday- Leftovers

The weather is absolutely amazing today! I am taking advantage and going on a walk with friends. And dreaming about this...

Taken by me- Pensacola Beach Pier

While wearing this...

Snow-Covered-Fields Dress-Anthropologie.com

Dear Spring,

I need you.

Love,

Yours truly

Happy MLK Day!

Read On,

MT

You can find my Monday menu and many more at Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday!

Menu Plan Monday

How was your weekend?

Ross and I spent our days off resting, watching basketball, eating lots of soup and playing games with friends (including sardines- yes, we are adults).

Back to the routine of things starting with our menu for the week:

Monday- Chicken and Vegetable Casserole (ask me for recipe)

Tuesday- Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Wednesday- Leftovers

Thursday- Dinner with friends at our favorite Italian restaurant, Leonardo's

Friday- Leonardo's leftovers (they feed you a ton!!)

Happy Monday!

Read On,

MT

You can find my Monday menu and many more at Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday!

Menu Plan Monday

One way Ross and I saved on groceries last year was meal planning. So to keep it frugal and fabulous in 2010 I have decided to post my meals for the week every Monday. I know, I'm a day late but here it is our meals for the week:

Monday- Spaghetti

Tuesday- Slow Cooker Pepper Steak

Wednesday- Chicken Caesar Salad

Thursday- BCS bowl party!!

Friday- Leftovers

You can find my Monday menu and many more at Org Junkie's Menu Plan Monday!

Read On,

MT

Pack'n the Pounds

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Ross had to work on Friday so we shared turkey with friends in Birmingham. We are both so blessed and grateful to have a family of friends when our family lives so far away.

Needless to say, I have started to pack on the holiday pounds. Sweets are my down fall- every tooth in my mouth is a sweet one. So my question for today is....how do you enjoy the feast season without indulging excessively?

Work out harder

Portions

Talk more eat less

Feed it to Sadie

Use a salad fork instead of a dinner fork

Healthy eating is a lifestyle and the month of December (the best month; birth of Jesus and me!!!) just gets in the way. Distractions of shopping, parties, and everything else during this season always seems to pull me off track. Above are just some ideas but I want to know if you have any suggestions. Also, here is an article on allrecipes.com that might help:)

Happy Monday!

Read On,

MT