tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60193884483059990712024-03-05T07:51:45.776-05:00It's My LifeFind out what my life is all about.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.comBlogger513125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-63992772229671768742016-10-03T05:00:00.000-04:002016-10-03T05:00:00.189-04:00Meal Plan #40<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meal planning is hard when all you want to do is decorate your house for Halloween. I'm excited to pick up some new pieces for our new house. I have so much more to decorate now - sorry bank account. But the good news about the cooler weather is that all the stews, soups and chili's are calling my name! Me and the crock pot are about to make some quality meals. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>MONDAY: </b>Salad & Potato Bar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our favorite meat free meal</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>TUESDAY: </b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/233694668143927807/" target="_blank">Crock Pot Enchilada Tacos</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's National Taco Day! Let's celebrate crock pot style</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PFCRnjH9DlbGVjLw3JU620_ADZlnAGaTiJy-918XLLgC995wmqAVXlqSw0SHiNiP3AnPm6HwsG7AEX4Sr_mbpT8k0GOBv5YrmlEyWqbvuvtZxGdV9Fdb5_6JDg-r_PybU5MGrpcsClrH/s1600/26bd1dcee166d5995e81ea8dc4ae422b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PFCRnjH9DlbGVjLw3JU620_ADZlnAGaTiJy-918XLLgC995wmqAVXlqSw0SHiNiP3AnPm6HwsG7AEX4Sr_mbpT8k0GOBv5YrmlEyWqbvuvtZxGdV9Fdb5_6JDg-r_PybU5MGrpcsClrH/s400/26bd1dcee166d5995e81ea8dc4ae422b.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAY:</b> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/233694668143902207/" target="_blank">One Pot Chicken Apple Sausage Pasta</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This recipe just screams fall! And the fact it's a one pot recipe makes it already a winner with me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65OttEczxS-0PY1ePoa5uajima0gEQGYJcxCubTrCr87kkBol_BdnAwepmIDJMT6DV9HfdtT71U9SP_ofS2jsE4IW4L_yhNGqnjIMfhvU8aJOK968A-B2zosbvnHQOi8WOjigL221MRnN/s1600/cd164dcb396300060cab904ac4a8f236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65OttEczxS-0PY1ePoa5uajima0gEQGYJcxCubTrCr87kkBol_BdnAwepmIDJMT6DV9HfdtT71U9SP_ofS2jsE4IW4L_yhNGqnjIMfhvU8aJOK968A-B2zosbvnHQOi8WOjigL221MRnN/s400/cd164dcb396300060cab904ac4a8f236.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAY:</b> Brinner</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Breakfast for dinner, you can't go wrong!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAY:</b> Daddy's Choice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have a party with some friends after work, so dinner is all up to Daddy tonight!</span>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-57293153833973105572016-09-26T04:30:00.000-04:002016-09-26T04:30:06.219-04:00Meal Plan #39<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another week, another meal plan. I'm keeping it simple this week with quick and easy meals all week long!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIp9GShG7nDxZoUUVF0gUr1NKBDFEcbzw0vnYM4Gv8RPfIlXrRCBlS7cEJ0suexzEgG3141zMlSvyrdCo3onrz33yosyrO9zH-V61IPOtzdCO-LFn2pnOTtaEaQO-RCO7iJhzZy318r3M/s1600/1430616621445.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIp9GShG7nDxZoUUVF0gUr1NKBDFEcbzw0vnYM4Gv8RPfIlXrRCBlS7cEJ0suexzEgG3141zMlSvyrdCo3onrz33yosyrO9zH-V61IPOtzdCO-LFn2pnOTtaEaQO-RCO7iJhzZy318r3M/s1600/1430616621445.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>MONDAY:</b> Sloppy Joes</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>TUESDAY:</b> Bean Burritos</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is our meat free meal of the week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAY:</b> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/Adr5L8f8uC6n-1gG1gt7eHvHCZOcy_lwqxKNHWLjqBKmctYRJ9lyx_I/" target="_blank">Taco Spaghetti</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I made this one pot meal a couple months ago, and my husband proclaimed "never make regular spaghetti again!". I think that means it's a winner.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXWv-KS60bJPnvXJZCt8NuhqiCuife2QC1pWd_aPVPzwPdAnK8u0zXdY1qTzaXVZUa3iCoKT68b6zF5A9Rx6qHSboaTtcHvPJTtQ40RUd_YwYRbmDBRNqTae6BsnJFRr8UkXuAJL-UFe8/s1600/IMG_2483edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXWv-KS60bJPnvXJZCt8NuhqiCuife2QC1pWd_aPVPzwPdAnK8u0zXdY1qTzaXVZUa3iCoKT68b6zF5A9Rx6qHSboaTtcHvPJTtQ40RUd_YwYRbmDBRNqTae6BsnJFRr8UkXuAJL-UFe8/s400/IMG_2483edit.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAY:</b> YOYO</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You're On Your Own - aka leftovers night :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAY:</b> Homemade Calzones</span>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-63949696621776435502016-09-23T05:00:00.000-04:002016-09-23T05:00:06.309-04:005 on Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkdwfsRc47kn59hN50otxecB-OCMrzMYov_peIWl4uOChasSXE7RLyM7M6RQfTNVkyint7xWTn3C6kxx7QRaESSDief6v9ELLLvZIo_T5IWbZLDF_HAVFyvGMznFoDEnP4TzQGtyV5lpz/s1600/5onfriday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkdwfsRc47kn59hN50otxecB-OCMrzMYov_peIWl4uOChasSXE7RLyM7M6RQfTNVkyint7xWTn3C6kxx7QRaESSDief6v9ELLLvZIo_T5IWbZLDF_HAVFyvGMznFoDEnP4TzQGtyV5lpz/s640/5onfriday.jpg" width="408" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1.</b> It's fall. I'm not sure I'm ready for this. Luckily this week's weather came strong with the feeling of summer so I didn't mind too much.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2.</b> The only thing I love about fall is that all my favorite shows are back. Well except Scandal ... is that because Kerry Washington is preggers and it's too hard to hide? No matter the reason it makes me sad. I'm sure Meredith Grey and Annalise Keating will keep me company.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>3.</b> Speaking of sad, my phone died on Thursday morning. I woke up to it constantly restarting itself and being so hot I couldn't even hold it. The good people at Verizon tell me it's hopeless so they are shipping me a new one. Ugh, I hate setting up a new phone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>4.</b> Next week is Wine Night at work. I'm very excited.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>5.</b> We are doing a camp out in our backyard this weekend. The girls are beyond excited. I will probably cop out and sleep in my bed, but it will still be fun :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a Happy Friday and a fun filled weekend!</span></div>
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-87090835109006274792016-09-19T05:00:00.000-04:002016-09-19T05:00:00.192-04:00Meal Plan #38Last week the weather started to feel like fall, now this week is going to be hot again. I love me some summer so bring on the warmer temps for another week! Here's what we'll be eating ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIp9GShG7nDxZoUUVF0gUr1NKBDFEcbzw0vnYM4Gv8RPfIlXrRCBlS7cEJ0suexzEgG3141zMlSvyrdCo3onrz33yosyrO9zH-V61IPOtzdCO-LFn2pnOTtaEaQO-RCO7iJhzZy318r3M/s1600/1430616621445.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIp9GShG7nDxZoUUVF0gUr1NKBDFEcbzw0vnYM4Gv8RPfIlXrRCBlS7cEJ0suexzEgG3141zMlSvyrdCo3onrz33yosyrO9zH-V61IPOtzdCO-LFn2pnOTtaEaQO-RCO7iJhzZy318r3M/s1600/1430616621445.png" /></a></div>
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<b>MONDAY:</b> Tortellini Salad<br />
Our meat free meal of the week. Basically I'm throwing cheese and spinach tortellini (cooked and chilled) with Italian dressing and some veggies and calling it dinner.<br />
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<b>TUESDAY: </b>Pulled Pork Tacos<br />
I have a bunch of pork hanging out in the deep freezer so we'll make tacos with it after it cooks all day in the crock pot.<br />
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<b>WEDNESDAY:</b> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/233694668143769697/" target="_blank">One Pot Sausage Skillet Pasta</a><br />
My obsession continues with this week's one pot meal.<br />
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<b>THURSDAY:</b> Burgers<br />
This week's weather is still like summer - bring on the grill!<br />
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<b>FRIDAY: </b>Family Fun Night<br />
It's Family Fun Night at school so it will probably be pizza for dinnerAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-14300128339308087972016-09-16T07:42:00.001-04:002016-09-16T07:43:34.916-04:00Currently #16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZR_cvmGp2hLFNVmCEb2LGdFDoEYSWotx4-BbrSmki26J474_MgtwrTvE1AW3ncMwezpTV5QO0czEMG8Z5fVfAVwerGOKFdEb4yaWCvhhr5JRngYG7dUrvyMSEefugZFRERtIM6I7DvkOf/s1600/currently.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZR_cvmGp2hLFNVmCEb2LGdFDoEYSWotx4-BbrSmki26J474_MgtwrTvE1AW3ncMwezpTV5QO0czEMG8Z5fVfAVwerGOKFdEb4yaWCvhhr5JRngYG7dUrvyMSEefugZFRERtIM6I7DvkOf/s1600/currently.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>loving. </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the sushi lunch yesterday with my <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">old co-worker</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>smelling. </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">not much, see craving b<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">elow.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>writing. </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to do lists</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>reading.</b> <span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15507958-me-before-you?ac=1&from_search=true" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Me Before You</span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>watching. </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Black List<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, but my fall shows come back next we<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ek & I<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> couldn't be more excited!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #424242; line-height: 18.2px;">craving. </b><span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">this head cold<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> to <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">go away</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>obsessing. </b>over <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">being able to wear boots again soon - cute ones, not s<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">**w ones (I can't even say the "s" word)</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #424242; line-height: 18.2px;">wishing. </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">for a cleaning fairy to come make my house spotless</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>needing. </b>to refill <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">prescriptions</span>, oh the a<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">llergy</span> life</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>wanting.</b><b> </b>another vacation<b><br /></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>trying. </b>t<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">o <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">stick to my <a href="http://allison-itsmylife.blogspot.com/2016/09/september-goals.html" target="_blank">goals for September</a></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>eating. </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">lots of one pot meals<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, see the ideas <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/amazingmommy/recipes-to-try/" target="_blank">here</a></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>drinking. </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">anything but a PSL<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">,</span> pumpkin = gross!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>feeling. </b>excited abo<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ut Halloween right around the corner!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>hoping. </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">that <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">t<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">hings will slow down at work, I'm crazy busy</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-50044915678464975082016-09-12T04:30:00.000-04:002016-09-12T04:30:18.377-04:00Meal Plan #37<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my <a href="http://allison-itsmylife.blogspot.com/2016/09/september-goals.html" target="_blank">goals for September</a> is to spend less on the grocery budget. Last week I only spent $37.70 so I'm feeling pretty good about my $50 per week goal. There is a really good sale going on this week on some pantry staples so I'll be spending a little extra to stock up. Here's what we plan to eat ...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIp9GShG7nDxZoUUVF0gUr1NKBDFEcbzw0vnYM4Gv8RPfIlXrRCBlS7cEJ0suexzEgG3141zMlSvyrdCo3onrz33yosyrO9zH-V61IPOtzdCO-LFn2pnOTtaEaQO-RCO7iJhzZy318r3M/s1600/1430616621445.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIp9GShG7nDxZoUUVF0gUr1NKBDFEcbzw0vnYM4Gv8RPfIlXrRCBlS7cEJ0suexzEgG3141zMlSvyrdCo3onrz33yosyrO9zH-V61IPOtzdCO-LFn2pnOTtaEaQO-RCO7iJhzZy318r3M/s1600/1430616621445.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>MONDAY:</b> Paninis with Fruit Salad</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>TUESDAY:</b> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/233694668143089932/" target="_blank">Chicken, Bean & Rice Taquitos</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm very interested to try these since they contain BBQ sauce which I wouldn't normally put in my Mexican food.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8qnuILN8ijn91OAG8SavpUsMqFrymsT5zA95Lqy9VkF2khQuClqIfLPKeNnhJX7IFrYKmy1Pe20BIDwrPIyZB-4XRrjN6da4_CKXfFOYpXBy6US3sU3HSrBb_ZMFgkbsLKCaJLDMSv_G/s1600/f464568170c189aab10a185ffa443194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN8qnuILN8ijn91OAG8SavpUsMqFrymsT5zA95Lqy9VkF2khQuClqIfLPKeNnhJX7IFrYKmy1Pe20BIDwrPIyZB-4XRrjN6da4_CKXfFOYpXBy6US3sU3HSrBb_ZMFgkbsLKCaJLDMSv_G/s400/f464568170c189aab10a185ffa443194.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAY: </b>Pork Chop & Sweet Potatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a freezer meal I got from my MIL that we are going to try out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAY:</b> Chili</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been wanting to make chili for so long! The forecast is a high in the low 70s, so let's plan something more fall like.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAY:</b> Breakfast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eggs were on sale this week, so we'll do a breakfast for dinner. This will also be our meatless meal for the week.</span>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-14538496887986149362016-09-07T01:00:00.000-04:002016-09-07T01:00:01.238-04:00September Goals<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I haven't done a goals post in awhile ... ok so I haven't done one all year (whoops!). Last year I really enjoyed setting a couple of goals each month to see if I could accomplish them. It was so much easier than year-long goals that tend to get forgotten. I've selected 3 to focus on for September.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaQ74nHaMThkqiKfauZfYmwIeR8Io8SrqxuwXCOMnr-LKwdqfIN7bas683pJ-fQdjGY9WL6kpYhyeN3PWm7I959J91Z-KTB6OZcqbY4ufJGyxD6zJDd3zWqKCwelPEeLnZOnv6tUSGa-j/s1600/septembergoals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaQ74nHaMThkqiKfauZfYmwIeR8Io8SrqxuwXCOMnr-LKwdqfIN7bas683pJ-fQdjGY9WL6kpYhyeN3PWm7I959J91Z-KTB6OZcqbY4ufJGyxD6zJDd3zWqKCwelPEeLnZOnv6tUSGa-j/s640/septembergoals.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Work out at least 3 days a week. *Bonus points if I can do 5 days!</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started out last month with working out each morning before the kids go to school and I head to work. I'm going to commit to sticking with this!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spend less on groceries</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our grocery budget is pretty decent in my mind - around $70 each week - but I think I can do better. I saw a bunch of No Spend September posts floating around and while I don't think I can commit to that, I do think I can cut back on our weekly grocery budget. I'm aiming for $60 or less each week (ideally $50). Sorry Costco, I'll see you next month.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Read 2 books</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I read <a href="http://allison-itsmylife.blogspot.com/2016/08/augusts-bookshelf.html" target="_blank">3 books last month</a>, so I think 2 books for this month is do-able. Looking for suggestions!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So there we have it, three goals I'll be working towards this month. Do you set any goals each month? I'd love to hear what they are.</span>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-75378762017907511742016-09-05T05:00:00.000-04:002016-09-05T05:00:17.206-04:00Meal Plan #36<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hope everyone had a great long weekend! We spent half of ours at Kings Island and had a blast riding roller coasters and exploring Cincinnati. It was nice to come home and relax before getting the week started. Here's a lovely photo to show our fun from the weekend. I cannot stop laughing every time I look at it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ4KeQQAt0O/" style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Naturally when we all look ridiculous you buy the 6x8 and keychain that comes with additional wallet size photos! #kingsisland #vortex #nicklinstravel #rollercoasterface #kibestday</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A photo posted by Allison (@amazingmommy) on <time datetime="2016-09-03T02:47:46+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Sep 2, 2016 at 7:47pm PDT</time></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now into the meal planning fun! As you'll see later this week, I'm going to try and cut the grocery budget. So all my selections are fairly wallet friendly.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIp9GShG7nDxZoUUVF0gUr1NKBDFEcbzw0vnYM4Gv8RPfIlXrRCBlS7cEJ0suexzEgG3141zMlSvyrdCo3onrz33yosyrO9zH-V61IPOtzdCO-LFn2pnOTtaEaQO-RCO7iJhzZy318r3M/s1600/1430616621445.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIp9GShG7nDxZoUUVF0gUr1NKBDFEcbzw0vnYM4Gv8RPfIlXrRCBlS7cEJ0suexzEgG3141zMlSvyrdCo3onrz33yosyrO9zH-V61IPOtzdCO-LFn2pnOTtaEaQO-RCO7iJhzZy318r3M/s1600/1430616621445.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>MONDAY:</b> Grill Out!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Burgers on the grill of course</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>TUESDAY:</b> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/233694668143580493/" target="_blank">One Pot Mexican Skillet</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you haven't noticed the past few weeks, I'm obsessed with the one pot meals.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKI_CtatFMFyo7MJSnaGU2zIL62jNw5Qg6wUBkqovNUKI4He0W29djekRdE69fSQeB67Wt7L9fgHl7fbHfTKip8rLqyHhYxV1P6sLMCEKBksUHxTq_oYtRoaOZmWf5Q0waUmqRHECjzbN/s1600/5d7dc0fbb1413fb8fd745f4b32ea680a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKI_CtatFMFyo7MJSnaGU2zIL62jNw5Qg6wUBkqovNUKI4He0W29djekRdE69fSQeB67Wt7L9fgHl7fbHfTKip8rLqyHhYxV1P6sLMCEKBksUHxTq_oYtRoaOZmWf5Q0waUmqRHECjzbN/s400/5d7dc0fbb1413fb8fd745f4b32ea680a.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAY: </b>YOYO</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You're On Your Own - also known as my kids' favorite dinner option ever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAY:</b> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/233694668142404417/" target="_blank">Baked Ravioli</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The last time we had this, everyone loved it! It also counts as our meat-free meal for the week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAY: </b>Soup & Sandwiches</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We have a few kinds of soup in the pantry so we'll decide what sounds good that night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have a great week!</span>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-31935325025276339352016-08-30T04:00:00.000-04:002016-08-30T04:00:19.297-04:00Birthday Wish List<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well I've done it. I've managed to reach a milestone. The big 3-0 is here. I'm officially old and will probably pick up more old people habits from today forward. But since it's my birthday, here's what I want someone to buy me ...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. I have decided I need an accent chair. I have no clue where to put this or what it's function aside from looking pretty would be, but I'm sure I could use <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/310221/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fchristopher-knight-home-upholstered-chair-grey%2F-%2FA-17095255" target="_blank">this one</a> or maybe <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/310221/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fportland-tub-chair%2F-%2FA-16786434" target="_blank">this one</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. We are still working on our landscaping, but I'm pretty sure <a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-gnome-with-gold-hat-pot-percher-white/-/A-46788329" target="_blank">this little guy</a> needs to live in my yard.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdXKYQsL7LhIM4nlUIdJaX5mv78magkX4QLIsjeZ6rfPq6Gi-7cYQrptsCfevhmmuBp8EqvFu_RpbBKmGb5pe68RMQUDfiPX8iI6X30noPRtqCR4nCUwEJo1gYcga8tJ2cCf-4X7KcQ3_/s1600/46788329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdXKYQsL7LhIM4nlUIdJaX5mv78magkX4QLIsjeZ6rfPq6Gi-7cYQrptsCfevhmmuBp8EqvFu_RpbBKmGb5pe68RMQUDfiPX8iI6X30noPRtqCR4nCUwEJo1gYcga8tJ2cCf-4X7KcQ3_/s320/46788329.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. No birthday wish list is complete without a way to keep track of being fit for the next year of your life. So could someone hook me up with <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/310221/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fgarmin-forerunner-fitness-assessment-monitor-teal-white%2F-%2FA-17275893" target="_blank">this Garmin</a>? I promise I'll work out more in my 30s!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. I have an obsession with <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/310221/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fwomen-s-megan-quarter-strap-sandals%2F-%2FA-50290377" target="_blank">wedges</a>. I wear an 8.5 and prefer the brown, please and thank you.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cGJh3RhKmZ-pB6hvA_aBsUmS5L1QQIwI4jqNqbKW-M0fuu08KYuAkRAJA4ZgnTIpJIOltj0SKLUfJgBfbgY9o_o1y0kHobKAyO4yJvueqEORcRaJfrYbIcFekDITq4vdHUOJ0wKckSrB/s1600/50016451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cGJh3RhKmZ-pB6hvA_aBsUmS5L1QQIwI4jqNqbKW-M0fuu08KYuAkRAJA4ZgnTIpJIOltj0SKLUfJgBfbgY9o_o1y0kHobKAyO4yJvueqEORcRaJfrYbIcFekDITq4vdHUOJ0wKckSrB/s320/50016451.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. If you ask my husband he would tell you I have too many bags. But I know that can't be true. I'm sure <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/310221/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fomg-accessories-women-s-neon-ikat-hobo-crossbody-handbag-coral-blue%2F-%2FA-50914572" target="_blank">this crossbody</a> or <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/310221/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fwomen-s-canvas-weekender-handbag-with-removable-crossbody-strap-black-merona%2F-%2FA-50508860" target="_blank">this weekend bag</a> would be very happy in rotation in my closet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6. Let's fill the wine shelf (who am I kidding it's already full) with some yummy whites. I tend to pick my wine by the bottle label - it's way more fun that way. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/310221/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fthe-skinny-vine-mini-moscato-750ml%2F-%2FA-14900543" target="_blank">Skinny Vine</a> sounds fun!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7. To continue on that healthy in my 30s kick, I'll need a <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/310221/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fgaiam-backless-balance-ball-chair-blue%2F-%2FA-50219280" target="_blank">yoga ball chair</a>. No, but seriously, I've talked about getting one of these for work for the past year. Eventually I'll break down and buy one.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyUtGJSPhddSl7Jk-4QctEtgA0HFW2gLWIEV3AKLGqdPbGhkRcs8y317X1_nMDjFnFYJIuP5CKWBHJF0Jf3uQGqisfNuuc2v0LicXwUlupDZQEt8fMZV2pqz6LMCBpLL21I-OM6Y5XCzF/s1600/50219278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiyUtGJSPhddSl7Jk-4QctEtgA0HFW2gLWIEV3AKLGqdPbGhkRcs8y317X1_nMDjFnFYJIuP5CKWBHJF0Jf3uQGqisfNuuc2v0LicXwUlupDZQEt8fMZV2pqz6LMCBpLL21I-OM6Y5XCzF/s320/50219278.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8. I could use some new clothes for fall as well. <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/310221/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fwomen-s-fly-away-back-pullover-w-lace-detail-navy-u-knit%2F-%2FA-51364545" target="_blank">This sweater</a> is super cute - check out the back detail!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9. I've been meaning to buy new throw pillows, could someone <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/310221/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fsabrina-soto-cuba-throw-pillow%2F-%2FA-50659782" target="_blank">pick these up</a> for me?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10. And finally, as I'm sure my bedtime will be moving up rapidly now that I hit 30, I'll need some nice sheets to sleep on. <a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-pinched-pleat-duvet-cover-set/-/A-14163532" target="_blank">These should do</a> just fine :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Fc4mcEXvtDd_qgxO9jGXAGW1VA7JCb40UpKrvwa82W8W8aw93IF0xOXuLXFf5jXdmJoIgUqBwCyKEXrCIq3SQ11LBg1g_6t9t8iULKjiFfntHK6tWR2aQQLhPbv4VuPjw22xngH6GEBw/s1600/15341476_Alt01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Fc4mcEXvtDd_qgxO9jGXAGW1VA7JCb40UpKrvwa82W8W8aw93IF0xOXuLXFf5jXdmJoIgUqBwCyKEXrCIq3SQ11LBg1g_6t9t8iULKjiFfntHK6tWR2aQQLhPbv4VuPjw22xngH6GEBw/s320/15341476_Alt01.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well that's a whole collection of randomness that I <strike>need</strike> want for my birthday. I can pass along my address so you can ship these right to my house. Thanks in advance for contributing to my birthday!</span>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-16973583501424952542016-08-29T05:00:00.000-04:002016-08-29T05:00:16.642-04:00Meal Plan #35<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week's meal plan only has me cooking dinner 3 times. We are excited for a little road trip this weekend for Labor Day. I'm hoping we end up at King's Island for some roller coaster fun, but you never know with us. This is the one weekend we usually leave as an adventure and wait until the last minute to decide what to do. We should have it nailed down by Wednesday night where we will end up on Friday :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So here is this week's short (but delicious!) meal plan ...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIp9GShG7nDxZoUUVF0gUr1NKBDFEcbzw0vnYM4Gv8RPfIlXrRCBlS7cEJ0suexzEgG3141zMlSvyrdCo3onrz33yosyrO9zH-V61IPOtzdCO-LFn2pnOTtaEaQO-RCO7iJhzZy318r3M/s1600/1430616621445.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIp9GShG7nDxZoUUVF0gUr1NKBDFEcbzw0vnYM4Gv8RPfIlXrRCBlS7cEJ0suexzEgG3141zMlSvyrdCo3onrz33yosyrO9zH-V61IPOtzdCO-LFn2pnOTtaEaQO-RCO7iJhzZy318r3M/s1600/1430616621445.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>MONDAY:</b> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/233694668143580530/" target="_blank">Chicken Ranch Pasta</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another one pot meal (this may be an addiction). But come on ... how good does that look?! And hardly any dishes - sign me up!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXJon4Xu-NqG3EefG-8BIClwq0sMHn-mIoCcJu_5TgO-RMYbs3AcIU_OJN3NmMmaXhUcnvVzM1EsFJgQZTyckXJ4SoHnCfypUDL9n-uPzlhQzL1IqO9CELRvh8ExJEfmHvWDuvu68Re3p/s1600/5c35c1ba9a54c9448ada671c7dd7ff8b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXJon4Xu-NqG3EefG-8BIClwq0sMHn-mIoCcJu_5TgO-RMYbs3AcIU_OJN3NmMmaXhUcnvVzM1EsFJgQZTyckXJ4SoHnCfypUDL9n-uPzlhQzL1IqO9CELRvh8ExJEfmHvWDuvu68Re3p/s640/5c35c1ba9a54c9448ada671c7dd7ff8b.jpg" width="425" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>TUESDAY:</b> Birthday Dinner!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's my birthday, so let's celebrate!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAY: </b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/233694668143484508/" target="_blank">Breakfast Casserole</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll be making a modified version of this crock pot casserole.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAY:</b> Quesadillas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just in case I don't pick Mexican for my birthday (which isn't very likely), we can't miss out on it for the week. This will be our meat free meal this week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAY:</b> On The Road!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are starting our Labor Day weekend vacation early so no cooking at home tonight.</span>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-51120789804648743132016-08-26T04:30:00.000-04:002016-08-26T04:30:05.449-04:005 on Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkdwfsRc47kn59hN50otxecB-OCMrzMYov_peIWl4uOChasSXE7RLyM7M6RQfTNVkyint7xWTn3C6kxx7QRaESSDief6v9ELLLvZIo_T5IWbZLDF_HAVFyvGMznFoDEnP4TzQGtyV5lpz/s1600/5onfriday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkdwfsRc47kn59hN50otxecB-OCMrzMYov_peIWl4uOChasSXE7RLyM7M6RQfTNVkyint7xWTn3C6kxx7QRaESSDief6v9ELLLvZIo_T5IWbZLDF_HAVFyvGMznFoDEnP4TzQGtyV5lpz/s640/5onfriday.jpg" width="408" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't seem to manage any more than 2 posts a week lately. Things are just crazy busy and I don't feel as though I can put a complete thought into a blog post to show the world. For that reason, I am combining my "shit I'm turning 30" post and my "5 on Friday" post into one and giving you the 5 thoughts I have on having my birthday next week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1.</b> It's been nice the past 2 years to make fun of my husband for being older than me and in his 30s. I call him old, I feel good because I'm still in my 20s. Tuesday that all ends. I'm sure he is waiting to retaliate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2.</b> I feel like something happens when you hit 30. You have to become more responsible. I mean yeah, I have a house, kids, a dog, a job and all that. But somehow something magical happens at 30 and I'll become even more lame than I already am.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>3.</b> In some ways I still feel young. All the neighbors we have met and become friends with since moving are all 10-14 years older than me. But we all have kids the same age and are honestly in the same place in our lives. So I feel awkward bringing up my birthday when they are worried about celebrating 40.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>4.</b> Overall I work with a young group of people. Hitting 30 means I'm officially part of the "old" crowd at work. I can't keep up with these youngin's (pretty sure that's something only the older people say. Shit it's happening in already).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>5.</b> I'd be fine with turning 30 if it meant things could stay the same. But for some reason my hair up and decided to start turning grey because the big 3-0 was looming. #hellohairdye</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm glad I'm in good company with others born in the classic year of 1986. For fun I pulled 5 things that happened in 1986 ...</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Top Gun was the biggest box office hit</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Oprah Winfrey Show, ALF and PeeWee's Playhouse all debuted on TV</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Halley's Comet made an appearance</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Rock Me Amadeus" by Falco was the #1 single</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bears beat the Patriots in the Superbowl</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0_0nk1aSFZEW9_QW_ELM6CwOUgRLdX_N1PT8lQ4NOTzZBxRjkeKqJBeG9imxp8fIraRemeRMyXgF-P8XqRZEe4ZvZ43F6WpadM6-2q9dB-QbTXulpVRrKXy0rnx6UDrkW4t0nHpx2d-C/s1600/1986_C1883_I_HEART_IMAGE1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0_0nk1aSFZEW9_QW_ELM6CwOUgRLdX_N1PT8lQ4NOTzZBxRjkeKqJBeG9imxp8fIraRemeRMyXgF-P8XqRZEe4ZvZ43F6WpadM6-2q9dB-QbTXulpVRrKXy0rnx6UDrkW4t0nHpx2d-C/s400/1986_C1883_I_HEART_IMAGE1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-78994045948524583862016-08-22T05:00:00.000-04:002016-08-22T05:00:33.234-04:00Meal Plan #34<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I spent the weekend stocking up the freezer with ready-to-go breakfast items. For the first time ... well, ever the kids are eating breakfast at home 7 days a week. They've always eaten at daycare Monday through Friday so I never had to buy a ton of breakfast foods or even think what to make for breakfast. I was the only one who ate breakfast a home (the husband doesn't eat before he goes to work). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So keep things from getting too boring around here I'm filling up the freezer with all sorts of goodies. We have a big supply of waffles, pancakes, french toast sticks and breakfast burritos. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Two weeks ago A was cleared of her egg allergy so she's excited to try eggs in her breakfast rotation. Take the freezer foods along with the standard cereal and toast options and we've got quite the selection for breakfast at our house now! If you have any suggestions of what else I can stock my freezer with for breakfasts, please let me know in the comments!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is what's for dinner this week ...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIp9GShG7nDxZoUUVF0gUr1NKBDFEcbzw0vnYM4Gv8RPfIlXrRCBlS7cEJ0suexzEgG3141zMlSvyrdCo3onrz33yosyrO9zH-V61IPOtzdCO-LFn2pnOTtaEaQO-RCO7iJhzZy318r3M/s1600/1430616621445.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIp9GShG7nDxZoUUVF0gUr1NKBDFEcbzw0vnYM4Gv8RPfIlXrRCBlS7cEJ0suexzEgG3141zMlSvyrdCo3onrz33yosyrO9zH-V61IPOtzdCO-LFn2pnOTtaEaQO-RCO7iJhzZy318r3M/s1600/1430616621445.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>MONDAY: </b>Salad & Potato Bar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All the fixin's to create your favorite salad and baked potato. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>TUESDAY: </b>Tacos</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tacos on Taco Tuesday ... imagine that!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAY:</b> One Pot Pasta</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another one pot meal - these are my favorite meals to make (next to crock pot meals of course!)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1p7QYh11AL-I_xkQLfjo38whu8R62o9kX3mXfBj83569sI5dzhF12X_1AqL8FGD3Pz4jh2jFpDWUqt4txj6IxdUQ6EN8ocPBTJEcFJxqgjvnE_m5sOv5Vr6EtewCRH9zxGOXGu0zZqWy3/s1600/c168b014f1014a9cf7329395af445e0b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1p7QYh11AL-I_xkQLfjo38whu8R62o9kX3mXfBj83569sI5dzhF12X_1AqL8FGD3Pz4jh2jFpDWUqt4txj6IxdUQ6EN8ocPBTJEcFJxqgjvnE_m5sOv5Vr6EtewCRH9zxGOXGu0zZqWy3/s640/c168b014f1014a9cf7329395af445e0b.jpg" width="425" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAY: </b>Bean Stew</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a freezer meal I have leftover, goes in the crock pot - EASY! This will be our meat free meal this week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAY: </b>Kebabs on the Grill</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I may try these <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/233694668141047782/" target="_blank">Fajita Chicken Kebabs</a> - if I decide to make it quick and easy we'll just do traditional BBQ with onion and peppers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a delicious week!</span>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-90623150492636192662016-08-19T07:00:00.000-04:002016-08-19T07:00:19.996-04:005 on Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkdwfsRc47kn59hN50otxecB-OCMrzMYov_peIWl4uOChasSXE7RLyM7M6RQfTNVkyint7xWTn3C6kxx7QRaESSDief6v9ELLLvZIo_T5IWbZLDF_HAVFyvGMznFoDEnP4TzQGtyV5lpz/s1600/5onfriday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkdwfsRc47kn59hN50otxecB-OCMrzMYov_peIWl4uOChasSXE7RLyM7M6RQfTNVkyint7xWTn3C6kxx7QRaESSDief6v9ELLLvZIo_T5IWbZLDF_HAVFyvGMznFoDEnP4TzQGtyV5lpz/s640/5onfriday.jpg" width="408" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1. </b>I have successfully worked out all 5 days this work week. With me going into work later so I can get the girls on the bus, I decided to wake up at the exact same time I have been for the last however many years and go workout. Monday and Friday are running days, Tuesday and Thursday are biking days and Wednesday was an at home arm & back workout (I did <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he06LYTCxNY" target="_blank">this one</a> from Glisten Fit if you are interested). I figure I'll switch it up each Wednesday with a different video work out that focuses on strength since my other days are cardio. #cardioismyjam</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2.</b> With all this working out, I'm going to need to invest in more workout clothes. Maybe I'll pick up <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/310221/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fc9-champion-women-s-power-core-compression-racer-back-sports-bra%2F-%2FA-50458816" target="_blank">this baby for only $14</a>. And I'm a sucker for a <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/310221/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fwomen-s-ingrid-graphic-tank-top-tulah-by-soybu%2F-%2FA-50950451" target="_blank">cute graphic tank</a>. And for only $8 I'll probably grab <a href="http://goto.target.com/c/310221/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fc9-champion-women-s-mesh-training-short%2F-%2FA-16719768" target="_blank">these shorts</a>. Any other suggestions?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>3. </b>This Indiana weather has me all thrown off. We were sitting in the 90s the last few weeks. Now we've had rain for almost a week straight. And next week is going to be in the low 80s. This is one weird August. I'm good with another few weeks of 90s before fall comes. I love me some summer weather!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>4.</b> The girls survived their first week at a new school. And I'm so happy to see that they are fitting in and quickly finding friends. I think it will be great school year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>5.</b> Someone at work said the Halloween store was opening soon. I can't wait! It's my favorite holiday and I'm excited to decorate our new house for the first time. With it being bigger, I'm certainly going to need more decorations :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Friday!</span>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-1404724527297943562016-08-15T05:00:00.000-04:002016-08-15T05:00:13.495-04:00Meal Plan #33 + a Milestone<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is a big today, a milestone if you will. Not only is it the first day of school, but this is also my 500th blog post! Say what? I had enough to talk about for 500 posts? I don't believe it. Although my husband would probably believe it with all the talking that I do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started this lil ol blog out of boredom at a job that I only spent about 3/4 of the day actually working. That job is long gone, but I've still managed to come back week after week to have something to say. Now I guess I blog as a way to connect with other people. Whether it's the mundane (ooh that looks like a good recipe to make or cute outfit!) or on a more personal level (I know your struggle, I can relate) there are a lot of bloggers out there that can make you feel less alone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started my blog thinking that nobody would ever read it. It wasn't for anyone else but me. Even now, I don't care so much about the comments or page views. Just getting the words out, knowing that someone, somewhere might be reading is all I need. So to those of you who do comment and offer advice or positive feedback ... thank you. It is nice to know someone is <strike>listening</strike> reading out there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok enough of the why I blog speech ... let's get into what's for dinner this week! Which is something I really do enjoy planning because it keeps me sane Monday - Friday after work :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>MONDAY: </b>Paninis with Watermelon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We'll celebrate the first day of school with a meal we all love!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>TUESDAY: </b><a href="http://www.thugkitchen.com/roasted_chickpea_broccoli_burrito" target="_blank">Roasted Chickpea and Broccoli Burritos</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm calling these veggie burritos on the fridge version of this meal plan. This recipe is out of Thug Kitchen - but I've learned everyone will enjoy the recipes in this cookbook, if I don't use their exact titles :) I haven't made anything bad out of this cookbook and would highly recommend it if you are looking to include more real food, vegetarian meals into your life. My husband has looked through the book and has yet to realize nothing contains meat, the recipes sound good enough on their own for him to try!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAY:</b> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/233694668143580510/" target="_blank">BBQ Chicken Pasta</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another one pot meal from Damn Delicious. I tell you what, this lady has amazing recipes! You won't be disappointed.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRojTVihuYi6qBOwaSX-2x4stCWPiNRbzK0QcLk2REDxTm8n8zSV8Gd1e4glomSYfNy6bNXTO3Qxt2V95TqiZnUAE38pPg2dE83N9n744Migoycrf-pvK_bJ9an6ey6KW5rQXWzQ1wLpr/s1600/7ee4b7b6a3168354d9e24579e8c65f1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRojTVihuYi6qBOwaSX-2x4stCWPiNRbzK0QcLk2REDxTm8n8zSV8Gd1e4glomSYfNy6bNXTO3Qxt2V95TqiZnUAE38pPg2dE83N9n744Migoycrf-pvK_bJ9an6ey6KW5rQXWzQ1wLpr/s400/7ee4b7b6a3168354d9e24579e8c65f1a.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAY:</b> YOYO</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You're On Your Own for dinner tonight - you can cook something but mama isn't helping :) My kids actually really enjoy this night every couple of weeks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAY:</b> Homemade Pizza</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We'll end the first week of school with homemade pizzas. If it's crazy hot outside, I may throw them on the grill. Yum!</span><br />
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-90481808982826681772016-08-12T05:00:00.000-04:002016-08-12T05:00:30.321-04:005 on Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkdwfsRc47kn59hN50otxecB-OCMrzMYov_peIWl4uOChasSXE7RLyM7M6RQfTNVkyint7xWTn3C6kxx7QRaESSDief6v9ELLLvZIo_T5IWbZLDF_HAVFyvGMznFoDEnP4TzQGtyV5lpz/s1600/5onfriday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkdwfsRc47kn59hN50otxecB-OCMrzMYov_peIWl4uOChasSXE7RLyM7M6RQfTNVkyint7xWTn3C6kxx7QRaESSDief6v9ELLLvZIo_T5IWbZLDF_HAVFyvGMznFoDEnP4TzQGtyV5lpz/s640/5onfriday.jpg" width="408" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1.</b> Last night was back to school night. The girls met their teachers and walked around the new school. I think it will be a good year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2.</b> I'm sad this is the last weekend before school starts. I'm not looking forward to all the homework and schedules that come with going back to school.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>3.</b> We've been in our house for a few months and have started meeting some of our neighbors. They are seriously the nicest people. They invite us over to go swimming, will cook up a feast for everyone at a moments notice and have kids that the girls can play with. It's awesome! Not mention, I never go without a beer when at one of their houses - everyone is always fully stocked!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>4.</b> My birthday is quickly approaching. I'm not sure I'm ready to be 30. More on that soon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>5.</b> I want another vacation. Is it wrong to want to spend time exploring instead of working?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Friday and even happier weekend!</span></div>
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-17181111890656810342016-08-10T04:00:00.000-04:002016-08-10T04:00:19.463-04:00August's Bookshelf<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">August is going to be a month for reading! I read a couple of books on my vacation last month but then nothing after that. Since my kids are going back to school, I figured I should pick up <strike>a book</strike> my Kindle and start reading. Here are the three books I'll be reading this month...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWa0hQEhlPIMZU17cfjf4GPXng0Ihd9nZtzv_bCdbssCQnOT_ZMRAcseJE4Ex7ZliUfmrXo9g9QIXsbpRdjx36aGnTxsaQ6CYD5hucliJ0fj9108CvRv0fVHlbFQfvayTe4hQFy8tzaBz/s1600/wildflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXWa0hQEhlPIMZU17cfjf4GPXng0Ihd9nZtzv_bCdbssCQnOT_ZMRAcseJE4Ex7ZliUfmrXo9g9QIXsbpRdjx36aGnTxsaQ6CYD5hucliJ0fj9108CvRv0fVHlbFQfvayTe4hQFy8tzaBz/s320/wildflower.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25065522-wildflower" target="_blank">Wildflower by Drew Barrymore</a></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm a huge Drew fan, so I'm excited to jump into this one. However, after I read <a href="http://www.endlessblissblog.com/2016/06/wildflower-drew-barrymore-book-review.html" target="_blank">Tiffany's review</a> I'm a little nervous I'll be let down.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApRPBUnkjVLc6huHbB9Xk7ba97IZlpHXDeSnd7nXDy34axG6yA37p0R2_LIkpZdeqwZb3wPHdP2CLaGjdML1PPY82xUIOQYFkyUmSHEny1l9-GumUYRhyphenhyphen1lhf3iDgIe_CXh1-u7Rq6jgp/s1600/girlontrain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApRPBUnkjVLc6huHbB9Xk7ba97IZlpHXDeSnd7nXDy34axG6yA37p0R2_LIkpZdeqwZb3wPHdP2CLaGjdML1PPY82xUIOQYFkyUmSHEny1l9-GumUYRhyphenhyphen1lhf3iDgIe_CXh1-u7Rq6jgp/s320/girlontrain.jpg" width="216" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22557272-the-girl-on-the-train" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins</span></a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have wanted to read this one for awhile, but now that it is being made into a movie I have to read it before I see it!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjQObsFuyzJ_uXYIFsauSNY0TG1_0MfrZBdNtBpix5N1gT8ODbQnEGl2G7rd3rseFZV_-3n8vSGCICvXOXI3Oe2LBOtqM13ukn1G4iEtmL2cHavIvK28EGH6GzJ67A7BAcSFcXNeAdRPH/s1600/tidyingup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjQObsFuyzJ_uXYIFsauSNY0TG1_0MfrZBdNtBpix5N1gT8ODbQnEGl2G7rd3rseFZV_-3n8vSGCICvXOXI3Oe2LBOtqM13ukn1G4iEtmL2cHavIvK28EGH6GzJ67A7BAcSFcXNeAdRPH/s320/tidyingup.jpg" width="223" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22318578-the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo</span></a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am most excited about reading this book. All the reviews have been positive including this <a href="http://www.thelifeofbon.com/2016/08/the-life-changing-magic-of-tidying-up.html" target="_blank">review from Bonnie</a>. Who couldn't use a little extra tidying up in their life?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you read any of these books? What should I read next? </span>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-79543704138142275092016-08-08T04:00:00.000-04:002016-08-08T04:00:12.006-04:00Meal Plan #32<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Slow down summer! This is the last week before school starts. I'm not sure I'm ready for that. The homework, the routines, the everything ... all I want is a few more nights of hanging outside without worrying about how tired the kids will be in the morning. At least I'll have our meal plan to keep me somewhat sane during dinnertime.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>MONDAY:</b> Taco in a Bag</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes this was on last Friday, but our ground beef went bad before I could cook it on Friday so we are moving to this week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>TUESDAY:</b> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/233694668141384878/" target="_blank">Seven Layer Dip</a> with Mexican Rice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm not sure how a dip will translate into an entire dinner, but this one looked too good to pass up!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispILkVRGlX_YGDQeHnXvgMgDTM81GXeRgTq5DfWkXKIDtaqQ6I351SPEyslCiB1aDbY_CgorIFRgsf7o-qPQ3lW30xXNGERptm1_JEzKoEqtjpHqve9hJk_7Pxd215cstORYua03MRkLt/s1600/Seven-Layer-Dip-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispILkVRGlX_YGDQeHnXvgMgDTM81GXeRgTq5DfWkXKIDtaqQ6I351SPEyslCiB1aDbY_CgorIFRgsf7o-qPQ3lW30xXNGERptm1_JEzKoEqtjpHqve9hJk_7Pxd215cstORYua03MRkLt/s640/Seven-Layer-Dip-3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAY: </b>Spaghetti w/Breadsticks</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAY:</b> Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's back to school night, so easy and quick is the idea tonight!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAY:</b> Grill Out!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whatever looks good at the meat counter will be our dinner along with grilled veggies plus watermelon.</span>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-7935321769829930652016-08-03T04:30:00.000-04:002016-08-03T04:30:31.027-04:00Visiting St. Lucia<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Last month my husband and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary with a trip to St. Lucia. This small Caribbean island was the perfect getaway! We knew we wanted some place with beaches and mountains and St. Lucia delivered on both of those. We also wanted to have a laid back vacation ... most of our time on the beach, not a bunch of touristy stuff and lots of beer :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We flew in Sunday afternoon to Hewanora Airport and were met by our host for the week, Tony. We did an <a href="http://www.airbnb.com/c/allisonn531" target="_blank">Airbnb</a> rental from Tony and his wife Jan. And let me say, they were the best hosts! Tony drove us from the airport to Laborie, a small fishing village about 15 minutes from the airport.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF48E3s70pOCzU4W_qzv1Qpahg_Q0ZiKT3c9GhzKDSdwCrq-w-GR1yiUTckhbiAAfdWlMwv0IDZkI5ckOTUIuGx6pok9nsFS6TAwzfPr22sKZeDKfw75xZChElQ-Hvf6wySanjV3ClIniM/s1600/Laborie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF48E3s70pOCzU4W_qzv1Qpahg_Q0ZiKT3c9GhzKDSdwCrq-w-GR1yiUTckhbiAAfdWlMwv0IDZkI5ckOTUIuGx6pok9nsFS6TAwzfPr22sKZeDKfw75xZChElQ-Hvf6wySanjV3ClIniM/s1600/Laborie.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tony gave us the tour of Laborie and pointed out where to pick up food for the apartment, where to grab some lunch and of course where to buy beer! We stopped outside Mama Tilly's and ordered up our dinner for that night - 1 fish and 1 chicken meal. Once we arrived at our apartment, <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2591621" target="_blank">Mango Splash</a>, we settled down and immediately checked out our beach-front view.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkqlOH82u6E1zPhtogvgPgaQ3TxVthhDnPnCecn17b31crRE_D3TEM5uDnIS8zdOwKua2_c3cv5VVbzPkvntnhmpJkxc-AdDZhgLvEgwD7w6kS_ifLLxc3cnBs4UJ1oE5hGTkpV6alfY9/s1600/Laborie-Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkqlOH82u6E1zPhtogvgPgaQ3TxVthhDnPnCecn17b31crRE_D3TEM5uDnIS8zdOwKua2_c3cv5VVbzPkvntnhmpJkxc-AdDZhgLvEgwD7w6kS_ifLLxc3cnBs4UJ1oE5hGTkpV6alfY9/s1600/Laborie-Beach.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After hanging outside for awhile, we decided to head into the village to pick up some supplies. Pretty much everything closes down on Sunday afternoon in Laborie so there were only a few places open to grab some beer. We found our way to Mama Tilly's where she whipped up a true Caribbean meal for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We spent Monday laying out on the beach and wandering around the village. We stopped in many of the shops to pick up breakfast and snacks for the rest of the week. The locals we met throughout our trip were super friendly and always willing to answer any questions we had.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On Tuesday we decided to wake up bright and early and hike Gros Piton. Gros Piton stands 2,619 feet which doesn't seem like much until you try to hike up! We were severely misinformed by some websites that this was a "moderately easy" hike.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_iDHW45nK8Rg_rfLelQdfVtg9ZU89JizZJrTXYdJyhfxAb3vviGxz3oDdzsHForDV2v5mhYISRm-2JKKpCHrSmUI4RsiJ9eNdebILXy4Jf6yS2L-mE81dx5ab4dRfBzFAZ25nOlcJrl2/s1600/Gros-Piton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_iDHW45nK8Rg_rfLelQdfVtg9ZU89JizZJrTXYdJyhfxAb3vviGxz3oDdzsHForDV2v5mhYISRm-2JKKpCHrSmUI4RsiJ9eNdebILXy4Jf6yS2L-mE81dx5ab4dRfBzFAZ25nOlcJrl2/s1600/Gros-Piton.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We drove about 30 minutes to get the access path to begin hiking. It's a good 25 minute walk to the base of the mountain before the true hiking trail even begins. The streets in St. Lucia are narrow, curvy and full of pot holes. My motion sickness was kicking in so I didn't start off this journey in the best condition. Before we reached the 1/4 mark I didn't think I was going to make it to the top. We were hiking with Tony (our host), our guide, along with Tony's son and his 4 friends. I was slowing everyone down. Once we reached the 1/4 mark, we told the rest of the group to go on and maybe we'd see them at the top. Tony stayed behind to guide us through the rest. After many stops we made it to the 1/2 way mark. The motion sickness I was feeling had worn off and I was feeling pretty good. Plus the quarter to half way section of trail seemed pretty easy. We decided to go on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I thought the 3/4 mark would never come! At this point we were climbing up "stairs" that had been built into the side of the mountain with large boulders to climb over. Once we rested at the 3/4 mark, I was determined to make it to the top. I hadn't come all this way to stop now. The last quarter of the trail was brutal with more stairs and a steeper climb. Being only 5' 4" means I don't have very long legs, this also means some of these "stair" steps came up to my knee or sometimes my hip. We finally arrived at the top ... 2 hours and 30 minutes after we started. The rest of the group was so surprised to see us! We immediately checked out the right side of the mountain.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-UEC-XtPPOOEWIvaXI7678VFPPLlCrzNXEScYCqjj7EPWs4XJWnWpvzZigOemBiB-yO1zOVkLrUUsSjaT85k3kS6FQ2DPOXZO195cfSMiLLATO254GeDj62-lccsZlNONsdwjKeXE0gc/s1600/Right-Side-Husband-View.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-UEC-XtPPOOEWIvaXI7678VFPPLlCrzNXEScYCqjj7EPWs4XJWnWpvzZigOemBiB-yO1zOVkLrUUsSjaT85k3kS6FQ2DPOXZO195cfSMiLLATO254GeDj62-lccsZlNONsdwjKeXE0gc/s1600/Right-Side-Husband-View.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There were a few other people who joined us up top, but for the most part we were alone. Getting an early start is key. We were headed to the start of the trail by 7am, any later and we would've hit the heat of the day and been way too hot to make it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our guide then took us to the left side of the mountain. This is so important! If your guide tells you that you can't go to the left side, it's because they don't want to spend more time up there. The left side view is where it is at people! You must force your guide to take you. It's a bit more of an obstacle to get to the viewing point, but oh so worth it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj2eT-_SwSO9BFdqe3C4v2Oi5aDI3218TaNT0wHlb4A-JPrxEZP1gJpj2sQnI87LBmHfKHAD8duy1J5uVBvW-TV0ZUDw347dNSr5OaamqtiQCUNjryfXU_jld77R-T_DDLC6RDBYbkQYR/s1600/top-Gros-Piton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj2eT-_SwSO9BFdqe3C4v2Oi5aDI3218TaNT0wHlb4A-JPrxEZP1gJpj2sQnI87LBmHfKHAD8duy1J5uVBvW-TV0ZUDw347dNSr5OaamqtiQCUNjryfXU_jld77R-T_DDLC6RDBYbkQYR/s1600/top-Gros-Piton.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From the left side you can see Petit Piton, which as you guessed isn't as tall as Gros Piton. You can also see the town of Soufiere. The view is amazing. We spent a good 30 minutes here before deciding to head back down the mountain. Of course I couldn't go back down without a fun picture.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XQ8IDlqi6Z0aLm39f4AImdUnZYiZplb_zEtEmnTNWahF2YPlo-4a2t3yvxnRWedO_T9kAX1-V_AHlqyxvay3aB06m89y1VCntxBVf0Xo8HwoGcmfOp3JnRmihH0z_tG8b8bjLXnNWkoN/s1600/Petit-Piton-Pointing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XQ8IDlqi6Z0aLm39f4AImdUnZYiZplb_zEtEmnTNWahF2YPlo-4a2t3yvxnRWedO_T9kAX1-V_AHlqyxvay3aB06m89y1VCntxBVf0Xo8HwoGcmfOp3JnRmihH0z_tG8b8bjLXnNWkoN/s1600/Petit-Piton-Pointing.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The way down wasn't much easier than going up. I slid a bunch, I got muddy, I got scraped up and my toes were jammed into my shoes from trying to hold my ground. It took about 2 hours to climb back down. Upon reaching the bottom, we strayed from the path back to the car and headed for the beach. We all hopped in the ocean to cool off. Mission accomplished.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wednesday was more of the same from Monday, hanging out on the beach and drinking beer. There was no way our legs wanted to move after our hike on Tuesday. We made friends with one of the locals who brought us all sorts of goodies including fresh picked cashews that he roasted for us.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowv-E58WGDl8iCkzC7-8E0umej3UkShBkaYL4fC8VmD63YurlxTDYQ1UZRfyCH8vVOKN-x8Y_cCgRT0VcbpKFAHuynY1KsgxBKn_sUPeZ6H2XzFXJpmLZVuNvdHDCAulacTYLYXFH9tsm/s1600/Piton-Cashews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowv-E58WGDl8iCkzC7-8E0umej3UkShBkaYL4fC8VmD63YurlxTDYQ1UZRfyCH8vVOKN-x8Y_cCgRT0VcbpKFAHuynY1KsgxBKn_sUPeZ6H2XzFXJpmLZVuNvdHDCAulacTYLYXFH9tsm/s1600/Piton-Cashews.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They were so amazing! He also brought us coconuts to try and explained how he takes the sea kelp he catches in his boxes and creates a super healthy jelly from it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thursday was more beach fun before heading back to the airport and back to our girls. One thing I hadn't read before our trip was about the amount of dogs in St. Lucia. There are a few breeds around the island and they all want to make friends. Our hosts had about 5 dogs that they had rescued, but many more would roam around the village and along the beach. Since most people can't afford to spay/neuter their dogs, the dog population is quite large on the island. I was glad to learn that our hosts were looking out for these animals. As part of the recycling efforts on the island, you are encouraged to turn in your beer bottles for a small refund. Tony and Jan use this money and donate it to the local animal shelter. We were more than happy to leave a few bottles behind for them.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5ITshypVL197phSgIbQ7C_ej1qUaU-VSk5yQR1VQURhwAMxls-_1mfVIkS6_v1txWKR5e4gGfYR631X-oEisK1oTQM4U7jGQqCgEnWMRUYOH6hyPmRNetvBML0eYsr3vHgyy9bWL2Mfq/s1600/Lucian-Dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5ITshypVL197phSgIbQ7C_ej1qUaU-VSk5yQR1VQURhwAMxls-_1mfVIkS6_v1txWKR5e4gGfYR631X-oEisK1oTQM4U7jGQqCgEnWMRUYOH6hyPmRNetvBML0eYsr3vHgyy9bWL2Mfq/s1600/Lucian-Dog.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was a trip we won't soon forget. If you have any questions, please let me know! I would of course recommend staying at one of the 3 places that Tony & Jan have available on Airbnb - <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2591621" target="_blank">Mango Splash</a>, <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/10673998" target="_blank">Bay Treehouse</a> or <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/5889702" target="_blank">Driftwood Cottage</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now to plan our next trip :)</span><br />
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-55515227962969242042016-08-01T05:00:00.000-04:002016-08-01T05:00:28.637-04:00Meal Plan #31<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can't believe it is August. School starts in a couple weeks, I'm turning the big 3-0 at the end of the month, and soon the hot weather will be a distant memory. Instead of thinking of all that, let's talk meal planning for the week ...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXN4XdZcvo45qpkG8EqUiGb7RGh1AJ-29qo2oqo86nyNXdjpIuY7x37xiWtbxEdE4Q7Cw4qpg3OrxMZ-lVI3BkAmhHKQg-Gebc_Hdx0xoQVuUF4irXbjxl4cNwQoAGCHal53oxKzfOxrPY/s1600/1430616621445.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXN4XdZcvo45qpkG8EqUiGb7RGh1AJ-29qo2oqo86nyNXdjpIuY7x37xiWtbxEdE4Q7Cw4qpg3OrxMZ-lVI3BkAmhHKQg-Gebc_Hdx0xoQVuUF4irXbjxl4cNwQoAGCHal53oxKzfOxrPY/s1600/1430616621445.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>MONDAY:</b> Ravioli w/Breadsticks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This will be our meat-free meal this week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>TUESDAY:</b> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/233694668142939618/" target="_blank">Ranch Chicken Tacos</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We made these awhile back and they were delicious. Throw everything in the crock pot and you have tacos when you come home!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1ByFkGVhWMjbCkEvZev1mMC3-Px5TkHMrtUS0V8LlD2GVonYRNwq7y1m0-Q5rBEJwBUlfnr-pHQYhOQ4_RoVGHyzFvYbQZc_nSfgppeRcMUJy6wbkofr7vJqxu9XXwFLTeIArmCpihKD/s1600/IHeartNaptime_chickentaco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1ByFkGVhWMjbCkEvZev1mMC3-Px5TkHMrtUS0V8LlD2GVonYRNwq7y1m0-Q5rBEJwBUlfnr-pHQYhOQ4_RoVGHyzFvYbQZc_nSfgppeRcMUJy6wbkofr7vJqxu9XXwFLTeIArmCpihKD/s400/IHeartNaptime_chickentaco.jpg" width="285" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAY:</b> Brinner</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Breakfast for dinner, one of our favorites!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAY: </b>YOYO</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We all have dentist appointments this afternoon which will put us home later than normal. So everyone can fend for themselves - You're On Your Own!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAY:</b> Taco in a Bag</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The girls have been begging for this so I finally gave in!</span><br />
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-43699159554662967952016-07-25T05:30:00.000-04:002016-07-25T05:30:38.234-04:00Meal Plan #30<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What a weekend! I think the girls spent theirs in bathing suits the whole time (gosh it was hot!!!). After a busy Saturday, it was nice to relax on Sunday and get ready for the week. Here's this week's meal plan ...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXN4XdZcvo45qpkG8EqUiGb7RGh1AJ-29qo2oqo86nyNXdjpIuY7x37xiWtbxEdE4Q7Cw4qpg3OrxMZ-lVI3BkAmhHKQg-Gebc_Hdx0xoQVuUF4irXbjxl4cNwQoAGCHal53oxKzfOxrPY/s1600/1430616621445.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXN4XdZcvo45qpkG8EqUiGb7RGh1AJ-29qo2oqo86nyNXdjpIuY7x37xiWtbxEdE4Q7Cw4qpg3OrxMZ-lVI3BkAmhHKQg-Gebc_Hdx0xoQVuUF4irXbjxl4cNwQoAGCHal53oxKzfOxrPY/s1600/1430616621445.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>MONDAY: </b>Salad Bar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All the fixin's to create the salad of your dreams! I'll probably grill some chicken to add to the mix.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>TUESDAY:</b> Black Bean & Corn Quesadillas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is our meat-free meal this week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAY: </b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/Adr5L8f8uC6n-1gG1gt7eHvHCZOcy_lwqxKNHWLjqBKmctYRJ9lyx_I/" target="_blank">One Pot Taco Spaghetti</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Two family favorites combined into one + you only need one pan = DINNER WINNER!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMa650IA59lWxp4Nb6pKEnQkhJOhgsnPXyBQATyJoVaqr1DwSKLu5lwmPPOxIOX4jAKR9vAzirLIQmmlyaq2qkr5RhPGBochn51upXe9qHyGB0GpJGm2iPA87FJWAk-ShLLnNWgA2dqZ9/s1600/IMG_2483edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMa650IA59lWxp4Nb6pKEnQkhJOhgsnPXyBQATyJoVaqr1DwSKLu5lwmPPOxIOX4jAKR9vAzirLIQmmlyaq2qkr5RhPGBochn51upXe9qHyGB0GpJGm2iPA87FJWAk-ShLLnNWgA2dqZ9/s400/IMG_2483edit.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAY:</b> Mexican Casserole</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a freezer meal that cooks in the crock pot that my MIL gave. Yay for easy dinners!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAY:</b> Daddy's Choice!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is the hubby's birthday, so he can choose what we do for dinner.</span>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-63234829710431867642016-07-22T05:00:00.000-04:002016-07-22T05:00:32.817-04:005 on Friday!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGL1JdLmlhMUGUyb7AB9i2b6HWgWg_SnCnFZFEDg5TXf07NQEpZJHAh-jxmuvvB59LALrbk98dFBt498iWS1XTmnsx8DckKRqkYr3GfJyhwYZeCsyy3qox6HgYIVxq7KApX9GhwSXV2eKL/s1600/5onfriday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGL1JdLmlhMUGUyb7AB9i2b6HWgWg_SnCnFZFEDg5TXf07NQEpZJHAh-jxmuvvB59LALrbk98dFBt498iWS1XTmnsx8DckKRqkYr3GfJyhwYZeCsyy3qox6HgYIVxq7KApX9GhwSXV2eKL/s640/5onfriday.jpg" width="408" /> </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This week's 5 on Friday is dedicated to things I'm excited about (hence the 2 exclamation points in the title) ...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>1.</b> Yesterday was my best friend's (of 20 years!) 30th birthday. It was also the day she welcomed her 4th child. I'm beyond happy for her! With 2 step children, I know her family of 8 is exactly what she wanted for her life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>2.</b> I'm getting my hair cut and colored tomorrow! Goodbye greys, hello something new. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>3.</b> Thursday - Sunday are going to be the hottest days of the year. A trip to the in-laws pool may be in order after a weekend of 4-wheeling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>4.</b> Speaking of 4-wheeling, we are now the proud owners of three 4-wheelers. We got one for each of the girls, plus a larger one for the husband and I to ride together. We are already trying to plan a trip to take them riding! Can you see the excitement on J's face the day she saw hers?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_n5DbhvV0PXhT55OzBr7q3uyGp3dVTqespeRbYVPcQ45XBlck4s4c88zbc1eb3n8zCa9DHXdH9BwshDTjpzy_F8bOaCe00y4nbDPYJibLS4TL9TZtnoBPxfvYAthahHZCVddJhspJRZkk/s1600/J-4wheeler.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_n5DbhvV0PXhT55OzBr7q3uyGp3dVTqespeRbYVPcQ45XBlck4s4c88zbc1eb3n8zCa9DHXdH9BwshDTjpzy_F8bOaCe00y4nbDPYJibLS4TL9TZtnoBPxfvYAthahHZCVddJhspJRZkk/s400/J-4wheeler.PNG" width="380" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>5.</b> I paid off my car this week! It's been a goal since we decided to purchase a new house to pay off my car to make up for the higher mortgage payment. And I'm happy to say after 2 years of owning the car, I was able to pay it off. Yippy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend!</span>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-78207334415305111302016-07-18T05:30:00.000-04:002016-07-18T05:30:43.341-04:00Meal Plan #29<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXN4XdZcvo45qpkG8EqUiGb7RGh1AJ-29qo2oqo86nyNXdjpIuY7x37xiWtbxEdE4Q7Cw4qpg3OrxMZ-lVI3BkAmhHKQg-Gebc_Hdx0xoQVuUF4irXbjxl4cNwQoAGCHal53oxKzfOxrPY/s1600/1430616621445.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXN4XdZcvo45qpkG8EqUiGb7RGh1AJ-29qo2oqo86nyNXdjpIuY7x37xiWtbxEdE4Q7Cw4qpg3OrxMZ-lVI3BkAmhHKQg-Gebc_Hdx0xoQVuUF4irXbjxl4cNwQoAGCHal53oxKzfOxrPY/s1600/1430616621445.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>MONDAY:</b> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/233694668143355438/" target="_blank">Creamy Spinach Tomato Pasta</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is our meat-free meal of the week.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhev9Z5GlOARufVP17jacQbMMiD1rdUCXcuYAHEmfjis4GVrjB2tIxr3cc3FiY2E2NMfVD8GmSeQGchCQor0pGRIxzWNE8VJ46SPniQjhu0bfaaT99P8frNzjq7tVOEaZKY8lLoWLJyZsVV/s1600/farfalle-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhev9Z5GlOARufVP17jacQbMMiD1rdUCXcuYAHEmfjis4GVrjB2tIxr3cc3FiY2E2NMfVD8GmSeQGchCQor0pGRIxzWNE8VJ46SPniQjhu0bfaaT99P8frNzjq7tVOEaZKY8lLoWLJyZsVV/s400/farfalle-2.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>TUESDAY:</b> Bean Burritos</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Two meat-free meals, who are we?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAY:</b> Ham & Cheese Roll-Ups with Veggies & Dip</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAY:</b> Cheeseburger Pasta</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAY:</b> YOYO - You're On Your Own</span>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-8272494534430390172016-07-15T04:00:00.000-04:002016-07-15T04:00:00.164-04:005 on Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGL1JdLmlhMUGUyb7AB9i2b6HWgWg_SnCnFZFEDg5TXf07NQEpZJHAh-jxmuvvB59LALrbk98dFBt498iWS1XTmnsx8DckKRqkYr3GfJyhwYZeCsyy3qox6HgYIVxq7KApX9GhwSXV2eKL/s1600/5onfriday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGL1JdLmlhMUGUyb7AB9i2b6HWgWg_SnCnFZFEDg5TXf07NQEpZJHAh-jxmuvvB59LALrbk98dFBt498iWS1XTmnsx8DckKRqkYr3GfJyhwYZeCsyy3qox6HgYIVxq7KApX9GhwSXV2eKL/s640/5onfriday.jpg" width="408" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1.</b> Every other blog post and tweet is about the Nordstrom sale, but I'm not about to get a credit card just so I can shop early. I did find a pair of earrings and a pair of pants that I wouldn't mind adding to my closet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>2.</b> Going back to work for 5 days after a week off is hard. I'm very happy for the weekend! Is it wrong I already want to plan our next trip? We've only made it to one place on our <a href="http://allison-itsmylife.blogspot.com/2016/02/2016-travel-bucket-list.html" target="_blank">2016 Travel Bucket List</a> so we better get going!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>3.</b> I set a goal to read 30 books this year and so far I've read 23! See what I've <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/3997466" target="_blank">read here</a>. Any suggestions on what to read next?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>4.</b> Why is summer going so fast? We are half way through July already! Slow down! I need more bonfires, late nights with friends and sunshine all weekend long.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>5.</b> I've been more interested in drinking beer this summer rather than wine. Maybe that's because I drank beer like water on our trip last week. Those Pitons just go down so smooth!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BHh93nEBSKl/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A photo posted by Allison (@amazingmommy)</a> on <time datetime="2016-07-06T18:51:34+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 6, 2016 at 11:51am PDT</time></div>
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<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-27057968972839337982016-07-13T09:57:00.000-04:002016-07-13T09:57:56.250-04:00Currently #15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZR_cvmGp2hLFNVmCEb2LGdFDoEYSWotx4-BbrSmki26J474_MgtwrTvE1AW3ncMwezpTV5QO0czEMG8Z5fVfAVwerGOKFdEb4yaWCvhhr5JRngYG7dUrvyMSEefugZFRERtIM6I7DvkOf/s1600/currently.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZR_cvmGp2hLFNVmCEb2LGdFDoEYSWotx4-BbrSmki26J474_MgtwrTvE1AW3ncMwezpTV5QO0czEMG8Z5fVfAVwerGOKFdEb4yaWCvhhr5JRngYG7dUrvyMSEefugZFRERtIM6I7DvkOf/s1600/currently.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>loving. </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">summer!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>smelling. </b>coffee</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>writing. </b>not nearly enough blog posts</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>reading.</b> <span style="color: #424242;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">nothing at the mo<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ment, I did read 2 books over vac<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ation</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>watching. </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Limitless</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #424242; line-height: 18.2px;">craving. </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">sleep</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>obsessing. </b>over the weather, I love summer!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #424242; line-height: 18.2px;">wishing. </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">summer wasn't almost over</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>needing. </b>to <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">finish sh<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">opping for school supplies</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>wanting.</b><b> </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a massage</span><a href="http://allison-itsmylife.blogspot.com/2016/06/professional-edgy.html" target="_blank"></a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>trying. </b>t<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">o get <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">caught ba<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ck up after vacation</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>eating. </b>a<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ll the yummy foods I picked up at the farmer's market this <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">past weekend</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>drinking. </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">anything ice cold</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>feeling. </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">unmotiviated</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>hoping. </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to win the lottery</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019388448305999071.post-27135075149231431092016-07-11T06:30:00.000-04:002016-07-11T06:30:18.936-04:00Meal Plan #28<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello reality! It's nice and not so nice to be back. I've missed my kids, my house, my dog, cooking in my own kitchen and sleeping in my own bed. But I certainly miss the beautiful views and ocean waves splashing at my feet. A not so touristy recap of our trip is coming soon!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For now, here's what we plan to eat this week. My awesome MIL put together a handful of freezer meals so I wasn't coming back to a super busy cooking week, so we'll be having a couple of those this week!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXN4XdZcvo45qpkG8EqUiGb7RGh1AJ-29qo2oqo86nyNXdjpIuY7x37xiWtbxEdE4Q7Cw4qpg3OrxMZ-lVI3BkAmhHKQg-Gebc_Hdx0xoQVuUF4irXbjxl4cNwQoAGCHal53oxKzfOxrPY/s1600/1430616621445.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXN4XdZcvo45qpkG8EqUiGb7RGh1AJ-29qo2oqo86nyNXdjpIuY7x37xiWtbxEdE4Q7Cw4qpg3OrxMZ-lVI3BkAmhHKQg-Gebc_Hdx0xoQVuUF4irXbjxl4cNwQoAGCHal53oxKzfOxrPY/s1600/1430616621445.png" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>MONDAY:</b> Pulled BBQ Pork Sandwiches with veggies & dip</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Freezer meal that's made in the crock pot</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>TUESDAY:</b> Taco Salad</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>WEDNESDAY:</b> Breakfast for Dinner!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I may even get crazy enough to make a breakfast casserole, we'll see how going back to work treats me this week :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>THURSDAY:</b> Meatloaf with Broccoli</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Freezer meal that can be heated up in the microwave for an easy dinner</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>FRIDAY:</b> Grill Out!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm excited to grill again, we'll probably keep it simple with burgers & hot dogs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We did our meatless meal on Sunday this week with Mexican quinoa tacos in the crock pot. Another freezer meal :) Enjoy your week!</span><br />
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<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02174440878961737417noreply@blogger.com0