Meal Plan #4

What the world has happened the past week? I've been down for the count with some sort of virus that doesn't want me to get well. I'm finally back to the office for my first full day since last Tuesday. So the meal plan for last week ... didn't really happen. The meal plan for this week ... doesn't really exist. I took my Grandma-paced self to the store last night and picked up a few items to help us get through this week. So here's our abbreviated 3 day meal plan :)

WEDENSDAY: Deli Sandwiches, Potato Salad and Fruit
The crock pot was even too much for this week's swim night. Throw your meat and cheese on some bread and call it a meal!

THURSDAY: Corn & Chile Flautas
I never made these last week and we still have everything we need to make them so let's try this again!

FRIDAY: Breakfast
I picked up some eggs so we can do breakfast this week for dinner. 

Here's to a better next week!

Meal Plan #3

We are three weeks into 2016 already! Starting this week, I'm really taking a look at what I eat and drink each day. Last year I dedicated myself to losing weight before our cruise so that I could comfortably wear a bikini. And I was proud when I lost 10 lbs and felt like I could pull off the bikini on the beach look. After that vacation, I sort of stopped caring as much. I started drinking Diet Coke again and indulging in more sweets and treats than I should.

My first step towards getting back on track is to meal plan with healthy options in mind. I know my family loves their comfort food, and cheese ... because duh, cheese. But with meal planning I have the option to make a healthier variation for me. Without the rest of the family knowing it, I've been including 1 meat-free option into our meal plan each week. It's not much, but it's a start!

Let's get into what you really came here for ... this week's meal plan!

MONDAY: Cheeseburger Casserole
This is supposed to be a lighter version of the standard casserole, so we'll give it a try!

TUESDAY: Sweet Corn & Green Chile Baked Flautas
Another recipe from my new Thug Kitchen cookbook. My husband wasn't a fan of last week's Minestrone Soup because of the cabbage, so he selected this one to try out.

WEDNESDAY: Beef Stew
This is our favorite beef stew recipe. Make it - you won't be disappointed!

THURSDAY: Brinner
Breakfast for dinner! One of our favorites :)

FRIDAY: Out
We are having a date night for a Winter Party my work is throwing at the art museum so we'll eat a little something before we go and then have munchies at the party. The girls will eat at Grandma's.


Any tips on keep my family happy with meals, but saving me some calories? I'm open to any suggestions!

Meal Plan #2

The winter weather has inspired this week's meal plan. We have three nights of soup planned, but they are all so different that I don't think anyone will care or really notice.

MONDAY: Minestrone Soup
This recipe is from the Thug Kitchen cookbook I got for Christmas. Meatless Monday is in full effect this week!

TUESDAY: Nachos

WEDNESDAY: Tex-Mex Chicken & Quinoa Soup
We were fans of the original Mix & Match Mama recipe for this soup so I'm excited to try the Tex-Mex version. I would say it's more casserole-like than soup.

THURSDAY: Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
What's better than this meal on a cold winter's night? Nothing. Unless of course I whip up some brownies afterwards :)

FRIDAY: YOYO
We'll have a bunch of leftovers from this week so we'll use tonight as a way to clean our the fridge a bit for next week.

What's for dinner this week? Got any new recipes for me to try?

Currently #8

loving. my family, they are pretty awesome
smelling. not much of anything, our sinus issues this winter have been crazy!
writing. meal plans, they keep me sane during the work week
reading. Faithful Place - I'm working on my goal of 30 books this year!
watching. the girls at swim lessons - they are like little fish :)
craving. caffeine, I'm hopelessly addicted
obsessing. over accessories - for some reason I want to wear them all lately
wishing. for more hours in the day
needing. to plan our vacations for the year - our big 10 year anniversary trip needs a destination!
wanting. a date night or two this month
trying. to implement chores each week for the girls, it's a struggle
eating. all the Cuties, I'll be sad when they are out of season
drinking. not nearly enough water - gosh it's hard!
feeling. positive
hoping. 60* weather we had comes back very soon
clicking. through IG, so many pretty pictures

Meal Plan #1

It's a new year with another year full of meal planning! I'll be posting my meal plan every week, but I'm always on the look out for new and yummy recipes.

MONDAY: Chicken Tenders with Warm Cabbage & Noodle Salad
My husband and kids have been on a Ramen kick lately. I'm hoping this healthier version of a salad will please them.

TUESDAY: Bean Burritos

WEDNESDAY: Chicken Bean Burrito Soup
We are back to swimming lessons for both girls for next couple of months, so we are back on the slow cooker kick on Wednesday nights!

THURSDAY: Meatloaf with Broccoli 

FRIDAY: Paninis with Fruit Salad

What's for dinner this week at your house?

2016 in one word

For the past couple of years instead of setting goals or resolutions for the new year, I have selected a word of the year. 
2015 - try: Try new things, try to better myself. In the end, you will never accomplish anything unless you try.
2014 - live: Life is short, I want to live my life to the fullest. Live in the moment and take on new adventures.

This year I've given a lot of thought to my word of the year. I want it to be something all encompassing. Not just a word for my personal life, not just a word for my family. A word that I can reflect on all year long in every situation. I must admit that my latest tattoo inspired this year's word. 
This year's word is ...

Think positive
Have a positive attitude
To be absolutely positive in the decisions I make
Provide a positive role model for my girls
Be positive in a world full of negatives
Encourage others to join me in positive thinking

I am a firm believer if you put positive energy out into the world, you will get back positive things. Thinking you will master a task, gives you a better chance of making it happen. 

Here's to seeing 2016 as a glass half full.