Whole30 Menu Plan and Goals

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We made dinner for a friend that had surgery Friday night. Saturday I had to go shopping for a going away scrapbook for our youth pastor and his family and then get ready for and clean-up after their farewell potluck followed by a relaxing late evening hanging out with a friend and watching a cheesy Hallmark movie. Sunday after church there was a lunch wedding shower and that afternoon I still had to do my big grocery shopping trip and the house needed (still needs) some work. Some of the small groups met Sunday night. I don’t think ours did, but even if they had we would have stayed home. Busy isn’t always better and sometimes it’s okay to say no – especially if those large social events drain instead of energize you. 🙂 Yep, that would be me.

It was a good weekend all in all. I’m just thankful that every one isn’t like that and I’m thankfully we are looking at a calm next week. Last week my 15 month old went 5 nights in a row waking up only once (and he’s probably had fewer than 5 of those nights total in his life before). I’m hoping we see some more this week.

Whole30 Menu Plan and Goals at From this Kitchen Table

Suppers:

Lunches:

  • Leftovers
  • Wedding Shower
  • Salads (Shaun and me)
  • Sweet potatoes and leftovers (the kids)

Breakfasts:

Goals:

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100 Days of Real Food

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Affiliate links may be used

I have one real cookbook in my house – a copy of Better Homes and Garden I received when I got married. There are also a few other small ones such as the The Little House Cookbook and one with old Swedish recipes. I enjoy reading cookbooks and flipping through food magazines but really don’t see the need to purchase them and have them in my kitchen. That’s what the internet is for, right? One cookbook you can go to for your basic needs just about covers it and then Google can take care of the rest. (Unless the internet goes down anyway.)

Well, I’ve found an exception to that line of thinking.

What I love about the 100 Days of Real Food cookbook!

Last week I had the honor of reviewing Lisa Leake’s new cookbook (debuting at #2 on the New York Times List): 100 Days of Real Food.

Over the first 100 pages of the book is filled with information of real food – why to eat it, what to buy, budget tips and more. Lisa writes in a way that won’t overwhelm you. It’s enjoyable to read and gives you the information you need to make educated decisions.

Then comes the recipes. Trust me, you’ll want to make them all. The pictures make you hungry. If you have kids in school, you’ll love the section on lunch recipes where each picture shows a complete lunch you could pack and send with your child.

What I love about the 100 Days of Real Food cookbook!

I read through the book and then my 3 1/2 year old daughter wanted to take over. She had me sit down with her and tell her what every recipe (and there are 100 of them) was. Then she sat there again flipping through every page. The next day she did the same thing.

I came up with a plan. I brought out the sticky notes and cut them down and told her to mark her favorite recipes – the ones she wanted to make. After she marked the first 3 consecutively I reminded her to only pick her very favorite ones. Even after reminding her several times and making her skip a few we already make an almost identical recipe of, she had marked over half of the recipes!

What I love about the 100 Days of Real Food cookbook!

I think I know what my go to place is going to be for menu planning.

A few of my favorite things about this cookbook:

I love that any recipe my daughter wants to make – we can!

I don’t have to worry about trying to talk her out of one with processed ingredients and foods that I don’t like using. Every recipe is real food! Now, if you don’t eat grains or dairy you’ll have to tweak and/or skip some of the recipes but for easy reference, in the back of the book, she has a list of the recipes that are (or could easily be made) gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian.

I love that the recipes use normal ingredients!

These are things that every cook will have in their house (or has easy access to). That makes it perfect for those that are new to real food as well as those who’ve been eating that way for a while. There’s not a sense of being overwhelmed and giving up before you start. We can do this. Real food is doable.

I love that the recipes are unique!

I don’t like eating the same types of food. Casseroles and the same old same old types of meals don’t do much for me, even if they are made of real food. I like flavor and variety. Not only does 100 Days of Real Food give you the basics like Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes, Super Easy Whole Wheat Biscuits, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, and Whole Wheat Pizza you’ll also find things like Polenta with Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce (on my list to try as polenta is something I’ve never made before), Teriyaki Flank Steak Salad, Shortcut Eggplant Parmesan, and a Grilled Cheese with Apple and Bacon!

I love that it is more than just recipes!

It’s educational with the information of why real food is important and how to attain real food in day to day life. It also contains Lisa’s story as well as the recipes. The Leake’s are a real family with two young girls and you get to hear their journey. If you are beginning your real food journey, you’ll want this book! (Or even if you already eat that way and want a refresher course and a book to share with others.) You’ll learn and have a resource to cook from and go back to again and again.

I was impressed by this beautiful, hardback cookbook. I’m thinking that Lisa should start working on another cookbook – the real food version of Better Homes and Gardens or Betty Crocker that are standard in so many kitchen libraries. I know I’d be buying that one too!

What’s your favorite cookbook? Do you follow the 100 Days of Real Food blog?

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Where to Buy Used Clothes and How to Get a Good Deal

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I love buying used clothes! Often you get items like new for a fraction of the cost and sometimes for less than a dollar! I have a put together a great list of where to buy used clothes that I use when needing to add something to our wardrobe.

Where to buy used clothes and how to get a good deal on them! Great list of ideas!

Thrift Stores:

After my daughter was born I stocked up on clothes for her first year at the thrift stores. Babies wear each size for such a short period of time, you normally have a lot of options. When you get into the preschool and elementary aged sizes you tend to find less selection as they tend to put a lot more wear on their clothes. Check each item for rips and stains. Thrift stores don’t have a screening process so you will want to do so carefully. Call and ask about sales. Most of our local thrift stores have a different deal each day of the week – fill a sack for $5, half off children’s clothes, half off yellow tagged items etc. Know what you want to buy and go the day you can get the best deal.

Garage Sales:

These are another great way to build up wardrobes. It requires a little more research and time as you have to look over the classifieds each week to see where you want to go and then drive numerous places but when you hit a house getting rid of clothes the size you wear or your kids are going into, you won’t beat the prices! Don’t forget to look for shoes and jackets as well as regular clothing. If you are buying a large amount, be sure to ask for a little discount. Last year we picked this winter coat and a pair of Converse for my daughter for a $1 each:

Where to buy used clothes and how to get a good deal! Where to buy used clothes and how to get a good deal!

Consignment Shops:

You know you can find end of season clearance deals at retail clothing stores, but don’t forget to check out local consignment shops. I love shopping our town’s consignment shop. Everything is organized by size and color and each piece has already been looked over for stains and tears. Sure, the regular prices on a shirt are more than a thrift store with most between $4 and $15, but if you wait until the end of season you can get a bargain. Ask your store when they swap the clothes out. At our store the kids clothes switches over the beginning of August so families can do their back to school shopping. So you’ll want to look for deep discounted children’s items in July. The women’s clothes are switched over later, so I went in the middle of August and the summer shirts, dresses, shorts, and some pants were marked down – most 70%. I bought 6 shirts and 2 dresses: Where to buy used clothes and how to get a good deal! OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Guess what the total was? $19! You can’t beat that. Even if I just wear the shirts for a year or two. It was worth it. It’s also a great way to try out a style or color you normally don’t wear. If you love it, you know what to look for more and if you hate it, no biggie. Just pass it on.

Consignment Sales:

This is another option a lot of people love. To be honest, it’s my least favorite way to buy used clothes. I find the prices to be more than thrift stores and garage sales and the items aren’t looked over and carefully selected like they are at the consignment store so you have to carefully look at every item for stains and rips. If if checked out the other options, though, and you still need clothes, you might want to check for a sale in your area. Some one puts one on in our city twice a year. For the best selection you can bring your own clothes and help set up so you can shop early. Or if you are wanting a great deal, wait until the last afternoon and some consignors will allow their items to be marked down 50%.

Online Stores

Did you know there are online stores you can buy used clothes from? Pretty cool, huh? Shopping the in convienence of your home, while and kids are napping or playing sounds about perfect. Here are three places you’ll want to check out:

ebay

I’ve been looking on ebay so soft soled shoes for my toddler. Great way to get shoes and other clothing for a fraction of the cost and still have it be in good condition. You can also find a good selection of maternity clothes on ebay.

Like Twice

If you are looking for gently used women’s clothing, Like Twice has free shipping over $49 and $4.95 on smaller orders. If you purchase something and you don’t like it, you can use a prepaid return label if you want store credit or if you want the refund in cash a $4.95 shipping fee will be deducted from your returns. If you have women’s clothing, check and see if it would be worth selling to Like Twice.

If you sign up through my referral link  –  liketwice.com/eciEm – as a new customer, you’ll get $10 off your first order! If you like them on Facebook you’ll get a 15% off code as well.

Thred Up

Another store that has women, kids, shoes and handbags is Thred Up. They also have free shipping over $50 (or you can pay $19.99 and have free shipping for the entire year on any size order). Returns can be made within 30 days with tags still on but you do have to pay return shipping until you purchased using their app. You can also send your items to them so see if they will purchase them. If you sign up using my referral link, you can get $10 off your first purchase.

What’s your favorite place to buy used clothes from? Do you have any tips to share?

Linking up to these fun parties!

Menu Plan and Goals

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It’s Sunday evening and I’m shooting for a 9pm bedtime for myself. The kids were in bed by 7:30 and Shaun is working an event (for his third night in a row) for the radio station and wont be back until close to midnight, so I figure it’s a good night to do it. The first half of last week the kids were recovering from being sick and rather grouchy. Thankfully, we finished on a higher note but everyone’s still pretty tired.

Neither Shaun or I work Labor Day, so we are looking forward to a fun family day. I discovered that a children’s museum in a town 45 minutes away is having free admission for the day! I’m sure it will be packed, but we’ve never been and you can’t beat testing a new place out for free. I think the kids will love it!

Menu Plan and Goals @ From this Kitchen Table

Turtle Cheesecake Ice Cream – Super yummy and rich (but the blueberry from a couple weeks ago is still my favorite).OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Suppers:

  • Egg Foo Young
  • Popcorn and Ice Cream
  • Grilling for Labor Day
  • Ladies’ Bible Study/Leftovers
  • Crockpot Chicken Tacos x 2
  • Skillet Lasagna (Making double to bring supper to a friend having surgery)

Lunches:

  • Guacamole
  • Veggie Soup
  • Pumpkin Waffles
  • Salads

Breakfasts:

  • Leftover Pumpkin Waffles
  • Oatmeal and Rolled Oats with Granola

Goals: (Affiliate Links)

What have you been reading – anything I should add to my list?

Linking up to Menu Plan Monday

Menu Plan and Goals

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It’s Sunday afternoon and both kids are napping. The house is quiet. Sleep is something that’s been needed around our house this week. There were a couple of long nights, a teething child, runny noses, and feeling under the weather going on the past several days.

Menu Plan and Goals @ From this Kitchen Table

Shaun worked events for the radio station Friday and Saturday afternoon/evening and didn’t get home until almost midnight. The kids and I enjoyed a couple of movie nights, playing at the park, and some cleaning. Hopefully they will feel better soon (though I’m not complaining about my son actually sitting and snuggling with me. That hasn’t happened since he started moving 🙂 ).

Menu Plan and Goals @ From this Kitchen Table

This is dark chocolate coconut milk ice cream sweetened with maple syrup and honey!

Suppers:

Lunches:

  • Pancakes
  • Leftover Chicken from last week
  • Leftover Mac and Cheese and Bean tostadas for the kids
  • Salads for the adults

Breakfasts;

  • Pancakes from the freezer
  • Smoothies
  • Refrigerator and hot oatmeal

Goals:

  • Finish I Like Giving and start another book. (I finished Running for My Life last week and loved it!)
  • Continue the next Hello Mornings Bible Study
  • Keep going with the the #mindbodymat 3 week pilates challenge. On the last week! Each day’s workout is around 10 minutes. Love that I have no excuses to not get it done.
  • Work on earring and lip balm business stuff – online store, craft shows etc (Yep, that sounds a lot like last week. This week I need to make it happen.)
  • Publish 2 more posts
  • Work through blog assignments
  • Start another organizing project

Linking up to Menu Plan Monday