Cookin' From the Pantry Challenge

Many times in the past I've made a meal or two in a pinch from only items hidden in my pantry. These nights usually were Wednesday's because those are the busiest nights in our house (church night). Tonight I was thinking over things...two things actually. Our tight budget and moving. So in an attempt to save a bit of money and to prepare for our upcoming move I decided to make our next two week menu based off of only items in my pantry. I will be purchasing some meat, and fresh fruit to go along with the meals.

So, my challenge to myself is to plan meals around what I have. Now, this is hard for me because when I plan our meals I always choose a new recipe to try each week. So I'm going to have to resist that pull to try a new recipe to focusing on being creative with what I have.

My goal is to spend less that $30 on the meat I need for the next two weeks when I shop tomorrow. And to go to the farmers market on Tuesday and spend less than $10 each week on my produce.

Have you ever tried this? Wish me luck!Tomorrow night's dinner: Tacos, black beans, corn, brown rice, and pears

If You're Happy and You Know It!

Last week when it was really starting to warm up I brought home a huge bottle of bubbles for Addy to play with outside. I was so excited to get home and play with her outside and enjoy chasing the bubbles together. She was thrilled when I showed her what I had brought her home. So off we went outside to play!
It was at least 65 degrees out and the sun was shining in the clear sky. Just a beautiful day. Perfect for outdoor play.
After playing with the bubbles, and spilling half the jar (which I totally prepared myself for), Addy stopped still in her tracks and looked at me and said "I happy." She melted my heart right there, once again. As her Mother I try my best to teach her about feelings, along with many other things, but as a counselor myself I know firsthand the importance of feeling expression (and parental empathy) at a young age. To this date she had only said "I sad." But today was different. Joy. I felt so "happy" right along with her.