Ugh.
I'm in a meal planning rut. I have a number of go-to recipes, but I'm starting to look for some new, simple meals. My summer class starts tomorrow too, so I need simple and something that travels well.
In that spirit, I'm going to try to post my meals for the week to inspire my readers (Hi Mom, Sara, and MJ).
Last Week:
- Monday - Chicken Parm (Jason makes the most amazing chicken parm in our cast iron skillet)
- Tuesday - Quesadillas (I went meatless with black beans)
- Wednesday - Cayenne Lime Chicken with Rice and Mango salsa (one of my favorites)
- Thursday - Burgers and red potatos
- Friday - Dinner at J's parents
- Saturday - Wendy's (we eat out so little anymore, and we had spent the entire day out and about)
- Sunday - Dinner at my parents' house (Dad's burgers!)
This Week:
- Monday - Nancy's Chicken Salad (It's not for sandwiches; it's a chunky salad with very little mayo)
- Tuesday - Tacos (Beef tacos with DIY seasoning)
- Wednesday - Crock Pot Pork BBQ (Jason cooks!)
- Thursday - Cheesy Crab Soup
- Friday - Breakfast for dinner (Pancakes, eggs to order, and bacon)
- Saturday - Out of town
- Sunday - ? (We almost always end up with leftovers, an invite out, or dinner with our parents, so we'll just move meals around if need be)
I only want to eat cold things for dinner, but that's pretty difficult. The chicken salad was the perfect dinner for last night, so if you have any similar suggestions, I'd appreciate them.
- M.
Elliott is getting so big!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
The Sleepy Chef's Workstation
Jason has developed a passion for cooking and baking over the last few years, and it is hopefully going to grow into a business in the next few years. He bakes something good at least once a week, but it made our kitchen table into his workstation, meaning that we didn't have a kitchen table.
A few months ago, we purchased an Expedit bookshelf from the "as-is" section of IKEA. It had a small cosmetic flaw, but is lovely otherwise. We thought we'd use it as a bookshelf (duh), but over time, Jason realized it would make a wonderful kitchen storage piece.
This weekend, my dad and Jason put on their toolbelts and got to work. The biggest project was attaching the wheels. They bought strong, silver wheels with locks.
In total cost:
- Expedit bookshelf (AS IS): $35 (normally $90 for the 8-unit)
- Expedit cabinet door: $20
- Expedit insert with drawers: $25
- 6 locking wheels: about $5 / piece
IKEA makes kitchen islands and carts with wheels, but nothing like this. Even if we had bought the largest cart with wheels, we would have spent at least $100 more!
Really, it's just a matter of attaching the wheels evenly on the bottom of the bookshelf. With the wheels, it's the perfect height, and when we don't need the extra counter space, we can roll it to the side.
 |
| It's already in use! |
 |
| The wheels.
- M.
|
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Buzzing Around
I like schedules, especially, oddly enough, ones that other people dictate. I can negotiate with myself to the point of getting nothing done, but if something outside myself is riding on getting a task completed, I'm motivated. I like having solid deadlines.
This personality trait is something I'm trying to overcome. I need to be more of a self-starter in my home life. At school? Well, graduation is my deadline and the sooner that happens, the sooner I get my life back.
I made a chore schedule (today was laundry day!), and Jason and I meal plan each weekend so we avoid getting lazy and eating out. The only reason I've eaten out in the last week is because I went to Tyson's Corner with my parents and sister on Sunday. As a couple, we probably won't eat out until possibly Saturday since we are going out of town. However, we're going to a picnic, so we may not need to.
I have a list of things that I would like to get done before my summer class starts in a few weeks, and I made a lot of progress in the last week:
- Started all of my commissions.
- Started Elliott's crochet blanket for his big kid bed (for whenever that move happens...we're not messing with a good thing)
- Purchased supplies for some DIY projects
- Created meal planning cards (grocery list on the front, procedure on the back).
- Cleaned out my closet and donated items (my sister benefitted with TWO dresses from White House Black Market).
- Worked on school work
Nothing really completed, but I have finished the last few days feeling that the day was well used.
This isn't a recipe blog...but:
Tonight I made a crock-pot dinner (Chicken Lime Tacos) and a yummy dessert.
Chicken Lime Tacos
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 3 T. lime juice
- 1 T. chili powder
- 1 c. frozen corn (or canned)
- 1 c. salsa
- tortillas
- (optional): tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, cheese, sour cream
Procedure:
1. Place chicken, lime juice, and chili powder in slow cooker on low for 6 hours.
2. Shred chicken and stir.
3. Add corn and salsa. Let heat through.
4. Top with deliciousness and serve.
Black Bean Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 medium can of black beans
- Water
- Brownie mix
Procedure:
1. Drain black beans and rinse both beans and can. Preset oven to 350 (or what your mix recommends)
2. Replace beans into can.
3. Fill can with water (with the beans inside).
4. In a processor, bullet, or blender, puree beans and water.
5. Mix in with brownie mix. Do not use oil or eggs!
6. Pour into pan (I used a 8" x 8")
7. Bake for time recommended for pan size (mine took about 40 minutes).
8. Let cool and enjoy!
I also put some sprinkles on, but that's because the blog I got the recipe from showed the brownies with sprinkles and it looked so good. These are very fudgey and dense, so be aware. They are REALLY good with ice cream (kind of like Dairy Queen's Oreo Brownie Earthquake).
Have a lovely week, and see you back here soon!
- M.
This personality trait is something I'm trying to overcome. I need to be more of a self-starter in my home life. At school? Well, graduation is my deadline and the sooner that happens, the sooner I get my life back.
I made a chore schedule (today was laundry day!), and Jason and I meal plan each weekend so we avoid getting lazy and eating out. The only reason I've eaten out in the last week is because I went to Tyson's Corner with my parents and sister on Sunday. As a couple, we probably won't eat out until possibly Saturday since we are going out of town. However, we're going to a picnic, so we may not need to.
I have a list of things that I would like to get done before my summer class starts in a few weeks, and I made a lot of progress in the last week:
- Started all of my commissions.
- Started Elliott's crochet blanket for his big kid bed (for whenever that move happens...we're not messing with a good thing)
- Purchased supplies for some DIY projects
- Created meal planning cards (grocery list on the front, procedure on the back).
- Cleaned out my closet and donated items (my sister benefitted with TWO dresses from White House Black Market).
- Worked on school work
Nothing really completed, but I have finished the last few days feeling that the day was well used.
This isn't a recipe blog...but:
Tonight I made a crock-pot dinner (Chicken Lime Tacos) and a yummy dessert.
Chicken Lime Tacos
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 3 T. lime juice
- 1 T. chili powder
- 1 c. frozen corn (or canned)
- 1 c. salsa
- tortillas
- (optional): tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, cheese, sour cream
Procedure:
1. Place chicken, lime juice, and chili powder in slow cooker on low for 6 hours.
2. Shred chicken and stir.
3. Add corn and salsa. Let heat through.
4. Top with deliciousness and serve.
Black Bean Brownies
Ingredients:
- 1 medium can of black beans
- Water
- Brownie mix
Procedure:
1. Drain black beans and rinse both beans and can. Preset oven to 350 (or what your mix recommends)
2. Replace beans into can.
3. Fill can with water (with the beans inside).
4. In a processor, bullet, or blender, puree beans and water.
5. Mix in with brownie mix. Do not use oil or eggs!
6. Pour into pan (I used a 8" x 8")
7. Bake for time recommended for pan size (mine took about 40 minutes).
8. Let cool and enjoy!
I also put some sprinkles on, but that's because the blog I got the recipe from showed the brownies with sprinkles and it looked so good. These are very fudgey and dense, so be aware. They are REALLY good with ice cream (kind of like Dairy Queen's Oreo Brownie Earthquake).
Have a lovely week, and see you back here soon!
- M.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Craft Blog
I've decided to move my craft posts to a dedicated blog, so check it out!
Crafts Ahoy! will have posts about crochet (duh) and other craft projects, including some DIY projects and inspiration. Once I start creating patterns, one can find / order patterns through the site as well.
Enjoy!
- M.
PS: I'll link certain posts from here, but I'd love some followers on the craft blog. :)
Crafts Ahoy! will have posts about crochet (duh) and other craft projects, including some DIY projects and inspiration. Once I start creating patterns, one can find / order patterns through the site as well.
Enjoy!
- M.
PS: I'll link certain posts from here, but I'd love some followers on the craft blog. :)
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Fire Under My...Well, You Know.
Last month, on "Like Singer With a Y:"
- Megan was recovering from a wicked eye infection.
- All three of us (and our two favorite sitters) were getting over a stomach virus.
- Megan was pulling her hair out over candidacy, teaching, and everything in-between.
One month later, you are looking at (reading about?) totally different people.
Candidacy Exam
The candidacy exam was easily among the most intense academic experiences of my life. Three hours, no less than 2250 words (mine ended up being around 2500), and three questions to exhibit ones qualification as a Ph.D. candidate. It was a really surreal day. I got to school an hour and a half early to do a final round of studying and to avoid getting stuck in traffic (it rained ALL DAY that day). Only three other people took the exam in the morning with me, so we were able to spread out in the computer lab and really focus. When I initially looked at the questions, I did not feel confident, but I just started writing about what I knew, and I later filled in the gaps. Afterwards, I went out for lunch with Becky, gave my final exam to my students, ate dinner, read all of Mindy Kaling's Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, and waited for the evening session to let out. We all went out together after, which was fun, despite how angry and tired we all were.
Long story short: I passed, and I am now a PhD candidate. Whoo!
Health
My eye has been problem free for a month and a half, allergies have been out of control, and we all recovered from the stomach flu. Elliott took the longest, and we even took him to the pediatrician, who put him on the BRAT diet. Bread Rice and Toast. No milk. That was the hardest part. Milk was upsetting his stomach, but he didn't understand that and wanted the comfort of milk. Poor E.
Summer
Academic summer has begun! After I finished grading, I went to Philly for a friend's bachelorette party, which was a much-needed release. I've read two books for fun! I read Kaling's memoir, and I just finished The Help, which was very good. I started J.K. Rowling's The Casual Vacancy last night, and I love it already. I love books about intrigue in small British villages, or just the everyday lives of fictional Brits. If you are looking for a cute read that fits that description, also try Deric Longden's The Cat Who Came In From the Cold, not to be confused with the mystery novel.
My mom and I planted two tomato plants last night, so I'm hoping to have some cherry and beefsteak tomatoes come July and August. I could eat summer tomatoes all day, especially with a little salt and pepper. Mmm.
Finally, I've been organizing my office to be craft / dissertation central. I just finished a project that I would post here, but it is a gift for someone. I'll post it later.
Those are our updates! I'll try to update more often now that summer has arrived in our house.
- M.
- Megan was recovering from a wicked eye infection.
- All three of us (and our two favorite sitters) were getting over a stomach virus.
- Megan was pulling her hair out over candidacy, teaching, and everything in-between.
One month later, you are looking at (reading about?) totally different people.
Candidacy Exam
The candidacy exam was easily among the most intense academic experiences of my life. Three hours, no less than 2250 words (mine ended up being around 2500), and three questions to exhibit ones qualification as a Ph.D. candidate. It was a really surreal day. I got to school an hour and a half early to do a final round of studying and to avoid getting stuck in traffic (it rained ALL DAY that day). Only three other people took the exam in the morning with me, so we were able to spread out in the computer lab and really focus. When I initially looked at the questions, I did not feel confident, but I just started writing about what I knew, and I later filled in the gaps. Afterwards, I went out for lunch with Becky, gave my final exam to my students, ate dinner, read all of Mindy Kaling's Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, and waited for the evening session to let out. We all went out together after, which was fun, despite how angry and tired we all were.
Long story short: I passed, and I am now a PhD candidate. Whoo!
Health
My eye has been problem free for a month and a half, allergies have been out of control, and we all recovered from the stomach flu. Elliott took the longest, and we even took him to the pediatrician, who put him on the BRAT diet. Bread Rice and Toast. No milk. That was the hardest part. Milk was upsetting his stomach, but he didn't understand that and wanted the comfort of milk. Poor E.
Summer
Academic summer has begun! After I finished grading, I went to Philly for a friend's bachelorette party, which was a much-needed release. I've read two books for fun! I read Kaling's memoir, and I just finished The Help, which was very good. I started J.K. Rowling's The Casual Vacancy last night, and I love it already. I love books about intrigue in small British villages, or just the everyday lives of fictional Brits. If you are looking for a cute read that fits that description, also try Deric Longden's The Cat Who Came In From the Cold, not to be confused with the mystery novel.
My mom and I planted two tomato plants last night, so I'm hoping to have some cherry and beefsteak tomatoes come July and August. I could eat summer tomatoes all day, especially with a little salt and pepper. Mmm.
Finally, I've been organizing my office to be craft / dissertation central. I just finished a project that I would post here, but it is a gift for someone. I'll post it later.
Those are our updates! I'll try to update more often now that summer has arrived in our house.
- M.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
A Delicate Balance.
Just after my "look at my meal planning skills" post, the delicate balance that is our life was ruined. Only just this week were we able to get back to normal.
First, I got an eye infection. Even my eye doctor is stumped as to how it happened, but it took three weeks of medication and almost daily appointments to get it to go away. I was fortunate enough to have no vision loss, but the whole ordeal was very painful (I took stronger painkillers than after I had E) and I'm now attempting to go three months without a flare up.
As I was recovering from that, I also had two conferences to attend. I was well enough to present at both, and my doctors Ok'd the time away from them. They were fun, and the second one (4 days in Washington DC) was super relaxing. I also got to spend a lot of time with the students and faculty from my program, who are amazing, so that just made recovery a little easier.
In the three days between conferences (just three...) Jason was suddenly struck with an awful stomach bug. He was so sick, and I had to leave before he even went back to work. Then I got a flat tire. It was also the week before Easter, so once he recovered, he had a lot of baking to do. Easter itself was quiet (which was fine) and we had a little indoor egg hunt for E.
That next week, while we were just recovering from the last few weeks, Elliott got the stomach bug and after I went to Philly for an improv team reunion, I got it. We also passed it to both of E's baby sitters. Yeesh.
We are back on a healthy swing, which is good because the end of the semester is here and there is a lot to be done. Grading, reading, studying, writing, and even the March for Babies. I will be so happy to see May 1st roll around (my last day of classes / finals).
As can be expected, there will be a little radio silence on this end. See you in a few weeks.
- M.
First, I got an eye infection. Even my eye doctor is stumped as to how it happened, but it took three weeks of medication and almost daily appointments to get it to go away. I was fortunate enough to have no vision loss, but the whole ordeal was very painful (I took stronger painkillers than after I had E) and I'm now attempting to go three months without a flare up.
As I was recovering from that, I also had two conferences to attend. I was well enough to present at both, and my doctors Ok'd the time away from them. They were fun, and the second one (4 days in Washington DC) was super relaxing. I also got to spend a lot of time with the students and faculty from my program, who are amazing, so that just made recovery a little easier.
In the three days between conferences (just three...) Jason was suddenly struck with an awful stomach bug. He was so sick, and I had to leave before he even went back to work. Then I got a flat tire. It was also the week before Easter, so once he recovered, he had a lot of baking to do. Easter itself was quiet (which was fine) and we had a little indoor egg hunt for E.
That next week, while we were just recovering from the last few weeks, Elliott got the stomach bug and after I went to Philly for an improv team reunion, I got it. We also passed it to both of E's baby sitters. Yeesh.
We are back on a healthy swing, which is good because the end of the semester is here and there is a lot to be done. Grading, reading, studying, writing, and even the March for Babies. I will be so happy to see May 1st roll around (my last day of classes / finals).
As can be expected, there will be a little radio silence on this end. See you in a few weeks.
- M.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
I am La Salle.
La Salle University just made it into the Sweet Sixteen. The end of the game was so intense that I was hiding in my La Salle blanket because I just couldn't watch. Only Jason counting the seconds aloud and the cheers that went up let me know the game had ended in our favor.
I have always enjoyed college basketball. My father attended a school that went to the "Big Dance" from time to time, and we went to a Mount or La Salle game occasionally. I went to maybe 4 La Salle games in my time there, partly because I was just so busy, and the energy around the team didn't pull me in. I went to a few games while I taught, mainly as something to do while J was at work. One of my colleagues in the history department is the team's "spiritual advisor," so I went to the game honoring him last year.
The team was on fire this year. Big upsets, exciting games: It made me miss being on campus.
Most people where I live now hadn't heard of La Salle until A) they met me or B) this past week.
They have now.
I'm so excited for the possibilities the Big Dance opens up for a school like La Salle. Alumni donations, enrollment, recruitment, and the positive PR is something a long time coming for this wonderful school.
Now that folks have heard of our men's basketball team (GO EXPLORERS), they may now hear about the nurturing community, award winning Honors Program, and all of the other perks that come from a La Sallian education. Schools like La Salle don't live and die by a sports program (although it doesn't hurt). We rely on something deeper, something bigger than ourselves. The values of St. John Baptiste de La Salle tie us together in ways that sometimes take us years to realize. I can list at least 20 people that I know who found their spouse at La Salle (myself included). Friends made here are friends for life.
2013 marks the school's 150th anniversary, founded in the midst of the American Civil War. We have survived wars (when our students were only men); we have reached out all over the world to make life better for the less fortunate; we have academic credentials that impress (98% med school acceptance rate and 50 Fulbright Scholars, to name two).
In short, I hope the Big Dance shines the light on a school that deserves a second look. I loved my times on campus (student and faculty), and I am eager to return one day (either as faculty or as a parent).
In all my actions, I am La Salle.
In association, we are La Salle.
GO EXPLORERS!
- M., class of 2008.
I have always enjoyed college basketball. My father attended a school that went to the "Big Dance" from time to time, and we went to a Mount or La Salle game occasionally. I went to maybe 4 La Salle games in my time there, partly because I was just so busy, and the energy around the team didn't pull me in. I went to a few games while I taught, mainly as something to do while J was at work. One of my colleagues in the history department is the team's "spiritual advisor," so I went to the game honoring him last year.
The team was on fire this year. Big upsets, exciting games: It made me miss being on campus.
Most people where I live now hadn't heard of La Salle until A) they met me or B) this past week.
They have now.
I'm so excited for the possibilities the Big Dance opens up for a school like La Salle. Alumni donations, enrollment, recruitment, and the positive PR is something a long time coming for this wonderful school.
Now that folks have heard of our men's basketball team (GO EXPLORERS), they may now hear about the nurturing community, award winning Honors Program, and all of the other perks that come from a La Sallian education. Schools like La Salle don't live and die by a sports program (although it doesn't hurt). We rely on something deeper, something bigger than ourselves. The values of St. John Baptiste de La Salle tie us together in ways that sometimes take us years to realize. I can list at least 20 people that I know who found their spouse at La Salle (myself included). Friends made here are friends for life.
2013 marks the school's 150th anniversary, founded in the midst of the American Civil War. We have survived wars (when our students were only men); we have reached out all over the world to make life better for the less fortunate; we have academic credentials that impress (98% med school acceptance rate and 50 Fulbright Scholars, to name two).
In short, I hope the Big Dance shines the light on a school that deserves a second look. I loved my times on campus (student and faculty), and I am eager to return one day (either as faculty or as a parent).
In all my actions, I am La Salle.
In association, we are La Salle.
GO EXPLORERS!
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| LLP and I leaping for joy on campus, 2009. |
 |
| Graduation, May 2008. |
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