Friday, November 15, 2013

Diaper Box Decluttering

Our home is far from simplified and decluttered, but this one little thing is easy to do.  Every time we acquire a new big box, from diapers or apples or oranges or whatever else, I make it my goal to fill it up with things we don't love, need or use.  Then I throw it in the van and drop it off at the thrift store when I'm out for other errands.  This is nothing revolutionary, but I'm hoping some simple little baby steps in the right direction will produce results in due time.


Monday, November 11, 2013

Simple Kitchen Plan

Life has been really full in recent months and I have not been faithful with menu planning, though we've been eating okay and not eating out much at all. As a kindness to myself, I'm taking 15 minutes today to write up a meal plan to make things run a bit smoother in the kitchen.  Breakfasts will be heavy on oatmeal to use part of a 50 lb. bag of rolled oats I picked up from Sprouts last week. I don't have any more containers to store it in and a giant feed bag on my counter is not very convenient at all. Like many other areas of my homekeeping and life right now, too much stuff, not enough space. I'm looking forward to a pantry challenge in January to tackle some of this "problem" of overabundance.

11/11
B-steel cut oats with blueberries
L-packed lunches, out for 3 of us with a gift card
D-cheeseburger bake with whole wheat crust, curly fries, apple wedges

11/12
B-whole wheat toast, homemade yogurt, pears
L-ham & cheese paninis, oro blancos, cucumbers & dip
D-pepper beef tacos / taco salads
Dessert-Pumpkin bars

11/13
B-steel cut oats with frozen cherries, yogurt
L-hot dog baked in whole wheat dough, cucumbers & dip, apples
D-orange chicken, rice, steamed broccoli
Prep-make granola

11/14
B-granola, yogurt
L-leftovers, fresh fruit
D-barbecue baked beans with ham, green salad

11/15
B-granola or cereal, sliced apples
L-quesadillas or leftovers, fresh fruit
D-pizza, any remaining veggies from last basket
Prep-clean out fridge

11/16
B-whole wheat pancakes, sausage meatballs
L-gourmet mac & cheese (x4, 3 to freezer, 1 with ham), garlic breadsticks, green salad
D- beef roast, mashed potatoes & gravy, vegetables
Prep-stew, egg dish

11/17
B-potato ham & egg bake
L-beef stew (crockpot), garlic cheese biscuits
D-snack dinner: popcorn, apples, cheese, etc.

11/18
B-oatmeal with cherries, yogurt
L-picnic lunch TBD
D-shredded barbecue chicken sandwiches (crockpot), green beans 
Prep-bread & sandwich rolls