Weekly Menu

Monday: Homemade Pizza and Brushetta

Tuesday: Chicken stir fry

Wednesday: Wingers Salad

Thursday: Wild rice soup and rolls

Friday: Hearty chicken noodle casserole

Saturday: Chicken and rice burritos

Sunday: Hawaiian Haystacks


Click on links for recipes!!

Household Notebook Part 2

I got a lot of response about my household notebook. So, I wanted to share more of it with you and answer some of your questions. I also added links so that you can see exactly what I do. It is nothing fancy. I am sure that there are better systems out there. I know that each person has to find what works best for them and their schedule. Here is what is working best for me now.

Contents:

To Do List- click on link to see an example
I made my to do list on the computer. It is super simple, but I love it. It lets me know everything that I need/want to do each day. And yes, I write down even the smallest things so that I can cross them off my list. I used to have a day for cleaning, laundry, errands, etc. but with a new baby I had to change what I was doing and just do a little each day. This is what I am currently doing. I am sure it will change.

Morning & Evening Routine-click to see my routines
I thrive off of having a routine and so do my kids. It changes as our family changes. And it is different during the school year vs. the summer.

Weekly Menu Plan-click to see how I plan
I don't know how we would eat anything with out my menu plan. I like to plan all of our meals. I make breakfast for my family on the weekdays and then we usually eat cereal on the weekends. My husband usually comes home for lunch so I like to plan lunch so that I can keep him coming home!

Click HERE to read more details about how I menu plan.

Grocery List
simple-just what we are out of or need for the menu that week

Budget
I actually do most of this in Excel, but I do have a few notes that I keep in this section.

Contact Information
I have all of this on my computer. I just printed out all of my addresses and phone numbers. It comes in handy for me.

School Information
Each child has a section for important papers I need from school.

Projects
I love to write down ideas I have or things I would like to get to. Nothing fancy.

Shopping List
Like I said. I love to write things down. It is probably silly, but I will write down who needs new church shoes or a white shirt. Or other things I am looking for in our house. Sometimes this can turn into my Christmas/birthday wish list.

Medical Records-Click to see example (this loaded strange, but it still gives you the idea)
I keep medical records for me and all of my children. I really should for my husband too, now that I think about it. I kept needing this information and decided that it would be worth tracking.

Info to Keep
The catch all category for all those other papers I need.

Hope this helps. I am fascinated with how and when people do things. Let me know what works for you or if you have more questions.

{Alish}

WINNER!

The winner of our Take Shape for Life giveaway is:

Nama Halacy's Comfy Cottage who said...

I am a fan of You Fit on FB

Congrats!!!! You just won an i-pod shuffle and a box of food!!

Valentine Coupons

I just LOVE these coupons from Inspiring Creations! Lindsay offers them as a free printable!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (can also use a rotisserie chicken)
1/2 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
1 cup frozen corn kernels
1 cup canned black beans
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup chunky salsa
8 ounces corn tortilla chips
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)

In a large pot over medium heat, saute the chicken in the oil for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin and mix well. Then add the broth, corn, onion, chili powder, lemon juice and salsa. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes. Top with tortilla chips and cheese.

* I use less onion that the recipe calls for.

{Alish}

Don't Forget

Don't forget to enter two great giveaways we have going on! You can win an i-pod shuffle and also a crochet pattern!

Go enter for a chance to win!!!!!

Link Up 1/12/11

Pattern Give Away!!!!

Love to Crochet?
Well, this give away is for you!
Jenny and Teddy Creations is giving away 2 patterns of our choice to 2 winners.
There are so many cute ones to choose from take a look at all of them HERE.

To enter:
visit her Etsy site and tell us what pattern you would like to win
&
become a follower of our blog



LEAVE YOUR E-MAIL ON YOUR ENTRY FOR US TO CONTACT YOU IF YOU WIN!!!!

Winners will be announced on February 1st.

Weekly Menu

Monday: Tacos, Chips and Salsa

Tuesday: Chicken Alfredo, Green Salad, French Bread

Wednesday: Chicken Tortellini Soup, Rolls

Thursday: Meatballs, Baked Potato, Corn

Friday: Baked Potato and Chili

Saturday: Eat Out/ Leftovers

Sunday: Pork Chops, Funeral Potatoes, Green Beans and Orange Cool and Creamy

{Whitney}

Pomegranate Jello Salad

I enjoyed this jello salad numerous times this past holiday season! I love the crunch of the pomegranates in it! It's a fast recipe!

1 8oz. cool whip

2 personal size Dannon La Creme Strawberry Yogurt

1 Large Pomegranate (seeded)

3 bananas

2 cans drained mandarin oranges

10 oz. mini marshmallows

bunch of grapes

Mix cool whip and yogurt together in a bowl. Then stir in your fruit.

Looking for an easy way to seed a pomegranate click here!

{Whitney}

Great V-day Deal!!

Canvas People is offering a great deal! I think a photo canvas would be an awesome and personal gift to give a loved one! I would love if my husband gave me one of these for V-day! (Hint, Hint :)

Plus it's 40% off and free shipping!

Get Organized with a Household Notebook!

I LOVE this notebook.
I seriously can not function without it.
I even made one for my sister for Christmas.
It contains everything I need to stay organized and productive.

Contents:
Weekly To Do List
Menu Plan
Grocery List
Daily Schedule
Budget
Contact Information
School Information
Projects
Shopping List
Medical Records
Info to Keep

I loved this post by Missy from So You Think Your Crafty. She has some great ideas that i want to add to my Home Notebook. Enjoy!

So I'm sure a lot of you get the itch around January to re-organize and get your life back in order like I do. My problem is that right around October, my motivation seems to go right out the window and all our daily routines go to pot. I've tried a lot of things in the past, but this one has helped me out the most.

It's my "House Happenings" book. I got the idea from my wonderful friend Sarah. She is perfect. Like 100% without flaw. I'm not kidding. A few years ago, when I asked her how her house always looks so nice and how she still has time for everything else, she shared her secret. She pulled out a plain old 3 ring binder and forever changed my life. When I put mine together I changed a few things to fit my family and our home a little better(and I tweak it every year), but the key point is the same...maintenance.

Spend 15 minutes a day focusing your cleaning on one major room/area of your house with a last minute "attack of the hot spots" (areas that seem to breed disorder & clutter) right before bed, as well as one day a week to different "chores" you have to do. That way you spread your weekend load throughout the week and just maintain it as you go. I'm not saying my house is now spotless and ordered all the time(I do have a 2 yr old) and that every little thing gets done, but it's a heck of a lot better.

Here is what's inside my book.

I have it split up into 9 categories - Routines, Calendars, Menus & Recipes (for the upcoming week), Church Info, Missy's Notes, Abbi's Notes, Brad's Notes, Budget, & Goals.

Under "Routines" I have a morning and evening checklist...

and a daily checklist. It has a daily "chore" or theme that the day focuses around (Monday is the wash day, Tuesday meal planing, Errands on Wednesday, Thursday is paperwork and letter/thank you note writing, Friday is for any needed home projects, Saturday is a family fun day, and a day to relax on Sunday).

I also have a checklist of what to focus on for each of the 15 minute cleans under this section. It may take more time than the 15 minutes at first, but once you get it to where you want it the maintenance is easy.

The other sections are all pretty much self explanatory. It's a fantastic way to keep everything together so anyone in the family can be on the same page.

Do any of you have a system your family uses to stay on track?

*PS - Are you thinking about what projects you want to link up to our first Linky Party this Friday? It doesn't have to be new, or even this weeks theme. Just something inspired by SYTYC. I'm excited to see what you guys have to share!

Win an I-Pod Shuffle and Box of Program Food from Take Shape for Life!

It is a new year and we know tons of people have a new years resolution to lose weight and eat more healthy! Karli has a great way to help you and is also giving away an ipod shuffle and some food to get you started!!

Here she is to tell you all about it!

I’m Karli & I am a health coach with Take Shape for Life. I have struggled with weight off & on my entire life. A while after the birth of my second son, I was introduced to this program. Skeptical-because nothing else had worked well for me in the past-I started. I lost 40 pounds and many inches in just under 4 months & have been maintaining that since August. I just kicked my goals up a notch & am working on losing another 10-15 pounds! Now I am a health coach myself & help my clients to lose weight, feel great, get off medications, and regain {or find} the confidence they deserve.

The program works in 3 phases: first is the 5 & 1 plan where you will safely & quickly lose the weight you desire through 5 medically & scientifically portion controlled Medifast meal replacements & a healthy lean and green meal you make yourself. Once you’ve reached your goal weight, we lead into phase 2 which is transition. We replace the portion controlled meal replacements with whole foods-teaching you the best ways to eat for life. This leads into phase 3 which is maintenance for life!

If you are struggling with weight, feeling tired/lethargic/lack of energy, pre-diabetic, or just wanting to learn how to gain optimal health for yourself, you’ll want to check out this awesome program. You get a FREE health coach {me} and my job is to help you succeed through support, encouragement, and accountability. The best part is that we don’t have to be close in proximity for it to work! Some of my most successful clients are people who live several states away from me and our correspondence happens through email & phone conversations. You also have access to many other free benefits such as a great online journal, support groups, on-call nurses, doctor's, and nutritionists who can help you & answer questions you might have.

I have a passion for people, relationships, health, and helping people find a better way of life. Music always helps motivate & move me when I'm trying to tackle a goal, so I'm excited to be giving away an iPod shuffle & a box of program food to one lucky winner. Good luck & happy health!

Check out these before and after pictures!

Don't miss your chance to win this Giveaway! A $60.00 Value!

1 Entry: Become a follower on Karli's blog http://www.youfitforever.blogspot.com

1 Entry: Become a fan on Facebook {You Fit Forever}

1 Entry: Leave a comment on either the you fit blog or the facebook page about one healthy resolution they have for 2011

1 Entry: Visit my website & leave a comment with the thing that was most interesting to you.

5 Entries: Contact Karli {zkyoufit@hotmail.com, or 541.992.2464} about the program or having her be your health coach

Winner will be announced January 28!

Good Luck

Link Up 1/19/11

Butterfly Growth Chart

I got this Butterfly Growth Chart vinyl from Staker Sensations and love it! It looks darling in my daughter's room and definitely makes a statement! It's also super easy to measure her and see how tall she is getting. I decided to put it on a board rather than just on her wall. That way when we re-arrange her room we can move it if necessary. I got the board at Lowes and it was almost the perfect length. They just cut a little off the top for me. I then painted the board and drilled two holes to tie a ribbon through. Then I applied the vinyl. It was an easy project and adds so much to her room!

{Whitney}

Weekly Menu

Here is my menu for this week. What are you making for dinner this week?
Click on links for the recipes.

Monday: Baked Potato Soup and rolls


Tuesday: Cajun Chicken Pasta

Wednesday: Meatballs, baked potatoes and veggie

Thursday: Whole chicken, rice-a-roni and veggie

Friday: Southwest Egg Rolls

Saturday: Vegetable soup and homemade bread

Sunday: Roast, Potatoes, Veggie and Caramel Brownies

Feature Friday

Lil' Luna made these adorable Young Women themed printables! What a great church activity idea! The best part is that she offers you the free printable!

O'Henry's

I got this recipe from one of my favorite Blogs, Becky Higgins.
These are a yummy treat that my family just enjoyed.

O’HENRY’s

1 c. Karo syrup (found with other syrups)
1 c. sugar
1 c. peanuts (I got unsalted and I don’t chop them)
1 c. peanut butter
3 c. Rice Krispies
1 pkg. chocolate chips
1 pkg. butterscotch chips

Stir together Karo syrup and sugar. Microwave for 2 minutes. Add peanuts and peanut butter to the Karo mixture. Microwave everything for 1 minute. Add 3 cups of Rice Krispies. Spread into a greased 9″ x 13″ pan.

Combine chocolate chips (on bottom) and butterscotch chips in a bowl and microwave for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Spread over krispie mixture and cool in the refrigerator.

Remove and cut into 1-inch squares.

{Alish}

Link Up 1/12/11

Puff Ball Clip Tutorial

Happy 1/11/11

My sister and I made these darling hair accessories that go perfect with our daughters' zebra pettiskirts.

First I covered an alligator clip with ribbon using hot glue.

I bought this feather strip in the ribbons and trim section on Joanns. You need about 8 to 10 inches.

Slowly, hot glue the feather strip into a circle.

It will look like this when you are finished.

Hot glue your clip onto the back of the puff ball.

Add a rhinestone to the front to complete the accessory.

{Alish}

Weekly Menu

Monday: Chicken Noodle Soup, Rolls

Tuesday: Italian Chicken, Rice, Green Beans

Wednesday: Wendy's Chili, Cornbread

Thursday: Malibu Chicken Tin Foil Dinners, Potatoes, Carrots

Friday: Tacos

Saturday: Eat Out/Leftovers

Sunday:Roast, Potatoes, Gravy, Rolls

{Whitney}

How to Make a Scalloped Border

I love the look of a scalloped edge and wanted to share an easy way to create one!

First, cut out enough circles to cover the area where you want the scalloped edge. You can really use any size of circle punch.

Next, line your circles up and glue then next to each other.

Then cover a little less than half of the circles with a piece of paper.

Then you have a cute scalloped edge! It is really easy and not too time consuming. This would look great on cards as well!

{Whitney}

Snowy Snacks

My friend Lisa made Oreo Snowman pops for our Activity Day Girls. They were just darling! She got the idea from the Idea Room.

This winter is the perfect time to make one of the following Snowman Treats.

Snowman Pops

Melted Snowman Cookies

Marshmallow Snowmen

Snowman Donuts

Smiling Snowman Cake

Changing Pad

I made this at a Super Saturday that my mom's ward did. I love it because its super soft and it can be thrown in the washing machine. I don't have a ton of information about it, because I am not an expert with sewing.

I do know that I used soft and cuddly on one side and just regular cotton on the other side. To start off my fabric was 20 inches wide and 30 inches long. I wished I had made it a touch bigger. Each piece of ribbon was 20 inches long before I sewed it on. Such a cute idea!

{Whitney}

Linky Party 1/5/11

Linky Party 1/5/11

Weekly Menu

Monday: Whole Chicken in crock-pot, Rice-a-roni and Veggie

Tuesday: Baked Taquitos and Spanish Rice

Wednesday: Taco Soup with Tortilla Chips

Thursday: Stroganoff over pasta with veggie

Friday: Hawaiian Haystacks

Saturday: Eat Out

Sunday: Shrimp, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Veggie and Rolls

{Alish}

We are going to be making a few changes this year.
On Mondays we will still do our menu. Wednesdays will be a linky party, be sure to link up! Friday we will be featuring ideas we love. The other days we will continue to share recipes, crafts and lots of other stuff. Here's to a great new year!