Thoughtful Thursday–Don’t forget your spouse on Valentine’s!

I need to be honest.

My hubby and I do not always celebrate Valentine’s Day. We’re some of those that think it’s a commercialized holiday and I don’t need to be told when to love my spouse. BUT, with that said, why NOT take an excuse to love my spouse? Whether guys care to admit it or not, they always love being doted on, am I right?

I’m super thankful to not have the pressure to HAVE to do something for Valentine’s Day, but if I have the time, I enjoy doing something.

This year, I’m gonna do the 14 days of Valentine’s. Here goes…

There will be a lot of links because I haven’t finished putting them altogether yet. So hang with tight!

14 Days of Valentines

First, I’m printing this cute freebie out to lead the hubs to his first “gift”, and will probably try to tie each item to something from here on out, just to keep the theme going:

Day #1: You are the apple of my eye

(swap out the red/green heart – so cute)

Day #2: I’m bananas for you!

We’ll make banana splits for dessert that night!

Don’t forget whipped cream ladies!

Day #3: I wouldn’t “chews” anyone but you!

For free printables for some of these cute ideas, check out this cute website!

Day #4: What are the chances I have a “shot” at getting you tonight?

**Slight side-note here (and I don’t mean to start a debate or controversy here, I’m merely stating my personal beliefs on the issue): I am a Christian, and by that I mean I am a Christ follower, love Him to pieces, wouldn’t be alive without Him, am willing to do ANYTHING He wants me to do.

When some non-Christian friends find out I drink, they’re often shocked!! I live my life by following the words of the Bible. And the Bible states to not be drunk. So I, personally, am comfortable having a beer, or a glass of wine, or a mixed drink, just so long as I don’t get drunk. I am also careful that I don’t drink around others when it may cause temptation. But, seeing as it’s just the hubs and me….a shot for our evening’s festivities seems, well, appropriate. =)

Day #5: Blow me a kiss, Valentine! (or two or three)

Day #6: Have a great day, Cupcake!

I’m planning to get him one of those fancy cupcakes from Icing on the Cupcake this day. And….maybe, perhaps, the kids and I will have to share one while popping in, too! =)

Day #7: Valentine, never “LEGO” my heart

My plan is to take my son to Target to pick out a little lego kit like this one for them to do together.

Day #8: We go together like milk & cookies

For this day, I’ll get him some cookies & milk for work. Not sure what kind yet, maybe even homemade, for the office! We’ll see.

Day #9: I’m “berry” lucky to be your Valentine!

Day #9 is a Saturday, so we’ll have waffles with strawberries for breakfast! And hopefully we’ll have some whipped cream left.

Day #10: I love you, my stud MUFFIN!

For the free printable above, click the picture to take you to the link. They have a recipe, too. Not sure what kind of muffins I’ll make just yet!

Day #11: I don’t know where I’d be if you hadn’t “popped” the question!

This may be more of an excuse to make this for myself, but I’m sure he’ll enjoy a bite, too. Click the picture to take you to the link for the recipe.

Day #12: I think you are “soda”mazing!

I’ll probably get diet coke for my man, but again…click the picture above to take you to some of those adorable free printables!

Day #13: I’d be so mixed up without you!

So many delicious kinds to choose from when it comes to Chex Mix! My man prefers salty though.

Day #14: I’m nuts about you!

Final one! Pistachios will be a hit!

So…choose 1, choose 3, or dive in and do all 14 days!! I may be posting a shopping list tomorrow if you’d like to do all 14. Whatever your plans are for Valentine’s Day this year, tell your special someone that you love them! =)

Happy Early Valentine’s Day!

Trick of the Trade Tuesday

arranging pictures for a photo gallery

Okay, okay…I realize this is MAJORLY OCD. But, it makes me eerily giddy! And my photographer said she loved that I did it, so that has to say I’m somewhat normal, right?

We all have a photo gallery somewhere in our homes, right? Well, how often do you print out a picture, only to find it either doesn’t fit the feel of your space, or the opening in the frame itself?

What I’ve started doing is arranging my frame layout in Microsoft Publisher, but you could also do it in Word. That way, I have all the sizes to the openings of the frames saved and ready to look up when I’m ready to swap out photos.

The other bonus is I can arrange the pictures to see how I like them best. How the colors play with each other, how they look altogether, etc. I have two “galleries” that I’ve done this with so far. The first one, up above, is the layout that I have above my couch in my living room. And yes, I even measured the mats, etc. so I could see EXACTLY how it would look. This also helps me in purchasing pictures from photo shoots we’ve had. Makes sure I put our gorgeous pictures UP ON THE WALL (instead of keeping a digital copy on my computer for nobody to ever see).

The second gallery I’ve done this with is one in our hallway, as seen below (shown that it’s actually done in Publisher).

Let me know if you want a “tutorial” on how to do it. But otherwise, hope the tip helps you and your photo arranging successes! =)

Menu Plannin’ Monday

Last week:

Monday: Pork Tenderloin with Peach and Pecan Sauce

Even my son likes this one!

Tuesday: Chicken Parmesan, Broccoli & Spaghetti (sorry, no pic, but you get the idea!)

Wednesday: Red Bean, Chicken & Sweet Potato Stew (not my fave, it was okay, far from great. I included the link, but make at your own risk ;)

Thursday: Honey-Orange Pork Tenderloin & Salad

Delicious recipe, and actually quite easy! =)

Friday: Winter Baked Ziti & Salad

Saturday: Husband’s Work Party – got to get fancy! And the food was good to boot!

Sunday: Leftover Winter Baked Ziti – yum!!

Monday morning MOPS breakfast: Overnight Blueberry French Toast *Slight alteration – I used 1 1/2 bricks of cream cheese, mixed with 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and only 10 eggs.

Plans for the week ahead:

Monday: Chicken with Orzo

Tuesday: Spanish Style Stuffed Peppers

Wednesday: Autumn Chopped Salad

Thursday: Chicken & Roasted Fennel and Carrots

Friday: Pasta Fagioli

Saturday: Chicken & Spinach Salad

Sunday: Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs (to take to Super Bowl party)

Simple Things Sunday No. 6

children’s museums

Museums are a special treat, but one that never goes without extreme excitement! We recently visited the Sacramento Children’s Museum and I captured this melt my heart photo.

We also love Sacramento’s Railroad Museum, our local zoo, Monterey Bay’s aquarium (which we hope to take the kids to soon), and a handful we’ve visited in the LA area.

They aren’t super cheap, but when we do plan for it, the kids are ecstatic! So…for that reason, the simple thing I’m celebrating this Sunday are those special outings with your littles.

Cherish each one!

Friday Faves - Tostitos & Mumford and Sons

Two quick and easy ones for ya today!

Tostitos Hint of Lime Chips

Seriously, if you haven’t tried these, you should! And with Super Bowl coming up? It’s the perfect time to! They are ADDICTING, so don’t say I didn’t warn ya. No MSG (found that out while I was pregnant, thank GOD!), and for all you gluten free peeps? They make a version that’s gluten free, too! Woot!

mumford & sons: awake my soul

Mumford & Sons is the artist…Awake My Soul is the song. Not only are the lyrics moving and challenging, but the tune itself is moving and catchy. You MUST listen to it all the way through though. It picks up about half way into it, and truly awakes your soul. So…go invest your love in what you want your life to be invested in!!

Menu Plannin’ Monday

Last week:

Monday: Peperonata Pasta

Tuesday: Chicken and Cashew Lettuce Wraps

Wednesday: Papa Murphy’s

Thursday: Butternut Squash, Caramelized Onion, and Spinach Lasagna

Friday: Leftovers

Saturday: Grilled Skirt Steak w/ Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce

Sunday: Potluck (we brought wine!)

Plans for the week to come:

Monday: Pork Tenderloin with Peach and Pecan Sauce (carryover)

Tuesday: Chicken Parmesan, Broccoli & Spaghetti

Wednesday: Red Bean, Chicken & Sweet Potato Stew

Thursday: Honey-Orange Pork Tenderloin & Salad

Friday: Winter Baked Ziti & Salad

Saturday: Husband’s Work Party – amen! no cooking!

Sunday: Leftovers

Simple Things Sunday No. 5

Architecture

One of my very best friends introduced me to architecture, helped me develop a love for it. For that, I am thankful. Without her, I would have LIVED in Oak Park, IL, the residence and workplace of Frank Lloyd Wright, without having ever appreciated the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Without her, the genius behind Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead would have been completely lost on me.

With that being said…this week I am celebrating the joy of architecture. Sometimes it’s difficult when we live in our little suburban cubes, not being able to differentiate one from another. But, on our way to an ice skating party with friends, I made my kiddos stop to snap an image of this breathtaking building front.

Look around…you just might spy something beautiful!

Friday Faves – The Daily Bible…and some Francis Chan passion!

I briefly shared about this and my goal for this year here.

I’m happy to report that I’m actually ahead of the game! I’m on day #20 and it’s only the 18th. Woot! And I have this Bible to thank. Well, and the fact that it’s God’s word which is breathtaking, captivating and like no other literature written…EVER!

The reason why this version in particular is my favorite is because of the “devotional commentary”. Kind of a funny phrase, but essentially, in between chunks of scripture, the author leads you smoothly through what you are about to read, painting the scene with historical and spiritual insights.

It’s kind of like CliffsNotes for the Bible! (Wow, it’s been awhile since I’ve thought of those!). It makes you really think and take in what you’re reading. I’ve learned so much more by reading the Bible with these insights.

So…it’s worth taking a look at. Click on the picture above to take you to the Amazon link, it’s only $19.79 for a hardcover people! I think I paid the same for a paperback!

While we’re on the book theme…AND I got to hear Francis Chan speak live - TWICE last weekend, allow me to give you THREE MORE FAVORITES! I’ve read both Crazy Love and Forgotten God – both challenged me and changed my life. I received a copy of his newest book, Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples. Can’t wait to read it! Here’s a picture of me and my MOPS leaders waiting to hear Francis speak.

Ground Chicken Taco Burgers

Ingredients

1 lb. ground chicken

½ small onion, diced

1 tsp minced garlic

¾ oz. dry taco seasoning

1 egg

4 hamburger buns

4 slices cheese (pepperjack)

1 avocado

¼ c. chopped jalapeno (optional)

½ cup salsa

Directions:

Preheat griddle to 325.

Mix ground chicken, onion, garlic, taco seasoning, and egg together in a bowl until thoroughly blended. Season with salt and pepper. Divide evenly into 4 patties.

Cook 5-8 minutes per side. Pace patty on bun, top with cheese, avocado slices, and desired amounts of jalapeno and salsa (you may also include jalapenos in the patty mix).

Cheddar Chicken

Ingredients

16 buttery crackers (such as Ritz), crushed (about 3⁄4 cup)

6 ounces sharp Cheddar, grated

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

kosher salt and black pepper

4 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

wild rice pilaf and steamed green beans (optional)

Directions:

Heat oven to 350° F. In a bowl, combine the crackers, cheese, garlic, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Dip the chicken in the butter, then in the cracker mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere, and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Sprinkle any remaining cracker mixture on the chicken and drizzle with any remaining butter. Bake until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve with the pilaf and green beans, if using.

Cheesy Chicken “Benchiladas”

Ingredients

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

8 oz. reduced fat sour cream

8 oz. Ranch salad dressing

Flour tortillas (10-15)

Jar of salsa

Shredded Mexican cheese (~4 cups)

Directions:

Cook chicken breasts in crock pot (so they easily shred).

While chicken is cooling, mix up sauce. In a large bowl, combine half of the sour cream and half of the Ranch. In a small bowl, combine remaining sour cream and Ranch. Stir both until well combined. Add shredded chicken to large bowl, mix well.

Preheat oven to 375◦ Grease a 9x13” pan. Take one tortilla and top with a little less than 1 T of sauce. Spread over tortilla in an even layer. Add chicken mixture, top with salsa. Sprinkle with shredded cheese. Roll up tortilla and place, seam side down. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Bake 30 minutes.

Good Greens Winter Soup

Ingredients

2 leeks, trimmed, halved, and sliced

2 stalks celery, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 - 14 ounce can vegetable broth

1 - 14 1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano (or, I just use regular diced tomatoes and add herbs)

4 cups coarsely shredded kale

2 medium zucchini, halved and sliced

1 - 5 ounce package baby spinach

½ cup chopped Italian parsley or basil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

I also add meatballs – whatever you’ve got on hand

Directions:

In 5-quart Dutch oven cook leeks, celery, and garlic in oil over medium heat for 10 minutes or until beginning to brown. Stir in broth, undrained tomatoes, kale, zucchini, 1/4 teaspoon each salt and black pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, 5 minutes, stirring once. Reserve a few spinach leaves; stir in remaining spinach, parsley, and vinegar. Top with reserved spinach leaves and add cooked meatballs if you’d like. Makes 8 side-dish servings.

Sloppy Joe Recipe

Ingredients

1 large carrot 

10 ounce lean ground beef 

3/4 cup prechopped onion 

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup ketchup 

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 

1 tablespoon tomato paste 

1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

1 (8-ounce) can no-salt-added tomato sauce 

8 slider hamburger buns

Directions:

1. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan is heating, grate carrot. Add carrot, beef, and onion to pan; cook 6 minutes or until beef is browned and vegetables are tender. Add garlic powder, chili powder, and pepper; cook 1 minute.

2. Combine 1/4 cup ketchup and the next 5 ingredients (through tomato sauce) in a small bowl. Add ketchup mixture to pan, stirring to evenly coat beef mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened.

3. While sauce thickens, arrange buns, cut side up, in a single layer on a baking sheet. Broil 2 minutes or until lightly toasted. Place about 1/4 cup beef mixture on bottom half of each of 8 buns; top each slider with top half of bun.

Menu Plannin’ Monday

Last week (recipe links to come):

Monday: Sloppy Joe’s

Tuesday: Good Greens Winter Soup

Wednesday: Cheesy Chicken Benchiladas

Thursday: Cheddar Chicken

(Had to snap with the hubby so I could brag that he actually cooked a dinner! A perk of having your recipes posted ladies! I’m just sayin’, if you don’t have it posted, there’s no way no how it’s gonna happen. Otherwise, there’s a chance. Right?)

Friday: Stir-Fried Pork with Sesame Green Beans

Saturday: Chipotle!!

Sunday: Ground Chicken Taco Burgers

Before I present next week’s plans. I just need to give myself a pat on the back AND tell YOU thank you. My blog does help me stick to the menu. Sometimes I’ll wanna be lazy and not cook, but…I want to give you pretty pictures. So yay for me for sticking to this week’s plans! Stay tuned for next week.

Plans for the week to come:

Monday: Peperonata Pasta

Tuesday: Chicken and Cashews in Lettuce Cups

Wednesday: Butternut Squash, Caramelized Onion, and Spinach Lasagna

Thursday: Grilled Skirt Steak with Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce

Friday: Leftovers

Saturday: Pork Tenderloin with Peach and Pecan Sauce

Sunday: Pot-luck at a friend’s house (Bring a bottle of wine?)

Simple Things Sunday

Simple things Sunday is about celebrating those simple moments in life that might otherwise pass us by. I have two from this week that I captured in photos.

#1. How much girls love jewelry!

#2. How stickers can bring about such joy!

My son received a sticker for helping another student solve a problem in preschool. Proud mommy as well as proud kiddo!

Seek out those simple things this week friends!