Washed out Weekend

I had so many things I wanted to get done this weekend but it rained.  Granted it only rains here in beautiful San Diego a few times a year but there does seem to be a habit of it happening on the weekend.  We had a park trip planned as well as family pictures on the beach that were canceled due to the rain.  Saturday consisted on braving the rain instead to go buy new running shoes and going to Costco to buy a new Crock pot.  They have a 7 qt one on sale for $24.  I could not resist.  Sunday we went to church and then I baked most of the day while little bug ran around chasing after the dog and hubby watched football.

Saturday - A day of rainy errands.

                                                                    Jeans, Cardigan & t-shirt - Target

                                                     Shoes - Toms

                                                                         Watch - Shoedazzle.com

                                                                                         Pearl earrings and necklace - gift

Sunday - Please excuse the mess in the background.  No sooner do I have my house put together then a tornado in the form of a 15 month old boy hits the area as demonstrated by a partial picture of him rolling around.  Also our golden Nika wanted in on the action as well.

                                                                Sweater and tank - Target

                                                           Rose cords - JC Penny

                                                                         Wedge boots - Old Navy (similar)

                                                                         Necklace - Jewelmint.com (here)

Meal Planning Sunday

Last week I took it pretty easy and only tried one new recipe.  This week I am going to try and get at least 3 new recipes in since I just bought a new Crock Pot.  I've had the same 3.5 quart one for at least 13 years now.  I've noticed though that it has been a little off and doesn't cook veggies and potatoes all the way even after being in for 6-8 hours.  So luckily for me Costco sent out their coupon mailer and inside was a beautiful coupon for $10 off.  I was able to get a 7 quart Crock Pot for $30!  Big Score!

Sunday  - Crock Pot Whole Turkey - I'm going to try this a few weeks before Thanksgiving to see if I like it.  We will have limited space for cooking at my in-laws and if this turns our well I may end up doing this for Thanksgiving.
Monday - Taco Pizza - Hubby hates when I try stuff like this but I just have to do it.  (He can always eat leftover turkey if it bothers him that much.)
Tuesday - Smoky Country Style Ribs, mac & cheese, steamed broccoli - This will make up for last night's dinner if hubby didn't like it
Wednesday - Turkey Avocado Wraps - I'm sure I need to do something with that left over turkey
Thursday - Pizza Night
Friday - Leftovers - I'm sure we will have plenty
Saturday -  Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans

TGIF

I don't know about you but I am so glad it's Friday!  It has been a long week and I am ready to relax and enjoy the weekend with my funny family.  I decided I would try taking a picture this morning of my work outfit and I was actually happy with the outcome.  For work my outfits are usually very bland and boring but this morning I decided that since it was Friday I would take a tiny risk.  Normally I would never venture out and match two different prints and colors but what the heck it's almost the weekend and I'm tired of always playing it safe. (Please don't laugh...I'm taking baby steps here)

Gingham button up - Old Navy Similar

Sweater - Old Navy Similar

Pants - JC Penny Here

Shoes - I didn't actually wear the ones shown but actually wore these . I usually don't put on my shoes until I get to work.

Wish List Wednesday

I love to daydream...and thanks to Pinterest they are making it so easy for me to remember the things I'm daydreaming about.  And like so many others I've caught quite an addiction to Pinterest.  The good side of that is it's taking me away from the Facebook obsession. ( I have to have something to do at work right?)  Here is a sample of some of the pinnings I'm daydreaming about....

(via)

(via) 

 (via)

 (via)

  
(via)

Tastes Good Tuesday

A favorite dish that we all seem to order when we go out to a Mexican resturant is Tortilla Soup.  It's hard for us to find one that we like.  Last night I tried a Crockpot recipe that I came across on Pinterest and was surprised at how good it came out.  There was some agreement at the dinner table that the next time I make it we are going to tweak it just a bit to meet our taste bud likings but all the same it was a good base to work off of.

Ingredients


4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 4-ounce can chopped green chilies, drained (hot or mild, depending on preference)

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 yellow onion, diced

2 15-ounce cans of diced tomatoes, including juice

1/2 - 1 cup chicken broth

1 teaspoon cumin

Kosher salt and pepper

4 corn tortillas, sliced into 1/4 inch strips

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

1/2 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese

1 avocado diced and tossed with lime juice to prevent browning

1 lime, cut into wedges



Directions



Place chicken in Crock-Pot® slow cooker.

In a separate bowl, combine chilies, garlic, onion, tomatoes, 1/2 c chicken broth and cumin. Blend and pour over chicken.

Cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours. When chicken is tender, use the tines of 2 forks to shred. Adjust seasoning and add additional chicken broth if necessary.

Just before serving, add tortillas and cilantro to Crock-Pot® slow cooker. Stir to incorporate. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serve in soup bowls, topping each with shredded cheese, diced avocado and a squeeze of lime.

Tired of the same old....

It's Monday and I've been feeling inspired and tired of the same old rut I've been in for about 7 yrs now.  Every weekend it seems I wear the same old stuff...jeans, t-shirt and flip flops.  Very boring if I do say so myself.  I've decided that since there is so much inspirations in the blogs that I read and on Pinterest I'm going to start dressing better and sharing how I look (big step for me since I don't like taking pictures).  This weekend is when I started unfortunatly I did not get any pictures because I was to embarrassed to ask hubby to take them for me.  Starting next weekend I will kick my fear and embarrassement aside and have hubby take pictures.  I want to feel good about the way I'm dressed and not stay in my comfortable rut.  I won't bore you with my weekday attire since I have  to dress business and it usually consists on some variation of dress pants and sweater or dress shirt.  Here is what I was inspired to attempt this weekend and I will say I was quite happy with the turnout even without pictures.

Saturday's Inspiration:

Top - Target on clearance for $9
Sweater - Target bought last year
Skinny jeans - JCPenny's similar
Shoes - Old Navy similar















Sunday's Inspiration:

Top - Target similar
Tank - Target
Jeans - JCPenny similar
Boots - Target similar















There you have it my weekend outfit inspirations.  I just wish now I'd had the guts to take pictures and post.  Well no point in stressing about it now...on to next weekend.

Meal Planning Sunday

I was a little off last week...no wait I was a lot off last week so I didn't really plan out my meals.  Surprisingly I did very well with our dinner options and we didn't have to eat out once...  But I'm back into my groove and back to planning out my families meals for the week though I am making some pretty easy recipes.

* Sunday - Bundt Pan Roasted Chicken with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli
* Monday - Chicken Tortilla Soup
* Tuesday - Taco Tuesday - Always a favorite in our house
* Wednesday - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Soup
* Thursday - Chicken Quesadillas and black beans
* Friday - Turkey Burgers and Sweet potato fries
* Saturday - Pizza night!  Not sure if we will order or make our own