October 21st-27th
Is it me, or does it feel like October just arrived? And yet, here we are headed into our final full week of the month. I have to admit that I'm saddened by the fact that this time of year is passing as quickly as it is. We are indeed on a fast moving train headed into the holidays. Thankfully, because we've chosen to plan ahead, that train isn't moving recklessly into the holidays. If you've been able to keep up, you should feel like you've got a pretty good handle on your preparations. You could potentially have six batches of goodies already prepared and in your freezer and six freezer meals ready to pop in the oven at a moment's notice. You should also have made a noticeable dent in your gift purchasing. Hopefully this is the case, but if not, that's okay! Any progress is good progress. This week we'll give ourselves a chance to catch up. Let's do this!
Make a batch of holiday goodies- Consider how many goodies you have. If you're not one to give away a lot of treats, you may be finished with this portion of your planning. Or, if you've decided to give away more than you feel you have, double up this week.
Make a freezer meal-This is one area I encourage you to continue working on. Those meals will never go to waste, regardless of how many you have. Consider the days after Christmas. Do you really want to make a meal on the 26th, just as you've started recovering from your holiday celebration? What about New Years Eve? Or, in the worst case scenario, if you have extra freezer meals through the month of January, will you regret it? The answer is no. Since you're already in that mode, keep going.
Buy canned food- If you no longer need any canned items for your holiday menus, consider buying at least one or two cans of food. Local food drives will be starting any day now in preparation for Thanksgiving. Pick up a couple next time you're at the grocery store so you're not forced to donate that year old can of garbanzo beans no one in your family (or anyone else's) will eat.
Purchase at least 1 Christmas gift- Naturally, I suggest you take advantage of sales and coupons and get as many as your budget allows. But, again, one is better than nothing. If you don't have a chance to go shopping this week, set aside the money you would like to spend on a gift so that in the weeks to come you can catch up without hurting your wallet.
Work on any homemade gifts or crafts- I admit, I have fallen terribly behind on this task. This week is my week to catch up. If I can't I'll have to consider scrapping those projects in lieu of a purchased gift and try again next year. That's okay!
Start addressing your Christmas cards
Send invites for Thanksgiving- Evites work great for this! It may seem premature, but a lot of people are still finalizing their plans. Having all the info on hand will make their decision process easier. Not to mention, an early R.S.V.P for you means you can prepare in advance for your guests.
Buy extra batteries- Be sure to check your gifts. How many parents have been there Christmas morning when your child opens a new gift and wants to play with it only to find that batteries are required and you forgot to get them? It is a sad, sad place to be. They don't last as long, but your local dollar store is a great place to stock up. You can buy your copper-tops later on when you're not spending so much extra money on food and gifts.
Order or purchase your turkey- I'll admit, I've never ordered a turkey. I'm not even sure how one goes about this. One day, I'd like to figure that out. But for now, check your grocery store adds. Turkeys are beginning to go on sale. Don't wait until the week before when prices hit rock bottom because so does the selection and you'll end up with a 24lb turkey to feed your family of 6. Spend an extra $0.10 or $0.20 a pound to get what you want while it's available.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Halloween Treats
Here's the treat I promised. Enjoy!
1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated peanut butter cookies
1 egg yolk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup orange decorator sugar crystals
14 twisted butter-flavor pretzel sticks, broken in half
Peanut Butter Pumpkin Cookies
1 roll (16.5 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated peanut butter cookies
1 egg yolk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup orange decorator sugar crystals
14 twisted butter-flavor pretzel sticks, broken in half
- 1 Heat oven to 350°F. Spray cookie sheets with cooking spray. In medium bowl, stir cookie dough, egg yolk and flour until well mixed.
- 2 Pour sugar crystals into small bowl. Shape dough into 28 (1-inch) balls; roll in sugar crystals. Insert 1 pretzel piece into each ball for pumpkin stem. Using toothpick or tip of teaspoon, make lines around sides for pumpkin ridges. Place balls 2 inches apart on cookie sheets.
- 3 Bake 9 to 11 minutes or just until set in center when touched with fingertip. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 10 minutes.
Week 8
October 14th-20th
We have hit the halfway mark. If you're like me, you are instantly wondering how the last eight weeks have gone so quickly. In just the blink of an eye we will be in the midst of the holiday season. My hope is that you are continuing to make progress, regardless of how much, and that you are feeling more prepared and less anxious about the impending season. Without hesitation, let's get busy this week!
Make one batch of holiday goodies
Make one freezer meal
Buy at least one holiday gift- Because we are getting closer to the season, now is an important time to begin knocking out as many gift purchases as possible. The goal is to have your shopping complete (for the most part) and wrapped before Thanksgiving. That may be setting the bar pretty high, but imagine the joy of accomplishing that feat! If that seems out of reach, set a date for early December and do your best to meet that goal.
Buy at least one item from your long-term shopping list in preparation of your holiday meals.
Wrap and label packages
Review your Halloween costume plans- make any necessary changes and finish your costume preparation.
Make a Halloween treat- this might seem trite, but it's your chance to scour those recipe books and magazines that you are always thumbing through. There is probably at least one treat about which you've said, "I wish I would have made this" or "I bet my kids would love that". Now is your chance. I will post an idea if you're looking for one! :-)
Check your progress and adjust- This is considered the halfway point. Take a look at where you are in your preparations. Have you fallen behind on your baking or freezer meals? This week, you may want to double up. You don't have to get caught up on everything in one week. Just adjust your plan to accommodate your needs.
Have fun! The weather is cooling off and it's beginning to feel more like the holiday season. Don't be afraid to light a fun holiday candle and throw on some Christmas music while you do your preparation. You know you want to...
We have hit the halfway mark. If you're like me, you are instantly wondering how the last eight weeks have gone so quickly. In just the blink of an eye we will be in the midst of the holiday season. My hope is that you are continuing to make progress, regardless of how much, and that you are feeling more prepared and less anxious about the impending season. Without hesitation, let's get busy this week!
Make one batch of holiday goodies
Make one freezer meal
Buy at least one holiday gift- Because we are getting closer to the season, now is an important time to begin knocking out as many gift purchases as possible. The goal is to have your shopping complete (for the most part) and wrapped before Thanksgiving. That may be setting the bar pretty high, but imagine the joy of accomplishing that feat! If that seems out of reach, set a date for early December and do your best to meet that goal.
Buy at least one item from your long-term shopping list in preparation of your holiday meals.
Wrap and label packages
Review your Halloween costume plans- make any necessary changes and finish your costume preparation.
Make a Halloween treat- this might seem trite, but it's your chance to scour those recipe books and magazines that you are always thumbing through. There is probably at least one treat about which you've said, "I wish I would have made this" or "I bet my kids would love that". Now is your chance. I will post an idea if you're looking for one! :-)
Check your progress and adjust- This is considered the halfway point. Take a look at where you are in your preparations. Have you fallen behind on your baking or freezer meals? This week, you may want to double up. You don't have to get caught up on everything in one week. Just adjust your plan to accommodate your needs.
Have fun! The weather is cooling off and it's beginning to feel more like the holiday season. Don't be afraid to light a fun holiday candle and throw on some Christmas music while you do your preparation. You know you want to...
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Week 7
As I write this, the air is filled with the smell of my grandmother's fruitcake which is baking and I am looking around at the orange, black, and purple decorations that have descended upon our home. This is my favorite time of year! I love the Fall season when the air changes, the sun goes down a little earlier, and all the smells and flavors of baked goodness fill my home. I love the change that it represents. The relief from an unyielding and scorching summer heat. The anticipation of the holiday magic that is to come. Somehow, with the change in season, I feel my energy renewed. It's with this rejuvenation that we forge ahead.
Here are your plans for the week:
Make a batch of holiday goodies.
Make one freezer meal.
Buy 2 canned/nonperishable items from your shopping list. Or more if you feel so inclined. Now is the BEST time to stock up on canned broth, pumpkin, cranberry sauce, and pie filling for all of your upcoming recipes. It will be in high demand as the weeks progress. It may be a few cents more since the crazy good sales haven't started yet, but it will be readily available and you won't have to fight hordes of panicked shoppers to get what you need. Totally worth a few extra pennies!
Buy at least one Christmas gift.
Wrap & label your packages.
Work on any holiday crafts/gifts.
Finish Halloween costume preparation. Now that costumes and pumpkins have filled the stores, everyone has Halloween on the brain. Finish getting or making any remaining parts of your costumes this week to avoid the rush.
Review your previous lists and finish anything you may have missed.
Here are your plans for the week:
Make a batch of holiday goodies.
Make one freezer meal.
Buy 2 canned/nonperishable items from your shopping list. Or more if you feel so inclined. Now is the BEST time to stock up on canned broth, pumpkin, cranberry sauce, and pie filling for all of your upcoming recipes. It will be in high demand as the weeks progress. It may be a few cents more since the crazy good sales haven't started yet, but it will be readily available and you won't have to fight hordes of panicked shoppers to get what you need. Totally worth a few extra pennies!
Buy at least one Christmas gift.
Wrap & label your packages.
Work on any holiday crafts/gifts.
Finish Halloween costume preparation. Now that costumes and pumpkins have filled the stores, everyone has Halloween on the brain. Finish getting or making any remaining parts of your costumes this week to avoid the rush.
Review your previous lists and finish anything you may have missed.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Freezer Fave!
I happened upon this little gem a year ago and I'm so glad I did! This is one of my favorite freeze ahead meals to make for several reasons. First of all, it's ridiculously fast and easy. Many of the ingredients are already frozen when you assemble it. Secondly, it's comfort food. No two ways about it. But the great thing is, and this is the third reason I love it, it is easy to substitute low or no fat ingredients without sacrificing taste. Comfort food without the guilt. Winner!
Give it a try. You won't be sorry!
10 oz can fat free condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup fat free sour cream
1/4 cup milk
2 cups cooked, cubed chicken
1 1/2cups low fat shredded cheddar cheese
3 1/2 cups frozen hash brown potatoes (your favorite style), thawed*
1 1/2 cups frozen peppers and onions, thawed*
1 1/2 cups crushed potato chips (optional)**
Preparation:
In medium bowl, combine soup, sour cream, milk, chicken, and 3/4 cup of cheese. Spread this mixture in a greased 2 quart baking dish.
Sprinkle hash browns and peppers and onions over the top of the casserole and press down lightly. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and potato chips.
Bake casserole, uncovered at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serves 8.
To freeze: Assemble casserole as directed, except DO NOT thaw potatoes, peppers, or onions, and do not sprinkle with potato chips. Wrap casserole in freezer wrap or heavy duty foil and freeze. To thaw and bake, let thaw overnight in refrigerator. Uncover and bake as directed. Then top with crushed potato chips and bake 5-10 minutes longer.
*You can also substitute the hash browns, peppers, and onions with potatoes O'Brien which makes this even easier.
**I have never made this with the potato chips and haven't missed them.
Give it a try. You won't be sorry!
Chicken Potato Casserole
10 oz can fat free condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup fat free sour cream
1/4 cup milk
2 cups cooked, cubed chicken
1 1/2cups low fat shredded cheddar cheese
3 1/2 cups frozen hash brown potatoes (your favorite style), thawed*
1 1/2 cups frozen peppers and onions, thawed*
1 1/2 cups crushed potato chips (optional)**
Preparation:
In medium bowl, combine soup, sour cream, milk, chicken, and 3/4 cup of cheese. Spread this mixture in a greased 2 quart baking dish.
Sprinkle hash browns and peppers and onions over the top of the casserole and press down lightly. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and potato chips.
Bake casserole, uncovered at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serves 8.
To freeze: Assemble casserole as directed, except DO NOT thaw potatoes, peppers, or onions, and do not sprinkle with potato chips. Wrap casserole in freezer wrap or heavy duty foil and freeze. To thaw and bake, let thaw overnight in refrigerator. Uncover and bake as directed. Then top with crushed potato chips and bake 5-10 minutes longer.
*You can also substitute the hash browns, peppers, and onions with potatoes O'Brien which makes this even easier.
**I have never made this with the potato chips and haven't missed them.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Week 6
September 30th-October 6th
Welcome October! Here we are, on the brink of the holiday season. This is the time of year when others finally start to jump on the holiday planning bandwagon. Stores are filling shelves with everything from Halloween candy to Christmas decor and people start to complain that the holidays are coming too quickly. Thankfully, we have a month of preparation already under our belt and it feels good!
Here is our plan of attack for this week:
Make a batch of holiday goodies.
Make a freezer meal.
Buy 2 canned items- one for your menu and one to donate
Buy at least one Christmas gift.
Wrap and label your packages if possible
Work on any homemade gifts
Check your smoke detector batteries. This household chore often gets overlooked until the incessant and annoying beeping starts in the middle of the night. Be sure they are working and you have extra batteries on hand. Frequent use of your oven, live Christmas trees, and excessive use of lighting all increase the likelihood of fire. Now is a good time to check.
Clean out old toys & clothes to donate or sell. Don't put this chore entirely on yourself. If your kids are old enough, remind them that Christmas is coming and there needs to be room for new toys. Encourage them to get rid of anything they don't usually play with. If that doesn't work, you can always take a trash bag into their room while they're at school. Just an option. :-)
Make a list of toys/books that your kids would like and will fit in their rooms. We all appreciate generosity shown to our children, especially that of overzealous grandparents. But let's face it, do you really want your daughter to receive a Barbie dream house the size of a Buick? Do you have space for it? If you know your son is obsessed with Legos. Is it worth a family member's money to buy him a bucket of Lincoln Logs that will sit in his closet? You know your kids hobbies and favorites. You also know how often those things change. Be considerate and keep your family in the loop. Be sure to make the list extensive so they feel like they still have a choice in the matter and can control their spending. Include clothing/shoe sizes as well since those can change from month to month. I wish every member of my family would do this too! It would make shopping for nieces and nephews so much easier!
*if you are expecting some larger gifts, now is the time to make room for them.
Decorate for Halloween
Welcome October! Here we are, on the brink of the holiday season. This is the time of year when others finally start to jump on the holiday planning bandwagon. Stores are filling shelves with everything from Halloween candy to Christmas decor and people start to complain that the holidays are coming too quickly. Thankfully, we have a month of preparation already under our belt and it feels good!
Here is our plan of attack for this week:
Make a batch of holiday goodies.
Make a freezer meal.
Buy 2 canned items- one for your menu and one to donate
Buy at least one Christmas gift.
Wrap and label your packages if possible
Work on any homemade gifts
Check your smoke detector batteries. This household chore often gets overlooked until the incessant and annoying beeping starts in the middle of the night. Be sure they are working and you have extra batteries on hand. Frequent use of your oven, live Christmas trees, and excessive use of lighting all increase the likelihood of fire. Now is a good time to check.
Clean out old toys & clothes to donate or sell. Don't put this chore entirely on yourself. If your kids are old enough, remind them that Christmas is coming and there needs to be room for new toys. Encourage them to get rid of anything they don't usually play with. If that doesn't work, you can always take a trash bag into their room while they're at school. Just an option. :-)
Make a list of toys/books that your kids would like and will fit in their rooms. We all appreciate generosity shown to our children, especially that of overzealous grandparents. But let's face it, do you really want your daughter to receive a Barbie dream house the size of a Buick? Do you have space for it? If you know your son is obsessed with Legos. Is it worth a family member's money to buy him a bucket of Lincoln Logs that will sit in his closet? You know your kids hobbies and favorites. You also know how often those things change. Be considerate and keep your family in the loop. Be sure to make the list extensive so they feel like they still have a choice in the matter and can control their spending. Include clothing/shoe sizes as well since those can change from month to month. I wish every member of my family would do this too! It would make shopping for nieces and nephews so much easier!
*if you are expecting some larger gifts, now is the time to make room for them.
Decorate for Halloween
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Week 5
September 23rd-29th
It's official! There are less than 100 days until Christmas. In fact on Tuesday, we will be exactly three months from the big day. Feels like June was just yesterday, doesn't it? You know as well as I do that the next three months will go by even faster than the last three. Doesn't it feel good to know that you've gotten some things out of the way? It should, regardless of how many or how few. Keep up the great work!
Our "to do" list should be looking pretty familiar. Here it is for the week:
Make a batch of holiday goodies
Make one extra meal for the freezer
Buy 2 canned food items- one to keep, one to give.
Buy at least one Christmas gift. Remember that you don't even have to leave the house to do this. Check your favorite online retailer. Many are still clearing out inventory at significantly reduced prices because the Fall inventory has arrived. Order one and your done! Or better yet, order a couple, save on shipping, and cross a few people off your list.
Wrap and label your packages
Work on any homemade gifts
Plan for and purchase Halloween costumes if you haven't already. Beg, borrow, or steal them. It's not necessary to spend a fortune. Your children will wear them for a few hours to collect candy. You're not shopping for their wedding attire. Check your local thrift stores and ebay for deals on gently used costumes or call your friends and see if they want to swap.
It's official! There are less than 100 days until Christmas. In fact on Tuesday, we will be exactly three months from the big day. Feels like June was just yesterday, doesn't it? You know as well as I do that the next three months will go by even faster than the last three. Doesn't it feel good to know that you've gotten some things out of the way? It should, regardless of how many or how few. Keep up the great work!
Our "to do" list should be looking pretty familiar. Here it is for the week:
Make a batch of holiday goodies
Make one extra meal for the freezer
Buy 2 canned food items- one to keep, one to give.
Buy at least one Christmas gift. Remember that you don't even have to leave the house to do this. Check your favorite online retailer. Many are still clearing out inventory at significantly reduced prices because the Fall inventory has arrived. Order one and your done! Or better yet, order a couple, save on shipping, and cross a few people off your list.
Wrap and label your packages
Work on any homemade gifts
Plan for and purchase Halloween costumes if you haven't already. Beg, borrow, or steal them. It's not necessary to spend a fortune. Your children will wear them for a few hours to collect candy. You're not shopping for their wedding attire. Check your local thrift stores and ebay for deals on gently used costumes or call your friends and see if they want to swap.
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