Dinner- absolute, utter, miserable fail! Almost.

I had such high hopes for this meal. Healthy, fairly simple, yummy ingredients. I was going to make it earlier in the week but purposely waited for the weekend because my mom who is vegetarian was going to be visiting. I got this recipe and many others from Debbie does Dinner and this is the first one that didn't turn out.

Attempt to make Spicy black bean cakes with Lime cilantro sour cream. The only reason I can think they didn't turn out was because I don't use non-stick skillets. (They are bad news peeps). I use stainless steel and would love love love to get some cast iron. Some day... *taking a moment to stare longingly out the window, day dreaming about my cast iron skillet collection*

Ahem, ok I'm back.

These pics aren't the best. My camera is on the fritz which is good and bad news. Bad because I really like this camera. Good because as soon as it officially dies, I can get a new one!

For the recipe and full ingredient list just visit the link above. 

Yellow peppers and onion, cook just until soft.

 The recipe called for jalepenos but 2 of my kids can't handle the heat so I used diced green chilies.

Add garlic (lots of it, rowr), green chilies, red pepper flakes.

Then mix with black beans and mash. Season with S&P.

Mix in sweet potatoes, egg and bread crumbs.

Looks a little gross.

Then remove all rings from your fingers and bells from your toes and start forming into patties.

Be sure to make an "ooh, this feels gross" face for the camera.

 This is where things went south for me. You're supposed to cook in a skillet until crisp, yummy patties. Mine turned into blackened, warmed piles of grossness looking stuff. I actually gave up and asked my husband to try to salvage them. Then the man that I love lots and lots proceeded to melt about 3 cups of butter in the skillet and finished frying them. That man and I do indeed differ on the definition of healthy eating. His idea is to not supersize his double whopper. Still love love love him. Just feel sorry for his arteries. I digress, again.

Patties failed. Hash type substance success!

This tasted super good, it just wasn't what it was intended to be. I used the leftovers to make breakfast burritos the next morning. All's well that ends well.

Since I want to link up this post to Jen's





I'm also going to show you some other yums I ate this past week.

Fresh mushroom, green pepper omelet with avocado and tomatoes.

So stoked to have found coconut milk yogurt! Not so stoked about the price. I bought just one.

Tres yummy mexican ground turkey quinoa skillet, minus the ground turkey ;)

Hopefully I'll get more pictures of my meals this week so I can link up again next week.

What did you eat this week?

Eww!

"You can pick your nose, you can pick your friends but you can't pick your friends nose."

Have you ever heard that saying before? It's so true. Most people abide by that way of thinking. But we like to do things a little differently around these parts. For example:

AnaBanana was lined up and ready to run in her first ever high school track event when an official noticed her nose ring and told her she had to take it out or be disqualified. She tried and couldn't get it out so a friend of hers that was about to run in the same race jumped in and fingers in the nostril and everything, got that sucker out! Then they both kind of looked around like "Now what do we do with it?" Another friend that was standing on the field took it and said he'd hold the nose ring until Ana was done running.

It wasn' t the most appealing thing to witness from the stands and I'm sure the school photographer wasn't rushing to get that shot for the yearbook but it did warm this Mama's heart. I'm twisted that way. I told Ana afterward that I hope she realizes anyone who would do that is a life long friend! Imagine them in 20 years - "Remember the time I picked your nose?! Good times!"

Personally, I question the young boys motive but that's just me. I'm sure he would do that for any of his other guy friends. Right?

Go Ana, GO!

This is the only picture I got of the entire meet. I worked the concession stand and during this race the starting line was right in front of me.

Right after this photo was taken, that cute little blond boy jumped about a foot in the air when the starter gun went off. Heehee.

The girl is crafty like ice is cold.

She's crafty and she's just my type, she's craft-ayyy. Quick, name that tune!
Of course I'm referring to arts and crafts not exactly what MCA, Adrock and Mike D had in mind in their song.


Anywhoo...


I was attacked by the crafty bug this afternoon. It helped that my mom was in town to fend off the 2 year old from getting into the glitter. She succeeded in doing that but failed by letting him eat 8 or so homemade snicker doodles for dinner. Grandmubbers- gotta love em'.

I am not a crafty person. I found both of these crafts online although I can't remember where.

My 12 year old and I made this first wreath together.

A 'sweet' little wreath.

It's rather one dimensional. Next time I'll use an actual wreath shaped do-hickey as the base. I didn't have one and really wanted to do this tonight so I just traced a plate on cardboard and used that. It'll do.

Piece of spare cardboard.

Traced a regular size dinner plate.

Traced a dirty Tupperware lid that just happened to be on the counter.

We just cut out the circle shape then hot glued sweethearts all around. Take as many breaks as necessary to run your fingers under cold water. Note: hot glue gun is in fact hot.

Then I made these while simultaneously Skyping (haha, spell check wants me to write sky diving) and attempting to keep dogs from eating the fresh from the oven snicker doodle I was balancing on my knee.

Aww, I <3 U too!

Simple wooden letters first painted red.

Then glued together after dog steps on it and breaks it.

  Then glue glitter on the letters, glue letters to scrapbook paper and set back in the frame without the glass.

So pretty.

So cute. Dollar store frames + .19 cents on sale scrapbook paper + Walmart clearance letters = cheap crafty fun for Monkemama!

I also made this to keep my shivering, skinny pup warm.

So festive.

Whew! I'm exhausted from all that knitting. Yeah right! Found this sweater in Walmart's clearance section also. You weren't fooled for a minute were ya?

The more weight she loses, the bigger her head looks, which makes her sad puppy dog eyes look even more pathetic. I'm pretty sure she's milking her illness for all it's worth. I'm ok with that.

She started chemo treatments today. Notice the matching pink bandage? Even while fighting cancer a lady still accessorizes.

Here's one more piece of trivia before I leave -


 "You have a problem with arts and crafts little man?"

"He's a giant robot. It's a little undignified."

Quick! Name that movie!

Here's a hint:

I've seen this movie approximately 1,573 times. It's Kiwi's favorite.

What I ate today

This is a really bad day to decide to link up to a food party post. Jennifer at Peas and Crayons is a very healthy eater and such an inspiration. I had already decided to do it though so, oh well. I had a really, horrible, no good, very bad day so my food choices weren't the best. I've not yet conquered the how-to or want-to for that matter when it comes to emotional eating. Or not eating based on emotions. See what I mean?

The day started out ok:

Organic yogurt, organic pumpkin seed, flax granola, a cup of the world's best tea!

Seriously, this tea is so good. I've almost completely weaned myself off coffee. Almost. When I do have a cup I'm at least down to cream, no sugar.


Then the day went south. Way south. You've got to be kidding me-I just got punched in the gut-knock me over with a feather-excuse me? what did you say?-totally and completely blindsided-kind of south.


I took my dog to the vet because she had been rapidly losing weight and then quit eating and drinking all together. She's never been, how shall we say...super active. She's a Boston Terrier and they're known for not doing well in extreme temps. That means when it's hot out she's extra hot and when it's cold, she's extra cold. I think she uses that as an excuse to not exercise more than necessary. She has always been a fan of her beauty sleep but lately had been sleeping all the live long day.

Have a look at the sweet little thing I'm talking about:

Ahh, I could just pinch her!

Back to what I ate. I was so upset after the vet appointment that I didn't eat lunch. I didn't drink water. I simply crawled into a ball on the couch and snuggled with my sick furbaby and let tears and snot fall all over the both of us. Such non-appetizing visuals for a post about food.

Anywho, here's dinner:

Phone picture, not the best.

Nachos. And lots of them. I think I had 3 plates. At least they were fairly healthified nachos. They are made with Tostitos Roasted garlic and black bean chips, shredded chicken boob (haha, thanks Mr. Peas & Crayons), fresh red & orange peppers, fresh tomatoes, black beans, and of course cheese. Instead of sour cream I put a little dollop of Greek yogurt on top. Yum! Also had just plain bagged iceberg salad. No dressing, I used a little lemon juice and hot sauce.

Then I called my husband and told him about the horrible no good very bad day I had and asked him to please bring me home a drink. I needed something strong.

Cherry Pepsi - the heavy stuff.

I had given up soda. Completely.  But as soon as I found out my dog has cancer, lymphoma to be exact it was immediately what I craved! I'm so weak. I guess there are worse things I could turn to. Maybe. Soda is so bad. For  every part of my body. My dog has cancer and I don't care though. Not today.

There ya go. My first What I Ate today post. It stunk. I'll do better next week. Now let me link up my post to Jennifer's link party and inspire all of her readers with my sad sad day.

I don't need no stinkin' binder!

I'm very thankful that this new organization challenge is on a weekly basis. I've got mucho going through my mind these days and this way I won't get overwhelmed and can still participate. Yay!
I was a little bummed that the first project was a Home Management Binder. I like the system I have now, it works for me. Or so I thought.

I'd like to enter into evidence exhibit A:

Hmm, I can probably remove the SOLD sticker.

 I present to you the front of my fridge. It doesn't usually look this cluttered. I went to bed early Sunday night so my husband took care of Friday Folders. (I know we're not the only ones that wait till Sunday night to look in Friday Folders. Right? Right?!) He or the kids put the lunch menu, Valentines class list,  and class schedule all up there. I usually put the papers I need to keep from the kids school on my desk or in my planner that stays in my purse.

So this cluttered mess combined with Toni's post got me thinking maybe I/we could benefit from a binder that keeps everything together in one place.  I'll work on it this week. I already know I'll keep the Busy Body calendar I use now (busybodybook.com). I love it.  It's made for big families (which I have) and I've used it for a few years now. It has to do lists galore, places to doodle, tear out grocery lists, and up to 6 or7  individual blocks for each family member, depending on which one you order. Right now I have this one:

It's so pretty.

 

Hearts flutter & angels sing each time I open it. I'm not sure if others hear them or just me.

There are spaces for 5 family members. Right now it works perfectly for my family. My husband and I have a box as do our 3 older kids. Kiwi doesn't need one yet as he doesn't have a busy schedule. His story time dates and rare doctor appointments just go under my listing. I figure by the time he's older and needs his own schedule, our oldest daughter will be moved out of the house and will be keeping track of her own schedule.

  Hmmm, suddenly it seems I've ventured into raving about my planner and away from the home management binder.  Could it be I'm stalling?

Channeling Tim the Tool Man

I totally just cleared a clogged drain all by myself using only ingredients from my pantry. The sink in my bathroom has been draining slow for a few weeks and I keep forgetting to mention it to my husband. And, as much as I love him, even if I did mention it to him, it would still be a few more weeks before anything would be done about it. (Love you Hoss!)


Anywhoo...after staring at my own spit and toothpaste funk for one morning too many, I'd had enough. I've seen this done all over blog land before so I figured it couldn't hurt to try. Although, I was still a little....shall we say scared terrified shaking in my boots apprehensive about attempting it. I'm not known for my handy man skills, hence the Tim the Tool Man Taylor reference. I had visions in my head of a big fizzy explosion.

Here's all you need to unclog your drain without using nasty chemicals:

Salt, baking soda and vinegar.

First put a kettle of water on to boil. 
While the water is boiling you can pour 1/2 cup each dry baking soda and salt into the drain.

Baking soda going in.

 Then follow with 1 cup vinegar.

Vinegar and prayers headed in.

Next hold your breath and pray your sink doesn't explode like your 4th grade build-your-own volcano project. It will bubble and fizz quite a bit.

Plop plop fizz fizz. I'm childish I know.

Then pour the entire kettle of boiling water into the drain and watch it work it's magic.

I think my kettle needs a good cleaning.

Hot! Pour carefully.

You can even see the oogies (very scientific terms used around here) floating up as they are being unclogged.

This worked great! I patted myself on the back and sat down to enjoy a nice cup of hot tea.
Darn it- why did I empty the entire kettle?!? Hindsight and all that. Learn from my mistakes. Pour yourself a cup of tea before unclogging the drain :)

Habit forming

I got so much done during the last organization challenge I participated in. Seriously, my entire parts of my house look so different I'm still doing double takes as I walk through certain rooms. Our host for the 21 day challenge is now offering a weekly challenge with assignments ranging from cleaning out the garage to de-cluttering the book shelf. Both of those sound fab-u-lous! Fabulous! Fabulooooous!

I'm so glad I stumbled across her blog. I've been keeping up on all the changes I've made, she introduced me to new cleaning products that I love,  I've been moving more just because of the organization projects. Seriously, I'm almost to 10,000 steps per day on my pedometer. We even have the same favorite color!  Look, her button even matches my blog colors!

I can't wait to get started,

Beans and rice, rice and beans

I've got to find a way to get our food budget under control. Well, that's not exactly true. That would imply it's out of control and really it's not. I just know I can spend less and still feed my family healthy, quality food. The less I spend is that much more we can throw towards our last debt. As soon as the last debt is paid off my husband and I get to call into the Dave Ramsey show and s-c-r-e-a-m as loud as we can "We're Debt Free!" No debt, zip, zero, zilch, nada. We are almost there. Slaves to debt no more. The only debt we have left is what we are paying off from selling our house. So close! I can almost taste it.

Oh right, speaking about taste- how to feed my family of six on less. Any ideas?

The easiest answer I can come up with is to:
-simplify the meals I make. We don't need 3 courses at dinner every night.
-go vegetarian a couple times per week. (I know a certain 6'7 someone who may dig in his heels at this idea.)
-rotate the simple dinners that I know everyone likes and serve them more often. I get stuck in a rut sometimes because I feel like I have to come up with a new exciting dinner 30 times every month.
-I already buy in bulk at I{heart}Costco, I need to use up what we have before I head there and bring home another truck load.
- find creative ways to use leftovers.


Today I will consider my time spent on the internet as research. Research on how to frugally feed my famished family. Say that 5 times fast!

The "Medicine" Cabinet

We don't use much medicine in this house. If my kids get a fever I let it burn, if they get a sniffle we load up on foods full of vitamin C, if they have a sore throat we turn to honey and hot lemon. Now that's just our kids and myself. My husband is a different story. There is no over-the-counter fix he doesn't like.

But we do have a closet with a shelf dedicated to all the extra toiletries and such.

All scattered about.

Today's challenge took all of 4 minutes. Good because I'm a few days behind.

Nice and neat and grouped together.

I used one bin for shampoos and all things hair, another bin for medicines, witch hazel, peroxide type of stuff, another bin for tooth paste, floss and extra toothbrushes, and yet another bin for bandages, gauze and first aid hoozitwhatzits.


Done!

Hmmm, spell check won't recognize hoozitwhatzits. What gives?

Longing for a man cave.

Since I turned our hallway coat closet into a pantry we needed place to hang our coats. We started using another hallway in our house but you had to walk through the living room to get to it. It's not very practical, especially right now while it's snowy and wet outside.

I'd like to get a coat tree for the entry way but it's not high on my list of wants or needs right now so it will have to wait.

Until then we have these:

Yep, that's what you think it is.

Ugh. I hate these things, but my husband loves them and I love my husband so up they went. I'm not the only one who isn't a fan of dead animal parts hanging on the walls. Our two year old refuses to go near them. They are hanging in our front entry way which is at the bottom of the stairs and in between both living rooms. If he needs to get from point A to point B in our house he will go all the way around them and at a full speed run. He also points to them and says "Mooo, boo-boo!"

If I keep them covered with coats I can pretend they aren't there.

 This is just another part of my husband I have to learn to get used to. It's what happens when a city girl marries a country boy.

Day 12 - I {heart} cumin.

Today's organizing challenge was the spice cupboard. I'm glad I had already done that as part of my pantry switcheroo, so I took some time to catch up on laundry today. I had to, with all the deep organizing I've been doing, my regular housework is being neglected.
Here's proof:

Pretty sure 275 fire codes are being broken here.

  It's actually not as bad as it appears. My husband is 6'7, 300 pounds. His clothes just naturally make big piles. This only took me 3 loads to catch up on. Oh by the way- don't you love how instead of taking the hamper downstairs when he sees it overflowing, he just keeps piling his giant man clothes on top? Good thing I love him.

I digress. Here's my spices.

Messy, not functional.

  I emptied the drawer and spread everything out on my dining room table. I didn't have any old, expired spices only because I dumped all those when we moved 7 months ago.

Organizing and labeling.

Chia seeds.

The best spice! The smell of cumin actually cheers me up when I'm sad.

Anise, celery seed and other rarely used spices.

These spices I use almost daily.

 Everything is grouped together for what works for me in my kitchen. Then they get their own shelf in the pantry and i just grab the tote I need when I need it.

Voila!

I'm off to fold some more clothes.