My husband ended up working late four days last week. When that happens, my menu plan disintegrates into sandwiches or pancakes. The kids were perfectly happy with a simplified menu, and I was happy to have an easy end to the day. I think we're back on track. And I am excited about the week ahead, based solely on the food. Trust me, this is a good line-up! Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- East Hampton Clam Chowder, Buttermilk Biscuits, coleslaw Tuesday -- Butternut Squash & Caramelized Onion Galette, Raw Tuscan Kale Salad Wednesday -- Simple Roast Chicken, Mushroom Casserole, Roasted Green Beans Thursday -- Meatloaf Keep Reading
What’s for dinner? This week’s menu plan (10/14)
LEGO KidsFest review #LEGOKidsFest
The entire family (minus Baby Lucy, because we're not interested in that type of torture) headed to the Oregon Convention Center last night to check out LEGO KidsFest. LEGO KidsFest gave me 4 tickets in exchange for promoting the event and sharing this review. We purchased 4 more tickets, paid for parking, and bought dinner at the event, so know that we had some serious money invested. Is this event really cool or just hype? It's really, really cool. Is it worth the money? (Because, goodness, this thing is spendy.) This is one of those "twice or thrice in a lifetime" things. If your kids or grandkids are LEGO freaks, then yes, it's worth Keep Reading
What’s for dinner? This week’s soup menu plan (10/7)
I was a pretty picky eater growing up, and soup was near the top of my do-not-touch food list. Thankfully, tastes change and over the years, soup has become one of my very favorite dinner items. It is the perfect companion for these rainy fall days. And to top if off, soup can be super economical, taking advantage of seasonal produce, inexpensive beans, and those random leftovers in your fridge. One pot can stretch into many meals, and the flavors taste even better over the next day or two! This week I am sharing some of my favorite tried-and-true soup recipes. I don't plan to make seven pots of soup/chili this week (although my husband wouldn't Keep Reading
Sheridan Fruit Company: Emily’s shopping trip (stocking up on meat!)
This past summer, while cooking for some big events, I was trying to figure out the best place to buy good quality meat without breaking the bank. A couple people mentioned Sheridan Fruit Company (409 S.E. MLK Jr. Blvd, Portland), which seemed strange, because... well, the whole fruit thing. Am I the only person that has driven past this place hundreds of times, thinking they just deal with fruit? Too bad they don't make it clear on their sign... But it's true! They have competitive prices on good quality meat. Think Draper Valley Farms chicken, Carlton Farms pork, and Painted Hills beef. They also have an impressive selection of wild game, seafood, Keep Reading
What’s for dinner? This week’s menu plan (9/30)
It is absolutely pouring down rain outside right now. I am loving this crazy stormy weather. My plan for this week combines a flavorful vegetable-based menu with some favorite comfort foods. Assuming we don't lose power, here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- Dinner with Family Tuesday -- Dinner Out Wednesday -- Big Salads, No-Knead Bread Thursday -- Rice Bowls with Spicy Curry Sauce, canned peaches Friday -- Mushroom Lasagna, kale salad Saturday -- Butternut Squash Soup, buttermilk biscuits, coleslaw Sunday -- Biscuits (leftovers) & Mushroom Gravy, scrambled eggs, fruit salad Find more great recipes on Frugal Living Keep Reading
Pacific Northwest Fall Family Fun Guide: Festivals, Fairs & Pumpkin Patches
Jen from Thrifty NW Mom, Karrie from Happy Money Saver and I have teamed up to bring you the most comprehensive list of Fall Family Fun the Pacific Northwest for 2013. In this post, I have listed fall festivals, fairs, and pumpkin patches in Western Oregon and SW Washington. Head to Thrifty NW Mom for a list of Puget Sound events and Happy Money Saver for a list of Eastern Washington and Central and Eastern Oregon events. PORTLAND METRO Baggenstos Family Farms, September 28-October 31, Tigard Bella Organic Portland Pumpkin Farm, August 30-October 31, Sauvie Island Bushue's Family Farm, opens October 4, Boring Fazio Farms, Now-November Keep Reading
What’s for dinner? This week’s menu plan (9/24)
It is good to be home again, after an unexpected change of plans turned our weekend into something totally different than we expected. A friend's mom told me, "Life is what happens in between our plans." I like that. By this definition, we are high on life right now. I have no idea what this coming week holds, but it is somewhat comforting to plan some structure, even something as simple as a menu plan. Here's what's for dinner at my house this week: Monday -- Mac and Cheese, fresh corn & tomatoes Tuesday -- Taco Soup, chips & guacamole Wednesday -- Leftovers Thursday -- Lasagna (with Roasted Marinara Sauce), No-Knead Bread, green Keep Reading