Making Plans for a Toy Story Birthday Party.

I was checking out Bakerella today and found adorable Hamm and Mr. Potato Head Pops that I know would go over huge for Michael's 5th. Check these out!

 

http://family.go.com/disney/pkg-disney-recipes/recipe-bakerella-907639-toy-story-hamm-cake-pops-t

http://family.go.com/disney/pkg-disney-recipes/recipe-bakerella-906513-mr-potato-head-cake-pops-t/

Amazing website for toddler and baby food ideas!

So a FaceBook friend posted about this website and I am so amazed! Pizza muffins? Fruit Leather? Oh my! I will definately be trying out some of these recipes. Take a look!
http://weelicious.com/

Meal Plan Week Jun2 23-29

Meal Plan

Meals:
#1 Cheese and Bell Pepper Enchiladas with Refried Beans.

#2 Blackened Catfish with Creamed Corn and Roasted Green Beans.

#3 Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Cherry Salsa, Smashed Potatoes and Sauteed Greens.

#4 Baked Penne with Salad and French Bread.

#5 Black-Eye Pea Cakes with Roasted Red Pepper, Collard Greens and Fruit Salad.

#6 Fettuccini with Spiced Pecans and Feta served with Sauteed Brussel Sprouts.

Apple Pie In A Jar

My husband adores Apple Pie! I have found my own twist to making it and when I do there is always high praise. Now, I think I've Tony's all time favorite thing to eat- Apple Pie In A Jar. It's all the goodness of apples, brown sugar and cinnamon in a personal serving.


You can also ship these for Christmas goodies or just to cheer up a friend. I promise you that if apple pie is your thing, you will LOVE apple pie in a jar!

Sarah's Apple Pie in a Jam Jar:

Filling:
6 apples, peeled and sliced
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbs cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tbs lemon juice
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 flour

Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bow.

Crust:
1 1/2 c flour
1 stick of unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp salt
1 tbs powdered sugar


Combine all ingredients in a bowl with a fork. Work until it all sticks together. If it's too sticky add a touch more flour.


Crumb Topping:
1/2 c flour
4 tbs unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 nutmeg


Using a pastry tool or a fork combine all ingredients until crumb texture is achieved.

Place 4-6 jars on a cookie sheet. Divide the dough accordingly. Press each portion of dough into the jar, up around the sides and finally at the bottom. If more is needed, simple add it for the bottom and press down with fingers. Add about 1/2 cup of apple mixture to each jar and top with the crumb topping. Bake at 400 degrees for about 40 minutes or until bubbly and top and sides are golden brown.


Enjoy!

Have You Ever Thought You Just Can't Do It All?

Well, I am having one of those weeks. I never really finished last weeks meal plan and have had little time for blogging lately. I start to feel very overwhelmed and stressed out and then take a step back and look...here is what I see...

I wish I had time everyday for doing my hair like a movie star.
I wish I worked out more. ALOT more.
I wish that I could spend more time sewing.
I wish I had a housekeeper...because with all of the stuff I love to do, cleaning is NOT one of those things.
I wish that I was more organized both with my life and with my thoughts.
I wish that everynight could be some magical gourmet creation for dinner and that I wouldn't have to balance that idea with a toddler that will not eat anything but chicken nuggets.

But here is what is REALITY...

I am a mom to two amazing kids who deserve my time and energy.
I am a wife to a wonderful man who is my best friend and he deserves my time, attention and energy
I am a homemaker and my home deserves my attention, keeping it neat, clean and enjoyable.
I am a chef for my family (and sometimes friends) and my family deserves to eat healthy and delicious foods.
I am a student, and with amount of $$$ I'm paying to finish my degree, my studies deserve my attention
....I am Sarah. I deserve some down time too.

It's impossible to split myself up into just the right amounts of energy for each part of my life. So, until I figure out the perfect balance here are some things that I am doing to help make myself more productive and (gasp!) organized.

1- Use a cleaning schedule
2- Plan my meals
3-Schedule play dates and play time with my kids
4-Make a date night schedule so that my husband and I can spend quality time together
5- Make time for myself.

Over the next 5 weeks I will feature tips on how I'm accomplishing each of these things.

This Weeks Deals At Publix with www.southernsavers.com

http://www.southernsavers.com/2010/06/publix-weekly-ad-616-622-or-617-623/

Check out this weeks deals with SouthernSavers, while there aren't too many this week I am crazy about I will be stocking up big time on the Seventh Generation Dish Soap! It is BOGO this week and I have about 6 coupons!!! Love it.

June16th Meal Plan

This again is a working progress...was feeling ill yesterday and didn't get much of anything done. I will edit and add a shopping list today and tomorrow.
June16MealPlan <========Click here to view and print the meal plan.

#1 Guava Glazed Chicken Thighs with Jalapeno, Kale, and Lentils

#2 Seared Salmon with Soy Ginger Noodles and Veggies

#3 Cuban Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Sofrito Rice and Green Salad

#4 Tortellini with Walnuts and Herbs with Sauteed Greens

#5 Cuban Sandwiches with Tostones and Mojo.

#6 Vietnamese Vegetarian Noodle Salad