Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Children Learn What They Live

Children Learn What They Live

If a child lives with criticism
he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility
he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule
he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame
he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance
he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement
he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise
he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness
he learns justice.
If a child lives with security
he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval
he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship
he learns to love the world.
~Dorothy Law Nolte

At counselling last night, the counselor shared this with Jason and I. Just thought I would share.

Sunday, December 05, 2010

Roast Chicken, Squash, and Dill Potatoes Romanoff


This was my lunch today. I was going to do it for dinner, but figured that if I cooked it for lunch it gives me a lot more time to clean the mess up, LOL.

I also thought I would document how I cooked this since I really enjoyed it, and often forget these things. (I feel really old when I forget too...)

So the squash was easy. I removed the seeds and the peel, chunked it and boiled it. Once it was done, I added a little butter, brown sugar, sea salt, and pepper. I didn't measure anything, just did it to taste. Then I mashed it all together. So yummy. So easy too.

The Roast Chicken idea was thanks to Roy. He mentioned this to me and it's so easy! All I did was rub the chicken with a little bit of olive oil and season with sea salt and pepper. I was going to put thyme and rosemary on it, but I didn't have them in my cupboard. So I went simple. Then just cook it at 450 until the juices run clear and the chicken is a lovely brown. It's so easy and oh so yummy.

I got the recipe for Dill Potatoes Romanoff from the Cooking for 2 magazine. Though today I tripled the batch so I would have leftovers and my potatoes needed to be used up. But this recipe is for 2 servings.

Dill Potatoes Romanoff
2 cups cubed potatoes
2/3 cup cottage cheese
1/3 cup sour cream
1 tbsp all purpose flour
1 tbsp dried minced onion
1/4 tsp dill weed
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Boil potatoes until done. In a blender puree the cottage cheese, sour cream, and flour. Pour into a large bowl. Stir in the dill and salt. Add potatoes and toss gently.

Transfer to a baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese, bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Makes 2 servings.


Saturday, December 04, 2010

Menu Plan, Money, and Ramblings!

Thankfully my migraine from Thursday and Friday is gone. I think I figured out the trigger for that one. Stress, plus I ate bananas. I must remember to not buy bananas.

This afternoon (after my nap, oh how I love my naps!) I made a menu plan. I decided to not make it by the day, but just make sure I have enough food for a few meals with leftovers. Here is what I'm going to make this week and possibly next.

Roast Chicken Legs and Dill Romanoff Potatoes and Squash
Broiled Tilapia
Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Cilantro Lime Rice
Rice and Beans

I have various frozen veggies in the freezer, and some lettuce salad as well. Believe it or not I had most of this on hand. I did pick up some chicken legs for $1.49 for I think 3 pounds. I didn't think that was a bad price.

What killed my grocery budget was that I had to put shampoo, conditioner, and mousse. With my curly hair, I hate using the el cheapo products. They just make my hair a tangled mess. I ended up spending a little over $10 on hair products. Ugh. I hate that, but it's necessary now that I'm working full time and have to look professional. I wish I had the money for the Aveda products, but I just don't. So instead I settle for less ones.

You know I started talking about a budget and did not explain anything. I'm started to re-read my Dave Ramsey book and found a show on CNBC called "Til Debt Do Us Part." Between Dave and Gail Vaz-Oxlade on "Til Debt Do Us Part." I've been really inspired to get my money situation in order. I've made a couple of budgets and started doing the money envelope system. I think I have to make some adjustments, but I know I'm on the right track. :) I'd love to hear your favorite financial blogs/websites. Or if you post about financial stuff! I'm looking forward to being on track, though I still think that Money Sucks, lol. :)