Easy Meals

A few weeks ago I saw a nutritionist who has completely changed the way I eat. Because of this most nights our dinners look the same. A portion size of a lean meat or fish, a 1/2 cup of a whole grain starch and as many veggies as I want. Since most nights look the same I haven't been posting menu plans but I do want to share a few recipes that I've been making and loving. These all fit my nutritionists guidelines as long as I keep the portion size in control. We usually eat them with either whole grain rice or pasta or sweet potatoes.

Source: grocerybudget101.com via Rachelle on Pinterest

Key West grilled chicken - This marinade is easy to throw together and grill on summer nights.

Source: bigoven.com via Rachelle on Pinterest

Bourbon Chicken - Tastes just as good as take out chinese

Source: rachaelraymag.com via Rachelle on Pinterest

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia - This simple fish recipe is really good!

Source: amysfinerthings.com via Rachelle on Pinterest

Alice Springs Chicken Copy cat recipe - This only fits the criteria if I make it with low fat cheese and turkey bacon, but it's still delicious! My husband recently had the Alice Springs Chicken at Outback and said he liked mine better!

Source: myrecipes.com via Rachelle on Pinterest

Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce - This is one of my new favorite recipes :)

An answer to prayer

A few months ago I found myself in desperate need of some extra income to pay off some medical bills and for costly prescriptions that my insurance doesn't cover. I remember praying that if God would provide another job for me, I would be a faithful servant and do the work required.

A co-worker had given me the number of two companies she tutors for, but I had hesitated to call. I knew that tutoring after school would keep me away from home and wipe out the little time I have with my husband. (Our schedules don't always line up so great.) Around the same time another co-worker of mine suggested I take some of my ideas and make my own units on TPT, which I honestly hadn't given  much thought to before. But she believed in my creativity and drive, and it was the push I needed to get started.

Three months later I just received my first check from TPT to the sweet tune of $2,001. I know compared to a lot of you that is a drop in the bucket, but not only is it more than I ever thought I would make..... it's more than I needed to cover the bills and prescriptions! So instead of comparing myself to others I am going to thank God for providing for us in a difficult situation.

I LOVE making units for TPT. It is time consuming, and a LOT of work. But it's work I can do at home. While watching TV with my husband, or even playing fetch with my dogs. In all honesty, at the end of a long day, it's kind of nice to sit down and put my creative side to work.

For all of you who have supported my, my store and my blog. THANK YOU. From the bottom of my heart. You may never know just how much this means to my family. <3

MPM: Apr 2nd - 8th

Monday: Alice Spring Chicken, Broccoli, biscuits, mini pineapple upside down cakes
Tuesday: KFC copycat chicken, corn, mashed potatoes & gravy
Wednesday: Sweet n Savory Meatballs over rice
Thursday: Pizza Casserole, garlic bread, green beans
Friday: Homemade Chicken Nuggets, sweet potato fries, corn on the cob
Saturday: Chicken Florentine w/spinach , biscuits
Sunday: Easter Dinner at a friends :)

MPM: Mar 26 - Apr 1

Monday: Alice Springs Chicken
Tuesday: Out to eat for our anniversary
Wednesday: Key Lime Grilled Chicken
The rest of the week will be from my freezer cooking session:
Thursday: Teriyaki Chicken
Friday: Lazy Day Stew
Saturday: Sweet n Savory Meatballs
Sunday: Sausage & Peppers

MPM: Mar 19 - 25th

It's Spring Break! I am so excited to have more time (and energy to cook!) I have some new recipes I am excited to try.

Monday: Likely to have dinner with family before my brother in law and his new fiancee leave town
Tuesday: Pork Chops with Pineapple Fried Rice
Wednesday: Out to Eat
Thursday: BBQ Asian Chicken
Friday: "Best Pot Roast Ever" (we shall see....)
Saturday: Prep Crock Pot Meals for the following week using THIS plan, Key West Grilled Chicken
Sunday: Outback's Alice Springs Chicken

MPM: Mar 12 - 18

Ok, I'm slowly getting back into the menu planning/cooking groove. All the meals I planned in my last post got cooked, it just took two weeks instead of one. I'm trying to keep things very simple because more seems to get cooked that way. I'm also starting to hoard away fun recipes for Spring Break, which is just one short week away!

Monday: Asian BBQ Chicken on the Grill
Tuesday: Satay Lettuce Wraps
Wednesday: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Thursday: Artichoke, Mushroom and Swiss Quiche (from the freezer)
Friday: Bow Tie Lasagna
Saturday: Pork Chops & Baked Potatoes
Sunday: Beef Stroganoff

What's Cookin In My Kitchen.... Feb. 26 - March 3

I'm alive!!! Truth is... I have not cooked in a really, really long time. But this week that changes! I know I'm being very ambitious planning a weeks worth of cooking after take a month or so off.... but I'm hoping it's what I need to kick my butt into gear!

Sunday: Loaded Nachos
Monday: T-Bone Steaks & Baked Potatoes on the grill
Tuesday: Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings
Wednesday: Bourbon Chicken over rice
Thursday: BLTS & macaroni salad
Friday: Lemon Chicken
Saturday: Pork Tenderloin with broccoli