Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Menu Plan Tuesday? (September 29-October 5)




Hello again!

Whew! What a week! I almost forgot to post my menu, but I think I remembered in time! It is only Tuesday, after all! Tomorrow is October 1(!) and I will be sharing some fantastic crock pot recipes with you all month. Here's the menu for this week.

Monday-Breakfast for supper (Scrambled eggs, ham, corned beef hash)

Tuesday-Almost Antibiotic Soup, rolls, crock pot chocolate peanut butter fudge cake

Wednesday-Kahlua pork, rice, green beans

Thursday- "Chicken" Parmesan casserole

Friday-DH cooks

Saturday-Leftovers

Sunday-Gingered Terriyaki Chicken, rice, grilled zucchini

Need ideas for your menu? Check out orgjunkie.com!

Until Next Time,

Vera

Friday, September 26, 2014

This N' That

Hello!

I have to say, my homemade ricotta turned out very well! I will share the recipe as soon as I get the pictures off my camera. I'm super bad about that!

It just hit me that next Wednesday is October 1. Seriously? Where has September gone? I love October. It's just right...September can be too warm and November can be too cold, but October, it's perfect! It's also a wonderful time to use your slow cooker, which is why I like to call it Crock-tober. Starting next Wednesday I'll be sharing some of my favorite Crock Pot recipes with you, as well as some new favorites! As long as I remember to take the pictures off my camera!

Until Next Time,

Vera

Monday, September 22, 2014

Menu Plan Menu (September 22-28)



Hello!

I started doing pretty well there for a few days, didn't I? Lol. Then the week got hectic and I just couldn't keep up. Do you think by October things will settle down? I certainly hope so! Our weather this week has cooled down quite a bit...mid to low 70's all week! I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to Autumn temps and transitioning my menu to colder temperature foods. On DH's quest to enjoy more meatless dishes, here is the menu for this week:

Monday:

Homemade falafel (made with homemade hummus) with homemade tzatziki
This will be served "street style" with tortillas used in place of pita pockets because that's what I have!

Tuesday:

Lasagne Skillet, salad, and hopefully some homemade bread
I'm really excited about this recipe...I made ricotta cheese (recipe soon!) yesterday to use in this!

Wednesday:

Irish Root Stew, biscuits
New recipe. It uses leeks and potatoes and sounds wonderful.

Thursday:

Taco Corn Fritters, Fried Cheesy Polenta, Green Beans
Another new recipe. It certainly sounds tasty though! I've made the polenta before, but I've never fried it.

Friday:

Date Night

Saturday:

Leftovers

Sunday:

Honestly, I have no idea! Something will come to mind I'm sure! Maybe I'll find inspiration at orgjunkie.com!

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Best Chicken Ever!

Hello Again!

Today I want to share a supper I made recently. Tuesday, I believe it was. On my menu was gingered skewered chicken. I first came across this recipe in a ToH publication for grilling and it was Gingered Skewered Beef. Let me tell you, it is delicious! I have made it time and time again and it is a requested recipe from my children during the Spring and Summer which is when I generally make it. However, it is a bit time consuming to thread enough beef onto skewers for seven people! And messy too!

Also, we are trying to cut down on our red meat consumption for a number of reasons, one being cost. While at the store, I found boneless, skinless chicken thighs on sale and snapped them up. I made the marinade the way I usually do, threw the chicken in, and then grilled the thighs. So. Good. So much better even, than the beef. Easier too. All the kids and DH just raved and raved about how good it was! So, here is the recipe for you to enjoy too!

Gingered Chicken
(I think it needs a new name!)
1 cup sugar
1 cup soy sauce (I use Bragg's Liquid Amino Acids due to DH's gluten sensitivity)
1/2 c vegetable oil
Onion powder (I use about 1-2 tsp.)
Garlic powder (about a Tbsp)
Ginger powder (about 1/2-1 tsp)
ground pepper
Chicken (I used a family pack of thighs)

Mix everything in a gallon Ziplock. Add your meat. It's best to marinate overnight, but I've marinated for as little as two hours and had it turn out delicious! Grill until your meat is done to your liking for beef or the juices run clear for chicken. I apologize there are no exact amounts for the spices. If you follow the link to the original recipe, you may be able to gauge better. I pretty much just dump it in.

My son had already started eating when I remembered to snap a picture! lol!

Until Next Time,

Vera
 

Monday, September 15, 2014

Weekly Menu (September 15-21)



Hello!

I can't believe how fast this month is flying! Already half over and it seems like it just started. Our temperatures have been fluctuation here for the past several weeks with loads of cooler temps, which I've been loving! Today seems a bit warmer though. I haven't looked at the weather forecast for this week, but I am trying to turn my mind to Autumn cooking. Here's the menu for this week.

Monday-Curried pork, rice

Tuesday-Gingered Skewered Chicken, leftover rice, steamed broccoli

Wednesday-Carnitas, fried cheesy polenta

Thursday-Pesto pasta

Friday-Going out for MIL birthday (it's on Wednesday)

Saturday-DH cooks

Sunday-Grilled ham steaks, cottage potatoes, green beans

Need inspiration for your menu? Head over to orgjunkie.com!

Until Next Time,

Vera

Sunday, September 14, 2014

A Wreath for All Seasons

Hello!
I think the craziness of school has finally settled down. The buses are running fairly smoothly...there's just been one hiccup. It seems that a morning routine is finally being established and I know what kind of time I have. I have been wanting to go out to the shed and get my Autumn decor, however, we've had tons of rain lately. In fact, last Tuesday the children had a two hour delay due to flooding from the excessive rain. However, I did have the materials to change out the wreath on my front door, so that's what I did!

Several months ago, maybe the end of May or so, my mom showed me a wreath she had made. Now, truth be told, my mother is *not* crafty, but this wreath was so darn cute! I can't remember where she said she got the idea, but it was a grapevine wreath and artificial flowers. I oohed and ahhed at it so much, she bought me my own wreath form and flowers so I could make one too! That particular wreath used red, white, and blue flowers, but the beauty of this wreath is that you can change it out to suit your needs.

While I was in need of a Fall Fix, I took down my summer wreath and got to work on making it ready for Autumn. Now I'd like to share with you, in case you'd like to make one. Throughout the year I'll be sharing more pictures of it as I change it for holidays and seasons. Let's get started!

First, you need your supplies:

 A grapevine wreath, assorted flowers, wire cutters

Next, cut all your flowers from the main stem. You can see in the picture below about how long to keep the stems. Too long and the poke all the way through the wreath. Too short and they won't anchor well.
 Once all your stems are cut, you simply poke the flowers into the wreath in a pleasing manner. That's it! You can add any embellishments you'd like too. I'm thinking of adding a bow to this one. I just haven't had a chance to do it yet.
Once you're ready for a change, simply pull the stems out and replace them with something else! Also, they don't have to be expensive. All the flowers and leaves used on this wreath came from the dollar store.

Enjoy!

Until Next Time,
Vera

Monday, September 1, 2014

Menu Plan Menu Sept 1-7 (2014)




Hello Blogland!

I'm back and hopefully this time it's for good. Until the next crisis, of course! Not that there's been a crisis, just have been extremely busy lately. I am happy to report that we are finally moved in to the house and the next few weeks will be a flurry of activity as I wrestle with unpacking some boxes, making curtains, trying to establish my routines, ect. First and foremost will be getting my kitchen in order. Since DH was living here before me, he has it set up a certain way and frankly, I have more stuff, so I need to rearrange it not only to accommodate the excess, but to my liking as well!

While the temperatures outside still say Summer, the calendar says Fall, for which I am grateful! While I have enjoyed mostly lazy days, I am very much looking forward to getting back to my structured routines. I started today with doing something I haven't done in weeks...making a menu. So, here it is, my meal plan for this week.

Monday- Breakfast for Supper

Tuesday- Pan fried chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans

Wednesday- Falafal with homemade tzatziki sauce

Thursday- Ham and cheese frittata, salad

Friday- Date Night (DH usually cooks)

Saturday- Leftoves

Sunday- Comforting Cube Steak, rice, corn

For more menu ideas, check out orgjunkie.com! What's on your menu?

Friday, August 15, 2014

Building a Better Wardrobe (Part One)

One of the most important aspects of "living vintage" is, well, wearing vintage. Vintage clothing is typically 25-30+ years old. So yes, that means you could very well wear something like this:

 and be wearing vintage. Of course, having lived through that particular era, I'd rather not revisit it! Although it certainly looks like some of these fashion trends are coming back if you see what is for sale in the shops.

When most people hear vintage though, or retro, I believe they think of something more along these lines:

The full skirted "New Look" of the 1950's. A very glamorous way to dress and very feminine too!

However, my vintage, the one that is most near and dear to my heart is something along these lines:


The war time look of the 1940's. There is just something so elegant about the clean lines, the soft folds of the skirts, the fun swing of dance dresses. I just love it. I do have several vintage patterns that I am hopefully going to be attempting in the near future. As soon as I have a sewing station set up and have acquired fabric!

Until that time, however, I am trying to figure out what to do with my current wardrobe. To be honest, I usually wear denim capris and a t-shirt. Daily. I do have several other colors of capris (my bottoms of choice for Spring and Summer months), but I really live in my denim ones. Sometimes I will pair them with a button down blouse, but most often it's a t-shirt. In fact, right now I am wearing them and a Dr Who t-shirt. So not vintage! I know pants were a staple in 1940's fashion. Women who did factory work sometimes opted to wear trousers or even overalls. I am quite tempted to purchase this pattern (and I'm fairly certain I will at some point) and make a few pairs of pants. But what to do in the meantime? Perhaps a visit to the thrift to tide me over until I can build my wardrobe up properly? Stay tuned!

Until Next Time,

Vera

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

What day is it again?

Hello again!

This blogging thing is proving to be more difficult than I thought! I will persevere!

We had a lovely time at the shore, though it is good to be home (even if it is to hustle and bustle!)

I believe I may have mentioned that we are in the process of moving. This is actually a sore spot with me...not  the moving, but the fact that my husband has been here for quite some time and has done little work. Don't get me wrong, he *did* totally redo the bathroom and it looks fantastic, but he hasn't done much else. So, in between Scout camp, the beach, trying to get kids tested and registered for school, VBS, packing up where we a currently staying, and a host of other things, guess who has been working on the house? You guessed it...this gal right here.

Monday I managed to almost finish painting the family room (the bulk of which was done before we left for the beach...should I mention DH did not come with us?). Today I finished the painting and then cleared two rooms where the carpet needs to be cleaned. I will be doing that Friday.

The list goes on, but the fact is school starts in three weeks and it would be nice to have the children living here :)

Tomorrow is the popcorn kickoff for Cub Scouts and Thursday is SB's birthday. Gotta kick it into high gear!

Until Next Time,

Vera

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Absence makes the heart grow fonder?



Hello!

I apologize for my recent absence. I just know you all have been waiting for my next post (haha!)

There have been a million things going on here. We are in the process of moving to a new city (same state) and all the children need to be registered before school starts, two Scouts have successfully been packed up, sent to camp, and have come home, and now we are getting ready to embark on your yearly trek to the beach.

You would think living close to a relatively major beach we would go more often, but the fact of the matter is, it gets too crowded, you have to pay for parking, you have to pack up your things at the end of the day and go home, and it seems to take forever to get there (even though it's maybe 30-40 minutes away). Instead we go to North Carolina. Corolla, to be exact. It's just me, my mom, and the kids, and we have a grand time!

If we aren't splashing in the waves, we are lounging by the pool. It is five days of complete relaxation. Our favorite tradition is going to Kill Devil's Frozen Custard for supper (while they have real food, we get a sundae or a cone or whatever) and then go to Five Guys for "dessert". It is something fun that we always look forward to!

I will try and pop in here and there during the week. I have a few projects on the needles to share and a few vintage topics to chat about!

Until Next Time,

Vera

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Weighty Wednesday

A check in for my weekly missions. I have been doing a great job of doing my exercises every morning. I actually look forward to them...they really wake me up and give a good stretch!

However, I have not been doing well when it comes to drinking my water! In fact, I've been pretty terrible about it. I am resolving right now to drink nothing but water starting tomorrow!

Since Monday my weight has been steadily climbing, even though I am eating less. When I thought about it though, I realized that I will be having a visitor very soon. I hope that's the only reason I have been gaining!

Till Next Time,

Vera

Monday, July 21, 2014

Menu Planning




According to The Good Housekeeping Housekeeping Book, Monday should be the day set aside to plan the meals and market for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Time spent on Monday should include shopping for these items, putting them away, and washing and trimming fresh vegetables. It's also the day that the kitchen should be thoroughly cleaned (more on that at a later date).

What about meals for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, you may ask. The book recommends doing this task on Friday.

Here is where an important rule comes into play: when you are doing something like this, you must find a way that fits your lifestyle. Right now in my life it is not really feasible for me to go to the store twice a week, especially on Mondays and Fridays (two of the busiest marketing days around here!). I generally go on Sunday afternoons, after Church or on Saturday mornings. I always plan my meals though, and shop accordingly.

Here is the vintage inspired menu for this week:

Monday-
Kielbasa
Macaroni and cheese
Green beens

Tuesday-
Potato soup
Biscuits

Wednesday-
Cheese souffle
Scalloped potatoes
Buttered lima beans

Thursday-
 Pan fried pork chops
Mashed potatoes
Peas

Friday-
Date Night

Saturday-
Leftovers

Sunday-
Salmon
Rice
Green Beans

For inspiring menu plans, visit orgjunkie.com
   
Till Next Time,

Vera

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Hello!

Hello Blogland!

Welcome to my humble little blog. A bit about me: My name is Vera* and I'm a 40ish housewife and mother to four (Brat, Bub, Princess, and Sugar Booger...or SB). I would say we are a fairly average family, living in an average city, in an average house.

I have always adored "old" things, even as a child. Something about them just touched a chord within me and it continues to reverberate. Now, while I have several vintage kitchen items and few pieces of furniture, I have no vintage clothing (I had a bit, but I gained weight--thank you middle age--and they no longer fit). In the past I have kept a vintage housekeeping schedule, but after experiences last year that resulted in having to move in with my IL's, it went to the wayside. Also, on occasion, I will cook a vintage menu.

What does that have to do with anything?

Well, a few years ago, there was a fantastic blog called Destination 1940 that chronicled "Jitterbug's" journey into the 1940's. Coincidentally, the 1940's is my preferred era. I started re-reading this blog last week and was inspired to adopt some of Jitterbugs routines and to re-visit some of my own vintage manuals and cook books. I also strengthened resolve (after being inspired by Jitterbug) to lose weight in a vintage way. I thoroughly plan to return to my vintage housekeeping routine once we move to our new house (next month) and to work on my wardrobe.

This blog is going to be a place to record my missions and results and to hopefully be a place where other people can look to when wanting to start a normal, everyday vintage lifestyle--no glamor included! Well, maybe a little :)

Week 1 Mission:

Continue to do morning exercises**
Drink 64 ounces of water daily

*Names have been changed to protect the innocent...or the guilty

**these are from Destination 1940. While I have posted the link for the now defunct blog, I am also going to post them here.

Exercises for Week 1:

 Before getting out of bed, do this routine five times: stretch body out with arms out at sides. Lift both legs simultaneously as high as you can, even, if you can, over your head; then down again, slowly.

Rise up on the balls of your feet, bring your arms up overhead, stretching, stretching, stretching everything from toes up, keeping chest high, abdomen in. (20 reps)

Stand with feet slightly apart, arms down at sides. Stretch arms in front up and over the head slowly as far as you can, without straining, then slowly return to original position. (5 reps)

(A) Stand with feet slightly apart, abdomen in, seat well down, fingers interlaced and raised high over head, arms making a frame for the face. Keep face framed by arms throughout exercise, and body absolutely steady from waist down. (B) Swing forward till body and arms are horizontal. Swing body round to right side and travel upwards till arms are over head once more. (C) Turn to the left and swing the body round and down till body and arms are once again horizontal, as in B. (5 reps)

Stand erect, feet fairly far apart; clasp your hands behind your neck. Force the head and elbows back, inhale through the nostrils, expel the air through the lips. Breathe in as the head goes back; exhale as you return to first position. (5 reps)

Stand tall, hands on hips. Lift on your toes, let the knees spread, lower your body until you are in a squatting position, buttocks resting on the heels. Rise slowly. (5 reps)

I have only been doing these two days and I can really feel it!


Till Next Time,
Vera