Weekly Menu

I am not sure why I didn't think of this before or realize that this would really help my busy family out, but we have started a weekly menu plan. The light bulb finally turned on after visiting a friend in Michigan and seeing her dry erase board full of dinner ideas for the week. I was getting pretty bored with my usual dinner routines and scrambling around at the last minute and making a mish mosh of random items for dinner. I also knew it was getting pretty boring for my family when my husband announced that we have tacos like 3 times a week!

I already have a dry erase board that I use to write down the activities for the month so I took the side of it and designated it the dinner menu side! The boys and I brainstormed on what we should have for dinner for the week. I wanted to include them because if it was up to me I would make vegetarian or adult dishes all week and I would hear the lovely whining of "I am not eating this! It is gross!". Including them really worked out well and they get really excited to check to see what is for dinner that night of the week.

It also really helped when going to the grocery store. I usually just had a mental menu that I would try to remember when going shopping. Or I would just get whatever and throw it together and see how it turned out. This way I was able to figure out what we had and what we needed. I was even thinking that it may help if I ever wanted to venture into the crazy life known as couponing!

Here is am amature photo of what our menu is like for this week:

 

 

With the boys starting soccer and tae kwon do, we are busy every night this week! This menu has been so much more helpful than I ever realized it would! And thanks to Pinterest and the All Recipes App for my phone, I am able to find new recipes when I am in a rut.

 

 

Here are a links to some of the recipes I am making this week:

*Kids Fave

 

 

Picture Via: Better Homes and Gardens

 

Meatloaf*

 

 

Picture Via Yummly.Com

 

Corn Casserole*

 

 

Picture Via SkinnyTaste.com

 

Lasagna Roll Ups

 

 

Picture Via Better Homes and Gardens

 

Tortellini Bake

 

 

I hope to make this post a weekly thing! Good Cookin' to ya!

 

EEEK! I am on Pen Pal Of The Week1

Awhile back I posted about the Lost Art of Letter Writing and I sent a Pen Pal Ad to Pen Pal of the Week and I am on there now! My Pen Pal Ad is appropriately titled Dreadlocks! Check it out! :)

 

 

 

 



I love Books....Again...

Maybe it is the cold weather or the time I get by myself in my car waiting to pick the kids up from school, but book reading has come back into my life once again! My friend Cynthia also had a part in this because she let me borrow a book and I really enjoyed it and kept the reading train going! Here are a few books I have been reading.
*You can click on the pictures for more information on the books.*

 

This book literally made me laugh out loud! It was very witty and catching and had me not wanting to put it down. Which all equal a good book. It is about a man who has a series of unfortunate events happen to him. One very big one, in which his Father passes away and he has to go back home and be around his crazy family while dealing with all the ups and downs of his life. It was a very good book.

 

"Often sidesplitting, mostly heartbreaking...[Tropper is] a more sincere, insightful version of Nick Hornby, that other master of male psyche." --USA Today

The death of Judd Foxman's father marks the first time that the entire Foxman clan has congregated in years. There is, however, one conspicuous absence: Judd's wife, Jen, whose affair with his radio- shock-jock boss has recently become painfully public. Simultaneously mourning the demise of his father and his marriage, Judd joins his dysfunctional family as they reluctantly sit shiva-and spend seven days and nights under the same roof. The week quickly spins out of control as longstanding grudges resurface, secrets are revealed and old passions are reawakened. Then Jen delivers the clincher: she's pregnant.

This Is Where I Leave You is Jonathan Tropper's (One Last Thing Before I Go) most accomplished work to date, and a riotously funny, emotionally raw novel about love, marriage, divorce, family, and the ties that bind-whether we like it or not.
Via: Amazon.com

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This book was a little slow at first, but it definitely got better. I like an ending to a book that makes me smile and this ended like that. It is about an aging rocker who was in a band with a one hit wonder. He finds out he has to have life saving surgery, but isn't exactly sure he wants to have it and continue with his pitiful life. There were some definite tear jerker parts to this book. I liked the previous book a little better, but this one is very good too.

 

 

The bestselling author of This Is Where I Leave You returns with a hilarious and heart-rending tale about one family's struggle to reconnect.

You don’t have to look very hard at Drew Silver to see that mistakes have been made. His fleeting fame as the drummer for a one-hit wonder rock band is nearly a decade behind him. He lives in the Versailles, an apartment building filled almost exclusively with divorced men like him, and makes a living playing in wedding bands. His ex-wife, Denise, is about to marry a guy Silver can’t quite bring himself to hate. And his Princeton-bound teenage daughter Casey has just confided in him that she’s pregnant—because Silver is the one she cares least about letting down.

So when he learns that his heart requires emergency, lifesaving surgery, Silver makes the radical decision to refuse the operation, choosing instead to use what little time he has left to repair his relationship with Casey, become a better man, and live in the moment, even if that moment isn't destined to last very long. As his exasperated family looks on, Silver grapples with the ultimate question of whether or not his own life is worth saving.

With the wedding looming and both Silver and Casey in crisis, this broken family struggles to come together, only to risk damaging each other even more. One Last Thing Before I Go is Jonathan Tropper at his funny, insightful, heartbreaking best.
Via: Amazon.com

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I am currently reading this book and like it so far, I will give you more when I am finished.

 

 

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I thought I would just share some of my favorite books with you guys in case you are looking for something to take up some extra time and expand your mind!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPY READING!

 

 

 

 

 

 







Love Day Menu



Happy Valentines Day! It is a fun day to wear every piece of red or pink clothing you have! Well, at least that is what me and the boys do!
If you don't feel like being tacky-ily dressed on this day, why not find the way to your families heart through their stomachs?

We got Valentines morning started off right with some Red Velvet Pancakes for L and poached eggs with heart shaped toast for B (sorry he ate them too fast and didn't get a picture!)

 

 Red velvet pancakes with cream cheese "syrup"

 

Lovin' them pancakes!

 

 

And surprise surprise, I didn't make them from scratch! (Hey, this mama is not too much of a morning person!) I got the mix from good ol' trusty Aldi. And I have to say it was delicious!!

 

Since the boys will be at school for lunch, this Mama is probably going to have a candlelit lunch in front of the TV with some delicious Valentine's chocolate, that I bought for myself and hid just for this occasion...shhh...don't tell :).

 

For dinner we will be having these awesomely good spinach lasagna roll-ups via SkinnyTaste (one of my favorite recipe blogs)

 





 

These are so easy to make and my boys just gobble them up!

 

Besides any chocolate that may be left over from my "lunch" earlier, dessert will be a layered Red Velvet Cake! YUMMM! I cannot wait. If anyone had the cupcakes I made for my friends shower, the homemade frosting that was on those, will be on this cake. It is a secret recipe handed down to me from one of the best cooks and bakers I know (Becky). I hope it will look something like this.

 

 

via Pinterest

 

Once again, I will be using a box mix for time reasons, but I will be adding some sour cream instead of milk to make it more moist and delicious!

 

Do you do any fun Valentine's day menus? Leave me a comment here or on my facebook page to let me know what you are making.

 

HAPPY LOVE DAY LOVES!

The Lost Art

It kind of baffles me that writing a letter or sending a card is a lost art these days. And I was saddened to hear that the post office was going to stop Saturday mail delivery for many reasons, but one was the lack of people using the post office.
I am lover of all things mail. I like to send, and receive :), postcards, letters, cards and mail art. Come on, who doesn't like getting a special something in the mail that is addressed only to them?? And if you do not like getting this feeling when you get something in the mail, then you are using your email too much. Put away the computer and WRITE a letter, a thank you card, a postcard, draw a picture just WRITE something! Anything! To someone you love or haven't seen in awhile. I bet they will send something in return and then you will know what it is like to feel that special feeling when you open up the mail box and see something other than a bill addressed to you.

 

 

LETTER WRITERS ALLIANCE



My friends and family know that I like to send things in the mail, but did you know that I I also love being Pen Pals? Yep, the good ol' fashioned pen pal is always there when you need to send something to someone in the mail. I am actually a member of the Letter Writer's Alliance based out of Chicago. I have mentioned them before in past posts, and I really enjoy being part of it. You pay a one time fee to become a member and receive a member card. You will also get two pen pals out of it. One for you to write to and one that writes to you. They can give you a pen pal based on your age and any other special preferences such as female or male pen pals or if you do or do not want to write to someone living outside of the country. I have gotten a few pen pals from them,  but they kinda fizzled out. I just actually got two more pen pals per my request and I am enjoying starting to write to them. You can also get some unique stationery goodies on this site.

 

PEN PAL OF THE WEEK

 

I came across this website while browsing around one night and it is so cool and unique. For one the creator, Julie, makes her own stationery. Beautiful stationary I may add! And she has a few parts to her website that stand out. One is pen pal of the week in which she interviews and shares the answers to someone who likes to send and receive mail. And she is very good and keeping the variety in the people that she interviews. She also has a spot called Pen pal ads in which you send her a letter and she posts pictures of the envelope and then also scans and posts your exact letter onto her site. She asks that you write your top ten quirks, a little about yourself and what you want in a pen pal. Then others who are interested in contacting you can do so after reading your ad. It cuts out the mystery of finding a great pen pal. I did send an ad to her, but we will see if it gets posted. She also has lots of links to fun mail oriented blogs. Be sure to check it out, you won't be disappointed.

 

 

Here are a few other websites to check out if you want to send something in the mail:

Wreck This Girls Mailbox (lots of cool mail related parts to this website)

SendSomething.net (free to sign up, you get to make a profile of what you want to send and receive)

Postcrossing.com (free to sign up, start sending and receiving postcards from all over the world)

Givers Log (this woman sends fun things in the mail that are 13 ounces or less)

 

 

If these haven't spurred your interested in writing, I am not sure what will! Honestly, don't let the lost art of writing pass you up. Send anything that your heart desires to someone you want to just say hey to. It will brighten their day, there's no way it can't!

 

 





Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

Photo Via: So, How's It Taste?

MMMM!! My house smells delish right now! Why you ask? Because I have Blueberry Baked Oatmeal baking in my oven right now! I found the recipe in the ever trustworthy Pinterest. You can find it on my Let's Bake This board.
Here is the recipe:

Blueberry & Raspberry Baked Oatmeal

adapted by The Curvy Carrot
from Super Natural Every Day by Heidi Swanson
via Annie's Eats
makes 6 servings
nutritional value will vary depending on the fruit and ingredients you use

Ingredients:

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, divided
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup maple syrup (I used sugar free)
1 cup milk (I used skim)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2-3 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
1 cup blueberries or raspberries, fresh or frozen, divided

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375F.
2. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish. In a medium bowl, mix the oats, half of the walnuts, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine. In a liquid measuring cup, combine the syrup, milk, egg, butter, and vanilla.
3. Spread the sliced bananas in a single layer over the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half of the berries. Sprinkle the dry oat mixture over the fruit in an even layer. Pour the liquid ingredients evenly over the oats.
4. Sprinkle the remaining nuts and berries over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is browned and the oats have set. Let cool 10 minutes before serving

Here is my creation, right out of the oven!

 

 YUMMMM!

 

Contemplation

Not sure if any of you have been wondering out loud or to yourselves;
 "Where has this Funky Chicken girl been??"
Well, I have been wondering it right along with you!

I haven't forgetten about my blog, I just have been putting it off here and there because there has been this nagging voice in the back of my head. It is saying;
"Do you want to put all your bizness out there for the internet to see and talk about?"
Well, my inner voice hasn't totally won me over.
I am going to focus on changing my blog up a bit. Not sure if I will cancel it or not, I guess it depends on how the change will go.
I know we say we are busy, busy, busy all the time. But sometimes that is just the truth. Busy lives don't always leave room for taking pictures and posting them on my blog. And that is also part of my problem.
But, new year new blog? I am putting it out there that I will try to put more effort into this Funky Chicken, but no promises. Hope that is ok with you? :)

This Is What's Up

I have been busy, busy, busy, making items for my ornament swap and my jingle bell bonanaza (a sale of handmade items made my yours truly and my talented sister in law from A Vintage Feel).

Just thought I would keep you up to date onto what I have been up to :).

 

These lovelies are made from beach glass. They look so pretty in your hair! Some have cabachon roses on them too. You can find these at rTrail collective in Valparaiso. A Funky Chicken exclusive!

 

P.S. I have an artist statement included in this month's email newsletter. Check it out HERE

 

 

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These pretty little pockets are accompanying a reversible Holiday apron that will be for sale at the Jingle Bell Bonanza. I found the pattern at Made By RAE. It was very fun to make these! And they turned out so cute!

 

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WARNING:

IF YOU ARE IN MY ORNAMENT SWAP, YOU MAY NOT WANT TO READ ON IF YOU WANT TO BE SURPRISED!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These upcycled ornaments were made from circle bracelets, vintage yarn and pretty beads. I had everything right in my sewing room to make these gems! I am sending one out (along with some other ornaments that I have yet to reveal) to every one of the participants in my ornament swap.  I got the inspiration from Creative Jewish Mom .

 

 

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I have always wanted to make my own granola. I am not sure why I didn't do it before! It was so easy!! I had most of the ingredients in my pantry. Rolled oats, walnuts, slivered almonds and craisins. From browsing some recipes, you can pretty much put whatever you want in it as long as there are rolled oats. I mixed brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla in a small pot and brought to a slow boil. Stirring as I went. Then I poured that over the above mixed ingredients. After a taste test, it still didn't taste super good. After I spread the mix out on parchment paper that was laid on a baking sheet; I poured maple syrup over the top before baking it in the oven.

 I have to say it turned out very delicious!

I made enough to fill three pint glass jars.

I love mixing it with my yogurt every morning. Very Yummy! I will definitely make it again.

 

 

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I am enjoying making my holiday season and handmade one. Hope you are too!

 

Grown Up Boy

My son L has been really showing me what a little grown up boy he is.
The other morning his alarm went off. He got up, used the restroom, let the dogs out and then got into the shower and finished up in a good amount of time, got out and got dressed.
All. By. Himself.

Then over the weekend, L met some friend of mine. Friends that are my age. And when he introduced himself, he shook their hand. Yes, shook their hand, said his name and looked them in the eye. Without me prompting him too.

We also did a lot of running around this weekend and we were going in and out of various places. Every time we would go in and out of a door, he would either run to get to the door first so he could hold it for everyone coming in behind him or he would take over for the person holding the door and tell them to "go ahead and go in.". Once again, without any prompting from me.

All of these little gentleman things he does just makes my heart swell. He is showing me he is growing up and it is so bittersweet. I am raising a grown up boy and I couldn't be any prouder.

HANDMADE ORNAMENT SWAP!

Now that Halloween is over it's time to bust out the Christmas stuff, right? :) Well, not really, but it is time for Funky Chicken's Annual Handmade Ornament Swap! Those that participated last year really enjoyed it and I want to make this a tradition around the holidays.

All you have to do is send me an email (at Stephaus@gmail.com) with your name, address, and any color schemes (if any) that you are following this year. If you want to participate please email me the info by NOVEMEBER 24TH. I will email you your partners name, address and the ornament send out deadline date.

Any age can be involved as long as you handmake the ornament yourself.

The only rules are that the ornament has to be handmade and sent out by the deadline date. Please remember packaging. We wouldn't want anyone's ornament to get broken on the way!

Happy Handmade Ornament Making!!

Peace~
Stephanie