Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

I made a tweaked wheat free (buckwheat flour) version of this moreish Cinnamon Roll Pancakes recipe today.They are delicious, just don't do what I did and taste with haste (in other words shove it in your gob too quick) because you'll burn the roof of your mouth.

I used my own pancake recipe but followed the tips found on Pinterest.
I had my idea for it but checked google for 'how to make' and Pinterest showed me dozens of recipes.

Unfortunately, I did not have cream cheese drizzle but I will next time.
Plus, I will stack them 3 high...two is not enough.

I am also going to try her other suggestions and a few of my own.

TIP - Recipe Girl's tips are valuable to success.

 

PS did you know you can now pin directly from the image, come back tomorrow and I show you mine.

Edited - to change image.
Be careful when you are pinning because there are a lot of spam links with popular recipes like this, and images that don't lead direct to the website. 



♥

Things I know - I' m getting off the naughty list & a Christmas giveaway

I am a terrible Christmas planner. I know I leave everything to the last week and then stress about it. I even go shopping for things I have forgotten last minute specials on Christmas Eve.

I know, I am still up at midnight wrapping presents I’ve had for ages- *slap me* as my husband desperate for a few hrs sleep , is forced to hold this bit or that as I tape , add ribbon, or search for a Christmas bag to fit.

Christmas morning, I know I am usually rushing to gather together my Christmas dinner contribution or if we are the host – it’s chaos. I know it drives my husband nuts.

╔═════════ ೋღ❤ღೋ ═════════╗
ೋ❤❤❤~MERRY CHRISTMAS~❤❤❤ೋ
╚═════════ ೋღ❤ღೋ ═════════╝

~NOT~

This year I am now the proud recipient of Katrina - The Organised Housewife’s Christmas Planner –a lovely E-book chock full of ideas and lists that I know would make Mrs Claus jealous and will certainly get me off the naughty list.

Imagine 45 pages full of  incredible Christmas planning  starting with calendars, checklists and a weekly planner.

I know the Santa Letter, Gift Lists, including a daily advent list, stocking suffers and shopping list is going to save me time and stress. This year I will seriously be behind in my planning since we won’t get home till late November. I'll need all the help I can get.


Katrina has even thought of the hidden gift list ...I have a terrible memory and forget where I have stashed gifts for the kids. I find stuff months later.

I know my DH will not  ...

Image via flickr

The Organised housewife has covered  just about everything , guest list, card list, budget , recipe list , meal and baking plans, traditions and holiday packing list and an itinerary.

I know I'll have more time to eat ...

More time to eat Fruit Mince Tarts

(credit :Baker's Delight)

I plan to put it all in a nice Christmas folder so I can check it off as I go, along with my pin interest printouts . I will be sleeping peacefully now I have this Christmas Planner.

I was sent a copy to review - you can get your Christmas Planner here for $9.95 !
Though from October 31, the price will be $14.95.

To win a copy leave a comment telling me your favourite Christmas tip.

If you purchase a copy now and are my random.org winner – Katrina will refund your money.

Ps - I haven't forgotten last year all our credit cards were cancelled on 23rd December due to over $10,000 in Overseas Fraud !

No rules for this giveaway anyone can enter !
Closes Oct 29th  2011.

For more Daily tips, ideas and motivation to help you and your household become organised to live more comfortably and relaxed at home - check out Katrina's blog.

Disclaimer - the Christmas planner is an affiliate link so I receive a small commission if you use the above link.

 

♥ Never miss a post

Finishing up ~ Messy Meal times

Sponsored by Nuffnang

In our house all the Drummer boys’ favourite meals are messy ones. As part of the Finish Quantum We Love Messy Meals campaign, I’ve been experimenting with our favourite messy meals
 - Spaghetti bolognaise, Lasagne, Roast lamb, Sticky Chinese chicken wings,

 

pancakes, chocolate brownies and Choc caramel slice (ok that’s my ultimate challenge – do you know how hard it is to scrub off hardened sticky caramel !!)

 

 I admit I am the messiest cook ever (just ask my brother or hubby – it drives them nuts I use every pot, spoon and bowl in the cupboard ). Especially when I have two 3ft helpers who elbow and jostle each aside for a stir ; flinging a few spoonfuls over the floor, the bench, each other or me...sometimes I have to give them a bowl each to stir. It makes for a huge mess but of curse course it is all good family fun.

Grab your aprons, start the oven, make as much mess as you can, get your pitch forks out, dig in and get messy while the camera is rolling.

Then upload your messiest photos and videos for a chance to win a cool $25,000 cash and have your family star in the next Finish commercial.

It's the good news we have all been waiting for ! 

...there is no need to rinse anything before hand ...I love it

1.    When we live on tank water it will save water.
2.    No need to unwrap (The biggest Drummer boy has been known to leave wrappers on)
3.    The other dishwasher packers (that includes me) are lazy so it saves time. I am hardly much of a rinser (unlike my SIL which drives me a little crazy rinsing or scrubbing the baking dishes clean to put them in her dishwasher – though she uses Finish too - but that’s just the way it is.)
4.    Banish re-washing or hand scrubbing the bits usually left behind.
5.    Shiny wine glasses. Everyone comments on them !

Finish powers right in, like a little army of soldiers, to target and clean away even the toughest baked on stains (burnt, crunchy edges too – just wash away- just saying -not my cooking!)

FINISH® QUANTUM® utilizes a breakthrough multi-chamber technology that releases each agent when needed during the cycle. Smart !

I just wish Finish would invent an automatic un-packer and I could FINISH up the kids !

Though whoever wins the Messy meal competition is going to be laughing all the way to the bank...leaving the dishes behind for a cleaner maybe !

The  messy meals gallery of entries with Australia’s messiest meals is very entertaining. I love this example  Lots of cute kids !

Do you think your family could challenge Quantum to the ultimate dishwashing test?
Have you got a messy meal story to share?

Do you love to take photos of your little darlings and their messy face meals.
Want to win $25,000 ??

Stuck for ideas – FINISH has created a PDF download with a recipe book full of deliciously messy family meals

Make sure you get your photos or video entries in now www.messymeals.com.au - Get in quick as there isn’t much time left !

What are you waiting for ? You too can have fun creating messy meals with your family.

What is your messiest meal ?

♥  

Menu planning and the kitchen sink

One of the advantages of towing a caravan on a roadtrip is bringing everything including the kitchen sink with you :).

We can stop and have lunches or a quick snack anywhere , anytime. We have a gas toaster (have you seen one) and gas kettle ( plus stove complete with oven). The boys love hot buttered raisin or vegemite toast on the road. Sometimes it is cheese & tomato crackers and (once) bacon & egg rolls (the flies heard us coming too)

I also love a hot cuppa brewed, just the way I like it - any way my DH makes it (Did you know Foxslane has her own coffee machine in her caravan and Barista)

When we pull up for the night I enjoy cooking .We eat a healthy and balanced diet, even though I seem to craving junk food  {hot ,salty chips on the beach anyone }!

I am trying to limit takeaway food {scarce & unattractive in remote areas as well as expensive} by serious menu planning. Some days we ARE MILES  from shops where we camp.

My Menu plan this week ...

Monday - Hoping to get some Fresh fish today ? to grill or lightly crumb with home style wedges & salad

Tuesday - BBQ Steak and Salad

Wednesday - Baked pea, ham & rissotto (from WeighWatchers Cook Hearty)

Thursday - Satay Chicken with steamed veges brown rice  (I cheat using a Maggi dry powder packet mix ,adding my own peanut butter, onions)

Friday - Meatballs with spiral pasta

Saturday - Chicken Schnitzel - mash & steamed vegies 

Sunday - Slow roasted leg of lamb {mint jelly&gravy} with baked veges/steamed greens.

(Frozen leftover caravan cooked Shepherd's pie is my emergency backup)

So please share what are you favourite family cheat meals or 4 ingredients type dinners you think I can tackle in my caravan?

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Menu planning, goals and Weight Watchers ~ giveaway

Lately I have been struggling to provide my family with a  hearty, healthy menu that isn't boring. I haven't menu planned in months due to many reasons . A lot of them because of traveling to the farm and back. We leave at short notice and I have a half empty pantry in both places. I can't remember sometimes what I do and don't have. I get lazy.

I know when I menu plan each week it is one less thing to worry about at 4-5pm. It saves the budget (& the belt) from a blowout with takeaway or another trip to the supermarket where I come away spending more than necessary and $$$ on extra goodies I don't need (like chocolate on special).

Noticing that my weight was starting to increase made me stress and eat more comfort food... does this happen to you ?

Two weeks ago , Weight watchers were a major sponsor at the Blogger's brunch. I enjoyed listening to Melinda Gainsford -Taylor a former Olympic athlete, now WW Ambassador, talk about her battles with weight and subsequent weight loss with Weight watchers. I listened hard , wow it can happen to anyone I thought.

They gave us a beautiful recipe book Cook Hearty ~ factoring in the new Pro Points.

OMG- look what is on the cover was my first thought.

Weight Watchers Pro Points is a new program placing more focus on proper nutrition, still based on  4 pillar foundation approach that focuses on exercise, support, behavior and food.

We don't just get you to your goal weight - we teach you how to enjoy a healthy lifestyle for life. 

For the record I am not overweight as such, but I am not comfortable with my current weight, almost at the upper end of my healthy weight range 54 - 67kg (check the calculator) ~ almost 66kg  or HERE

My clothes are just too snug and some even more uncomfortable. I don't have a budget for new clothes.

I know when I was working full time I walked a lot during the day and I was always busy at home after hours [ in my pre-Internet addiction  years] . Then after my twin babies arrived , I was breastfeeding twins for 4 yrs  and I was also very active running after them. I walked a lot with the stroller and I could eat like a horse anything!

I have a HEARTY appetite anytime and I don't want to stop. The last year I've noticed the kilos creeping on. I started the Couch 2 5km in January and completed it successfully in March. My clothes felt looser though my weight was still much the same.

I continued the program till mid April when I got a bad cold and had a hacking cough for over a month. I stopped running and even walking on my treadmill.I had no excuse but it took me another month to re start when I saw the scales and thought my clothes are shrinking  whoa , hold your horses Trish !


Inactivity , the wrong foods and large portions are my downfall. I also eat the kids leftovers because I hate waste.(check this article if you do this too - How to curb kid- food snacking)


My boys like also to cook cookies/brownies/cakes /pancakes and eat crackers & chips ...as well as 2-3 apples a day each if I let them. (The recipe book has great variations)

I digress ! Weight watchers were offering bloggers at the Brunch a free trial membership.

Yes, I am going to take it up. I can sure use a little guidance and support to keep my weight goals on track.

There is even a hugely popular iPhone app which allows you to track your pro points, log your weight, look up recipes on the go...

The recipe book they gave us has more than 70 hearty recipes . I know from drooling over flicking through even my fussy family will eat a lot of them or a variation. Such an inspiration.

Online - there is even more tools. I like the flexibility to access it anywhere (especially since we will be traveling for two months. Weight watchers online is a perfect do- it -yourself weight loss solution.

My Menu plan this week is

Tuesday - Chicken , roasted pumpkin and feta filo parcels or a variation for the small boys ( think healthy chicken sausage rolls with carrot) (from WW Cook Hearty)

Wednesday - Baked pea, ham & oregano rissotto (from WW Cook Hearty)

Thursday - Roasted pumpkin and ginger soup (from WW Cook Hearty)

Friday - Meatballs with rice (from WW Cook Hearty)

Saturday - Chicken drumsticks with homemade chips or Honey Mustard Chicken - steam vegies (WW website -anyone can use this recipe section but not access to 1500 recipes)

Sunday - Slow roasted leg of lamb (from WW Cook Hearty)

(I am also making those Choc Lava puddings on the cover one night.

Weight Watchers have also offered me a free, one month membership to Weight watchers online for ONE of my readers to try.

To enter visit the Weight watchers website , (there are lots of areas to access whether you join up or not- so much information they share)

Tell me what you would find most useful on Weight watchers site ?

The ultimate goal, as it should be, is a healthy but effective weight loss.

Are you ready to lose weight ? ( 60 sec quiz)

Ends 23rd August 

Share this giveaway for an extra entry

Australian residents only.

PS As always before you embark on any weight loss regime check with your Dr if you are overweight or have existing health issues.

♥ Never miss a post

What's on the menu ?

Talking about eating today ...what better subject !

I have been making yogurt using the Easiyo Sachets with the Easiyo Yoghurt Maker. I was fortunate to be given mine pre owned by my MIL, it made too much for her own use.(Easiyo needs to bring out a single person's version, though you can now buy smaller tubs and make two pots. (I am not telling her though =) )

I want to buy the smaller jars next. Anyway my Easiyo got buried in a cupboard. I was visiting my mum recently and saw her Easiyo maker sitting on the bench. I had a try of her yoghurt (from the fridge). It was quite good.

Was I Surprised
YES !

In my bid to eat healthier/fresher & cheaper I decided to finally try Easiyo Yogurt Maker. They are only about $20 (with 2 packets I believe) to buy from supermarkets so it works out to be a very low cost set up for Yoghurt making. You don’t have to boil milk or measure temperatures or anything.

It is so easy ... You simply add your choice of Easiyo mix to the cold water ( to the 1L jar) and shake, twice. Then you just add boiling water to the Easiyo flask . Pop in the IL jar and attach the lid. Leave it on the bench for about 8hrs or overnight till it's set .

That’s all there is to it! You get perfect yogurt every time [well I've made three batches but so Mum said , she's been using it for a while. Mum's are always right, right =) ].

I think the Easiyo is probably something I would have dismissed as I walked past in the supermarket aisle. I thought there was no way yoghurt powder could taste like real yoghurt ...much like powdered milk. You have to be desperate to drink it.

How does it work ?
I don’t know =) I am not exactly sure of the science behind Easiyo but my understanding is the yoghurt powder has freeze dried healthy bacteria that reactivates once added with water.


Is Easiyo worth it?
YES! It was too easy.

Does it taste good?
YES!

Do the kids like it
YES !

Does it come in flavours ?
YES several Natural, Low Fat,Greek , Apricot, Strawberry. Organic but I have yet to try them (only tried the low fat & vanilla custard style). I plan to start working my way through all the flavours!.

You can buy even a Easiyo pureed fruit to mix through or squeeze over (my mum had this and I liked it -not sure of the sugar content ) though you can still flavour them (after setting) with anything you like, especially now in summer with all of the yummy fruits available I used frozen berries in mine today. I even used up a spare jar of mango baby puree.

How long does it take to make?
The preparation time is less time than it takes to make a cup of tea....then it's just a little patience.

Cost ? on going about $3 plain - $3.78 for 1kg (flavoured) or cheaper if you buy plain or a 3 pack

Would I recommend it ... Yes, if you are interested in no fuss & easy homemade yogurt this is definitely the way to go. I have seen a few recipes using powdered milk or boiling milk but I am happy with the convenience and the no fail sachets. I eat it for the taste, it's fresher and less the price of store yoghurt. The health benefits are a bonus.

(Ps I didn't get paid to write this ..have to find the camera cord to upload & post pics)

---

Now where was I ...

My Menu Plan Monday (though subject to change and a whim - Exclusively food is such a delicious site.)

Monday - Meatballs & Tomato sauce or this one
Tuesday - Little Athletics till 6pm so maybe it's Takeaway for them & Tuna Salad for me
Wednesday - BBQ Grilled Marinated Chicken & vegies
Thursday - Mini Quiches & Salad
Friday - Steak Diane & Potato Gratin
Saturday - Monkey see will have ideas for me no doubt.
Sunday - Roast Lamb (with garlic,gravy & mint sauce)and vegies ...if I can wait all week
See more menu planning inspiration at Organizing Junkie

I still feel guilty :( thinking about food and even cooking or eating it...my clothes have all shrunk with all the heat =).


Anniversary Tickers
♥

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Cool Comfort

Today, was much cooler. The rain started here. I wish it was down there in Victoria for their sakes.

Today we heard progressively worst updates on the number of lives lost - the worst natural disaster in Australia's history.

I wanted to cry for the huge loss of life now 130.I feel numb and I don't know what else to say.It will take people a long time to come to terms with this. Lives shattered.

Though the fire has not impacted on my life personally , except we had someone call our business asking for help to provide assistance. Even from the safety of a couple of thousand kilometres away, the threat of fire scares me .I cry when people tell their stories.

5000 homeless.When I try to imagine their pain, their tragedy, of whole families being trapped in their cars last, calls to family and though less of a loss - homes and possessions, ...it’s heart breaking.

I can't do much to help but I can go shopping or donate. I saw this press release.

This Friday 13th Coles will donate profits from its 750 stores nationally to the Government’s Bushfire Appeal Fund in partnership with the Red Cross.

You will also be able to donate to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund at all Coles stores through the checkouts.

Coles Managing Director Ian McLeod said "Like everyone in the community, we’ve been shocked by the devastation these fires have wrought, and we extend our deepest sympathies to those who’ve suffered loss in this terrible event," Mr McLeod said.

Mr McLeod said the size of this Friday’s donation would depend on customer support, but could be several million dollars.

"We hope Australians will help us make this Friday’s donation as substantial as possible."

To donate blood call the Red Cross on 131 495

For donations of money please contact The Salvation Army or the Red Cross 1800 811 700

Please also donate any clothes, blankets or furniture to your nearest Salvation Army or other charity collection point.

I am thinking of the Flood victims in Queensland too.


My Menu Plan Monday ... though subject to change and a whim - Exclusively food is such a delicious site.

Monday - Meatballs & Tomato sauce or this one
Tuesday - Anniversary dinner OUT
Wednesday - Chicken & Pasta Bake
Thursday - Mini Quiches & Salad
Friday - Steak Diane & Potato Gratin
Saturday - Valentine Dinner for two IN ...to be a surprise but Monkey see will have ideas for me no doubt.
Sunday - Roast Lamb and vegies

I still feel guilty :( thinking about food and even cooking or eating it.

---

Days of Grace 8/365

1. The cool change
2. Bettina's prayer
   
3. Rain tonight
   
4. My home
5. Survival stories ...
   

Chat about the chow Monday

I found my box (2) of Recipes cards under the sink (well I knew they have been there for ages) so I have hundreds of ideas but so few nights and time to use them . I have to pick something new for Thursday later though.

I like these quick favourites. Now daylight savings is here and we go walking late afternoon too ... dinner is later most days .
So I’ve simplified my menu to easy things to cook (more comfort food things toddlers like to eat instead of throw on the floor straightaway) when Daddy gets home.

As my twin toddlers need a lot of my attention or they get up to all sorts of mayhem . Otherwise as I cook dinner each night, my twin 2-year-olds tear the house or garden apart.

On our menu this week:

Monday: Steak, oven fries and salad

Tuesday: Home crumbed Chicken schnitzel, 'fried' vegetable rice (steam rice in rice cooker and chuck in frozen vegies, sauted chopped onion,chopped ham or bacon, cooked egg)

Wednesday: Spaghetti (with 6 vegies - including hidden carrot/zucchini/spinach/mushroom) Bolognaise , side salad & garlic bread

Thursday: Something new from my recipe box ? or open to any suggestions ?

Friday: Chicken or Beef Tortillas/Burritos (whats the difference? )

Saturday: Pizza

Sunday: Roast Beef served with steamed beans/carrots /othervege and baked potato

Before I click "publish " and head off to finish one of a thousand duties on my to do list, I'll share a few things with you.

My Assvice of the day - why do I menu plan?

1. I always know what meat to take out of the freezer the night before. Helps me to avoid last minute unhealthy desperation meals or buying take away.
   
2. To save time by planning quick and easy meals.Dinner is a little more organized and hopefully on the table around the same time every night.
3. I always have the ingredients for whatever I’m cooking because I make up my menu plan before going grocery shopping. I save money by not buying food I don’t end up using or food getting wasted , left lurking in the bottom of the fridge.

Disclaimer: I don't always publish my menu plans ...nor follow them but I try !

WHAT’S ON YOUR MENU THIS WEEK?

See more drool worthy mouth watering menu plans at I'm an Organising Junkie
also read her best advice on How to Menu Plan - There's Really Nothing to it

♥

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Chat about the chow

Over the last few weeks I haven't thought much about menu planning.Dinners have been spur of the moment, sometimes it has just been the boys and I. I haven't had much of an appetite either. I have lost 6kgs but I can't afford to lose much more.

I am once again inspired to get more organised ... the fridge and freezer needs a good sort, don't we all right now and it is next on my getting things done list. I don't mind organising the freezer but I hate the frozen hands.

I got a slow cooker aka crock pot - what a pot of crock for my birthday but I haven't had much chance to try new recipes. Pity winter is almost over, I love warm, soul food. Though this morning was the coldest day so far this year so we might yet have a cold snap.

With a hungry teen the food snacks, softdrink, milo and milk disappears faster than I can blink. D is a growing boy and so are his friends.When we have two or three teenage boys around there are no leftovers and the snacks supply gets depleted quickly.Apples or fruit don't cut it for him. He is quite handy making 2 minute noodles now and toast but not cleaning up the mess.


Monday: Slow cooker Roast Chicken, oven baked potatoes and steamed vegies (or maybe slow cooked)

Tuesday: BBQ Steak and steamed vegetables , chippolata sausages for the littles.

Wednesday:Slow cooker Spaghetti with sneaky lentil and vegetable bolognaise, garlic bread

Thursday: Chicken Surprise and rice

Friday:Leftovers ...umm if there are any

Saturday: Lamb cutlets, savory rice & vegetables (Joel especially loved Lamb cutlets the first time I gave them to him two weeks ago but with the price they are a $pecial treat)

Sunday: hoping for an invite out ;) to dinner because it is my niece's birthday .

I am hungry now just thinking about all these dinners, must be time for munching lunch !!!
It feels good to have a plan again -things have been chaotic of late. Now let us see how well I follow it.
See more great recipes and menus Laura @ organising Junkie
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Eating Safe

I found about this website today Eating Safe (via Simple savings).

It is a new website called Eating Safe designed to reduce stress, save time and money. I know a lot of friends allergic to egg, milk and peanuts. They seem to spend a lot of time looking at the back of products for the list of ingredients and more time shopping (yes that's bad - dangerous for your sanity [especially with kids in tow] and the hip pocket or purse!

Eating Safe allows you to search their website lists by allergen and food type - and you can specify this down to quite a specific and detailed level.I have only scratched the surface of what it can do.

It analyses your inputs and you get a summary of products available, the pack size,whether they are red (presence indicated), amber (presence possible)or green (presence not indicated) for the allergen(s).

Then you can check individual labels and if necessary ask for more clarification through a forum.Eating safe site staff can contact the manufacturers for their advice.

Flickr-Maiylah

It's also very useful for searching additives and nutrients. Search up to four allergens / additives / nutrients at a time , select suitable products and add them to your custom shopping list (as a member).

It is free to join and as a member you will be notified of any product updates that are relevant to your health concern. The database is growing currently it has 13,829 food labels listed.

It will make everyone in the family and especially kids happier munchers!

Welcome NCLM visitors - please read my welcome post HERE

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Milk and Menu Plans

Food is my favourite topic !

My Menu plan Monday last week went well . We stuck to the menu 4/7 days.One night (supposed to be pizza) we ate bits and pieces (sausage sandwiches/or on a roll) and leftovers (me) another we swapped chicken and vegetable sticks for steak. Sunday night - we had HJ because we had to drive someone home and the family dinner was cancelled too.

Now, I had to think about what will we eat this week. I did browse a few recipes from my recipe blog but they might be my lunch and I won't post desserts because that's not fair.

I let my other blog slide because I ran out of recipes ...feel free to send me your favourites I would love to revive my blog one day.

Some good news my non-eater, S is eating a little more but not a vegetable has made it past his lips - he hands it to me or tosses it. I worry about him because I know he is anaemic.

This , too will pass. ...One day I will look back and smile ... my teenager devours everything not locked up eats well but was fussy at times as a toddler.

Neither S or J drink cows milk but are still breastfeeding several times a day. I do make S hold out a but more now to encourage him to eat but sometimes it isn't worth the screaming and my guilt to deny him. I don't like to call it demand fed but child led ... at a mutually agreeable time to mummy.

They are so funny now one will bring me the feeding pillow(to computer*gasp* -really because it is only time I sit down) and the other will start to cry and/or wrestle it off them. Then the loser will sit and cry loudly. It breaks my heart to chose and leave one crying.

I still tandem feed though they tend to think it is play time and do acrobats and twists - stretching and eye poking, guarding their territory (.), slapping my chest and laughing hysterically while gripping hold with their teeth. So , I prefer to single feed.

When I stay up late blogging - one or other of the twins will toddle from the bedroom (we co sleep at night - DH is usually in there sleeping oblivous to their waking ).The Brothers know where to find me ... sad but true. It is my child free time. They pick up the Zoo pillow on the way to me and hand it to me or start signing 'milk'.


I digress ...The Planning Queen has more awesome planning and menu ideas this week - and a shopping list to print off. I will soon ...

Yesterday, morning, I baked a banana caramel cake -(with blackvery ripe bananas no body would eat) this time with pecans instead of walnuts .

Saturday, I baked more chocolate pecan chunk cookies .We had left over mix (I know so wrong) that I left in fridge shaped into balls - Saturday afternoon I only had to put them in a preheated oven - fresh cookies in 12 mins.

This week I even *gasp* cleaned my deep freeze out to see what we had. Not much actually food but lots of ice cream .Also, bread I bought last Monday at reduced prices.It looks so organised now.

...my menu plan (Sorry I was late posting - two little things sidetracked me)

Tonight: We had steak , mashed potato and steamed vegies. I got Chipolata sausages and even S ate them. Hooray for progress (no vegies still unless you count potato in the oven fries because neither will eat mash).

Tuesday : Roast Beef , potatoes ,sweet potato and steamed vegies (maybe my home grown zucchini).

Wednesday: BBQ /grilled Satay Marinated Chicken and vegetable sticks in Satay Sauce and Jasmine Rice, steamed beans & peas (for J) (we missed this last week)

Thursday:Spaghetti Bolognaise - the family's favorite meal - everyone eats this (complete with home grown basil , hidden grated carrots/home grown zucchini and red Lentils -I am really sneaky.)

Friday: Take away ... hey I need to have a night off sometime.

Saturday: BBQ and vegetable rice medley

Sunday : I am waiting to browse the other MPM 'ers at Organising Junkie and find something to surprise the family.

It makes the week seem to go quickly planing it out .

what's for dinner at your place ?

♥

What's to eat ...

Every night ...unless I do my Menu plan Monday I have to think about what will we eat ?
to cover the palates of two toddlers (one very fussy and the other an average eater who likes his vegetables) , a bottomless pit teen and also what will satisfy the desires my sex starved love slave and his concubine (oops that would be me and that's another post)

Today I got this link Mealopedia that might help ...

Rising food prices starting to take more out of your pocket? Tired of wandering aimlessly around the supermarket?

I can see you are nodding your head too ... did you read my shopping experiences with twins

Mealopedia helps you to achieve affordable and painless grocery shopping by creating your weekly menu & a shopping list that only contains the required amounts of ingredients you'll need. No more repeat supermarket trips to pick up forgotten items and no more half-baked meals.

They even have this nifty recipe finder

Have an ingredient in the fridge or cupboard but don't know what to do with it? Got a craving for something special? Try our new Recipe Finder to find recipes that match your needs!

Or better yet ...The Planning Queen has some awesome planning and menu ideas - you can even print off a shopping list.

I also can't wait to hear how Marita @ Stuff with thing does 4 weeks worth of shopping in one hit.I am so jealous.

Last night we had a traditional lamb and beef roast except we cooked the meat in the hooded BBQ and it was mmmmmmm. My family were here and they even brought the meat.

This morning I baked these awesome (well I think so) chocolate pecan chunk cookies .We had left over Easter eggs ( I know that is breaking all the chocolate rules) but Aldis chocolate is not as good as Cadbury and the darn teen hates it plus it got melted on the way out to the farm in my Niece's car and foil was hard to peel.

Oops I almost forgot ...my menu plan

Tonight: who knows ? I feel like Old Mother Hubbard my cupboards and fridge are bare. I am going shopping when DH gets home to save dragging the Brothers or the grumbling teen about.

Tuesday : BBQ Satay Marinated Chicken and vegetable sticks in Satay Sauce and Jasmine Rice, steamed beans & peas (for J)

Wednesday: Spaghetti Bolognaise - the family's favorite meal - everyone eats this (complete with home grown basil , hidden grated carrots/home grown zucchini and red Lentils -I am really sneaky.)

Thursday:Chicken Schnitzel, creamy potato mash and vegetable (plus rice side dish and peas for J - he likes peas)

Friday:Beef Strognoff and rice

Saturday: I might try making my own pizza dough now I bought some yeast

Sunday : Roast ? & gravy , roast potatoes/pumpkin and lots of steamed vegetables .Another family dinner with my brother, his family and my Mother !

what's for dinner at your place ?

♥

Menu Planning & Mother's HoT Tips

7 Mother's HoT Tips - flip a coin LOL

1.The Perfect Mother's way:
Stuff miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice-cream drips.

The Busy Mum's way: Just suck the ice-cream out of the bottom of the cone for Pete's sake. You are probably lying on the couch with your feet up eating it anyway!!

2.The Perfect Mother's:
To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.

Busy Mum's: Buy a packet of DEB (instant potato flakes) and keep it in the cupboard for up to a year.

3.The Perfect Mother's:
When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking tin, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and there won't be any white mess on the outside of the cake.

Busy Mum's: Woolworth sell cakes. They even do decorated versions.

4.The Perfect Mother's:
If you accidentally over salt a dish while it's still cooking, drop in a potato slice.

Busy Mum's: If you over salt a dish while you are cooking, tough! Recite the working Mum's motto: "I made it and you will eat it and I don't care how bad it tastes!"

5.The Perfect Mother's:
Wrap celery in aluminium foil when putting it in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.

Busy Mum's: It could keep forever. Who eats it??

6.The Perfect Mother's:
Cure for headaches. Take a lime, cut it in half and rub it on your forehead. The throbbing will go away.

Busy Mother's: Cure for headaches. Take a lime, cut it in half and drop it in a double vodka. Drink the vodka. You might still have the headache, but you won't care!


AND FINALLY, THE MOST IMPORTANT TIP..
7. Perfect Mother's:
Freeze leftover wine into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces.

Busy Mum's: Left over wine??? HELLO!!!????

I like the Busy Mum's headache and casserole tips best!!

My hot tip ... go and buy a bottle of South Eastern Australian Shiraz tomorrow and there won't be any left for the casserole. Cheers!!!

(ps this is not original but I adapted it to suit from an email - feel free to steal and share)

see more HoT's at Skittles Place

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I was in a sombre mood yesterday after posting about Randy. Gosh, I want to live life to the full but also be mindful of using my time & money wisely.

Yesterday was


No that's not my Menu Plan ...wish they were my desserts though!

Last week we pretty much stuck to the menu plan but we did eat out one night -when the teen had a sleep over ( that saves a lot of money LOL and the Brothers had leftover Bolognaise and shared some of our dinner). Sunday~ we got Roast Beef at my Brother's house.

Tuesday : BBQ Satay Marinated Chicken Thighs in Satay Sauce and Jasmine Rice, steamed beans & peas (for J) (it was delicious)

Wednesday: Spaghetti Bolognaise one of my family's favorite meal - everyone eats this (complete with hidden grated carrots/zucchini/mushrooms and red Lentils -I am really sneaky.)

Thursday:Chicken Schnitzel, steamed potato and vegetable (plus rice side dish and peas for J - he likes peas)

Friday:Cellobella's Favourite Pasta (Toddler version leftover Bolognaise sauce)

Saturday: Takeaway Pizza ... using $4.95 coupons ??? or I might try making my own pizza dough and my own

Sunday : Roast Lamb,mint jelly & gravy , roast potatoes/pumpkin and lots of steamed vegetables .We will have a family dinner with my brother, his family and my Mother - it's our turn!

Monday :I am hoping to buy some fresh fish ...grill or crumb and shallow fry to have with oven wedges and salad.

see more Menus and even some recipes @ I am an Organising Junkie.
Hooray - she has homemade Chicken pizza recipe ...I just discovered .

Menu Planning

I am inspired to get organised and start saving money as I posted Thursday.

Menu planning seems to be a big hit in the blogosphere and recipes and eating 'mmm' are my good medal sport !

I have to add the toddler edition too. J eats everything we eat mostly- but not his brother - well actually he does taste him daily (bites) but you know what I mean !

Tuesday : Spaghetti Bolognaise one of my family's favorite meal - everyone eats this (complete with hidden grated carrots/zucchini/mushrooms and even red Lentils if I am really sneaky.)

Wednesday:Beef Stroganoff, steamed vegetables and Rice (cause S only eats rice)

Thursday:Chicken Schnitzel, potato bake and salad (plus rice side dish and peas for J - he likes peas)

Friday:Lite Honey Mustard chicken,steamed vegetables and Rice (again cause S likes just rice)

Saturday: Surprise ???

Sunday :we usually have a family dinner with my brother and his family and my Mother - not sure whose turn it is ... but we have a big day planned so it won't be ours.

I won't post it every Monday but I am giving it a go for now to get taste buds drooling myself organised and make you all hungry .

My aim is to rotate a week about every 4-6 weeks and based on what's on special each week /in season/ the weather and what I have stockpiled in the fridge /freezer.

One day it will be based around what's growing in my vegie garden - fingers crossed my seedlings survive the twins and the dog.

I have been hearing about the Pioneer Woman and the other Trish @ Light,Sweet and Crude had a great risotto recipe last week ...complete with step by step pictures .That is going to to be my lunch one day.

So what's for dinner at your place this week ?

I actually started a recipe blog last year but I didn't get any new recipes sent to me -so it kind of went by the way side . I may resurrect it one day - it needs a major renovation LOL

I am open to ideas and new suggestions ... well with Aussie ingredients especially *wink

See more @ ORGANISING JUNKIE if you need some ideas