31 Day of Eating Home Cooked Meals: Week 2 Update and Dinner Menu

I'm a little behind in posting and I already confessed that with the whole house being sick, we have stumble a bit. I swear, every time I set a goal and begin to work hard for it some obstacle appears. But that's life, right! There will always be roadblocks, detours, obstacles, etc... but what's a challenge without a little adversary? Makes you appreciate what you're fighting for that much more!

This week we are still eating leftovers for the most part. I have another menu, thanks to my friend at The Fresh Kitchen, that I need to buy ingredients for. She has been wonderful and VERY helpful. I have learned so much! I have even started to experiment on my own. However, I still seek her advise and well, basically, her approval! She's like my cooking crutch right now. Soon I'll be skilled enough to 'fly' on my own.

This week I may revisit the recipes from last week that were instant winners with my family. Until I am healthy and my family is healthy I may not try as many new things. I feel rundown and it doesn't help to have a new puppy, be preggers, and be hounded by a sick, clingy toddler. Oh an a sick husband. Sometimes I could just lock myself in a closet and hide for a good while. Or run off to a deserted island for a few days. Oh, that would be nice. Wait this turned into a complaining session....BACK TO FOOD!

The recipes I am looking forward to repeating are:

• Curried Coconut Tomato Soup - HUGE hit with the husband!
• Spanish Tortilla and a Side Salad
• Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables

The recipes I will be trying this week are:

• Puréed Celery Root Soup with Caramelized Apples
• Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Roast Chicken with Caramelized Shallots
• Spaghetti and Meatballs

I have only to find the ever so elusive celery root! I have been to 3 stores. Tomorrow I hope to shop for all the items needed for the new recipes and start that night. 

Here is my experiment .. Day 9 Lunch: quinoa with roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed onions, garlic, and apples, dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and topped with a fried egg. I seasoned with salt and pepper. It's good, but I feel it's missing something... on a side note it was my first time cooking quinoa and it cooked perfectly.

Thank you for reading!

Lydia

Getting Our Toddler to Sleep in Her Own Bed - Our Latest Adventure...Err Nightmare

So, My husband finally decided he wanted the baby (19 months old) to sleep in her own room. I guess he got tired of her being up until we went to bed and not getting to watch a movie with me or play a video game. I am indifferent to the matter because I HAVE to be able to accomplish all things I need to do during the day while she's awake. The things I want to do...well, I make it work.

My husband is a good daddy. But for most working dads coming home and not being able to do what you want or need can be frustrating...I guess. I wouldn't know. I am supportive in his decision, BUT I'm not doing it. I am not fighting with her or doing the night time routine. He will. He wants this, then he needs to work for it. I know...I'm just awful. Whatever.

I come from a childhood where my father did more then your typical father does. He was and still is amazing. I don't expect my husband to fill my father's shoes, BUT I did not make this baby alone or this mess on my own. I suggested months ago she sleep in her own bed and he said he couldn't stand not to sleep with her. Therefore, I don't think I should do it alone or at all for that matter. I will not hold his hand or micromanage him. He is capable of figuring something out. Also, I am not a rescuer. I feel that I would only add to the problem and she may think I am there to "rescue" her. In short the man is on his own. Muahahaha!

Here's the routine my husband has created with our daughter:

Dinner

Bathtime and brush teeth

Bible Story

Bedtime snack
(I don't overfeed at meals & I don't tell her no when she expresses hunger)

Bedtime at 8:00pm
(hopefully)

Tonight was our first night truly attempting this great feat. Eric wrestled with her about 30 minutes until she finally succumbed to sleep. What he did in that room was trying to figure out a method. He told me he tried making her lay down and when that didn't work he put on her show and held her until she calmed down. She began to nod off and her sat down on her bed with her still in his arms. Shen she was finally out he laid her down and walked out. Was this the "right" way? Who cares. We don't. I am very proud of him. Parenthood is a learning process. He's got to feel his way through and figure out what works for him and his daughter.

He is going to miss this...and so will I.

I think I'm going to enjoy being completely alone, except for the little one bouncing around inside of me, for 30 minutes a night! Well, this is one night down. I wonder how long it will take and how long or if it keeps. We are suckers for our princess.

Thank you for reading,

Lydia

Sick Household and 31 Days of Eating at Home Update

Something must be going around. I have a sick household. Our daughter seems to be feeling much better. My husband, on the other hand, has just started his bout of ickiness. I'm on my second week. I think mine is a sinus infection. My head is throbbing and I feel pressure behind my eyes. I'm just miserable. Despite how awful I'm feeling I've been able to keep up with our eating at home challenge. Well, almost. I couldn't muster up the will or energy to cook last night so my husband took us to Cheddar's. I know! I know! I feel so ashamed.

Except for last night's small blunder, we have been able to eat all other meals at home this week. Tonight will be no exception. Coconut Red Lentil Soup is on the menu for tonight. Looking forward to it. Even with my husband's unpredictable work responsibilities, he has been dedicated to our challenge and not bought any food for lunch. He has been able to come home every day for lunch. This week may not go so well but we are determined to continue eating home cooked meals and not spend money dinning out or in.

I'm still doing what I can to keep us as unprocessed this month. Because it was a last minute decision, I did not plan well; therefore we've been eating some processed food items. But this is a great motivator and I'm learning as we go. I've been doing lots of research and finding new ways to substitute processed items that have become key in everyday life. Eric really likes the idea of being completely unprocessed by the new year. He's been very supportive and even eating new things. My husband is very, very picky. It's quite a change from before. I have tried on many occasions to change our eating habits, but had received such resistance that I'd be discouraged.  I believe that this time around he truly understands the damage processed foods will have on our children. Food companies are getting worse.  Ingredients are becoming more and more man made. Another scary monster out there is GMO. I would love to get my hands on cookbooks from before the 40s.

Well, I can't think straight anymore, so I'm going to try and nap with my toddler. With any luck I'll be able to update in more details. I have some recipes to share.

Me Trying to Figure Out...Me

I mentioned earlier that I am trying to accomplish too many things. My guidelines are very strict and narrow. Instead of starting out slow and easy, I made it difficult. I took it upon myself to not only change my family from dining out/in to home-cooked meals, but to also do away with all processed foods and eat only REAL food. I put an immense amount of pressure on myself with our proper planing or prepping. I became overwhelmed and discouraged almost immediately. I gave up before I started, but I'm hardheaded and stubborn and refused to accept utter defeat. I kept trying. The more I tried without a plan or some direction I became frustrated and angry. Why can't I do this? It's not difficult. I'm not the best cook in the world, but I can cook...some. I started to pick apart everything about myself being a domesticated individual. I compared myself to my sisters, all of whom are excellent and skilled cooks. All three of my sisters are capable of raising children, keeping a clean house, making delicious meals, and other activities outside the home.

Here's their breakdown:

• The oldest sister is married, has 1 toddler, and goes to school
• The second oldest sister is married, has 1 kid which she homeschools, was very active in her church ministries and was a key spouse for over a year
• Then there's me...
• The youngest sister is married, has 2 kids under the age of 5, makes and sells jewelry, and is an active Zumba Fitness instructor

They are all busy and still capable of running a household properly...so what's my problem? I wish I knew. I know that organization is not a strong characteristic of mine. I'll write 5 lists a day and misplace them. I wake up eager and ready to be productive, but somehow plans fall through for me. I used to be so ashamed that I just couldn't be like my sisters. But now, I'm just trying to figure out how not to be me. I don't mean that in a derogatory way toward myself. I only mean that I'm trying to break the cycle I seem to be stuck in.

I took a personality and a spiritual gifts assessment and I have learned a few things about myself that may help me break this cycle. The personality test said that I was a high blue personality with some orange and green traits, but VERY low gold characteristics. According to this test, blues are feelers. Blues can be as extreme as a "bleeding-heart", I am not a bleeding-heart. I hide a lot under a tough skin, but underneath I'm all mush. Only person who truly knows me is my husband. He took the test and declared that I was a blue months before I ever took the test myself. Blues feel for others and are always considering the others feelings before their own. They only think of helping others. I do this a lot. We're having a gender reveal party for our second child and I have changed the date twice to not inconvenience others. I got things going to finally get a Key Spouse program for our new unit and to make sure not to offend or hurt anyone's feelings, I made sure the other lady interested was also involved. I allowed my husband to bring home an 8 week chihuahua, even though we have a toddler, I am 5 months pregnant, and I will be it's primary caregiver because I couldn't stand to see him sad about not getting a dog. In conclusion, a blue personality puts the feelings and desires of others before their own, even if sometimes it ends up inconveniencing the blue. That's me! I've given away Zumba® Fitness services because someone couldn't afford it and I couldn't stand to have them miss out on the benefits. I could seriously go on forever. Orange is a risk taker; whether in adventure, relationship, or business. An entrepreneur and free thinker. Green is all facts and no emotion. They are scientific and skeptical. They don't take things at face-value. They do their own research to confirm truth and validity. Gold. Oh gold. Gold's are the party-planners. They are organized. They tend to think they are in charge of projects. They plan, prepare, and think things through. I am SO not a gold!! It is my polar opposite! 

The spiritual gifts assessment pegged me as a servant, caregiver, and teacher. They serve and give to a fault. They want to help others. They are always looking for a way to serve. I believe that I chose the fitness and health industry as my focus because I want to help others. I have a heart for women. I like working with both genders, BUT I really LOVE working with women. I want every female I meet to live a healthy life! It's not about outside looks. It's about what's going on inside the body that is truly important. I love working in my church. I miss working on the mission field with my parents. If I'm not helping or serving others I feel lost. Incomplete. Teaching others about God or health and fitness are passions for me. I chose to be a Mary Kay consultant because I believe that I can help change women's lives! It's not all about the makeup - even though that's fun. It's about taking care of yourself. God gave us one body. Proper skincare or health practices are important.

Well, I'm still learning my strengths and weaknesses and how to maximize or minimize them. I'm nearly 30 and I still have so much to learn. I started this blog as an outlet for all my thoughts. I struggle with organization and direction. I am passionate about so many things and I want to do them all. I wear these hats every day, but I still need to work on wearing them well. I try not to compare myself to others, although it does happen. One day at a time. One hat at a time. 

So my journey continues...

Eating at Home Week 1 Update

SO FAR SO GOOD!!

For three days ALL meals have been at home. I know it's only three days in, how hard can that be?? VERY HARD for us. Especially my husband who's  work days are unpredictable and mainly because he refuses to take a packed lunch. However, we are striving not to veer or give in to temptation. I've had a couple hiccups like forgetting to buy an ingredient so I had to switch day 2 dinner with day 3 dinner. But I'm flexible and determined to not let my pregger brain be an excuse to dine out!

Came in kinda last minute but I joined the October Unprocessed Challenge.

We still have some processed food in the house, unfortunately, BUT I'm getting us there! My biggest roadblock is my dear sweet husband. He is supportive in my endeavor to make our family the healthiest we can possibly be, but these things take time. Baby steps for my love. I know we will get there soon. My ultimate goal is to be completely unprocessed by January 2014. I think it's quite doable!

Thanks for reading!

31 Days of Eating Home Cooked Meals: Week 1 Dinner Menu

Tonight is the eve of eating whatever is left in the pantry that's processed or that I may not buy again, so enjoy it. Tomorrow is October 1st the start of a new era in the Pangburn household. I guess it's weird to start on a Tuesday, but it is technically the first of the month. I'm excited to see how it all turns out.

I'm starting with one week. Just get through this week and the possibilities are limitless, I tell myself over and over again. My friend Nicole, at The Fresh Kitchen, has given my a dinner meal plan for this week. It is simple and fresh. I can't get it wrong! Breakfasts will consist of fruit, oats, and eggs. Lunches will be leftover pork loin in the freezer, that I had cut and divided into portions and what veggies I had that her meal plan did not call for.

WEEK ONE:
Tuesday - Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables

Wednesday - Tuna Pasta and Roasted Broccoli

Thursday - Spanish Tortilla and a Side Salad

Friday - Curried Coconut Tomato Soup and a Side Salad

Saturday - Leftovers

Sunday - Coconut Red Lentil Soup

I'm looking forward to each one of these meals. Tomorrow is a new day and a new beginning. Feel free to try out these recipes and let me know how they turn out.

Tonight it's all about processed foods and chilling while we watch Criminal Minds. We have a slight obsession with this show. I had a box of  Blueberry Struesel Muffin Mix and they will go great with a cup of coffee and an episode of Criminal Minds.

I am going to update Facebook daily on my progress. I'll come in at the beginning and the end of each week with a blog post on my success or failure. Super excited for this new adventure into the domestic domain.

3rd times a charm, right?

I sure hope so. I have tried twice to do a whole month, roughly 30-31 days of eating only home cooked meals. I started with a bang September 1st but couldn't get through the week without picking up some take out. So around 9 days in I decided to start over! Also, a huge failure on my part. I kept it going for nearly another week before succumbing to dining out/in. I am determined to do this, but I have to many guidelines. A friend of mine at 2 Kids on a Couch started the challenge for herself and her family. I though it was a great idea so I told her I would do it as well. She was very successful and has a great system. You can read all about at her blog. I on the other hand had NO system. NO plan. So disaster was inevitable.

I have a plan this time. With the help of a friend from college, at The Fresh Kitchen, I have a plan. I'll touch more in detail on how awesome she is later. This month of October will be about learning to cook easy, basic meals with fresh ingredients. I need to learn the basics.

I would love to hear your thoughts on eating at home and how you do it. I would like to hear from you if you struggle with it as well. I like to know I'm not alone. Please join the challenge. 2 Kids on a Couch is going into her second month, strong! My friend at The Fresh Kitchen, joined the challenge in September and kept to it! She didn't blog about it, but she did. Check out her blog, she has some amazing recipes up there. I think another friend from college is joining the challenge too. Her blog is My Life: A Work In Progress. Check her out. She does reviews and giveaways. Her blog is always a good read.

Well, here we go again!

EOHM Update: It's only been TWO weeks?

So I just realized that it's only been two weeks since we started over and we've done horribly. I need to learn to cook Mexican food because it is my husband's and my weakness. It's been 14 days and we've dined out at least 4-5 times. What is wrong with us?! I'm trying to figure out why this is so hard for us. I have had a few bad days due to health issues, but I don't think we are truly committed. We need to try and finish our the next 16 days without dining out or ordering out. On days that I do cook every single meal, we feel so accomplished. I keep telling myself that if I were only feeling better this would be a problem, but the truth is there will always be that next obstacle! There will always be a reason to falter. Well, I really want to stick to this challenge.

I do think that poor planning on my part is the main reason I haven't followed through. Half the time I shop without a plan. I go down every isle in the grocery store with out direction or purpose. I think I should plan my meals way in advanced and only buy for the meals. I need to come up with a game plan. I need a definite menu plan for 6-7 meals a day. Breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, and right before bed snack. My husband is trying to put on muscle and I'm eating for two. My daughter is just always hungry. I have 7 days left in this month to plan properly and execute said plan. I'm going to research recipes and techniques for making meals ahead.

I can do this. You know what they say... "try, try again". Well, this will be my third attempt. If anyone has any advise or ideas...PLEASE send them my way. If you would like to start with me in October let me know. I think I'll make guidelines for myself. I'll think of them and post them tomorrow.

I CAN AND WILL DO THIS!!!

Starting Over #EOHM

So I decided to start over. Last week was tough. We dined out 3 times! Awful. Just awful. Since September is shot, we decided to revisit the challenge with a slight change. Instead of eating only homemade meals for the month of September, we decided that we would only eat homemade meals for 30 days, starting with today. I fail a lot. I make promises I can't or don't keep. I disappoint myself and others often, but there's always grace. I pick myself up and try again. So, here's another chance to try again. The first attempt I put too much pressure on myself to get it right the first time. Be perfect, I told myself. This time I'm taking it easy and going simple. No complicated menus. If we eat the samething every day so be it. Oatmeal for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, and chicken and rice for dinner every single day will be boring, but it's a start.

I would like to invite you, my readers, to join me. I like accountability and the more the merrier! I will instagram all meals and snacks using hashtag #EOHM to help me stay accountable. You can LIKE my FB page A Girl Of Many Hats for daily updates. I will update the blog once a week with a recount of that week's triumphs and failures.

Let the challenge begin! Again!

EOHM Day 3

Today was a near success.

Breakfast:
My super quick & simple take on Mediterranean burritos & rolled oats. I scrambled eggs with a little butter, onions, red & green bell peppers, & tomatoes. I filled the best flour tortillas from HEB with the scrambled eggs and topped with feta cheese. Other then the butter, cheese, & veggies, I did not season the eggs. The rolled oats were doctored only with a bit of brown sugar.

Lunch:

For my daughter and I, lunch consisted of an assortment of fruits, veggies, & spreads.
• Greek yogurt
• Grapes
• Cucumbers
• Apples & peanut butter
• Leftovers from the night before
My husband was unable to stick to the pact for lunch today due to an unavoidable situation at work so he ate fast food.

**I forgot to take a picture of lunch

Midday Snack:

Flour tortilla with feta and avocado

Dinner:

I'm very proud of dinner tonight! We had grilled pork chops, steamed green beans, & baked sweet potatoes. The pork & beans were not seasoned. The sweet potatoes had a tiny bit of butter & brown sugar.

All in all I'm happy with the outcome of the day & can't wait to do better tomorrow.