Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Is there a spa in Radiator Springs?

Today was a long day and for no good reason. Bub had school this morning, we had a fun outing with friends for lunch, Bub had a good-as-gold playmate over this afternoon, but still . . . Little Bit bricked his afternoon nap and the day was just long and was one of those days when I never managed to pick up enough stuff to have a sense of order and calm for even a minute.

Enough whining though. Watch me focus on the positive:

1. Decluttering, though a huge project, is going pretty well. Though I mostly neglect my other blog, Just Use It Or Lose It, I have posted a few times in 2010 if you are interested.

2. Cooking more real meals at home and spending less money at the grocery store are both going quite well, NTB. I have designated Monday as "grocery day" and have risen to the challenge of trying to spend less each week than I did the week before by planning ahead. I am 2 for 2 on successful recipes this week (though we had leftovers and Lean Pockets tonight--today was so long I didn't have any time to cook). I tried Chicken Tamale Casserole (thanks to E. . . for bringing the recipe to my attention) and Turkey Mini Meat Loaves (thanks LAP for inspiring me to track down a muffin tin meat load recipe) from Cooking Light. Hubby and I enjoyed both recipes, and they were very easy! My only recommendation is that if you make the tamale casserole, mix the enchilada sauce in with the chicken instead of puncturing the cornbread crust and pouring it inside. I want to note that both recipes come from myrecipes.com, my very favorite online source for recipes. The website is a database with all the recipes published in magazines like Cooking Light, Southern Living, and Real Simple.

3. I am starting to prepare content for the cool tabs you see above. In case you've been wondering "Who's MEP?" and what's "Worth The Trip," rest assured you will soon know. If any NTB readers have any favorite NTB posts, please mention them in the comments as that data will help me finalize my content above.

4. I have been asked by a super cool blogger and friend to participate in a new blog venture. I'm really excited about it. Stay tuned for details . . .

5. Even though today was not my day and not Bub's either for that matter, he did find some stroke of artistic inspiration. Sure, he moved a chair and reached up on a high shelf and got out his paints without my permission to do so, but I have to show off the results. NTB, but I think he captured Lightning McQueen just beautifully. I really do.

How was your day?

8 comments:

Regan said...

Excellent. I guess it is mean of me to hope you end up with a whole series of blogs you're not using enough, so that you can start another blog about when you'll be retiring them. I stick with the original NTB, which is enough for me, NTB.

Sarah D said...

VERY nice! I'm impressed with both his artistic skills and his determination to paint.

L recently drew a picture of a bunny and it looks like a bunny! It was very exciting for all of us. I need to take a photo of the pic and when I do I'll try to remember to send to you. The bunny looks kind of angry, but what can you do...

CaraBee said...

I am mighty impressed with Bub's Lightening McQueen! It actually looks like a car, unlike many kid's drawings. He is an artiste!

I think I tried that same chicken tamale casserole and enjoyed it, but I think I'll take your advice about the enchilada sauce next time.

I'm pretty excited about our new little project, too! I think it will be fun!

Actchy said...

Acey is having fun with his very first ear infection, labeled today by his disco pediatrician as "whopping", NTB. It's been a laugh-a-minute in these parts.

SET said...

I think I had the exact same day - a wonderful play date, not even at my house, fun lunch out with friends, and then all downhill. Even making apple crisp - usually a fan favorite was a disaster. HEre's to tomorrow. -Sarah T
PS - I also really love the tamale casserole - so easy and even my kids kind of pick through it.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Today is my favorite day of the week. This Ozarks farm does what I term Deep Clean Fridays every week. I do things like cleaning the jacuzzi jets, the screens on the faucets, furnace filters besides all the vacuuming and dusting I do everyday. Yep, ya guessed it I'm Type~A and just a little spastic. But I love to clean, it soothes my soul. I know, I know, someday I may get some help like from Cleaners Anonymous or something. Heeehehe

Ya'll have a wonderfully blessed day from the hills and hollers of the Missouri Ponderosa!!!

Steph said...

Wow - that far outdoes what my attempt at painting would be!

Stacia said...

Kachow! Great painting. =>

 
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