What's For Dinner

Pandemic or not, figuring out what's for dinner is often my biggest struggle. When I was working, I'd have to meal plan otherwise we were eating a lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Since March, things have gotten worse and I'm sure I'm not the only one. Not only is going to the store more stressful, but for awhile, the shelves were bare! But as we've started to settle into this new normalish life, there isn't a shortage, except for Dawn Powerwash Spray (what is up with this? I love this stuff!!!).

I'll get into grocery shopping later, but in an attempt to keep Mom sane and avoid meltdowns (for me. It's all about me), I told the family that they needed to give names of countries, or locations in the world, and a food item from that region. My son was the only one that suggested Taco Bell, which of course, I shot down, but even hubs participated and he's usually not so...creative (probably not the right word but this is a family blog...lets keep it clean). 

It just dawned on me. Maybe he was so helpful because he was bored with my cooking. 

No, that's silly. I'm awesome!

Anyway, we put all of the suggestions into a hat and after each creative meal, we take turns drawing. We haven't been as diligent with having these meals on a weekly basis, but we've managed to check a few off. And you'll have to forgive me if the food item isn't actually from the region. We didn't do any serious research. 

Mexico: Enchiladas (These were just okay. I think I need to use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Even covered in sauce and cheese, they were a little dry.)

Germany: Pretzels and Brats (I cheated and I didn't make the pretzels but I did the brats in a crock-pot with some beer and they were delicious. So juicy (I was gonna use the "M" word but wasn't sure if I'd offend anyone!).)

France: Crepes (These did not turn out as great. It took me several tries, but the family ate them with a variety of toppings. And they also did not freeze well. It was worth a shot.) Recipe Link: https://houseofnasheats.com/crepes-recipe/

Ireland: Bangers and Mash (These were awesome. Again, brats in a beer gravy! I highly recommend and it was so easy.) Recipe Link: https://selfproclaimedfoodie.com/bangers-mash-with-stout-onion-gravy/

England: Fish n Chips (These tasted great, but very time consuming. And honestly, the biggest pain is getting rid of the oil. If you're gonna attempt, make a plan. Also, the oil never got as hot as instructed. My uncle, who is an amazing cook, said to use peanut oil and you have to use an outside frying contraption. Even with not as hot oil, the fish was great and not greasy.) Recipe Link: https://howtofeedaloon.com/fish-chips/

Southern US: Chicken and Waffles (honestly, they didn't need a reason for me to make these. I love these things!) I cheated this time and used frozen chicken strips but I made homemade waffles (well, from a mix) and they were delicious. I did add a spicy honey siracha sauce and syrup to my plate. You can find the spicy sauce here: https://lifeloveandgoodfood.com/fried-chicken-and-waffles-recipe/

Up next is Italy and we're finding fun pastas and sauces! What are some fun menu items you've tried. 

Bon appetit!

The First Day of School... Again Tips

If you're like me, your kids started out virtually learning from home, or wherever you  dropped them, and are slowly going back to school. For us, grades K through 2 started back this week with masks, social distancing, mask breaks in the sun, consistent groups for tracing, and no high fives or hugs from teachers. While I'm sad that we have to remember to send out kids to school with their masks, I'm happy she's able to go back. Fingers crossed that the older one can go back soon. Virtual learning has not been easy on him. 

So it's the first day of school...again and all of the emotions that goes along with that times a 1000! Think about it, for some of us, our kids have been home since March. That was 6 months of my kids with me all day long. And the little one fell into a routine of being home with Mom all day. 

And so did I. 

I may try to play it off that I'm some tough mom, joking about how I can't wait to get rid of my kids or how I had to push the oldest out of the house for college, but remember my first post? My family means everything to me. 

So after my youngest jumped from the car, loaded down like a pack mule, I bawled like a big old baby! But if you're like me, and tears are in your future for when you return your little (and big) ones to school, here are some tips to get you through. Don't worry, you got this! 

1. Mental Dry-run: I know this isn't the first time they've left your nest, but times are different and review your school's policies. You don't want to be "that parent" who screwed it all up. 

2. Brave Face: If your kid is a crier like mine, they may already be on the verge of tears, so you need to keep your brave face on while they're with you. For me, I don't want my kid to be the one that starts school crying so everyone can stare at her. I'd hope no one would say anything to her, but staring is just as bad (I've got a story that I'll share at a later date...oy!)

3. Tissues, Tissues, Tissues: This should go without saying.

4. Special Treat: Okay, so maybe you forgot that note in their lunch box. It's okay, you have many more days (hopefully) that you can use that pack of cards you bought from a school fundraiser that you thought was a great idea but now 2 years later and you've only used 1. If you are able to pick your kid up at the end of the day, take them for a special treat. Or you can do what I did, we stopped by a local bakery and bought fancy cupcakes for dessert. Who doesn't love a treat!

Look at these things! Me and little Miss split the orange one. There was whipped cream in the middle. Not healthy in anyway, and that was okay!

We got the s'mores ones for the boys. Neither one touched it yet, but if they don't act soon, they'll be Mommy's cupcakes!

What are some other ways that help you to "deal" with the first day tears? 

Thanks, Momma J