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Showing posts with label facebook. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

100 Nights of Dinner at Home: Sample Menu by Week

http://www.pinterest.com/kimbracastillo/100-nights-of-dinner-at-home/


Stay tuned to this post for our family's sample menu.  I will do a week by week list and add links if I use a recipe or can find one similar to the ones I use.  It will be updated as we go so you can get ideas if you need them! 

January 1-5, 2014
To make these first two weeks easy, I'm pulling straight from my Pinterest Boards!
January 6-12, 2014
The Following Meal Plan ideas were submitted by Jaime Margiotta.  A sweet friend, a great mom and a soon-to-be fabulous nurse with a busy busy schedule! She has committed to 5 nights a week with her husband and two boys in Austin Texas!!!  I love how she scheduled in date night and birthdays :) Thank you Jaime for the Menu!
January 1, 2014 - Pan fried pork cops (paper thin & thick bone-in), Mashed Potatoes & Cole Slaw - all from scratch!
January 2, 2014 - Grass Fed Beef Cheeseburgers on homemade Pretzel buns, tater tots and fresh cut-up veggies (celery, carrots, tomatoes & cucumbers) Here is a link to the pretzel buns, they are awesome! 
January 3, 2014 - Mighty Cones THESE ARE AMAAAAAZING!  Definitely worth all of the effort on these! 
January 4, 2014 - Date night
January 5, 2014 - My father in laws birthday - his dinner choice is P.F. Changs!  Yummmm
January 6, 2014 - Chicken Parmesan, noodles & cut up fresh veggies
January 7, 2014 - Sub Sandwiches, chips and corn
January 8, 2014 - Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas, rice & beans -
January 9, 2014 - Mac & Cheese with broccoli
January 10, 2014 - Spaghetti & Meatballs, salad & garlic bread
January 11, 2014 - Taking the kids out to dinner
January 12, 2014 - Stir Fry & Rice
January 13, 2014 - Crock Pot chicken noodle soup
January 14, 2014 - Bean  & Cheese burritos with rice
January 15, 2014 - Sloppy Joes, homemade fries, cut veggies
January 16, 2014 - Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
January 17, 2014 - Homemade Tacos with fired corn tortillas, refried beans & Mexican rice
January 18, 2014 - Date Night




January 13-19, 2014
  • Shrimp Ramen and Potstickers
  • Mediterranean Chicken with lemon pasta and broccoli
  • Pork Chops with Lemon Cilantro Quinoa and Greenbeans
  • Sour Cream Noodle Bake
  • Beef Pot Roast with Potatoes and Veggies
  • Broccoli Cheese Soup
  • Broiled Salmon
January 20-26, 2014

January 27-February 2

February 3-9, 2014
February 10-16, 2014






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Sunday, December 29, 2013

100 Nights of Dinner at Home: Introduction



It's a new year and do you know what that means for the PatsycakeBaby household?  It's our family tradition - a new year resolution of sorts and it's called: 100 Nights of Dinner at Home.  Basically the title says it all - we eat dinner at home, every night for 100 nights in a row starting on New Year's Day. 
This year, I've decided to take on the challenge of blogging about this experience. Through the years so many of my friends and family have asked me to help them start this tradition with their families. So, I will make my best attempt to lead your family through this challenge!

So, here it goes - the first in a series of posts called: 100 Nights of Dinner at Home!

Introduction:

100 nights of dinner at home?
"I'm a very busy WAHM with two hungry kids and a very hungry husband. I barely have time to defrost ground beef."
HA! it's all in the planning.  I know there are families with lots more kids, lots more activities and maybe NO cooks willing to take on the challenge.  EXACTLY - a challenge, a resolution. Not just a personal resolution but a family resolution.

Why?
We do this for several reasons. We start on New Year's Day every year. After the crazy holidays and lots of junk food and eating out, it just makes sense to us.  We try to eat healthy and cut down on the budget a bit since feeding a family of four in a restaurant can be a crazy "waste" of money. We like to cook, and we love to gather as a family to eat, and that is probably the most important reason of all.

Yes, we are a health conscious family. 
Yes, we are (and have other) great cooks in our family. 
Yes, we have our own garden and home raised meat. 

But, that doesn't mean you can't follow along with your means whatever they are. 
Nobody said anything about only eating healthy - we just know it's overall healthier to eat at home as opposed to eating in restaurants. 
Nobody said anything about cheap - Have you seen the cost of groceries????
Nobody said anything about the police coming to arrest you if you cheat (LOL!)

Can you follow along and make a commitment that works for your family? ABSOLUTELY!
I've had friends follow along with a commitment of dinner at home 5 nights a week, or 6 nights. It will only work if you have a commitment you can work with.

How do you start?
First check out the next post called The Basics (it will be up in a couple of days - sorry I'm writing as I go so check back for the update). and stock up that pantry with basics so even if you can't think of ANYTHING to cook or only have a few minutes to cook - you will have easy stuff on hand to whip up so you don't skip a beat.
Second, get your recipes and ideas in order. (I will be posting as many links and ideas as I can while we go)
Third, plan your meals. This is SO important. you can take things out of the freezer on Sunday or Monday and try to be as prepared as you can. Get that slow cooker down you will be using it (and I don't like the slow cooker, but I use whatever tools I need to get through this!).

Lastly, don't let an oops get you down. If you "cheat" and go to dinner just pick up the next day and keep going.

The "Rules"
Ok, these are MY family's rules.  This is how we run our 100 nights.
1. Plan meals in advance
2. Acceptable variances are:
 - Parties: eat and eat to your hearts content it's a Free night!
 - Free Dinner: if someone offers you a free dinner at a restaurant TAKE IT! it's a freebie!
 - Dinner at someone else's house: Yay! Grandma's cooking, freebie!!!
 - If your birthday falls in the 100 nights and you choose to go out to eat this is considered a freebie - my birthday is January 4th YES!!!! because you get what you want for your birthday ;)
3. If you cheat and go out to dinner other than the reasons above ADD ONE NIGHT to the 100 nights - hey mistakes happen and it can be a do-over.
4. Have fun as a family and make the best of it.  Eating at home is not meant to be a miserable experience.

Basic Tips:

1. (again) Plan meals either weekly or monthly it's up to you and how you shop! Plan whole meals with sides and you can even do weekly themes - this helps with shopping. For instance: Greek Week you can have Gyros, lemon chicken, etc and make up a big batch of Tzaziki sauce and chop up all the veggies at once.
2. Have easy cook meals on hand so you don't waiver in your commitment. ie: spaghetti, pizza, breakfast, potstickers....
 
3. Keep a Pinterest board like the one I use: Kim's Pinterest Board and I heart Recipes.  Ask for recipe ideas from others using Facebook or ask at groups. I also love : http://www.eatingwell.com/ I've tried LOTS of their recipes and they have all been pretty good!
4. Lay out the plan to your family and friends, the more support you have the better you will do!
5. Have fun and Share pics of your food - Facebook, Instagram, blog, whatever - Everyone Loves Food!!!
6. Try something new - we always incorporate a vegetarian dish, an ethnic dish, a gluten free dish...just to name a few and they are ALWAYS a hit!
7. Follow this blog - if you want to encourage anyone - encourage me to keep writing these for you! And Thank you for following along!

Have fun, eat well, and be merry.


Happy New Year!!
Kim
Some of last years dinners:
 
 
Lasagna Dinner Bake


Delicious Recipe!


Home Made Bread YUM!

Fish and Chips

Chicken and Veggie Bake

Ramen Night

Baked Bok Choy

Shrimp Broil

Meatless Burgers
Beet Salad
Veggie Stir Fry

Citrus Salad


Kale soup with beans 

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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Winners Announced!! PatsycakeBaby 2k Giveaway!!


Check above each photo to find out!

I did it!!! I have earned 2,000 fans on my facebook page.  That's exciting news! And to celebrate I am kicking off my 2K Fan Giveaway on my Facebook Page! Just go to the facebook page, click on the Rafflecoptor giveaway tab and enter the giveaway!  OR you can click on the giveaway tab right here on this blog!!

There are 21 vendors, 22 prizes and I want you to meet them!
First of all, I'm giving away a $25 Gift Card to be used in my Etsy Shop
WINNER: TARA ADAMS
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 
 
Next we have my very good friend Andria over at An Enchanted Affair giving away a Summertime Salutation!
WINNER: CHRISTINA BUNKLEY
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE 

 
Next we have a $15 gift certificate for Two Two Cute Designs shop for Embroidery and personalization!
 WINNER: CHRISTINA RHODES
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 
 
Next we have Custom and Crafty with a Free 5x7 single color decal or $10 gift certificate!
WINNER: KYLE J GIBSON
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 
 
Next we have Joyful Kids Boutique with a fabulous pair of Minnie Mouse inspired earrings!
WINNER: BILL AND-KELLY LEE
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 
 
Next we have Whimsy Couture Patterns with a 6 pack of PDF patterns sent to your email anywhere in the world worth a value of $35
WINNER: ERICA ROBINSON
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 
 
Next we have Dimples and Giggles with a $20 gift Certificate for their Etsy Shop
WINNER: BETSY BEAVAN WALLACE
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 
 
Next, we have one of my favorite fabric suppliers - Dory at Worthy Goods Textile giving away one yard of soft, fluffy, cuddly organic cotton fleece!
WINNER: JENNIFER MCCANE
 CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 
 
Next we have the best homestead family in the whole USA and some of the nicest folks I have had the pleasure to meet: Polder's Old World Market.  They are giving away a beautiful hand made tiger maple all purpose spoon from their Etsy Shop
WINNER: DANELLA KREISER
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 
 
Next we have the awesome Add-A-Tutu giving away a $25 gift certificate for a Tutu Dress!
WINNER: VANESSA L USI
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 
 
Next we have Gina's Soft Cloth Shop with a set of 20 ORGANIC cotton Paperless towels.  The edges are serged in colorful thread - I love these! Gina is also a friend of my friends, the Polder's - how fun is it to network with other shops! Simply the Best!
WINNER: AIMEE TRADER
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 
 
Next we have Lisa's Lifetime Memories with an adorable Ready to Ship or custom made Bow and bottle cap necklace set, a $12+ value! Adorable!
WINNER: JESSICA LYNN KENT
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 

 
Next we have a local mom (to me - here in san diego, ca) Gen from Stitches by Moonlight.  She donates 10% of her proceeds to local hospital NICU babies {everyone now} AWWWWW! So generous! She is giving away not one, but TWO lovely gifts.  First we have a Hungry Caterpillar Photo prop set.  Second we have a set of Minion hats inspired by Despicable Me.
 
HUNGRY CATERPILLAR CROCHET WINNER: HEATHER BUSHEE
MINION HAT SET WINNER: LISA MARIE MARCELL
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 
 
Next we have a fellow giveaway host, and very hard working mama from Zoe's Lil' Boutique with a grab bag of goodies from both of her shops: Zoe's Lil' Boutique and 45 Minute New you.
WINNER: STACIE DESSO
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 
 
Then we have a super fun Homemade play doh gift from Gifts 2 Go Go - a full pound of play doh! How fun is that??
WINNER: COURTNEY WHEATLEY
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 
Next we have JennyBows with her little bowtique giving away a medium Over the Top bow!
WINNER: MISSY RUMBLE
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 
 
Next we have Weensy Baby.  I couldn't resist these. How Unique and so CUTE, I admit - I ordered one right away! She is giving away this adorable Cloth Diaper keychain!!!
WINNER: MARGILYNE WILLIAMSON
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 
 
Next we have a gift for all you sewists, quilters or fabric hoarders (like me) out there.  Pink Door Fabrics is giving away a Jelly Roll of fabric BELLE by Amy Butler. Hmmm, what could you make???
WINNER: JERILYN LEE-FENDLEY
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 
 
Next we have another Local (to me in San Diego, CA) a lovely group of ladies I met several years ago... Treasures From Sally is a mom and daughters trio who make ADORABLE headbands, hats and more.  Got To Love Them!!
WINNER: AMBER BROWNING
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 
 
Next to last and never least we have a seamstress after my own heart Regina from City Knickers Diapers giving away one OS hybrid fitted diaper with a snap in soaker! Cloth diapering is so much fun ( ahem, most of the time)
WINNER: ASH MAY
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE
 
 
And saving the cutest for the last we have Olivia's Sweet Sassy Boutique with an Adorable Glam Diva Chunky Necklace PLUS a 20% discount on future orders. 
WINNER: CYNTHIA DINGWELL
CONTACT ME TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE 
 


Also a very important part of our giveaway that I cannot forget to mention is Vanity Conception who is giving away a prize to one of our lucky vendors - she is offering a $75 credit to her marketing and design shop PLUS a coupon for everyone for 20% off during the giveaway! If you are in need of marketing and design for your blogs, facebook, giveaways etc...Call on Vanity Conception!
 
Thank you so much to all my fans for making my little shop a big success! Now go and enter at that giveaway tab and have some fun!!!
 
Kim
 
 

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