Ramblings of a Revolutionary

Dear Kids, My little apples.  Apples of my eye...the fruit that I brought forth into this world, I worry about you all the time.  Do you know that? I worry if I'm doing a good job.  I don't believe there are bad kids.  Not a one.  I think children's circumstances blossom them into who they are... and I wonder if I'm helping you blossom the best way that I can.  I'm not the best example sometimes.  I make a lot of mistakes.  I always realize it after the fact.  You came with no rules, and I became a mama when I was young. I always dreamt of you though, did you know that?  When I was a little girl and dreamed of being a grown up(whatever that is), I wanted to be a mama...everyone who knew me, knew that.  I loved you before I met you.  I love each of you so much, and I will never ever stop.  I'll never stop being here for you no matter how big you grow.  I'll never sto...

             I love coffee. It's so delicious. When I  was in elementary school, sometimes we would have this substitute that I loved.  She was about 5'3, probably in her late forties, with graying brown hair-- and she always smelled like coffee and cigarettes.  She dressed really cool too, like a dignified, classy hippie.  I can't recall her na me now, but her sweet face and her scent have never left my memory.    I thought she was super cool, and I totally wanted to be like her when I grew up....sipping on some coffee, in a cool hippie fab outfit.  I've loved coffee for a long time. I used to go to work with my dad a lot when I was a kid.  If my mom wasn't around...I could get by with having as much coffee as I wanted.  I liked it extra creamy and sugary back then-- so that's mostly all it tasted like--I would stick a peppermint ...

In my kitchen,hangs this super cute 50's retro sign that says: "Moms Diner Open 24 Hours"  hahahahaha  said no mother ever.  What mama wants to be whipping up different meals for different people, how and when they want it....no thanks!  Being that I have more than a few picky eaters, I'm always on the look out for quick and easy eats for my peeps.                                      When I find something that everyone likes, AND it's freezable and easily reheated in the microwave, I'm all over it like white on rice! This recipe is super easy.  It involves about fifteen minutes of prep and then around thirty minutes of cook time!  Everyone I've ever fed it to, loves it.   For my family of six, it comes out to about $2 per person...

Meal planning.  It's something that I put off trying for a loooonnng time.  I was forever denying how awesome this simple little life hack could be in my life.  And then I saw the light! If you don't meal plan, you should give it a try!  Not only does it save time and money, but your state-of-mind also :)  If you don't want to start out planning for the whole month, don't. Just plan for a week.  Find some paper (that hasnt' been scribbled on) and jot down the main meals you want to make for the upcoming week.  If you're like me, you probably have somewhat of a routine for breakfast and lunches, it's dinner that you need to plan for.  Just go ahead and write it all out.  Doesn't have to be fancy! Mine looks like this for a week: And like this for a month: Once you've jotted down the menu for the week,(or month) check your pantry and fridge and see what you need to buy to make the meals ...