Monday’s Menu

Brian and I went on a mini-vacation to Bend this last weekend. It was sunny and cold- but not too cold- and we always have a good time checking out thrift stores and hanging out with each other. I love hanging out with my husband – he still makes me laugh and is so fun to talk with all these years later!

We were there specifically for a job Brian has as the media coordinator for the Polar Plunge with Special Olympics (a truly wonderful organization, by the way!), and while he was at the event I wandered around Bend’s Old Mill District. Which, I must say, is the complete opposite from thrift stores, with stores like REI and Banana Republic as well as smaller, specialty stores.

Can I just say, “sticker shock?” Yowsa – the prices I saw at a kitchen store ranged from $40 for a cutting board, down to $8 for fancy cupcake liners (only 12!). Even the things I was interested in I knew I could get for cheaper at places like Amazon. But they sure get you in the presentation – it’s fun to walk around and look at all the things you never knew existed.

I still like visiting places like that, though, for two reasons: I get ideas for gifts (there were some towels and aprons I could easily make), and I realize how much smarter it is to shop at places like thrift stores and discount stores. It’s always nice to get the reaffirmation that I’m making smart money decisions…

At least sometimes. *smile*

This week we’re eating comfort food – which is still real food- from scratch, healthy, and simple – plus I’m trying four new recipes this week: a new pot roast with wine, coconut soup and Pad Thai recipe (I keep trying different ones, hoping I’ll find “the one”), and a Salmon bake.

Monday- Twice-baked potatoes with bacon & cheese, steamed broccoli, chopped salad with beans

Tuesday- Classic Pot Roast and vegetables (I’ll use the slow cooker), easy artisan bread, green salad

Wednesday- Classic Pad Thai, Coconut-Vegetable Soup (I’m replacing the tomatoes with frozen red peppers, omitting the cilantro [I know, but I'm not a fan...], using chicken broth, adding cauliflower, and of course using whole-fat, REAL coconut milk!)

Thursday- Our home-group dinner: I’m making Chicken-Lime Enchiladas, others are bringing salad, chips, and homemade salsa (and I’ll make a cake for a birthday we’re celebrating)

Friday- Salmon-Vegetable Noodle bake, Caesar salad (we’ve got dressing from last week to use)

Saturday- Homemade pizza (using the world’s easiest & quickest dough)

Sunday- French Beef & Vegetable Stew (minus potatoes) over smashed red potatoes with garlic, green salad with Honey-Mustard dressing

-Jami

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