Menu Monday, April 29

Bread bakin' day today.  Everybody loves bread bakin' day.  It's amazing how quickly an entire loaf of fresh bread can be devoured by people that aren't even hungry.

This week, I got out my copy of "Simply in Season".  It's a great resource for seasonal recipes...go figure :).  You'll see those recipes marked (SIS). 

Menu Monday, April 22

Sunshine this week!  Yeah!  I feel a nature hike coming...!

Monday  
B: Oatmeal with cranberries & pears 
D: Smoked salmon & Swiss omelets; spinach salad

Book Review: The Passionate Mom

Being the mother of two tween-agers, I was excited to be able to review "The Passionate Mom: Dare to Parent in Today's World" by Susan Merrill.

Mrs. Merrill's book discusses current topics that affect most if not all parents, using the Old Testament book of the Bible, Nehemiah, as her inspiration.

I appreciated her insight and advice, supported by many stories of her own parenting journey.

See the Light Art Class DVD WINNER!

Here's the winner of See the Light DVD Giveaway!:

Menu Monday, April 15

It's tax day today.   I really don't mind paying taxes.  I just wish I had more input in how they spent it.

Also, don't forget!  Wednesday is the deadline to enter our GIVEAWAY for the wonderful art class DVD from See the Light! 

Monday
B: Oatmeal with cranberries & peaches  
D: Ham & cheese omelets; fried potatoes; green salad

Easy No-Knead Artisan Whole Wheat Sourdough Bread

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Okay... so I'm basically a lazy person.  I like easy, so I confess:  I LOVE this recipe.  This has become my go-to recipe for bread when we are out of Honey Whole Wheat (hubby's absolute favorite) or Cinnamon bread.  Actually, it's quickly becoming my favorite "daily" bread.


This recipe is based on the concept of the Artisan Bread in 5-Minutes a Day although instead of making up dough for several loaves at one time and storing it in the fridge (which may be challenging to find the space in there) you just make it up as you need it.

No-Soak Crockpot Beans

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I was dumbfounded.  Not soaking dried beans?

My friend, Koe, told me that she makes beans like this all the time.  She is a homeschooling mother to eight hungry kiddos (6 of them boys) and this is her go-to dinner.  Served with rice and you've got a complete source of protein and an inexpensive meal.

And here's a little extra tip:  You can add in a bunch of veggies, and if you've got picky eaters, they'll never know.  What a great way to clean out the vegetable drawer in your fridge!

Can't get much easier than this.

GIVEAWAY: DVD Art Class from See the Light! - Drawing Closed

Last week, I shared with you about the wonderful DVD art curriculum available from See the Light.  Well, they have been so kind to allow me to give away the first DVD in the Art Class series!  This DVD includes the four basic lessons plus a bonus chalk art lesson.

Julia Child's Gratin Dauphinois

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This winter, I found this incredible recipe in Julia Child's classic Mastering the Art of French Cooking.  It is really quite a simple recipe but the taste is truly special.

Although I use my mandoline slicer to make my potato slices thin and consistent, it isn't mandatory.  Just take a little time slicing and you'll get similar results.

Menu Monday, April 8

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We are back to school this week.  Our next break from school is summer vacation.  I have to say, this time of the year we are all counting down the days.

You, too?

Monday
B: Oatmeal with apples & raisins
D: Leftover steak & potato hash; green salad; oranges

Book Review: Take a Chance on Me

It's been a while since I read a really good Christian romance novel, so I was looking forward to being able to review "Take a Chance on Me" by Susan May Warren.

I was not disappointed.

Art & Home Schooling: See the Light (DISCOUNT THRU APRIL 16)

Our family has been home schooling for seven years.  It has been a great journey, and sometimes I am amazed (but grateful!) that we are still here.

This is the time of year that I like to make decisions about what we will be studying in the next year.  Of course there is always room for change, but I really like to purchase the books we'll be using the coming year now so I have time to do my basic lesson planning and to read through some of the books, too, long before the next school year begins.

Book Review: Launch Your Life

"Launch Your Life" by Kenny Silva is a self-proclaimed "Guide to Growing Up for the Almost Grown Up".

This book, targeted at (in my opinion) young adults graduating from college and possibly even high school, is meant to help them in the transition from being a student living at home to a productive member of society.  All this from a Christian perspective.

Menu Monday, April 1

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We are taking our Easter Vacation this week. I almost had myself talked into taking a break from meal planning for the week, too.

But then reality hit.

I still have to make dinner.  And what's worse?

Yup.  Not knowing what to make for seven nights in a row.  

Monday
B: Oatmeal with blueberries & almonds
D: Crustless salmon quiche; roasted veggies with balsamic vinegar; green salad