Dinner, Wine, & My Spare Time

Meal planning is a great way to save money and eat healthier. I tend to make my own calendar pages and write in what we are going to be eating for the next 2 weeks. But with this handy little marker board from Office depot, it could not be any easier. Or cheaper at only $10! This would make a great stocking stuffer, hint hint hubs!

How about a quick dinner? That tastes great and is low-fat? And what if I threw in convenient microwave cooking? huh? Have I gotten your attention yet? I found these great, mostly natural black bean tamales in the freezer section of my local grocery store. I was too tired to cook last night so we fired up the microwave tossed them with some cheese and salsa and yum! A simple yet satisfying meal for all to enjoy. Plus you get to say, I made Hot Tamales for dinner!

You might notice the opening title from the Escape Club's hit Wild Wild West. The 90's are back baby! All the floral prints, denim and tall socks you can handle, Did I forget to mention knit beanies? It's so crazy how fashion is just recycled, somewhat revamped but generally not. Hmm the fashion industry must be thinking let's just throw out some 90's looks on an unsuspecting generation, they will never know that their parents or older siblings were already wearing it a decade or so ago. As long as they don't bring back fanny packs, we might be ok.

Now you can drink & eat your cake at the same time! 1 pkg orange cake mix 1 small pkg instant vanilla pudding 4 eggs 1/2 C vegetable oil 2/3 C water 1/4 C lemon juice 1/4 C tequila 2 Tbsp triple sec 1 C powdered sugar 1 Tbsp tequila 2 Tbsp triple sec 2 Tbsp lime juice Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine first 8 ingredients and beat for 2 minutes. Grease and flour a bundt cake pan and pour batter into it and bake for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes then glaze. To make glaze combine last 4 ingredients and pour over cake.

I'm washing my hands at Panera Bread and I encountered this sign on the wall. And it got me thinking that it's totally true, I think of all the occasions I have served French bread and there is never an unhappy face nor a crumb leftover.

What the heck Kohls? Why are you setting up for Thanksgiving already? I do not approve, please don't take away my summer before it ends, It's bad enough that school supplies are all over the place and swim wear is being marked down everywhere. I only got to wear my new bikini a couple of times. I want an endless summer, #notreadyforturkey

To my family near and far, Yeah people be loco for cupcakes. I suppose it's because they are pretty wonderful. Just a little mini cake which probably makes most people feel like a kid again and who doesn't love that feeling? It all started out of a birthday necessity and we ended the weekend with several flavors due to one peanut allergy, one chocolate allergy and one strawberry allergy, Two bakeries and not enough cupcakes to go around, but by the end everyone had at least a bite or two and that seemed to keep the monsters inside us all in check. I guess it only seems right to have people fighting over sugary substances that make you feel so good, it's comfort food after all. Besides I only want to be in a family that fights over cupcakes because that makes me feel like I truly belong. I heart sugar and my family what can I say? A cupcake is really just a piece of nostalgia that we all want to cling to. May your bake sale memories and classroom parties be Forever Frost

Want a simple way to eat your veggies? When making a boxed or bagged pasta dish, just add a cup of frozen veggies during the last 3 minutes of the boiling time and Voila dinner and veggies all in one! Plus it kinda justifies eating boxed mac and cheese cuz then it's healthy, well mostly :-)