Tasting Thursday (Quaker Squares)

  We are back today sampling another Dollar Tree find.  I picked up this Quaker Breakfast Square.  There were two flavors available but I selected the peanut butter flavor.

  This chewy oatmeal bar has a definite peanut flavor in every bite.

  This would make a great and filling snack for afterschool or in the lunch box.  One square was enough for my kids.  We like oatmeal in this house so this is a win on that as well for peanut butter fans also residing in this house.

                                The stats!

  Both kids liked this so this will be picked up for random treats, snacks, roadtrip goodies and just because moments.  I like the nice portion size.  This bar was 2.11 ounces.  Of course a dollar is a nice price to sample something new and incentive to buy in the future too.

Thank you Quaker you are a brand we enjoy.  Maybe I'll go back and grab that other flavor sooner rather then later.

Do you have a Dollar store near you?  What's your favorite item to get from it?

St. Patricks Day Stem Fun

  Last week was some more library fun.  Good old hands on fun.  St. Patricks day was the theme. Smiles were guaranteed.

Rainbows were made. Of course this was easier said then down with those slippery little water gel balls.

They weren't looking for gold but, how much gold their buckets could hold.

Their first computer experience with game controls using playdough. 

A catapult was made!

Lucky charms made for the best theme cereal to check and see if the catapult worked.

Hats were made of course.  The easiest thing to make to be festive.

We even caught a Leprechaun and brought him home!

Happy St. Patrick's day!  How will you be celebrating it?

It's OK (by me)

It's that time again. A time to reflect on what we did a little less then perfect but, who cares!  Shake it off! It's ok! I'm going to play along with airingmylaundry today as I tell you what items/events/activities are OK by me.

Check out her latest post here!

  It's OK that it snowed here last night.  March is fighting for spring and winter is not ready to leave yet.

  It's OK that I didn't go to the gym today. The end of the world didn't happen.  I didn't feel like it so my me time consisted of reading and hanging out today. 

  It's OK that we had another Daylight savings day.  Paperwork has been filed to eliminate it.  Would that really make you happier?  I think there are other issues out there more important.

  It's OK that Im trying to figure out if I really like that new show Good Girls on NBC.  I have watched 3 episodes and it's kind of entertaining to watch.  3 moms rob a bank and a gang member tries to get his money back but the women who have spent it are feisty.

                     Picture from Foxnews.com

  

   It's OK that I'm a little excited for PI day.  All I'm seeing is PIES!! My local store had pizza pies on sale today and tomorrow in honor of.  I'm thinking Sonic should discount a Banana Cream Pie shake.

 That's my OK week!  What are you OK with?  The weekend will be here soon!  

Monday Motivation (meatless dinner mealplan)

  For the last few weeks I have been sharing breakfast mealplans and this week I'm still sharing a mealplan but, a dinner one this time.

   This week I'm going to make my family all meatless meals.  Some of these recipes I have tried and obviously if they made this list they were tasty and successful the first go around.

  I am not going to label my days because I do have to go to the store and pick up some ingredients so depending on what ingredients I have on hand and when I go to the store will vary this mealplan.

Black bean quesadilla:
https://www.budgetbytes.com/2012/02/hearty-black-bean-quesadillas/

Pizza:
https://savorandsavvy.com/2016/08/15-minute-personal-pesto-pizzas.html

Shrimp:
https://damndelicious.net/2015/01/24/zucchini-shrimp-scampi/

Pasta:
https://savorandsavvy.com/2013/11/spinach-lasagna-rolls-recipe.html

Tacos:
https://wendypolisi.com/quinoa-taco-salad-bowl/

  I would love to hear what your dinner plans are this week or today.  I hope you have a happy, healthy and full week!

Week 10 Recap and New Goals

  Goals: something we set out to do or have to do (some goals are voluntary) whether we want to or not. 

  I set my goals based on a personal preference.  Something I want to achieve.  Something that has to get done and something fun (that may get overlooked).

Goals last week:
Freezer: lol, still not done.  I just keep forgetting. Now if I don't write it done, it will get done.

Book: I am onto book 7!

Outside cardio:  I am going to blame it on the rain and cold weather.  Two of my least favorite elements to run or cycle in outside.

Mealplan:  I did make and complete another successful breakfast plan last week. 

This week I'm going to get back to dinner plans.  I may make a few enemies in the house but, I'm looking at an all vegetarian week!

New Goals:

1. Finish book 7 and start on book 8.  I am way behind.

2.  Go through clothes. Everyones closet and drawers need to be gone through.  Stuff we don't wear, don't like, too small all needs to GO!

3. I think I'm over due for a self pamper day! Bubbles, pedicure and facial.

4.  Outside cardio!  If it's nicer this week I will try to get out and about.

  I think I'm good with just these this week!  I have two appointments and some necessary errands sprinkled through the week so I'm going to be busier then usual.

  I hope you have a good week and accomplish what you need to.  One load of laundry done, dinner on the table once is better then nothing if that's all you get around to.  Ask for help if you can but don't stress about it. 

Family Fun (City Cleanup)

  A couple of weeks ago.  I gathered up those kids of mine and we spent a day out on the town!

  We grabbed some supplies.

               

Hit the streets with bags and got to cleaning!

It was an all hands on deck to make a difference!

Thankfully we didn't come across anything nasty or dangerous!  No alcohol for minors! I took care of this one! 

I didn't hear any complaints.  One child carried the bag without the need of trading it off.  All the kids worked good together, pointing out missed pieces of liter, fighting over grabbing a piece but it was a nice day.

We even walked 3 miles while we were on the cleanup hunt but they found time to pose with Mr. Peanut! After all it was volunteer it wasn't all work and no play!

I enjoy finding volunteer opportunities that allow the family to get involved.  This city clean up was arranged by the SuffolkPublicLibrary.

I hope you had a great and productive week with your family.  

St. Patricks Day Treat (Chocolate Bark part 2)

  T- minus 8 days till St. Patrick's Day.  Whether your Irish or not its a holiday to have fun with.  Wearing green more then usual or if for the first time this year, a special dinner of Corned Beef and Cabbage or looking for the pot of gold or a leprechaun!  I try to have a little extra special fun with the kids!

  Today we started out with bark.  Last year I bought gold sprinkles and spray and  made bark. See last years bark here. 

The ingredients are simple!

White melting chocolate
Green melting chocolate
Sprinkles
Chocolate pieces

  Lucky, for me I had quality control next to me in order to ensure everything was done correctly.

 
  With any bark it's the same steps.  Melt the chocolate first. For this process I use the double boiler method. Water boiling on the bottom, chocolate melting in a bowl on top.

I melted the white first and then the green.

Swirled the two colors together.

Next it was all about the sprinkles.

Green!

Gold!

Chocolate pieces!

After the sprinkles are all added to the bark it goes in the refrigerator for a few minutes to set.

So let the green fun begin.  Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Do you enjoy the Irish festivities?