Jan 5, 2014 |
For the last several years, certain songs will find their place on my Favorites playlist. Some are inspirational, some are aerobic, and some are just plain great to listen to.
Usually by February, a playlist for the year has built itself. I don’t often give much thought to what songs are added. I just suddenly realize this or that tune means much to me and so it’s natural to add it to the current listening selection.
I’m already building this year’s soundtrack. It’s positively incomplete which means it has much potential. But so far, here’s what I’ve got:
2014: The Year of the Mojo
- On Top of the World (Imagine Dragons). This great, catchy tune was also the theme for the very short-lived CBS show, Partners. It starred David Krumholtz of NUM3ERS fame. It’s one of Dot’s favorite bands, and the song exudes positivity. Why wouldn’t it be on my list?
- Every Man Should Know (Harry Connick, Jr.). No list is complete without at least one HCJ tune. My dear friend Darcy sent me this album for my iTunes library last summer. I’m crazyinlove with the music video.
- Always Been About You (Fellowship Creative). This will be the theme to my Five Minute Faith podcast when I finally have enough pre-recorded episodes to start broadcasting. A great, uplifting melody and message.
- Changed (Rascal Flatts). Because I love country music. And this song is powerful.
- Love Is All Around – The Mary Tyler Moore Theme (Sonny Curtis). You didn’t think I could leave this one out, did you? Mary Tyler Moore. Minneapolis. A single, fairly confident, adult woman making it on her own. It’s like being home every time I hear it.
- Medley from Mary Poppins (Erich Kunzel & Cincinnati Pops Orchestra). I’ve always enjoyed Mary Poppins. We recently saw “Saving Mr. Banks” at the theater, and it renewed that magic. And our thirst for Disneyland. Until I can get the soundtrack for “Saving Mr. Banks”, this medley will do.
That’s all I have on the playlist right now. Of course I’ll be adding to it on a regular basis. I’m sure there will be some Sinatra, maybe a Bocelli, and a few showtunes or another TV theme song. Definitely some Strumbellas and Pentatonix.
My collection of tunes is eclectic and my playlist should be, too. I like a playlist that offers variety. If I’m in a certain mood, I can shuffle the songs until I find what I need. Energetic, soothing, inspirational, comforting, a hard beat or a soft song.
What are some of your favorite tunes?
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
My Soundtrack
Building a Better Me: Making (Better) Memories
FIVE THINGS FRIDAY: THE BIG EASY
Five Minute Faith
You’re Gonna Make It After All.
Mojo Movie Review of the Week: “Mary Poppins”
Jan 4, 2014 |
This is one of Dot’s favorite recipes. I remember the first time I put this together. That was the moment I first thought of putting together my recipes for The Unemployment Cookbook. So you know this is very special to me.
Slow Cooker Pork & ‘Kraut
Living in a tiny apartment, working a part-time substitute job at the school district, I knew after a full day of work, school, and errands for the both of us, Dot and I would be hungry the moment we walked back in the door.
I quickly layered Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup (undiluted), two pork chops, and a bit of sauerkraut in my slow cooker. I repeated the layers, then turned the slow cooker on low.
Eight hours later we came home with a few fresh rolls and a head of lettuce for salad, and dinner was ready!
These days, I like to change up the recipe a bit depending on our schedule and whether or not we’re also feeding company.
With the first weekend of January already upon us, and I’ve yet to take down the Christmas decor, it was a no-brainer to make a larger amount than usual.
For less than $20 I bought all the ingredients I’d need.
Slow Cooker Pork and ‘Kraut. Twenty dollars. Five ingredients. Eight hours. Ten dinners.
I layered each ingredient, then repeated the steps three times. Because there was more than I usually prepare at one time, we had to let it cook longer. (This worked out well since Dot came home announcing her best friend was in town and wanted to go to dinner!)
Pork & ‘Kraut layers
After an overnight cooking, Dot and I woke up to a wonderful smelling kitchen! We now have enough of this filling, flavorful dinner for Saturday, Sunday, Monday lunch and Monday dinner. Anything left after that can go into individual freezer containers for lunches later this month.
This is a great recipe that can easily be altered to suit your family’s size and taste. We’ve substituted chicken breasts and cream of chicken soup. Omitted the sauerkraut. Added a can of diced mushrooms for more flavor. There’s no wrong way to fix this delicious, hearty slow cooker meal!
And when you don’t have a lot of time, money, or kitchen space, what’s a better way to show your people you love them by providing a hearty, healthy, delicious home-cooked meal?
TWEET THIS: Frankly, My Dear . . . : RECIPE: Slow Cooker Pork & ‘Kraut @RealMojo68 #amcooking #the unemploymentcookbook
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Jan 3, 2014 |
Baked Frittata
I’m changing how I do my meal plans. The last few months, I’ve been throwing together what I can find. Buying for one meal at a time.
With Dot’s schedule (read: college, work, boyfriend), together-at-the-table time just isn’t as frequent. But that doesn’t mean I can’t still cook well even on those evenings she’s not home.
This year, in keeping with my Word of 2014, my Better Plan for meal prep is improving:
Taking what I have and working with it. Why buy what I don’t need?
So last week I made a list of what I had and shopped only for what would compliment my stock. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had more than I realized, and needed less than anticipated.
I’ve also opted to not schedule our meals. That is, there is no calendar as to when we’ll eat what we eat. As long as I have a month’s worth of dinners on the list, I’m not planning any particular sit-down. Dot is often called to work extra hours, or go out with friends. And then there’s those days I just don’t feel like cooking.
So my improved goal for my 2014 Meal Planning includes making healthy dinners and eating the leftovers before cooking something new.
Ratatouille In the Slow Cooker
I already have more than enough to make nearly everything on this month’s dinner list:
- Slow Cooker Pork and Kraut
- Lemon-Grilled Salmon
- Ratatouille
- Turkey dinner
- Grilled chicken
- Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Soup
- Baked Frittata
- Slow Cooker Chili
- Potato Chip Casserole
I’ll need just a few more items like one can of chicken meat, and frittata ingredients. Each meal offers at least one more day of leftovers, and perhaps a tasty lunch as well. Of course my family is small. My meal plan isn’t “one size fits all”. But the idea behind it is.
I’m also giving two days a month over to Dot. She’ll plan, buy, and make at least two dinners that each over another day of leftovers. She gets to develop more Home-Ec skills (do they still call it that?). I get a day off.
It’s a sigh of relief to not be burdened with a cooking schedule. This frees up time and allows for those unexpected interruptions. If Dot’s not home to eat, she knows it will be waiting for her return.
I am looking forward to having a better kitchen relationship this year, as Santa blessed me with a Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler. Hence, the multiple “grilled” dinners suggested above.
It’s also a delight to find myself once more in love with WinCo. When I need to, of course, I shop elsewhere. It’s been months since I’ve had the joy of shopping that most wonderful WinCo, and I’m eager to regain my monthly excursions. Who knew grocery buying would be on par with Nirvana? And yet that’s how I see it. A plethora of inexpensive, brand name choices. Coupons. Discounts. It’s definitely my bliss.
Slow Cooker Pork and ‘Kraut. Twenty dollars. Five ingredients. Eight hours. Ten dinners.
Would you like to start your own Meal Plan pantry? Download my STOCK THAT checklist to begin. (You may also want to check out my emergency supply STOCK THAT 2 checklist, too.)
How do you plan meals around your family’s size, schedule, and wallet? Let me know your ideas on feeding families for less!
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
WinCo Wins
WinCo Wins: Lunch for a Dollar!
Too Hot to Cook (June’s Meal Plan)
Poverty: My Story
Stocking up the Pantry
Stocking up the Cabinet
