Fresh & Healthy: Lunch Box Meals
Karlie’s lunch is packed and ready to go
The girls and I try to clean out their lunches after school and homework so we can re-pack them for the next day. It is easier for our family make the lunches the night before and stick the whole lunch bag into the fridge. The mornings tend move quickly and I want them to go as smoothly as possible for everyone.
I am really excited about the girls new lunch bags from Thirty-One! They are spacious and easy to clean. The girls were SUPER EXCITED to get them! A big thanks to Jennifer Kauffman for helping me get these bags ordered and monogrammed! If you are looking for a monogrammed bag for yourself, a child, or to give as a gift Jennifer would be happy to help you.
What’s for lunch today?
Lunch Box Meal:
- Beef Stew & Jasmine Rice
- Fresh Banana Bread
- Apple Peel Confetti Crisps
- Pickles & Dip
- Batman Fruit Snacks
- Strawberry & Lemon Circle Crisps
- Spiderman Cheez Its or Grahams Bug Bites
- Peach Yogurt or Sugar Free Strawberry Jello
- Oyster Crackers
- Jelly Beans
- Fruit Punch Juice
Beef Stew, pickles & dip, homemade banana bread and more!
It has been better for our family to send our girls lunches to school. Before sending lunches a lot of afternoons the girls would come home from school starving. When I asked them what they ate for lunch they could never remember. I like knowing what they are eating and I make sure to pack enough so they can have a snack after school too since we go to after school activities every day. If they finish everything in their lunches then they can get something else to eat once we are home.
Brina’s lunch is packed and ready!
Exploring Roper Mountain Science Center
Getting ready to watch the show at the Roper Mountain Science Center
The first time I took a tour of Roper Mountain Science Center was with the girls class earlier this year. It was a blast watching a space presentation, going on a nature trail, seeing the wildlife, having a picnic and more. The girls had so much fun. I always knew that Roper Mountain Science Center had some activities for the kids but until I went with the girls I had no idea how much!
Karlie entertained by the show, anything to do with space is always a hit with her!
Brina having a fun time! I got to sit next to Brina for the show.
What are they looking at? Don’t fall in the water!
Red Eared Slider Turtles (of course)! The girls were super excited to see the turtles, these are the same kind as Shipwreck and Overboard!
Beautiful flower garden and butterflies near the butterfly crossing.
The girls had a lot of fun exploring Roper Mountain Science Center and learning a lot of great stuff. Roper Mountain has since become one of the girls favorite places to visit. We try to go every month or two. It is a great learning environment if you have kids.
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of October 3 – 9, 2012
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. It is a great time to stock up on some Save A Lot deals. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meat and Seafood
Ground Beef – $1.99 lb
Beef Stew Meat – $2.99 lb
Boneless Beef Chuck Roast – $2.49 lb
Pork Sirloin Chops – $1.99 lb
Chicken Drums or Thighs – $0.99 lb
*Pick 5 for $19.99 promotion on going! Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts or types of meats, vegetables and more.
Fridge and Freezer
Pillsbury Grand Biscuits (8 count) – $1.00
Use $0.30/2 coupon from insert 9/9 Smart Source (Expires 12/1/12)
Use $0.40/3 coupon from insert 9/9 Smart Source (Expires 12/1/12)
As low as $0.85 each after coupon
Totino’s Pizza Rolls, Combo, Pepperoni, or Cheese (15 count) – $1.00
Tony’s Crispy Crust Pizza, Pepperoni, Combination or Supreme (7 – 8 oz) – $1.00
Banquet Frozen Dinner, Assorted Varieties – $0.99
Redi-Serve Chicken Nibblers (30 – 36 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Onion Rings (2 pounds) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Redi-Serve Chicken Strips (36 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Shrimp Poppers (24 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Redi-Serve Charbroiled Rib Patties (26 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Pizza (26 – 28 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Corn Dogs (25 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Redi-Serve Chicken Patties (35 oz) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Signature Seasoned Potato Wedges (2.5 pounds) – pick 5 for $19.99 promotion*
Produce
Carrots (1 pound) – $0.39
Celery – $0.59 each
Green Cabbage – $0.25 lb
Sweet Potatoes – $0.39 lb
Apples, Assorted Varieties – $0.99 lb
Grocery
Ginger Evans Sugar (4 pounds) – $1.99
Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper (5 – 6 oz) – $1.00
Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 8/19 Smart Source (Expires 10/13/12)
Use $0.75/3 coupon from insert 8/19 Smart Source (Expires 10/13/12)
Use $0.75/3 coupon from insert 9/9 Smart Source (Expires 11/3/12)
As low as $0.66 each after couponKraft Mac & Cheese, Assorted Varieties (2 – 7 oz) – $1.00
Stove Top Stuffing, Assorted Varieties (6 oz) – $1.00
T.G.I. Friday’s Snack Chips, Cheddar Bacon or Potato Skins (4.5 oz) – $1.00
Bush’s Chili Beans (16 oz) – $1.00
Save A Lot Soft Drinks, Assorted Varieties (2 liter) – $0.69
Chase & Sanburn Coffee (23 oz) – $4.99
Westcott Vegetable Oil (48 oz) – $2.69
Sunny Delight (48 oz) – $0.99
Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals! Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends. For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here. If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list. Please make sure to check with your local Save A Lot store, the ads do vary per region.
Travel & Vacation: Jeep Safari – Orange County Kabini, India
Wild boar by the Kabini River as we watch the sunrise
We got up before dawn the second day at Kabini to go on a Jeep Safari. Everyone was excited but moving a little slower. We took a boat over to an island on the other side of the Kabini River. On the other side we got our jeep and set out on our adventure. It was a lot of fun exploring the jungle and seeing the wildlife with Matt, Jen, and the kids.
Our tour guide standing up and alert as he looks for some animals. He was great about spotting animals, stopping so we could take pictures, and giving us descriptions on the animals, plants, trees, and other facts about the area. He went to Kabini as a kid on a family trip. In school he studied to be a software developer but after a few years he decided to come back to Kabini and work outside giving tours. He led both our boat and jeep safaris.
Oh look….a monkey in the tree right beside the jeep! He was just casually looking at us.
Elephant walking casually through the jungle next to our jeep. It was neat watching him walk, stop for a few seconds munch on a stalk or grass then continue on his merry way. This guy must have gotten into a fight at some point because his one tusk has been broken off. He turned to face us but continued eating his breakfast while watching us in the jeep.
Momma and her baby were grazing on grass before we drove up. As soon as they saw us they were alert and it wasn’t long before they went deeper into the tall grass away from us. I think Momma didn’t want us getting too close to her baby.
Monkey see….monkey do….. A group of monkeys hanging out together. It looked like they were digging for grubs or some type of bug.
Beautiful peacock strutting his stuff right next to the jeep
Two male peacocks were down in a ditch fighting with their tails fluffed up and in the air. We could hear them but this is the only picture we could get of the tails because the ditch was so deep. Their feathers look pretty amazing when they are all spread out.
Guess if an elephant is crossing it wouldn’t be a good idea to run into it….at least not for your vehicle anyway!
Matt in the back seat protecting the kids from the tigers and leopards. Rachel was a little concerned!
Beautiful tree, you see many of these yellow flowers hanging from vehicles everywhere. I cannot remember the name of the flower but I believe it is a symbol of good luck. Our driver stopped to hang one up in our jeep.
Leopard paw print, we were literally following the leopard through the jungle…..soooo neat! 🙂
I didn’t realize this before, but do you know why tigers and leopards will often be seen walking on the roads instead of in the woods? The pads on their paws are tender and they like to walk on the softer dirt road (it’s more comfortable for them).
Monkey hanging out in the tree next to us.
Fresh TIGER tracks on the road right next to our jeep!!! These are a little harder to see with this camera angle, but now we know one is in the area. We never did catch up with the tiger but it was pretty cool to be driving down the same path only moments behind one.
Red squirrel flying from tree limb to tree limb. They are fast and pretty!
Bison leaving after getting a drink from the small pond.
Deer eating peacefully.
Did you know that deer make a distinct noise when they sense danger (like a tiger or leopard)? It was really interesting hearing their danger call and watch them bolt as we sat there in the jeep looking around to see if we could spot a tiger or leopard near us. Not sure who was smarter in that decision, ha!
Large nets hanging from the trees for the kids (and our guide) to climb and play on.
The boats that took us on the boat safari and across the river for the jeep safari
Going on the jeep safari was truly awesome. We got to see so many animals in the jungle as we were driving through. The guide was really good about stopping to let people take pictures and point out different plants, trees, animals along with tidbits of information. I loved seeing the animals up close…..just wish we could have seen the leopard or tiger that we were following as well. Although I am not sure what we would do if we caught up with an hungry and aggressive tiger or leopard since we were in an open jeep.
Thankfully the animals seemed to be pretty well fed and use to traffic. It was a blast going on the jeep Safari. I am grateful for the time with spent with Jake’s cousin Matt, Jen and their family. It was really neat hearing the kids dialogue as we would spot different animals. If you are ever in Orange County Kabini, India I highly recommend this going on this adventure!
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Charleston Food, Lodging, & Fun (Part 2)
Jake, Karlie, and Brina shivering in front of the pineapple fountain downtown Charleston.
The girls REALLY wanted to see the fountain that we had been reading about in our book Very Charleston, however, the day we choose to check it out it was freezing. This was by far our coldest day in Charleston, earlier in the week it was in the 90’s and now it is 40 degrees outside. The kids were freezing because I didn’t bring jackets but thankfully it was our last day in town.
Brina snacking on Green Apple Rock Candy as we head to our next stop
Karlie munching on her Root Beer Rock candy
Next to the Chic-Fil-A in Mt Pleasant is a little pond with a fountain and……..
TURTLES!!!! The girls love watching turtles!
The girls were so excited when we parked next to the Charleston Creamery “Herby” that they insisted I take a picture! Oh how they love their ice cream and this store!
Charleston Creamery – a place the girls always request to visit when we are in the area!
Ice cream made by a robot is always more fun to eat!
Are you getting full yet Brina?!
The girls had their own bedroom and TV. It was pouring outside so we gave the kids a bath and let them watch TV for 30 minutes before going to bed.
Another great trip to Charleston with the family! The girls had a blast. It was very warm the first half of the week but by the time we left it was in the 40s. Thankfully we did a bunch of our outdoor activities and swimming the first part of the week so when it got cold we found other things to occupy our time. Jake got a lot of work done while we were in Charleston as well as created more great memories with the family.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Charleston Food, Lodging, & Fun
Spending some time in the hotel room. Karlie is lounging as she listens to me read.
The girls are always excited when we go to Charleston! They have a blast spending time relaxing and exploring. We typically go to many of the same places but always try to squeeze in a few new adventures as well. The kids make the trips more fun. These pictures are from a trip earlier this year. We stayed at the Marriott Hotel in Mount Pleasant. It was a little further from Jake’s work so we had to drop him off in the mornings but it was located near a lot of fun activities. We tried out some new restaurants this time too.
Brina’s turn to read a book to us
We ate downtown Charleston so we would have plenty of time to walk through the market and go to Battery Park. Brina and Karlie enjoying their BBQ wings
Messy….messy…..messy….BB (I think she’ll need a bath tonight)
Karlie licking her lips after finishing my homemade & delicious she crap soup
Karlie and Brina sitting next to the moon in the “Moon Pie” store in downtown Charleston.
Jake & I had our own bedroom in the hotel room. It was the last available room in the hotel and it was a huge 2 bedroom suite (with a doorbell). This was our first time staying at the Marriott in Mount Pleasant and it was awesome!
Our kitchen in the hotel room, loved having all the counter top space.
Goofy Karlie…..she must be the “cream” in the chair!
Wonder where Brina could be? Oh yes, in between the cushions!
Dress Code sign outside a store in downtown Charleston. Made me laugh! 🙂 Some are listed twice. My three favorite ones are:
“Bottom of Shirt Can’t Be Past Wrist”
“No Gold Teeth”
“Doorman has final say”
Jake picked up ice cream sandwiches for the girls. We had a fridge but no freezer so they were a little softer than normal. Karlie eating the one of the last melting ice cream sandwiches
Brina getting the last little bit from her wrapper
I am thankful for the many opportunities to create special memories with my family. The girls are wonderful travelers and love to explore new areas so it is always fun having a few days to relax and check out an area. When we go to Charleston we typically stay either on Daniel’s Island or in Mount Pleasant so we have found a few fun things to do.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Free Audio Book: “How Should Christians Vote?” by Tony Evans
For the month of October Christian Audio is offering a free download of an audio book . This month the audio book is How Should Christians Vote? by Tony Evans.
Christians are a large and influential voting block today. But as each governmental election approaches, an increasing polarity occurs within those claiming the Christian faith. This comes as a result of party-voting rather than voting according to Biblical mandates and authority. To refocus correctly, Dr. Tony Evans goes back to the basics and teaches on how God established government as a divine institution whose tasks include promoting the well-being of those within its realm and protection from evil. (information from Christian Audio)
If you have been wanting to a book to listen to throughout the day or while driving then this is a great opportunity to get a book for free when you download it from Christian Audio in October. Make sure to submit your order by October 31, 2012 to get your free audio book. Thanks Christian Audio!
Song: “How He Loves Us” by David Crowder
Isn’t it great to know that we are loved by our heavenly Father! I am thankful for His never ending love, grace, and redemptive work in my life. It seems like I mess up more often than necessary yet He extends mercy to me every day.
He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realize just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.And oh, how He loves us oh,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us allAnd we are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If His grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
And Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…Oh, how He loves us oh,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all
How He lovesNew Upromise eCoupons for October 2012
Upromise has posted their new eCoupons for the month of October 2012. Remember to activate your eCoupons to get additional savings. If you have not yet signed up for Upromise you can get more information regarding on our experience or directly at the Upromise website.
This month they have 26 coupons you can activate for bonus savings. Once you activate your eCoupons all you have to do is scan your rewards card or purchase the items at the store and the cash will be added to your account. You don’t even have to carry any coupons to get the rewards!
You can go to their website for more information on the Upromise program, it’s free to join.
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
Although the week has been jammed packed we have managed to have some time together over the weekend as a family. It is amazing how quickly the weekends fly by but I am thankful for our time spent together. As we head into another week I hope to stay on track with my goals and menu. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree): Chili, Cornbread
- Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook): Kids in the Kitchen – Homemade Pizza
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Curry Korma, Jasmine Rice
- Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree): Spaghetti Pasta Bake, Steamed Asparagus
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
