Use what you have

Hello everyone

We shopped at the commissary last Saturday and I haven't been to any grocery store since then.  While our pantry and freezer are still pretty full, I knew we had used all the bananas, grapes, melon, leaf and romaine lettuce.  Grand children will be here today and maybe more family for supper so I wondered if I should go shopping. 

I looked to see what was in the fridge.  I found about half a pound of strawberries that were still fresh so I washed and quartered them.  

Then I found 5 nice oranges so I peeled and separated them. That will be plenty of fruit for today. 

There was only a quarter head of iceberg lettuce and I knew that would not make a family sized salad but when I added half a bell pepper, 4 shredded carrots, some purple cabbage, red onions and tomatoes, it turned out to be a very nice sized and delicious looking salad.  

So,  I don't have to go the store today!  

I also mixed up pizza dough in the bread machine.  It will hang out in the fridge all day until I make pizzas for supper.  

I'm sure I will shop for produce tomorrow to get through next week but I feel so thrifty using what we already had for today's meals. 

I've been looking through this recipe book.  One of the authors is Mary Berry.  We have become a big fan of hers by watching The Great British Bake Off on PlayOn on Roku.  I think it is in the 6th season now.  Some of the episodes are also on YouTube.  Australia and Scotland also have versions of the Bake Off and they are good too - much better than the American version that aired here in the summer of 2014.  

The British version focuses on the baking skills and the history of different baking traditions.  It is also a family friendly show.  But it will make you want to go in the kitchen and whip up some scones or croissants. 

Yesterday,  baby Jackson was my laundry folding helper.  He was happy while I was moving all the laundry around as I folded it but by the time I decided to take a photo, he was tired of it all.  

How yesterday went

These 3 little cousins spent all day with me.  Two are 3 years old and one is 2 years.  

After they got here,  we went for a long walk in our neighborhood and they climbed on some rock piles.  Exercise and fresh air are good for children,  I think it helps them sleep better, eat better and just be healthier.  

After that walk, they played on riding toys in our driveway.  

We came inside after 2 hours of outdoor fun.  We washed up and then it was time for play dough.  

Then we had lunch and watched one episode of Daniel Tiger.  

Nap time!  They all slept at the same time but only for 90 minutes or so.  

They moved on to doing some art.  Little ones love stickers and I have a good supply of them, much of them are from my Mom's downsizing.  

Snack time - apple slices, string cheese and juice drinks.  

A couple of selfies from our walk - the grands picked these beautiful flowers for me.  Shhh- don't tell them they really just picked some Oklahoma weeds.  

It was a fun day, and I slept quite well last night.  I expect the 3 little cousins did too.  

grands coming today!

3 preschooler cousins will be here today.  I think the weather will be pleasant enough for lots of outdoor play.  

Indoors- I set out 3 babies, all with their own blanket and bottle.  Toddlers are not fond of sharing but we are working on it.  

Stickers, big crayons and poster board for art time 

An assortment of spill proof cups so they can each choose - and a dry erase marker so Grandma can remember who's is who's.  

The planes, motorcycles and construction vehicles are ready for play!  They will be flown and driven all over the house by the little boys.  

Yesterday. I did some food prep- cooking 4 pounds of ground beef into taco meat filling.  Some will be for supper tonight and 2 meal size containers went into the freezer for future meals.  

And I got some fresh fruit ready for either lunch or supper today.  

It will be a fun and busy day.  It will be easier with some preparations done ahead.