"Me" Time - Right From The Start!

I'm not talking about a feeding schedule or sleep.

I'm talking about getting yourself some free time. Some alone time. Some me time.

Having your first baby is new for both you and your spouse. Adjustments need to be made. Here's my thought.  That very first Saturday after you bring baby home (unless you bring your baby home on Friday, maybe you should shoot for that 2nd Saturday), take the afternoon off.  Even if you have to pump out some milk for a feeding, get out by yourself. Hubby is going to need the one-on-one hands-on experience anyway, why not now?

The next Saturday, let your man go play golf guilt-free.

The following Saturday, it's your turn.  Go see a movie with your girlfriends.

You get the pattern?  If life as a parent starts off like this, then it's the norm.  OF COURSE, mom gets time for herself will just be how it is in your house.  Once your baby can be away from you longer, take more than the afternoon off.  And every other week you know it's your day.  Then you can go ahead and plan ahead for drinks with the ladies and your husband can do the same-no, not drinks with the ladies, but probably more golf.

If you're not a new mom and this plan sounds great to you, start it now! How can it be wrong if both mom and dad get time out.  Then he can't roll his eyes at you because you want a break - he just had his!  And maybe his idea of time off is laying on the couch all day watching golf.  Then that just means you take your kiddos to the park for a long afternoon and maybe a picnic.

They say it's about give and take.  So give him his and take yours and relax already!  ~ Leah

The Anti-Chicken Fingers Movement ~ Beef Stew on Toast

This is one of those meals that's healthy but awesome...it's almost a comfort food though it doesn't sound like it.   I was skeptical when first making it as there are so few ingredients...however, it's packing with flavor.

Ingredients:
1-Pd lean ground beef
salt & pepper
1 1/2-TBL olive oil
1- Medium onion, chopped
3- Cloves of garlic, minced (I suggest fresh)
1- 15.5 oz can of fat free beef broth
2-TBL flour or cornstarch
1-14/5 oz can of diced tomatoes
1-Can cut green beans

4 to 6 slices of whole wheat bread, cut diagonally or 4-6 whole wheat rolls toasted

Directions: In large, deep, nonstick skillet cook the ground beef for about 10 minutes or until cooked.  Season to taste w/salt & pepper.  Remove beef & put in a bowl.  Warm oil in same skillet over medium-high heat, add onion and garlic, stirring often until tender.  In small bowl whisk together beef broth & flour or cornstarch until blended smooth.  Gradually stir into skillet and bring to a boil.  Stir in tomatoes & the juices.  Cook stirring about five minutes, until slightly thickened.  Add green beans and ground beef to the skillet and cook another 7 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.  Serve over toast!  ~ Happy Eating Friends, Trina

The Anti-Chicken Fingers Movement ~ Swiss Steak

This recipe was a huge hit in our house-of course!  Meat & Potatoes Ya'll!  WARNING: This takes 2 hours of baking time, so it's totally perfect for a Saturday or Sunday, or a weekday if you are well prepared.  The hubby had two helpings and the kids did all but lick the scraps from their plate.  You think I'm kidding!!




Swiss Steak~
1/4- cup all purpose flour
1-tsp mustard powder
1-tsp salt
1/14 or 1 1/2 pds boneless been top round steak (fat trimmed)
1-tsp olive oil
1-pd plum tomatoes (or any small tomato) chopped
1 -medium onion, chopped
2-carrots, chopped
1-Tbl worcestershire sauce

Red Mashed Potatoes~
6 to 8-Red Potatoes, sliced but  NOT peeled
1/4 or 1/2-cup of fat free 1/2 & 1/2 or milk
3 -Tbl of butter
Salt & Pepper to Taste
**This all depends on how you like mashed potatoes, if you like creamer, add more milk, if you like them buttery, add more butter...or all the above!


Swiss Steak~
Preheat oven to 325. In a small bowl, combine flour, mustard & salt.  Rub the mixture on both sides of steak. Discard remaining flour mixture.  In large nonstick skillet, heat oil over med-high heat.  Add the steak and cook, turning once, until browned.  Transfer steak into 13X9 baking dish & top with tomatoes, onions and carrots.  Drizzle w/worcestershire.   Cover w/foil & bake for 2 hours, or until steak is fork-tender.  Cut the steak into four pieces & serve w/veggies & pan juices.

Red Mashed Potatoes~
Boil sliced potatoes until fork-tender, then drain water.  Add 1/2 & 1/2 or milk, butter, & salt & pepper.  Then with an electric mixer, mix until completely mashed.  Serve alongside the Swiss Steak when done.

Yummy!  I serve w/whole wheat rolls.  Nothing else needed!
Happy Eating Friends! ~ Trina

The Anti-Chicken Fingers Movement - Slow-Cooker/Kid Friendly Chili

Slow-Cooker/Kid Friendly Chili



My friend Megan suggested this recipe for the blog.  I know I just did a chili-pasta skillet but I couldn't pass up another yummy chili recipe to try on a relaxed fall day.  Especially a slow-cooker recipe, they are the best for any mom!!!

2-lbs ground lean beef
1-lg onion diced
4-cloves garlic
3-Tbs chili powder
1/8-tsp cayenne pepper
2-tsp cumin (I skip it, not a fan)
3/4-tsp salt
1-can kidney beans
1-can black beans
1-can "hot" chili beans
2- 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes
1-tsp Mrs Dash-Spicy

-Brown beef,drain. Mix everything together in slow cooker for 8-10 hours on low. Serve with diced onions and cheese. 

Megan suggested Cornbread as a great side dish - since I served cornbread with my last chili-pasta skillet recipe I tried it with shredded cheddar cheese, light sour cream & a few Fritos.  Delish!

Happy eating my friends!! ~Trina