What's cooking this week?

Dear El + Em,

Things are getting real "Christmasy" and real exciting around here! We saw Santa TWICE this past week....once at Grandma's job and a second time at an awesome model train show that we went to. Last night we went to Chloe and Corinne's house to make gingerbread houses, and today I plan to start our first batch of Jelly Buttons for the year! Exciting!

XO, Mom

There is still so much to be done....mostly gifts to be bought and wrapped. YIKES! I'm not one of those people who have that done early. I've never been, yet this year I feel more behind than usual. Oh well, it always comes together in the end, but this week is going to be a super easy week of dinners. It's a pretty unimpressive lineup of meals, but I'll share anyway...

Sunday: Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Monday:  Hummus Pizza (it's been too long)

Tuesday: Tacos!!!
Wednesday: Turkey Bacon BLT's on pretzel buns (Ella and I are going to a Christmas concert)

Thursday: Steak for Hubs and Mac n' Cheese for the girls (I have a Christmas dinner thing with some work peeps)
Friday: White Pizza (IF I get out of work at a decent time we may shape it into a snowman....just maybe)

Happy Sunday!

What's cooking this week?

Dear El + Em,

This weekend has been quite eventful and it's not even over! It started with a visit to the horse farm with pony rides AND hayrides. Then, we took a trip to get late night donuts and hot chocolate in our jammies, followed by driving around and looking at Christmas lights. Now it's Sunday, and we've got a cozy home day planned. Let's get the Christmas movie marathon started!

XO, Mom

I'm still learning how to use my instant pot. Tonight I'll be stepping up my game and making a pot roast for the whole fam. Hopefully it's good! Pot roast isn't usually my "jam", but the video for the recipe makes it look really yummy. Turns out, I'll be "instant potting" for most of the day in order to better prepare for the week ahead.

Sunday: Instant Pot - Pot Roast with Cauliflower Mash

Monday:  Vegan Lentil Soup (never had a chance to make this last week)

Tuesday: Chicken Black Bean Enchiladas
Wednesday: Easy Skillet Lasagna

Thursday: Instant Pot Cilantro Chicken and Rice

Things went a bit off-course last week for a lot of reasons, mostly falling wayyyyy behind at work. Luckily I'm a pro at improvising and figuring out how to switch things up at the last minute. This week I've got to do a little bit of prep beforehand in hopes that I'm able to still get dinner together on the late nights. The black beans and shreddy chicken will be ready to go for Tuesday and I also plan to make Monday's dinner today. Looks like I'll have that instant pot fired up for most of the day, but I know it will be worth it!

Have a Happy Sunday!

What's cooking this week?

Dear El + Em,

We are back to our normal routine and in full-blown holiday mode over here! Today was our first day home to really decompress after our trip and a long week of work and school. What a day! I know you love each other very much but it would be super helpful for ALL of us if you got out of each others personal space! Just a lil' tip from Mom...but what do I know?!

XO, Mom
*Side-note....even if it ends terribly, I do appreciate the chance to get a sweet photo like the one below before things go downhill!

UPDATE: The instant pot is phenomenal! So far, I'm really impressed. I went with the 6 quart Duo and LOVE it. I used it for 3 different dinners last week and I'm looking forward to using it more this week. The other day I literally raided our library and checked out every book they had pertaining to instant pots or pressure cookers. Obsessed. Here's what I've got planned...

Sunday: Sunday Sauce with ravioli 

Monday: Pastina soup with carrots for the girls and a veggie burger for me (Ella requested that I put hummus pizzas on hold for a little bit)

Tuesday: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Wednesday: Vegan Lentil Soup and Steak for Hubs

Thursday: Taco Pasta (Hoping the girls love this)

Friday: Skinny Crack Chicken (a recipe from THIS book)

I'm trying to keep the week somewhat light again...also I'm thinking there should be lots of leftovers to have for lunch through the week too. BONUS!

Enjoying the view AND my fave movie! 

Have a wonderful Sunday!