Tag Archives: jill conyers

Weekend Meal Planning

Posted on November 23 by Jillian416 • 2 Comments

Howdy! It’s Sunday again and that means we’re meal planning here in the O’Keefe household. However, after shopping today, I’m really beginning to wonder why we torture ourselves on Sundays. It was SO busy!!

Before I get into my meal plan, I wanted to tell you about my weekend – It was GREAT! I’m really not looking forward to going back to work tomorrow. Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving with my side of the family. Thanksgiving day is always spent with Seamus’ parents and usually my mom will have her dinner the Saturday or Sunday afterward, but since I have some busy siblings, we had to adjust. This actually worked out, because now when we get back from CNY next week, we won’t need to travel to my parent’s the next day. Thanks busy siblings! 😛

Anyhoo – I got up early and headed to Panera to do some of my virtual assistant work, I always seem to think better there. After working for about 3 hrs, I came home to the cuddliest of boys. Emmett just wanted to be held, cuddled or nuzzled by me and who am I to say no. So, while daddy got ready to go we hung out on the couch wrapped in each others arms. I just love that little boy!!

Eventually we hit the road, and made it to grandma’s in plenty of time! We were a little worried because of all of the snow that had fallen between where we live and my parents (in case you haven’t heard or seen the images, here’s a good synopsis), but there was no need for worry. We got there quickly and easily!!

Emmett was so excited to see my mom, sister and brother. He’s not positive who everyone is yet (because he doesn’t see everyone all the time), but he sure does love being around people who shower him with attention. That’s pretty much all you need to do in order for him to like you. LOL There were 3 dogs there, which is weird for Emmett because he’s not used to any, but by the end of the night he was lightly petting and playing with the dogs. Yay!! Once we eventually move, I’m sure Seamus and I will want to get a dog, so I’m glad E adjusted easily.

Dinner was delicious, my brother made some amazing mashed potatoes (yes, seriously!) and then for the rest of the evening we just visited, joking and chatting with one another. It’s times like those that I treasure most! I really wish we all got together more frequently, when we do we have such a good time.

Today has been a bit of a whirlwind. I was up early, worked and then made us all a yummy breakfast, I’ve done some laundry, cleaned out the fridge (YUCK!!) and we’ve gone grocery shopping. Emmett is quietly napping now, Seamus is playing his video game and I am blogging away. THIS is what Sundays were meant for.

Our Meal Plan

It will be a pretty easy week because we have Thanksgiving on Thursday and then will be traveling home on Friday, so we’ll just grab something on the way. LOVE easy weeks!

Sunday: Homemade Pizza (carry over)

Monday: Rotisserie Chicken & Potatoes

Tuesday: Taco Tuesday (with Seamus famous guacamole)

Wednesday: Fettuccine Alfredo Spaghetti Squash

Thursday: Thanksgiving!!

Friday: On the road

Saturday: Scrounge

Quick and easy!! We don’t host Thanksgiving, maybe one day when we get a house, but for now I am lucky enough to enjoy the cooking of my mom and Seamus’ mom. Yummy in my tummy!!

I’m joining and linking up with Laura from Mommy, Run Fast! and Jill from jillconyers.com.

Your turn!

Do you host Thanksgiving, or do you just bring a dish to pass?

Anything fun on your emal plan this week? Share in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you!

Looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to get your news? Check-out theSkimm and sign-up for your daily email box delivery of the world’s news, plus if you share your birthday, you get it listed at the bottom of the newsletter on your day. It’s like celebrating with thousands of people!!!!

Filed Under: All About Me, Link-Ups

Let’s Talk – Some Changes & a Meal Plan

Posted on November 16 by Jillian416 • 9 Comments

Life is full of changes, and I don’t always cope so well with them – but if I want to become a successful solopreneur certain things need to evolve.

I have always enjoyed blogging, I’ve had 3 or 4 different blogs in my lifetime, and I’ve enjoyed writing for each one, but I always seemed to run out of post ideas. I never looked at the full picture, or the different angles that a topic can come from. Even with Baby Doodah! I haven’t fully grasped how many readers I could reach if I just buckle down and really look at this like a business. Yes, it is a hobby and I enjoy every single minute that I get to be at the keyboard, writing (90% of the time), but I do want to gain audience members, too.

Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of reading, learning and personal development. I’ve been reading blog upon blog about how important it is to have a business plan for your blog. That is literally something I NEVER considered for my blog, in fact – even right now – I have NO Idea how to go about doing that. I have an idea, but I am one of those people who needs specific instructions before I can move forward.

I’ve managed to find a couple of fantastic resources (here are a few for your viewing pleasure, How to Build a Blog Business Plan and How to Create a Successful Business Plan for Your Blog) that will help guide me in the right direction, and I can’t wait to get started. It’s essentially grown-up homework for something that I really enjoy doing, that can only lead to success. Right!?

Things around the blog won’t be TOO different from the outside. I’m thinking I will change the days that I regularly post, right now I aim for Sun-M-W-F, and then my weekend link-up post. I am thinking it will be a good idea to switch to Sun-Tues-Thurs and my weekend link-up. I will be posting less, but my content will be more in-depth, I won’t feel rushed to pump out a blog post so that I can meet my own expectations and those of my readers. I’ll be able to spend time gathering information, thinking through and actually writing multiple drafts of posts. It all sounds really exciting to me! I can be such a nerd. HA HA

Anyway, I wanted to come clean to you, my loyal and valued readers. I love keeping you up to date on everything I have planned, because it is you that I write for. I really hope you stick around!!

Kind of random to put these two together, but that’s how I roll…

My Meal Plan

Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs & bacon

Lunch: salad with ham and sliced chicken, sunflower seeds, bleu cheese, purple cabbage and honey mustard & baby carrots

Saturday: (we’ve started meal planning and shopping on Saturday evenings) Spaghetti Squash Fettuccine Alfredo

Sunday: Pork Fried Rice (we’ll be having cauliflower rice)

Monday: Rotisserie Chicken & Baked Potatoes

Tuesday: Homemade Steak Sandwiches

Wednesday: Greek Meatballs & Spinach

Thursday: Scrounge Night

Friday: Homemade Pizza

There you have it!! My confession on changes coming and my yummy weekly menu. We do have a lot of repeats this week, but why mess with what’s broken, right!?

I’m linking up with Laura from Mommy, Run Fast! and Jill from jillconyers.com. And, also linking up with the Motivate Me link-up hosted by Janice from Fitness Cheerleader and Rachel from RunningRachel.com.

Your turn!

How do changes of any kind make you feel?

If you are making a meal plan this week, what’s on it?

Looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to get your news? Check-out theSkimm and sign-up for your daily email box delivery of the world’s news, plus if you share your birthday, you get it listed at the bottom of the newsletter on your day. It’s like celebrating with thousands of people!!!!

Filed Under: Family, Food & Recipes, Uncategorized

Sunday Meal Plan – Week of 10/27/14

Posted on October 26 by Jillian416 • 2 Comments

Happy Sunday! I’m so happy to have you here!

Before I get into the meal plan, I wanted to just talk about what a sweet little boy Emmett has been. Why? Because I love him and because I’m a proud momma. He’s been so full of pleases and thank yous and it just warms my heart each and everyday.

This morning, Seamus said he woke up and was telling him thank you for everything, getting him out of the crib, changing his diaper, giving hugs, etc. The best part for me is that he is using please and thank you appropriately. He doesn’t seem to have any confusion on when to use please, thank you and you’re welcome. I love it! I realize it might seem pretty silly to some, but when you have a child, you are just so proud of everything they do. 🙂

Love him!

So how was your weekend?

Ours was pretty awesome! Saturday I got up early and headed to Starbucks to get some of my work done. I have a desk at home, but as soon as Emmett starts waking up, I lose my concentration. I had a lot to do and wanted to be productive, so I showered and headed out. I’m glad I did, too! I got so much accomplished!

When I got home, Emmett and I spent some time playing with Play-Doh (Emmett is partial to the Play-Doh fun factory – affliate link). With the this set, there is a mother, father, and boy cut out. He had me help him make one for each of us. Then he took the mother and father and had each of them say I love you to the other and then give each other kisses. It was the sweetest thing! I’m so glad that we’re showing him what a loving and happy relationship is all about.

We also headed down to visit my parents which was really nice. It’s always so laid back there! Emmett plays and we chat, he loves playing with all the different toys that grandma has!

Today will be filled with laundry, grocery shopping, food prep and tidying up. Nothing exciting, but all things that need to be done.

And now, onto our meal plan

Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs, feta & 2 slices of bacon

Lunch for the week: Chicken Soup, Rice Crackers & mini sweet peppers

_______________________________________________________________

Sunday: Chili & Corn Bread

Monday: Spaghetti Squash – Fettuccine Alfredo

Tuesday: Rotisserie Chicken & Asparagus

Wednesday: Pork Tacos

Thursday: Steak, Chick Pea and Tomato Salad

Friday: Homemade Pizza

Saturday: Scrounge Night

Lunch for the week: Chicken Soup, Rice Crackers & mini sweet peppers

Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs, feta & 2 slices of bacon

I’m linking up with Laura from Mommy, Run Fast! and Jill from jillconyers.com, be sure to stop over and link-up your meal planning posts.

Your turn!

Anything fun, new or interesting on your meal plan this week? I’d love if you shared in the comments below!

Looking for a quick, easy and FREE way to get your news? Check-out theSkimm and sign-up for your daily email box delivery of the world’s news, plus if you share your birthday, you get it listed at the bottom of the newsletter on your day. It’s like celebrating with thousands of people!!!!

Filed Under: Food & Recipes

Sunday Meal Plan – Week #23

Posted on July 20 by Jillian416 • 12 Comments

What an awesome Sunday we had!!

We’ve had an exciting several days! My sister and her family are in town visiting and since I had off at the same time we’ve spent a lot of time together, allowing our children to play and have a good time.

Friday we went to Midway Park in Beamus Point, NY. I’m really glad we did too, it’s a really small park, perfect for 2 year olds and with very few people there. The kiddos were pretty much allowed to run from ride to ride with us following behind. They had such a good time and used up a TON of energy. I’m not much of a ride person, I prefer to people watch so I wasn’t sure what to expect with Emmett. He LOVES rides! Ones that spin, especially! Thanks to my sister and brother-in-law for taking Emmett on several rides that I wouldn’t do (me and spinning just do not mix).

Then on Saturday we celebrated my mom’s retirement and Emmett’s birthday. My siblings and I got together and hired a photographer to come to my mom’s house to take family photos of all of us. We hired J. Lee Photography and she was awesome to work with! She arrived promptly and never rushed us. She was open to us taking as many different poses as we wanted and was eternally patient!! If you’re looking for someone in the Dunkirk/Fredonia/Buffalo area who is affordable, I highly recommend her. As soon as we get our prints, I’ll be sharing with you.

Since the photo shoot was late, Emmett and I stayed the night in Dunkirk. Emmett was excited to wake up and know he got to see his grandma again and play with his cousin. He really had such a blast with her! Once we got back home Emmett and daddy did some cuddling, we had some lunch and then it was nap time for Emmett and I. You never sleep quite as well at someone else’s house, as you do at your own. After he woke up we grabbed some iced coffee, went to the playground, picked up pizza for dinner and then spent the evening playing together. This is what Sundays were made for!

This will be another exciting week for Emmett! It’s his birthday week! Tuesday I’ll be taking him to the Chautauqua county fair with his cousin, then Wednesday we’ll be going to the zoo and out for Linner (lunch + dinner). I am loving this time with him!!!

So onto our Sunday meal plan for the week:

Monday: Marinated Chicken and Zucchini

Tuesday: Dinner at the fair (yum!!)

Wednesday: Linner out for Emmett’s birthday

Thursday: (back to work) Hot Dogs and Oven Fries

Friday: Teriyaki Pork Loin & Cauliflower

Saturday: Fish Tacos & Fresh Veggies

It’ll be a pretty easy week cooking wise, but we need to get back in the habit of shopping and cooking after a week off. I love vacation, but MAN it does a number on the waistline! 🙂

I’m linking up with Laura from Mommy, Run Fast! and Jill from jillconyers.com. Join us!

Your turn!

What was the best part of your weekend?

Anything fun on your menu this week?

Filed Under: All About Me, Family

Sunday Meal Plan – Week #22

Posted on July 6 by Jillian416 • 6 Comments

Hello and Happy Sunday!

How was everyone’s weekends? Our was mostly great, until this morning. When I went in to get Emmett this morning he and his bed were covered in vomit. 🙁 As soon as I opened the door to his bedroom I could smell it, but it wasn’t until I turned on the light that I saw the mess.

He must have puked much earlier in the night, and either just ignored it, or slept through it. He had it in his hair, on his face, PJs and body. It was all over his mattress, blankets and stuffed animals. I felt like a terrible mother!! My poor child had slept all night in his own vomit, but he didn’t cry or make a peep all night (we still use a monitor).

I know there was nothing I could have done, but I really felt bad for him. We quickly got to work cleaning him and his room up, but still can’t seem to get rid of the stench. Everything that got covered, has been lysol’d (a few different times), we’ve scrubbed the rug and his mattress and it still stinks. We got some fabreeze and some of the powder you put in the carpet and then vacuum up, I’m hoping one or both work. Any mom’s out there have any advice?

Needless to say we’ve had a very low-key day. Just cuddling and keeping Emmett happy, poor little guy. I love that little booga-loo!!

The rest of the weekend was awesome, though! We spent a lot of time outdoors, visited with my parents, watched some Thomas the Tank Engine and just relaxed. We all head back to work and school tomorrow, but there is only 5 more wake-ups until we’re on vacation (OH YES, I am counting!). 🙂

Recycled Image – I lost most of my pics when my iPhone dropped dead.

And now, this Week’s Meal Plan

Sunday – Pork Loin & Corn on the Cobb (carry-over)

Monday – Mexican Pizzas (carry over)

Tuesday – Marinated Chicken & Zucchini

Wednesday – Corned Beef (in the crock-pot), cabbage and red potatoes

Thursday – Homemade Steak Subs & Fries

Friday – Tilapia & Cauliflower

Saturday – Chicken and Leeks

We had a couple of carry-overs from last week because one day we just scrounged around the house, Seamus didn’t feel like cooking and then we ordered delicious pizza. 😉

Here’s hoping the week goes by quickly, so that I can begin relaxing. I really and truly need it! It’s been since February since I’ve had a day off, other than a company holiday. Call me tuckered out!

Your turn!

Any advice to get the puke smell out of a room?

What’s on your meal plan this week?

As usual, I’m linking up with Laura from Mommy, Run Fast! and Jill from jillconyers.com – join the party and link-up your delicious food plan for the week and other fun foodie finds.

Filed Under: All About Me, Link-Ups

Sunday Meal Plan – Week 18

Posted on June 8 by Jillian416 • 4 Comments

It’s Sunday at 10 pm, do you know where your children are?

Hopefully soundly sleeping. 🙂 We had an awesome weekend, and once again I am sad to see it end. However, I am channeling my positivity and using my Tips for a Killer Monday to stay happy!

Saturday was Seamus’ birthday so we did whatever he wanted to do! He didn’t have any big requests, just wanted to relax and enjoy time with his family as well get a delicious steak at Outback. He was fortunate to do both. 🙂 As for birthday gifts, he’s difficult to buy for, but I know he’s been wanting to rebuild his computer that hasn’t worked in quite some time, so I just gave him cash. I did do it in a cute way, though.

If you put something in Emmett’s pocket he tries so hard to get it out, but typically will need help. I put the money in E’s pocket so that he could go ask daddy for help. He did and Seamus was really excited! I think I did well, now I just need to impress him with Father’s Day next week. Ha!

Sunday, we grocery shopped, Emmett napped, I blogged and then my sister came up for a visit. We spent the afternoon with her, but unfortunately we couldn’t go outside, the weather didn’t cooperate. We watched a movie and then went out for some frozen yogurt. Emmett was being so silly, he’d fill his spoon up and then dump it all back out and then lick the spoon. Such a goober!

I am loving our weekends this summer! We’re not even officially at summer and I’m enjoying every second.

This is my adorable son, and my gorgeous sister (who still happens to be single), follow here on Instagram.

This Week’s Meals

Sunday: Hot Dogs & Corn on the Cobb

Monday: Steak, Chick pea & Tomato Salad

Tuesday: Marinated Chicken and Zucchini

Wednesday: Pork Chops & Cauliflower

Thursday: Hamburgers & Fries

Friday: GF Pasta & Garlic Bread

Saturday: Cheddar Garlic Oven Fried Chicken (a new recipe, that I’m really excited to try)

Lunch: Ham & Cheedar Lettuce Wraps, baby carrots, red sweet pepper & watermelon

Workouts this Week: I’ll be doing the 21 day FIX, you can read more about it by clicking here.

Alrighty, folks – that about does it for this week!

I’m linking up with Laura from Mommy, Run Fast! and Jill from jillconyers.com.

Your turn!

Please share your meal plans / workouts in the comments below! I love reading your comments and responding back.

If you want to start your Monday off on a generous foot and want to support cancer research, donate to my ride. I’m riding for Roswell Park Cancer Institute and their Ride for Roswell. Anything will help me reach my goal, and further advance cancer research. Just click HERE to donate.

Filed Under: Food & Recipes

Sunday Meal Plan – Week 16

Posted on May 18 by Jillian416 • 8 Comments

Happy Meal Plan Day!!

It has been an amazing weekend for us here in WNY, and we definitely got outside and enjoyed it!

Saturday we made our first visit to the Elmwood-Bidwell Farmer’s Market. There wasn’t much in the way of produce, but we did get some delicious looking asparagus and some locally made chicken sausage (both of which are on the menu for this week). I also was able to grab some of my absolute favorite goat cheese from First Light Farm & Creamery, I’ve been waiting all Winter for it! They do sell it at the local co-op, but I don’t get there enough, whereas the Farmer’s Market we go almost weekly.

Later in the afternoon, we headed out for ice cream and to play. We went to a playground that is right next to the hospital where Emmett was born. I love going there, and seeing the hospital, plus it’s fun to point it out to Emmett every time (we’ve been there before). Emmett had a good time running around and trying to jump in the puddles and it got some his super high amounts of energy out.

Today I went out on my first long bike ride of the season. I was aiming for 15 miles, I did 16.5, mainly because I got lost. Whoops! I was using Google Maps and it kept telling me to turn right, but I couldn’t. There were only dead ends. So I kept going straight, thinking I would eventually be able to go right. Eventually, I could but then I was thrown off so I had to call Seamus and he headed me in the right direction and I easily found my way home. I won’t knock Google maps for bikes, though, it does say they’re still in BETA. Now I know they’re saying that for a reason.

After that, I came home ate a yummy breakfast (GF bagel, goat cheese and eggs), and we headed out to grocery shop. Came home, unloaded the groceries, Emmett ate a small lunch and then went down for a nap. While he napped, I did some laundry, cleaned my berries, and prepped some food for the week. I also dozed for about an hour, and it felt so good! My body was tired. Once Emmett was up, we headed out for a walk. Emmett wasn’t really enjoying the stroller so we let him walk on his own, so long as he held Daddy’s hand. He really liked that!

Alright, enough jibbah jabbah, on with the food (AmIRight!?)

Monday: Cheeseburgers & French Fries

Tuesday: Homemade Steak Hoagies with veggies

Wednesday: Teriyaki Salmon & Asparagus

Thursday: Locally Made Sausage & Zucchini

Friday: Homemade Pizza (carry-over)

Saturday: Leftover Pork Loin & Veggies

Breakfasta for the Week: 1 scrambled egg with bacon on a piece of romaine lettuce. I eat it like a breakfast burrito and I don’t even miss the bagel.

Lunch for the Week: GF bagel with avocado mashed onto it, with cucumbers and Smoked Salmon (this is so Yummy!) I got the idea from Peas and Crayons.

That about does it! You know the drill, I’m linking up with Laura from Mommy, Run Fast! and Jill from JillConyers.com Be sure to stop on over and check-out their menus and link-up!

Your turn!

What fun things did you do this weekend?

Any fun new eats for the week?

If you are feeling generous and want to support cancer research, donate to my ride. I’m riding 62.5 miles for Roswell Park Cancer Institute and their Ride for Roswell. Anything will help me reach my goal, and further advance cancer research. Just click HERE to donate.

Filed Under: All About Me, Family, Food & Recipes