Tag Archives: sunday meal plan

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

Let’s Meal Plan

Posted on November 10 by Jillian416 • 2 Comments

Happy Monday! I truly mean that, too. 🙂 I am off both today and tomorrow and couldn’t be more excited!! However, despite being off, we are still making our meal plan, it’s our easiest way to save money and not go off the rails when we’re grocery shopping.

How was your weekend?

Ours was pretty good! Saturday we spent a good deal inside, going between watching movies and cuddling to play with cars and trains – oh and of course being loud!! haha Yeah, Emmett’s new thing is to shout everything, even when he’s singing. It’s a good thing he’s cute! In the morning, I did get to go for a Pedicure with a friend and then out for brunch. Boy did my feet need some TLC.

Sunday, was equally as easy going. Since we have today and tomorrow off, we decided to hold off on grocery shopping until today. So, instead of needing to rush out the door to the store, we all enjoyed breakfast together and then Emmett and I headed out to do some shopping. I had intended on going to a few different stores, but Emmett had a different idea, we only made it to JoAnn’s and Trader Joe’s – better than nothing, I suppose.

After nap time, Seamus went to the gym and Emmett and I played outside. Our weather was decent, chilly but dry, so we pulled out his Little Tikes Cozy Coup (affiliate link) and rode it around the neighborhood. He was in heaven! Of course, after our walk we had to take it in the backyard, where Emmett tipped the car no less than 3 cars. haha He was so muddy, but he was having a blast, so WHO CARES!?

The rest of the evening went by in a blur, we had dinner, finished watching a movie we started on Saturday, gave Emmett his bath and then it was to bed. What an awesome whirlwind of a weekend!

Now for our Meal Plan

Sunday: Balsamic Pork & Baked Potatoes

Monday: Homemade Pork Fried Rice

Tuesday: Steak & Chick Peas & Tomato Salad

Wednesday: Rotisserie Chicken & Asparagus

Thursday: Fettuccine Alfredo Spaghetti Squash

Friday: Homemade Pizza

Saturday: Greek Meatballs

That’s a seriously yummy week, right there!!

If you share a meal plan on your blog, you should join me at either Mommy, Run Fast or jillconyers.com! Link that post up and make some new friends.

Your turn!

How was your weekend? Do anything fun!?

What’s on your menu for the week?

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

Sunday Meal Plan – Week #26

Posted on August 17 by Jillian416 • 6 Comments

Happy Sunday, readers!!

Another great weekend is nearly in the books. We have had an astounding weekend. Saturday we went to Dunkirk to celebrate my dad’s birthday. His actual day was this past Wednesday the 13th, but weekends are always easier to celebrate on. We had a mini-BBQ, lots of hot dogs, hamburgers and pasta salad. I didn’t eat the greatest but it was really delicious!

One of the best parts of Saturday was that Emmett got to meet one of his idols, Rolley. 😉 He seriously loves Bob the Builder and was so excited when we took a walk by my mom’s house and they had this cement roller there. I wish I had video’d the whole thing, his excitement was ADORABLE!

And then today has been super productive!! I woke up at 5:30 this morning, thinking I’d get some time to get work done, but Emmett had other ideas. He wanted to wake up at 5:45 and spend some time cuddling on the couch watching Bob the Builder. I can’t say I blame him, I am pretty awesome, but it cut into my work time. haha

Ah well!! In the end it worked out. I pulled my laptop out while he watched TV, I got a few odds and ends done, and then eventually I made him breakfast. After breakfast, we woke Seamus up, mainly so I could get to our hamper and start our laundry. I’ve gotten 4 loads of laundry done, grocery shopping, food prep and some Beachbody stuff all complete and it’s only just 3 pm. Feels good to be so productive!!

Our Weekly Meal Plan

This weeks’ meal plan has some new recipes on it, ones that I am REALLY excited to try!!

Sunday: Chili & corn bread (carry-over from last week)

Monday: Leftovers

Tuesday: White Pizza Stuffed Zucchini Boats

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Wednesday: Chicken Shawarma

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Thursday: Steak, Chick Pea & Tomato Salad

Friday: Marinated Chicken with Sauteed Corn with Bacon and Leeks

Saturday: BBQ Bacon Hot Dogs and Baked Fries

The BBQ Bacon Hot Dog is going to be a Seamus creation. He went to a food truck that sold that type of hot dog, but didn’t get the chance to try it, so now he wants to make it at home. We’re saving it for the weekend, since we like to be less indulgent during the week. I’ll be sure to report back on how delicious (or not) it ends up being. 🙂

Like I said, we’re trying a few new things this week and I am very excited about that! We needed to spice up our Sunday meal plan.

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

Your turn!

How was your weekend?

Have you tried any new recipes recently?

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, Family, Food & Recipes

Sunday Meal Plan – Week #24

Posted on July 27 by Jillian416 • 6 Comments

Phew! Is it really Sunday evening already? Boo!!

We had such a fantastic weekend. We had no set plans, but we managed to enjoy ourselves fully!! Saturday, Seamus took Emmett to run a few errands and then to the playground for some father / son bonding time. 🙂 Not really, it was more because momma had a lot of work to get done and Seamus was thoughtful enough to take him out.

And, because my husband rocks my socks, he came home with a gorgeous Peace Lily. I’m SO lucky! Not only does my husband take our kiddo out so that I can get work done, but then comes home with gifts. Love him! 😀

That evening we went out for pizza, mainly because we had forgotten to pull anything out of the freezer for dinner. Whoops! Not that I minded pizza, though! We went to Blasdell Pizza for their chicken finger pizza which is amazing. We don’t go out there often because it’s a bit of a trek, but it’s always well worth it when we go.

When we got home, Emmett wanted to watch the movie we got him for his birthday, The Lego Movie. We got it mainly because the main character’s name is Emmet (with only one t), but also because it looked good, and it DID NOT disappoint. Super cute!!

Sunday, was an even more laid back day. I got up early, around 5, made coffee and went right to work on some things for the blog and for my fitness business. (BTW – It really does feel fantastic to be so motivated!) Once Emmett started stirring, I went in and got him and we all cuddled in bed together for almost an hour. It was HEAVEN!!! Eventually we showered and made our way to Wegmans, but it was so nice to be so leisurely.

After shopping, we had lunch, Emmett napped (I also napped) and then we went out for Ice Cream to our local favorite spot, Anderson’s. Afterward, we, of course, had to make a quick pit stop to a playground, then back home to play in the backyard.

It really was such a lovely weekend, I’m REALLY sad to see it go!! 🙁

Anyhoo – Onto the Sunday meal plan!

Sunday – Scrounge around house

Monday – Hamburgers & Oven fries

Tuesday – Fish Tacos & Fresh Veggies (carry-over)

Wednesday – Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken (from TJs) & roasted red potatoes

Thursday – Orange Chicken & Rice

Friday – Mexican Pizzas

Saturday – Teriyaki Pork Loin & Cauliflower

A pretty simple week, which always leads to us sticking to the menu!! We need to start budgeting better and eating out less, that’s for sure!

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

Your turn!

I’d love to hear what you have on the menu for the week? I’m always looking for new ideas!

Filed Under: All About Me, Family, 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 17

Posted on May 25 by Jillian416 • 10 Comments

Happy HAPPY Sunday to YOU!

Man! It has been an amazing weekend, full of LOADS of outdoor activities and we still have another day left. The weather in WNY has been mind-blowing! I know we’ve had quite a bit of rain AND some cooler days, but honestly, I’ll take all that if we keep having weekends like we’ve had over the past several weeks. Warm, and sun that doesn’t seem to end! Just plain lovely! 🙂

Yesterday, we went out to the playground early. Emmett had a blast swinging, sliding and playing on the little plastic cars they had sitting out. And because he was well rested, he was listening very well too. (Always awesome!) He’d start riding too far away, I’d ask him to turn around and he would. It made me feel so good, knowing he’s such a good listener (so long as he isn’t tired or cranky).

The rest of the day was spent with a big nap (for everyone), then we ran some errands, grabbed a quick dinner at The Corner Bakery, and then home to start watching How to Train Your Dragon. Emmett was loving it! He kept saying, “Oh no!” or cheering, it was very adorable.

Today, I met up with a good friend and we went for a nice long walk. It felt amazing! Emmett got a little feisty, being trapped in the stroller for that long, but eventually he gave up and fell asleep. We walked about 6 miles, and other than some friction from crappy sneakers, I felt good. No pain! I need to keep this body active, so that I continue to keep the herniated disc pain at bay.

My little cutie is sleeping now, but once he’s up, we’re headed to a playground, while Seamus runs and then will eventually head home for dinner (Teriyaki Salmon, YUM!).

Tomorrow will be another great day!! We’re headed down to visit my parents, for a small picnic. Emmett’s been asking to see grandma and grandpa, so we’re finally obliging him. I love visiting my parents because their yard is so big, and very private – Emmett will be able to run and get all his energy out. 🙂

Oh yeah! You probably want my meal plan, the reason you stopped by.

Sunday: Teriyaki Salmon and Corn on the Cobb

Monday: Hamburgers/Hot Dogs on the grill at my parent’s house

Tuesday: Tacos with this guacamole recipe. (yum!)

Wednesday: GF Spaghetti and Meatballs

Thursday: Grilled Chicken & Veggies

Friday: Homemade Pizza

Saturday: Scrounge or Out

I’m excited for this week! It’s shaping up to be a beautiful one weather-wise, and I cannot wait to get Emmett out as much as possible, so that he can enjoy it!

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

Your turn!

What’s on your Sunday Meal Plan for the week?

Filed Under: Family, Food & Recipes