Coco Key ~ Fitchburg

We took the girls down to Coco Key in Fitchburg. We had been to the one in Danvers once before and had a good time so we thought we would check this one out. It was considerably smaller ~ but at the same time was plenty big enouch for my little kiddos.

It took us just about two hours to get there from home. I bought our tickets online and used a discount code of massvalue to get $10.00 off per ticket. Since I bought 1/2 day tickets that were $20.00 that means it only cost us $10/PP to get in. What a deal! Dan always wants to go but I think it is too expensive. This though I could definately get on board with.

When you go Coco Key you now need to bring your own towels they no longer provide them. You can not bring in outside food or drink and are at the high price mercy of the A&W and Pizza Hut there.

Working Mom to Stay at Home Mom

I have recently found out I will be a SAHM for the time being at least. I am not 100% sure how I feel about it ~ but I am 99% sure I am excited. Mimi and ZZ are excited for sure.

I think in the long run they will miss the wonderful school that has been a part of their lives for almost two years. I am hoping to plan lots of fun activities for them so maybe they won't notice so much.

Now I am thinking of things like: What will I make them for lunch everyday? At what time do I force them out of their PJ's when we are staying home? Will we spend more money being home all the time? Will they appreciate me less because they see me so much? There is so much to consider.

We are taking the first few weeks of my newly found unemployment and heading down to Florida to visit with my dad and hopefully my brother and his family. We will spend a few days at Disney World (just me and the two girls ~ YIKES!). We are hoping when we get back to Maine in late February that the weather will cooperate some for us to get out and about!

I hope to have more time to keep up with my blog and think I will have some fun things to post about along with lots of pictures!

And the Lasagna Stoup?....

Gets good marks for making the family happy. Not so good on the 30 minutes. Unless some has a way to make soup boil faster? It was about 45 minutes from start to finish.

The finished product was fantastic and Mena even licked her plate!

This recipe definately makes it into our rotation! It will be especially good on a fall evening. It also falls in to the extremely affordable category!

Lasagna Stoup

Tonight for our 30 minute meal it will be another Rachel Ray. Lasagna Stoup. Sounds good and I think everyone will like it too. Another bonus is I have everything I need right here in my kitchen.

Check out the recipe here: http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipes/rachael-ray-30-minute-meals/Lasagna-Stoup

And come back later to find out how close to 30 minutes the meal actually takes to make!

Rachel Ray 30 Minute Meal #1

So I must admit I cheated a little tiny bit. I shucked my corn at the grocery store. That isn't cheating is it? So here is the cost break down:

Chili Powder ~ 2.39
Pure Veg Oil ~ 2.59
Kates Buttermilk ~ 1.89
Smoked Paprika ~ 6.67
Garlic Powder ~ 1.99
Onion Powder ~ 1.99
Boneless Chix ~ 6.19
2 Limes ~ .67
Cantaloupe ~ .99
Local Corn ~ 1.58

Total cost of meal: $26.93

Now keep in mind ~ if my kitchen were better stocked this would be cheaper. A LOT cheaper ~ like under $10.

So I got home and immediately put the oil on to start getting hot and the water to boil. I followed the recipe to a T. I began cooking at 5:57 and by 6:30 we were all seated at the table with our meals in front of us. I may have cheated by shucking the corn first... but I did also through in a melon for me and the girls to have with our dinner (Dan doesn't like it) and I got that diced in the 30 minutes too.

Everyone liked the meal and would like it to be added to the dinner rotation. It was easy, fast, cheap and yummy too.

Now for the bad news... no picture tonight. I swear I will bring my camera in and take some pictures next time!

Julie and Julia

Mom, Laurie and I went to see this last night and I am feeling inspired! The current plan is 5 30-Minute Rachel Ray Meals. What I would like to do is give you all and idea of how long (and how much) the shopping takes, the prep time takes and how long the actual meal takes to make (is it really 30 minutes?). I want to do this because I am a busy working mom with two little ones who are HUNGRY when I get home. So if I can find a nice array of meals that everyone enjoys that really, honestly do take 30 minutes ~ I will be one happy mama!

What you can look for is:
Shopping Expense
Shopping Time
Prep Time (prior to the meal)
Actual Meal Prep time
A Picture of the Meal
Like or Don't Like from each family member

Tonights meal will be Tex Mex Buttermilk Chicken Tenders and Corn on the Cob

http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipes/rachael-ray-30-minute-meals/Tex-Mex-Buttermilk-Chicken-Tenders-and-Corn-on-the-Cob

New Diet Day 3

So far so good. Day 3 and I haven't cheated not even once. I am looking forward to weighing myself on Monday and hope to have shed at least a few pounds.

Still staying strong with two cups of coffee a day and enough water to float a boat! I am feeling less hungry each day. I figure after a couple of weeks I can plan a menu for myself and get off the boxed dinners ~ but for now it is really helping me with portion control and making sure I don't eat too much.

I am also heading my Dr's advice of "If it's white, don't bite" ~ so no sugar, bread, pasta...etc. Unless of course it is in my WW portion controlled meal!

Check back on Monday for my weight loss so far!