Sorry

for the lack of posting. Been really busy, and trying to get caught up. Have some evenings off this week, so I'll post some updates. Lots of love...

Rachel

Why?

This is why I shouldn't try to make a menu plan when I don't feel like it....

• I didn't check my freezer before I started...
• I don't have any chicken in my freezer at all
• I don't want to go to the grocery store, but...
• I don't know what else to cook!!!

And that is why I should not do a lame attempt at a menu plan!!

Menu Planning Monday -- November 9, 2009

Recap: this week wasn't as good as far as cooking at home. Some of the meals just didn't turn out and so we ate out. However, we are still cooking at home, and that is what matters!

I am really not in the mood to do a menu right now, but I know if I don't, we will eat out all next week. Therefore, my lame attempt at a menu for the week.

Monday -- I think we are going to have the Easy Chicken Parm again. That was yummy!

Tuesday -- Burgers since we never had them last week

Wednesday -- free-4-all

Thursday -- crock-pot chili

Friday -- Jerrod's choice

Saturday -- Lasagna Bake (from freezer)

Sunday -- something with chicken, maybe a smothered one?? I don't know.. suggestions??

For better attempts at a meal plan, visit I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Bath Junkie

So, when Jerrod and I were in Texas the first time, for our anniversary, we went to this store in Dallas called Bath Junkie. I loved it!! They have everything from lotion to bubble bath to salt scrubs and more. Nothing is tested on animals, and most everything is paraben and SLS-free.

They seem to have revolutionized the bath world. First, you choose your product. Then, you choose from the rows of scents that they have. Then, you get to choose a color for your product. Then, they mix it up, and you are good to go!

I have the exfoliating salt scrub and the body dessert. I absolutely love them. I use the exfoliating scrub before I shave, and therefore get an even closer one. Then, after I get out of the shower or bath, but before I dry off, I put on the body dessert. That lotion is designed to be put on when you are slightly wet, versus dry like other lotions.

I like it because I can pick a specific scent that I might not be able to find, or can pick my own color if I don't like the one that would traditionally come with a certain scent that I love. In addition, you can mix and match their scents to create your own custom scent.

There website has a list of all of their scents, and even has suggestions for scent mixes. However, they do not offer online ordering, because they feel like they need to be able to talk with you to fully understand what you would like. You can email them, and they will call you to place your order, and they do offer shipping.

(This is the store located in Cedar Park, TX)

**I am in no way being compensated for this post, unfortunately!!**

The Showdown at the Alamodome

Well, that is what the Alamodome was billing the Notre Dame / Washington State game as. However, it wasn't so much of a showdown, as a smackdown. But, it was still a great game, and Jerrod and I had a wonderful time*.

*With the exceptions of stupidity, such as not having nearly enough souvenirs. The venue ran out of everything Notre Dame before the beginning of the second quarter. EVERYTHING! I was extremely upset, since we were waiting for the line to die down to get Ethan something.

Anyway, the game started at 6:30, and we arrived at about 4:30. There was a little outdoor area set up, with games and things for kids, as well as places to buy pictures from other games. We got some food, and then decided to go in and look around.

Game Stats:

• Notre Dame is 10-0 all-time against teams from the State of Washington, and 15-0 all-time on Halloween.
• First downs: Notre Dame 32, Washington State 12
• Total yards: Notre Dame 592, Washington State 206
• Passing: Notre Dame 337, Washington State 104
• Rushing: Notre Dame 255, Washington State 102
• Penalties: Notre Dame 8/74, Washington State 6/50
• 3rd down conversions: Notre Dame 6/14, Washington State 2/11
• Turnovers: Notre Dame 1, Washington State 2
• Possession: Notre Dame 40:54, Washington State 19:06

(And the sad thing, is that two of Notre Dame's best players did not play, Michael Floyd (who broke his collarbone 6 weeks ago -- although he is coming back for the game against Navy) and Armando Allen, Jr. (who sprained his ankle a couple weeks ago))

Outside:

Practice:

The Band:

About to Start:

Kickoff and Game:

(That's Jimmy Clausen *quarterback* and Golden Tate *wide receiver* in the bottom right corner -- #7 and #23)

(#10 is Dayne Crist -- the backup quarterback)

We did leave the game early, since we had to try to fight to get a cab. We left when the score was 40-7, but Washington State did get another touchdown after that to make the final score 40-14.

I looked on ESPN to get game stats, and found some pictures that I'm also going to post. These next few are from ESPN.com, and they deserve all credit (and envy from me!) -- All photos have been linked to the original source

Menu Planning Monday -- November 2, 2009

Well, since Jerrod and I didn't get home from San Antonio until now, I did my menu in the car. Luckily, I kind of remembered what we had in the fridge, so it wasn't too difficult. However, when Jerrod and I got to Fort Worth, we went to Central Market, run by H.E.B. Our buddy, Chad, has a job there, and Jerrod wanted to try their pork sausages (they apparently make everything there fresh, and hand-wrap the sausages). Needless to say, I had to re-do the menu when we got back into the car.

Recap: Last week was pretty boring. Ethan and I ended up going over to my parents house for dinner on Tuesday, so I moved the crock-pot pork chops to Thursday. I found this recipe for them, and they were pretty good, but a little salty. However, I only had 3 pork chops, and I still used the full package of Ranch seasoning, so I think that was why. And like I said, Jerrod and I ate out a lot from Friday to Sunday.

So, my new menu:

Monday -- jambalaya w/ pork sausage

Tuesday -- cheeseburgers w/ my seasoning

Wednesday -- tuna salad w/ egg sandwiches

Thursday -- meatballs w/ pasta (crock-pot)

Friday -- lemon chicken (Jerrod's concoction)

Saturday -- free-4-all

Sunday -- Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pork Chops

I will have to see what all I put in my seasoning (I change it up a little bit every now and then), so that I can let everyone know. I will also keep track of what Jerrod does for his lemon chicken (actually, I will probably cook it, since he works that night, and I don't).

Hope everyone has a great week, and for more recipes, head over to I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Have a very HAPPY and SAFE Halloween!!!

GO NOTRE DAME!! CRUSH THE COUGARS!! YAY!!!