Monthly Archives: January 2018

Jan 6

Veganuary So Far

I’m keeping a running post of how my day-to-day goes as I venture into Veganuary. I think I’ll be posting it on Monday’s. I’m also going to share some photos of what I’m eating. So far the Veganuary challenge is going really well. The first few days were a little tricky, but now it is smooth sailing.

Quinoa Tacos have become one of my favorite. We eat a lot of Mexican food in our house, and this way I can make regular tacos for the family, and something vegan for me.

For dinner I made, Vegan Baked Beans,and a Baked Sweet Potato with “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” It’s VEGAN!!! Possible my favorite vegan-butter spread so far. James said he liked the vegan baked beans, but the kids didn’t care for them at all. I had plenty of leftovers for a second meal for me.

 

Within the first three days, I was still a little hungry between meals. So I started packing my plate with more fruits and veggies.

I found some pretty Avocados on sale for 5/ $5 at the store, and they made the best side for quinoa tacos. They also make a great snack whenever I’m super hungry.

I’ve been looking for vegan ready to go foods. One thing I miss is the convenience of grab-and-go meals. It seems like so far all I am doing is cooking, cooking, cooking. Sometimes I don’t feel like cooking a meal for myself after I’ve made a meal for my family.

Luckily there is canned vegetarian veggie soup that I added a few more veggies to, and some quinoa for good measure. This made a fast lunch for when I didn’t feel like cooking.

Another of my favorites is Yves Kale and Quinoa bites. You just throw them in the oven, and they are ready in no time.

They make an amazing main dish,

and they are tasty sauced up on top of a mountain of pasta.

I’ve been using the crock pot whenever I can. It is a great way to have food ready to go in the fridge, and stored for future meals in the freezer.

Vegan Chili is a favorite of mine to make in the crock pot. It freezes well, and it is very versatile dish.

Lastly, my favorite dish so far… Homemade Vegan Taco Salad

I baked a flour tortilla shell in the oven to make a little bowl. It wasn’t the prettiest, but it was absolutely delicious. I made a layer of vegan refried beans in the base of the bowl, added a layer of homemade vegan Mexican Rice, then a good helping of shredded lettuce. Finally, I topped it off with some chunked avocados that I marinated in a bit of homemade salsa and lime juice. It was amazingly delicious, and I seriously ate every bite.

I’m almost a week into the challenge, and I’m feeling better. We’ll see what next week brings. The kids will be back to school, so I hope I can get the house tidied up a bit, and get back in the kitchen making vegan dishes.

 

 

 

 

Jan 5

Hurry Up Monday

My house is a mess, the kids are bored, and I’m going crazy from all of the noise. Hurry up Monday, I need a break from Christmas break.

Jan 3

December’s Veggie Meals

Let me start off by saying that December wasn’t one of my better months…

Basically, I ate everything that came through the door, and after Christmas, I felt like complete crap.

So I started weaning myself off the junk, and worked my way towards veganism.

Veggie Pasta with Capers and Tomatoes

Vegan Ramen with plenty of veggies

Vegan Snack dinner with Pita Chips and Homemade Hummus

I’m already starting to feel a bit better, and my stomach is my friend once more.

Jan 2

December’s Crafts

Well December was a long month, but a quick month. And we were under the weather too…

I snuck in a few crochet and knitting crafts here and there, whenever I could.

I knitted handmade scarves for the kid’s teachers, and some for para’s too. I crocheted a bunch of homemade ornaments too.

I started knitting a little scarf on the first day of Winter.

I kept working on Agnes’ and Dylan’s multi-color blankets.

 

After Christmas all of the boys in the house started playing PUBG, so I picked up the knitting needles.

I had a bit of chunky yarn on hand, and I whipped up an earwarmer for me.

And I got it done just in time for the temps to drop to -18 F. Holy moly is is freezing in KS!

Now my crafting project is to get the pipes unfrozen in the house… My goodness, hurry up warmer weather. I need a break!

 

 

 

 

Jan 1

January’s Monthly Menu

Hello 2018! Time for an all new monthly dinner menu.

  • 1/1/2018: Panko Chicken, Vegan BBQ Beans, Mashed Potatoes, and Fresh Baked Bread
  • 1/2/2018: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, Homemade Guacamole, and Homemade Salsa
  • 1/3/2018: Vegan Chili, Regular Chili, Saltines, and Homemade Cornbread
  • 1/4/2018: Chicken Soft Tacos, Vegan Mexican Rice, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 1/5/2018: Chicken Noodles, Vegan Pho, Mashed Potatoes, and Homemade Dinner Rolls
  • 1/6/2018: Homemade Biscuits & Gravy, Sausage, and Fresh Fruit
  • 1/7/2018: Panko Chicken and Fries
  • 1/8/2018: BBQ Chicken Sliders, Fries, and Vegan Pasta Salad
  • 1/9/2018: Tostadas (vegetarian/vegan), Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 1/10/2018: Snack Dinner
  • 1/11/2018: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 1/12/2018: Burgers, Grilled Cheese, and Fries
  • 1/13/2018: Toast, Pancakes, and Vegan Breakfast Potatoes
  • 1/14/2018: Marinated Steak, Baked Potatoes, and Vegan Roasted Veggies
  • 1/15/2018: Bacon Sandwiches, and Vegan Breakfast Potatoes
  • 1/16/2018: Beef Sanchos, Vegan Refried Beans, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 1/17/2018: Chicken Noodles, Vegan Pho, Mashed Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
  • 1/18/2108: Chicken Fajitas, Vegan Veggie Fajitas, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 1/19/2018: Vegan Chili, Regular Chili, Saltines, and Homemade Cornbread
  • 1/20/2018: Waffles, Bacon, and Fresh Fruit
  • 1/21/2018: Pot Roast with Potatoes, and Homemade Dinner Rolls
  • 1/22/2018: BBQ Beef Sliders, Fries, and Vegan Corn Salad
  • 1/23/2018: Steak Burritos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 1/24/2018: Burgers, Grilled Cheese, and Fries
  • 1/25/2018: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 1/26/2018: Panko Chicken and Fries
  • 1/27/2018: Homemade Pizza, Vegan Veggie Homemade Pizza
  • 1/28/2018: Baked Ziti and Homemade Vegan Breadsticks
  • 1/29/2018: TAKE-OUT Thade’s Birthday, his choice!
  • 1/30/2018: Tostadas (Vegan and Vegetarian), Tortilla Chips, and Homemade Salsa
  • 1/31/2018: Panko Chicken and Fries

This month I am taking the Vegan for January challenge, but still cooking regular meals for the family. I think it is going to be a month filled with a lot of extra dishes to wash.

Happy New Year! Cheers!