September Shred: Days 15-19

Today, I'm thinking about survival mode. I'm not talking about how-am-I-going-to-survive-this-workout survival mode; I'm talking about how-am-I-going-to-meet-these-deadlines, I've-got-too-much-to-do-and-too-little-time survival mode. You see, I have several large projects that I am working...and they all come due within a week or two of each other. I am really starting to feel the stress of this.

For some reason, when I start feeling stressed, I cut my workouts from my daily routine. Not good, right? Well, I fell off the exercise wagon earlier this week, but I got back on..in a non-traditional way (Learn more about my non-traditional shred at the September Shred Blog.)

When you go into survival mode, do you cut anything from your daily activities? If so, what? What's your survival mode look like? Leave a comment!

How To...Cooking Family Dinner (A Working Mom's Guide to Making a Home Cooked Meals During the Week)

Many families have busy schedules these days, and we are no exception. As a working mom I find it incredibly difficult to get home, fix dinner with a hungry 17 month old hanging on my leg, and keep my sanity while doing it. A few weeks ago, I decided that something had to change, so I implemented a plan that has worked really well for us so far.

• Every week, I do meal planning before I go to the grocery store (this saves us money too). I write the meals on my calendar.
• I cook my big meals that may require more time to prepare on the weekends while the baby is napping and hubby is home to distract the baby (if necessary).
  
• At least twice a week, we eat leftovers. (Leftover night at my house is on Mondays and Wednesdays while hubby is at school).
• On Mondays and Wednesdays, after Baby Boy is in bed, I fix the meal for the next day.
  
• Friday's is the anything goes night, some nights we have pizza, some nights we go out somewhere that will serve us our food quick, or we pick up some take home after work.

Here's what we at this week:

• Sunday: Poppyseed Chicken, Green Beans, salad.
• Monday: Leftovers.
• Tuesday: Spaghetti with Italian sausage.
  
• Wednesday: Leftovers.
• Thursday: Taco Soup
• Friday: Pizza night
• Saturday: Venison Steaks, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies. If I have time during the day, I may whip up something decadent for dessert.

I think this plan works because by making the bulk of the meal the night before and only having to warm it when I get home, eliminates many excuses (such as I'm too tired, we don't have anything to eat, or I'm starving and can't wait long enough to cook something). I also think by eating leftovers 2 nights a week and then cooking gives me a chance to recharge.

What easy weeknight meals do you cook? Leave a comment and let me know.

Great Offer: Oshkosh September 20$ Off Coupon

Here's this week's OshKosh coupon. It's for 20% off.

Great Offer: Carter's September Coupon 20% Off

Here's a Carter's coupon. It is good for today, September 17, through September 22.

Great Offer: Bath and Body Works Free Item

Bath and Body has another great coupon out this week. It is for a Free Signature Collection body care item with a $10 purchase. The coupon is good through September 27th.

Great Offer: JCPenney...Free Shipping or Cash Off September 16-19

JCPenney's has a coupon that is out starting today through Saturday. You can either get Free Shipping on purchases of $75 or more...OR, you can get cash off you purchase. The cash off coupons are good in stores as well. Here's the coupon:

If you are shopping online, use Promo Code 33Fall at the checkout for the Free Shipping!

Chit Chat: Weekend Hunting Widow

Saturday was the opening of Muzzleloader Season here in Colorado. Hubby hunts every chance he gets (his chances are a lot less frequent since we got married). Muzzleloader Season is his favorite season. It's a great time to be out in the woods, the aspens are turning, and normally, the weather is nice. Because he's gone back to school and works full time, Hubby opted to hunt in the foothills near our town and only to hunt Saturday and Sunday. The area he drew his license for is a heavily trafficked area with lots of ATVs and weekend campers. So, Saturday morning at 4 AM, Hubby's alarm went off and we took off on his little adventure.

So...back on the home front, the weather was rainy and cool here. Baby Boy and I were stuck indoors (for the most part).

After dinner, I was getting Baby Boy out of his high chair...

Baby Boy: Dada! Dada!
Mommy: Daddy is hunting; he won't be home until after bedtime.
Mommy: The weather is pretty yukky outside.
Baby Boy: Yeeeaaaah!
Mommy: Do you think Daddy will bring home a deer?
Baby Boy: NOOOOOOO!
Mommy: Me either, but I'm sure he's having fun exploring the woods.

Just then....

The door open and in walks Hubby! As I tell Hubby about this little exchange, we chuckle. Turns out Hubby did get a deer (and to think I thought he was just looking for an opportunity for some alone time).

Tonight...I spent my evening grinding and packaging meat! (Yuk--I'll spare you the pictures!)

Chit Chat: My Life According To...Sugarland

OK...so I saw this floating around the internet and thought it would be fun to post. Here's how it works:

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions on your blog. Link to it using the McLinky List below. Make your Link the name of the band you choose. Try not to repeat a song title. It's harder than you think.

Pick your artist: Sugarland

Are you male or female: Take Me as I am

Describe yourself: Just Might (Make Me Believe)

How do you feel about yourself: These are the days

Describe your current boy/girl situation: Keep You

Describe where you currently live: Everyday America

If you could go anywhere you wanted to go: Already Gone

Your favorite form of transportation: We Run

Your best friend(s) is(are): Something More

Your favorite color is: One Blue Sky

Favorite time of day: Time, Time, Time

If your life were a TV show, what would it be called: Speed of Life

What is life to you: Wishing

What is the best advice you have to give: Stand Back Up

Thought for the Day: It Happens

How I would like to die: Fly Away

My soul's present condition: Happy Ending

September Shred: Days 8 - 12

I've stepped up and taken the 30-day Shred challenge put of by In the Trenches of Mommyhood. I started out strong; lately, however, my motivation has been a bit wavering. I skipped Day 8, worked out on Days 9 & 10, and then skipped Day 11.

Yesterday, Day 12, I started Level 2. Oh man is it hard! In hindsight, perhaps the reason I had been skipping workouts is b/c I was getting bored with Level 1...I mean how many times can you hear Jillian say, "I could always use a good chest fly," and not tune it out.

Anyway, I've moved on to Level 2, and boy can I feel it.

Hear more about this challenge at the September Shred Blog.