Simple Life: Meatless Mondays

This past Monday, our family embarked on a new adventure: Meatless Monday.  If you're like me, you've heard of all the pros & cons of meat in our daily diets. While I concede that meat for every meal & every day isn't the best for our bodies, I was always at a loss at how to bring change into my household without causing a 'rukus'. You see, I'm married to a firm meat & potatoes guy.  So, you can imagine my surprise when he said we should try to eat more meat-free meals! With his support, I instituted our very first completely Meatless Monday.  An even greater surprise was how well it went over. Our girls gave no protests and to be honest, the change wasn't even noticeable.  While, I doubt we will ever become a meat-free family, I know that we will be more conscious of what we put into our bodies. Sometimes the biggest changes we make are just small (simple) ones!

If you're thinking of trying a Meatless Monday of your own, here are a few simple meal ideas for picky eaters:

* Cheese pizza--what kid doesn't like pizza?  Why not go all the way and make it a veggie pizza?
* Macaroni & cheese...with broccoli, or other diced veggies
* Vegetable lasagna
* Loaded baked potatoes
* Onion, potato, or other vegetable soup/chowder
* Salad--be creative!
* Lentils--there are so many recipes on the internet using these wonderful beans.
* Which brings me too...Beans, of any kind!
* Of course--peanut butter!  My girls still love a good ol' peanut butter & jelly sandwich any day:-)

Simple Food: Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies!

I absolutely love easy, simple recipes. The recipe for these yummy cookies definitely fit that bill!
 

You will need:

* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 cup of sugar
* 1 cup of peanut butter (creamy or smooth--your choice)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* extra sugar to sprinkle on top

-Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Place bowl into the refrigerator for about 2 hours (or overnight, if you wish).  When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Using a spoon, measure out dough & roll them into balls. Place balls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten balls with a fork (or the bottom of a glass). Sprinkle the tops with a little sugar. Bake cookies for about 10-12 minutes. These are so good!

Simple Home: 'Shutter Stories'

'Shutter Stories'

Three shutters make a great decorative screen.

When I go to flea markets, antique stores, or yard sales--I often find old shutters. I love them! There are so many things you can do with old shutters. Big or small, indoor or outdoor: whatever the type of shutter- I can find a use for them. It doesn't take much to breathe new life into these old fixtures, usually just a fresh coat of paint and new hardware (or a new purpose). I've included a few snapshots of my 'shutter stories'. I hope you enjoy them and are inspired to make a few creations of your own. The next time you pass by some old shutters--Go back and pick them up!

A shelf made from a pair of old exterior shutters.

When I found these closet shutters, I knew they would make great doors for our bathroom and bathroom closet. All we had to do was remove their hardware to seperate them into individual shutters and attach them to the doorways with hinges. Then we added new door hardware. I love the results!.

We cut off a pair old exterior shutters and added them to our dining room pass-through for a 'country' feel.

Here, we simply added a pair of old shutters to the front of a bookcase. It's a great way to keep children's clutter out of sight!

Simple Food: Fried Green Tomatoes

Oh my! How I love fried green tomatoes! I just had to share my very own recipe:

Ginger's Fried Green Tomatoes

* Sliced green tomatoes
* White corn meal
* Creole seasoning or whatever seasoning you like
* Cooking oil

--Place sliced green tomatoes in a bowl of water and place in refrigerator.  Allow tomatoes to chill overnight or a few hours. When ready to cook: heat oil on medium heat. Be very careful to not overheat oil. Pour a cornmeal into a bowl (when I am preparing about 3-4 medium sized tomatoes, I use about 1 1/2- 2 cups). Then add your seasoning into the cornmeal and blend well. Take tomato slices (individually) and coat them with cornmeal mixture by placing them into batter, patting, and repeating on other side. Make sure to evenly coat them on both sides. Next, you simply place coated tomato slices into the hot oil and allow to brown on both sides (you will need to flip them w/a fork or spatula). I prefer for my fried green tomatoes to be golden brown but make them however you like them. These are an absolutely wonderful summertime companion to any meal! Enjoy:-)