BIG News and MPM

I have some BIG news to share with all of you faithful cutting back readers!

Ok, this is beyond big...this is HUGE news!

The time has finally come...it is beginning to become reality and I can share my news!!

The Cutting Back Kitchen will be moving!



Yep, that's right...I will be leaving this old blogspot behind! I'm moving to a new place in the very near future.

I can hardly wait to make the big reveal...keep checking back daily for updates and I will make sure I keep you posted as to when the move will take place!

On to something a little less exciting...this week's menu





Monday- Grilled Chicken Caesar (missed last week)

Tuesday- Mamaw's Spaghetti, Salad

Wednesday- Baked Honey Chicken, Green Beans, Corn

Thursday- Frittata with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Feta, Fresh Fruit

Friday- Out to Eat

Saturday- Out to Eat

Sunday- Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Brown Rice, and Salad


This post is linked to Menu Plan Monday at Organizing Junkie

Menu Plan Monday

I hope you all had a nice Easter Sunday!

I'm just sitting down to plan my menu for the week, and "light" is the word of the week. I have eaten too much junk lately and need to get it back under control. Not always fun, but so needed.

We have been experiencing mass amounts of rain here in Ohio. I am SO beyond tired of it. I'm ready for some nice spring weather and lots of grilling. I am on the search for a new marinade recipe. I love my orange teriyaki, but it is time to add something new to the mix.




Monday- Spicy Steak Salad

Tuesday- Orange Teriyaki Chicken, Grilled Veggies, Salad

Wednesday- Naked Burgers, Broccoli Slaw

Thursday- Barbecue Turkey Meatloaf, Mashed Cauliflower, Peas

Friday- Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, fresh fruit

Saturday- Out to Eat

Sunday- Breakfast for Dinner...not sure what


What is your favorite marinade for chicken?

Menu Plan Monday

I should be feeling relief right now. The house remodeling is finally complete, the shower is over and went well, and the cakes of the week are all completed!!!! Now that the bulk of everything is finally over I will be around the blog more. I have missed blogging so very much and I have so many ideas running through my head. I am excited to sit down and get to work...both writing and creating recipes!

Once I go through my pictures I will share some of my sister's bridal shower. This was my first bridal shower (to throw), and it was a lot of fun to plan. Of course, I had to do it up Katie style, but also wanted it to be nice without looking cheap.

By the way...Katie style is code for "budget". It just seems to sound a little better, doesn't it?

SO...I made everything myself and tried to give it a personal touch. Since I love others things besides food, I will probably be sharing it all on here soon along with pictures and how-to's. If you are planning a shower, or any party for that matter, make sure you check back!

Just keeping it real...I have eaten way to many mini cupcakes and pieces of cheesecake this week. It's like the calories don't count when things are all cute and bite sized. In efforts to make healthy food sounds as appetizing as cupcakes, I am trying several new recipes that are both healthy and easy. I will let you know how those work out!



Monday- Dinner with Friend

Tuesday- Thai Style Chicken with Asian Crunch Salad

Wednesday- Western Egg Scramble, Fresh Fruit

Thursday- Chicken Strawberry Salad

Friday- Garlic Grilled Steak, Sesame Asparagus

Saturday- Parent's Birthday Dinner

Sunday- Out to Eat

What is on your menu this week?

Menu Plan Monday

This week is a good week because it means that all of my hard work around the house is coming to an end. I am on target to finally get it all done tomorrow! I am a few days behind when I wanted to be done, but I am just excited to be almost there. I am so exhausted, and don't look to remodel anything else in the near future.

I am also hosting a bridal shower for my sister this Saturday. I am having a "dessert shower", in effort to do something a little different. Don't know if it is in fact different, but I have never been to a dessert shower. It is looking like my week is going to be consumed with baking, planning last minute stuff, making water bottle labels...and on and on. I am finding out there is a lot to a shower.

Monday- Ham Fried Rice, Salad

Tuesday- Flank Steak, Sauteed Sugar Snap Peas and Cherry Tomatoes

Wednesday- Beef Cabbage Soup (freezer), Salad

Thursday- Naked Burgers, Broccoli Slaw, Corn

Friday- Out to Eat

Saturday- Dinner with Family

Sunday- Out to Eat

I am looking for a few game ideas that aren't too silly.

Anyone have a good bridal shower game?

Menu Plan Monday

I don't know where the weekend went. Really, I'm not sure where the past month has gone...I can't believe we are about to enter April. I have been busy working on my house. It is so tiring, but a rewarding kind of tired as I look around and see all that has been done. Also, how much I have learned to do myself. I really think I have earned the pink tool belt I have so long been wanting...

On to the menu...I haven't really given this much thought for the week. I am going back on the strict part of the South Beach for two weeks in hopes to lose a little more poundage before I have to strut my bad self down the aisle for my sister's wedding this May. So...the menu isn't too exciting!

Monday- Grilled Chicken, Lots of Steamed Veggies

Tuesday- Taco Salad

Wednesday- Beef Cabbage Soup, Salad

Thursday- Steak, Veggie Kabobs

Friday- Black Bean Soup, Salad

Saturday- Out to Eat

Sunday- Steak, Grilled Asparagus and Tomatoes

What's on your menu this week?

Menu Plan Monday

I have been drawing a blank when it comes to new ideas for healthy menus lately. It doesn't come easy...my brain thinks in terms of cupcakes and brownies not veggies! It is so nice to have some healthy meals and starters in the freezer for dinner. It makes menu planning a no brainer...

Are you into freezer cooking?



Monday- Ham Fried Rice
Tuesday- Parmesan Garlic Chicken (freezer), Green Beans, Salad
Wednesday- Steak, Roasted Cauliflower and Broccoli
Thursday- Black Bean Soup (freezer), Salad
Friday- Out to Eat
Saturday- Out to Eat
Sunday- Cobb Salad

Menu Plan Monday

I am more than ready for spring time. I have been keeping my windows open even when it is entirely too cold to do so. Rain. Cold. Windy...it doesn't matter. It's a wonder I am not sick with this new open window obsession. I just love hearing the birds chirping...I simply cannot resist. I planned a few grill meals to get more in the spring spirit!

Oh, and I plan to make some hummingbird cupcakes to help get in the spring spirit! I have never made hummingbird cake, but it sounds delicious and springy and I need to use up some bananas!

What better way to minimize food waste than with CUPCAKES?

Monday- Taco Salad
Tuesday- Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice, Salad
Wednesday- Bean and Cheese Quesadillas, Guacamole with a Kick, and Sour Cream
Thursday- Naked Burgers, Broccoli Slaw, Fruit
Friday- Out to Eat
Saturday- Out to Eat
Sunday- Parmesan Garlic Chicken, Mixed Veggies, and Salad


Just curious...what is your favorite type of CUPCAKE?

Menu Plan Monday

Have you entered to win the cupcake lovers necklace giveaway? Enter HERE!

Last week's menu didn't go as planned. One of us or both of us were gone pretty much every night of the week at dinner time. Needless to say we didn't quite get to everything on the menu...so there may be some repeats.

It is going to be another week of working around the house. After 15 hours of work...the wallpaper is STILL not completed. I am thinking another good 8 hours should do the job. Then on to repairing the holes I made...prying it off and painting over it all. We have also completely ripped out our lower bath so there will be lots of work to do on that. We are pretty much tearing the house up. Complete mess. I am trying to keep it EASY this week...

Monday- Egg and Green Chile Breakfast Casserole, Sliced Fruit
Tuesday- Grilled Chicken, Roasted Cauliflower, Broccoli
Wednesday- Grilled Steak, Glazed Carrots, Lima Beans
Thursday- Parmesan Garlic Chicken with Green Beans with Sun Dried Tomatoes
Friday- Black Bean Soup, Salad
Saturday- Out to Eat
Sunday- Grilled Steak, Salad with Craisins, Feta, and Pecans


What is on your menu this week?

Menu Plan Monday

The menu this week is going to be very, very simple. As much as I hate to haul out the food I just froze, I think this is the perfect week to do it. The majority of the week is going to be spent on the house!

When we bought our house there was one major disaster that needed to be taken care of.

A wall papered bedroom. Not just any wall paper. Wall paper that is made up of crocodiles on skateboards with polka dots. Yes, I know, absolutely horrible. They didn't use sizing so I have not been able to get it off.

No, in case you are wondering, we didn't just move in, the crocs have been hidden behind the door for some time now. I just want to move our guest bedroom in there. You see, with only 2 people in a 4 bedroom house it was very easy to just shut the door of that little crocodile problem. Wish me luck as I am going to battle with the crocodiles this week. After many attempts I am going to tear those suckers down!

And by the way, I hate crocodiles or alligators or whatever they are. I also hate skateboards and primary colors. What were the people thinking when they put that junk up? When we have kids, mark my words, they will never have a primary colored, wall papered room...NEVER!

Monday- Taco Soup
Tuesday- Orange Teriyaki Chicken, Cauliflower and Peas
Wednesday- Taco Salad
Thursday- Steak, Sweet Potato, and Broccoli
Friday- Out to Eat
Saturday- Out to Eat
Sunday- Salsa Beef over Brown Rice

Oh, and if you have any wall paper tear down tips...do share!

Menu Plan Monday

This weekend I baked and ate one of the best things ever! That wonderful, amazing thing is what I would call the best chocolate cake I have ever consumed. Chocolate and almond cake from none other than the famous Julia Child. I read that it was her favorite dessert, so I knew I couldn't go wrong choosing it for our dinner. She is right on the money!

I did, however diet conscious I thought I had become, consume about half of the cake. Ok, not about half...I did eat half of it over the course of the weekend. To my defense, it is a small little one layer 8" cake. Really small. Breakfast one day, dessert that night...I think you are getting the idea of how what kind of pig I am without me going on any more.

I am keeping the menu quite healthy in order to balance out the weight that I am sure I have gained (oh, yeah, not even getting close to the scale for a while) this weekend. I originally lost 11 pounds, but I am sure the scale wouldn't reflect that today. I will have to run a little harder at the gym this week, but believe me it was worth it. Oh, sooooo worth it! Recipe to come...if anyone is looking to indulge in some delicious calories.

Monday- Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese Salad
Tuesday- Beef Cabbage Soup, Salad
Wednesday- Mamaw's Spaghetti Sauce with Whole Grain Pasta
Thursday- Black Bean Soup, Salad
Friday- Out to Eat
Saturday- Out to Eat
Sunday- Grilled Chicken, Roasted Cauliflower, Salad

What's on your menu this week?

Menu Plan Monday

Whew...I really don't know where my Monday went. After a super busy weekend and Monday I am just now trying to nail down a menu for this week! I am still trucking along on the diet so the menu is in keeping with that. I must say that after a month or so of dieting it has gotten a lot easier to stick to. I don't have nearly as many temptations as I did at first.

I still can't decide on what to make for Valentine's day. I think we will celebrate it on Saturday. When I say celebrate I mean we will eat a nice meal...we aren't really big into celebrating Valentine's Day. We both enjoy cooking and rarely make a non cutting back meal...so it should be fun to splurge. I have been looking through my Julia Child's cookbooks for inspiration. There are so many recipes in those books that I want to try and I just can't seem to narrow it down.

Have you tried any of her recipes? Do you have any suggestions?

Monday: Grilled Cheese and Homemade Tomato Soup
Tuesday: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Wednesday: California Chicken Panini and Sweet Potato Fries
Thursday: Taco Salad
Friday: Out to Eat
Saturday: Valentine's Dinner
Sunday: Steak, Mashed Sweet Potatoes (freezer), and Broccoli

What do you prefer to do for Valentine's day? Cook or go out to dinner?

Menu Plan Monday

This past week has been a whirlwind of a week. You know...those weeks when you don't get any laundry done. Am I the only one who has weeks like that sometimes? All of my cleaning and computer stuff has been put off for this week. I am thinking with this bad weather we are supposed to get here in Cincinnati that I will be able to catch up on everything this week.

My sister is planning her wedding so my days have been filled with trying on 5,325 bridesmaids dresses, picking out flowers, favors, catering appointments...and all of that kind of stuff! There is a ton of stuff to plan...and since there isn't much time to get this together...we are really busy!

I will just say laundry wasn't the only thing I didn't get to...my menu plan kind of fell apart, too. At least we had enough food on hand to throw some quick meals together instead of resorting to eating out all the time.

Monday: Mandarin Chicken Salad
Tuesday: Steak, Sweet Potatoes, and Salad
Wednesday: Grilled Chicken, Broccoli and Cauliflower
Thursday: Pot Roast, Corn, Green Beans
Friday:Out to Eat
Saturday: Chili, Salad
Sunday: Super Bowl...not sure what we are doing

Does your menu plan ever get off track like mine?

Menu Plan Monday

In case you are curious, I am still trucking along on my diet.

Except for the exception of tonight. For the first time I really cheated. I decided the other day that if you are going to cheat you need to make it worth it. It better count. It better be worth the extra 30 minutes on the treadmill.

You know what I mean?

Don't go a wasting your calories on Aunt Gertie's 80th birthday stale grocery store sheet cake.

(Emphasis on "grocery store"...my cakes are SO worth the splurge of calories :)

It all went down this afternoon. I was recovering from a nasty migraine and we were watching that show, "The Best Thing I Ever Ate!". Have you ever seen that? If not, where have you been? The topic of this particular show was burgers. I enjoy a good burger, but I am not a huge burger freak. On my list of last things to eat a burger didn't make the cut, but for some reason a desire so strong arose today that it couldn't be fought. Nope, when my mind is set it can not be changed.

Maybe I could have put forth a little effort to fight the feeling, but it wasn't worth it. We drove there (Five Guys, where else would one go for a burger?) after church and all was well until it was time to get out of the car. I felt immense guilt as I drug my feet on in to the wonderful aroma awaiting me. I walked up to the counter and there was no turning back. I enjoyed an awesome burger and way to many cajun fries. I was successful at one thing, getting unsweetened iced tea instead of my beloved coke.

(If you like Coke you are probably with me when I say that Mexican food, pizza and burgers MUST be accompanied with Coke.)

So, the truth is out in the open. I feel good about that.

I cheated, but I don't feel bad about it. I have gone 3 weeks with no cheating (well, not much), and I decided while enjoying my burger that once a month I will go out to eat and get something bad. I won't waste calories on Aunt Gertie's sheet cake, but I will enjoy something bad that really tastes good.

((By the way, I do not have an aunt name Gertie, so eating her cake won't be a problem. I just call any nameless old lady Gertie...))

Breakfast:
Egg Scramble, Oatmeal, or Yogurt Parfait

Lunch:
Salad or Turkey Sandwich with Veggies

Dinners:

M- Salad with Grilled Chicken and Apples
T- Much needed blog time at Panera!!
W- Harvest Pot Roast with Sweet Potatoes, Peas
T- Beef Cabbage Soup, Salad
F- Grilled Chicken, Lima Beans, Roasted Cauliflower
S- Out to Eat
S- Family Dinner

What's on your menu this week?

Menu Plan Monday

It is the start of week 3 of the South Beach. I am excited to add some whole grains and fruit to the mix. I guess you could say Phase 1 was successful. The point of the Phase one is to curb your cravings for sweets by eliminating sugar. I am beginning to believe that I am a lost cause as far as that goes. I went the 2 weeks and I still would love a cupcake. My desire to bake and then eat that which I bake is as strong as ever!

The big thing with the South Beach is that weight loss is usually about 8-13 in the 2 weeks...or so they say. I only lost 6, but I guess that is still good...better than nothing!

Breakfast: Oatmeal or Eggs

Lunch: Soup or Salad

Dinners:
Monday- Western Egg Scramble with Sliced Fruit
Tuesday- Ham and Bean Soup with Raw Veggies
Wednesday- Taco Salad
Thursday- Grilled Chicken, Peas, and Roasted Cauliflower
Friday- Chopped Steak, Lima Beans, and Salad (missed last week)
Saturday- Out to Eat
Sunday- Out to Eat

Did anyone else jump on the diet bandwagon in January?

I would love to hear how you are doing!

Menu Plan Monday

Blogger has had me aggrivated this weekend. For some reason I couldn't sign into the blog. So, if you are wondering why there has been a lack of posts...that's why! I am glad to have it working now and I hope their issues are resolved...

Anyways, on to the menu...it is week two of the South Beach Phase 1!

Let me tell you...it has been hard, but I am rejoicing that I am halfway through!!! Once I move to Phase 2 it won't be indulging in cupcakes, but I can eat fruit and oatmeal...and right about now I would do anything for a banana! Day 1 of the diet went great. Around the Day 3 mark I was dying of headaches and dizziness and was extremely bored of eggs for breakfast. I have been working out really hard so that may have compounded the issues...I am burning more calories and not consuming as much. The good news is that I am surviving, haven't quit, and I have lost 4 pounds...so that makes it a little easier to keep on keeping on!

It is another healthy menu plan this week!!!

Breakfast:
Eggs with Ham
Omelets

Lunch:
Salad
Beef Vegetable Soup
Chili

Dinner:
Monday- Chili with Salad
Tuesday- Steak, Grilled Peppers, Salad
Wednesday- Grilled Chicken, Brussel Sprouts, Salad
Thursday- Beef Vegetable Soup with Salad
Friday- Chopped Steak with Peppers and Onions, Salad
Saturday- Out to Eat
Sunday- Cobb Salad

Menu Plan Monday

I'm back! I hope you all had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The New Year is bringing forth changes for me; one being a stricter diet. A lot stricter. The kind that is painfully tough, but very needed. Because of this my menu will be a little boring for a while.

Breakfast:
Ham and eggs
Omelets

Lunch:
Soup (Vegetable or Chicken Tortilla) with Salad
Salad with Chicken/Steak

Dinner:
Ham, Green Beans, Salad
Steak with Cucumber, Feta, and Radish Salad
Southwest Chicken Frittata
Santa Fe London Broil, Broccoli and Cauliflower
Large Salad with Chicken
Grilled Chicken, Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower

Anyone else starting a New Year diet?

Menu Plan Monday

We are finally back in town, but I don't think things will totally get back to "normal" until the New Year. Do you all find it hard to keep on top of menu planning/couponing when you are so busy with the business of Christmas?

I am shooting for simple dinners and easy grab and go meals for breakfast and lunch...so we don't resort to eating out too often! After being gone I am ready for some home cooking!!

Breakfast:
Crock Pot Oatmeal with Peaches
Cereal
Leftover Breakfast Casserole

Lunches:
Leftovers
Soup and Salad

Dinners:
Beef Cabbage Soup (freezer), Homemade Bread
Favorite Roast with Noodles, Peas, and Salad
Breakfast Casserole, Fruit
Grilled Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, and Peas
Homemade Pizza

Menu Plan Monday

Again, another week without a full menu plan. Daniel is going to be out of town for work most of the week...so I won't be cooking much! He used to travel many weeks out of the year, but for the past two years he has barely traveled at all. It has been great...

BUT I have to say that I have BIG plans that I am looking forward to for my week alone. I am going to be getting my bake on....can you say Christmas cookies?!? I will be living in my Christmas apron and I will be blaring the Christmas music! The best part is that I will have cookies tucked away in the freezer to pull out at a moments notice!

Then we are headed out to Phoenix on Saturday morning...so that is why there is no menu plan for the weekend!

Monday: Chicken Chili (leftovers), Homemade Bread

Tuesday: Mexican Beefy Mac and Cheese (new made up recipe...hope it is good!)

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Out to Eat

Saturday: Out of Town

Sunday: Out of Town

What type of Christmas cookie are you looking forward to making this year?

Menu Plan Monday - Thanksgiving

Here we are...the week of Thanksgiving! Is it just me or has this year just flown by? I feel so behind this year...I have got to get on it...Christmas is right around the corner!!

This week there really won't be much cooking going on in my kitchen. We have somewhere we have to be every night this week. Honestly, after getting back from the cruise I feel like I should fast or something. I really don't want to see or think about any more food. Who would ever think you could get tired of mashed potatoes or bread? Simply crazy.

Monday- Soccer Banquet

Tuesday- Out for our Anniversary

Wednesday-Chicken Parmesan (freezer...we never seem to get to this)

Thursday- Thanksgiving (Yay! I am making desserts!)

Friday- Chicken Chili

Saturday- Steak, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans

Sunday- Out to Eat

So, are you in charge of cooking Thanksgiving dinner?

Menu Plan Monday

Have you entered the Blogiversary Giveaways?

Gooseberry Patch Prize Pack...hurry last day to enter!

Taste of Home Magazine...end 11/9!

I am totally not into planning a menu this week. Saturday we are headed out to sail the high seas to celebrate our anniversary, and my mind is already on vacation. Visions of snorkeling and beaches have taken over my thoughts of menu planning. I am already scared to death to zip line through the tree tops of Roatan. Has anyone ever done this...please tell me I won't die!?!? I am scared I will get there and chicken out...or someone will have to push me off of the stand.

This week I don't want to buy a lot of food since we will be out of town, so I am trying to eat as much from the freezer/pantry as we can! I will be doing a thorough freezer inventory early this week, so I know I will find a lot we need to use. Freezer inventory is the last post in the freezer cooking series...you can look for it later this week (I hope).

Breakfast: Crock Pot Oatmeal, Cereal, Fruit

Lunch: Salads (most days are actually lunch dates with friends this week)

Dinners:

Monday- Dinner with Family

Tuesday-Chicken Parmesan (freezer), Veggies,

Wednesday- Harvest Pot Roast, Veggies

Thursday-Skillet Lasagna, Salad

Friday-Out to Eat

Saturday- Vacation!!!!!!