Tag Archives: food

International Cat Day and Best Feline Friend

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Weruva_2701

With International Cat Day happening on August 8, and Happy Healthy Cat Month in September, now is the perfect time to address the ‘cat in the room’—and that’s your feline friend’s diet. I’ll be the first to admit my own cat’s diet isn’t ‘purr’fect. [CAT NAME] can be a picky eater, or ignore her water bowl even when it’s placed right next to her food. I struggled to understand how I could address these issues. But then I realized I wasn’t alone—my cat was just experiencing one of the three most common cat concerns: picky eating, weight gain, and urinary tract issues.

I learned about the Big 3 by partnering with Weruva [http://www.weruva.com/]—a luxurious, natural pet food dubbed “people food for cats” which is launching a full line of gluten, grain, and carrageenan-free cat food in honor of International Cat Day. It’s called B.F.F. OMG! (that stands for Best Feline Friend, Oh My Gravy), and it’s all about preventing these Big 3 Cat Concerns.

If your cat has any of these, you might want to consider changing their diet:

Is your cat picky? Picky eating is usually a problem with texture, since cats are carnivores whose tongues and teeth are perfectly evolved for meat-eating. It’s easy to see why a cat might dislike something without real shreds of meat—would you eat a steak with the texture of tapioca? Weruva’s food features these shreds of real meat right off the bone, which is why my cat took to it like a duck to water (or a cat to gravy)!

Got a fat cat? The problem is in the kibble. It’s filled with unnecessary carbs, which are almost impossible for cats to process (they don’t produce amylase, an enzyme which helps humans digest their food). Weruva’s B.F.F. OMG! has no kibble to worry about because it’s 100% real meats in their true form. bfD_cat_food2671

UT-why? Urinary tract issues often stem from dehydration—even if you’re giving your cat plenty of water. In the wild, cats stay hydrated through the food they eat instead of what they drink. Cats are used to ‘eating’ their water—but most wet foods don’t have nearly enough hydration to keep them satisfied. All of the products in Weruva’s B.F.F. OMG! line are over 85% hydration, which satisfies my cat’s hydration needs.

I love Weruva products because they are considered ‘people food for pets.’ The new line of B.F.F. OMG! cans and pouches feature land proteins like boneless and skinless white chicken breast, salmon, beef, duck, lamb and more. All recipes are grain, gluten, and carrageenan free. And if you are a BPA-free home, check out the pouches because they are are BPA-free. Best of all, my kitty loves it!

Health isn’t just for humans, and I’m glad I took the time to learn how to feed my BFF properly. Even better, in the process, I found my kitty’s new favorite food. She especially likes Weruva’s [YOUR CAT’S FAVORITE] flavor, which you can read about at http://www.weruva.com/. You can also explore the whole B.F.F. OMG! lineup there, and find a flavor your cat will ‘paw’sitively adore, at Chewy.com

Has your cat experienced one of the Big 3 Cat Concerns? Share your experience in the comments!cat _food_2658

 

Meal Planning Monday Inexpensive meals ideas

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Meal Planning Monday: inexpensive meals ideas.  I have been away for a long time and my meal planning has suffered.  It has been a trying time and I feel with the start of spring I can get back to what I enjoy.  I need to make myself happy and I know I will be a better mom and wife for it.  I am trying to get back to things I enjoy, blogging being part of my happiness.   My little space in the world.

I had a great loss this winter.. actually the lost has been since last July resulting in my fathers passing this past February.   I miss him and I will address it at another time.  With him being so sick for so long my life was in an emotional limbo and truly super exhausting.

My 1st step back to sharing with my readers is my meal planning.

Meal Planning for a family of 4 ideas what to feed a family that are inexpensive yet homemade:

Sunday: Loaded potato skins

Monday: Shepard’s Pie

Tuesday: Baked chicken, asparagus, rice

Wednesday: Chili

Thursday: Special Meal for my mom

Friday: Pasta with sausage (Kids cooking)

This week I spent $101 on groceries and $20 at the produce store.

I am hopping you have a wonderful week and may life bring you joy.

Cheers.

 

 

 

Bertucci’s Anniversary Menu

Bertucci’s Anniversary Menu

Bertucci’s Anniversary Menu: In the last month I was asked to join Bertucci’s for the 35th Anniversary Menu celebration at a local Bertuccci restaurant.  It was a magical night of food and learning about the brand from the original and still current head Chef Rosario.    We started out with the Antipasto,  which was just made this olive and cheese loving girl, my heart sung for the Perorino Romano Cheese very lovely salty and aged.  My husband kept saying “Did you try the cheese!”

 

 

Bertucci’s Anniversary Menu: What to eat

Then all the Bertucci guests moved into the new stromboli which is coming soon to menu.  Then my favorite the Pizza and  the Nolio pizza is back!! I seriously was very happy,  if you have not had Nolio pizza it is a must try.  The Nolio Pizza is a Parma style prosciutto ans sweet caramelized onions lightly season cream, with Pecorino and mozzarella cheese. For me it is all about the caramelized onions so sweet and butter my mouth is water just thing about it.   The Nolio left the menu for sometime.  I learned that if a favorite menu items of your leaves the Bertucci’s menu you can always ask the Bertucci chef to make it for you according to Chef Rosario.

Bertucci nola pizza

The restaurant originally founded in Somerville, MA, has become an east coast staple for hand-crafted artisanal pizza and Italian fare…and yes, those rolls have left an imprint in all our minds (and stomachs).

It was an additionally fun evening because Chef Rosario was sitting next to me, he was serving me the perfect bite of food and feeding me all night. He also called me “Bella”,  in an Italian accent which could not hurt the charming feeling of the entire evening.  I almost forgot my husband was next to me-OOPS.  I would like to say I had pictures of Chef Rosario feeding me, but I was blushing too much to show,  so you will have to check out my table-mate above being fed (see above).  She was a sport posing for me.

 

 

I also found some of my new unexpected favorites at Bertucci ‘s is the Butternut Squash Ravioli.  I was expected the Lobster Ravioli to steel my heart but no the Butternut Squash won out for me.   I am not sure it was the asiago-sage sauce or the roasted brick butternut  but it was so rich and decadent it was a perfect pillow pasta bite amazing.

Butternut Squash Ravioli

Bertucci’s 35th Anniversary Menu

Lobster Ravioli

Bertucci’s 35th Anniversary Menu lobster

My husband and I we able to experience many dishes with our fellow dinners,  like Chicken Ana Maria chicken with sage mushrooms artichokes and the coming soon Possimamente: Grilled Chicken Marengo on Arugla Salad which is a wonderful option for those non eating carb humans.   We finished the evening with a Cannoli-  I would love to say I had a picture of the cannoli but it did not make it long enough.. it was scrumptious.

The Bertucci’s we visited was a newly renovated one in Plymouth Meeting Pa complete with an outside Patio,  which will make it a great destination during warmer months, and a new dinning venue to try the Bertucci’s 35th Anniversary Menu .

Bertucci’s 35th Anniversary Menu

I have to say because of everything I was able  to experience at the 35th Anniversary Menu Experience,  I could not wait to revisit Bertucci’s again. Over the holiday break  my daughter and I went back we ordered some of my favorites on our Girls Day Out.  Tip also if you go during lunch they give you a free salad,  and those amazing soft yummy rolls.

If you have not been back in a while to Bertucci’s it is time to go,  order some of your old favorites and try some of Chef Rosario’s new ones.

Disclosure:  My husband and I were hosted by Bertucci’s in exchange for this post. My tastes buds are honest and true to how much I enjoyed the food at  Bertucci’s 35th Anniversary Menu.

 

Menu Planning and Life

mushrooms

This week is a busy week.  I have a lot going on at work and in my life.  I have a bazaar at work, I am headed at the end of the week to a wedding in Dallas leaving my husband to do the running with the kids.  Plus my daughter is preforming in a play on Sunday.   I need to meal plan which I have not been doing any regularity lately causing me to be very disorganized.

My meal planing this week is all about easy because of how much I have to get done.  Easy for my self and my husband is super important.  also Tuesday night I have to make a pot of my  Split pea soup for the Bazaar.

I really also want to tell you about what else I have been up to.  I am still sewing and making superhero capes.   Check out BABYPOP (for your custom capes starting at $17 for custom letter, color, and logo they make great Christmas gifts.

babypop super hero capes starting at $17

I even make capes for the family pets !

super dog cape

My mask are $4.50 each at my store Babypop

super hero mask

I have been reading more because the political environment makes me shut of the TV.   I just finished Orphan Train and now I am reading Boys on the Boat.  Both books are amazing.  What are you reading .. any suggestion for my next book.

Meal Planing this week:

Sunday : Baked Fish and potatoes asparagus

Monday: Beef and noodles

Tuesday:Pork chops

Wednesday: Chili

Thursday: Perogies and kielbasa

Friday: Pizza

Saturday: Burgers and Tator Tots

 

Be sure to check out my posts :

My top 10 Favorite Things to buy at Aldi and Save

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Back to School with Giant

School is almost here for us in PA while many states go back to school in August our summer lasts till after labor day.  I have to say I really enjoyed the lazy summer.  The though of getting back to making lunches and rush of morning does not thrill me. I often think my son and daughter are always rushing to have a healthy lunch.  Both of my kids have told me they really do not enjoy the school lunches and the wait in lines and have enough time to eat and get to go outside for free time with friends. Giant school lunch ideas

This year I have paired up with Giant for a back to school reminder of lunch.  Giant reminded me to include at least 3 of the 5 food groups into the kids lunch every day.   Which variety is very important to my daughter who loves veggies and dipping,  But I also try to incorporate whole grains and dairy.   My daughter is not a sandwich kid and more of a grazer.

Giant

I love the Natures Promise brand at Giant.   Not only does it make packing a lunch easy but healthy organic real fruit options.   Try freezing apple sauce my daughter likes it chilled and by lunch it is the correct cool temperature for her.

Giant

The organic Boxofjuice is just what the kids need for back to school.

giant

Or try a great start in the morning with great Granola and Cranberries.

giant

New this fall Giant has a great line of honey Crisp apples products.  The have Granola, barque sauce, juice and apple chicken meatballs.

giant

Giveaway $25 Giant Gift Card

 

 

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Menu Planning with Teens

Meal Planning on Budget with Teenagers

Meal Planning with teens : This week has been a long week I have been going back and forth to NYC because of family health concern.  So meal planning has become important. Since I have been back at work my son has been making dinner on some nights. He has been great asking how he can help.

Monday : Chicken Pot Pie cupcakes

Tuesday  Shrimp Enchiladas with Creamy Poblano Sauce from little spice jar

Wednesday : Tornadoes Hot Dog  from TasteMade on Instagram

Thursday: Burger and fries one pot From Betty Crocker

Friday: Homemade Pizza

Having my son help with dinner is amazing, not only is he learning to follow recipes and instruction but he is learning a skill.  So he wont only eat junk food his life he will learn cooking is fun.  I know he will make about 2 of these meals, anything helps.    I sent my husband the shopping list for the week since I am out of town he can shop for the ingredients.

I am linking up Organizing Junkie and Motivation Monday

What are you cooking with your kids or how do they help with dinner?

Be sure to check out last weeks post on getting your kids eat veggies.

13 Great Ideas to get kids to eat Their Veggies #seethelite

Also love to save check out  My top 10 Favorite Things to buy at Aldi and Save

My top 10 Favorite Things to buy at Aldi and Save

Have a great Week!

 

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Meal Planning with Teens

Meal Planning on Budget with Teenagers

 

Meal Planning with Teens: This week is busy! I had a mean plan set up but did not get a chance to share it til today.   This week my daughter has practices for the talent show and also the church play audition results.  We are excited for her this week.  My son is doing alot after school so he has been busy coming and going.  I have been busy looking for a full time job, which has been a daunting task.  My husband has been home at a decent time every night so sit down family meals are really important to connect with all they moving parts in our family.

This Saturday I am hosting my sons friends a delayed birthday.  He has requested homemade Shrimp Spring Rolls, Pot Stickers, Fried Rice.  He decided when I made them a few weeks ago it was his preferred birthday meal with his friends.  It is less work then the homemade sushi party we did a few years ago.

Meal Planning with Teens

Monday: Asia General Taos with white rice and store bought egg rolls (quick meal)

Tuesday: Baked Chicken, Cauliflower, Rice a Roni (my son loves it it was a processed treat)

Wednesday : Quiche Ham and cheese and Spinach Quiche

Thursday; Pork Chops, Cauliflower, Tator Tots

Friday: Homemade Pizza

Saturday:  Homemade Shrimp Spring Rolls, Pot Stickers, Fried Rice

This next week is busy so I am looking for great Planning ideas that I can get on the table.

 

Meal Planning

mushrooms

 

This week is a fun week. My daughter has her many choir this week,  She sings in 3 choirs one at church and 2 at school.  She also is starting addutions for a church play and also go found out she is singing solo for the talent show at school.  I am so Proud of my little singing angel.  I love hearing her sing,  she sounds so happy.

My Son has finished swimming.  I was a great season. He has decided to volunteer with kids and is loving it he is teaching see kids swim.  He is so happy and working hard.  So far I expect this to be a good week with a teenager.

Meal Planning with Teens

Sunday : Chicken Pot Pies

Monday: Broccoli Cheese soup

Tuesday: Baked Chicken, Butternut Squash, Spinach

Wednesday: London Broil, Rice and Beans,Broccoli

Thursday: Pork Roast, Brussels Sprouts, Fingerling Potatoes

Friday:  Pasta Night

Saturday: Homemade Spring Rolls, Fried Rice, Pot Stickers

 

Be sure to check out my $40 Amazon Gift Card and Dark Rising Book Giveaway

Link up with : Organizing Junkie and Motivation Monday

Tips for Budget Menu Planning with Teenagers

Meal Planning on Budget with Teenagers

 

Tips for Budget Menu Planning with Teenagers: We are back to a somewhat 1/2 busy life. Swimteam is over and no more 5am practices, I have to drive him too. Also hopefully he will start to eat a little less but with a son that is over 6’1” at 14 that might not change. Also this week he turns 15, which makes me really sad to know he is growing up so fast.

Since things are currently slow with my superhero cape business I try to be keeping an eye out for great deals. I love Aldi and many grocery stores have wonderful deals on meat. Which my family loves their protein is my biggest expense. I know Shoprite puts chicken on sale 40% off every few weeks, Fresh Market has Chicken Breast and Fresh Farm Raised Ground Beef on sale for $3.99 a lb every Tues.  If I am out towards Fresh Market I make it on a Tuesday.

A few weeks ago I was able to pick up a Ditz and Watson semi bone less ham for $9.08 for 16 lb. I also purchase a smaller ham for 8lb for $5. We made soup, steaks, and breakfast for a week on the 8 lb ham. When I went to the store the hams were on mangers special. They we not expired till April, the manger just need the room. The large ham we will save for Easter.

I find my deal my deals early morning after 7am I go right after I drop my son off at school. I know many bloggers say late at night, but mornings always work best at my stores.

How to menu plan on a budget with teens:

Monday: Rack of ribs (sale $5.30) Loaded Baked Potatoes ($2.00) and Saute Spinach ($2)
Tuesday: Tacos Venison (free), Rice ($1), Cheese ($1), Salsa (fridge)
Wednesday: Chili : Beef 1/12 Pound ($5) Beans 2 cans ($2.79) Onion (.50)
Thursday: Aisa Style chicken thigh ($4 /8 thighs) and Fried Rice (left over rice from Tues with broccoli )
Friday: Soup Potato Cheese and Broccoli

Breakfast:
Eggs sandwiches, Banana Smoothies, eggs and avocados

Lunches :
My husband: does leftovers altering days,
My son: started bringing sandwiches
My daughter: loves cold cereal in a bag with veggies and fruit- Everyone get a brown paper bag of stove top popcorn. (made fresh every morning)
Me: Spinach salad, with varieties of topping, been, nuts, olives

Afterschool snack:
Ready made soup, fruit, home banana bread, cupcakes, gram crackers

That is this week:
Be sure to check out my $40 Amazon Gift Card and Dark Rising Book Giveaway

 

 

How to Budget Meal Planning with Teens

Meal Planning on Budget with Teenagers

How to Budget Meal Planning with Teens: This week has been fun another 3 day weekend. The Kids are home for MLK day,  I stitched up some hats for my daughter service project at school here are the instruction one seam fleece hat on my old blog.  With the weekend off I am busy feeding my big teenage all weekend. He is swimming everyday.

Madeleine Cookies and mold for cookies

Check out my Madeline Pans purchased from a thrift store. I love them they are so pretty. Here is recipe I used to make the Madeleine Cookies. I would like to say I had more to take a photo but they have a short 24 shelf life, the family gobbled them up.  I love finding great cooking and baking item at a thrift store or good will it saves you money and the older ones are seasons. Let someone else pay retail. It allows me to try out new ideas in cooking and baking with out the investment.

What to feed my family and stay on a budget ? Because of the colder weather I love soups and my family is a big soup eaters. The key is a great filling starch soup like potato or split pea. Add a loaf of bread and it is a fantastic meal

How to Budget Meal Planning with Teens:

Monday: Homemade spring rolls $ 9 and steamed dumplings $6 clear broth seaweed soup
Tuesday: Split Pea Soup $6 (ham bone in fridge) and Homemade bread $2
Wednesday: Swimteam Pizza Fundraiser $18
Thursday: Pork chops $5, Rice $2 and Black Beans $1
Friday: London Broil $7, Roasted Potatoes $2, and Roasted Cauliflower $3

Link up with : Organizing Junkie and Motivation Monday