The name of the game last week was to eat all those leftovers from our big family dinner at Maggiano’s with my parents, and to whittle down the freezer meals I’ve picked up at Trader Joe’s over the past few weeks while staying here, in our little 600 square foot apartment.
There was also a quick trip to Panera {thanks for the birthday gift card Mom!} for one of their green goddess salads. Have you tried their green goddess salad yet? It’s seriously my favorite thing on the menu {not that I’ve tried a bunch of different things on their menu, because I haven’t}. I don’t know about you, but I am pretty much a one item gal. If I find something I like, I stick with it.
Before the green goddess salad, I was in love with their Cobb salad, and before that, it was the tomato soup and bread.
Costco meatloaf and mashed potatoes. A five out of five. Although, next time, I’d eat the meal fresh and NOT put it in the freezer until we were ready to eat it because once the meal thawed, the mashed potatoes were a bit runny as you can see at the top of the photo.
Trader Joe’s $19.45
My husband. He is obsessed with the lava cakes and lasagna and had me go back for more.
Trader Joe’s Scone mix. 4 out of 5 stars. Because once you’ve tried a Fisher Scone from the fair…. it makes you a scone snob and no scone will ever top it. Ever.
Trader Joe’s butter chicken. My husband really like it but I couldn’t help but notice there were only 4 chunks of chicken in the entrée. On the package there are 8.
And HEY… a big thank you to everyone who took the time to comment about cooking with stainless steel. I didn’t burn a single thing this week nor did anything stick to the pan. You would think at 45 years old, I would know to get the pan hot first before adding butter or oil. But hey, life is just one continuous learning experience, right?
And I also want to give thanks to everyone who shows up here everyday {and those of you who leave comments}. I know this blog has been a bit of a roller coast these past few years and I just want to say thanks for sticking by me. So many good {and new!} things are on the horizon, and I can’t wait to share them with you. I am insanely happy be done with that whole HOA phase and I’m beyond ready for the next chapter of our story to begin.
Wishing you nothing but happiness on this Monday,
~Mavis
I’ve been the one asking questions lately
- Total Spent This Week on Groceries $19.45
- Total Spent in March on Groceries $19.45
- Total Spent in February on Groceries $259.81
- Total Spent in January on Groceries $240.15
Go HERE to read more Shopping Trip Stories.
Jeanie says
I’m happy you will soon be heading to your happy space too! I am sorry your HOA was such a big bummer. As I have stated before, I am on the board of directors for my HOA but we certainly don’t act like the animals that your HOA acted like. We have huge green spaces and walking trails to maintain and that is what our dues go to, not harassing each other. I wish you had enjoyed a good experience. I enjoy the community that my HOA provides with none of the pettiness.
Anyway, you are on to better things and I hope you get to visit a lot of bakeries along the way and do a lot of rug hooking. I can’t wait to read about all your new adventures.
Kristina says
Good vibes for your next journey. I’m sure it will, as always, be an adventure.
Carrie says
I am a daily reader and I found your blog 4.5 years ago when I was contemplating raising chickens. I loved your garden and greenhouse at the old place and looking forward to your gardening posts in your gigantic New England garden! I am thinking of trading in our urban home (on .18 acres!) for a mini-farm outside the city, we just have to find the right place. Life is an adventure! Thanks for sharing yours!
Jenn in Indiana says
Mavis, I have a wonderful homemade lava cake that my family loves. I have made it for years. I would be glad to pass it on if you think the HH would enjoy?
Mavis Butterfield says
We would love the recipe!!!!
Jen says
Please pass it on to your readers if Jenn doesn’t mind!
Jenn in Indiana says
Okay, here it is:
1/2 cup butter, cubed
4 squares (1 ounce each) semi-sweet chocolate
1 cup powdered sugar
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
3/4 tsp. Vanilla extract
6 tablespoons flour
1/2 tsp. Salt
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Grease bottom and sides of 4 6oz. Ramekins. In glass bowl, melt butter and chocolate in microwave, stir till smooth. Stir in powdered sugar, stir till smooth. Whisk in eggs, egg yolks and vanilla. Stir in flour and salt. Spoon into ramekins. Bake at 400 degrees for about 12 minutes. Sides should be set and center soft. Cool 5 min and top with ice cream or whipped cream.
I like to keep checking them so i dont over cook because we love them fudgy!
Mavis, i hope your move goes smoothly. I am praying for you daily!
Mavis Butterfield says
Wahooo! Thanks Jenn, I am going to make this once we get settled!
Bobbie says
I’ve been reading for about 7 years. Don’t comment much, but I am a daily reader. I am so thrilled to see your new place and what you do with your garden- you inspired a lot of the garden projects I have done over the years! 🙂
I always loved seeing your weekly weigh in posts, where you weighed your vegetables- knowing you could grow that much inspired me to garden more and focus on feeding my you don’t kiddos more vegetables. They love being involved in my garden!
jennifer says
I always enjoy your blog-happy Monday to you too
Katie says
Thank YOU for the blog!! I’m anxious to continue reading about your ongoing adventures!
Marcia says
Trader Joe’s is seriously the best. I haven’t ever tried their butter chicken. I have pinned a million butter chicken recipes. Tried to make it once, in the crockpot. Fail. It has so many ingredients. I have had butter chicken once, at a coworker/friend’s Indian wedding. It was fantastic (the butter chicken and the wedding!) Although Indian weddings last hours and it turns out most people don’t try and pay attention for the whole time. It’s basically bride, groom, person doing the ceremony, the fire, and a couple other people.
Everyone else eats ice cream, drinks lemonade, and talks.
I really miss bread. I made bread and 2 kinds of soup this weekend for the family. (It was very rainy.) I haven’t really tried my hand at making gluten free bread yet. I made a loaf once, it was okay. I bought a loaf at the local gluten free bakery. It was FANTASTIC. But it was $12. After your Panera post, now I’m craving creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese. I buy a loaf of Trader Joe’s GF bread twice a month for myself.
I’m looking forward to following you in your new adventure. I’m afraid you are going to make me a bit homesick for Western PA or upstate NY. Good thing we are visiting this summer.
Terri at The Frugal List says
OMG, this post has made me so hungry!!!! Hehehe
Stacey says
Funny, I had the butter chicken for lunch today and was thinking about only the few pieces of chicken. It really does taste good, though I would like brown rice even better.
Yankeegal says
I too am a daily reader, not a frequent commenter. I love your blog and wish you all the very best in your upcoming travels/move!
Margie Hudgins says
I second Yankeegal’s comment on both counts. All the best to you & yours. Safe trip to all and can’t wait to hear all the new adventures.
Leanna says
Long time reader. Thank you for recommending your blog from the other site you used to do “Mondays with Mavis”. You are AWESOME!!!
Patty P says
Thank YOU for showing up everyday and sharing your roller coaster ride with us. I really do look forward to checking in with you each day!
Also, do you mind sharing which hatchery you ordered your chicks from? You have probably shared it, but I’m not remembering at the moment.
Mavis Butterfield says
Mypetchicken.com Each time I have ordered from there I have gotten ALL hens.
Wendy Clark says
I’m excited to follow you on this fun adventure. THANK YOU for being so willing to share it with us.
Stephanie Croquez says
So it’s funny because I only follow two blogs… no one really “gets” me… but you and Victoria Elizabeth Barnes have me everytime you post! Otherwise I’m just a instant girl – with Instagram and pinterest. No long term commitments.
Welcome to East Coast. We try not to bite….
Peggy says
I hope you’ve had a great Monday too. I got to make a quick stop at an Amish Quilt shop this afternoon that has just expanded into a few other things Amish made, and I bought two soy candles in jars and a very heavy and rustic birdfeeder, and a loaf of bread. I can’t afford the quilts, but they are so beautiful! 🙂
Also, wishing you safe and fun filled travels for your move east. 🙂
Heidi says
We will miss having you here in the PNW Mavis, but best of luck to you and your family! Enjoy reading your blog and seeing your family grow and just love that Lucy!!
Ellen in Clackamas says
I started following you during the Gnome adventures and read now every day. Will certainly miss your presence in the PNW but know you will have fantastic adventures in NE. Wishing you all the best and can’t wait to start the new chapter with you.
Laura says
My sister and I went to The Grey House for tea last Saturday when I was up visiting. They had great cranberry almond scones. We had just gotten our tower when a woman from another table came running over so she could take a picture of it with her phone. It was great and we’re both happy we went.
Mavis Butterfield says
So glad you went! I think it’s a bargain compared to other tea places.
Sue says
My goodness, I have followed you so long and have learned so much. I learned all about Amazon Prime, Zaycon meat, how to garden, read all of your e-books about gardening. Cook so many recipes from the blog. Was part the Pinky gang, just loved it. How to stay on a budget, save money. Make goals for the year. Still working on finding my time for me. I paint and now it’s getting hard to set a time for that.
So now I’m going to just do it.
Can’t wait to start the new adventure with you and your family.
Life is to short not to do what you love. Onehundreddollorsamonth is the best ever!
Christine says
I always look forward to your daily posts and comment occasionally. I’m so happy that you are following your dreams! I grew up in the northeast but have been calling the southeast home now for the past 20 years. I’ll be interested to hear about your new gardening adventures! I’m pretty sure that you’ll quickly get the hang of the new timing/tips&tricks for gardening at your new home! Best of luck on your trip east!!
Mrs. Mills says
Hi Mavis, I look forward every day to reading your blog and have for years. Love the recipes and gardening tips. My husband and I began our own adventure seven years ago when we retired, moved from Vancouver out to the Thompson Okanagon to three acres and a hobby farm. Lots of animals and a lot of hard work. I have a name for a book I should write; Two Idiot’s (us) Move to the Country. Ha ha. Anyway best of luck on your new life adventure, I so look forward to reading about it.
Torry says
I think you might be won over by the scones served at Steeped In Comfort, which is at 11016 Gravelly Lake Drive SW, in Lakewood, WA. They do have take-out, although I would check their web site and call it in if I were doing take out. Also, should you decide to eat there, make a reservation. Sometimes my friends have dropped in and not been able to be seated for a long time. I always call and am always seated at about the time I get there. Bonus is that there is a quilt shop on the same little strip of stores! (Well, it is a bonus for me!)