This past week was another busy one filled with dyeing wool and drawing out patterns so it was another round of pickety bits and ready made meals for us.
My goal is to get my inventory levels up and have everything in stock and ready to ship by the end of March so that once Spring {gardening season} arrives and the ground thaws, I can spend all my time OUTSIDE this summer.
Fresh air. It does a body good. And I want to be outside more this summer. But there’s a lot to do first.
I have an appointment down south this week so I’ll be able to pop into Trader Joe’s to load up on ready made meals along with a boatload of fresh fruits and vegetables {and some dried ones too!}
Although I’ve been really busy lately, I feel like I’ve been working at a pretty good clip. I’m confident that come Spring, I’ll be able to lay off the ready made meals and get back to trying some new recipes.
Life. It comes in stages. And right now, I just have my head down and am trying to plow through. And cake helps with that. Even when you can’t find the 9” cake pans and have to use the 6” ones instead and your cake slices come out all wonky. 😉
But hey, it tastes the same. So who’s complaining?
8 can taco soup. Have you tried this soup yet? It’s the best thing ever. And it freezes well too.
Leftover turkey and stuffing from the freezer section with roasted potatoes.
I LOVE roasted potatoes. Especially leftover ones. They are perfect with scrambled eggs the next morning.
Beetloaf with the HH’s mashed potatoes {who leaves the skins on!?} and an attempt at some fancy corn.
But the best meal of the week was enjoyed with friends at one of their favorite restaurants. Beef bourguignon. OH MY WORD. It was the BEST dish I’ve had in a loooooong time. And now I want to recreate it. Anyone have a good recipe?
~ Mavis
Total Spent This Past Week on Groceries $0
Total Spent in January $167.55
Brianna says
I make mashed potatoes with the skins on. I do it for the extra fiber, vitamins, and minerals. We prefer our mashed potatoes smashed by hand and on the chunky side, so the skins are not an “off” and unwelcome texture. I also add cooked garlic into them and they are usually dairy and fat free. It satisfies everybody in our house with texture and oral sensitivities and intolerance issues. There are so many ways to make mashed potatoes and everybody does it differently.
Patty says
Ina Garten has a great recipe for beef bourguignon!
Mrs. C. says
I second this.
Marie says
I thirds this! Set aside a day for this culinary event
Allison says
Julia Child has the best traditional beef bourguignon in my opinion. Check out this recipe!
https://cafedelites.com/beef-bourguignon/
Amy says
Name of restaurant? You’ve inspired me to plan a trip to Maine from the PNW!
Linda says
Did you know that on the MSN.com website that your rug, Hidden in the Garden, is featured?
Practical Parsimony
Mavis Butterfield says
Really? That’s odd. Can you send me the link?
Honeybee says
I was curious so i went to msn.com, searched hidden in the garden, scrolled down a bit and there you are!
joely says
https://www.mavisbutterfield.com/listing/1666195801/primitive-folk-art-hooked-rug-hidden-in
Linda says
Okay, I click onto the Edge icon and a page of news shows up. I found your rug and clicked on it. This is what shows up.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1666195801/primitive-folk-art-hooked-rug-hidden-in?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=MSAN_US_DSK_Reactivation_RTG_Dynamic-Remarketing&utm_content=bing_412581323_1304021117862120__aud-812263671_c_&utm_custom2=412581323&msclkid=bb6deafd318c1cbd1e708f45066bf93a
I know, it is horribly long, but that is what showed up.
If you google Jenniferanistonpracticalparsimony, you will see someone else claims my blog,
Laura says
Well, I can’t believe it hasn’t been mentioned, but my favorite is Julia Child’s. I skip a few steps to make it faster and more affordable, but it’s amazing! And, it’s her signature dish.
Elizabeth C Smith says
I love Julia’s too! Which then reminds me of the movie Julia and Julia when Amy Adams makes it and I love Meryl Streep in the movie too!!! A fun one !
Laura Brown says
I agree with Julia Child’s. I use that one, and it never fails. Not to mention it tastes fantastic!
Lmw says
Skin on for the win! Quicker, less waste, and better for you
Annette says
What’s the meal in the pic above the cake? From TJ?
Mavis Butterfield says
Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken. Cheaper than take out! https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/kung-pao-chicken-097706
Donna says
We had that for dinner tonight too.
Emily says
Have you tried the freeze dried fruit from Trader Joe’s? I love the blueberries and strawberries on my cereal. They are crunchy, like a healthy version of lucky charms marshmallows. People also powder them to flavor desserts and frostings.
Linda says
I used your taco casserole, not using so much rice and call it taco soup.
ground pork, cooked before making soup
can corn
can black beans, rinsed
2 cans diced tomatoes
1/4 cup brown rice
2 Tbsp. taco seasoning
shredded cheese
I use brown rice and only 2 Tbsp of taco seasoning from a package. I cannot handle the heat. I use Kraft Italian 5 cheese, 8 ounces. It is a delicious soup and freezes well
I tell people it is supposed to be a taco casserole and direct them to your blog.
Nancy D says
“Life. It comes in stages. And right now, I just have my head down and am trying to plow through”
Mavis: thank you once again.
Kelly RIGGS says
Hi Mavis!
Can you tell us more about the beet loaf? I searched your recipes and didn’t find it.
Mavis Butterfield says
It’s actually meatloaf. 🙂 https://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/stove-top-stuffing-meatloaf-recipe/
Terry McA says
Mavis, I just want to say that I really enjoy your website and weekly blogs. You are an inspiration, and in so many ways you help me refocus when life gets overwhelming (which is quite often).
This week for dinner, it was McDonald’s on Monday, my brother made breakfast for dinner yesterday, including smoked sausage, over easy eggs, and eggo waffles. Today, it’s going to be blackened tilapia with lime tartar sauce, (already spiced, just ready to go in the air fryer). Tomorrow will be chicken taco casserole, Friday will be patty melts and roasted potatoes, Saturday’s plan is chili and dutch oven bread with mom and dad.
Hope you have a wonderful week.