Improve Your Productivity With Some Down Time

Life is busy these days.  Has there ever been a generation who didn’t say that?  I know I say it all the time.  And it is true.  I don’t just say “refuse to choose,” I walk the talk.  I manage a law firm part time while also owning a renovation business with my husband, while also running a Wildtree business, and working on my writing, music and creations.  And let’s not forget our families, who we want to spend as much time with as we can, especially our three beautiful grandsons and two beautiful nieces who live nearby.

And then there’s “girl time.”  With so much else happening in life, I tend to let that one slip by.  When I finally force myself to take the time though, I realize how much I need it and that I need to do it more.  If you put your mind to it, you can come up with ways to make it all happen.  Really, you can.

This Thursday is Bunco night.  A “girl time” fest.  Something that I normally miss because I am “too busy.”  I refuse to miss out again this month though.  I am trying to do better at planning.

Our Bunco group shares the responsibility of bringing a dish to pass so that the hostess isn’t left with having to do it all.  That’s a wonderful opportunity for me, because I love to cook for and serve others.  I can tend to let that clog up my brain though, with everything else on my plate.  Especially right now, with a major hotel renovation in its final stages.  In the past I would have taken a pass in light of my busy calendar.  This month I am following my own advice instead.  I am using a make ahead meal to make life easier and make sure that I don’t miss out on this fun – and much needed – event.

Last night I enjoyed another much needed event – a sleepover with my two beautiful nieces.  I enjoyed the opportunity to put all of my responsibilities aside for a day and live in the moment, creating with them in the studio, taking in a movie and dinner, feeding the chickens at our recording studio, and doing needlework in the marshmallow – our nickname for our big comfy king-size bed – without giving a second thought to work and the responsibilities that have been swimming through my brain all week.

It is amazing what that time off will do for you.  Although we were up until 11:00 (don’t tell their mom and dad!), I was awake at 4:30 this morning, rested and ready to go.  After some time spent in my office, I headed to the kitchen at 7:00 to prepare the meatballs for this week’s Bunco.  You can find my make ahead meatball recipe here.  By 8:00, I had six dozen meatballs in my freezer, a meatloaf in the fridge for tonight’s dinner, and all before the girls were awake.    It’s going to be another great day.

 

meatballs 7

Save $$$ Menu Planning with the Weekly Publix Ad

shrimp scampi bucatiniThere are some great sales this week for Prep Once, Eat Twice options.  On the menu:

Jamaican Jerk Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Rosemary Sauce

Lemon Rosemary Pork Tenderloin (prep & freeze)

Queso Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Chicken Quesadillas (prep & freeze)

Fish Tacos with Jicama Slaw

Savory Grilled Fish (prep & freeze)

Shrimp Scampi

Scampi with Sundried Tomatoes

Some other great deals this week:

Mueller’s Pasta – BOGO – there is no indication that you can’t get GF on this deal

Swanson Organic Chicken Broth – there is a $1 coupon

Hellmann’s Organic Mayo – on sale for $3.99 – there is a Publix coupon for $2.50 and manufacturer’s coupon for $1.00 (check out this website for more info)

Purex Laundry Detergent – BOGO

Publix GreenWise Whey Protein Powder – $9.99

Organic Grape Tomatoes – 2/$5

Here is my Publix shopping list.  Happy saving!

Publix shopping list 7.28.16

Scampi with Sundried Tomatoes

 

Sometimes it’s nice to have something quick and simple with no meat.  This is a great option for a quick meal that can be ready any time with the items from your pantry.

8 ounces pasta of choice, cooked according to package directions – reserve 1/4 cup cooking water

3 tablespoons Wildtree Basil Pesto Grapeseed Oil

2 tablespoons Wildtree Roasted Garlic Grapeseed Oil

3 teaspoons Wildtree Scampi Blend

1/4 cup diced sundried tomatoes

1/4 cup sliced black olives

Heat oil in saute pan.  Add Scampi Blend, sundried tomatoes and olives.  Stir until heated through.  Toss with 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water and pasta.  Serve & enjoy!

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries 2

 

Organic sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries

Wildtree Natural Grapeseed Oil

Wildtree Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Line baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and spray with non-stick spray (I use grapeseed oil in a pump.  You can also find organic oils in sprays today.) Spread fries on the prepared baking sheet.  Drizzle with grapeseed oil and sprinkle with Jamaican Jerk Seasoning.  Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes, or until tender.

These are great with pork!

Jerk Pork Tenderloin with Rosemary Sauce

Jamaican Jerk Tenderloin with Cherry Rosemary Sauce

Jerk Pork Tenderloin with Rosemary Sauce

 

I cannot begin to describe how delicious this recipe is!  If you want to serve something unique and delicious for your guests, this is a winner!

2 pork tenderloin, silver skin removed

1 tablespoon Wildtree Natural Grapeseed Oil

1 tablespoon Wildtree Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

1 cup Wildtree Sweet Onion Spread

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped fine

1 cup dried cherries, chopped

Preheat oven to 425°F. Combine Grapeseed Oil and Jerk Seasoning. Rub seasoning over the pork tenderloins. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with pan spray and sear pork on all sides. Place them in a baking dish and finish cooking the pork in the oven. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature of the pork reaches at least 145°F. Meanwhile make the sauce: heat the Onion Spread, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, and dried cherries in a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat. Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat to low and simmer for five minutes. Serve over the pork.

Shrimp Scampi

shrimp scampi photo

 

This recipe is quick and easy with Wildtree’s Scampi Blend!

12 ounces linguini, prepared according to package directions

3 tablespoons Wildtree All Natural Grapeseed Oil

1 1/2 teaspoons Wildtree Scampi Blend

1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined

Combine 3 tablespoons Natural Grapeseed Oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons Scampi Blend in a cold skillet and mix well. Add the shrimp and cook over medium-low heat until the shrimp turn pink, turning often and serve shrimp over linguini.

Slow Cooker Chicken Quesadillas

Slow cooker chicken quesadillas

This recipe is from our everyday meals freezer meal workshop.  Although the recipe calls for thawing the ingredients before cooking, I have found that that is not necessary.  I pop the frozen ingredients right into my crockpot in the morning when I am wondering “what’s for dinner?”  Put it on high for 30-60 minutes while getting ready for your day, then turn to low and it will be ready at dinner time.  Enjoy!

Queso Chicken Chili

queso chicken chili

This yummy recipe comes from Wildtree:

2 bell peppers, diced

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon cumin 1

(15.5 ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes

1 cup water 1

can corn, drained 1 (15.5 ounce)

can black beans, drained and rinsed

4 ounces Neufchatel cream cheese

1 package Wildtree Queso Skillet Meal

Method of Preparation: Add red bell pepper, chicken, cumin, diced tomatoes, and water to a slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or until chicken is tender; shred chicken. Add remaining ingredients to slow cooker and cook for another 30-40 minutes or until cream cheese is melted; stir to incorporate. Serve with desired toppings.