Solo Aqui: Local Flavor

We've been quarantined to our home since last Thursday due to an icky virus that keeps poor babes awake at night and tired mama's finding themselves taking micro naps between the laundry. Fortunately we had enough energy last Thursday to hit our local Farmer's Market. We only have a few left and with the end of summer nearing we want to take advantage of as much local food goodness as possible. 

We snacked on berries, homemade Popsicles, oh and organic baby food from a local mom who makes some of the most scrumptious peeress.  E loved the zucchini and ricotta cheese mixture with a hint of nutmeg. 

Our flower vendor had buckets of star gazer lilies and bunches of lavender. Wanted one of each bouquet!

And, of course we had to sit on the grass listening to one of our local folk bands and snack on blackberries. A perfect ending to a lovely day.

May be in and out of this space infrequently then next few days as we hunker down and do a whole lotta resting. Wishing you and your family a truly lovely week!

April Meals::Meal Plans Revisited

A while back I talked about meal planning and getting myself organized in hopes stopping my multiple trips to the grocery store during the week. Well, I finally got myself ib gear and planned the remaining meals for March and all of April- yay me!

My basic plot is to attempt to use all of  what we receive in our CSA box (more on that here) and also include dishes we traditionally enjoy as well as include dishes that are new and exciting,while remaining within budget. Here's a look at my April meal plan as I have inputted them into my Google Calendar:

My husband typically cooks during the weekends, so those days may have vague descriptions or not be filled in at all. During the week I try and makes dishes that will create left-overs while using our basics we always have on hands: rice, dried beans of various sorts, tortillas, eggs, and cheese. I figure with Google Calendar not only can I readjust if daily plans and schedules change, but I can also share the meal plan with my husband and family, thus allowing them to make amendments and suggestions. On days that I use dried beans I have set a timer to remind me to start the beans the night before. I do the same with pizza because I usually make my own dough.  I have a timer set as to when to start the pizza dough production.

Each week I will still write the planned menu on our erasable menu I keep on the fridge, that way the rest of my family can see what's ahead and help them plan for what to expect. I am feeling oh-so organized and ready for the month of April.

How are you organizing your meals for your family?

{Daily Rhythm #4- Eat Your Veggies}

This is more of a weekly rhythm, but it is something that affects each and every one of our meals every day. Every Thursday our Farm Fresh to You  (FFTY) our organic Community Supported Agriculture produce box is delivered right to our door. Every Thursday Emory  watches the huge produce van (attempt, yes it's a little scarry to watch) back up into our narrow driveway before our box is gently placed on our porch steps. The anticipation is always fun as we are never quite sure what the box will hold each week. FFTY posts a list of items that will probably be in the box, however life on a farm is unpredictable and things change. What we always expect is highest quality fruits and veggies that are fresh and delicious to arrive every week. I have been part of this farm for over a year and it has become part of our family rhythm.We all look forward to its arrival and the cornucopia of deliciousness it brings.