A Personal Note

I'm typing this early (Thursday) as we will be out of town on Monday.  It will probably be Tuesday by the time I get a chance to send it.  We are going to Michigan for an award I won Sunday - Monday.  You can read more about it here:  www.whirlpool.com/moms .  It should be fun! 

We did learn that the church we visited in Wisconsin last week will be sending us a job offer.  It should be waiting for us when we return.  Matt has one other interview next Sunday that is in Spokane, WA (about 2 hours from where we currently live).  That one is a youth pastor job.  There are advantages and disadvantages to both positions; so if they also offer a job it is going to be a hard decision.  I'm just glad there is a job on the horizon!  After having Matt home for over 7 months it is time for him to go back to work.  It has been great to have him around to help with the kiddo's, but financially it will be nice to have him working again. 

Recipe of the Week

Exerted from this week's family friendly menu plan and convenient grocery shopping list. 

Try our Menu Planning Service at no charge for the first week. 

For more information visit  www.dinewithoutwhine.com

Oriental Cabbage Salad

Makes 10 servings

1 head green cabbage
4 green onions
1 package chicken top ramen crushed
4 tablespoons sliced almonds
4 tablespoons sesame seeds
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 package Top Ramen Seasoning
1/3 cup vegetable oil

1. Chop cabbage and green onions

2. Toast in a heavy pan on the stove Ramen Noodles (without seasoning), almonds and sesame seeds.

3. Combine pepper, salt, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, top ramen seasoning and vegetable oil.

4. Add dressing to cabbage mixture and mix well. Sprinkle with toasted topping mix

Would you like to try our menu planning service?  There is a /sample.htm Menu and shopping list on our web-site.

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Tips, Articles, and/or Product Recommendations

Thanksgiving Countdown
By Brandie Valenzuela

Now is the time to make those preparations for your Thanksgiving
dinner! Here you will find a countdown that will help you to have
everything ready by the big day!

~Two Weeks Prior To Thanksgiving Or Now!~

1) Plan your menu. Think about which items that can be
made ahead of time and frozen, and plan these items in
on your "to-do" list (see #4 below). Have a few items
listed which you don't mind if a guest brings -- delegate
these items when inviting your guests.
2) Invite your guests and get a firm commitment from
them ASAP.
3) Make your shopping list, but only after you know
exactly what your guests might be bringing. Don't forget
to include important items such as film, batteries, and
beverages.
4) Make a "Thanksgiving To-Do" list. List every little
thing that you feel must be done prior to Thanksgiving.
For example, detail cleaning, washing of serving pieces,
shopping, raking of leaves in yard, cooking, decorating, etc.
5) Take your "Thanksgiving To-Do" list, and schedule time
for each item. You may wish to complete one or two items
a day until Turkey Day. Be sure to get the help of your
spouse and children - delegate! Work on your personal
"Thanksgiving To-Do" list in addition to the items in this
countdown.
6) Order your turkey, if you order yours.

~Ten Days Prior To Thanksgiving~

1) Take an inventory of your chairs, tables, dishes, flatware,
glassware, and linens. If items need to be cleaned, do so
now. If you need more chairs, arrange that at this time.
2) Make sure you will have enough room in your freezer
or refrigerator for the turkey. If you don't have enough room,
plan now to make room by eating meals made from some
of the items taking up the space.
3) Clean your refrigerator inside and out.
4) Shop for nonperishable groceries on your shopping
list, or items you know will keep until Thanksgiving.

~One Week Prior To Thanksgiving~

1) Will children be at your home for Thanksgiving? Search
the web and craft books for easy activities and games that
will keep the children busy.
2) Also, if you are having young children in your home, do
a safety check of your home. Are medicines and cleaners
out of reach? Do your outlets have covers? Do you have
breakable items that might be better off on a higher shelf?
Do a thorough check of each room the children will occupy.
3) Have the children help you with some simple decorations.
Create turkey's from pinecones, placecards, draw pilgrims for
the refrigerator door, and more.
4) Re-evalute your "Thanksgiving To-Do" list. Is there many
items you listed, that may be impossible to get done now?
Be realistic and cross off items that can be skipped.

~Five Days Prior To Thanksgiving~

1) Plan seating arrangements.
2) To save money on bagged ice, start making your own
ice cubes now, by freezing in trays, and when frozen, dump
them in a freezer bag.
3) Shop for perishable Thanksgiving items between now
and two days prior to Thanksgiving.

~Two Days Prior To Thanksgiving~

1) Is there any other dishes or desserts that can still be
prepared ahead of time? If so, do them today.
2) Fill your salt and pepper shakers and butter dishes.
3) Defrost in the refrigerator any frozen side dishes.
4) Be sure your home is clean. If any other details need
to be taken care of, do them now. Is your bathroom clean?
Do you need to clean your front walk?

~Day Before Thanksgiving~

1) Prepare any dishes you couldn't freeze.
2) Chill beverages in refrigerator.
3) Buy bouquet of flowers for table or countertop, if you
wish.
4) Do spot clean of rooms that will be used during the
festivities.
5) If you have a formal dining area, set the Thanksgiving
table now.

~Thanksgiving Day~

1) Finish last minute details: turkey, mashed potatoes, but most of
all, enjoy yourself!

©2000 - Brandie Valenzuela
Brandie Valenzuela is a wife and homeschooling mom of three, who
loves scrapbooking, cooking, and spending time with her family.
In her spare time, she publishes "HomeMade Living", a popular
weblog for mothers, at http://homemadeliving.blogspot.com