Menu Plan Monday: 8/25/2014

Oh, back-to-school is upon us at the moment. I've always loved this time of year even when I was a kid... yes, I was a nerd. Well, now that I've finished nursing school and seeing as we have no kids, I really don't get too excited  about this time of year. Even though, I would love to have an amazing excuse to just go buy school supplies! Anyways, those of you who do have kids in school or are in school yourself, good luck with the school year! Ok, let's see how cooking went last week for me!

Weekly Highs & Lows

Lows: Well, this is a first in that I have no lows for last week! Seriously, I cooked everything I planned and each dish was amazing!

Highs: Like I said above, every. single. dish. was. amazing! Seriously, I'm not sure that I can even pick one dish as our favorite. Ok, fine I'll choose... 

Yellow Curry with Chicken! 

I chose this one because I've been working on the texture of this one and I finally got the right consistency and flavor!

Weekly Meal Plan

Monday: Indian Chicken Curry

Like, I've mentioned in previous posts we loooove Indian food so I'll be trying out this recipe tonight!

Tuesday: Coconut Curry Kebabs

Even though we won't be grilling these (the joys of living in an apartment), these are perfect to get in another grilling session this summer!

Wednesday: Garlic Chili Chicken

I found this one in the depths of my recipe index. I have no clue if we even like this one so we shall see!

Thursday: Chicken Garlic Pesto Pizza

Isaac is not a huge fan of red sauce so when we get pizza from our favorite joint we always get a pesto pie. Instead of ordering out, I'll be making the pie from scratch, oh and adding chicken!

Friday: ?????

We are going on a boat! No, seriously we are so I have no clue what we will be eating. I think we may be eating on the boat.

Saturday & Sunday: Mongolian Beef

{New Recipe!} I've made Mongolian Beef in the past, but it wasn't the greatest so I'll be trying out this  new one some time this weekend!

Check out OrgJunkie for more tips and inspiration for meal planning! Also, if you have any questions about meal planning, just leave them below in the comments.

What are you planning to cook this week? Trying a new recipe?

Coconut Chicken & Sweet Chili Sauce

Alright, it's getting towards the end of summer folks. Did you get to go on a spectacular vacation? Did you go the mountains? On a road trip? Or maybe to an exotic beach? Even if you did not get to go any where special for summer, this recipe will take your taste buds on a tropical vacation! Just close your eyes and let your taste buds take you away to paradise. You can just imagine the sand in your toes, a nice cool breeze, a cool, drink in your hand, and the smell of amazing food wafting pass your nose. Hey! Wait! Come back! We have to go back to my kitchen to learn how to make...

Menu Plan Monday: 8/18/2014

I'm not sure if you meal plan, but I can honestly say it's one of the best things that has changed my life. First, I know exactly what we are eating for dinner each night and it's one less thing to think about. Secondly, it makes my grocery trips less of a hassle. Thirdly, it makes that grocery bill smaller. I highly suggest you start meal planning. I mean imagine how less stressful you would be. If you have any questions, just ask below in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them! Ok, let's see how my meal plan/cooking went last week.

Weekly Highs & Lows: 

Lows: It's kind of hard to pick a low this week since last week was great. However, I would say that I made the Chicken Tikka Masala too spicy because I really could not eat any of it. I think my last low would be that I did not make the Crockpot Chicken & Black Bean Tacos. 

Highs: Well like I said it was a great week for cooking at least for me. If I had to pick our favorite meal from last week, I think it would be the Thai Chicken Bites with Peanut Sauce!

Weekly Meal Plan

Monday: Crockpot Chicken & Black Bean Tacos

Like I said I didn't make this one last week so I'll be making it this week. I'm excited because we are making our own salsa to go on top of these!

Tuesday: Yellow Curry with Chicken

This is one of our favorite dishes at any Thai restaurant. Also this is the only recipe I have found that comes the closest to tasting just like at any Thai restaurant.

Wednesday: Greek Stuffed Chicken

I've made this once, but need to see if it was actually good.

Thursday: Spicy Chinese Chicken

This is an old recipe that I haven't made in forever. It's going to be like trying out a whole brand new recipe.

Friday: ?????

We are going to a concert this night so we will be eating out before.

Saturday & Sunday: Pepperoni Pizza Rolls

As usual, we just go with the flow on the weekends, but I'll at least have this ready for a nice lunch at home.

Have no clue where to start with meal planning? Like I said before, you can leave any questions or tips in the comments. Also, check out OrgJunkie for more tips and meal plans!

What do you plan on cooking this week?

Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ok, my friends do you love Mexican food? Yes. Ok, do you love bell peppers? Yep! Well, boy do I have a recipe for you today. I have combined the amazing goodness of Mexican food and bell peppers into one amazing dish. Ok, enough talking let's hop into my kitchen and cook up...

Menu Plan Monday: 8/11/2014

Another week, another menu... This weekend was pretty busy for us so today I'm dragging. I've realized that in order for me to be productive during the week, I need to relax on the weekend. Anyways, I always like recapping last week's menu and seeing what we like and didn't like so much.

Weekly Highs & Lows:

Lows: Unfortunately, last week was not the greatest cooking week. First up,  Pad Thai with Chicken. This meal wasn't down right disgusting, but it just didn't taste like Pad Thai. I think it's time to look for another recipe. Second, Sesame Chicken. The sauce for the chicken was waaaaaaaay too sweet for us and I should have realized this as I was making it. Oh, well next time I'm just going to cut the sweetness factor a lot. Lastly, I did not cook all the recipes I planned so there will be some repeats this week.

Highs: So even though most meals didn't turn out great, one did turn out awesome! The Crockpot Chicken Verde Enchiladas were so delicious! I can't wait to make them again.

Weekly Meal Plan

Monday: Chicken Tikka Masala

Like I said I didn't make a few of the recipes and this  was one.

Tuesday: White Pizza with Chicken

Another recipe that didn't get made, but definitely will this week!

Wednesday: Thai Chicken Bites with Peanut Sauce

A recipe that I'm rediscovering! Haven't had this one in awhile so need to see if we like it :)

Thursday: Crockpot Lemon Chicken

We have had this recently, but I don't remember whether or not we liked it. We shall see!

Friday: Crockpot Chicken & Black Bean Tacos

Another favorite around here!

Saturday & Sunday: Pepperoni Pizza Rolls & Sausage & Veggie Scramble

Most weekends we just go with the flow when we eat, but I usually plan a lunch and a breakfast. Both of these recipes are definitely favorites at our house!

Need help with menu planning? You can look back at my past meal plans by searching for meal plans and I have several tips there for you, as well! Also check out OrgJunkie for even more tips and inspiration!

Do you meal plan for your week? Does it help?

Menu Plan Monday: 8/4/2014

I just looked back and realized that I have not posted a new menu plan since January!?! I honestly could not believe it had been that long, but then again the last post I posted was back in February. Anyways, I have to come find out that a lot of people really enjoy my menu plans. Even when I was not blogging, people would constantly visit my menu plans and pin them, as well. So by popular demand, I'll be keeping up with these menu plans!

Weekly Meal Plan

Monday: Pad Thai with Chicken

We loooove Thai food and this is one of Isaac's favorite dishes!

Tuesday: Chicken Tikka Masala

Oh, did I mention that Isaac and I loooove Indian food, as well, and this is one our favorite Indian dishes!

Wednesday: Crockpot Chicken Verde Enchiladas
I've made these once and I need to see if we actually liked them. As far as I remember, we definitely liked them, but we shall see.

Thursday: Sesame Chicken

Again testing to see if we like this dish, but like before I do believe we did like it.

Friday: White Pizza with Chicken

Oh man do we love some homemade pizza! Can't wait for this one!

Saturday and Sunday: Sausage and Veggie Scramble

Most weekends we just go with the flow and choose what we feel like eating. Every once in awhile I'll plan a breakfast or lunch and this weekend I plan on making this delicious scramble! It's sooo tasty and quite healthy.

Have no clue what menu planning is or need to find more recipes!? Check out OrgJunkie for some great tips and inspiration!

What do you plan on cooking this week?

Find what TASTES good!

Man, have I missed this little sliver of the internet. I really am serious and I'm sorry for being gone for so long. I could give you a 100 excuses and beg for your forgiveness or we could just completely forget all that business and just start blogging again! Yes, I do believe I like that idea. So here we go...

3 Course Valentine's Dinner For Two: Tips & Tricks

I cannot believe we have made it to day 4 of 3 Course Valentine's Dinner For Two! If you would like to start from the beginning of this series, then just click that link above! Now, that I have shared all the recipes for the food, it's time to figure out how to put it all together. I'm going to try my best to give you a good order to start cooking the recipes and tips to make sure everything comes out together!

3 Course Valentine's Dinner For Two, Third Course: Red Velvet Cupcakes For Two with Cream Cheese Icing

Today we are making the third course in 3 Course Valentine's Dinner for Two! I can't believe we already on the third course. This week just flew by quickly! Tomorrow will be the last day in the series and I'll be sharing all the tips and tricks you need to know in order to make all three courses and serve them. For now, let's head into the kitchen and start making...

3 Course Valentine's Dinner For Two, Second Course: Stuffed Steak Bundles

Alright, we made it to day 4 of 3 Course Valentine's Dinner for Two! If you are new to the series, check out what the series is all about by clicking that link above! So far we have made the first course, Sausage & Potato Soup, and part of the second course, Roasted Broccoli. Today we will be finishing up the second course. So let's go to my kitchen and start cooking...

3 Course Valentine's Dinner For Two, Second Course: Roasted Broccoli

Welcome to day 3 of 3 Course Valentine's Dinner for Two! No clue what this whole series is about!? It's ok click that link and it will explain everything. Today we are moving on to the second course of the menu! We are going to start with the side dish and then tomorrow we will move on to the main dish. So let's head into my kitchen and start cooking...

3 Course Valentine's Dinner For Two, First Course: Sausage and Potato Soup

Today is the second day and first recipe day in our 3 Course Valentine's Dinner for Two! Don't know what I'm talking about, then just click that link and check it out. Today's recipe will be the first course and it's a good one my friends. Like I said yesterday this recipe is a very good copy cat for Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana. Trust me, I would know since I worked there for 4 years. Alright let's get started and head into my kitchen to make...

3 Course Valentine's Dinner For Two: Introduction

Alright, now that football season is unfortunately over on to the next holiday.... VALENTINE'S DAY!!! It definitely is my favorite holiday and I really do not have a good reason. Maybe it's because my birthday is two days later, who knows. And, yes I know it's a huge gimmick for companies to feed off people's wallets, but I still love the holiday.

On that note, I figured this is the best holiday for Table for Two, please? I mean a day that couples take the time to show just how much they love one another. And we all know the best way to man's or heck even a woman's heart is through their stomach! So I've created this...

Easy Rice for Two

Do you have a rice cooker and actually use it!? If you do, great for you! I personally do not have one, but I also do not plan on buying one either. Mainly, because I have found an easy way to make rice just for well...two! I think it's super easy to make and only requires one pot! Alright let's get started to make...

Menu Plan Monday: 1/20/2014

Another week is upon us friends. My routine got all messed up last week, but it was for a good reason. I took my first review class for my nursing boards that I will be taking soon! Super excited about that! Anyways, I'm slowly getting back into the routine today.

What We Actually Ate!?

YES! Another week down and I made every single meal I planned last week! I seriously do believe the whole picture thing helps keep me accountable. If you have no clue what I'm talking about, I'll explain. Each night I post a picture collage on Instagram of what I planned for us to eat and what we actually ate!? I'm just keeping myself accountable to my meal plan and it's working! Here's last week pictures:

If you would like to start keeping yourself accountable, too, join along in What We Actually Ate!? Just post your pictures to Instagram using the hashtag #wwaa. I always love looking at pictures of food!

Weekly Meal Plan

Monday: Spicy Blackened Chicken & Baked Fries

Well I had planned on making this for dinner, but earlier today my husband asked if we wanted to go out to dinner with friends instead and I said sure! So this will be used next week.

Tuesday: 3 Course Valentines Dinner for Two

I'm testing out my recipes for an upcoming post! I'm really excited about this one and can't wait to share it with you!

Wednesday: Chicken & Sesame Stir-Fry

An easy recipe that I haven't made in a really long time.

Thursday: *New Recipe* Healthier Chicken Tostadas

These just look so yummy!

Friday-Sunday: As always we just go with the flow and figure our meals out on the go.

Need tips on menu planning!? Check out OrgJunkie for more tips, tricks, and recipe ideas!

What are you planning on cooking this week?

Menu Plan Monday: 1/13/2014

Whoo hoo!!! I made every single meal I planned last week! Trust me I am happy because this my friends has not happened in a really long time. Honestly, I do believe the whole What We Actually Ate!? kept me more accountable. If you don't know what the heck What We Actually Ate!? is, it's ok. I started this series last week in order to keep myself more accountable to my menu plan. Essentially, I have a picture of what I planned to eat and then what we actually ate. Here are the pictures from last week:

As you can see I made it all! If you would like to join me in What We Actually Ate!? just post your pictures on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #wwaa. I would love to see what you eat even if you didn't cook it yourself! Alright let's see what I have planned to cook up this week.

Weekly Meal Plan

Monday: *New Recipe* White Pizza with Chicken & Homemade Pizza Dough

Super excited to try this out mainly because I'm excited to make the dough!

Tuesday: Lemon Chicken & Broccoli

Nice, light, and healthy!

Wednesday: Healthy Pasta with Chicken & Veggies

Another healthy dish for the week!

Thursday: *New Recipe* Healthy Mongolian Beef

Friday-Sunday: Whatever we feel like! I usually do not plan for these days since we like to go out on the weekend.

As you can see most of the recipes have a theme.... HEALTHY! My husband and I are going to start counting calories. We did this awhile back just to adjust our eating habits and it worked really well. We did it for so long that we started eating fewer calories naturally without having to count every single one. Well, we feel like we need to check back in and make sure we are still eating the same way. No goals to lose weight, but if it happens, it happens. Want more tips on menu planning!? Check out OrgJunkie.com for some great ideas!

Do you have any healthy eating habits?

Tomatillo Salsa Steaks

Do you have a favorite kind of salsa? Red, green, pico de gallo, spicy, mild, or etc.? Well mine is definitely any kind of green spicy salsa! So that my friends is why I LOVE this recipe because it has my favorite salsa... tomatillo salsa!

This is an easy meal to put together for a week night dinner. So let's get started and head on into my kitchen to start making...

Menu Plan Monday: 01/06/2014

It's the first Menu Plan Monday of 2014!!! I've been hearing a lot of other bloggers and just people in general that want to make more meals at home. Well my friends menu planning is where you can start to help accomplish that goal. Before I left on my hiatus from blogging, I was giving tips to help with menu planning. You can find these tips here: Tip #1, Tip #2, and Tip #3.

To keep myself accountable to actually make the meals I plan, I'm going to start a new series called What we ACTUALLY ate!? or WWAA for short. Each night that I have a meal planned, I will post a picture on Instagram and Facebook showing what I planned and then what we actually ate. I would love it if you joined me in this series, as well. You can post the pictures to the Facebook page or on Instagram using the hashtag #wwaa.

I'm hoping this series will keep me accountable on making the meals I planned and bought for the week. I know there will be days weeks where the Jack-in-the-Box guy has become my best friend, but I also know hope the majority of the weeks my new best friend will be my kitchen. So, here's to making our kitchen our friend instead of that drive thru person!

Weekly Meal Plan

Monday: Yellow Curry with Chicken

This is one our favorite Thai dishes!

Tuesday: Breaded Baked Chicken

My first little ole' recipe on the blog and it's still a favorite.

Wednesday: Tomatillo Salsa Steaks & Baked Fries

Thursday: *New Recipe* Chicken & Jalapeno Pasta

Friday-Sunday: Good question!? We usually eat out or just wing it!

Have no clue about menu planning? It's ok head on over to OrgJunkie.com for more tips and info on menu planning. Remember to join me in WWAA and post your pictures on Facebook or Instagram. 

What are you cooking this week?

Sun-Dried Tomato & Chicken Pasta

Ok, a few weeks ago my kitchen was full of some Mexican goodness! Now, this week my kitchen was smelling like your favorite Italian restaurant. Oh, man was it good. All the spices and aromas were heaven for my nose. If only you could of smelled it.... Well, at the very least you can recreate it in your kitchen! So let's hop into my kitchen and get started making...

2014 Goals: Blogging and Personal

Happy New Year everyone!!! I hope you had a great night last night and didn't party too hard. I mentioned on the Facebook page that I would be taking a hiatus from the blog. I'm at the end of my nursing school program and I needed some time to focus on that. Well, I have one more class to finish, study for my nursing boards, and then pass my boards and I will be a NURSE, finally! I feel this is a good time to come back to the blogging world. You may be thinking, Katrina you still have a LOT more work to be done, what are you thinking about coming back to the blog!? Yes, I still have work, but it's not as demanding and I know I will be able to easily handle this last bit of school and blogging at the same time. I've missed it a lot and I have quite a few plans for this blog in 2014.

Blogging

For the first time on this blog I've decided to make some goals for Table for Two, please?. I think this will allow me to be able to focus more and heck maybe make some extra money. My goals are feasible and small for now, but as the year goes on I will adjust as needed. I have four different areas that I want to work on so let's start with financial.

Financial

My goal for this area is simply to make $5.00 per month. Yes, I know this is small, but this is not my main area of focus right now. I have other areas to build up before I can actually start making big money on here.

Web Design

I plan on doing some BIG design changes this year. I don't necessarily have a goal except just to have my own url and domain. My first step towards this is starting and finishing this 10 week tutorial for a complete blog makeover! I started this once and never finished, but it really is amazing! You should go check it out if you have a blog and want to give your blog a face lift. I have other design changes as well, but if you have any suggestions please leave them below in the comments!

Traffic

I have two goals for this area. First, I want to have 1,000 page views per month. And next, I want to increase my subscribers by 20 per month. So let's start now! If you are not subscribed to this blog, go subscribe, please. You'll find the box on the right side column above. You will be notified of each time I post something new, and trust me you will like it! Thanks in advance.

Social Media

I have 5 different social media sites that I use: Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Google +, and Instagram. I use these sites to let you know about new posts on the blog, what I'm cooking up, or just what's happening in my life. My goal is to increase each site's followers by 20 per month. So if you could do me a big favor and follow either just one or if you really want all 5! You can either click on the links above or all my buttons are in the right side column above towards the top. Thank you!

So those are my little 2014 goals for Table for Two, please? Even though they may be small, I know these are feasible and if need be I can always change them. I very rarely get too personal on this blog just because I like to keep the focus on the food, but I'm going to share some of my personal goals with you today.

Personal

My two BIG goals are to finish nursing school, pass my boards, and get a job. These have been my goals for the past 2 years and probably more. Another big goal my husband and I can start working towards after those goals are accomplished, is buying our first home! That is a huge one for us and hopefully this year we can start working towards it.

I have a few other little goals for the year, too. One is to do yoga at least once a day. I really love yoga and I always feel off when I miss a day. For now, I'm going to start with Monday through Friday and then slowly work the weekends in. My next goal is to incorporate more vegetables into my diet. I feel like I always eat the same vegetables all the time. I'm going to start making side salads at dinner and green smoothies for snacks. And my last goal is to travel more with my husband. In the past, it was just not feasible financially or with my school. Well since school is coming to an end and finances are better now a days, we can travel now. We already have started planning and I can't wait!

Ok, so those are my goals both for blogging and personal for 2014. I'll be giving you an update about halfway through the year to let you know how well I'm reaching my goals. Now, it's your to share if you don't mind.

What are your goals for 2014?