Vegging Up is Hard to Do

I briefly alluded in an earlier post that I am exploring vegetarianism.

It’s hard. In the last few years, my meat consumption has gone way down in part because my husband doesn’t eat a lot of meat. It’s not much fun to fry up a pork chop and eat it alone. I’ve never been a big beef eater either aside from the occasional hamburger and a steak here and there. Because of this, I thought I could transition over to a diet that was about 80% meat free.

I began my journey on October 1. I did really well for two weeks. (I did eat cheese, eggs, and seafood. ) But then it sort of unraveled. Everyone wanted chili for the homecoming tailgate party. I didn’t eat much and I did use antibiotic/hormone free beef. The next week my boss wanted to buy me a Chik Fil A sandwich. And then we started a home improvement project and ate terribly during the duration.

So, now with the project over and no excuses, I’m trying to get back on path. I know that I can probably never be a true vegetarian. I’m now getting back on goal of being about 80% meat free.

At least grilling season is over.

Kohls-Take an Extra 15% Off Holiday Decor

Despite my rant yesterday about rushing the season, I am happy to report that now through Thursday you can save an extra 15% on holiday decor at Kohls online. Just enter promo code HOLIDAYHOME at checkout!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like.....Christmas??!

Fall is my favorite season. I love the colorful leaves, the mild temperatures, football and hot chocolate on a cool evening. This past Friday was possibly the perfect fall day. The sun was shining brightly, temperature was in the low 70s and a persistent wind was blowing leaves everywhere. Wonderful!

So it seemed sad to me to hear from a co-worker that her neighbor used this perfect weather to put up Christmas decorations. Now, I understand their thinking. It is surely easier to put up lights and bows when the weather is 70 instead of 30. But it also seems to me that every year we rush the season more and more. Three weeks ago when I went to Hobby Lobby in search of Halloween crafts for my niece, I found that most of the Halloween items had been shoved into a half aisle space and Christmas had taken over.

Yesterday’s Sunday sales papers were full of Christmas candy and other holiday items and Toys r Us had their “big” toy book in this week’s paper.

Maybe I’m a scrooge. Maybe it’s because I LOVE Thanksgiving. Maybe I’m crazy to think that it is fun to bundle up in ten layers and still have your fingers go numb as you put up decorations in the freezing cold. I don’t know. But I think there is a time and place for Christmas and this ain’t it.

Update

Hello everyone! I'm sorry I have really slacked off lately on blogging. I'm not sure where my time goes these days. So, what have I been up to?

Well, NOT following the Fly Lady plan for one thing. While I've maintained the areas I de-cluttered, I admit I have not conquered new areas of clutter. I'm trying to get back on board but it's been hard. Oh, and Fly Lady sends way too many emails.

I have tried some new recipes that I planned to share with you and will still try to get up soon. I made Rachael Ray's Steakhouse Chili and Quesadilla Casserole. I also made my first ever homemade pie crust for an orchard fresh apple pie!

My eating habits have changed as I am exploring vegetarianism. I started this plan with a goal of eating only two meals per week with meat. Since October 1 though, I've had no "land" meat and only one serving of fish. That's another post in itself as well.

I haven't been shopping much either but I plan to remedy that TODAY since I'm on fall break.

So, that's where I am these days. I'll try to not be such a stranger!

Hot Dog Chili

Growing up, my mom made this chili recipe. It was tasty but I really prefer a more "soupy" chili with beans that you can load down with cheese and crackers. This chili works great as a hot dog topper or in a taco salad or nachos.

My famously picky husband loves this chili. And since he does not eat burgers or dogs on the grill, I have to make a pot wheneve we have a cookout because he won't eat the "cooked out" food. I made a pot last weekend for tailgating. Someone at our tailgate party called it "hot dog sauce".

Whatever you call it, it is quite good. Although I do admit, my mom's is better and since we make it the same way, that puzzles me.

Hot Dog Chili

2 lb ground beef
1 medium onion
28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt
Dash of sugar

Brown ground beef and drain fat. Chop onion and process in food processor for about 15 seconds until it’s beat up pretty well. Add the can of tomatoes and process for another 15 or 20 seconds.* Combine ground beef and onion/tomato mixture in a heavy pot. Add chili powder and cumin, and a dash of salt and sugar. Simmer for 2 to 3 hours until desired consistency.
*The food processor step is optional. I do it to “hide” the onions and tomatoes. You can also just finely chop the onion and use the tomatoes as they are from the can.

How do you top your dog???

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In Memory....

Patrick Swayze was my first and biggest celebrity crush. My walls were covered with posters of him when I was a teenager. I watched Dirty Dancing obsessively and it will forever be my favorite movie.

I have always said that I will never think any other creature could be as gorgeous as him.

Thanks for the memories, Patrick. May you rest in peace.