Super Fast and Easy Dinner Ideas

I am NOT a good cook. I am not exaggerating my lack of ability. I don't like to cook either. This can be a bit of a family bummer on so many levels. I LOVE food - just not making it. I am always in awe of people that can know what ingredients go well together, whip it up, time it perfectly and serve it without ever breaking a sweat.

I have always wanted to find (or write) a cookbook that is truly easy, has a short ingredient list and has been tested by ME, a truly lame cook. I am tired of buying cookbooks that say a meal will only take 30 min. or less. What they really mean is that they take 30 min. if you have assistants that have pre-chopped and prepared everything for you. My little assistants are short, slow, are prone to cutting themselves and have short attention spans.

Real Simple Magazine's most recent issue had a 3 ingredient meal idea list that I've been wanting to try out. I had some serious doubts. Can anything be that great when it's only 3 ingredients? I decided to try three of the recipes last night... They involved grilling, so Jesse got involved.

The ingredients were few and in season (or growing in your backyard) making the meal pretty affordable... Jesse enjoyed his time at the grill with a beer in hand... I enjoyed the ease of three, 3-ingredient meals... My kids RAVED about my cooking (they might have been in shock) and asked for more "chicken." They ate all of their food. Liam complained that the watermelon was weird after his 5th bite. :)

Here are the recipes. Thanks Real Simple!

Brown Sugar-Glazed Pork




Buttery Grilled Corn







Minted Watermelon Salad
(Ignore the Steak Kabobs. Haven't tried those yet.)













Enjoy!

The #76 SALE!!!

We just found out that we have moved up on the Waiting Family List! We have moved from #83 to #76! We still have a long wait before we are able to bring our Baby Girl home from Ethiopia, but I'm encouraged and excited to be in the 70's.

In honor of our jump into the 70's, I am hosting an Adoption Rocks Gear SALE through Friday evening! All T-Shirts have been marked down by $3!!! Sizes have become more limited but I am sure that you can find something. :) Please note that the Tote Bags are NOT on sale at this time.

If you live in Seattle, comment and we can figure out how to get you your gear without paying for shipping.

SPREAD THE WORD! These make great gifts and shows your support to all the adoptive families out there. Our little family appreciates your help and I ship anywhere in the US!

My (Super Random) Favorites List

I love reading and hearing about new products/food/websites/music that people are listening too. This leads me to believe that someone might possibly care about what mine are. This is super random so bear with me...

Cleaning Products:

Method Laundry Detergent
I tried this on whim... I adore most Method products and loved how tiny the bottle was and the idea of only pumping the detergent into the washer. I have had bad luck with "natural" detergent but thought that I could take the chance as the price was fairly reasonable. Needless to say, I LOVE it. I've tried the Peony Blossom and Fresh Air but prefer Fresh Air's scent. It really cleans the boys clothes (this is verging on a miracle) and they come out smelling divine. I will never go back to pouring my detergent. Six squirts and I'm DONE! I'm in love.

If you haven't used Method products before, try them!

Blog:


The winner for time spent checking out a site is... Jones Design Company! I just discovered this site via facebook. It turns out that a girl that I went to college with started this company and her blog is FULL of treasures. You will start out by reading and softly sobbing over your lack of general creativity. Things will start to feel a little bit better when you see how easy she makes her projects look. I have yet to try one but actually feel inspired to try. PLUS, her online shop is super fun and very reasonably priced. Definitely worth checking out and adding to your blog roll!

Food:

I recently came across a delish food combo that can double as a breakfast or dessert. It's full of protein, feels like a special sweet treat and fills me up. I found the cereal at Trader Joes but I'm sure that you could find something comparable elsewhere.

1) 1/2 c. of nonfat, vanilla Greek Yogurt (I buy mine at Trader Joes)
2) 1 c. of berries of your choice (I prefer blueberries but put whatever fruit I have on hand in there.)
3) 2/3 c. (one serving) of Trader Joes High Fiber Fruit & Nut Medley cereal
(2.5 WW Points)

Mmm... Tell me if you try it.

Music:

I am an unashamed fan of the Twilight series (books, movies and music). Mock me if you must. I loved the first album. I liked the second album. I LOVE the 3rd album. My fave song has to be "Heavy in Your Arms" by Florence and the Machine followed by "Atlas" by Fanfario and "My Love" by Sia. I love the rest of the album though and you just can't say that about many soundtracks. Download the Eclipse soundtrack and feel a little cooler than you really are.


You also really need to download "Songs from This" and "Songs from That" by Joy Williams and then download her band's (The Civil Wars) EP entitled "Poison and Wine." You've probably heard her music on your fave tv show or maybe even an Oscar Meyer commercial (ha ha ha) and never knew it. She is a ridiculously talented singer and songwriter and her music just makes me feel good about the journey of life. Her band, The Civil Wars has a similar feel but adds another layer in that it is a duo. Their harmonies are hauntingly beautiful and there songs are beautifully crafted and catchy. Enjoy.

(Find any of these suggestions on iTunes.)

Well, that's it for now! Humor me and let me know if you try anything! :)