Join The Farm Large Box Meal Plan - Week of 05/25/14

Every now and then I get in a meal planning rut.  I've actually been in a meal planning rut for a few weeks!  It's time for a change and it's been a while since we've had a CSA box subscription.  This coming week I am excited to be starting up with Join the Farm.  They have numerous pick up locations as well as home delivery here in the Conejo Valley, including a new pick up location at Horizon Hills on Thursdays. Being the planner that I am, the only way I can ensure our family uses the whole box is if I make a plan.  I am happy to share this plan with you! I did not break this down by day, but you will see that this makes sure that every item has a plan or recipe.  My next step with this is to fill out my weekly calendar and pair these things with other meal items and decide if it's for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack. Also note, I usually try to wash & prep the veggies the same day I get them.  This way they are ready to go and it facilitates easy snacking & meal prep.  I will include links to the recipes I am using below. 

Here's what is projected to be in the Large Box this week.  Please note that the contents may be slightly different based on their availability.  At least if you go in with a plan, if there are any changes, they will be easy to adjust to.

Large Shares

Tomatillo

Zucchini

Ruby Lettuce

Rainbow Swiss Chard

Lemon Grass

Fennel

Green Beans

Romaine Lettuce

Patty Pan Summer Squash

Ruby Beets

Green Onion

Heirloom Bloomsdale Spinach

Scarlet Nantes Carrot

Easter Egg Radish

Lemon

Golden Nugget Mandarin Orange

I will be using the lemon to make some fresh lemon water and the mandarin oranges as snacks.  My kids will likely also munch on the fresh carrots as a snack - they usually start snacking on things as we unpack the box!

Some of the Spinach & Swiss Chard will be reserved to add some greens to our morning smoothies.

Salads for the week will be made in both a big bowl for dinner and prepackaged in canning jars for lunches utilizing the Ruby Lettuce, Romaine Lettuce, Carrot, Radish, Green Onion, Mandarin Orange.  I will also toss in some almonds and any dried fruit I have on hand.  

Salsa Verde - Tomatillos

Lemongrass Tea - Lemongrass

French Green Beans - Green Beans & some Green Onions (I'm subbing those for chives)

Banana Zucchini Chocolate Chip Bread - Zucchini

Beet Chips - Beets

Baked Patty Pan Squash Parmesan with Garlic Breadcrumbs - Patty Pan Squash

(Parmesan can be easily subbed with vegan parmesan for a plant-based/vegan version)

Roasted Fennel with Parmesan - Fennel

Enjoy!

Kindergarten Boot Camp - For Parents!

If your oldest child is starting Kindergarten this Fall, you probably know what school he/she is attending, worked on some basics they need to know, and prepped your child in some way for the exciting year coming up.  But have you prepped yourself?  As I sit here searching the web for Kindergarten and school prep techniques for parents, I'm finding that the majority of articles and information out there is for how to prep your child for Kindergarten.  Quite honestly, my kid is ready.  I think I am going to need the most prep!  Whether you work or are a stay at home parent, the schedule and prep work involved will most likely be a big change to your current schedule.  Here's what I am doing to help myself be prepared for Fall.  I usually write blogs after I've completed a project or process, but this time I am writing this beforehand, to give you enough time to schedule something like this into your calendar over the summer.

A few other moms at my child's preschool decided to have a Kindergarten Prep Night/Moms Night Out once a month, from May through August.  Each night a different mom will host and there will be a different subject on the table.  The host will research the topic of the night and present some inspiring and practical ideas she found.  Others will also bring ideas and we will discuss things we can do to prep, share recipes, family schedules, tips and tricks to make our lives easier in the coming year.  We also have in attendance some experienced moms who already have a child in elementary to help guide us and perhaps tell us the truth about rumors we've heard.  For example, even though we may get more of a break because the kids are in school, is life actually busier?  Do kids really start sleeping in instead of waking up early like they currently are?  Things like that.

Some topics we will cover (plus we will probably find more!) include:  Taking care of ourselves/putting our oxygen masks on first, making sure we get enough sleep, healthy snacks for parents, healthy & easy lunch packing ideas, breakfast ideas, homework/afternoon/evening routines, weekend activities to spur curiosity & imaginations, not over-scheduling, summer to-do's (like buying school supplies, clothes, uniforms, stocking up on freezer meals, etc.).  I'm sure we'll work some fun & wine in there somewhere too. 

"Wow-Me Wednesdays" at the Four Seasons Spa

I recently heard about a wonderful service the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village, CA is offering, "Wow-Me Wednesdays."  You get your choice of a 50-Minute Custom Organic Facial, 50-Minute Maternity Massage, or 50-Minute Tranquility Massage with up to 4 hours of complimentary childcare for one child ($25 for each additional child), for $109.  Kids must be potty trained.  Right now this is only offered on Wednesdays from 9am-1pm.  Find more details HERE.

I enjoyed a similar service at Red Rock Resort in Las Vegas, so I was thrilled to hear we have a local option!   Last week was Spring Break for us, a perfect time to take advantage of this offer and check it out.  I opted for the Tranquility Massage.  The treatment was wonderful, (actually extra wonderful considering it has been over 5 years since my last massage!), and a much needed early Mother's Day treat.  The spa itself has an amazing atmosphere.  Along with your treatment you can enjoy the sauna, pool, spa or simply relax and curl up with a book or have some much needed catching up time with a friend.  Don't bother with valet parking.  The parking garage is a short walk.  Remember to take your parking ticket with you so you can get it validated.  The child care area is downstairs from the spa.  They offered games, art, and activities run by staff members.  My 5 year old boy said he was bored, but my 3 year old said she liked it.  My boy loves the outdoors and climbing, basically a big fan of physical activity.  There is no natural light in the child care rooms, and I can see how we would be bored.  That being said, for a just a few hours, he did just fine and I feel he was well taken care of.  Be sure to pack them a lunch/snacks.  Considering I had some much needed time to myself & rejuvenation time, it was well worth it!