Happy December everyone! I thought I would celebrate by throwing some green and reds in the above photo to get you all in the Holiday spirit. So, it’s 5:00 in the morning on a Sunday and I’m up. How sad is that? I couldn’t sleep because all I can hear are these howling gusty winds and heavy rain pelting at the windows. We live on the coast and the winds can get pretty intense. What I don’t get is why the winds always intensify between the hours of 10:00 pm and 7:00 am? It really makes for a terrible night sleep. We’ve pretty much had non-stop rain for the past 4 days and two of the storms have been pretty intense. Sunny California isn’t always so sunny, especially in the winter. It’s funny how you look forward to those cozy rainy days and once you’ve had about 3 of them in a row, you’re over it, (well, at least I am). I’m really a sunshine sort of gal.
Let’s move on from the rain and onto a happier topic like the Holidays. Have you started decorating yet? The only Holiday thing I put up so far was our advent calendar. I actually forgot about it until Eli woke up yesterday morning and ran to the door that we hang it on and said, “Hey, where’s the advent calendar?” Boy, that kid has a memory and radar when it comes to things like that (well, things that either supply candy or money that is). I plan on setting up some more things around the house today, but we’re getting our tree next weekend.
If you’re looking some Holiday inspiration, then you have to check out my friend Annie’s blog. Annie has the best ideas when it comes to decorating. I have been following her blog for a little over a year and she just gives me such inspiration when it comes to home design, crafts, event planning and even cooking, as she’s an amazing cook. Annie is one of those people that I’m watching out for. She’s going to be the next Martha or even something better. She has such a unique and timeless style. Anyway, since it’s officially December, I thought I would share with you three things from her blog that I so want to copy and do in my own house. Take a look at the advent calendar she designed this year. Amazingly beautiful, don’t you think? This is the calendar she designed last year. I honestly think they both belong in a magazine, and I especially love how she has all of those jars of goodies lined up under last year’s advent calendar. Those cookies and sweets would not last long sitting out in an open container in my house. I would see sneaky hands reaching in all day grabbing treats. Annie, you must have pretty self-controlled kids. You should also check out her homemade gift tags. They are so easy to do, and something that I’m definitely going to attempt this year.
Ok, onto this week’s menu!
Sunday night dinner: Chicken parmesan, crispy garlic bread & broccoli rabe. After all of the rain and busyness of last week, were settling in for some comfort cooking. I’m hoping the rain lets up so I can get out of the house though.
Monday night dinner: Paul McCartney’s refried bean tacos and kid friendly caesar salad. This dinner is becoming such a staple in our house. It’s the perfect meatless Monday dinner because it’s so easy to whip up on the fly, and it just tastes so good.
Tuesday night dinner: Leftover night! Chicken parmesan, garlic bread and kid friendly caesar salad.
Wednesday night dinner: Chickpea veggie burgers and kale, cranberry, apple and toasted almond salad with lemon dressing. Have you tried these veggie burgers yet? They’re amazing and one of my favorite veggie burgers. No, that is not a glob of mayo between the burger; it’s a tzatziki yogurt sauce that my kids devour. The sauce is not just for the burgers, but it’s a great dipping sauce to serve up with some fresh cut veggies. This kale salad is the first kale salad that I ever tried, it’s kid approved and a beautiful salad to serve up for the Holidays, as it has all those vibrant greens and reds.
Thursday night dinner: Heirloom tomato soup & chickpea veggie burgers. I found some organic heirloom tomatoes last week at my local Whole Foods, so I snatched them up. I was so excited as my family LOVES this soup. I made a batch to keep in the fridge and threw a batch in the freezer. This soup freezes extremely well since there’s no cream in it.
Friday night dinner: Deep-dish pepperoni pizza and kid friendly caesar salad. We’ve been on the go the past few Fridays, so I’m excited that we’re all going to be hanging at together at home eating pizza.
All I have to say right now, is rain, rain go away, because it is coming down in sheets!
Are the rest of you Marinites feeling the same way right now?
wow your friends blog is magazine picture perfect! and your meals for the week…all looks so good but that hierloom tomato soup sounds so perfect right now.
Thanks Angela. Annie has great design style! I made a batch of that heirloom tomato soup yesterday believe it or not, as Whole Foods had a bunch of them! It was sooo good!
the chickpea burgers are superb! I would have never thought to make a burger with the chickpeas as the “bun”. Always used them in the “patty”. Love it! The way she did that advent calendar is so clever. Its been crazy here- but should get your cookies off to you by end of next week! I know you don’t mind the delay! LOL! Love ya
Thanks Jessica! No, I don’t mind the delay at all as I know I won’t be able to get a batch out before Christmas!
Thanks for the great ideas for healthy dinner ideas! Love your blog and all the beautiful pictures..
Keep up the great work!
Wendy
Thanks for the sweet comment Wendy 😉
Oh dear, send some of that rain our way: we need it! Your menu looks so healthy and very appetizing. You know what I love even more? Your mommy meal, those chickpea veggie burgers. I made something similar last year but with yellow peas, everyone loved it, even teenager.
Jackie, thanks for your kind comments and a link to a photography workshop. 🙂
Hi Marina! I’m so envious of your 80 degree weather right now, but I know we will get our week or two of summer weather in January as always. I love veggie burgers and I’m always on the look for new ones. I had this amazing one in the city that was made with beets and lentils! Wow, it was good!
Alright, what night should we come over? 😉
Ha Ha! Any night that looks good to you 🙂
I am so glad I found your blog last week and following, I love everything about it! I want to pin everything. I also visited Annie’s blog and really like her style too, so I’m following hers too. It’s raining here in the Seattle area too, and I know exactly how you feel about wanting the cozy days then being over it after just a few of them. Bring on the sun! Have a good week Jackie. Sharon
Hi Sharon! Thanks for your kind words. I’m so glad there are tons of recipes that look yummy to you. I’m also glad you like Annie’s blog. She has an amazing sense of style. Seattle is so beautiful though. I just saw Twilight and I of course want to move to the mountains and live in the woods. It’s incredibly gorgeous up there and its funny because every time I have gone up there to visit, it’s been sunny and blue skies. 🙂 Hmmmm….
Shhh, that’s our little secret, it’s actually sunnier up here more than people think! 🙂 Summer up here, once it gets started, is beautiful. 🙂 Sharon
I’ve heard that before, as I have 2 good friends that live in Seattle.
All these recipes are healthy and beautiful to look at. Good as well, I’m sure.
Thanks Daniela!
Jackie,
Everything looks amazing and delicious! Your photography is stunning! Thanks for all the mentions and kind words!!
xo
annie
Hi Annie. I love sharing the things I love, like all your design ideas. You’re truly talented and I want more people to know about your talents 🙂
Honey – I am done cleaning the gutter. May I have some Chicken Parm now
Ha Ha John! Love you!
Hi Jackie,
Your weekly menu always look so wholesome and good! Wish I can be so well-organized like you 😀
PS… The Martha Stewart blog hop event is now on… You may wish to link up your coconut pie with us.
Hi Zoe! I will definitely link up when I post it, hopefully next week 🙂
It is sunny now! yay! This morning was insane. I thought our house was going to actually float away since the rain was coming down in one SOLID sheet. It woke us up for sure! Loving your menu plan this week. I can’t wait to try those chickpea burgers. Stellar idea. 🙂 Hope you are enjoying this nice break in the rain!
I’m so grateful the sun came out and that it was gorgeous today. Everyone I saw was just so elated today. Love it!
Yes, those garbanzo bean burgers rock especially with the tzatziki sauce. Let me know what you think 🙂
I totally tried a version of these last night, based on what I had on hand. DELISH. It kind of reminded me of a falafel sandwich. 🙂
It all looks delish and I wish I could come to your house for dinner! And your site is looking soooo good! Congrats!
Thanks Averie!