a menu & a plan.

I've had a couple persistent thoughts tugging at my subconscious for the last while and finally this week I am committing myself to a couple of good lifestyle improvements.

First, I am going to start waking up earlier. For realsies. (Before you get too excited for me please note that "earlier" to me is 7:00.) Maybe one day I'll work up to an even earlier time, but for now that is good enough. I have found that I am such a happier person and mom if I begin and end my day with some time just to myself.

Second, I will stop eating so much sugar. I will. I will. I will. And start adding lots more fruits, vegetables and grains. I used to be so much better at this and I think it was because I planned ahead a lot better. So inspired by my happy little life's weekly menus, I have decided to be a better food planner again. I usually only plan four real meals because we usually eat out once a week and then there is always that inevitable day (or two) when I absolutely do not feel like making dinner. So we eat cereal or oatmeal.

on the menu this week:

1. hot chicken salad + watermelon slices + corn on the cob

2. lime & garlic infused pork loin + mushroom salad + grilled pineapple spears

3. chicken & green chile enchiladas + black beans + spinach & avocado salad

4. asparagus pasta + garlic breadsticks