The BOY and I set a big goal to get some much needed cleaning, purging, and organizing accomplished this weekend. Saturday had us rearranging furniture and making some tough decisions about what we need and what we’ve outgrown. Cooper got right in on the action, loving the new location of this tree…ripe for climbing!
By Sunday afternoon, we had a clean and fresh looking dining room. I also completely reorganized our crawl space…flash light and all, I found the BOY’s college television. Obviously, we don’t need to keep that! I created some extra shoe space in the closet and created enough space to store my new/old china. My grandmother passed many years ago and I am getting her china set. Perfect timing for Thanksgiving hosting!
Today was the most spectacular fall day! The leaves were so gorgeous, even the BOY pulled out his phone to take pictures.
I started my day at the gym and then the BOY and I ran a few errands. Including a trip to Goodwill where we donated a trunk full of goodies. After the last few busy weekends, it was nice to have a quiet Monday. I got to watch a little on the DVR, clean a bit more, and cook.
With my new CROCKPOT! Isn’t it lovely?!
I made an easy Taco Soup as my first dish, thinking it will make a delicious and heart lunch this week. It was also smart to start slowly as I feel out the timing of this updated model. We picked up some fish at the store, and the BOY is in charge of tonight’s dinner. I also whipped up Tuesdays dinner. I was such a fan of this make ahead technique that every week I’ve been putting crockpot dinners in a bag for the BOY to make while I’m at work. I know you can freeze them too, so I need to try that!
Right before I called it a day and went to relax (and blog) with Cooper on the couch, I threw in a loaf of Pumpkin Bread. There hasn’t been nearly enough seasonal baking this fall! My house smells amazing…recipe to come!
Next weekend is scheduled for House Cleaning Part II (the upstairs). There is much work to do in our closets and the office needs an entire week of work : )
Meal Planning 10/20/14
Monday: Roast Cod and Veggies
Tuesday: Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Wednesday: Grilled Chicken Sausage
Thursday: TBD
Lunch: Crockpot Taco Soup (recipe below)
Hope you had a Souper Monday!
Crockpot Taco Soup
Adapted from The Taylor House
Ingredients
1 lb. ground turkey
1/2 cup onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Package taco seasoning
2-28 oz. cans crushed tomatoes
2-15 oz. can Pinto Beans, rinsed
1 Cup Water
Toppings: Doritos, cheese, avocado, scallions, sour cream, etc.
Directions
In a large pan brown your turkey with onion and garlic. Place your meat in the bottom of the slow cooker, sprayed with cooking spray. Add the taco seasoning, tomatoes, rinsed beans, and water to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve with toppings.
Luv What You Do 
Great weekend in the sense you got a lot done! I hate cleaning! But i guess who likes it?!! 🙂 I definitely need to use my crockpot more! I need to check out some of your recipes! Your taco soup sounds more like a chili!! Sounds good (minus the turkey)!!
It tasted more like chili too but was really good! I do have a veggie taco soup on the blog somewhere. Let me know if you need help finding it.
Although cleaning isn’t fun, it feels so good to have an organized house now!
LOVE the new crockpot. It’s so shinyyyy!!
I know…right?! Love new toys for my kitchen!
We’re in the middle of purging/cleaning he!!, too. It sucks, but it feels so good once it’s finished!
I’ve never had a crockpot, but after a couple years of seeing your quick and delicious meals, I think I may have to get one.
For sure! It is so easy!
We have another weekend ahead and I agree it will feel really good when we’re done!
[…] cleaning out closets and organizing our office. There is still much work to be done, but after 2 weekends of hard work, our house is really coming along. I then spent all day yesterday shopping with my mom but […]