Emeal update

Tonight's dinner on our emeals list is Dirty Rice and Sausage.  They have many menu types available, but what I really like is how versatile the menu and grocery list.  I chose the Any Store Meal Plan.  The first week I followed it exactly, which was really difficult for me because I like to twist things up a little... its my personality!

The following week I crossed out some items to allow for some things I new the family would not want to eat.   It was as easy as they said.  Where ever I saw the number 4 on the grocery list (that was the meal we decided not to eat)  I just crossed that item out.   Also I don't follow the list like Monday is rock solid for meal 1...   I generally just pick and choose, which you could do either way.  I am just not that structured.

The other thing I enjoy about it is I can easily change items like whole grain brown rice vs. white, or fresh spinach vs. frozen.  The menu can be molded to fit your needs.   So in essence, if you are not sure sign up for a trial and see how it goes.

I think you will enjoy it, if you are strapped for time, fighting with a disability, or just would like to alleviate one of the pressures of your day. I think this would be a good fit it has worked for me so far.

Emeals!

Well we are on our second week of Emealz.  I had decided to do a 3 month trial.  But I already LOVE IT!    I am not a too busy mom type, but I am sick and in dealing with those issues I am not always on top of everything.   I wasn't too sure if I was going to be a fan because generally I like to do everything myself, because it saves money.

But the menu's are organized really well.  So if there is something I don't like I just cross of ingredients on the shopping list that correspond with that menu number so if I don't want meal 6, I write in hamburgers or whatever I happen to want to make or is requested on the shopping list I cross out all items that have the #6 next to it and add meat and buns (or pizza night)...  right  are we clear.

There are a ton of kinds of menus, like low fat, carb free, gluten free, based on particular stores, or just general.  We are using the basic menu, and so far things have been tasty.  I have also made a few changes that were relatively painless to do, like ground turkey in place of ground beef, substituted certain veggies I already know that won't work with our family.   Its been easy to maneuver around.

The price didn't change too much for us, because we were already at 80-100 per week budget, however the variety is fantastic, it has been nice getting away from the  Monday hamburgers, taco tuesday wednesday chicken and rice a roni...  etc.  I was getting tired and so was my menu.   

And frankly its nice to have one thing I don't have to think about. There is enough on my plate, and anything I can do mindless I am all for.   So my rating is... so far so fabulous!

The Lisa Project in Visalia

The Lisa Project is in Visalia.  This is a mobile exhibit that gives the experience typical of a child in an abusive situation.  Not only will you see with your eyes, you will hear with your ears 911 calls, stories of pain, smell the scene of neglect.  Children in our society, in our own backyard live daily these lives.  We cannot turn away anymore, we cannot tell ourselves it is none of our business.

I have checked out some statistics and according to the United States Government Accountability Office, more than 5 children die every day as a result of child abuse. 80% of those children who die are under the age of 4!

About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the cycle of abuse. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services  

The exhibit is rated PG-13 due to some mature content.   Make yourself aware and be an advocate for those who can't speak out for themselves!