The Band Lured Me In

September- Ahhh September, a month that most households get back into some form of normalcy. Schools are back in session, sports are being played and people are settling into their routines. Although summer is not officially over yet, the air lately has been chillier than I remember it being this time of year. I'm not quite ready for a sweater or warm snugly blanket, but I do enjoy the outdoor events that this season brings. 

This Saturday after my little lovely played soccer we decided to grab a bite to eat. Since we were in Salem, MA we settled on a local sandwich shop. When we got out of the car we couldn't help but hear a Mariachi band. Mariachi music originated in the state of Jalisco, in Mexico. Musicians play many different instruments from brass, wind, percussion, guitars, Guitarrón, and on some occasions  a flute, French horn, accordion, and organ are used. It's a very distinct sound so when I heard it I had to make a stop.

Apparently during the period from September 15 to October 15 in the United States,  people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. Hispanic Heritage Week was approved by President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, and Belize all celebrate the anniversary of their independence during the month of September.

Salem has a large Hispanic community, so Saturday they were celebrating with traditional music, food, and activities. It was a really great afternoon learning about the different cultures. I was glad that we decided to make this stop. Since we had no idea that this event was taking place we ate our traditional American BLT sandwiches, but didn't leave until we tasted some traditional Spanish rice. 

Vivir las tradiciones Espanolas! 

It's Really Simple

Ok, so I'm still full from my gluttonous eating frenzy, but the rest of my household is not, so you know what that means. It's time to get in gear and get some groceries in the house. I find that if I neglect to go food shopping during the weekend when Monday rolls around the cupboards are bare and the refrigerator is only keeping a leaf of lettuce cool. 


I don't know about you, but growing up my mother just seemed to throw things together. One minute I'd see a bag of potatoes, the next a meal fit for a king. I don't seem to have the same knack, but I do notice that if I take the time to go grocery shopping before the week begins I have a better chance of putting a good home cooked meal on the table. 


A few months ago in Real Simple Magazine they had a section devoted to weekly dinner recipes that spanned for the entire month. Complete with grocery lists. I thought this was a fabulous idea for so many reasons. 1- A no brainer dinner menu. 2- It got us to try new recipes, many of which we continue to make. 3- Because they gave you the perishable items in the beginning of the week there was less waste. 4- One visit to the grocery store. 

Courtesy of Eat At Home Website

Courtesy of Eat At Home Website

Today I found myself wondering what I should make for dinner tonight, and for the week. I searched the web to try to get some ideas. I stopped along the way at a website that I thought you'd all enjoy. Eat At Home. Everyday Food For Busy People. It's packed with quick and easy recipes, weekly planners, creative uses of things that you have in your fridge, and so much more.  I browsed the website and really liked its layout. It was really simple to navigate through, and shows pictures of what you are attempting to make. Real Simple! By tomorrow I will be ready to eat again, this time in a much smaller quantity than I did on Saturday. Tomorrow night it's Italian Chicken & Rice Casserole. Sounds good right?!


For the full recipe visit their website: Eat At Home