This week's lunch round-up

It's a short work week, with Friday as a holiday, so I'll prepare a little less in my round-up. (If you're thinking, "what in the world is she talking about, lunch round-up?", see this post.)

So, for this week, I'll be making:

"neatballs" (bean-based meatballs, recipe here, and thanks to Belinda from The Frugal Workshop as her post last week reminded me to make neatballs again soon) -- I made a large batch of marinara last Wednesday, now in the freezer. I'll get a container out and the family can put together "neatballs" and sauce. With the "neatballs", I'll add,

garlic bread -- I have 1 loaf of French bread left in the freezer, from big-batch baking early in June. Split open, spread with homemade garlic butter, oven-toast and cut into chunks. I have a feeling these will go quickly.

mixed salad greens and shredded carrots, undressed -- I'll pick, wash and tear 3 salad spinners full of various salad greens from the garden. Wrap in a large dishtowel, then slide into a large plastic bag, and the lettuce will stay fresh and crisp all week. Add in 1 or 2 carrots, shredded. To this, I'll make up a jar of salad dressing, probably 1000 Island, always a favorite here.

a pan of rosemary polenta -- also delicious when topped with marinara, and super simple to make

individual cups of blackberry-rhubarb sauce -- I use small, 10 oz peanut butter jars with screw top lids. Dollar Tree sells these small jars of peanut butter. The jars are great for lunch items that might be a tad leaky.

a half-dozen boiled eggs


For the week, there will be 3 different fruit or vegetable options, 2 grains and 2 protein items. I estimate this will take about 1 & 1/2 hours to prepare. These lunch options will be supplemented with pbj sandwiches.

Victoria magazine: one of my indulgences (*and a giveaway*)

I discovered Victoria magazine when my twins were toddlers. While at the library checking out picture books for them, I'd steal by the magazine rack and check out back issues of Victoria magazine. I loved the photos, the garden tours and the recipes. During toddler nap times, I'd escape to other lands as I envisioned beautiful places and sumptuous meals. I was hooked.

Victoria magazine went away for a couple of years. But when they came back, I decided to use some birthday money to give myself the gift of escape, once again. Every year now, I indulge myself and renew my subscription, using birthday or Christmas money.

In case you're not familiar, Victoria magazine appeals to those enamored with the vintage lifestyle. It's pages are filled with photos of lovely gardens, interesting travel destinations, vintage decorating, and entertainment ideas. While I couldn't live the Victoria lifestyle on a daily basis (my vintage china cannot go into the dishwasher, and I really don't want to hand wash dishes daily), it has provided inspiration for planning major holiday events in my home.

And now, I have the opportunity to give away 1 one-year subscription. The only qualification is you must have a USA address  If you'd like to enter to win this subscription to Victoria magazine, leave a comment below.

I understand that this magazine won't appeal to everyone, and that's okay with me (you won't hurt my feelings). But if you'd like a one-year subscription, please enter.

This drawing for 1 one-year subscription to Victoria magazine will remain open until 12-midnight PDT, Tuesday, July 1, 2014. The winner will be announced in my regular post on July 3, 2014.