Everything Under the Son

All of the sickness in our home for the last 6-7 weeks has really thrown everything off. Schedules are off, the house is a wreck, meal planning went awry...the list could go on and on. You know, so does the pile of laundry...it just goes on and on.

So this week and weekend, I am working to get back to business. I am working to get things back in some semblance of order, and it is no easy task, friends! I am cleaning rooms, new sheets on the beds, working through closets and drawers, and trying to get myself and my family back on track.

Earlier this week, I sat down with my handy menu planning form, and worked through the next week to get some things down on paper! Now, I have decided to share some of what I have planned, and maybe you can help me think up some new recipes to add to my repertoire!

Friday: Sausage with Red Potatoes and Green Beans

Saturday: Dinner at the In-Law's. I am taking a veggie - possibly Green Chile Hominy!

Sunday: Chicken Fajitas

Monday: Roast with Carrots and Onions and Potatoes

Tuesday: Chicken and Rice, green salad

Wednesday: Lemon Chicken and Steamed Veggies (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots)

Thursday: Pizza or Leftovers

Friday: Maw-Maw's Spaghetti with Garlic Toast


Planning my menus saves me time and energy, not to mention MONEY!! Now that I have what I need for the meals listed, I can re-arrange them to different nights if necessary, but I know that in the next week, these are the meals I will prepare for my family!

How about you? Do you plan a menu? Has it helped your food budget? Do you have some recipes or other menu-planning tips to share with me? It's your turn to share....

I plan my menus a month at the time. I get Rachel Ray Magazine and usually put in a new recipe from it. My calendar has a spot for groceries, and I put the fresh ingredients in that spot for the week so I don't have to go back threw the recipes to see what I need.

I usually buy two weeks at a time. I buy lots of different meats, such as ground meat for spaghetti, or patties, or meat loaf, and a roast, and a couple of packs of chicken for chicken and rice or just baked chicken. I also buy some catfist or something fun each time. I load up on canned veggies, fresh veggies, fruits, sugar, flour, butter, and eggs. I dont plan day by day, but know that I can make lots of good stuff being supplied with the staples. I know that doesnt help at all... but... it works for me!

I usually sit down at my computer at the very beginning of every month with a blank calendar. I begin with marking off times Ken will be out of town (I know I won't be cooking major on those nights!!). I also have a sheet with all of the main dishes, sides, breads, that I use. I go through the list and start typing a entree, side(s), and bread on each day. I like looking at the entire month b/c it gives me the big picture on the types of food that we are having (mexican, italian, etc.). I always try to double a casserole dish/soup to freeze for the next month. I would love to look at some of your menus sometime. I am always looking for new ideas/recipes!!

Yum! You need to give us your menu every week. I feel like I cook the same things all the time! We always eat at Taco Tuesday on Tuesday b/c they have the $3.33 taco plates. We can eat for a little over $6 if we get water and we usually do (I can't cook for that) and we always do manna and more on Wednesdays (can't cook for that either- Morgan shares with me), so it's just $6 for Jason and I. So, that only leaves Monday, Thursday, and Friday. We usually eat out on Saturday evening and Sunday after lunch. I go to the grocery store every week for fruits, vegetables, milk, cereal, etc. Then I usually go on Monday and Friday for whatever I want to cook that night, so that I'm not buying stuff that goes to waste. Like I said, I get stuck in a rut, so I loved reading your menu. And as for Robyn... we've been telling her to write a menu book! I wish I was that organized to plan a month at a time. Cooking is really not something I enjoy very much!

I am glad to know that my future daughter-in-law (15 years from now) will know how to cook! Kauy will eat ramen noodle....dry(if they are short on the budget fund)
I think that you should just put out a weekly letter of menus and recipes. However, those of us who drive by your house daily may need to just stop in for supper and then review your "service" on the website. Hmmmm suites me.