Because we're on a budget, I try to plan my meals, starting first with the sale flyer from the grocery store, then by what I have in the pantry, or the freezer, and then, by our schedule for the week.
It is sometimes extremely HARD.
Sometimes we're so busy, finding time to even make a quality meal is ridiculous! I don't want to just rely on cereal or sandwiches all the time. Everyone gets tired of that.
This week is somewhat better as far as events go. Only 3 nights out of the 5 we have something going.
So, I decided to share with you some things I've tried and we're having again this week, and two new things I'm going to attempt to make.
Tonight, we had Grace's sports banquet, so I made my Corn Chowder soup last night (to warm up), and these hot ham and cheese sandwiches tonight.
They were good.
Usually I just make ham and cheese sandwiches and wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven...these had a sauce to die for. The recipe is here.
On Sunday for Superbowl Sunday, since we usually go low key on our meals (and after Grace and I get back from a baby shower...) I want to try these homemade pretzels. I've never made homemade pretzels before, but this recipe seems quite easy.
We've had this honey crockpot chicken before...(recipe here) and it's delicious.
I don't know, maybe I'm making the meal planning thing too hard...maybe you have a better way. Share with me please.
Help me out.
Thinking of new and different things all the time is wearing me out.
Sure, we have our standbys. We usually have tacos quite often, or a roast in the crockpot, or breakfast at night, or even pizza.
I use Pinterest.com to break up the monotony of my menu. I'm also trying to cook in a healthful way without a bunch of preservatives.
I still need help. I still need your knowledge and your great recipes.
Point me in the right direction.
I'm begging you.
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ReplyDeleteI've been trying to do better with meal planning and so far it's working for us, but we're not on the go quite as much as you yet. I started a board on Pinterest where I repin the recipes I'm going to make for that week's meals. I've also managed to put together a household binder and have a pantry and freezer inventory in there with my meal planning sheets. (Christmas break project!) I try to plan at least two meals a week that will have leftovers - for the nights we are rushed or for lunches. I also do at least one crockpot dish a week. Some weeks it's two or three. Friday night is always our fun night - either pizza (Walmart take and bake is our favorite right now), tacos, or something similar.
ReplyDeleteThe coolest thing I started this month is I put together a freezer meal exchange with three other girls from work. We all brought something ready for a family of 4 and traded on a Saturday morning. That gave me 4 freezer meals and as a bonus two of them were crockpot meals (even better!). We're going to do it again in February but our group has grown to 6. I'm loving it. It'd be a bit of a drive, but your welcome to join our group in March, if you'd like. We've decided the more the merrier!
PS I've made several of those meals you have on your list for the week. Pinterest is the best!
This lovely lady gave the idea of making a Google calendar with her recipes and ingredients, and then setting them to repeat every so often to keep things fresh. Then she synches it with her i-phone so she can see the grocery list at the store if she needs something. Don't know that I'll ever be that hi-tech, but it would be handy!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lifeingraceblog.com/2013/01/savetimebymealplanning/
I wish I could help but my household is down to me and my husband and he eats about 5 things, seriously. Things were pretty creative at mealtime when my daughter and son were at home since she was a a vegetarian and he too is a picky eater...
ReplyDeleteI do plan my meals for the week before I go to the store on Sundays but the variety is mostly just for me. Pinterest has been a lot of fun with recipes but I have to choose wisely so that I can downsize if for just myself (not my picky husband) or else I'm stuck eating the same thing all week!
Can't wait to see what suggestions you get from your "plea" :)
~Chris
I absolutely stink at meal planning. I've tried over and over again to no avail. I've decided to shop like a european for each day & individual meal. This leads to less food waste for us & fortunately the grocery store isn't too far away & I'm usually out anyway. Those meal ideas look great, I wish I could be a better planner...kudos to you for making it happen. -Carrie
ReplyDeleteYikes, you put me to shame. We don't eat dinner out very often and are not on the go as my biz keeps me here after school hours... BUt that also means I'm outside til dinner time and I'm not a planner. We eat simple meals, not too many "recipes." Lotsa crockpot stuff (some from pinterest) and lotsa rice, chicken, pork and venison. I'm gluten free so real pasta is rare tho I use corn or rice pastas. We eat lotsa (homemade) soups and I plan(LIVE) for leftovers as hubs n I work from home. Not a lot of variety I guess but no one complains if they're hungry! ;-P I'll check out some of your recipes and momamonki's pins ~ Thanks!
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