Recently two things occurred that inspired me to create a blog series about menu planning.
First, as hubby and I prepare to live on our “new” budget (now that we’ve bought a house), I’ve been scrutinizing our budget down to the tiniest detail. I’m terrified we won’t be able to afford things (we totally will, I’m just a worrier). During all that scrutinizing I realized we were spending $200 a month hitting the drive-thru. Thankfully (?) that was mostly soda runs and not eating the actual food, but still two hundred dollars? That’s nuts!
Secondly, I was talking with a good friend of mine (and blogger who shall remain nameless) and she confessed she understood the drive-thru thing because she and her family eat out almost every night!
Now look, I’ve been at this housewife thing for a couple of years now and I feel like I’m pretty good at saving money and making meals that stretch not only our dollar but also our ingredients…when I’m paying attention. But guess what? There are days, even weeks, when life is very overwhelming and I lose track – but that’s a story for another day. I have a feeling it might be the same for you.
Anywho, at the beginning of April I decided I’d switch from weekly menu planning to monthly menu planning so I’d only have to think about it once a month. I also asked my followers on Facebook (shameless plug: You’ve “Liked” my page right? Go ahead, I’ll wait. 😉 ) if anyone would actually be interested in me sharing my menu plans here on the blog and to my surprise the answer was yes!
So, this month I’m going to walk you through how I menu plan, and also what supplies I use. There’s also going to be a link party at the end for any of you who might want to join in or begin your menu planning adventure. And there might just be a giveaway or two along the way…just sayin’.
I know, I know it’s all been done before, right? Wrong! Y’all, I keep it easy. No crazy worksheets or magnet systems (though trust me, I’ve been down that road), no expensive stuff to buy. Just you, the food you have in your house, a little bit of organizing and moi.
Here’s an outline of the upcoming blog posts:
5/7 Series Begins (You’re Here!) & Weeks 1 and 2 Menu Plan
To get you started, here’s a peek at my menu from last week and the plan for this week. I’ve included links to recipes where I can. If you have any questions on specific meals let me know in the comments. I’ll answer whatever I can.
Week 1
Monday 4/30
Take out night
Tuesday 5/1
Big Salad from Wegmans
Wednesday 5/2
Jambalaya (Adam Cooks)
Thursday 5/3
Leftovers/YOYO (You’re on your own!)
Friday 5/4
Homemade Pizza (I’ll share what we do (and what a friend does) to make Pizza more affordable in a future post)
Saturday 5/5
Sunday 5/6
Pasta Night – Farfale with Garlic and Oil Sauce
Week 2
Monday 5/7
Pot Roast with Potatoes and Vegetables
Tuesday 5/8
Wednesday 5/9
Leftovers
Thursday 5/10
Steak with Mac ‘n Cheese & Veg
Friday 5/11
Busy Day Pork and Sides
Saturday 5/12
Chicken with Stove Top and Veggie
Sunday 5/13
