Menu Planning

I know, I have been M.I.A. for a while. It seems like since my mom's passing I can't come up with much that seems important enough to write about. However, this blog helps hold me accountable. Therefore I am going to try, again, to get back into the swing of writing. I am starting to feel like a normal person again so hopefully it won't be such a daunting task. I am posting my menu plan for this week. A menu plan really helps me to only buy the things at the store I will actually use for the week and it also makes it easier for me to cook. I know that sounds weird. When I can just go to my plan and see what the meal for the evening is it seems easier to make it. I know I have all the ingredients and I don't have to come up with something off the top of my head. When I have to "create" something, I am more apt to go to the drive thru. I don't plan breakfast and lunches as much as I do dinner b/c I work outside of the home and I just send the girls lunches. Hubby and I don't really eat lunch. I may grab a snack or sandwich when I get home before dinner but not enough to have a formal plan. On the weeks I know I will be home with the girls, all day, I do plan breakfast and lunch b/c I know that will cut out grabbing McD's while running errands. I find my kids eat better when I have a schedule and not just grab junk on the way out to play. For all of that being said, here's the plan for this week........

Quick Chick (from www.allrecipes.com)
Garlic Red Potatoes
Green Beans
Rolls

Soft Tacos
Mexican Rice
Refried Beans

Grilled Chicken (marinated in Zesty Italian dressing)
Rice a Roni Chicken rice
Salad
Rolls

Sesame Chicken w/ steamed broccoli & vermicelli

Chicken Quesadillas
leftover mexican rice
leftover refried beans

Frozen Pizza (Red Baron's new Garlic Crust pizza's are SOOO good!)
Salad

I do all my house work and laundry on Saturday's and it seems like by dinner time I am exhausted. That is bad combination for not eating out. So instead of planning on cooking something I planned the frozen pizza. All I have to do is preheat and put it on a baking stone. I can make the salad in the morning and dinner is done! I know myself well enough to know I will go out b/c I don't want to 1. cook and 2. mess up my clean kitchen! I also always keep and couple of cans of Spaghetti O's around in case my kids won't eat what I'm making. 59 cents is worth it for them to not talk me into going out. If you participate in Menu Plan Monday leave a comment! I always like to see what other people are having. New ideas keep staying home exciting!