Less than 2 weeks until Christmas and it is definitely time for holiday parties and other fun! This also means that Mike's work schedule is ramping up due to extended holiday hours.
Monday: This morning I started the crockpot with a variation of Stephanie's Salsa Chicken. My version this morning was sans beans. A can of corn, a can of petite diced tomatoes, a small can of green chilis, and about a pound of frozen chicken. I will cook up a pot of rice when I get home to go with it.
Tuesday: It is definitely turning into soup weather around here! I'll set the bread machine in the morning and make a steaming pot of turkey noodle soup when I get home from work.
Wednesday & Thursday: Mike is working until 9pm both nights, so I'll probably throw together something simple for myself.
Friday: Mike is going to see TRON Legacy in 3D IMAX, and I am staying home as 3D movies make me motion sick. I will make some English Muffin pizzas for before he leaves so he doesn't spend too much on movie theater food.
Saturday: We have a holiday party to go to, so we are eating there.
Sunday: I'm going to either make a Chicken Pot Pie or a chicken and rice casserole from a recipe from Campbell's. It will depend on how much energy I have left at the end of the week!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
MPM: Shortened Week
Well, I knew Monday and Tuesday were planned out for me, but that doesn't excuse this being late!
Monday: Had dinner out. We had planned on meeting Mike's co-workers, but we missed them (they must have eaten fast). We still had some delicious Italian food, though.
Tuesday: I have a meeting, so a quick meal of green beans, chicken nuggets and french fries is on the docket.
Wednesday: Things will slow down a bit and I will make a meal of Easy Enchilladas with leftover rice and some frozen home made refried beans.
Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs haven't been on the list in a while. More green beans while we have fresh ones to eat. If I am on my game, I will program the bread machine in the morning and have fresh bread to go with it.
Friday: Pizza night! Last week I was half asleep when mixing the pizza dough and had to mix in the olive oil after the dough had come together. This resulted in a chewier, crispier crust. I'm not sure if I want to attempt this again, though. We'll see. My recipe is always in flux!
Monday: Had dinner out. We had planned on meeting Mike's co-workers, but we missed them (they must have eaten fast). We still had some delicious Italian food, though.
Tuesday: I have a meeting, so a quick meal of green beans, chicken nuggets and french fries is on the docket.
Wednesday: Things will slow down a bit and I will make a meal of Easy Enchilladas with leftover rice and some frozen home made refried beans.
Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs haven't been on the list in a while. More green beans while we have fresh ones to eat. If I am on my game, I will program the bread machine in the morning and have fresh bread to go with it.
Friday: Pizza night! Last week I was half asleep when mixing the pizza dough and had to mix in the olive oil after the dough had come together. This resulted in a chewier, crispier crust. I'm not sure if I want to attempt this again, though. We'll see. My recipe is always in flux!
Monday, November 29, 2010
MPM: Skipped a week
Last week was crazy and short due to Thanksgiving, so I gave myself a planning break. I was also at the end of my solid week of migraines, so I needed it. But this week we are back in the swing of things! December is just around the corner, and being organized during the season helps me to say relaxed and enjoy the fun.
Monday: We have our first concert of the season, so we need to have a quick dinner. Hot dogs and macaroni and cheese.
Tuesday: No rushing around, and in for the night, so I am going to make a Mexican Pasta Casserole so that we have some leftovers in the house.
Wednesday: My mom is coming over for dinner and we will have chicken stir-fry served over rice.
Thursday: Pizza night! Mike is working on Friday, so Pizza night is moved. My brother might be coming over as well and it is easy to make some extra pizza to make it a party.
Friday: I will be fending for myself as Mike is working late.
Monday: We have our first concert of the season, so we need to have a quick dinner. Hot dogs and macaroni and cheese.
Tuesday: No rushing around, and in for the night, so I am going to make a Mexican Pasta Casserole so that we have some leftovers in the house.
Wednesday: My mom is coming over for dinner and we will have chicken stir-fry served over rice.
Thursday: Pizza night! Mike is working on Friday, so Pizza night is moved. My brother might be coming over as well and it is easy to make some extra pizza to make it a party.
Friday: I will be fending for myself as Mike is working late.
Monday, November 15, 2010
MPM: Keep on keeping on
I can't believe that today marks the middle of November! Seems like time is just flying along and I am racing to keep up. Fortunately, doing a menu plan every week has kept dinner time under control.
Monday: Tonight I am going to make Spaghetti with meat sauce. There is a sale on ground beef at the local grocery store, so I will be picking up 10 pounds to freeze. It will be nice to cook up some fresh meat for this meal instead of using something frozen out of the freezer (even though it is sooo much more convenient!) I will steam the rest of the fresh green beans to go along with this.
Tuesday: Over the weekend, I made a delicious Chicken Pot Pie. We will have some of the leftovers for dinner.
Wednesday: Mexican night! Depending on what we are in the mood for, we will either have Mexican Pasta Casserole or tacos.
Thursday: Stir fry! Lots of veggies and chicken to use. I also want to use up the leftover bamboo shoots that are in the fridge. Will make white rice to go with it. Yum!
Friday: Pizza night! Last Friday we were out and did not have homemade pizza. This week we will be very happy to be on schedule!
Monday: Tonight I am going to make Spaghetti with meat sauce. There is a sale on ground beef at the local grocery store, so I will be picking up 10 pounds to freeze. It will be nice to cook up some fresh meat for this meal instead of using something frozen out of the freezer (even though it is sooo much more convenient!) I will steam the rest of the fresh green beans to go along with this.
Tuesday: Over the weekend, I made a delicious Chicken Pot Pie. We will have some of the leftovers for dinner.
Wednesday: Mexican night! Depending on what we are in the mood for, we will either have Mexican Pasta Casserole or tacos.
Thursday: Stir fry! Lots of veggies and chicken to use. I also want to use up the leftover bamboo shoots that are in the fridge. Will make white rice to go with it. Yum!
Friday: Pizza night! Last Friday we were out and did not have homemade pizza. This week we will be very happy to be on schedule!
Monday, November 8, 2010
MPM: Menu Planning as a part of life
It is becoming routine to start thinking about a menu on Monday morning. I come here out of habit and out of a desire to have less stress in my week. Planning out meals ahead of time makes me happy! Here's what I've got for this week.
Monday: I have leftover bread from this weekend and some pre-cooked meatballs in the freezer. Spaghetti and meatballs with home made bread (possibly made into garlic bread table-side). Yum! This will be an easy meal to put together. While preparing dinner, I will use the quick-soak method to cook up some black beans.
Tuesday: Taco night! With a mixture of black beans and ground beef, we'll have the choice of hard or soft taco shells. Hopefully we'll have a little bit of meat mixture leftover for lunches or snacks, but I'm not holding my breath on that one!
Wednesday: Stir Fry. It has been a long time since I've made stir fry. I will probably have to cook some frozen uncooked chicken to make this, but it should not take very long. Also, we have lots of veggies around in the fridge and freezer. I'll make a pot of rice and we'll be good to go.
Thursday: Baked macaroni and cheese with ham. I will either use the package of Kraft home-style mac and cheese that I have laying around or I will make it from scratch. Either vegetables or salads as a side.
Friday: Pizza Night! Nothing fancy this week. Just home made pizza with personalized toppings. We always look forward to pizza night.
Monday: I have leftover bread from this weekend and some pre-cooked meatballs in the freezer. Spaghetti and meatballs with home made bread (possibly made into garlic bread table-side). Yum! This will be an easy meal to put together. While preparing dinner, I will use the quick-soak method to cook up some black beans.
Tuesday: Taco night! With a mixture of black beans and ground beef, we'll have the choice of hard or soft taco shells. Hopefully we'll have a little bit of meat mixture leftover for lunches or snacks, but I'm not holding my breath on that one!
Wednesday: Stir Fry. It has been a long time since I've made stir fry. I will probably have to cook some frozen uncooked chicken to make this, but it should not take very long. Also, we have lots of veggies around in the fridge and freezer. I'll make a pot of rice and we'll be good to go.
Thursday: Baked macaroni and cheese with ham. I will either use the package of Kraft home-style mac and cheese that I have laying around or I will make it from scratch. Either vegetables or salads as a side.
Friday: Pizza Night! Nothing fancy this week. Just home made pizza with personalized toppings. We always look forward to pizza night.
Monday, November 1, 2010
MPM: Week 4!
I am so excited to be posting my fourth menu plan Monday in a ROW! WOW! So, here it goes.
Monday: Tonight I'm going to make macaroni and cheese and hotdogs wrapped in crecent rolls. I'll let Mike pick if we will have a veggie or salads.
Tuesday: I have a meeting and it's election day, so dinner will be early and easy. Chicken patty sandwiches with pretzels or chips.
Wednesday: A "fend for yourself" day! I'm supposed to take my sister out to dinner as a birthday treat, so Mike will be probably having sandwiches for dinner or possibly chicken nuggets or grilled cheese. All easy things we keep around the house for these sorts of meals.
Thursday: We have a bunch of tortillas that need to be used up, so tonight will be make your own quesadilla night. We have leftovers to be used as well as shredded chicken in the freezer. I think I'll break out the griddle so we can make a few at a time. This will be quick and easy, but also filling and fun!
Friday: Definitely Pizza Night! We missed pizza night last week due to a birthday celebration, so I have a feeling we'll be ready this week. I bought some mozzarella sticks (farm fresh brand) to try, so if we are feeling like an appetizer, I'll throw some of those in the oven.
I don't usually plan meals for the weekends, but this week, Mike is not working nights at all! So, here we go!
Saturday: Soup and Bread. I'm going to make a loaf of rye bread with the bread machine (and possibly bake it in the oven?). I'll also make a nice pot of chicken and noodle soup. I've got homemade stock in the freezer as well as already chopped carrots and cooked shredded chicken. I just have to pick up some more celery this week.
Sunday: After a busy week, a night of leftovers is in order. Or, if we are so inclined, we may pick up Chinese food. For some reason, Chinese food and Sundays go together for us!
Monday: Tonight I'm going to make macaroni and cheese and hotdogs wrapped in crecent rolls. I'll let Mike pick if we will have a veggie or salads.
Tuesday: I have a meeting and it's election day, so dinner will be early and easy. Chicken patty sandwiches with pretzels or chips.
Wednesday: A "fend for yourself" day! I'm supposed to take my sister out to dinner as a birthday treat, so Mike will be probably having sandwiches for dinner or possibly chicken nuggets or grilled cheese. All easy things we keep around the house for these sorts of meals.
Thursday: We have a bunch of tortillas that need to be used up, so tonight will be make your own quesadilla night. We have leftovers to be used as well as shredded chicken in the freezer. I think I'll break out the griddle so we can make a few at a time. This will be quick and easy, but also filling and fun!
Friday: Definitely Pizza Night! We missed pizza night last week due to a birthday celebration, so I have a feeling we'll be ready this week. I bought some mozzarella sticks (farm fresh brand) to try, so if we are feeling like an appetizer, I'll throw some of those in the oven.
I don't usually plan meals for the weekends, but this week, Mike is not working nights at all! So, here we go!
Saturday: Soup and Bread. I'm going to make a loaf of rye bread with the bread machine (and possibly bake it in the oven?). I'll also make a nice pot of chicken and noodle soup. I've got homemade stock in the freezer as well as already chopped carrots and cooked shredded chicken. I just have to pick up some more celery this week.
Sunday: After a busy week, a night of leftovers is in order. Or, if we are so inclined, we may pick up Chinese food. For some reason, Chinese food and Sundays go together for us!
Monday, October 25, 2010
MPM: Week 3!
After quite the crazy weekend, my brain is on the fritz. But I still managed to pull together a solid menu plan for this week. As always, it's flexible, and actually includes a few meals that didn't get eaten last week.
Monday: Today is a "fend for yourself" type of day. I won't be home for dinner at all, and Mike will probably have sandwiches or leftovers or pizza rolls. It's good to have "emergency" meals that anyone can put together on hand!
Tuesday: We are finally going to have the fajitas that I planned for last week. I have been looking forward to them since last Monday, so we are fitting them into the week early.
Wednesday: Pasta night! I have some sausages in the fridge that I will cut up and put in meat sauce and I have an open box of spaghetti to finish. If we're lucky, I'll get the bread machine set up with the timer so we can have fresh bread with dinner. Yum!
Thursday: Trick-or-Treat night! I'm having family over to help with handing out candy, so I'm going to put together a crock-pot of Mexican Lentils that we can use to make nachos or taco salads. I'll probably just set up a taco bar and let everyone have at it.
Friday: Pizza night! No new trials this week, just the normal pizza.
Monday: Today is a "fend for yourself" type of day. I won't be home for dinner at all, and Mike will probably have sandwiches or leftovers or pizza rolls. It's good to have "emergency" meals that anyone can put together on hand!
Tuesday: We are finally going to have the fajitas that I planned for last week. I have been looking forward to them since last Monday, so we are fitting them into the week early.
Wednesday: Pasta night! I have some sausages in the fridge that I will cut up and put in meat sauce and I have an open box of spaghetti to finish. If we're lucky, I'll get the bread machine set up with the timer so we can have fresh bread with dinner. Yum!
Thursday: Trick-or-Treat night! I'm having family over to help with handing out candy, so I'm going to put together a crock-pot of Mexican Lentils that we can use to make nachos or taco salads. I'll probably just set up a taco bar and let everyone have at it.
Friday: Pizza night! No new trials this week, just the normal pizza.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
MPM: 2 weeks in a row!
I shouldn't get to excited about actually posting 2 weeks in a row, but I'm feeling inspired. (ps - I finished writing this on Monday, but I totally forgot to post it!)
Monday: This morning I got a batch of Pizza Soup going in the crockpot. We'll have salads and cresent rolls with it to round out the meal.
Tuesday: I have a rehearsal at 6pm, so we will eat when I get home. Chicken Patty sandwiches will be something easy that Mike can get started. We've got rolls that need to be used as well.
Wednesday: Fajitas are the order of the day. I have chicken that is marinated and ready to go in the freezer as well as onions and peppers that are already cut. We have tortillas that were on sale at the beginning of the month that need to get eaten up. I even have some home made re-fried beans in the freezer.
Thursday: We are celebrating our anniversary this week, so we will probably go out to eat. Haven't decided where yet.
Friday: Pizza night! I bought a brick of mozzarella on sale a few weeks ago with the intention of making some mozzarella sticks for a pizza night. I like to mix it up a little. A google search later, I've come up with this recipe that looks very easy and yummy.
Monday: This morning I got a batch of Pizza Soup going in the crockpot. We'll have salads and cresent rolls with it to round out the meal.
Tuesday: I have a rehearsal at 6pm, so we will eat when I get home. Chicken Patty sandwiches will be something easy that Mike can get started. We've got rolls that need to be used as well.
Wednesday: Fajitas are the order of the day. I have chicken that is marinated and ready to go in the freezer as well as onions and peppers that are already cut. We have tortillas that were on sale at the beginning of the month that need to get eaten up. I even have some home made re-fried beans in the freezer.
Thursday: We are celebrating our anniversary this week, so we will probably go out to eat. Haven't decided where yet.
Friday: Pizza night! I bought a brick of mozzarella on sale a few weeks ago with the intention of making some mozzarella sticks for a pizza night. I like to mix it up a little. A google search later, I've come up with this recipe that looks very easy and yummy.
Monday, October 11, 2010
MPM: Trying this Again....
Well, this is a depressing trend. I post menu plans for a few weeks, and then I stop only to start up months and months later! At least I can say this: I HAVE been menu planning almost every week since the summer ended. It is always harder in the summer when Mike's work hours are during dinner time and we don't eat together. I eat crackers and cheese for dinner a LOT that way. Anyway, I have decided to not plan meals for the weekends OR days that Mike is working late. Also, it's always subject to change! The main challenge is to plan based on what we have on hand or fresh produce that is available on sale or at the farmers market.
Monday: Taco Bake (recipe from Kraft). This recipe is different than the one I usually make, but I have a lot of mac and cheese that we haven't been eating, so I thought I'd give this one a try. To be served with a side salad or carrot sticks.
Tuesday: Chicken Patty sandwiches. We have rolls on hand that I don't want to go bad and the chicken patties were on sale last week with a coupon. I think I will make a pasta salad with lots of fresh veggies to go on the side.
Wednesday: Pizza Night. Friday Mike is working late, so I'll move Pizza Night to Wednesday so we don't miss out on our favorite meal of the week. Pizza is served top-yourself style with lots of veggies available!
Thursday: Sausage sandwiches with onions and peppers on hard rolls. Not only did I get some yummy chicken sausage on sale last week, there is a new bakery in town that I've been meaning to check out as well as the farmer's market which has great peppers at GREAT prices. It'll still be a quick and filling meal after I get home from the little bit of extra shopping.
Friday: Mike is working, so a short week for meal planning!
Monday: Taco Bake (recipe from Kraft). This recipe is different than the one I usually make, but I have a lot of mac and cheese that we haven't been eating, so I thought I'd give this one a try. To be served with a side salad or carrot sticks.
Tuesday: Chicken Patty sandwiches. We have rolls on hand that I don't want to go bad and the chicken patties were on sale last week with a coupon. I think I will make a pasta salad with lots of fresh veggies to go on the side.
Wednesday: Pizza Night. Friday Mike is working late, so I'll move Pizza Night to Wednesday so we don't miss out on our favorite meal of the week. Pizza is served top-yourself style with lots of veggies available!
Thursday: Sausage sandwiches with onions and peppers on hard rolls. Not only did I get some yummy chicken sausage on sale last week, there is a new bakery in town that I've been meaning to check out as well as the farmer's market which has great peppers at GREAT prices. It'll still be a quick and filling meal after I get home from the little bit of extra shopping.
Friday: Mike is working, so a short week for meal planning!
Monday, May 10, 2010
MPM: Continuing on
I think I can, I think I can.....
Monday: Chicken Sandwiches and Macaroni and Cheese
Tuesday: Leftover enchiladas from Mothers' Day
Wednesday: Pasta casserole... something soft so Mike can eat it (he's having cavity work done in the afternoon). Jello for dessert.
Thursday: Possible movie night with a "snacky" dinner... popcorn chicken, dips & veggies, etc.
Friday: Pizza night!
Saturday: Leftovers or stirfry.
Sunday: Concert day! We probably won't need to eat dinner after we have a filling reception, but I will have to make a dessert to bring.
Monday, May 3, 2010
MPM: Back on the bandwagon
Oops! I haven't formally menu planned since March! No wonder I have no idea what is in the freezer and I can't remember what we ate last week. This is not a great trend to start, so this is me trying to jump back on the bandwagon....
A lot of activities this week to plan around, so let's see what I can come up with.
Monday: We have some place to be at 6:30, so a quick dinner of hamburgers or chicken patty sandwiches will work. I've got some rice in the freezer to heat up for a quick and easy side dish.
Tuesday: Another quick dinner night. I need to be at a meeting at 7 and Mike doesn't get home from work until 6:30! Something's gotta give. An easy-peasy meal that can be easily reheated? Ravioli with meat sauce or meatballs I'll decide when I'm making it since I've got both ready to go.
Wednesday: Happy Cinco De Mayo! We'll have Pulled Pork "Carnitas" which I will make in the crockpot. I'll be using a variation of this recipe (no beer), so I have to add a few things to my grocery list!
Thursday: Going to my parents' house for dinner since my grandparents & aunt are in town.
Friday: It's pizza night! Hopefully I can make one and freeze the other (as we are getting ready for a big pizza party in a few weeks). A salad is a nice compliment to pizza.
Saturday: My sister's graduation! If there are any meals at home, they will be leftovers.
Sunday: Mothers' Day! I've invited my family over for dinner, and we'll be having enchiladas (chicken, re-fried beans and possibly leftover pork will serve as the filling) which I will put together on Friday or Saturday and have Mike put in the oven while we are at church.
A lot of activities this week to plan around, so let's see what I can come up with.
Monday: We have some place to be at 6:30, so a quick dinner of hamburgers or chicken patty sandwiches will work. I've got some rice in the freezer to heat up for a quick and easy side dish.
Tuesday: Another quick dinner night. I need to be at a meeting at 7 and Mike doesn't get home from work until 6:30! Something's gotta give. An easy-peasy meal that can be easily reheated? Ravioli with meat sauce or meatballs I'll decide when I'm making it since I've got both ready to go.
Wednesday: Happy Cinco De Mayo! We'll have Pulled Pork "Carnitas" which I will make in the crockpot. I'll be using a variation of this recipe (no beer), so I have to add a few things to my grocery list!
Thursday: Going to my parents' house for dinner since my grandparents & aunt are in town.
Friday: It's pizza night! Hopefully I can make one and freeze the other (as we are getting ready for a big pizza party in a few weeks). A salad is a nice compliment to pizza.
Saturday: My sister's graduation! If there are any meals at home, they will be leftovers.
Sunday: Mothers' Day! I've invited my family over for dinner, and we'll be having enchiladas (chicken, re-fried beans and possibly leftover pork will serve as the filling) which I will put together on Friday or Saturday and have Mike put in the oven while we are at church.
Monday, March 15, 2010
MPM: Ides of March
I actually did menu planning 2 weeks in a row! Wow. I forgot to post last week, though, so this is a retrospective as well as our menu for this coming week.
Last week -
Monday: Hamburgers with Uncle Ben's rice pouch
Tuesday: Baked Ziti
Wednesday: Lenten supper @ church
Thursday: Tacos
Friday: Pizza (my own recipe! Will work on perfecting it before posting)
Saturday: Whole Wheat Crepes
Sunday: Stir fry with rice.
This week -
Monday: Chicken, Rice, and broccoli with cheese sauce
Tuesday: Ravioli with meat sauce
Wednesday: Lenten supper @ church (I'm making chili to bring this week)
Thursday: Pizza (moved from Friday so we can have meat on it!)
Friday: No-meat Enchiladas
Last week -
Monday: Hamburgers with Uncle Ben's rice pouch
Tuesday: Baked Ziti
Wednesday: Lenten supper @ church
Thursday: Tacos
Friday: Pizza (my own recipe! Will work on perfecting it before posting)
Saturday: Whole Wheat Crepes
Sunday: Stir fry with rice.
This week -
Monday: Chicken, Rice, and broccoli with cheese sauce
Tuesday: Ravioli with meat sauce
Wednesday: Lenten supper @ church (I'm making chili to bring this week)
Thursday: Pizza (moved from Friday so we can have meat on it!)
Friday: No-meat Enchiladas
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