Life has occasionally derailed what our original plans were. One day we needed items from the store, so we ended up grabbing some frozen pizzas to cook when we got home and worked on the house. Another night we were supposed to have ham and beans, but were invited up for family events, so we were going to end up not doing that. Weather changed those plans, but sadly, beans need soaked, so we had porkburgers instead. We had intended to use that on pizza, but used sausage instead. I guess the successful trick to having a menu plan is trying to do the ‘hard stuff’ on weekends for us or on a day off or day at home for my husband, and having a back up (usually a sandwich or leftovers) on hand ‘just in case’. Then if we were going to eat the leftovers another night, rotating things around until it all fits back in, like a giant puzzle. So here’s what we will do this week since we messed it up last week. We have had some unexpected things come up as well: we’re finally closing on our refinance, I have my doctor’s appointment WAY away from the house, etc. We also are supposed to do something on Sunday away from the house so that may result in a quicker dinner or dinner out (attending a distant church service at 4 pm). If all else fails, we’ll likely have leftovers. Alternatively, if one of these items fails: for instance if we get wrapped up and don’t get homemade noodles made, then we’ll likely stick ham and beans in there, or move the hot dogs up and fill in with something else. What we want to do is save money and avoid expensive trips to the store. Especially trips in late afternoon (after nap time) that make us feel VERY lazy and wont to cheat on the menu plan.
Monday – Chili, cheese and crackers
Tuesday – beef and noodles, green beans
Wednesday – hot dog crescent wraps, corn, mac and cheese
Thursday- Roasted turkey, noodles and/or mashed potatoes, green beans
Friday- Turkey and dressing casserole
Saturday-Breakfast for dinner
Sunday-??
I’m a big menu planner as well. We try to have fun with it. At first, it was everyone getting to pick a meal for one night each week. Then we switched it up and started coming up with themes for each day. Monday was meatless but now it’s been changed to “make your own meal” Monday, meaning we eat whatever is around because we usually have leftovers from the weekend (when we like to make bigger meals). Tuesday was Taco Tuesday but now is Take-Out Tuesday where we try to make a favorite restaurant meal at home. Wednesday has been Wing Wednesday but I think we moved onto something different. Can’t remember what. LOL. Thursday is comfort food (probably change after winter is over). Friday is Fix Your Own Pizza. We all love this one. I make my own dough and divide it into 4 dough balls so then everyone gets to make their own pizza. Saturday is either Seafood Saturday or Souper Saturday. Same with Sunday. Add suggested doing super food Sunday so we might do that as well. We also will probably do some type of summery meal during the winter to remind us that warmer days will soon be here! 🙂