Menu Planning 2/20/12-2/27/12 February 19, 2012

We’re going for week two of menu planning! We did stray from last week’s menu just a bit, but you have to use what you already have, right? So, we had the mock Chick-Fil-A sandwiches since we had the leftover buns and chicken breasts…and they are yummy! But, that’s okay because we moved the pork lion to this week.

We’re somewhat cleaning out the freezer (hence the frozen fish) so I’m really hoping Martin’s will have a BOGO free sale on meat next week! I want to get even more involved in our food. Because of what Sara mentioned in the last post, I realized that I’ve moved away from making other food that is not dinner. I used to make granola bars for Sean from ingredients from Sharp Shopper and make my own pop tarts.

Anyway, here’s what I have for you this week!

Monday	Frozen Fish with Creamed Corn
Tuesday	3-Cheese Mac & Cheese
Wednesday	Pork Loin with Green Beans
Thursday	Leftovers
Friday	Chicken Parm Bake
Saturday	Frozen Fish with Peas
Sunday	Chuck Roast

 

On a side note, Rite Aid has Colgate toothpaste for basically FREE this week. Buy for $3.50 and get $3.50 back in +Up Bucks. Just a tip, but I got two tubes!

The Beginning of Menu Planning February 12, 2012

We are trying to live on a budget. We’ve kind of done this for a while, but not very well. There are different ways for people to try and better their spending habits, and for us, menu planning is a big way to do this. We shop once a week and we make our rounds.  We used to go to Sharp Shopper first, then Costco, then Martins, Walmart, then Friendly City. Now we have more of a plan. I try to coupon, but it’s been harder lately, I just feel that the coupons aren’t as useful right now. So, sales papers are my best friends. 

One thing I didn’t spend too much time on was meat. We bought it when we needed it and it was a stop along the way. Now, we try and only get meat that is BOGO free or at a big discount. That’s one big secret. The other is getting frozen veggies at the best price you can. Sometimes it’s $1 a bag and sometimes cheaper, but stock up when you can.

Anyway, to the planning… Sean and I have certain days we designate as days we cook dinner. Since he’s not home every night, I can make just a quick something when he’s not here. But I try to make something yummy for the night he gets home. We try to have this wrapped up by Saturday so we have the shopping list finished.

Here’s the menu! Maybe it can spark you to make a menu too!

Monday	Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup
Tuesday	Tacos
Wednesday	Shrimp and Bacon on Polenta
Thursday	Perogies with veggies
Friday	Pot Roast
Saturday	Pork Loin
Sunday	Beef Stroganoff