Thursday, September 24, 2009

The Ultimate Money Saver!!

Do you meal plan?

Did you know that you can cut down your grocery bill if you went to the grocery store with a list. Now, I'm not just talking about a piece of tablet paper, but a detailed list, which includes condiments, and any other items you may need. Now this is one thing that I am really good with, so stick with me and I will have your family fabulously full and finding themselves feasting for more!

I don't know about you, but I hate the question "What's for dinner". I find it one question that stresses me. So my solution to that was to come up with a meal plan. We're a family of four and the amount of money I spend on food is moderate. For one month, I only spend roughly $300 on food. That includes snacks, lunches and desserts. Now, you have to be disciplined when you do this and make it fun and easy so you don't veer off the plan. Entertainment food is even in that budget. I'm attaching my family's food menu, which you will find some recipes that you may think is challenging. On the contrary, these meals take the "e" out of effort! Their simple and they get you out of the kitchen fast! I cook for my family everyday and if their is left overs I take them to work. Now don't stress, coming up with new meals may be hard, but the key component is not be scared. Log on to http://www.foodnetwork.com/ or check out cookbooks. I know that we all usually don't like to try new things, especially when it comes to children, but you would be surprised how they will react and how much they will eat!

Story for you
My 3 year old doesn't like corn. As a matter of fact we have made her a couple times sit at the table with the corn until she eats it. One time she actually held it in her mouth for like a hour. Well, I can't force her to like it so we gave up on corn (you will some, you lose some). Well, I really thought she would feel that way about zucinni. She actually liked it! I didn't fancy it up with cheese or anything I just seasoned it well. I told her she had to at least try it and she did and ate it all off her plate! I wasn't scared that she wouldn't like it because she would of had to taste it regardless, but I was shocked she ate it all! You just never know....

Check out my family's menu and if you get a chance upload yours, I love to swap recipes!

Milton’s Menu

*9/19/09
Breakfast: cereal
Lunch: Turkey Sandwiches, chips
Dinner: Grilled Chipotle Mango BBQ Chicken, Fresh salad, grilled veggies *chocolate chip smores sandwiches*

*9/20/09
Breakfast: Chocolate Chip Pancakes, turkey sausage, potatoes
Lunch: Free day
Dinner: Baked chicken, potatoes & green beans, bread-*Apple Crisp*

9/21/09
Breakfast: Chocolate chip Pancakes, eggs, turkey sausage
Lunch: **Turkey/cheese sandwich, applesauce, carrot & ranch dressing**
Dinner: Chicken Quesadillas, Spanish rice

9/22/09
Breakfast: Oatmeal, toast
Lunch: **Chicken & fruit salad, yogurt, snack
Dinner: Chicken Parmesan, creamy rice, salad, French bread

9/23/09
Breakfast: Cereal
Lunch: **P/B jelly sandwich, apple slices, and a cookie
Dinner: Taco Salad

9/24/09
Breakfast: Oatmeal, toast
Lunch: **Turkey sandwich, pretzel, fruit, snack
Dinner: Patty melts, steak fries

9/25/09
Breakfast: French toast sticks, hash browns, eggs
Lunch: **Eat at school**
Dinner: Smothered Chicken, mashed potatoes, creamy Mac & cheese.

*9/26/09
Breakfast: Ham and cheese omelet, toast
Lunch:
Dinner: Chicken and Cheese enchiladas, rice & beans
**Brownies**

*9/27/09
Breakfast: Biscuits and gravy, turkey sausage
Lunch: chicken salad, chips
Dinner: Thick cut pork chops W/ apple & raisin topping, garlic mashed potatoes-**peach cobbler**

9/28/09
Breakfast: Cereal
Lunch: ** nachos, snack
Dinner: Polish dogs, chips

9/29/09
Breakfast: Turkey bacon, egg, & cheese sandwich
Lunch: **ham & cheese sandwich, celery & ranch, fruit, snack
Dinner: chicken Florentine, Salad

9/30/09
Breakfast: Oatmeal, toast
Lunch: **Roast beef sandwich/wrap, fruit, pretzels, snack
Dinner: Ruben sandwiches, plain chips

10/01/09
Breakfast: Bacon, toast, & eggs
Lunch: **Cesar chicken salad, fruit, snacks
Dinner: Chicken, bacon, ranch pizza

10/02/09
Breakfast: cereal
Lunch: **Eat at school
Dinner: Slow Cooker chicken and vegetables, muffins

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