Introducing a Family Menu

Coming out of my winter depression/grieving for my beautiful sister, I've decided to throw myself into having a clean enough for company house, learning to run faster and planning dinner.

I've dabbled in the FlyLady method for years. This time I'm taking the baby steps so I don't crash and burn. But I'm also influenced by the slob sisters, Pam Young and Peggy Jones, working as long as it takes. This time I actually did make a control journal, and I've included my half-marathon training program in it. I've written it by hand, no printed word documents this time. It's actually fun to write again!

All of the above been there done that ladies agree that allotting time every week to plan a menu, make a shopping list and a day to shop prevent you from blankly staring into the refrigerator when someone asks what's for dinner. I hated telling everyone to fend for themselves, driving to a restaurant or running to the store every day for ingredients. They say planning ahead puts more money in your pockets and shrinks your waistline since you aren't buying impulse snacks more often than your once weekly grocery trip.

I launched it this past week and for once, I'm on the right track. In the past I always tried asking family members to select meals and they never did. So I made a rough theme for every day of the week (roast or involved casserole night, Mexican night, chicken night etc. I'm careful to only plan on foods everyone who will be home for dinner that night will eat. After one week, I've tweaked it to include a leftover night because I'm having portion control issues.

I pinned the menu to the kitchen wall and it's been a big hit with the family. I'm surprised at how receptive they are.

This is our menu for the coming week:

Sunday
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Rice
Green Beans
Jello Salad

Monday
Tacos
Cucumber, Tomato, Onion, Avocado & Mozzarella Salad

Tuesday
Steak
Spinach
Potatoes
Tossed Salad

Wednesday
Leftovers

Thursday
Hamburger Helper
Green Beans
Cucumber Salad

Friday
Pizza
Cobb Salad

Saturday
Meatloaf
Mashed Potatoes
Peas & Pearl Onions
Corn Bread

I have most of the ingredients in my refrigerator, freezer or pantry. These are the only items I need to purchase to complete the meals. I'll continue to buy staples as they go on sale.

Grocery List:
Cucumbers, Onions, Avocados
Mozzarella Cheese, Milk
Hamburger Helper
Last Thursday's Spaghetti & Meatballs, Antipasto Salad and Garlic Bread