DAY 15 - PLANNING YOUR MENU

(pork roast and roasted potatoes)

I've already talked about my theme nights and given lots of recipes.  Today it's all about finalizing your menu for the week.  Here are some guidelines I use:
Look to the grocery ads.  For example, 10 lb. bag of potatoes for $0.99, guess what will be on our menu!  Recently there was a sale on different cuts of meat for $1.99/lb and I stocked up - as much as I can.
What does your week look like?  Busy week ahead, you probably need to use the crock pot more, have much simpler meals like sandwiches or cook during the day and reheat at dinner time.  Another solution would be to cook a lot on one day and have foods ready to go in the fridge.  For example, cook up a lot of chicken or ground beef, then package in the fridge and put dinner together quickly through the week with the pre-cooked ingredient.
The weather or the seasons.  A cold, rainy day = Grilled Cheese and Soup.  Hot summer day = A Salad and lots of cold Watermelon.  Fall = Pumpkin anything!  Just as we generally make turkey on Thanksgiving, we generally have favorite meals/foods to go with the weather/seasons.  Embrace the weather, embrace the holidays and embrace what's growing in each season!
Cravings or family's requests.   This is easy enough.  Hopefully, the craving/request is something you can afford that week. 
Try a new recipe.  Sometimes I just look at the week ahead and don't feel inspired.  Finding a new recipe to try out is just what I need.  The best part is when it's successful.  I even have a board labeled Pinterest Success.  It holds all the recipes I've tried and were a success for our family.  I mean, who couldn't use another recipe in their repertoire.  Don't know where to find a new recipe....go here for some inspiration.
Remember - Flexibility!  The best plans get interrupted by many things - sickness, car troubles, school projects, losing track of time while visiting with friends, etc.  The way to not stress when these things happen, having at least one good back-up plan.  My go-to-last-minute meal is Breakfast for Dinner. (or as it was called on Scrubs - Brinner!)  It's easy, it's quick and inexpensive.  We generally make waffles or pancakes and eggs, occasionally turkey bacon.  Of course, you could opt for just eggs and toast.  Another quick, easy and inexpensive meal is spaghetti - a package of noodles and a bottle of sauce.  Simple, simple, simple.  If you have the time/money, add a loaf of bread and a small salad. 

(Chocolate Chip Pancakes)
My 31 days started here

Fellow 31 dayers here