Thursday, August 28, 2008

What in the world should I have for dinner?

You know how it goes: you get home after working all day, and you're faced with the most unpleasant question one can be asked, "what's for dinner?". Now, those who know me know I'm not much of a planner, I'm more of a fly by the seat of my pants kind of gal, which works pretty well for me in most areas of my life. It allows me to be pretty flexible about most things, and I don't get too upset about much. One area this doesn't serve me well, however, is meal planning. I start thinking on the way home from daycare about what to make for dinner, and have to exclude most things that come to mind because I am missing one or more crucial ingredient. So, I am forced to make due with ingredients like one chicken breast, 2 hot dogs, a half full container of coleslaw, and a bag of limes. (No kidding, those things are all residing in my fridge at the moment). Well, from here on out, things are going to change. I am going to plan a weekly menu. Inspired by my friend Kristen at The Frugal Girl (see blog favorites for link) I think this will help not only ease that annoying niggling feeling that I'm not feeding my kids well, but also help with grocery shopping and dining out expenses, which according to PearBudget, are the two main areas where I'm overspending. And, to make myself accountable, I'm going to try to post it. I plan to begin on Monday, cause I have a Labor Day cookout on Sunday. What do you think? Good idea? Can I do it? Can I follow through?

3 comments:

Tracy said...

A few months before Lila was born I got on a meal planning kick as well. I planned 5 meals/week (assuming eating out one day, leftovers the other day). It was great. My shopping trips were a breeze and I forced myself to think of different dishes that used the same ingredients so nothing fresh went bad. I even made a XLS of different meal ideas and basic ingredients needed thinking I could "cross reference" meals based on ingredients. Then Lila was born and I never thought about it again. I am once again a "What's-for-dinner?-How-the-heck-am-I-supposed-to-know" kind of gal. I am all in favor of you posting your meals and meal ideas b/c it will inspire me.

Mimi said...

Yes, you can. It is not easy at first, but in the long run will save you time, worry, and money. Planning ahead was the only way I survived meals when you and your brothers were growing up. It truly makes you plan around avoiding waste and using up what you have. You go, my daughter!

Anonymous said...

Awesome!!!! I'm so proud of you. :)

It takes some time to get it planned, but once you get it done, you will be so, so happy.