Weekly Menu for August 20-26, 2012

Recipe Links

Garlic Butter

French Bread

Apple Barbecue Sauce

Spanish Rice

Coleslaw

Weekly Menu for August 6-12, 2012

Day One - Crock-pot Night
Breakfast: Apple-Oatmeal Muffins, Bananas and Oranges, Milk

Morning Snack: Veggies with Ranch Dip
Afternoon Snack: White Chocolate Popcorn

Dinner: Nacho Cheese Chicken Chowder,  Melon Cubes

Day Two -Freezer Meal Night
Breakfast: Blueberry Waffles, Scrambled Eggs, Milk

Morning Snack: Cheese Crackers, Apple Slices
Afternoon Snack: Rice Krispie Treats

Dinner: Lazy Day Lasagna, Tossed Salad,  Garlic Bread

Day Three
Breakfast: Rice and Raisins, Mixed Fruit, Milk

Morning Snack: Cheese Stick and Grapes
Afternoon Snack: Snickerdoodles and Milk

Dinner: Fried Rice, Melon Cubes

Day Four - Breakfast for Dinner

Breakfast: Granola, Berries, Milk

Morning Snack: Fruited Gelatin with Whipped Topping
Afternoon Snack: Baked Pretzels with Cheese Sauce

Dinner: Biscuits and Sausage with Gravy, Melon Slices, Eggs, Juice/Milk

Day Five
Breakfast: Chocolate Chip Muffins, Strawberries, Milk

Morning Snack: Watermelon Wedges
Afternoon Snack: Brownies, Milk

Dinner: Shepherd's Pie, Peaches

Day Six
Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos, Orange Juice

Morning Snack: Stuffed Celery
Afternoon Snack: Crescent Pepperoni Roll-ups with Sauce

Dinner: Barbecue Ribs, Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Corn on the Cob

Day Seven
Breakfast: Granola or Cold Cereal, Milk

Morning Snack: Yogurt and Graham Crackers
Afternoon Snack: Apple Pie Dip and Cinnamon Chips

Dinner: Slow Cooker Tortellini and Spinach Soup, Salad, French Bread

I have included breakfast, snack and dinner ideas for a week. For lunches, it is usually leftovers or sandwiches. I didn't use names of the days as everyone's schedule differs. It is okay to have day seven on day one and day six on day three, omitting day four because of tastes. This menu is for ideas to help you and feed your creative juices.

Weekly Menu for February 6-12, 2012

Day One - Crock-pot Night
Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos, Bananas & Oranges, Juice/Milk

Morning Snack: Cheese & Crackers, Apple Slices
Afternoon Snack: Pudding, Vanilla Wafers

Dinner: Chili, Grapes, Cornbread

Day Two -Freezer Meal Night
Breakfast: Blueberry Muffins, Hot Chocolate

Morning Snack: Trail Mix, Apple Juice
Afternoon Snack: Veggies with Ranch Dip

Dinner: Salisbury Steaks, Mashed Potatoes, Peas & Carrots

Day Three
Breakfast: Biscuits & Gravy, Scrambled Eggs, Juice/Milk

Morning Snack: Grapes, Cheese Stick, Almonds
Afternoon Snack: Rice Krispie Treats

Dinner: Fried Rice, Melon Cubes

Day Four - Take-Out Night

Breakfast: Cinnamon Rolls, Hot Chocolate

Morning Snack: Goldfish Crackers, Apple Juice
Afternoon Snack: Apples with Pink Lemonade Dip

Dinner: Pizza, Salad

Day Five
Breakfast: Rice & Raisins, Fresh Berries, Milk

Morning Snack: Gelatin with Whipped Topping
Afternoon Snack: Brownies, Milk

Dinner: Chicken & Dumplings, Broccoli, Peaches

Day Six
Breakfast: Pancakes, Sausage Links, Melon Slices, Juice/Milk

Morning Snack: Stuffed Celery
Afternoon Snack: Cinnamon-Raisin Bread, Hot Chocolate

Dinner: Cashew Noodles, Garlic Green Beans, Spinach Salad

Day Seven
Breakfast: Granola or Cold Cereal, Milk

Morning Snack: Graham Crackers, Yogurt
Afternoon Snack: Baked Pretzels with Cheese Sauce

Dinner: Zuppa Toscana Soup, French Bread, Salad

I have included breakfast, snack and dinner ideas for a week. For lunches, it is usually leftovers or sandwiches. I didn't use names of the days as everyone's schedule differs. It is okay to have day seven on day one and day six on day three, omitting day four because of tastes. This menu is for ideas to help you and feed your creative juices.

Weekly Menu: 23-29 January 2012

Links for some of my recipes are include in the menu. Be sure to check them out!
I will include additional recipes throughout the week.

Day One - 30 Minute Meal Night
Breakfast: Waffles, Bacon, Orange Slices, Milk

Snacks: Magic Milkshakes

Dinner: Fried Rice, Melon Slices, Garlic Green Beans

Day Two -Freezer Meal Night

Breakfast: Cinnamon-Raisin Toast, Scrambled Eggs, Hot Chocolate

Snack: Chocolate S'more Cookies, Milk

Dinner: Lasagna, Salad, Garlic Bread

Day Three
Breakfast: French Toast, Sausage Links, Mandarin Oranges and Grapes, Milk

Snack: Apples, Pink Lemonade Dip

Dinner: Chicken and Dumplings, Steamed Broccoli, Peaches

Day Four - Crock-pot Night
Breakfast: Blueberry Muffins, Orange Juice, Milk

Snack: Animal Crackers, Hot Chocolate

Dinner: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Tossed Salad

Day Five
Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos, Oranges and Bananas, Milk

Snack: Graham Crackers, Vanilla Yogurt

Dinner: Fried Fish, Steak Fries, Coleslaw

Day Six
Breakfast: Breakfast Ring, Melon Cubes, Milk

Snacks: Rice Krispie Treats, Milk

Dinner: Chili Baked Potatoes, Mixed Fresh Berries

Day Seven
Breakfast: Granola, Fresh Fruit, Milk

Snacks: Crackers, Cheese, Apple Slices

Dinner: Potato Soup, Green Salad, Broccoli

I have included breakfast, snack and dinner ideas for a week. For lunches, it is usually leftovers or sandwiches. I didn't use names of the days as everyone's schedule differs. It is okay to have day seven on day one and day six on day three, omitting day four because of tastes. This menu is for ideas to help you and feed your creative juices.

Weekly Menu: 16-22 January 2012

Day One - 30 Minute Meal Night
Breakfast: Monkey Bread, Orange Slices, Hot Chocolate

Snacks: Dipped Pretzel Rods, Milk

Dinner: Beef Stroganoff over Noodles, Green Beans, Tossed Salad

Day Two -Freezer Meal Night

Breakfast: Cold Cereal or Granola, Milk

Snack: Pudding, Vanilla Wafers

Dinner: Pizza, Salad

Day Three
Breakfast: Biscuits and Gravy, Eggs, Apple Juice

Snack: White Chocolate Popcorn

Dinner: Grilled Ham and Cheese, Vegetable Soup

Day Four - Crock-pot Night
Breakfast: Muffins, Oranges Slices, Berries, Milk

Snack: Ant-on-a-Log

Dinner: Crock-Pot Beef Enchiladas, Grapes and Apples, Corn

Day Five - Restuarant Night
Breakfast: Smoked Sausage Biscuits, Bananas and Oranges, Milk

Snack: Brownies and Milk

Dinner: Honey Chicken over Rice, Melon Slices, Garlic Green Beans, Fortune Cookies

Day Six
Breakfast: Wheat Pancakes, Bacon, Fruit, Milk

Snacks: Gelatin with Whipped Topping

Dinner: Grilled Pork Steaks, Roasted Garlic Potatoes, Seven-Layer Salad

Day Seven
Breakfast: Cold Cereal or Granola, Milk

Snacks: Kettle Corn and Apples

Dinner: Meatball Subs, Baby Carrots, Chips

I have included breakfast, snack and dinner ideas for a week. For lunches, it is usually leftovers or sandwiches. I didn't use names of the days as everyone's schedule differs. It is okay to have day seven on day one and day six on day three, omitting day four because of tastes. This menu is for ideas to help you and feed your creative juices.

Weekly Menu: October 2-9

Day One - 30 Minute Meal Night
Breakfast: Banana Bread, Scrambled Eggs, Milk/Juice

Snacks: Cinnamon Raisin Bread and Hot Chocolate

Dinner: Cabbage-Sausage Skillet, Fruit Salad

Day Two

Breakfast: Pancakes, Cantaloupe Slices, Orange Juice/Milk

Snack: Bread Sticks and Sauce

Dinner: Chicken Tenders, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Watermelon

Day Three - Crock-pot Night
Breakfast: Granola, Fruit, Juice/Milk

Snack: Popcorn and Apple Juice

Dinner: Sweet and Sour Pork over Rice, Green Beans, Fresh Fruit

Day Four
Breakfast: Biscuits and Gravy, Fresh Fruit, Orange Juice/Milk

Snack: Cinnamon Loaf and Hot Chocolate

Dinner: Chef Salad/Salad Bar, Homemade Bread

Day Five
Breakfast: Breakfast Cake, Juice/Hot Chocolate

Snack: Cookies and Milk

Dinner: Pizza Rolls, Tossed Salad

Day Six
Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

Snacks: Pumpkin Muffins and Milk

Dinner: Beef Stroganoff over Noodles, Peaches, Salad

Day Seven
Breakfast: Cold Cereal/Granola, Fresh Fruit, Milk

Snacks: Popcorn and Apple Slices

Dinner: Sloppy Joes, Veggie Sticks, Corn

I have included breakfast, snack and dinner ideas for a week. For lunches, it is usually leftovers or sandwiches. I didn't use names of the days as everyone's schedule differs. For example, I do my grocery shopping on Wednesday afternoons so my meal plan usually begin with that day as I have a stocked refrigerator and pantry then. I also am currently in school on two days which are my 30 minute and crock-pot days to relieve some stress. It is okay to have day seven on day one and day six on day three, omitting day four because of tastes. This menu is for ideas to help you and feed your creative juices.

Weekly Menu: September 27 - October 4

Day One - 30 Minute Meal Night
Breakfast: Hot Rice Cereal, Fresh Fruit, Milk

Snacks: Popcorn and Apple Slices

Dinner: Spaghetti and Meatballs, Green Salad, Garlic Bread

Day Two

Breakfast: Pancakes, Sausage, Melon Slices, Orange Juice/Milk

Snack: Baked Pretzels and Cheese Sauce

Dinner: Taco Salad in Shells, Mandarin Oranges

Day Three - Crock-pot Night
Breakfast: Granola, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

Snack: Sugar Cookies and Milk

Dinner: BBQ Pork Sandwiches, French Fries, Coleslaw, Pickles

Day Four
Breakfast: Egg Biscuits with Cheese, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

Snack: Cinnamon Raisin Bread and Hot Chocolate

Dinner: Chicken and Dumplings, Green Salad, Peaches

Day Five
Breakfast: Blueberry Muffins, Juice/Hot Chocolate

Snack: Pumpkin Bars and Milk

Dinner: Peanut Sesame Noodles, Garlic Green Beans, Melon Slices

Day Six
Breakfast: Waffles, Fried Ham, Fresh Fruit, Juice/Milk

Snacks:

Dinner: Salisbury Steaks with Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli, Cucumber Salad

Day Seven
Breakfast: Cold Cereal/Granola, Fresh Fruit, Milk

Snacks:

Dinner: Goulash, Watermelon Wedges, Rolls

I have included breakfast, snack and dinner ideas for a week. For lunches, it is usually leftovers or sandwiches. I didn't use names of the days as everyone's schedule differs. For example, I do my grocery shopping on Wednesday afternoons so my meal plan usually begin with that day as I have a stocked refrigerator and pantry then. I also am currently in school on two days which are my 30 minute and crock-pot days to relieve some stress. It is okay to have day seven on day one and day six on day three, omitting day four because of tastes. This menu is for ideas to help you and feed your creative juices.

Weekly Menu: March 8 - 14

Day One - 30 Minute Meal Night
Breakfast: Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, Orange Juice

Snacks: Cinnamon-Raisin Bread and Milk

Dinner: Lemon Tilapia, Seasoned Rice, Broccoli

Day Two

Breakfast: Blueberry Muffins, Orange Juice, Hot Chocolate

Snack: Stuffed Celery (peanut butter or pineapple cream cheese)

Dinner: Taco Salad, Fresh Fruit

Day Three - Crock-pot Night
Breakfast: Veggie Omelets, Toast, Juice

Snack: Baked Pretzels

Dinner: Pork Roast and Vegetables, Tossed Salad

Day Four - Soup/Sandwich Night
Breakfast: Granola Bars, Fruit, Milk

Snack: Magic Milkshakes

Dinner: Grilled Chicken Pitas, Ramen Chinese Salad, Mandarin Oranges

Day Five - Pizza or In Home Restaurant Night
Breakfast: French Toast, Bacon, Juice and Milk

Snack: Cookies and Milk

Dinner: Pizza (cheese, sausage), Salad

Day Six
Breakfast: Cinnamon Rolls, Scrambled Eggs, Orange Juice, Milk

Snacks: Nachos

Lunch: Leftovers or Sandwiches

Dinner: Lasagna, Caesar Salad, Steamed Green Beans, Garlic Bread

I have included meal ideas for six days. For the seventh day feel free to serve any leftovers (we call it buffet dinner) or your family's favorite meal. I didn't use names of the days as everyone's schedule differs. For example, I do my grocery shopping on Wednesday afternoons so my meal plan usually begin with that day as I have a stocked refrigerator and pantry then. I will try to post meal and snack ideas for a week the same day (Sunday night) so that you may plan your shopping no matter what day you do it.

Weekly Menu: February 15 - 21

Day One - 30 Minute Meal Night
Breakfast: Blueberry Pancakes, Sausage Patties, Orange Juice

Snacks: Graham Crackers and Milk

Dinner: Ham Sandwiches, Cantaloupe Chunks, Chips

Day Two

Breakfast: Hot Rice Cereal, Orange Slices, Milk

Snack: Bread and Honey

Dinner: Chicken Fajitas, Spanish Rice, Fresh Fruit

Day Three - Crock-pot Night
Breakfast: Muffins, Fruit, Hot Chocolate

Snack: Baked Pretzels

Dinner: Beef Stew, Salad, Rolls

Day Four - Soup/Sandwich Night
Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos, Fruit Salad, Milk

Snack: Carmel Popcorn

Dinner: Brats, Onion Rings, Coleslaw

Day Five - Pizza or In Home Restaurant Night
Breakfast: French Toast, Bacon, Orange Juice

Snack: Granola

Dinner: Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Fried Okra, Coleslaw, Biscuits

Day Six
Breakfast: Pancakes, Bacon, Orange Juice and Milk

Snacks: Cookies and Milk

Lunch: Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup, Veggie Sticks

Dinner: Sausage Skillet, Peaches

I have included meal ideas for six days. For the seventh day feel free to serve any leftovers (we call it buffet dinner) or your family's favorite meal. I didn't use names of the days as everyone's schedule differs. For example, I do my grocery shopping on Wednesday afternoons so my meal plan usually begin with that day as I have a stocked refrigerator and pantry then. I will try to post meal and snack ideas for a week the same day (Sunday night) so that you may plan your shopping no matter what day you do it.

Weekly Menu

Day One - 30 Minute Meal Night
Breakfast: Pan-fried Toast, Fresh Fruit Slices, Scrambled Eggs, Milk

Snacks: Gelatin with Cool-whip

Dinner: Salsa Pork, Rice, Green Beans, Carrot-Pineapple Salad

Day Two

Breakfast: Hot Rice Cereal, Orange Slices, Milk

Snack: Cookies and Milk

Dinner: Seafood Alfredo, Caesar Salad, Garlic Toast

Day Three - Crock-pot Night
Breakfast: Muffins, Fruit, Milk or Hot Chocolate

Snack: Cinnamon-Sugar Pretzels

Dinner: Sweet & Sour over Rice, Egg Drop Soup, Fresh Fruit

Day Four - Soup/Sandwich Night
Breakfast: Biscuits with Sausage Gravy, Orange Juice

Snack: Popcorn and Apple Slices

Dinner: Sloppy Joes, Fresh Veggies and Dip, Chips

Day Five - Pizza or In Home Restaurant Night
Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos, Orange Juice and Milk

Snack: Brownies and Milk

Dinner: Pizza (Sausage, Pepperoni, Cheese), Salad

Day Six
Breakfast: Pancakes, Bacon, Orange Juice and Milk

Snacks: Granola

Lunch: Leftovers or Ham and Cheese Sandwiches, Veggie Sticks, Chips

Dinner: Barbecue Ribs, Coleslaw, Corn

I have included meal ideas for six days. For the seventh day feel free to serve any leftovers (we call it buffet dinner) or your family's favorite meal. I didn't use names of the days as everyone's schedule differs. For example, I do my grocery shopping on Wednesday afternoons so my meal plan usually begin with that day as I have a stocked refrigerator and pantry then. I will try to post meal and snack ideas for a week the same day (Sunday night) so that you may plan your shopping no matter what day you do it.

Weekly Menu

Day One
Breakfast: Cinnamon Coffee Cake, Orange Slices, Milk

Snacks: Cinnamon Toast and Milk

Dinner: Cheesy Broccoli Potato Soup, Tossed Salad, Rolls

Day Two

Breakfast: French Toast, Scrambled Eggs, Juice and Milk

Snack: Sugar Cookies and Milk

Dinner: Baked Ham, Garlic Potatoes, Green Beans, Carrot-Pineapple Salad

Day Three
Breakfast: Cheesy Ham Biscuits, Fruit, Juice and Milk

Snack: Popcorn and Apple Slices

Dinner: Beef Fajitas, Spanish Rice, Fresh Fruit

Day Four
Breakfast: Cracked Wheat Cereal, Juice and Milk

Snack: Homemade Bread and Butter

Dinner: Beefy Vegetable Soup, Rolls

Day Five
Breakfast: Granola, Juice and Milk

Snack: Pudding and Vanilla Wafers

Dinner: Chili Dogs/Popcorn Chicken, Fries, Magic Milkshakes (At Home Restaurant Night: Sonic*)

Day Six
Breakfast: Waffles, Fried Ham, Orange Juice and Milk

Snacks: Cheese, Sausage and Crackers

Lunch: Grilled Sandwiches, Tomato Soup, Apple Slices

Dinner: Crab Alfredo, Caesar Salad, Garlic Toast

* To save money we create Restaurant Nights. For Sonic Night, we serve a couple of the kids favorite menu items. Instead of chairs the children (younger ones at least as the teens are too cool for that) will drive up in "cars", boxes they decorated themselves as cars.

I have included meal ideas for six days. For the seventh day feel free to serve any leftovers (we call it buffet dinner) or your family's favorite meal. I didn't use names of the days as everyone's schedule differs. For example, I do my grocery shopping on Wednesday afternoons so my meal plan usually begin with that day as I have a stocked refrigerator and pantry then. I will try to post meal and snack ideas for a week the same day (Sunday night) so that you may plan your shopping no matter what day you do it.

Weekly Menu

Day One
Breakfast: Chocolate Chip Muffins, Juice and Milk

Snacks: Homemade Bread and Butter

Dinner: Tacos, Refried Beans, Spanish Rice

Day Two

Breakfast: French Toast, Ham Slices, Juice and Milk

Snack: Gelatin with Cool-Whip

Dinner: Take-Out Pizza, Salad

Day Three
Breakfast: Egg and Cheese Biscuits, Fruit, Juice and Milk

Snack: Popcorn and Apple Juice

Dinner: Italian Beef, Fresh Vegetables, Chips

Day Four
Breakfast: Rice Cereal, Juice and Milk

Snack: Cookies and Milk

Dinner: Chili, Cornbread, Fruit

Day Five
Breakfast: Omelets, Toast, Juice and Milk

Snack: Ants on a Log

Dinner: Potato Pancakes, Italian Sausage Links, Applesauce

Day Six
Breakfast: Pancakes, Bacon, Melon Slices, Orange Juice and Milk

Snacks: Pretzels and Cheese Sauce

Lunch: Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches, Carrot Sticks, Chips, Milk

Dinner: Chicken and Noodles, Green Salad, Dinner Rolls

I have included meal ideas for six days. For the seventh day feel free to serve any leftovers (we call it buffet dinner) or your family's favorite meal. I didn't use names of the days as everyone's schedule differs. For example, I do my grocery shopping on Wednesday afternoons so my meal plan usually begin with that day as I have a stocked refrigerator and pantry then. I will try to post meal and snack ideas for a week the same day (Sunday night) so that you may plan your shopping no matter what day you do it.

Weekly Menu: September 28 - October 4

Monday
Breakfast: Donuts, Cantaloupe, Juice and Milk

Snacks: Homemade Bread and Butter

Dinner: Beef Fajitas, Refried Beans, Spanish Rice

Tuesday
Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos, Orange Juice and Milk

Snack: Pudding and Graham Crackers

Dinner: Barbecued Chicken, Ranch Potatoes, Picnic Beans, Coleslaw

Wednesday
Breakfast: Mixed Berry and Cream Muffins, Scrambled Eggs, Milk

Snack: Popcorn and Apple Juice

Dinner: BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Chips, Coleslaw

Thursday
Breakfast: Rice Cereal, Juice and Milk

Snack: Cookies and Milk

Dinner: Chili, Cornbread, Fruit

Friday
Breakfast: Omelettes, Toast, Fruit, Juice or Milk

Snack: Nachos

Dinner: Meatball Casserole, Steamed Broccoli, Cesar Salad, Breadsticks

Saturday
Breakfast: Pancakes, Bacon, Melon, Orange Juice and Milk

Snacks: Available Snacks

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: Salsa Pork Over Rice, Tossed Salad, Peaches

Sunday

Breakfast: Cold Cereal/Granola, Milk

Snack: Available Snacks

Dinner: Chicken Tenders, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli and Cheese, Carrot Sticks

Weekly Menu: September 21-27

Monday
Breakfast: Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake, Orange Juice and Milk

Snacks: Popcorn and Juice

Dinner: Potato Pancakes, Sausage and Eggs, Applesauce

Tuesday
Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwiches, Juice and Milk

Snack: Gelatin with Whipped Topping

Dinner: Cashew Noodle Stir-Fry, Egg Drop Soup, Steamed Broccoli, Fresh Fruit

Wednesday
Breakfast: Strawberry-Cream Muffins, Scrambled Eggs, Juice and Milk

Snack: Pudding and Graham Crackers

Dinner: Pita Sandwiches, Chips, Fresh Veggies and Dip

Thursday
Breakfast: French Toast, Fresh Fruit, Strawberry Smoothies

Snack: Chips and Salsa

Dinner: Taco Salad, Fresh Fruit

Friday
Breakfast: Granola, Fruit, Juice and Milk

Snack: Cookies and Milk

Dinner: Zuchinni Lasanga, Ceasar Salad, Garlic Bread

Saturday
Breakfast: Pancakes, Sausage & Eggs, Juice/Milk

Snacks: Available Snacks

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: Ham, Sweet Potatoes, Steamed Green Beans, Salad

Sunday

Breakfast: Cold Cereal/Granola, Milk

Snack: Available Snacks

Dinner: Split Pea and Ham Soup, Salad, Rolls

Weekly Menu: September 14-20

A day (or two) late but hopefully not a dollar short ...

Monday
Breakfast: Banana Muffins, Milk

Snacks: Available Snacks

Dinner: Eggplant Parmesan, Spinach-Carrot Salad, Fruit, Rice Krispie Treats

Tuesday
Breakfast: Waffles, Juice/Milk

Snack: Available Snacks

Dinner: Taco Baked Potatoes, Salad

Wednesday
Breakfast: Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, Fruit, Milk

Snack: Apples and Caramel

Dinner: Baked Chicken, Squash, Cucumber Salad, Steamed Broccoli

Thursday
Breakfast: Muffins, Fruit, Milk

Snack: Cheese and Crackers, Grapes

Dinner: Chunky Chicken Soup, Salad, Soda Bread

Friday
Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos, Fruit, Juice/Milk

Snack: Baked Pretzels, Juice

Dinner: Fried Rabbit, Mashed Potatoes, Pickled Beets, Carrot-Pineapple Salad

Saturday
Breakfast: Pancakes, Sausage & Eggs, Juice/Milk

Snacks: Zuchinni Bread, Milk

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: Split Pea and Ham Soup, Salad, Rolls

Sunday

Breakfast: Cold Cereal/Granola, Milk

Snack: Available Snacks

Dinner: Sour Cream Enchiladas, Refried Beans, Soutwestern Corn Salad

Weekly Menu: September 7-13

The way my week works is that I have a fabulous plan in place. Then life happens. Life seems to happen a lot around here. My fabulous plan gets re-arranged, meals get bumped to the next week or omitted completely. I can take consolance in the fact, that is less shopping for next week. I am already prepared or at least until life happens again and reminds me who really is in charge - and it isn't me!

Monday
Breakfast: Cinnamon Coffee Cake, Scrambled Eggs, Juice/Milk

Snacks: Available Snacks

Dinner: Foil Dinners, Tossed Salad

Tuesday
Breakfast: Muffins, Fruit, Juice/Milk

Snack: Nachos

Dinner: Pizza Rolls, Ceasar Salad, Green Beans

Wednesday
Breakfast: Granola, Milk, Fruit

Snack: Cinnamon Toast, Cantaloupe Cubes

Dinner: Fajitas, Spanish Rice, Refried Beans

Thursday
Breakfast: French Toast, Ham Slices, Fruit, Juice/Milk

Snack: Gelatin with Whipped Topping

Dinner: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Carrot-Pineapple Salad

Friday
Breakfast: Biscuits and Gravy, Fruit, Juice/Milk

Snack: Baked Pretzels

Dinner: White Bean-Spinach Soup, Ceasar Salad, French Bread

Saturday
Breakfast: Pancakes, Sausage & Eggs, Juice/Milk

Snacks: Available Snacks

Lunch: Leftovers

Dinner: Eggplant Parmesan, Green Salad, Peas & Carrots

Sunday

Breakfast: Cold Cereal/Granola, Milk

Snack: Available Snacks

Dinner: Baked Potato Bar

$75 Challenge

I was looking up one thing and just kept clicking links until I ended up here. As I was reading through the blog, I found the $75 Challenge. I was game. I enjoy things like that, the things that bore my hubby to tears to discuss or make my children roll their eyes. I am just waiting until they end up just like me.

A challenge ... hmmm. I like a good challenge especially one involving saving money. Hubby likes saving money too even more when I manage to do it although he claims that I spend money to save money. So back to the challenge and setting my rules for myself...

We are a family of 10 (two adults and 8 children ranging in age from almost two to 17 years old). There are some dietary concerns as the youngest is allergic to dairy, eggs and red dye. The 17 year old (our exchange student) is allergic to chocolate as well as a vegetarian. Food costs alone run about $150 a week not including the raw milk we get from a dairy and our SHARE Foods units we buy once a month. Those two things will run $90-$110 a month. I also participate in a farm co-op where I get fresh produce bi-weekly. I already paid for that back in April. With that as my guideline and basis, I have decided on taking the challenge name at face value. My goal is $75 a week spent on groceries. Of course, I am always free to spend less as I am sure hubby would like to remind me.


WEEK ONE
I started off the week with good intentions. I made a menu for the family, and one where they would not ask if I was cutting back on the budget. (I started on Tuesday as that was the beginning of the month for the challenge.) Weekday lunches are just leftovers or sandwiches as it is just Eric and I at home now school is in session. Available Snacks are ones that I always keep on hand. They include pretzels, animal crackers, fruit, microwave popcorn and leftovers from breakfast/previous snacks (if any).

Tuesday (1st)
Breaskfast: Berry Crumb Bars, Hot Chocolate
Snack: Available Snacks
Dinner: Ziploc Chicken, Fried Potatoes, Baked Beans, Watermelon, Broccoli (had company for dinner)

Wednesday (2nd)
Breakfast: French Toast, Scrambled Eggs with Ham, Bananas, Juice
Snack: Trail Mix
Dinner: Leftovers

Thursday (3rd)
Breakfast: Cinnamon-Raisin Bread, Fruit, Milk/Hot Cocoa
Snack: Cheese Nachos
Dinner: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli, Peaches

Friday (4th)
Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos, Fruit, Juice/Milk
Snack: Rice Krispie Treats
Dinner: Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas, Spanish Rice, Refried Beans, Fresh Fruit

Saturday (5th)
Breakfast: Pancakes, Sausage, Juice/Milk
Snacks: Available Snacks
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: Homemade Pizza, Ceasar Salad, Breadsticks

Sunday (6th)
Breakfast: Cold Cereal/Granola
Snacks: Available Snacks
Dinner: Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup, Fresh Fruit and Veggie Tray

So there is the menu for the week. I made my grocery list and did the shopping. How did I fare?

What I bought:
5 dozen eggs - $5.78
Half gallon soy milk (2) - $5.52
Baked Beans (2) - $ 2.44
Tomato Soup (4) - $ 2.40
Mandarin Oranges (15 oz)- $ .72
Roasted Peanuts (16 oz) - $2.68
Canola Oil (3 qt) - $2.84
Raisins (25 oz) - $2.58
Cashews (16 oz) - $4.48
Cheddar Cheese Soup (2) - $2.88
Orange Juice Concentrate (2) - $2.36
Cinnamon - $ .50
Vegetable Broth (5) - $5.00
Pineapple Chunks (20 oz)- $1.08
Cheddar Cheese (2 lb) - $5.98
Broccoli Cuts (1 lb) - $1.87
Apple Juice Concentrate (2) - $2.26
Apple-Cherry Juice Concentrate (2) -$2.54
Wheat Gluten - $1.84
Bananas (5 lbs) - $2.93
Generic Cheerios - $1.84
Generic Honey-Nut Cheerios - $1.98
Generic Rice Krispies - $2.34
Regular M&Ms (19 oz) - $3.98
Peanut M&Ms (19 oz) - $3.98
Tortilla Chips (2) - $4.00
Romaine Lettuce (2 heads) - $3.00
Miniature Marshmallows - $ .92
Total (with tax added): $81.51

I had to make a run to a second store for forgotten tomato paste. I bought 4 12-oz cans for a total of $4.40. That brings the total grocery bill to $85.91.

I have a garden and freezer full of meat (bought a side of beef a couple of months ago). My pantry shelves are kind of sparce of canned goods although I have plenty of spices and herbs as well as the basics like flour, pasta, rice and beans. That is why you will not see certain items plus with what I get at the co-op and SHARE in conjunction with my garden.

The tomato paste was to make pizza sauce (with tomatoes from my garden) for Saturday with extra pints canned for a later). The trail mix recipe makes enough to store half for next week. The eggs and cheese will last into next week. Those items were the higher cost items on my list so I don't expect my grocery to be as high next week. So yes, I spent more than $75 this week, but I am hoping it will average out.

Tomorrow I will post some of the recipes for my menu items ...

Weekly Menu Plan: March 16

Monday
Cababge-Sausage Skillet
Fruited Gelatin
Corn Muffins

Tuesday
Fried Chicken
Mashed Potatoes
Coleslaw
Broccoli

Wednesday
Ham & Bean Soup
Peaches
Cornbread

Thursday

Chicken & Noodles
Broccoli

Green Salad

Friday
Fried Rice
Garlic Green Beans
Egg Drop Soup

Saturday
Salisbury Steaks with Gravy

Mashed Potatoes

Peas

Green Salad

Sunday
Ice Cream Sundaes

The Sundaes on Sunday is a fun family tradition we have. The children (& husband) enjoy it. It also keeps me in the cool mom category.

Weekly Menu Plan: February 9, 2009

Monday
Ravioli in Sauce
Tossed Salad with Dressing
Vegetable Medley

Tuesday
Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
Southwestern Salad
Refried Beans
Chocolate Vanilla Swirl Cheesecake

Wednesday
Roasted Orange Chicken
Couscous
Steamed Broccoli
Tossed Salad with Dressing

Thursday
Roast Ham

French Onion Soup
7-Layer Salad

Acorn Squash

Friday
Chicken Fajita, Sausage, Cheese Pizzas
Bread Sticks
Caesar Salad

Saturday
Pork Roast

Mashed Potatoes

Green Beans

Glazed Carrots

Sunday
Bean and Ham Soup
Green Salad

Rolls

Weekly Menu: February 2

Monday
Greens, Beans & Ham
Tossed Salad with Dressing
French Bread

Tuesday
Apricot Chicken
Brown Rice
Broccoli Spears
Tossed Salad with Dressing

Wednesday
Grilled Ribeye Steak
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Peas
Tossed Salad with Dressing

Thursday
French Onion Soup
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Fresh Fruit

Friday
Pizza Rolls
Broccoli
Tossed Salad with Dressing

Saturday
Fried Rice
Egg Drop Soup
Peaches

Sunday
Turkey and Noodles
Carrot-Radish Salad
Green Beans