Um...sorry...

I'm sorry...

I really thought I would be able to write each day this week - not sure what I was thinking!  On Monday I got on a plane and flew to help my youngest daughter pack up her house and finish up her last week as a youth associate.  She's always busy...surely I would have time to write.

First distraction - she had my grandson for the weekend.  I just had to play with him! There went Monday...

Then we met my oldest daughter, half way, to return her son and celebrate her birthday with lunch and some shopping.  We got back into town in time to go to Beth Moore's Bible study.  Not just a Beth Moore Bible study - but the Bible study that Beth Moore teaches...in person.  It was awesome!!!  God confirmed some things He has been working on in my mind lately - you know, that whole "do not be conformed but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" thing.  I can't wait to get back home and spread my study resource books out on the tables in my craft room.  I may have to start calling that room my study!  (That is my favorite thing to do, after all!) 


Second distraction - we will be in the car alot and then packing or sleeping when we are at her house.  Yeah...all that to say that I will not be posting until a week from today.  And there will be no pictures today - but here are some ideas for menu planning and an idea to show some love to your family/spouse.


Menu Planning

Meal planning saves time and money.  You don't buy things that you will not use and will end up throwing away.  Plus, it's healthier because you will be eating less fast food, which is expensive and SO bad for you!!  It also helps because you don't have to come up with something for dinner on your way home from work, when you have low blood sugar and it's hard to think of something...  


This list is from Squidoo - Monthly Meal Planning by Kristen ph

1.  Make a list of all the meals your family already likes.
2.  Divide your list into categories - Mexican, Italian, Indian, Chinese, Soups, Vegetarian, etc.
3.  Make a collection of recipes you want to try - check out AllRecipes.com.
4.  Schedule your meals on a calendar that you post in your kitchen.


Here is a list that I have used over the years that has worked for me when planning a menu.  Of course, you need to take ideas from other people and tweak them so they are useful for you and your family.

1.  Make a copy of each recipe you use on 8 1/2 x 11 pieces of paper.  Three-hole punch them and keep them in a notebook organized with tabs.

2.  On each recipe write a grocery list for that recipe so you will only have to read through the recipe once to figure out the groceries you will need to make that recipe.  Put a star by each item on the list that can be pre-cooked or marinated and frozen.

3.  Put all the recipes you will need for each meal together on one sheet or stapled together and put in the notebook behind the appropriate tab.

4.  Make your grocery list from the grocery lists on the recipes, making sure to put a star by each item that can be pre-cooked or marinated.  You will use your grocery list to sort your grocery items and then pre-cook, marinate and freeze when you get home from the store.

5.  Eat a snack and go buy your groceries.

6.  Pre-cook or marinate the starred items on your grocery list, put in labeled containers and store in the freezer.

7.  Clean and cut up all the vegetables (it really doesn't take long and will save you a lot of time later), putting them into labeled containers so you will know which meal they go with.  Use the recipes for the vegetables which will go bad first.

8.  Pre-measure and assemble rice dishes and quick breads, except for liquids which will be added when cooking or baking - put a label on the container listing the liquids needed to complete the dish or bread, cooking temperature and time along with which recipe they go with.

9.  Each night a) decide which meal you will be cooking for dinner the next day; set out the recipes and gather any pre-cooked or pre-assembled items.  Let frozen items defrost in the refrigerator over night and the next day so you can put it in the crockpot in the morning or so they will be ready to cook for dinner, b) gather items that will be needed for breakfast and c) gather items that will be needed for lunches and make as many lunch items as you can make the night before.  It will save time the next morning to grab the prepared food and put it in lunch boxes/bags.

10.  Involve as many family members as is possible in the whole process.  Get your kids involved as you all learn how to shop for bargains while buying groceries and how to prepare food.  Make a game of it so you have a fun time as a family.  You will be teaching your children valuable life skills!

Showing the Love


February is the month of love!  A simple way to show some love to your family/ spouse is to use dry erase markers to write one thing that you love about each person on the mirror in their bathroom.  Change it every week.  It cleans off easily with a paper towel.  

Enjoy your week - I'll be back next Wednesday!