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10 March 2014

Meal Plan Monday~ Week 11

I haven't even been thinking about dinner much yet today. Focusing on Mt. Laundry!
Monday~Beef Roast
Just threw it in the slow cooker. Going to make some roast asparagus and mashed potatoes.

Tuesday~Ravioli and Salad
Easy night
Wednesday~Chicken Tortilla Soup
Ended up having dinner at my in-laws Sunday instead

Thursday~Meatloaf
Just cause it sounds good!
Friday~Chicken Taco's

Saturday~Baked Potatoes
and using leftovers of everything else
Sunday~Pork Tenderloin
Assuming I remember to thaw it on Saturday!
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05 March 2014

52 Weeks of Organizing~Week 9

Meal Planning was what I needed to get organized this week.
And as weird as it seems I think I actually made it less fussy than it was!
What I was using before worked just fine
But it took a lot of time. I don't have to be as strict while I will be home. 
I will still be making a monthly plan and then make a weekly plan from there each week.

The Monthly Plan has to happen before I can go grocery shopping. We only grocery shop 1 big time per month. Then usually a milk/produce run a couple times in between. 

I do have a list of (I think) every dinner we eat. I have a few different pages. 1 for chicken, 1 for beef, pork. Misc. I have it this way because sometimes we are getting close to the end of the chicken order before the next one comes in I like to have a smaller list to hunt through.

I still choose to make it as easy for myself as I can. If I am going to bake chicken it's gonna be for 2 meals minimum. If I am cooking a big ol' roast the leftovers are for sure going to be used soon! Just like I typically schedule beef stroganoff within a day or two of beef roast. I will use the broth to make the sauce and toss the leftover beef in it. Hardly any extra cooking!

I did pair down our recipe magazine, book collection. I had SO many and I know I won't really use many of them. I have just enough to fit in the cupboard. Wasn't really much work. I don't use them often so I don't feel like they have to be that accessible. 

This week will be our "office" area and lordy does it need help! We have so many papers and piles from taxes and other stuff going on! I am excited to get it back in order!
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March Goals!!

I am SO excited to share some of our March Goals! But first, how we did in February.

1. $1000 towards debt....
We paid $2000 extra towards debt this month! Likely the last month we will have that much progress.

2. Saving more
While I haven't set up Fridays yet, I did move that $ over.

3.Meal Plan
Did SO much better this month, didn't actually keep track of how many days per week but for sure over the (very low) goal!

4.Scheduling
Didn't really have much to schedule (amazingly)

5. Water
Having the re-useable cups all over has made it a cinch!

6. Organizing
For our life the way it is right now, this is working great!

7. Bathrooms
I am terrified of the kids bathroom, 2/3 for the month.

8. Fast Food
Meal planning has really made this a non issue!

9. More time at home
Felt SO good to be home more! 

10. Groceries
Haven't been grocery shopping yet. Hoping I can find some good alternatives!

Our March goals are going to be a little different. I am no longer working outside the home, (weeeee) so we won't be putting as much towards debt but we WILL be getting more stuff done around here! At least until I find something else that works better for our family.

1. Get this place BACK in order!
We have all gotten off task not being home as much, I felt back asking the kids to do the chores they normally would have when they weren't home nearly as much. We will be back to that!
We are using THESE



2. STICK to the new (and changing) Budget
This first month is going to be hard but sticking to our grocery budget of $250 will help!
We still want to pay extra to debt, it will be a slow process but every little bit helps!
Going to go for Once a week Target trips in March too. Jan was hard, February was busy but easier, March should be a breeze!

3. Find a way that isn't take away from our family to make some money.
I am always hesitant to try new stuff. Learning to act towards goals and not out of fear is hard sometimes!
I have a couple things I am working on. I just need to stick my neck out there and not be a worrywart!

4. Read to our kids more
We have always been readers but I feel like this last almost year I missed SO much!

5. Stay Home!
I am used to going into town a number of times a week, that is going to have to change! We just will not be able to afford to do that. Intentional, planned trips into town only. 

6. Plan More Dates!
For both Ryan and I, and family dates. I need to find some close to home, inexpensive stuff to do!

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03 March 2014

Meal Plan Monday~ Week 10

          

This week is already full of issues! I am home sick from work today, just hoping I feel better before someone else gets sick! Doing my best to stick with easy meals this week, and some repeats. Although, if I don't make it to the grocery store we are having PBnJ's all week.

Monday~Meatball Stroganoff
We didn't have it last week, too many leftovers!

Tuesday~Teriyaki Stir Fry
We got some super noodles at Costco last trip there, the kids loved them and they are easy to throw together.

Wednesday~Mini Pizzas
Kids favorite!
We just roll out caned biscuits and top them with pizza stuff and bake like the package directs.

Thursday~Ravioli and Salads

Friday~PB and Bacon Sandwiches
Easy fave over here, and good for the budget!

Saturday~Chicken with Rice and veggies
I like to hide the veggies in some cream of chicken soup ( homemade, not canned)

Sunday~Chicken Tortilla Soup
Been craving big time, and it's so easy!
Check the crock pot recipe out here


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