Yearly Menu Plan

Just wanted to pop on long enough to let you know that I've created my first monthly menu! It is broken down by week and is accompanied by the budgeted food shopping list of $100 weekly. (or less- depending on your use of the "extras"- ie: desserts, side dishes, etc.) This allows you to print off one sheet of meals to use for the entire year!! (Yes, I said year!) Simply start at the top menu at the inception of each new month! With the exception of breakfast, there are no meal repeats on the entire menu! If you would like a copy of either the plan or the grocery list, please email me with your return (email) address and I will send you via word document. I will send by the end of next week.

Blessings my friends!

Angel

The Challenge

I decided to challenge myself in the kitchen this week. I took a budget of approximately $45-$50 and made our menu plan for the week. I still had items from last week left over and wanted to see if we could do it! It took me about 20 minutes total to grocery shop because of the minimal groceries. That was a bonus! The following is my grocery list and 7 day menu plan for our family of four. Enjoy!

FOOD GROCERY LIST

CHICKEN BREAST BAG FROZEN

SLICED CHEESE

BUTTER

ONE CAN JUICE CONCENTRATE

ONE GALLON VIT D MILK

1 LBS GROUND TURKEY

1 BOX CLEMINTINES

4 BLOCKS CHEESE

APPLESAUCE 1 JARS

SOUR CREAM 16 OZ

CREAM CHEESE 2 BLOCKS

BREAD (2 LOAVES)

1 CAN DICED TOMATOES

KIDNEY BEANS *3 SMALL CANS

ENCHILADA SAUCE

7 DAY MENU PLAN

SATURDAY:

B: COLD CEREAL/TOAST; JUICE/MILK; FRIED HAM

L: GRILLED CHEESE; APPLESAUCE; PEAS

D: TURKEY BURGERS; BAKED POTATOE SLICES, APPLE DUMPLINGS, SALAD

SUNDAY:

B: PANCAKES; SAUSAGE/ JUICE; MILK

L: HOMEMADE PIZZA/ SALAD/ RANCH DRESSING

D: CHICKEN TENDERS; MASHED POTATOES; GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE/ ROLLS/ APPLE PIE

MONDAY:

B: HOT CEREAL; CINAMMON RAISIN BREAD; JUICE/MILK

L: $25 OUT TO EAT LUNCHEON WITH FRIENDS

D: LEFTOVERS

TUESDAY:

B: EGGS, SAUSAGE/ TOAST; MILK/JUICE

L; CHILI W/ TORTILLA CHIPS; SALAD ; CLEMINTINES

D: CHICKEN CREAMED CASSEROLE; RICE; COOKED CARROTS; ROLLS, APPLESAUCE

WEDNESDAY:

B: CREAM OF WHEAT; HOMEMADE BREAD; MILK/JUICE

L: PB& J SANDWHICHES ON WHEAT; FRUIT CUPS;

D: BAKED POTATOE BACON N’ CHEESE SOUP; CRACKERS; GREEN BEANS

THURSDAY:

B: HOT OATMEAL/ FROZEN FRUIT SMOOTHIES; CINNAMON RAISIN BREAD

L: MAC N’ CHEESE; PEAS; APPLESAUCE; CHRISTMAS COOKIES

D: ENCHILADA CHICKEN CASSEROLE; MEX RICE; SALAD; CLEMINTINES

FRIDAY:

B: BLUEBERRY MUFFINS; SCRAMBLED EGGS; MILK/JUICE

L: GRILLED CHEESE; CORN; CELERY & PB SLICES W/ RAISINS

D: SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS; SALAD; GARLIC BREAD BISCUITS

SATURDAY:

B: WAFFLES; MIXED FRUIT; JUICE/MILK/ SYRUP

L: FRIED CHICKEN; POTATOE PANCAKES; CORN CASSEROLE; ROLLS

D: SLOPPY JOES; PRETZELS/CHEESE; SALAD; CHOC CHIP COOKIES

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

I have received a few emails and comments regarding the implementation of our new budget. It has been one full week since we started our cash/envelope system, meal plan menu, and overall radical spending changes.

I'm here to tell you that it has been a great week! Having every meal already planned has taken the guesswork and stress out of those last minute food fixing challenges.

As far as the grocery list goes, I am still working out the kinks. I ran out of eggs early- basically because we made some spontaneous brownies Friday night and that threw off the scrambled eggs breakfast Saturday a.m. No biggie- we can settle for cereal and toast as a backup. I'm officially out of butter as of this afternoon due to all the 'made from scratch' baking. I suppose I should have used more shortening, but was trying for a healthier option.

The juice and milk lasted up until this morning by rationing the portions to breakfast time only. I ran out of cheese Thursday night- basically because they were out of stock of all the sale cheese I had allotted for on my list and I had to buy less of the brand name because it was too expensive.

So, in retrospect, it's the dairy that's bogging us down. All in all everything was fabulous and I'm excited for this week! I look forward to your encouraging comments and ideas!

We are going to go out to eat with some friends tomorrow so my budget for the week will be at least $25 less than normal. Oh, the joy of a challenge! I'll post this week's meal plan soon!

The Proof & the Potatoes: Meal Plan (Pt. 3)

The following is our 10 day meal plan. Please scroll down to the other two posts to see the grocery list and the method behind the budget mania! If you like what you see and would like recipes, please let me know!

There will be certain items that you find yourself making almost daily from scratch. If you have not yet memorized the measurements, print or write out the recipes on one page and have on your refrigerator next to your meal plan. (This should also be printed out and hanging on your fridge or another spot that is easily accessible)

If you are packing a lunch for your husband, as we do, plan to set aside some of the meal from the night before for his portion the next day. I also add some fruit, tea bags/mug, and cut up veggies. Since we homeschool, the lunches mentioned are provided for them and myself during the day.

10 DAY MEAL PLAN

SUNDAY

BREAKFAST: BLUEBERRY MUFFINS, SCRAMBLED EGGS, MILK/JUICE
LUNCH: BAKED CHICKEN, STEAMED BROCOLLI, BAKED YAMS
DINNER: TURKEY STROGANOFF, PEAS, BISCUITS, APPLESAUCE

MONDAY

BREAKFAST: CEREAL, TOAST, MILK/JUICE
LUNCH: TUNA SALAD ON BREAD, PICKLES, PRETZLES, CHEESE SLICES
DINNER: (CHRISTMAS EVE) APPETIZERS; BBQ MEATBALLS, CHEESEBALL & CRACKERS, VEGGIES/RANCH DIP, REFRIED BEAN DIP & CHIPS

TUESDAY (CHRISTMAS DAY)

BREAKFAST: EGG FRITATTA, SAUSAGE LINKS, CINNAMON ROLLS, BACON, FRUIT, FRIED POTATOES, JUICE/MILK, HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE
LUNCH: DINNER AT IN-LAWS (TAKING MASHED POTATOES AND BROCCOLI SALAD)
DINNER: LEFTOVERS

WEDNESDAY

BREAKFAST: PANCAKES W/ FRUIT AND SYRUP, MILK/JUICE
LUNCH: BAKED POTATO SOUP, CRACKERS, LEFTOVERS
DINNER: HOMEMADE PIZZA, SALAD/RANCH, & APPLESAUCE

THURSDAY

BREAKFAST: BISCUITS W/ HONEY & JAM, HOT OATMEAL, MILK/JUICE
LUNCH: GRILLED CHEESE, CLEMINTINES, CORN
DINNER: CHILI (MADE W/ GROUND TURKEY), TORTILLA CHIPS, SOUR CREAM & SHREDDED CHEESE, BAKED APPLES, SALAD (CHOPPED ROMAINE)

FRIDAY

BREAKFAST: FRENCH TOAST, SYRUP, POWDERED SUGAR, FROZEN FRUIT SMOOTHIES
LUNCH: MAC N' CHEESE, TUNA SANDWICH, PEAS
DINNER: SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS, GARLIC CHEESE BISCUITS, SALAD, APPLESAUCE

SATURDAY

BREAKFAST: TOAST, CHEESY SCRAMBLED EGGS
LUNCH: CHEESEBURGERS, HOMEMADE ONION RINGS, RICE PUDDING, SALAD
DINNER: BAKED CHICKEN, ROLLS, CELERY SALAD, MASHED POTATOES

SUNDAY

BREAKFAST: BLUEBERRY MUFINS, YOGURT, OATMEAL, MILK/JUICE
LUNCH: FAMILY REUNION; TAKING DESSERT: NO BAKE BARS
DINNER: CHICKEN QUESIDILLAS, BEAN DIP, CHIPS, BAKED PEACHES

MONDAY

BREAKFAST: COLD CEREAL, TOAST, JUICE/MILK
LUNCH: CREAMED CHICKEN CASSEROLE, BAKED CARROTS, RICE, ROLLS
DINNER: (NEW YEARS EVE) LEFTOVERS & APPETIZERS (MEALTBALLS)

TUESDAY (NEW YEARS DAY)

BREAKFAST: QUICHE, FRUIT
LUNCH: HOMEMADE PIZZA, APPLESAUCE, GREEN BEANS
DINNER: LEFTOVERS FROM THE WEEK

The Proof & the Potatoes: Grocery List (Pt 2)

The following was our 10 day shopping plan that included both Christmas & New Years. I allotted $100 for this plan, but our budget calls for a weekly shopping trip. Therefore, I have the ability (only if needed) to add some items such as fresh produce or dairy after the first seven days. Again, keep in mind that this was a holiday week. I am hoping to get the budget to around $75 weekly as time goes on.

FOOD GROCERY LIST

EGGS (2 dozen)

ORANGE JUICE ½ GAL

1 CAN FROZEN JUICE CONCENTRATE

ONE GALLON VIT D MILK

VEG SHORTNING

CHICKEN STRIPS

BUTTER

2 LBS GROUND TURKEY

1 BOX CLEMINTINES

1 LB BANANAS

1 BAG FROZENF FRUIT MEDLEY

10 LB BAKING POTATOES

SALAD- ROMAINE WHOLE BUNCHES

BACON (2 PK)

5 BLOCKS CHEESE

4 CANS REFRIED BEANS

2 HEAD BROCOLLI

DISH LIQUID

APPLESAUCE 3 JARS

SOUR CREAM 2 16 OZ TUBS

CREAM CHEESE 3 BLOCKS

BOX STROGANOFF MIX

CEREAL 1 BOX MAX

BREAD (2 LOAVES)

CRACKERS

TORTILLA CHIPS 2 BAGS

2 CANS DICED TOMATOES

AMERICAN CHEESE SLICES

BAG APPLES

KIDNEY BEANS *3 SMALL CANS

MAC N’ CHEESE *3 BOXES

PEAS-FROZEN

SPAGHETTI NOODLES 2 BOXES

HAMBURGER BUNS

BAKED BEANS

YOGURT (4)

TOTILLA SHELLS

PEACHES CANNED

CREAM OF SOUPS

SAUSAGE LINKS

The Battle & the Budget (Pt. 1)

"The Kitchen Battle Plan"

A few posts ago I mentioned that I was going 'green' when it came to our grocery budget. I wanted to share with some of you who might be in need of a little encouragement in this area!

Our goal is a $100 weekly budget on all food spending for our family of four. This includes all grocery shopping (food & kitchen related items), eating out, and all other food/snack related purchases. For some of you this may seem extreme spending and others it may seem unrealistic.

At the beginning of the week I took a couple of hours to plan out all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks) for the next ten days. This included all holiday eating, packed lunches for hubby's work, and hosting friends and family for guest dinners. We like to eat and I've not skimped on any portions, but have made sure they are also healthy and food group appropriate for my growing boys.

My grocery list assumes I already have in my pantry items such as flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, shortning, dry milk, oats and other misc seasonings. These items are essential to making most of your breads, breakfast foods, cookies, etc from scratch. The plan is laid out with B: (Breakfast) L: (Lunch) & D: (Dinner). Snack items are small portions of yogurt, fruit, or cookies that have been made. We do not use paper products (such as paper towels or napkins, but rather linen napkins, washcloths and towels that can be washed re-used easily.

Also, keep in mind that the cost of drinks can consume one's budget very quickly. Make the healthy change to drinking mostly water or hot tea and saving the milk/juice for breakfast only. (1/2 cup for kids & 1 cup for adults) The kids will get their nutrition as needed throughout the day from other sources.

After the meal plan came the shopping list. I researched a little online at weekly market ads and looked back at my receipts for averages of our usual purchases. If you have an Aldi in your area, I encourage you to shop there for certain items. You will save abundantly and I guarantee that you will enjoy the food! (Aldi guarantees it too...100% satisfaction or your full refund and replacement of the item).

After I had everything listed out I took off for the ATM. I withdrew the $100 in cash, because once it's gone for the week...it's gone. No debit card usage for "extra" purchases. If it wasn't already budgeted in, it needs to wait until the next week. Spontaneity may be a good idea in some cases, but not when it comes to money.

I have been amazed at how easy this week has been in the kitchen. Each morning I wake up and just take one glance at the menu to see what I'll be preparing for breakfast. I glance down to dinner to see if anything needs thawed or prepared for later. It has taken all of that "Daddy's coming home in 30 minutes....what's for dinner?!?!" There is no need to go running at the last minute to the grocery for 'missing ingredients'. Truly, I can't tell you what a burden has been lifted for the preparation and planning of all meals!

I will be posting the 10 day meal plan and shopping list soon! Be on the lookout! Also, please feel free to email me with any questions or ideas of your own!

Blessings,

Angel

The Budget

I Timothy 6:17-19

"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

If you've read my profile you know that besides running shoes, my favorite attire of choice is an apron. I love my kitchen and spend 80% of my time in here. So, grocery shopping is quite the outing for me. I enjoy browsing all the produce, snacking in the bakery department and as of late have made friends with the butcher. I love sales and usually only purchase what is on clearance for that week. Still, I knew I was going over my spending amount from our budget when it came to the checkout line 'total'.


I was shocked, however, to realize after some calculations that I was almost spending twice my allotted amount in the food category! I have made my New Years resolution early this year and am going to start planning out meals and shopping lists to make sure we are disciplined to our budget! Although we are blessed to not have car payments or credit card debt, it is still so easy to find myself spending above and beyond.



I wanted to bring your attention to some great websites that I have on my 'favorites'. All three have a Biblical perspective on stewardship. I've spent most of the afternoon working on our new plan and these sites were very helpful!

The first is the "Hillbilly Housewife". It is a fabulous free site that lists menu options, shopping lists, tips, and more for the the money conscious family.


"Living on a Dime" is also a great site to get inexpensive e-books on money management, debt, grocery tips, cleaning & household ideas, and much more! There are no shipping fees since the downloads are immediate to your computer.


If you have not yet had the opportunity to listen to Dave Ramsey during his radio broadcasts, I encourage you to click on the link in my sidebar to hear some of his wisdom on money management and debt. He is the foremost authority on the 'plastectomy' (aka: cutting up your credit cards!)

I look forward to hearing your ideas of stewardship for your family! I find that it is important all year round, but especially during this season of gift giving, parties, and reunion style family dinners!