Menu Plan Monday - Week 178

HAPPY 62ND BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST DAD IN THE WORLD!

I did so good last week!  I made dinner every night (with the exception of Friday night because we had a late and big lunch here.  They have THE best breakfast ever, and the best part is that the restaurant is pretty well gluten free, which means that my girlfriend can eat there! Its great!

Anyhooo... I'm pretty happy that I was able to essentially stick to the schedule.  I think the hubby appreciated it too!

Here's what we're eating this week:

Monday: BBQ'd Salmon, Scalloped Potatoes & Veggies

Tuesday: Teriyaki Beef Stirfry

Wednesday: Pasta w/ Italian Gigi Sauce

Thursday: Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs with Veggies & Rice

Friday:  Date Night!

Sounds like a yummy week!

You'll note that we have a 'Date Night' planned on Friday night.  Yay!  We have decided to attempt to have a date night every two weeks.  I think it's important for us to have some 'baby-free' time to just be with each other outside of the house.  We've got Nana and Grammy on board to babysit the little man, and I think they are both pretty excited.  Not sure what we're going to do yet, probably go out for dinner or something.  Since I'm breastfeeding, and I haven't introduced a bottle yet, we've got about 3 hours to kill.  Thats enough time I think!

I'm looking forward to Friday night!

Linking up with OrgJunkie.

Menu Plan Monday - Week 177

I mean it this time... back to business as usual when it comes to menu planning.  I have realized over the last weeks of motherhood, that if I want to get things accomplished, it takes planning.  I need to factor in the making of dinner into my day.  When Harrison takes his afternoon nap, I need to make dinner!  My days are now starting to feel a little more 'normal'.  Now that I feel 'normal' again, time to start making dinner!

I think my husband will appreciate dinners being back on the table!

Here's what we're eating this week:

Monday: Spaghetti Bolognese (the sauce is from my freezer stash)

Tuesday: M&M Meat Shops Chicken Pot Pie

Wednesday: Fettucine Alfredo

Thursday: BBQ'd Hot Dogs

Friday: BBQ'd Salmon, Scalloped Potatoes & Veggies

Here's hoping that I can use Harrison's afternoon nap time effectively this week so we can eat some dinner!

As always, I'm linking up with Orgjunkie.

P.S. Harrison starting smiling last week!  So adorable, I literally started crying the first time I saw it!

Menu Plan Monday - Week 176

I'm back!  

Since Harrison's birth, I haven't had to worry about what to make for dinner thanks to wonderful family and friends.  Our fridge has been full, and we have been able to eat and eat and eat.

Now it's time to start planning ahead again, and I am looking forward to the consistency and comfort that comes with knowing what we're eating that night.

I am so thankful that I planned ahead before Harrison was born and pre-made a bunch of meals to freeze.  I can now look in the freezer and plan meals that are easy and quick, just defrost and serve!

It will be a challenge to actually remember to make dinner.  The days seem to go by so fast when it is broken up between feeding times.  The hubs gets home from work before I even realize the day has passed!

This is what we're eating this week:

Monday: Slow Cooker Chili (pre-made & frozen) & Garlic Bread

Tuesday: Veggie & Pesto Pasta & salad

Wednesday: Waffles

Thursday: Lasagna (pre-made & frozen) & salad

Friday: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

As always, I'll be linking up with Orgjunkie!

And because I think he is beautiful and he's the centre of my universe:

My friend, Megan, took Harrison's newborn pictures when he was four days old!  Check out her website, Family Creative.

Hopefully I'll post about Harrison's birth soon!

Menu Plan Monday - Week 175

39 1/2 Weeks and counting people! 

I now officially feel pregnant!  I'm so ready to meet this baby.  Hopefully he'll make his arrival soon!

But, until he does, this is what we'll be eating this week:

Monday: Fettuccine Alfredo

Tuesday: Shake & Bake Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, & Veggies

Wednesday:  Hot Dogs (because I really like hot dogs)

Thursday: Veggie & Pesto Pasta

As always, I'll be linking up with OrgJunkie.

Menu Plan Monday - Week 174

Oh man, not working is throwing off my planning!  It took me til noon to realize it was Monday!  That doesn't make for effective planning, or a good dinner on Monday night!

Oh well.

So, I've finally hit that point in my pregnancy (38 1/2 Weeks) where I am ready to not be pregnant anymore.  I am so ready for this little guy to make an appearance, and I don't want to be sore, achy and a pee-machine anymore!

We had my parents over for dinner last night, and my mom kept telling me that I should get a video of me walking right now.  It must be pretty entertaining to watch me maneuver around the house with sore hips and a huge belly.

It also helps me feel ready for Baby Boy to arrive since I finished the cooking that I wanted to do.  I wanted to be sure to freeze some meals for the Hubby and I for after the arrival.  I also hit up Costco and M&M Meatshops, so our freezer is full!

Well, here is our menu this week:

Monday: Kraft Dinner (thats what late menu planning got me)

Tuesday: Teriyaki Beef Stirfry

Wednesday: Spaghetti Bolognese (going to make a double batch of the sauce and freeze the rest)

Thursday: BBQ'd Hot Dogs (because thats what this momma wants!)

As always, I'll be linking up with OrgJunkie (albeit a wee bit late!)

Menu Plan Monday - Week 173

My first week of maternity leave has come and gone - it went by so fast!  I have a feeling that's the way it's going to be from here on out.

The week started off with a three day get away to our favourite getaway, and ended the week crossing a few things off my to do list.

This coming week is looking like a busy one too - but in a really good way!  I've got a Spa Day coming up, lunch with friends, and a few other appointments for good measure.

I'm also going to try and do some cooking that I will freeze so we won't starve after the baby comes!  Hopefully I'll be able to get a few things crossed off my 'To Make' list this week!

Here's what we're eating this week:

Monday: Chicken Dijon, mashed potatoes & veggies ( I know, this has been on my menu for the last three weeks - I swear we are going to eat it this week!)

Tuesday: Broccoli & Sundried Tomato pasta

Wednesday: Waffles (who doesn't like breakfast for dinner?!)

Thursday: Dinner on the Go

As always, I'm linking up with OrgJunkie

Menu Plan Monday - Week 172

I completely missed last week.  Last weekend was so busy.  'Prenatal In A Day' was all day Saturday, and then Sunday was church, and then my mom threw me a Baby Shower.  I was way too exhausted after the weekend to think about our meals for the week, and then the weather was TERRIBLE for the first part of the week and neither me or the hubby wanted to venture out to the store.

So, for the first time in a VERY long time, we did not have a plan for our week (or food in the house for that matter).  We went through the week eating the food we had in the house and slowly running out of supplies.  I was actually pretty impressed that we didn't eat out more than once.

All that being said, I missed the benefits of menu planning last week.

I will do better from now on!  And it will be easier now that I AM FINISHED WORK!!!! Holy smokes - this whole baby thing is getting very real!

This week looks different as the hubby, puppy and I are headed up to Harrison Hot Springs for two nights for our last hurrah.  I am super excited to not have to get up and go to work tomorrow morning!

Here's what our week looks like:

Monday: Harrison

Tuesday: Harrison

Wednesday: Dinner at The Tomahawk to welcome home my little brother from his world (Australia, Indonesia & New Zealand) travels

Thursday: Baked Chicken Dijon, Mashed Potatoes & Veggies (didn't get to this one the last time it was on the menu)

I also wanted to give a review, per se, on the Mini Honey Mustard Meatloaves that I made week before last.  It was sooooooo good.  I LOVED IT.  The meatloaves were so easy to make and were delicious.  The only thing I would change the next time I made them is to not make them as thick.  I would make them a little flatter (more surface area to cover with the sauce and cheese).  I made my own roasted potatoes, and had a caesar salad with it. All in all, I would recommend this recipe.  If you try it, let me know what you think!

As always, I'll be linking up with Orgjunkie.  Head on over for some awesome tips on Menu Planning and recipe idea's!

Menu Plan Monday - Week 170

As I get closer and closer to my last day of work (the 27th!) the weeks go by faster and faster!  Last week just flew by!

I did good last week with the meal plan, there was only one night that we didn't eat from the menu.

Thats a pretty good run, I'd say.

Last week, I perused some of the blogs that linked up with OrgJunkie's Menu Plan Monday and found myself a few new recipes to try.  Four to be exact.

And because I couldn't help myself, we are trying two of them this week.

I'm always a little nervous with new recipes.  I HATE wasting my time on a meal that ends up being terrible.

Here's whats planned for this week:

Monday: Chicken Parmesan

Tuesday: Mini Honey Mustard Meatloaves with roast potatoes and salad (New!)

Wednesday: BBQ'd Chicken Burgers

Thursday: Baked Chicken Dijon, mashed potatoes & veggies

Well, that looks pretty chicken heavy....  Oh well, we like chicken.

Hopefully we like the new recipes, or we'll be end up eating out or having cereal for dinner on Tuesday & Thursday.

How are you guys doing with menu planning? Started yet?  What's stopping you?

As always, linking up with OrgJunkie.

Menu Plan Monday - Week 169

I don't know what happened to last week.  It just flew by!  I'm in my last month of work (only 14 more work days to go!) and am wishing the days away, so that could be why!

I will never stop planning my menu's though, no matter how busy things get.  It is so much harder when I don't have something planned, and can't imagine adding a new baby into that mix.  I don't think we would eat, or if we did, it would all be take out.  And that gets old after a while.

I have been planning our weekly meals for almost three and a half years.  Almost as long as I've been married.  Huge life saver.  

Here are a few of the benefits that I have experienced:

• Reduces Stress : I used to spend a portion of my work day trying to figure out what to make for dinner that night and then have to use my lunch break to go to the grocery store and get the needed ingredients.  Such a waste of energy and time!
• Saves Money : By planning ahead, I can check my cupboards for ingredients before going to the grocery store so I don't end up having three containers of white vinegar (yes, I've done that).  I hate buying something and then going home and finding a can in the cupboard.  Planning prevents that.  It can also allow you to plan your meals based on sale items, using store flyers (not that I do that, but I may start).
• Saves Time : On average I only go to the grocery store once a week (early Saturday morning - way less busy!).  This saves me so much time, and gas (which also ties into the 'Saves Money' bullet).
• It Makes My Husband Happy : He likes knowing what is for dinner for the week, and then looks forward to the meals!

Wow, after writing all that down, I would be crazy to stop menu planning (I'm not crazy, I will never stop).

If you don't menu plan already, and aren't sure how to start, head over to OrgJunkie where Laura has a ton of resources for all of our menu planning needs!  Just click on the 'Menu Planning' tab for how to get started.

She also hosts a weekly 'Menu Plan Monday' linky party where TON of other blogs link up their weekly menu's.  This is a great way to get new menu idea's.  I often scan other blogs for idea's.

Anyways, enough of me blabbing about menu planning.

This is what is on our menu this week:

Monday: Lasagna & Caesar Salad

Tuesday: Veggie & Pesto Pasta

Wednesday: Chicken Cordon Blue, Scalloped Potatoes & Steamed Veggies

Thursday: Costco Frozen Pizza

As always, I will be linking up this post with OrgJunkie.  I really encourage you to check out Laura's blog and resources.

Menu Planning has made such an impact on our lives, and I'm sure it will on yours as well!

Menu Plan Monday - Week 168

Time flies when you're getting ready for a baby!  And Christmas!

I'm gonne keep this one short and sweet.

Here's what we're eating this week:

Monday: Sausage Penne Pasta

Tuesday: Chicken Cordon Blue, Scalloped Potatoes & Veggies

Wednesday: Home made Pizza

Thursday: Broccoli & Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

This weekend is going to be a busy one! A Christmas party every night!  I'm tired already.

As always, linking up with OrgJunkie!

Happy Meal Planning!

Menu Plan Monday - Week 166

Look at me, so on top of it this week!  Writing this post before Monday!  I'm patting myself on the back right now - a very sore and achy back.

This week, the hubby celebrates his birthday!  That is what really signals the beginning of the Christmas season.  It also helps that we usually decorate the house before his birthday.

I love it, and him.  It's nothing but love over here.

Here's what we're eating this week:

Monday:  Leftover lasagna

Tuesday:  Shake & Bake Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Broccoli & Carrots

Wednesday: Sausage Penne Pasta

Thursday: The hubby's birthday!  Meal out maybe?

Our weekends are already starting to fill up!  It's amazing how December does that!

As always, linking up with OrgJunkie!

Menu Plan Monday - Week 165

The hubby and I returned from our Hawaiian vacation very early Sunday morning.  We had a great time relaxing and dong nothing - which I know we will not be able to do much of once our little bundle arrives.

I love vacationing but it by the end of the trip I find that I am craving some good home cooked meals. And vegetables, you never eat enough vegetables on vacation.

Here's what we're having this week:

Monday: Stir Fry (lots of veggies!)

Tuesday:  Slow Cooker Chili

Wednesday: Family Birthday Dinner out

Thursday: I'm out - hubby is fending for himself.  Don't think he knows that yet.

As always, linking up with Org Junkie!  

Happy meal planning!

Menu Plan Monday - Week 163

Oh man, how did I miss last week?  I thought about posting... but then just forgot.

The hubs and I celebrated four years of marriage on Friday.  I can't believe it has already been that long!  It feels like forever - in a good way.   I'm anticipating that our fifth year of marriage is going to be amazing!

Anyways, on to food.  Here's what we're eating this week:

Monday:  Chicken Cordon Blue, roasted potatoes, broccoli & carrots

Tuesday:  Family Dinner Out

Wednesday:  Frozen Chili (left over homemade stuff!), garlic bread

Thursday:  Mom's Chicken Recipe (have to get it from her before Thursday!) mashed potatoes, niblet corn & broccoli

As always, I will be linking up with Org Junkie.

On another note, I made my first thing for the nursery!  It's not anything big, but it's a start and I will share it this week!

Menu Plan Monday - Week 161

Time flies.  Didn't even realize I hadn't posted anything in the last two weeks.  Bad me...

Well, here's what we're eating this week:

Monday:  I'm out with some girlfriends, so hubby is fending for himself

Tuesday:  Veggie & Pesto Pasta

Wednesday:  Homemade Pizza

Thursday:  Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

As always, I'm linking up with Org Junkie!

Menu Plan Monday - Week 158

Just because I wasn't blogging over the summer, doesn't mean I stopped menu planning.  I don't think I could function without planning my meals.

Now that I'm pregnant, I'm attempting to eat healthier.  Those that know me, know that I am not the best eater out there.  I tend to lean towards the quick and easy when it comes to snacking and meals.  A bag of chips and a pop was a standard lunch for me.

So, in the vain of eating healthy, I'm throwing lots of vegetables in to the mix.  

Here's what we're eating this week:

Monday:   Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs with Rice (I'll be adding veggies to the skewers)

Tuesday:   Homemade Lasagna (I'll be throwing a lot of veggies in the normally veggie free sauce along with using ground turkey instead of ground beef and italian sausage)

Wednesday: Chicken Cordon Blue, Roasted Potatoes, Broccoli & Carrots

Thursday:   Healthy Homemade Mac & Cheese (there's a full butternut squash and head of cauliflower in this thing!)  This one is a new recipe too.  Hope it's good!

Here's to a healthy week - or well intentioned attempt at a healthy week.  At least my dinners will be healthy.

As always, I'll be linking up with OrgJunkie.

Happy Menu Planning!

Menu Plan Monday - Week 147

Oh man.... where the heck did last week go?

Oh right, getting ready for the baby shower I was throwing for my sister-in-law, Katie.  I'm happy to report, all went well.  I'm excited to show you some of the pictures!

Here's what we're eating this week:

Monday: BBQ'd Burgers

Tuesday: Hubby is fending for himself - I'm going out with some girl friends

Wednesday: Broccoli & Sun Dried Tomato Pasta (carried over from last week)

Thursday: Chicken Cordon Blue, Veggies & Rice.

And then on Saturday, we are heading up to Penticton for four days with the Hubby's side of the family.  I am really looking forward to the time away of rest and relaxation - and boy, I need it.

As always, linking up with Org Junkie.

Happy Menu Planning!

Menu Plan Monday - Week 146

Sorry this is posted late!  You'd think with the long weekend we just had that I would have been on top of it and even had some posts banked - but you'd be wrong.  Where did the weekend go?!

Here's what we're eating this week:

Monday: Fettuccine Aflredo w Grilled Chicken
Tuesday: BBQ'd Steak, Baked Potatoes & Veggies
Wednesday: Kraft Dinner (It's a busy night!)
Thursday: Brocolli & Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

As always, I'll be linking up with Org Junkie!

Menu Plan Monday - Week 145

So, last weeks menu plan worked 50% of the time.  We had two of the four planned meals.  I like it when that happens, because it made this weeks menu plan so much easier to create!

Here we go:

Monday: Spicy Mediterranean Wraps

Tuesday: Rotisserie Chicken (from PriceMart) & Veggies

Wednesday: Slow Cooker Chili

Thursday: BBQ'd Hamburgers

As always, I'll be linking this post to Org Junkie.  Head on over to Laura's blog to get some awesome dinner idea's!

Menu Plan Monday - Week 144

What a week!  I come back from Newport Beach Monday evening and get thrown back into my week.  That was rough - let me tell you.  

I am going to be on a bit of a crafting binge for a while here, but will unfortunately be unable to post about most of it until mid-July.  I am planning a baby shower for my Sister-In-Law and will be making a few things for the shower.  I'm super excited about them and can't wait to show them off!

On another need-to-be-crafty note,  Jasper appears to have had some kind of accident (not sure if he peed or puked) on my Grandmother's antique chair.  Sad right? And gross, most definitely, but also the kick in the pants that I needed to finally re-upholster it.  No idea how I'm going to do it, but do it I will!  I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Anyhoo.... on to the Menu Plan!  I tried the Sausage Penne Pasta and we really liked it!  I consider that one a success.  I've got one new recipe on the plan this week.  Got my finger's crossed!

Here we go:

Monday: Spice Mediterranean Wraps (New!)

Tuesday: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches & Soup

Wednesday: Slow Cooker Chili

Thursday: Creamy Pesto Pasta (use the base of my Alfredo recipe, then add some pesto!)

As always, I will be linking up this post with Org Junkie.  Head on over to find some great blogs with tons of dinner idea's!

Happy Menu Planning!!

Menu Plan Monday - Week 143

I know, I know… this is late.

But I have an excuse! 

I just got back from an extended weekend away in Newport Beach, CA with Amanda.  We had an awesome time! 

We headed to Disneyland on Friday and oh boy, it was so much fun!  But so exhausting.  I can’t imagine taking children there – but definitely will one day!

We also did some shopping – ahhh…. Shopping.  I loves me some shopping.

Oh well, down to bid-ness:

Monday:  Nothing planned (I flew in at 5:30, give me a break!)

Tuesday: Sausage Penne Pasta

Wednesday: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Thursday: Spaghetti Bolognese

I’ve got to check out some of the posts on Org Junkie to get some new dinner idea’s.  I need to get excited about cooking dinner again! 

I feel like I’ve been in a rut for the last couple of weeks.  The last thing that I have wanted to do when I get home from work is cook dinner – but I do, for my amazing husband.

He works so hard all day, and deserves to come home to a nice home-cooked meal.  I’m pulling up my socks!

Head on over to Org Junkie for an awesome linky party with tons of dinner idea’s!