Menu Plan

I have been trying to be more frugal and economic with my menu plans. STOP! BACK UP! Let me start by saying.....I have JUST started making a menu plan for my family. Not an expert...lots of tweaking to do! But, because of my desire to save money and become debt free (Dave Ramsey has truly turned my world upside down!)I have learned that being prepared; not only in food; but all areas saves LOTS of money! Anyhow, all that said to say here is my menu plan:

Breakfast- (made in advance and in freezer)
Egg and turkey sausage breakfast burritos
Muffins
Egg McMoms
Morning cookies
And of course the breakfast basics of cold cereal and pop tarts

Lunches
Egg salad
Tuna salad
Mac-n-cheese
Wraps
Leftovers

Dinners (made in advance in freezer)
Tater tot casserole
Chicken pot pie
Mexican casserole
Calzones
Meatballs (2 batches)
Pasta bake
Chicken and rice cheesy bake
Chicken tetrazzini

Dinners (made same night)
Salmon patties
Loaded Baked potatoes
Hot Dogs
Crab casserole
Pizza (homemade)

Now I only grocery shop every two weeks because that is my hubby's pay cycle. My goal is to only spend no more than $300 a month. I would love to get it below this! Now, I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but I have learned that I need to make a list and stick to it! Stop buying convenience foods, unless I have an awesome coupon deal and it's on sale at the same time! I also shop at Aldi's for all my staples. A lesson that I have just recently learned is freezer cooking. I have grown to love this. Yes, it is a pain to cook a couple of hours to stock the freezer. But, on those days that you are tired or been out running errands; to be able to come home and have a meal ready to pop into the oven is wonderful! It takes the temptation from stopping by to pick up something or the pizza delivery! Not good ideas when trying to save money! I have also started making my own snacks. Goodness, I can make a TON of Monkey Munch or Chocolate No-Bake cookies for what I would pay for those store bought cookies!
Ugh!I really need to learn to make my own bread and can fruits and veggies! That would save some money! Yep, still a long way to go......

My Hopes for this blog....

A blog? A blog?! Why in this world would I want to start a blog?! What could there be for me to share? I am a stay at home Mom of a 15 year old and a 4 year old.....now there may be some stories in that itself! Lol!

But, the main reason I have started this blog is because I am a "stay at home" Mom! I feel the need to connect with adults, even if it's over the internet!



I have loved reading other women's blogs and have gained inspiration and knowledge. Knowing that they too have those "moments" during the day that just leave you shaking your head! The struggle of trying to be wonder woman to all in the household, even when you feel inadequate and frustrated.

Ugh! Trying to make ends meet financially on one income. Trying to pay down debt and not be as materialistic as the world wants us to be. So many things have I learned.....


Instead of keeping all of my struggles and daily adventures to myself....I am putting it all out there for the world to see! (Sick and twisted I know!) But, my hopes is for others to learn from my mistakes, maybe gain some inspiration and knowledge, and just to connect with other Mommies out there going through the same things. So let's all buckle up for a ride called "LIFE!"