October 19, 2005
Dinners in our house have never been a very organized or exciting thing. Up until this last year, we were both working full time, so we were pretty busy and dinner was always just thrown together. Occasionally I might have something planned or make something special, like enchiladas or something, but most of the time, it would be 6:00 and we would be hungry and I would search through the cupboards or freezer for something to make. It was frustrating and never very good and a lot of the time, we ended up eating out. I didn’t mind eating out. We had the money and it was so much easier and tasted so much better. Along came Ethan. We have less money, we have less time as well and often don’t get to eat until after 7 or 8. Making dinner was a hard and very unpleasant thing for me. Until about three weeks ago, that is.
I don’t know why I never did this before. I think I was overwhelmed with the thought of it. “I can barely think of one thing to make, let alone a weeks worth of meals!” I would think. I have a friend who plans out a month at a time! Yikes.
I decided to try it when over at our bible study leader’s house. I saw a list for the week on the fridge. It was like, chili one night, chicken sandwiches the next, then left over chili again. I was inspired. It didn’t have to be fancy stuff! It could be sandwiches and leftovers! So, three weeks ago, I made a menu and it has been the most awesome thing ever! It has alleviated one of the stressful things of my day It makes grocery shopping a lot easier (and probably cheaper), we are saving money not eating out as much, Shane has liked everything we eat (including the sandwiches….) It is going very well and I am very proud of myself. I almost feel like I have bettered myself in a little way and it makes me happy. We are eating better, too. It is all just very good. And who knows, maybe some day in the near future I will start making a monthly dinner schedule.
Comments
Tisra Fadely:
I’ve been doing the meal planning thing for some time now and, I agree, it changes you. the thing I need inspiration on is new and exciting stuff so that I don’t make the same 20 things over and over and over. I subscribed to Everyday Food and it seemed to help. Right now, I’m just in a time crunch with Grant in school and baseball. I want quick AND healthy. Is that too much to ask for?
October 19, 2005 2:41 PM
Erika:
I am sure I will run out of ideas very very soon. I am intimidated with new recipes, for some reason, so I may have a hard time again soon. It would be so cool to have a live in chef to make anything and everything for us. Oh, and a housekeeper. That would be nice, too. Is that too much to ask???
October 19, 2005 3:46 PM
Andrew:
Not to be a downer in any way, but every time I tell anyone about my new thing. I always end up letting it slide, and drop it. Meal planning is a great idea. Ethan is getting so big.
October 20, 2005 2:51 PM
Jennie:
I’ve been doing the menu thing for a long time, too. My mom always did it so I thought that’s just what you did…then my friends would laugh at me for being anal. There’s a magazine called Quick Cooking that’s pretty good. Most things can be done in 30 mins.
I’m with you on the chef and housekeeper thing. Sometimes a nanny doesn’t sound like such a bad idea either.
October 23, 2005 9:04 AM
Amanda:
Hey Erika Found you through Jennie. Don’t know if you remember me. I just wanted to say hi, and see how you are doing. Amanda
November 5, 2005 11:06 AM
sakyqueesty:
Hello. :) The natural photo of the new arrival, taken by Emma Tallulah’s dad, Bye.
October 16, 2008 6:51 AM