Meal Planning

I’m on a Facebook page that is all about cooking and meal planning, and it seems the common issue is everyone struggles to meal plan. Something I have been doing over the last couple years is simplifying in all areas I can. Meal planning can take WAY too long, like hours. I have successfully simplified this process, and am here to share with you. 

First my Master List. Making a master list of all of your meals you like to make, have them all together, it will make it easier. I did multiple lists if I’m being honest (if this is your first time reading my blog, I make lists…a lot). I have a list of main meals, sides, breakfasts, lunches, and snacks.  If I have all my ideas in one place, I could potentially leave it here, and just refer back on a weekly basis. 

Secondly, I make menus for several weeks. At the beginning of the summer, I did 7 weeks’ worth and set it all on the grill. I am now in my second round, and will probably need a revamp at the end (it will wrap up on the last weekend of the summer). This not only means I don’t need to worry about this for 7 weeks, I will also know what I need for the next 7 weeks. That means if I see a smoking deal on Hamburgers, and I know I will be making them in 2 weeks, I can grab them now

Next, every week, look it over and make sure it fits our plans. Saturday my Uncles will be here, and I had a meal I wanted to make for them, so my menu will adjust there. The next day will be Brock’s Birthday party, so the menu will adapt there too. 

Every so often I have cupboard cooking. So these menus don’t always go 100% plan. I may miss the night of pulled pork, because I had a ton of Beef and Broccoli to get rid of. So that tenderloin sits in the freezer. If this happens once a week, that’s a whole week of cupboard cooking (cupboard cooking is concept I learned about, where you always clear out your cupboards before buying anything). 

We also have theme nights, that can simplify planning further. For one, I do typically make a leftover night. We also always have pizza night on Friday nights. In the Fall I will go back to a larger special meal for Sundays (like roast or something), and Saturdays will be Souper Saturdays. 

Thus concludes my method of meal planning, and it looks like a lot, but it’s far less time consuming than the pitfalls I used to fall into. 

-Mama Bear Out

Nancy

Goodbye Baby Phase

The baby phase is almost over. An app I have was kind enough to tell me this recently. Letting go has always been an issue for me. Jake growing up has been a mixed bag so far. Part of me loves it. I like seeing him develop opinions, and there are so many things that are more fun with him as he grows. But then I miss the little round butterball. And now as we’re on the verge of toddlerhood once again I am once again in the mixed bag, but with a different approach. 

If I’m being honest, I have spent too much time missing the baby days. When I drop Jake off at the sitter, he often tells me, “Mommy, I’m going to miss you “. My response is often (unless he tells me not to say it) is, “Don’t miss me too much, or you’ll miss the fun”. I think I’ve been missing some of the fun. 

Brock’s baby phase has been fun, and honestly, a bit easier than our first round (nothing to do with the kid, to do with our experience). But I’m also looking forward to watching him grow and change. I’ll be spending this week preparing for a first birthday party, and while I’m planning to embrace the growth, I expect some emotional moments. Wish me luck!