Despite the nausea setting in I have this major urge to simplify and get organized. I realize the I'm only 7 weeks along but my anxiety is in full force and the thought of 2 under 1 terrifies me. Heck, I still haven't figured out what I'm doing with Mary-Grace let alone with another one. I have to face the harsh reality that my willy nilly multiple trips each week to the grocery store is not going to be as doable. I'm not going to be able to just wing it each night when it comes to dinner so I need to start planning. I think it's definitely best for my sanity and my wallet.
Last night I sat down and planned a menu for dinner each night this week. Then I made a list of what I need to make each meal. K is going to make a spreadsheet for me with all of my recipes. Then I can sort of drag and drop onto a calendar. Eventually I plan on picking my weekly menu base on the sale adds but for now just planning and sticking to a list is my goal.
This morning I set out to shop and already spent less than I usually do. Wahoo! If I get good at it maybe I can make one for a whole month. I'd also like to work in weekend lunches. I usually make enough of whatever we eat for dinner for us to have for lunch the next day so I'm covered there.
So anyway, this is what I have for the week.
MONDAY: Spaghetti w/ ground beef and broccoli (I put the broccoli in the sauce.)
TUESDAY: Ham and Lentil Soup
WEDNESDAY: Crock Pot Santa Fe Chicken w/ Rice
THURSDAY: Ham Sandwiches on Sourdough with the leftover ham from Tuesday
FRIDAY: Crock Pot Mac & Cheese (If I still have leftover ham I'll throw that in there).
SATURDAY: Crock Pot Sweet & Sour Chicken
SUNDAY: Crock Pot Lasagna
I'm not sure what veggies we'll have each night. I'll decide that based on what looks good when I go to the new little farmers market down the street from my house. I know there's a lot of pasta on the menu but it sits well in my sensitive stomach and I seem to be craving it. I'm also taking advantage of my crock pot right now. I'm exhausted beyond exhausted and it just makes my life so much easier.
If you have some good make ahead or crock pot recipes that you love I'd love for you to share them. I love trying out new recipes!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone so please excuse the autocorrect typos. My phone thinks it's smarter than me.
Long overdue final update (such a good one)!
9 months ago
Delurking to tell you congrats! So exciting about #2!
ReplyDeleteAlso, have you ever tried out e-mealz.com?
It is super cheap and it plans a menu for your for each week, based on the sales going on at whatever store you choose to shop at.
It was a great way to try new things and we spend way less each week in groceries.
Congratulations on #2! I got pregnant when my first was 3 mos old; sadly, we lost that child, but my first two are still 20 mos apart. That's a lot different than 11 though! My third is coming 16 mos after my second. I knew exactly what you meant about adjusting the grocery shopping style. Before my first and when I just had her, I rarely even made a list. I just ran to the store two or three times a week and bought whatever was on sale and looked nice. I had to totally change that when my son was born. Now I do menus and a list, based on the sale ads, every week. We still run out of something occasionally but we usually manage to make do. You may as well know now, shopping with two tiny kids is a nuthouse. Even if you have a list, you forget stuff because you are too busy trying to keep the kids from jumping out of the cart and killing themselves. Definitely get a sling, for the first few months with #2. It will make things a lot simpler, if you have to go out alone. I left my oldest with my husband for the first month or so before I tried it with both.
ReplyDeleteI think the Irish twin adventure is going to be wonderful! Congrats again!
I want all your crock pot recipes.
ReplyDeletePlease :)
I love these recipes:
ReplyDeleteTaco soup
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/slow-cooker-chicken-taco-soup/detail.aspx
I've only made this once and it was ok but I think I left something out at 4 AM when I left work work.
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/easy-slow-cooker-french-dip/detail.aspx
I only make this when the ribs are really on sale.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Amazing-Ribs/Detail.aspx
This isn't slow cooker but it's quick and easy.
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/french-peasant-chicken-stew/3a9b1594-f3e4-4f04-b9e3-176264a5a7d5
This is also easy. (I make it often) It however does not keep well because the liquid is absorbed by the rice.
http://www.campbellskitchen.com/RecipeDetail.aspx?recipeId=23927&ref=%2fSearchRecipesResult.aspx%3ffilter%3d%26q%3dBrothy%2bShimp%2b%2526%2bRice%2bScampi%26fbid%3diPnzXAEMFX1&fbid=lq6HcFO_yqa
I'll keep looking for stuff in my cooking binder.
A friend gave me her recipe for a DELICIOUS crockpot chicken chili. I'll hunt it down and pass it on...
ReplyDeleteMy first two are almost 23 months apart. Yes, it's not nearly as close as 11 months, but I'll tell you-- it's easy to adjust to a newborn's schedule when you're still dealing with a younger one, and changing diapers, and you still remember what you're doing! Good luck!!!
you can do it! I make a weekly meal plan as well. I used to do every 2 weeks but as I started buying mroe fresh produce, I couldn't keep it fresh for 2 weeks.
ReplyDeleteCheck out the site e-mealz.com Rachel Balducci (Testosterhome) used it for a bit to try it out. For 5 bucks a month you get a weeks worth of dinner menus e mailed to you including the accompanying grocery list. And you can choose a certain store to use their circular for sales. I checked out a few of them and if you aren't picky, it might be a good thing to try out. I love grocery shopping, just hate making the list!