These are the groceries I bought for the MONTH last night....And I was able to get it done because the little darling you see below did NOT go with me! LOL
"I will be able to eat this month because my mommy got to go grocery shopping and I stayed with Daddy!"
Well, most of you have been asking me to post information on "menu planning" and how I do it for a whole month. Personally, I like to get the grocery shopping OUT of my way. It takes a day of planning and preparation and then a few hours of actual shopping time, but it is well worth it to me! Now, some of you may think I'm crazy for going to so much trouble. That's okay. I used to think that about people who did it but now I'm a believer! Woohoo! LOL
I hate what I call the 4 p.m. panic session when I realize that Todd is on his way home from work in an hour, the kids are filthy as is the house and I haven't had a shower yet! YIKES! Even though Todd is VERY understanding and doesn't expect life to be perfect, I try because I'm one of those kinds of wives. Somewhere, I got that "50's" mentality in that I want to have everything straight, a little makeup and jewelry on and the dinner cooked and the kids clean and quiet when Daddy gets home from work! I know.........but that's me! :)
This is an article that has become famous over the years from 1955 entitled "How to be a Good Wife". Yes...It is a little cooky....but really and truly....it is good advice! Most men really would appreciate if you did even ONE of these things before they get home from work! That's my goal...at least one thing from the list to show I tried! haha Now, granted...there are days when Todd walks into what I'm sure looks a lot like Barnum & Bailey gone MAD, but most days, there is order and happiness. Well, maybe not MOST days, but SOME days! LOL
I think this is worth reading...most of you have probably seen it before....but just in case...here you go!
"HOW TO BE A GOOD WIFE" 1955
*Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have be thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they get home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.
Sharon Says: Try to make a plan so that life is easier for YOU and him! Yes, he will know you are thinking of him....but it will also allow you to spend more quality time doing things like playing with the kids, myspacing and making espresso drinks! :)
*Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.
Sharon Says: You probably need a shower if you have accomplished anything else on this list while managing the kids all day also! You probably stink and look kind of rough by now! Try not to stink when he arrives! LOL
*Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
Sharon Says: MORE interesting? More interesting than digging a peanut butter and jelly sandwich out of the DVD player and killing a wasp with a broom in the house? Honey, what could be more interesting than YOUR day?! LOL
*Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Run a dustcloth over the tables.
Sharon Says: Grab a trash bag and start picking up the kids toys and throwing them in it. They'll typically help clean up!
*During the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering to his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum.
Sharon Says: If there is a moment when the washer, dryer, washing machine or vacuum isn't running....NONE of these other things are going to be possible. Besides....they make them MUCH quieter now than in the 1950's! haha
*Encourage the children to be quiet.
Sharon Says: Tell them to play hide and seek and whisper to each of them that it's their turn to hide from each other.....you shouldn't see them for at least 10 mintues! That's all I have on that one! LOL
*Be happy to see him.
Sharon Says: You should be happy to see him! THANK GOODNESS there is another adult in the house to help corral the craziness!
*Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
Sharon Says: I believe a hug and dinner are sufficient!
*Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.
Sharon Says: Let him talk first so that you forget everything you had to tell him like "the sink faucet won't turn off, his best friend called and oh, yea....one of the kids JUST threw up!" He'll appreciate you letting him talk first, SURE!
*Don't greet him with complaints and problems.
Sharon Says: See the last response on this one, too!
*Don't complain if he's late for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through at work.
Sharon Says: This one is ridiculous....even I will agree on that! LOL "Stays out all night?" WHAT!? No deal.
*Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or lie him down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
Sharon Says: Do we have a choice in this one!? Most men will immediately make themselves comfortable....so you can take this one off your list! LOL
*Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
Sharon Says: He may think you've been "stepford-ized" if you talk in a low, soothing and pleasant voice! Just talk nicely...that'll do!
*Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness.
Sharon Says: No comment. There is usually SOMETHING to question but he will always have more questions about what I've done than I will about him! LOL
*You have no right to question him.
A good wife always knows her place.
Sharon Says: This is crazy! I say a good wife DOES know her place......Mine is at the mall! LOL
I know this helps not a bit on planning the menu....but now that you are in the right frame of mind....this is how I do it!
First of all....I get the Sunday coupons out of the paper. DO NOT buy things just because there's a coupon. Only take the coupons for things you will acutally use. If not, you will find yourself spending extra money on things you don't need and may never use.
Next...get some kind of calendar or notepad that is for NOTHING else but menu planning. Now, I have a regular calendar that I live by which is kind of necessary also. I need to know when we are going to be out of town, have an evening activity planned, etc. I even make sure to put a "date night" on that calendar and plan a meal for the kids with the sitter that's easy like corn dogs, fish sticks, etc. Write a dinner down for every night on your calendar and for the weekends, maybe breakfast and lunch, too.
Then...Once the menu calendar is finished, go through each day and write down the ingredients you will need to buy to make each meal. I just make a long running list for starters. Later, I make a "GROCERY" list that is broken down into sections "Bread, Produce, Frozen, Meat, Dairy, etc...." I make mine in order of what store I am shopping at. For instance, at Wal-Mart which is where I do most of it.....I start with Bread because it's in the front and I put it in the seat section of the buggy. Then, I go through the store from front to back and on my way back to the front, I get the frozen and cold stuff. By the time I get to the front to checkout, cashiers are running away in panic and I can barely push the buggy! LOL
Now, I sometimes go an extra step in the coupon department. I get the sale papers from 2 other stores (Kroger & Albertson's) and AFTER I make my list of what I'm cooking, what I need, etc....then I decide where those things would be cheaper. For instance, at Kroger & Albertson's....they double and triple coupons. If my coupons are .50 cents or less, I use them at one of those stores because it ends up being MUCH cheaper but for items with a coupon OVER 50 cents...I get it at Wal-Mart because the item is already less expensive there and then the coupon will get honored and make it even better! Now, Walmart matches ads from other stores but not the doubling and tripling coupons. This is the "super-planning" part that is really advanced. I suggest doing a month of just one store shopping first and then when you get the hang of it....you can add another step!
I am going to post the recipes and menu for this month for you now! Hope this helps. If you have any questions or anything...please let me know! I love helping others "get it together" so I would LOVE to hear from you!
Here goes....Oh yea....we plan from around the 25th of the month to the 25th of the next month. You DO NOT want to go grocery shopping on or around the 1st! Plus, that's when Todd gets paid! :)
Another tip....DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TRY TO DO THIS WITH YOUR KIDS AT THE STORE! I MAKE MY LISTS WHEN SARAH IS IN BED AND I NEVER TAKE HER WITH ME ON THE BIG GROCERY TRIP. MAKE SURE ALSO TO CLEAN OUT YOUR PANTRY AND FRIDGE AND FREEZER BEFORE LEAVING. YOU'LL NEED THE ROOM WHEN YOU GET HOME WITH THE GROCERIES!
June/July Menu for the Swans:
Chicken Fried Steak Sandwiches & Homemade Onion Rings
Grilled Chicken, Cajun Potatoes, Steamed Brocolli
Tacos, Pinto Beans, Queso
Hamburgers & Chips
Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with sauteed onions & Swiss with chips
Wild Rice Beef Casserole & garlic bread
BBQ Chicken & Rice, Corn
Lasagna, Green Beans with asparagus, Garlic Bread
Homemade chicken salad sandwiches, chips
Taquito pie & tortilla chips
Chicken Spaghetti & Steamed veggies
Fajitas & chips
Blackened Tilapia poboy sandwiches and chips
Macaroni & Taco bake
Hot Dogs with chili & cheese & fritos
Grey Poupon Chicken, Wild Rice & Green Bean Casserole
Queso Chicken Pizza
Spaghetti & dinner salad
Grilled Tilapia, twice baked potatoes & baked squash & zuccini
Now, this month, these are just some of the things on our list. Here are the recipes for some of them....If you see something else you need a recipe for. ...let me know!
Cajun Potatoes:
Red potatoes cut into cubes
Low-Fat Butter alternative like parkay or country crock lite
Tony's cajun seasoning (green container)
Jar of minced garlic (produce section) (You'll need about 2 tablespoons for this recipe.)
Cut up desired amount of potatoes. I usually do about 7 or 8 depending on size. Melt 1/2 cup of butter and add minced garlic. Pour over potatoes in baking dish. Sprinkle desired amount of seasoning. Stir up to coat all potatoes. Sprinkle a little more on top. Cover with foil and bake on 450 until tender. Remove foil. Turn heat up to 500. Keep turning and stirring until potatoes are browned on edges! Yummy!
Sharon's Queso (MY recipe that I made up! YUMMY!)
1 large block velveeta
1 can Progresso Cheesy Enchilada Soup
1 can Rotel
1/2 bunch of chopped cilantro
Melt Velveeta in large bowl or in crock pot. Mix in all other ingredients. DO NOT drain rotel. Melt. Enjoy.
Wild Rice Beef Casserole:
2 boxes Wild Brown Rice fast cook recipe
2 cans cream of mushroom
1 pound ground beef cooked and drained
1 small jar pimentos
garlic powder
Shredded cheddar or cheese of choice
Cook rice as directed. Cook & drain beef. Mix together. Add in other ingredients except cheese. Top with cheese and bake on 400 for about 20 minutes!
EASY bbq Chicken!
8-10 boneless skinless chicken breast strips
1 large bottle of honey bbq sauce or brown sugar....whatever bbq sauce you prefer
1/4 c. water
Mix the water with the bbq sauce. Pour over chicken in baking dish. Cover with foil. Bake until chicken is done at about 400 degrees. Put chicken over cooked rice! Delicious!
Easy Southwestern Chicken Spaghetti:
1 package of linguine noodles
1 can of Cream of mushroom
1 can of Cream of Chicken
1 can Rotel, drained
1 package cooked fajita chicken
1 Can Cheddar Cheese Soup
Shredded Cheddar
Cook noodles. Drain. Cook Chicken in small skillet or microwave. (Just to get it hot.) Shred chicken into smaller pieces. Mix all ingredients and top with the cheese. Bake on 350 for an hour or so. Cover with foil if desired.
Macaroni & Taco Bake:
1 package of Deluxe Mac & Cheese
1 lb. ground beef, cooked, drained.
1 pkg. taco seasoning
3/4 c. water
3/4 c. sour cream
1 1/2 c. shredded cheese
1 c. salsa
Cook mac & cheese as directed. In skillet, make ground beef and drain. Add water & taco seasoning to make taco meat. Pour taco meat into mac and cheese. Add rest of ingredients. Bake on 400 for about 15 minutes. Enjoy!
These are just a few of the recipes. I will try to post more later. If there's one in particular that you need, email me and I'll get it posted for you! Enjoy!
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