A Meal Planning Tool With FREE Printable!

Let's chat a bit about meal planning. Do you love it? Like it? Loathe it? I tend to fall into the "love it" category. But I know it can be such a chore that quickly gets tossed aside. But come 4 o'clock on a weekday, we often wish we would have planned some meals for the week. The baby is screaming, the house looks like a tornado went off and your hubby is due home in an hour. Yikes. 

And all you can think is, "I should have planned some meals for the week."

In a future post we will chat about the process of actually meal planning but for now I wanted to give you a simple tool to help you meal plan easier and faster. 

It's a place to write all of your families favorite meals. Sometimes we can get in a major rut when it comes to our meals. We tend to cook our favorites or the things we know our kids will eat over and over again. Don't they say that variety is the spice of life? Or something like that. :)

So here is a page that you can print to add to your Home Management Binder or tape to the side of your fridge. You can slip it into a clear protective sheet and keep it from spills and messy fingers. I actually had a list of our favorite meals written into my planner but with 2015, that planner was no longer relevant so I decided to create this printable for myself...and you! 

Take some time to sit down with your family (maybe over dinner tonight!) and get a list of their favorites too. Bring the family back together around the table and let planning meals for your family be something that isn't a major stress. 

Let's Eat! 

DOWNLOAD OUR FAVORITE MEALS DOCUMENT

Weight Watchers Mini Cheesecakes

Weight Watchers Mini Cheesecake Recipe (3 P+)

These little beauties were my treat that I brought to our Play Group on Valentine's Day. There are about six  mommies who get together and three of us happen to be on Weight Watchers. So, I decided to bring this Weight Watcher version of mini cherry cheesecakes. They were delish and at just 3 P+, they were easy on the our waistlines too. Here is the recipe if you'd like to make them too!






First, crush graham crackers until you make crumbs. You need 3/4 of a cup. Add 2 Tablespoons of melted light butter (or margarine). I mixed it all in the bag so that it would be easy clean up - just throw away the bag!

Spoon 1 Tablespoon of graham cracker crumbs in the bottom of a lined muffin tin. These are NOT mini-muffin tins but rather regular sized muffin tins. Press crumbs into the bottom of the liners. 

Separate two eggs and set aside the egg whites. (Yes, you are counting three egg yolks. I goofed but caught myself before actually adding the extra egg white to my recipe.)

Beat 2/3 cup of light cream cheese with 6 Tablespoons of fat free cream cheese until fluffy. Add in egg whites, 3 Tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla. Blend until smooth.

Pour equal amounts of filling onto graham cracker crusts. I used 1/8 measuring cup and what was left over was portioned equally into the cups. 

Bake at 375 F for 15 minutes and then let cool.

Top with 1 Tablespoon of light cherry pie filling. Eat and enjoy! One cheesecake is 3 Points Plus! Yum!!

And just for fun, here is a picture of me in my Valentine's Day get up. Any excuse for an at-home mommy to get dressed up is a win in my book! ;) 


*Complete recipe at the bottom of the post. 

Mini Cherry Cheesecakes


2 Tablespoons Light Butter
3/4 Cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
2/3 Cup of Light Cream Cheese
6 Tablespoons of Fat Free Cream Cheese
2 Egg Whites
3 Tablespoons of Fresh Lemon Juice
1 1/2 Teaspoons Vanilla 
1/2 Cup Sugar
3/4 Cup Light Fruit Pie Filling, Cherry

• Place 12 cupcake liners in a cupcake pan. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  
• In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and butter; mix well. Spoon 1 tablespoon of crumb mixture into bottom of each liner and press down gently; refrigerate until ready to use.
  
• In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat both types of cream cheese until fluffy. Add lemon juice, egg whites, vanilla extract and sugar; beat until smooth.
  
• Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly into muffin liners; bake until set, about 15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
  
• Top each cheesecake with 1 tablespoon cherry pie filling. Yields 1 cheesecake per serving.

Prepping Ahead

"If you fail to plan, plan to fail."

So, I'm planning.

I've mentioned briefly that I'm plugging away at Weight Watchers. My hubby has gained a few pounds that he'd like to get rid of and though he's not doing any sort of weight loss program, I am doing my best to set up a healthy environment for us. He just finished trade school where he was living out of town and he told me to tell you that all he could afford was MGD and chicken wings. Sheesh. :)

So to help us manage this weight loss thing better, I'm setting up our environment. Here's what I'm doing.


1. Kicking The Junk To The Curb

I purposly DON'T buy junk. Potato chips, ice-cream and candy have not passed the threshold of this house in a few months. We've opted for pretzels instead of chips. And here's something - I love dip. Heluva dip. I'm even it's fan on Facebook. I haven't purchased any in awhile because it's just one of those treats that I could literally sit and eat the whole container. So I've decided that when I do buy it - I'll forgo the chip dipping and dip my veggies in it instead. And honestly, I'm excited about it!


2. Preparing For A Chocolate Fix

A girl has to have chocolate right? So here's how we are handeling that fix. The hubby bought some Nature Valley granola bars at Walmart for $2. They are actually called Dark Chocolate Nut. Yum!! And...dark chocolate is supposed to be good for you, right? I'm also anxious to try this recipe for Black Bean Brownies. Sounds gross, right? But apparently they are amazing! I have the beans and the brownie mix - so when I hit a chocolate fix, I'll definatly be making them. I also have the ingredients for this Hungry Girl Yum Yum Brownie recipe using just a box of devil's food cake mix and solid pack pumpkin.


3. Preppin' My F & V

I wash my grapes and then spin them dry in my salad spinner.

Important to get them really dry so they don't spoil too quickly.

I prep my veggies and some fruit ahead of time. I set some time aside shortly after I go grocery shopping and wash and chop my produce.

Inevitably, it ALWAYS happens that I'm running behind in my day and never want to chop my veggies and such before lunch.

Lettuce - washed and cut in a bag (add a wet paper towel to help keep lettuce fresh),

Grapes, Cucumbers, Green Onions

I usually grab what is convenient and already made. Now I have no excuses when it comes to making healthy lunches. Everything is all ready for me! I can't even tell you how many wonderful salads and meals I've made with these already prepped ingredients.


4. Preparing Some Protein

At the top of the week, I prepped ahead this chicken. These quarter chickens were only a little over $5. Rinse chicken and cut away any visible fat.

Brush tops with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and cracked pepper. Roast in oven at 350 F for about 45 minutes. Give or take. Check your meat thermometer for doneness. I grabbed this idea from Ina Garten. She roasts up chicken and then uses the meat (minus the skin) for things like chicken salad and shredded chicken meat for whatever recipe she is making.

Leaving the skin on during cooking seals in the juices and you are left with such a nice moist chicken full of flavor. After the chicken has cooled slightly, remove the skin, shred and either eat or stock away for later. You can even put the shredded chicken in a freezer bag or container and store in the freezer for a later time. Convenient!


So there you go! A little prep ahead saves a world of time in the long run. I think our waistlines are thanking us.

Do you have any planning tips to pass along? I'd love to hear them!

I'm hooking up with Keelie and her Food Faves and Finds party!

Food Faves and Finds - Salmon and Greek Salad

Today I'm hooking up with Keelie from Real Fat. She's blogging about her weight loss journey. She's so transparent and stinkin' funny! Her blog is packed with all kinds of tips and food ideas. She's transformed her body in just two months. It's been really awesome to see. Plus, she's just plain sweet! She's started posting her Favorite Foods and Finds every Friday and has asked us to hook up with her. So, I'm doing just that! (And because I'm just not that smart, I can't figure out how to ever add those cute buttons that people make to link back to their blog - HELP! - so I'll just provide the old fashioned link so you can hop over to see everyone else's fun finds.)

Oh, by the way, I've started Weight Watchers again. Just thought I'd throw that in there. :)


I absolutely love salmon. I can't get enough of it. I hate all things fish related so this is a really weird one for me. But I honestly could eat the whole package I love it so much. After counting the points, I realized that each fillet is less than 2 points each so I guess it wouldn't be that bad but I'm trying to put gluteny on the back burner.


I start with a frozen package of wild Pacific salmon. I let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

I then brush the top with olive oil.

Sprinkle with salt and cracked pepper.

Bake on a lined baking sheet at 450 degrees for 10 to 14 minutes.

(The package says 10 minutes but I usually add a couple minutes on to the cooking time.)

The salad is a version of a Greek Salad. Here is what I did:

• Chop one cup of cucumber.
• Chop one cup of tomato. 
• Chop one small red onion into bite sized pieces.
• (You can add Calamata olives but I didn't have any on hand.)
• Sprinkle salad with dried orageno. (The recipe calls for fresh but I didn't have any of this either.)
• Top with feta cheese. (Mine had gone bad - stinky!! - so I used some mozzarella cheese cut into small pieces. )
• Whisk two teaspoons of olive oil and one teaspoon of red wine vinegar together until emulsified. Pour over salad. Toss.

Because I'm goofy, I decided to put this into the oven during the last few minutes of the salmon cooking. It melted the cheese, softened the veggies and warmed everything so nicely. I loved it that way!

I couldn't eat all of the salad during one sitting - so I saved it for my dinner. But I did mow down two salmon fillets. LOVE them!!

Points Breakdown:

One Salmon Fillet - 2 points (4 for me since I had 2)

Salad - 2 points for oil (I didn't eat all of the oil as a lot was left in the bottom of the bowl but I still counted it as 2 points since I added oil to the salmon.)

              Veggies - 0 points
              Cheese - 4 points (I had had two serving sizes as I was really low on points this day.)


An eight point super filling lunch! Yum!!

Mashed Potato and Black Friday Tips!

What a title for a post! But......

Don't fret over the mashed potatoes. Seriously. Mash those bad boys up with some butter, a bit of milk and a pinch of onion powder, salt and pepper. Then, stick them in the crock pot about two hours before dinner. Stir every so often so the sides don't burn - but seriously, this is one of the best tips I have learned from my Mom. No bother waiting until the last minute to make the potatoes so that they are served hot. No double boiler. Just the crock pot. A free stove. Now that's beauty!

There are seventeen people coming over tomorrow - that includes my new nephew and my neice - there will be quiet a crowd. I'm anticipating a lot of laughter, amazing food, the best company and a great time. Around 3 o'clock I may be passed out due to the turkey overload, but it will all be worth it.

Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

And if you have a few minutes to spare and want to read a post I did last year on the most comprehensive guide to Black Friday shopping, check this post out! Lotsa information if you are new to the game.

Autumn Joys

1. Visit a Pumpkin Patch

When I was a little girl, I remember visiting a pumpkin patch with my sister, Jenn. My uncle Hal and his girlfriend and her daughter picked us up and took us to spend a fun day at the pumpkin farm. I remember it was the first time I ate Good-n-Plenty candies and it was that day that I learned I hated those little pill like things. The pumpkin patch is a wonderful place to get the best pumpkins, to support your local economy and farmers, sample some yummy goods (many often sell baked goods and jams), to take amazing pictures, to enjoy the wonderful Autumn air, and spend an awesome time with your family.

Don't have kiddos? Borrow one! A neighbor kid, a niece or nephew, grandchild, someone from church. Still no kiddos in your life? Grab your hunny and take him. You'll have a great time. Promise!




2. Celebrate Fall

Every year, since we started dating, Shane and I have celebrated Fall. It's our little way of welcoming the season in. For us, that means grabbing a hot apple cider from our local coffee shop and driving around to look at the leaves and pretty decorations that people have in their yards. Perfect excuse to take a great walk - in a new neighborhood too. So, throw on a cozy sweater, a scarf and get yourself a pumpkin spice latte or hot apple cider and go celebrate Fall.

3. Go On a Hayride

Have you done this before? If not, it's a must. Sitting on hay bales while riding around whether being pulled by a tractor, a truck or horses is such a fun fall thing to do. It's there that I discovered I had allergies to hay. But still, a fun time. Hot chocolate is required. So if you are at a place where they offer hay rides, don't sit back. Join in the fun!

4. Have a Bonfire

Here is another thing that Shane and I are planning on doing really soon. Perhaps as early as tonight! It's the perfect time to throw some wood on the fire, toast marshmallows, drink some hot drinks (what is it about this season that requires hot drinks? I don't know but I love it!) Provide your guests with extra mitts and scarves. Maybe have a basket or two set aside for them in case they get chilly. Also have some throw blankets set aside too. This is the perfect way to say goodbye to summer. I can't wait to have our bonfire!

5. Host a Pumpkin Carving Party

Pumpkins? Check. What is Autumn without pumpkins? Carving pumpkins is essential. Bring your friends together and see who can carve the best pumpkin. Have prizes for the most creative, the most intricate, the scariest. Lots of little kiddos in your life? Offer paints and glitters so they can decorate their pumpkins. Maybe use little pie pumpkins for them. Pint sized pumpkins for pint sized people!




6. Enjoy Some Candy

Throw off the guilt and indulge in a bit of a sugar rush. You know you can't resist candy corn, little candy pumpkins, the fall colored M&M's. Candy is way on sale right now. Have a little.

Here is a recipe for one of my families favorite Autumn treats:

Mix equal parts salty peanuts with candy corn. Toss together. Enjoy! It's the perfect combination of salty and sweet.




7. Buy a New Sweater

This is sweater weather isn't it? Maybe find a lovely sweater in a pretty jewel tone, a spicy pumpkin, or a deep red. How about argyle? That's what I'm looking for this season. Just make sure that you feel good in the sweater and it feels good on you.

8. Host a Potluck

What a simple way to get together with friends! It's easy to get together when everyone brings a dish. You provide the main course - maybe a hearty soup or sloppy joes. Something that can simmer in the crock pot all day. Your house will smell delicious! Maybe you can have a potluck party and pumpkin carving party in one!




9. Roast Pumpkin Seeds

Mmmmm. Yum-o! That's just about all that I can say. Here are a few recipes to get you started.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Sugar and Spice Pumpkin Seeds
Maryland Pumpkin Seeds

10. Cozy Up

Light some candles, turn down the lights, turn up the music and cuddle under a warm blanket with your sweetie. Or skip the music and put on "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" movie. Cute as can be!


So there are some ways to make the most out of this season. How do you celebrate Autumn? I'd love to hear! I'm always looking for new ways to enjoy my favorite time of the year.

Home Notebook - Menu Planning and Grocery List and a Download

In hopes to implament some more organization into my life, I created a Home Notebook. You can read about how that process began and about my Daily Routines in this post.

Here I'd like to show you my pages for my Meal Planning and Grocery List.


Do you meal plan?


When I first got married, I remember laying on my bed writing my first meal plan. I devoured my brandy-new cookbooks tring to find the most delectable recipes to make for my new hubby in our new kitchen in our new home. I was incredibly excited! To be honest, I still get excited making a meal plan. Maybe it's because I'm still a newlywed (being married almost 2 years is still a newlywed, eh?). But if I can be even more honest - I love to figure out what sort of yummy things we are going to eat. I love the idea of feeding my husband tasty, nutrious meals and I still love going through my cookbooks each week, trying out new recipes and enjoying old favorites.

Meal planning for me is also important for budgeting purposes. It keeps me focused on what is on sale, what I need to buy versus what we already have in stock, and what the heck it is that we will eat during the week. I hate it when the dinner hour rolls around and there is no plan! Too often that leads to fast-food and our wallet and waistlines don't appreciate it. When I have a good meal plan I am ready to face the week confident that we will be eating good, yummy meals and the fast food monstor stays away.

Awhile back I wrote a post on meal planning. It's way wordy and lacks any photos but if you are interested in reading it, here is the link.







I basically just divided up my paper into eight sections. Please refer to this post if you are interested in how I created this document. Seven sections are obviously for each day of the week. Each day is big enough to allow space for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. I'm trying to loose some poundage and I have learned that preplanning my meals is a major life savor so I knew when creating my Meal Planning page, I wanted plenty of space to write.




The eigth section is where I jot down what needs to be put on my grocery list. Sometimes I make my grocery list while I plan out my meals, other times, I don't. That little box just helps me to quickly identify the ingredients that need to go on the grocery list when I'm ready to fill out my complete grocery list. Make sense? I hope so.

My Grocery List breaks down the different sections of the grocery store.


The different sections I have included are:

Fruits and Veggies
Dairy and Frozen
Meats
Dry Goods
Bread
Household Items
Miscelanious (Things I want/need to buy like mascara, fabric or shoes.)

Each line in each text box has a little box next to it where I can check off the items that I have purchased. Throughout the week, if I notice we are low or out of an item, I put it on the grocery list. My hope is to get a nice clipboard and hang my grocery list on it somewhere in my kitchen but that's another project for another day. For now, I keep my list in my Home Notebook that is pretty much accessable to me at all times. Because of this list, I rarely "forget" if I'm out of an item. And, because I have my list divided into segements like I would find in the grocery store, I can easily cross off the items on my list as I finish shopping in that particular part of the store. I save myself time because I don't have to backtrack.



Each week I also go through each and every sale flyer. I take note of each item that I hope to purchase or that strikes my fancy. On the flip side of my Grocery List is where I write out those items. I also take note of the ounces/mls that each product is, the price, if I have a coupon or if it is only a one-day sale. Here is an example of what that looks like:

Superstore
Butter - $2.45
Quaker Granola Bars - $1.99
Cucumbers - 3/$1.00
Dawn Soap - $1.99 *$1 off coupon
Maybelline Mascara - Volumize - $4.99 *Price match at Walmart
This also helps in my meal planning. I know what is on sale and can then plan my weekly menus around that. It's all a system.
What do you do in regards to your grocery list and meal planning? I'd love to hear your tips and ideas! Please send them my way!

If you are interested in downloading my versions of a Menu Planner and Grocery List, please just click on the photos below and it will take you to the download page. Enjoy!



Menu Planner


Grocery List

A Quick Summer Treat

Image Courtesy of: GraphicsHunt.com

Ahhhh....can you feel the heat? I know I sure can! It's driving me out of my kitchen because who wants to turn on the oven? Not me! But I still need some sweet treats to put into my hubby's lunch. Here is a quick recipe that requires no oven. (Well, you may need to use a burner to melt two ingredients if you don't have a microwave...which I don't.) This recipe makes a ton. And if you keep it in the fridge, they are always nice and cold. Something yummy to nosh on on a hot day like today.


CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BARS
1 cup butter, melted
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup graham crackers, finely crushed (I use one sleeve of crackers)
16 oz. package confectioners/icing sugar
2 cups chocolate chips

Combine first four ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well. Spread into a greased 15x10 pan. Melt chocolate chips. Spread overtop of graham cracker mixture. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Score bars. Put back in the fridge for an hour or until solid. Enjoy!

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A note to Jill who won the 18x24 giveaway: I have sent a few emails your way but they keep coming back as undeliverable. Please email me (my address is on my sidebar) by tomorrow so I can get the prize info out to you . If I don't hear from you, I'll have to draw another name. Thanks!