thursday tip: meal planning

ever since i started staying at home, i have really worked hard at sitting down to plan our meals...i would not say i am the best at this, because i could go out any night of the week, but that is just not possible.  so, i typically sit down once a week and figure out what we will have for dinner.

this is my system...nothing fancy!  i made a sheet in word that i print off every month...it looks like this and i keep it in my planner!

i do it week by week, because for me doing a month is just too much.  and i typically go grocery shopping once a week...or maybe twice...based on what we need and when!

why this helps me:

• i can see what we have already had...i really try to change it up, but it is hard with the girls.
• what i need to get at the store-this helps a lot.  i have not been making a list that much these days, but just bring my meal planning sheet, since i know what i need based on that
• saves some money too!
• i don't have to worry at 4, what is for dinner!
• i don't make different meals for the girls...we all eat the same thing...so i tell them typically at lunch, this is what we are having for dinner, it seems to go over well in this house...like i am warning them...dinner is this and you have to try it!

here are 2 of the girl's favorite meals right now, but i have lots more...so please let me know if you are looking for some new meals to make...that are kid friendly and easy!

Lemon Chicken & Broccoli  Pasta-totally made this up myself years ago, before we had the girls!  It is a favorite for the whole fam!

Things you need:
-Chicken Breast-16-20 oz.
-Fresh broccoli
-Lemon Juice
-EVOO
-Lemon Pepper seasoning
-Penne Pasta


Directions:
1. Chicken Breast-cut up...I typically use 3 breast, cook on med. heat and season with Lemon Pepper
2.  As chicken is cooking...mix the sauce, which is about 1.5-2 cups of lemon juice and a half of cup of EVOO.  Shake up before you add to the chicken.
3. Cut up and add the broccoli and add the lemon sauce, let cook over med. for a few minutes...while the noddles cook. 
4.  Make penne noddles
5.  Serve chicken & broccoli over penne...and enjoy!
 

Bow-Tie Pasta with Ham & Peas...you could do something else too...if you are not a pea fan!  by Martha!

What you need:-1 pound bow-tie pasta
-Salt & Pepper
-3 tablespoons butter
-some onion, diced
-2 cups of peas
-1 cup half and half
-1/2 pound cooked ham
-grated parmesan cheese


Directions:
1.  Cook pasta according to package
2.  Heat butter in a saucepan over med. heat and add onion.  Cook for 3-4 minutes or until soft
Add peas, half and half and season with salt and pepper.  Simmer until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3.  Cube ham and add to sauce.  Cook until heated, about 1 to 2 minutes.  Toss sauce with pasta.  
4.  Serve with grated parmesan cheese


Enjoy...what are your kiddos favorite meals?  Please share!