Many times over the past couple of years, I have had friends wanting me to blog about menu planing, freezer meals, share recipes, etc. Since this blog is about defending and fortifying our homes, I feel like these requests can be granted here. One of the privileges of being a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom) is to be a homemaker- literally to make my house a home. For me, this is partly done by doing what I can to cut down costs of living, and that includes menu planning and making meals from scratch. My favorite part about this is that I do it out of love for my family.
Recently, I taught a class on menu planning and today I am going to post my notes here. Since I am not a techie guru, sharing documents on a blog is a bit foreign to me. However, I will certainly do my best to also post some of these items in printable formats.
NOTES
Budget
& Shopping
- Stop overthinking! This is easier than you think and you really can feed a family on a budget- even without couponing! We feed a family of 6 on $200/month. That includes all three meals and snacks.
- Shopping no more than once a week saves on the budget. If you can get it down to 1 or 2 times per month, that is best.
- Shop according to the ads and when there are bargains, stock up where you can.
- For healthier eating, shop on the outside of the store and avoid the aisles.
- Canning your own food not only saves money, it helps with healthier meals and saves trips to the store!
- Bountiful Baskets Coop- $15/basket but there is never a guarantee for what you will receive. If you choose to participate in this, make sure you plan flexible meals. This is easiest for side dishes and veggies. Can get extra food items as well. I will do a post on this at a later date.
- Stop overthinking! This is easier than you think and you really can feed a family on a budget- even without couponing! We feed a family of 6 on $200/month. That includes all three meals and snacks.
- Shopping no more than once a week saves on the budget. If you can get it down to 1 or 2 times per month, that is best.
- Shop according to the ads and when there are bargains, stock up where you can.
- For healthier eating, shop on the outside of the store and avoid the aisles.
- Canning your own food not only saves money, it helps with healthier meals and saves trips to the store!
- Bountiful Baskets Coop- $15/basket but there is never a guarantee for what you will receive. If you choose to participate in this, make sure you plan flexible meals. This is easiest for side dishes and veggies. Can get extra food items as well. I will do a post on this at a later date.
Organizing
& Time:
- When typing a menu, pick a font you like. Seriously. If you are disgusted when you look at it, then you are not going to want to make food.
- A month of planning takes 2 hours maximum of my time. Usually it's closer to an hour. This includes writing out the items needed to buy for meals. (Ok, for March it took me a little longer. I think I got TOO into it!)
- Having a movable meals option makes it easier for weeks that might not go as planned. I use a magnetic white board with movable magnets:
- When typing a menu, pick a font you like. Seriously. If you are disgusted when you look at it, then you are not going to want to make food.
- A month of planning takes 2 hours maximum of my time. Usually it's closer to an hour. This includes writing out the items needed to buy for meals. (Ok, for March it took me a little longer. I think I got TOO into it!)
- Having a movable meals option makes it easier for weeks that might not go as planned. I use a magnetic white board with movable magnets:
It was really easy to make these menu magnets. I just printed out the menu items (I am up to 60 dinners now. I started with 30.) I then cute them out, used a glue stick to tack them on paper I liked, then used a cut up magnet and attached it to the back with hot glue. I made a little pocket for dinner items (and later the breakfast items) by cutting, folding and gluing coordinating paper. . When I need to switch out the menu, I take it off my board, dump the items on the counter, and pick something!
-
Cook for the seasons! Crock pot meals, soups, chiles, casseroles in
the fall/winter. Pastas, salads, veggie trays, and sandwiches in the
spring/summer!
- Have themes: Souper Sunday- Tomato soup and grilled cheese, Marvelous Mondays- Shepherd's pie, Taco Tuesday- tacos, enchiladas, burritos, etc. Although I do not always do themes, it saves my sanity when I am planning!
- Have themes: Souper Sunday- Tomato soup and grilled cheese, Marvelous Mondays- Shepherd's pie, Taco Tuesday- tacos, enchiladas, burritos, etc. Although I do not always do themes, it saves my sanity when I am planning!
Food:
- Plan/buy in season (I will post below. For a cute printable, check out Living Richly on a Budget.)
- To make your produce last longer, do a wash on it when you get home. Fill your sink with cold water. Add ½ cup vinegar. Soak for 10 minutes then air dry. I have found my produce to last about 3 times longer than usual. Note: I have done all produce except bananas.
- Plan/buy in season (I will post below. For a cute printable, check out Living Richly on a Budget.)
- To make your produce last longer, do a wash on it when you get home. Fill your sink with cold water. Add ½ cup vinegar. Soak for 10 minutes then air dry. I have found my produce to last about 3 times longer than usual. Note: I have done all produce except bananas.
-
Bulk does not always mean more frugal. Price compare!
- Be willing to do a little bit of work. (Ex: Cook and de-bone a whole chicken to get broth and chicken for multiple meals.)
- Be willing to do a little bit of work. (Ex: Cook and de-bone a whole chicken to get broth and chicken for multiple meals.)
-
Use homemade mixes! For example: biscuit mix (I use the extension printout.) & instant oatmeal
packets save time and
money.
- Buy meat in bulk and divide it between meals. Cut up your own roast for stew meat. Section out your own ground beef for casseroles or burgers.
- Buy meat in bulk and divide it between meals. Cut up your own roast for stew meat. Section out your own ground beef for casseroles or burgers.
-
Our monthly meal planning always includes a new menu item. This gets
kids used to trying new foods. We give them two choices for dinner:
Eat it or be hungry. (They usually eat.)
Summary:
Menu planning is very helpful in saving time and money. Feel free to ask me questions about planning. I will do another post on freezer meals at a later date.
National Oatmeal Month: QuakerDiet Foods: Healthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs, YogurtSuper Bowl Sunday: Pepsi, Coke, Chips, Dips, Cheese, Sandwich Items, Crackers, Snacks, WingsSeasonal Produce: Oranges, Pears, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Cabbage, SpinachClearance: Christmas Decorations, Toys, Wrapping Papers,Winter Health: Cold Medicines and Vitamins
February
National Canned Food Month: Canned Fruit, Pie Fillings, Vegetables, Meats: Tuna, Chicken, SalmonNational Hot Breakfast Month: Malt O Meal, Oatmeal, Eggo Waffles, SyrupValentines: Chocolate, Hershey’s, KY Lubricant, etcChinese New Year: Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Noodles, Canned Water ChestnutsSeasonal Produce: Artichoke, Asparagus, Raspberries, Potatoes, Strawberries, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Spinach
March
Frozen Food Month: Ice Cream, Frozen Vegetables (Boxed, Bag, or Steam), Frozen Meals, Foster Farms Chicken, Waffles, PizzaSeasonal Produce: Artichoke, Asparagus, Haas Avocado, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Fennel, Kale, Leek, Lemon, Lime, Mushrooms, Spring Onions, Orange, Peas, Radish, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries, Tangerine
April
Easter: Ham, Eggs, Spices, Baking Supplies: Sugar, Spices, Baking Mixes, Chocolate Chips, Butter, Coconut, Marshmallows, Brownie Mix, Cake MixEarth Day: Organic Foods, Energy Saver, Reusable TotesSeasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbages, Carrots, Grapefruit, Haas Avocado, Mushrooms, Onions, Peas, RhubarbClearance: After Easter sales
May
July
National Ice Cream Month
More 4th of July BBQ Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, DipsEnd of July: Back to School Sales Begin: Crayons, Pencils, Folders, BindersSeasonal Produce: Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Beans, Green, Blueberries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Garlic, Grapes, Nectarines, Onions, Red, Valencia Oranges, Peaches, Sweet/Bell Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Watermelon
August
Back to School: Pudding cups, Lunch meat, Lunchables, Bread, Cold Cereal, Waffles, LunchboxesDisinfectant: Clorox, PurellClearance: Insect Repellant, Sunscreen, CharcoalSeasonal Produce: Gravenstein Apple, Haas Avocado, Green Beans, Beans, Berries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Grapes, Melons, Onion, Peaches, Bartlett Pears, Bell Pepper, Plums, Raspberries, Summer Squash, Tomatillo, Tomato
September
Back to School Sales through Labor Day: Crayons, Pencils, Folders, BindersDiabetes: Bayer Glucose Meters, Glucerna CerealSeasonal Produce: Apples, Artichokes, Beans, Bell Peppers, Chili Peppers, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Onion, Valencia Orange, Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Pomegranate, Squash, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Winter SquashBaby Items: Major Baby Equipment, Baby Safety
October
Halloween: Candy, Fresh PumpkinBeginning of the Baking Sales: Canned pumpkin, Evaporated Milk, Baking ChipsDaylight Savings Time Ends Promotions: Alarm Clocks, Batteries, Safety Equipment, Smoke DetectorsNational Seafood Month
Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month: Pedigree, PurinaSeasonal Produce: Almonds, Apples, Artichokes, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Chard, Chestnuts, Cranberries, Lemons, Parsnip, Pears, Pomegranate, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Spinach, Squash, Winter, Turnips, Yams
November
Hot Cocoa, Coffee, Tea
Baking Sales in Full Swing: Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Evaporated Milk, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Coconut, Cake MixesCanned foods: Soup, Broth, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti SauceThanksgiving Items: Turkey, Canned Pumpkin, Stovetop Stuffing, Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, MarshmallowsSeasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Carrots, Celery, Comice Pears, Cranberries, Kiwi, Lemons, Orange, Potato, Squash, YamsClearance: After Halloween Sales
December
Holiday Dinner: Egg Nog, Deli Platters, Instant Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows. Sour Cream Dips, Crackers, Chips, Soda, HamBaking: Flour, Sugar, Butter, Cream, Cake Mix, Brownie Mix, Muffin Mix, Breads, Pie Crust, Marshmallow, Whipped creamCanned Foods: Soup, Broth, Condensed Milk, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti SauceSeasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Bok Choy, Bosc Pears, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Dates, Grapefruit, Haas Avocados, Kale, Kiwi, Kumquat, Lemon, Napa Cabbage, Oranges, Sweet Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Rutabaga, Savoy Cabbage, Spinach, Winter Squash, Yams, Turnips, White Potato
Clearance: After Thanksgiving and After Christmas Sales
Summary:
Menu planning is very helpful in saving time and money. Feel free to ask me questions about planning. I will do another post on freezer meals at a later date.
Grocery Sale Cycles
JanuaryNational Oatmeal Month: QuakerDiet Foods: Healthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs, YogurtSuper Bowl Sunday: Pepsi, Coke, Chips, Dips, Cheese, Sandwich Items, Crackers, Snacks, WingsSeasonal Produce: Oranges, Pears, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Cabbage, SpinachClearance: Christmas Decorations, Toys, Wrapping Papers,Winter Health: Cold Medicines and Vitamins
February
National Canned Food Month: Canned Fruit, Pie Fillings, Vegetables, Meats: Tuna, Chicken, SalmonNational Hot Breakfast Month: Malt O Meal, Oatmeal, Eggo Waffles, SyrupValentines: Chocolate, Hershey’s, KY Lubricant, etcChinese New Year: Soy Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, Noodles, Canned Water ChestnutsSeasonal Produce: Artichoke, Asparagus, Raspberries, Potatoes, Strawberries, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Kale, Kiwi, Avocado, Spinach
March
Frozen Food Month: Ice Cream, Frozen Vegetables (Boxed, Bag, or Steam), Frozen Meals, Foster Farms Chicken, Waffles, PizzaSeasonal Produce: Artichoke, Asparagus, Haas Avocado, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collards, Fennel, Kale, Leek, Lemon, Lime, Mushrooms, Spring Onions, Orange, Peas, Radish, Rhubarb, Spinach, Strawberries, Tangerine
April
Easter: Ham, Eggs, Spices, Baking Supplies: Sugar, Spices, Baking Mixes, Chocolate Chips, Butter, Coconut, Marshmallows, Brownie Mix, Cake MixEarth Day: Organic Foods, Energy Saver, Reusable TotesSeasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbages, Carrots, Grapefruit, Haas Avocado, Mushrooms, Onions, Peas, RhubarbClearance: After Easter sales
May
Celiac
Disease Awareness Month
Memorial Day: BBQ Sauce, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips, Grilling Meats, Hot Dogs, Hamburger Meat, Marinade, Salad GreensPaper Products: Plates, Utensils, Insect Repellant, SunscreenCinco De Mayo: Salsa, tortillasSeasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Avocado, Beans, Green, Beets, Blackberries, Carrots, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Peas, New Potatoes, Raspberries, Strawberries
Memorial Day: BBQ Sauce, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, Dips, Grilling Meats, Hot Dogs, Hamburger Meat, Marinade, Salad GreensPaper Products: Plates, Utensils, Insect Repellant, SunscreenCinco De Mayo: Salsa, tortillasSeasonal Produce: Artichokes, Asparagus, Avocado, Beans, Green, Beets, Blackberries, Carrots, Sweet Vidalia Onions, Peas, New Potatoes, Raspberries, Strawberries
June
National Dairy Month:
Eggs, Milk, Ice Cream, Cheese, Cream Cheese, Butter, Yogurt, Whipping
Cream, Whipped Cream, Cool WhipEnd
of June is Fourth or July Sales:
Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad
Dressing, Potato Chips, DipsSeasonal
Produce:
Apricots, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cherries, Corn,
Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Honeydew, Nectarines, Peaches, Potatoes,
Raspberries, Red Onions, Squash, Summer, Strawberries, Sweet Vidalia
Onions, Tomatoes, WatermelonJuly
National Ice Cream Month
More 4th of July BBQ Sales: Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Condiments, Charcoal, Salad Dressing, Potato Chips, DipsEnd of July: Back to School Sales Begin: Crayons, Pencils, Folders, BindersSeasonal Produce: Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Beans, Green, Blueberries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Garlic, Grapes, Nectarines, Onions, Red, Valencia Oranges, Peaches, Sweet/Bell Peppers, Plums, Potatoes, Summer Squash, Tomatoes, Watermelon
August
Back to School: Pudding cups, Lunch meat, Lunchables, Bread, Cold Cereal, Waffles, LunchboxesDisinfectant: Clorox, PurellClearance: Insect Repellant, Sunscreen, CharcoalSeasonal Produce: Gravenstein Apple, Haas Avocado, Green Beans, Beans, Berries, Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant, Figs, Grapes, Melons, Onion, Peaches, Bartlett Pears, Bell Pepper, Plums, Raspberries, Summer Squash, Tomatillo, Tomato
September
Back to School Sales through Labor Day: Crayons, Pencils, Folders, BindersDiabetes: Bayer Glucose Meters, Glucerna CerealSeasonal Produce: Apples, Artichokes, Beans, Bell Peppers, Chili Peppers, Cucumber, Eggplant, Grapes, Onion, Valencia Orange, Asian Pears, Bartlett Pears, Pomegranate, Squash, Tomatillo, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Winter SquashBaby Items: Major Baby Equipment, Baby Safety
October
Halloween: Candy, Fresh PumpkinBeginning of the Baking Sales: Canned pumpkin, Evaporated Milk, Baking ChipsDaylight Savings Time Ends Promotions: Alarm Clocks, Batteries, Safety Equipment, Smoke DetectorsNational Seafood Month
Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month: Pedigree, PurinaSeasonal Produce: Almonds, Apples, Artichokes, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Chard, Chestnuts, Cranberries, Lemons, Parsnip, Pears, Pomegranate, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Spinach, Squash, Winter, Turnips, Yams
November
Hot Cocoa, Coffee, Tea
Baking Sales in Full Swing: Nuts, Chocolate Chips, Evaporated Milk, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Coconut, Cake MixesCanned foods: Soup, Broth, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti SauceThanksgiving Items: Turkey, Canned Pumpkin, Stovetop Stuffing, Betty Crocker Boxed Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, MarshmallowsSeasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbages, Carrots, Celery, Comice Pears, Cranberries, Kiwi, Lemons, Orange, Potato, Squash, YamsClearance: After Halloween Sales
December
Holiday Dinner: Egg Nog, Deli Platters, Instant Potatoes, Gravy Mixes, Frozen Pies, Cranberry Sauce, Jello, Marshmallows. Sour Cream Dips, Crackers, Chips, Soda, HamBaking: Flour, Sugar, Butter, Cream, Cake Mix, Brownie Mix, Muffin Mix, Breads, Pie Crust, Marshmallow, Whipped creamCanned Foods: Soup, Broth, Condensed Milk, Vegetables, Fruits, Spaghetti SauceSeasonal Produce: Anjou Pears, Bok Choy, Bosc Pears, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Dates, Grapefruit, Haas Avocados, Kale, Kiwi, Kumquat, Lemon, Napa Cabbage, Oranges, Sweet Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Rutabaga, Savoy Cabbage, Spinach, Winter Squash, Yams, Turnips, White Potato
Clearance: After Thanksgiving and After Christmas Sales
