Easing ourselves into the new year and feeling a little more ready to make a menu plan for the rest of the month now that we have some semblance of a schedule and I know what day of the week it is, lol. Although I have to say, as much as we all were ready to add more structure to our days, going back to school has not been the easiest transition this week. Poppy is the most mellow and predictable child in our home right now (other than Oz who has a couple more days of break) which is not the norm. The rest go between bouncing off the walls, to needing a nap, to crying at any given moment. Missing my kids while they’re at school but also missing their sanity while they’re home, ha! Friday could not have come soon enough!
How are things at your house?
Regardless, hopefully a little meal planning will help… here’s whats on our menu:
WEEK 1 (including what we ate at the beginning of the week)
M | Meatloaf
W | Pizza :)
TH | Party nachos (pictured)! Because Thursdays are the new Friday at our home. Start with this carnitas recipe, then layer on all the yummy toppings over tortilla chips (cheese, sour cream, black beans, onion, avocado, cilantro, and cotjita cheese)
F | chicken caesar salad and favorite pasta
SA | These pork and chicken dumplings were so good so making them again before Oz goes back to school! (Or whip up some frozen pot stickers and rice!)
SU | eat out or takeout/leftovers, please!
^^^ in case you’re on the fence about the nachos^^^
WEEK 2
M | Grilled cheese (or Croque-Madame sandwich) and your favorite soup or try my mom’s famous meatball soup or this minestrone soup.
TU | eat out or takeout/leftovers, please!
W | Meatless wednesday might be a new thing so let’s try this Roasted broccoli, white bean and poached egg or this crispy quinoa recipe. So good!
TH | Crunchy Parmesan Chicken Tenders, fries and a simple side salad
F | Stovetop Lasagna and more side salad :)
SA | eat out or takeout/leftovers, please!
SU | This chili recipe (stir in a little lime juice) and these pretzel bites and cheese sauce if you’re up for it — made the pretzels last week as a snack and everyone went bonkers — better than at a restaurant!
WEEK 3
M | Meat, cheese, veggies + fruit snack platter for dinner (with a side of wine because Monday needs to be celebrated too!) some inspiration if you need it!
TU | eat out or takeout/leftovers, please!
W | Baked potato bar
TH | One of these yummy grain bowls
F | Spaghetti and meatballs (you guys know I can’t resist these meatballs!)
SA | Roasted veggies + oven baked or rotisserie chicken + parmesan toast
SU | eat out or takeout/leftovers, please!
WEEK 4
M | Homemade pizza night! (or frozen/papa murphy’s/takeout!)
TU | Taco Tuesday!
W | Mac & cheese with a side salad.
TH | Super quick Asian beef bowls.
F | eat out or takeout/leftovers, please!
BREAKKIE |
My mom sent me this biscuit recipe to make with the kids so I’m thinking we’ll need to whip up some sausage gravy to go with them, been making a chocolate bread with a side of scrambled eggs + avos but can’t seem to find a similar recipe so will have to share soon (it only calls for 3/4 cup sugar so it’s not too sweet and perfect for breakkie!) and need to make these egg + cheesy breads again too… should probably add some smoothies in there! ha!
LUNCH |
My kids have been asking for bagel sandwiches or breakkie/dinner leftovers so we’ll stick with that!
SNACK |
As much fresh fruit as possible, homemade pretzel bites, popcorn, cereal, nachos, pb+j’s, bananas + peanutbutter (+ chocolate), pretzels + carrots + hummus, roasted broccoli
So basically eating our weight in bread but only the homemade kind which is way better… Or is that just what I tell myself? Also seems to be good incentive to keep up with my workouts, lol. Plus baking (and cooking too) saves us all from complete boredom this time of year. What about you guys!? How do you keep those winter blues away?
One more of these two cuties in case your ovaries weren’t aching yet… or is it just me?
xo, Rae
I’m totally making those pretzel bites. More importantly- who is NOT having a glass of wine on Monday nights?!?
haha, true! let me know what you think of the pretzels! xo
My kiddos and I are making Gigi’s famous meatball soup this weekend! Can’t wait to try it. The Asian beef bowls link isn’t working, just fyi! You guys eat good food at your house. :)