Turkey week menu plan

Well, we don't actually get to the turkey until the end of the week but it's all good LOL!! I can't wait for the sammy's. I even have a spare can of cranberry sauce to go inside the said sammy. YUM!!!

My proposed menu for this week is below but I do expect some changes mainly because we are on vacation this week and also I expect a few grandkids and my boys' friends to want to spend a few weekday night since we are on vacation.

eggs, sausage, pots, F&Y smoothie

Clara's, fruit salad
shrimp stir fry over rice

Turkey - Traditional Menu
Beefy rice, fruit slices

mixed tacos and go alongs
turkey casserole creation (1 dish wonder)

So, with my above statement, all item (except Thursday) are subject to change but also as usual they will not change much since I do plan for a month in advance since I mostly do big box store shopping once a month then using my local grocery store (Sani-Food - they have a great meat counter!!) a few other times during the month.

I have linked this with MPM I'm #148 along with over 300 other persons/families who are also planning their menu for health, finances, and convenience.

What is your reason for meal planning? Please leave me a comment on your plan and how you came to your plan this week as well how and why you came to meal planning in general. I'd love to hear from one and all, Thanks.....Julie

Whats for dinner November 15 - 21, 2010

It's Monday again already,time to get my menu together. We'll see how much we follow through this week.

As usual I will be updating daily with what we did eat. Also, I will be linking this with MPM along with over 300 other meal planners.

So.....here's my menu plan for the week.....

TV Dinners, grapes

as planned - easy

BBQ Chx sammys, cole slaw

also as planned - YUM!!

mushroom ravs with meat sauce, green salad

also with garlic parm sourdough bread

mixed tacos and go alongs

big box of helper

middle school grand kids over
shrimp stir fry over rice

patties, scalloped pots, applesauce, apple pie

have 2 of the girl grandkids
chx legs,potatoes,green beans

chx legs, stuffing, green beans, pineapple

still 2 girl grandkids here fall vacation

eggs,pots,sausage and F&Y smoothies

for sure this menu item will change

still deciding what to make as I have several choices

shrimp stir fry over rice, pot roast with pots & vegs, chicken taco soup

2nd week of November 2010 meal plan

I know I'm a bit late but I got the rest of my month together as well as my weekly plan. Things should be eaten as planned but everything is interchangable just in case palates or plans change

WEEK 1
fast food

rotisserie chx, stuffing, peas
helper, green salad

helper, pear slices
rotisserie chx, stuffing, green beans

rotis chx burritos and fixings

LO/FFYS/beans

soup and sammys
chx veggie soup and sammys

fast food for kids

parents going to a wedding
pot roast w/pots&vegs

as planned

My plan is to be updating daily with what we do actually eat. Also I will link this with MPM. Come on over and see what others have going on over there.

Happy and healthy eating and please leave a comment that you were here.....Julie

What cooking in November 2010

This is my Whats available for dinner menu for November 2010.

It should stay in this order for the most part but everything is interchangable except for the BIG dinner on the 25th and the LO's it provides on following days..

WEEK 1

fast food

helper, green salad

rotisserie chx, stuffing, green beans

LO's / FFYS

veggie soup and sammys

pot roast w/pots&vegs

WEEK 2

mixed tacos and go alongs

chx legs and pots

shrimp stir fry over rice

TV dinners, fruit slices

BBQ chx sammys and cole slaw

ravs with meat sauce, green salad

eggs,pots,sausage and F&Y smoothies

WEEK 3

chx legs, rice, peas

helper, corn

beans, rice, fruit salad

Turkey - Traditional America Menu

beefy rice, fruit salad

Clara's, fruit salad

turkey casserole (1 dish wonder)

WEEK 4

chili, rice, mandarins

pizza, busy green salad

The Grocery List to finish October 2010

My Grocery Cart Challenge is creating a list and following through with the priority items
For the rest of the week we could use closer to $70 but I expect to have more like $25 so.....

at least a gallon of milk, $3* or $6
a box of cereal, $3*
a box of flavored oatmeal, $1.50*
a box of popcorn $2*
at least a loaf of bread $1.50* or $3
a package of lunch meat $1** up to $5
peanut butter $2* or 3
fruit snax $2 or $4
lunchbox goodies $2* up to $5
fruit/veggies $2** up to $10
bug spray $10
cash for lunch card $4*
* means priority ** means double it

November is upon us and I have to remeber to budget to have the kids home for an entire week at the end of the month along with the visiting grandkids I should expect almost daily and maybe a short visit from a few of the grown kids on a day or so that they have off from work and are not visiting their SO's families.
I did it!! I got my needed groceries for less than $25 to fill in for the rest of the week,till payday.
Hubs caught our 13 year old eating breakfast at school today after he ate breakfast at home 20 minutes earlier LOL Feeding teenage boys is busy work!!
I have linked this with GCC.

Rest of Oct 2010 menu plan

What I have left for dinners this last week of October 2010::Pretty much in this order but this is blogosphere not stone so things can change.

Claras, apple slices

chx legs, rice, green beans

peperoni pizza, busy green salad

pozole, cheesy tortillas

chx veggie fried rice

fast food

chicken veggie noodle soup, garlic bread

Halloween Pizza??

I hope to be able to get Papa Murphy's Pumpkin Pizza for Halloween and I suspect that we will go out to eat either fri or sat. If the paycheck is big enough I would like to do Casa Ramos Fajita Platter instead of fast food burgers.Or, If I get to WM for some groceries I might buy some shrimps and make our own fajitas! That actually sounds even better, and cheaper!!

A month long absence

Hi all, I realized I've been gone from here for a month. In this month I became ill, ended up in the hospital for several days, then after my release, while still recuperating, some of my test results came back and they were not good. They showed bladder cancer cells.

I go to a Dr on Monday in Napa CA and I suppose at that appointment we will decide further testing.

Upon the results of those tests/biopsies we will decide what treatment is necessary, if any.

I will update as I can.....Julie

Rest of August available menu

This is actually a working list of what we have available to eat for diner the rest of August 2010. We are trying public ed again (until we have another failure). I know why predict failure, well, past tells the future right???

For the ease of us to get back into school I expect this plan to stay in place. However, as always, I reserve the right to alter any menu at any time for any reason

17 Turkey roast, oven pots, green salad

18 Clara's and cantaloupe

19 Egg Sammy, cantaloupe, sugar cookies self decorated

20 Impossible Turkey pie

21 Dad's Helper

22 Chicken stir fry with rice

23 Hamburger patties, scalloped pots, peach slices, brownies

24 Pot stickers, re fried rice, shrimp patties

25 Chicken taco soup

26 Fast food or LO's

27 spaghetti, garlic bread

28 Honey mustard Chicken rice helper. pears

29 Turkey gravy over pots

30 Chili and cornbread

31 Turkey soup or ??

It's been over a month since I posted my menu because during summer we found we had different dinner needs that were too variable to document other than the whole month of available menu items. We often ate big early in the day then had lunch items for dinner. Hope your summer went well also.....Julie

PS:: I have linked this with MPM

Follow me Friday

OK so let me understand this, we just make this post then link it back to Still on the Verge and then people will come back to read my blog?

So people, if you do come and read my blog, please leave a comment of your blog name and where you come from.I want to return the favor......Thank you.....Julie

PS:: This week is FMF#8 and I'm #33

Meals for week July 12 - 18

Getting my menu ready for this upcoming week. I have had to change some things from my original plan because we altered some menu plans last week LOL. As we already know I reserve the right to change any menu for any reason at any time.

Mon 12 Clara's Poormans' meal, fruit salad
have you seen this video? She's a hoot!!
Tue 13 Beef and Bean Nachos, fixings, grapes
Wed 14 Turkey and gravy over rice or casserole, green beans
Thu 15 Hot dogs, can beans, corn on cob
Fri 16 CP BBQ chicken sammys, KFC coleslaw
Sat 17 Hamburger helper, green beans
Sun 18 Frozen Pizza, Hearty Green Salad

I will be linking this with MPM at orgjunkie. Come over and read what several hundred other families are preparing this week. This week, I'm #173. I also try to update this daily after we eat or while I'm preparing

Menu for the first full week of July

This is the plan so far, I am working off the month menu from here that I created after we did our mass shopping last week. As usual all things are subject to change at any time for any reason, I hopefully will update daily.

Also as usual, I am linking this with Organizing Junkies MPM. This week I'm #223. Come on over and read what several hundred other families have planned to eat.

Sun 4:: TV Dinners and FFYS

ended up at BBQ at friends with mudslides (yum)

had TV dinners for lunch 7-5-pizza and pudding is our fav
Mon 5:: Beef and Bean Nachos, fixings, fruit slices

meatloaf, potato wedges,corn on the cob
Tue 6:: Turkey and gravy over rice, green beans

chicken nuggets, sweet pots, watermelon
Wed 7:: Hot dogs, can beans, corn on cob
Thu 8:: Pozole, cheesy tortilla chips
Fri 9:: Hamburger patties, mac& cheese, steam broccoli

guys on own so expect as planned
Sat 10:: Chili cheese fries, can mandarins

guys on own so expect as planned
Sun 11:: Chicken Italiano, egg noodles, green salad

expect as plan:: to make when I get home

Getting to know you from MannLand5

Hi All I'm doing the "Getting to know you" post over at MannLand5 blog. It looks like fun!! Come see what other people said about themselves

1. What do you look forward to the most on the 4th of July? Having someone else man the BBQ all I have to do is eat. And no house mess, we'll take it with us to the BBQ party
2. Are you a hugger? YES!!! Just ask my embarassed tweenage boys
3. What is your favorite BBQ'd food? Ribs and zucchini
4. Do you like to watch parades? Macy's thansgiving is my all time fav that one I would love to see in person otherwise it's just too darn hot unless my kids are involved!!
5. Who has stinkier farts..boys or girls? Hate to admit this but I think girls when hormones are involved LOL
6. Vampires or Werewolves? Werewolves
7. Do you read your horoscope? When I see it I do
8. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Chocolate Brownie

Available and Proposed Menu for July 2010

OK I think I have a pretty solid plan and have arranged these items to provide variety (Biggest pet peeve is any same item 2 nights in a row - I know - how crazy!!) Anyway this seems to go with our anticipated schedule.......SO FAR!!! HAHAHA plans always change don't they??

Sun 4 TV Dinners and FFYS

Mon 5 Beef and Bean Nachos, fixings, strawberries

Tue 6 Turkey and gravy over rice, green beans

Wed 7 Hot dogs, can beans, corn on cob

Thu 8 Pozole, cheesy tortilla chips

Fri 9 Hamburger patties, mac& cheese, steam broccoli

Sat 10 Chili cheese fries, can mandarins

Sun 11 Chicken italiano, egg noodles, green salad

Mon 12 Clara's Poormans' meal, fruit salad

have you seen this video? She's a hoot!!

Tue 13 Shredded Beef Tacos, fixings

Wed 14 Onion Chx nuggets. sweet pots, cheese stix

Thu 15 Meatloaf, saffron rice, corn on cob

Fri 16 CP BBQ chicken sammys, KFC coleslaw

Sat 17 Hamburger helper, green beans

Sun 18 Frozen Pizza, Hearty Green Salad

Mon 19 Hamburgers, sweet pots, corn on cob

Tue 20 Impossible turkey pot pie

Wed 21 meatless spaghetti, garlic toast,peas

Thu 22 Potatoes and Eggs, toast,

Fri 23 CP Chili, cornbread

Sat 24 Tuna helper, corn on cob

Sun 25 Au Jus Beef sammys, green salad

Mon 26 CP Beans

Tue 27 Broccoli Beef stir fry over rice

Wed CP Chicken taco soup,cheesy tortilla chips

Thu 29 CP Breakfast for dinner (pancakes??)

Fri 30 Chimichangas, fries, mandarins

Sat 31 Hamburger Soup, bread maker bread

I will post updates to see how good I keep my plan. I spent $205 at 4 grocery stores last week. I need about $70 more for the rest of the month #1::$10 for items still needed for main menu, and #2::$15 for each of 4 weeks during the month (total $60) for things like produce, milk, cereal and bread.
Breakfast and Lunches are where I am kind of lacking in both planning and quantity. However I have to remember that we supplement those menu plans with weekly $15 stipend, 1 meal of fast food once a week and finishing off or repurposing leftovers.

Lastly, I will be linking this with::links to come...

A few Coupon thoughts...

I am trying to have and keep the reasonable goal to save at least 10% off my groceries and household supplies with the use of coupons. So far, since I made this goal 2 months ago I have done it.
I am feeding a family of four - 2 adults and 2 tweenage boys who are hungry ALL the time!!! My budget for all food and household supplies is $400. To increase my goal and save over $100 is my next step, but for right now knowing that I am saving about $40 is great!!
I have joined a coupon train over at CafeMom. So far, so good. I'm sure I saved $5 with what was in there this time. Also, I have the assistance of my dear neighbor who gives me her Sunday coupons in her Sac Bee. I don't take that paper and she doesn't clip coupons so it works for both of us!!
A few things that would be nice is if #1 California stores offered doublers. I read online that is how most successful couponers really save. #2, many of the products I get coupons for are not available in my area, yet, (It shows up after the coupon expires). #3 I do some shopping at Grocery Outlet, they do not accept coupons - It would be super if they did!! And lastly #4, It would be great if more fresh products provided coupons such as dairy, meat, and fruits and vegetables.
Just a few thoughts. What are your thoughts on realistically using coupons?

I have linked this to Focus Check Friday I'm #3 this week

Menu Plan for the last 3 days of the month of June 2010

Well, it finally is here, the end of this month. Feeding my kids all 3 meals for the last 2 months has definitely taken it's toll on my pantry but I guess thats ok since were planning a move in August, right??

As it stands right now I only have to create a menu for 3 days then I will be shopping on thursday for not only the bulk of the month but for my baby's 11th b-day on the 3rd as well as a grown son who is turning 28

Mon::Crescent dogs, canned fruit

Tue::Turkey,cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, etc...

Wed::Chicken Taco soup or leftovers

Thu::Shopping so probably fast food

Fri::Papa Murphy's (We're having a sleepover)

Sat::Sons' #11& #28 B-day BBQ hot dogs and beans, etc...

Sun::4th of July BBQ chicken,potato salad, etc...

I am linking this with MPM, This week I'm #193.

3rd week of June and cupboards are getting bare

My menu this week is definitely coming from the recesses of my pantry and freezer. I need 3/4# hamburger to complete the meals I have planned for the next 10 or so days. Along with milk, cold cereal, salad makings, and some fruit. Total still needed for groceries may be $10-$15?? Gas-about the same??

Dinners

Chicken taco soup (T)

made the turkey pot pie-smells yummy!!

OMGosh!!The pot pie was delish!!!I will do again!!

ham hock and beans with sweet cornbread muffins (W)

beans are soaking-Tues night

Everything a hit - no leftovers!!

Tamale Pie (Th)

Hubs makes this-he got home late so

we had eggs on toast with yogurt

turkey pot pie (Fri)

hubs made tamale pie

ham/eggs over toast, F&Y smoothie (Sa)

chicken taco soup is now planned

frozen pizza and green salad (Su)

expect as planned

Lunches

lunch meat,tuna, sammys x 2 (T,Su)

had these Wed and??
pizza tv dinners (W)

had these Tues instead

McD's mini meals (Th)

as planned - yum and cheap

bean and cheese burritos (F)

spaghetti-o's and garlic bread(Sa)

Breakfast

cold cereal x2 days (T,Sa)

hot cereal x 2 days (Th,Su)

pancakes (Wed)

sausage gravy over sourdough (Fri)

I will be posting this on MPM I'm #268 there read what hundreds of others are making for their families this week. I try to update daily what we did consume.

Do not use Hotels.com-they lie!!!

We are traveling this week, half vacation, half research. I used Hotels.com to book my room because they say they offer price match guarantee. Well people, they do not offer this in reality. I will never use this service again!!!
I was told that $48.00 was the cheapest rate we could get, so I took it. However, when we checked in the rate was $35.69.
I called Hotels.com and all they would offer me is $10 back or a $30 hotel voucher for a full price room. I am not satisfied with that. I have been over-charged well over $20 and all they will refund me is a stinkin' $10 where is the price match in that?
I called them and it took 3 calls because their agents kept "dropping" my calls, really, they didn't want to deal with my issues so they hung up on me. Great customer service, huh??? NOT!!!
I have now sent them an e0mail and am awaiting a response but I doubt i will be responded to.
Anybody have a different story to tell about this service, please leave a comment and I will post it.
I wanted this service to work, I have several other trips to make yet I will be handling all my bookings myself.
Lastly, I know I am complaining about a measly $10 but it is more of the lack of service I got when I called to get my refund that has me peeved

Vacation Week Menu

We're taking a mini vacation this week and going to explore the area that we are considering relocating to. Anyway, we are having a transient menu - lot's of PBJ's,

We are staying at a Wyndham hotel for $45 a night and they serve breakfast so we'll make sammys for lunches and be dollarmenuaires for dinner.

Mon::Salisbury steaks, mashed instant, mango slices

as planned

Tue::$1 menu

Reno Buffett - it was ok not OK!!

Wed::$1 menu

brought the CP with us so we had BBQ chicken sammys

Thu::Pizza, green salad

as planned

Fri::Stew, rolls

working on it right now

Sat::Chili Cheese Fries,mandarins

guys on their own tonight

Sun::Roast Beef Au Jus sammys, steamed carrots

Happy Father's Day

There it is, the menu for the week. As usual, anything can change at any time for any reason. I usually update daily, IDK how that is going to work this week. I plan on being busy but I know I will have a few minutes to get online in the evenings with my free wifi. I sure hope it gets warm enough for us to get to use the outdoor pool.

I am linking this up to MPM, I'm #277

For fun today

http://disney.go.com/charactercalls/piccolinismiles/

I'm trying this today with my kids, let's see if I really get the calls??

I wish I had taken a pic - my 10 year old was so smiley when Mickey was talking to him!! Yeah he knows it's a recording but he is also young enough to still enjoy some fantasy!!
It does also send them to go to a online game at Disney but for whatever reason my computer just does not like downloading their stuff or Nickelodeon's either. Oh well!!

Menu plan for 2nd week of June a bit late

No shopping this week, just the menu that is better late than never as that seems to be my modus operendi this week. So, here's my menu plan for the rest of the week...As usual, I will update daily and alter any menu for any reason so keep coming back!!

Tue::Beef and bean Doritos nachos, mango slices

had as planned - good and easy
Wed::CP BBQ chicken over baked potatoes, green beans

In the CP already - YUM!!!
Thu::Ham and eggs over toast, F&Y Smoothie

had as planned
Fri::Salisbury steaks, rice, mandarins

will leave for guy by 5pm
Sat::Frozen Pizza, and green salad

guys on their own
Sun::spinach lasagna, garlic bread
Dad will make before I get home at 6pm

I will be liking this to MPM at Organizing Junkie, I'm #316,Focus Check Friday I'm #x, and usually I post at Grocery Cart Challenge I'm #x there