What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
Our family had a great time camping with friends last weekend. The weather was beautiful, we had delicious food, and wonderful fellowship. I was actually surprised at how well I slept in a tent too. Since we still have leftovers from last weekend our menu incorporates several of those items. We are looking forward to celebrating Halloween and doing some special activities with the girls this week! Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree): Sloppy Joes, Fresh Fruit
- Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook): Kids in the Kitchen – Hotdogs, Baked Beans
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Holiday Activities
- Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree): Crockpot Kielbasa, Green Beans & Potatoes
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week was another fun one! Our Community Group did our first overnight camping trip. We had a lot of great food and fellowship. The kids had a blast and wanted to know if we could do it again this weekend! 🙂 Although they will probably have to wait a while longer I am thankful that they got to hang out with friends, meet new friends, and created a lot of great memories. Hopefully this week I will be able to tackle more items on my list!
Last week’s goals:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily – didn’t get to read on the weekend during the camp out
Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDaily School Activities & Homework CompletedAttend After School ActivitiesPlan one special Activity with the Family– Camp Out Adventure!!!! 🙂Attend Parent / Teacher Meetings for the Girls
Personal Goals
Exercise at least 5 days this week- Drink 8 glasses of water each day – didn’t drink enough the last couple of days with all the camp out preparations and cleanup
Finish reading 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine– excellent bookFinish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read)– great book- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – working on it
- Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion – staying on track
Home Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week- Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule – got a few items done (need to tackle a couple more this week)
- Pay all upcoming bills – have a couple that came in the mail during the camp out adventure so they were put on my desk until this week
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchWrite and Send Out Community Group EmailWrite and Send Out Alms & Legs Ministry Team EmailCommunity Group Camping Adventure
Financial Goals
Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4- Payoff the Van – was able to set aside a little bit extra this month to put towards the van
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.) – working on it
My goals for the upcoming week:
Family Goals
- Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
- Attend After School Activities
- Plan one special Activity with the Family
- Celebrate Halloween with the Family
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith
- Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion
Home Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Tackle Fall Cleaning & Organization Project (Focus – Office / Garage)
- Pay all upcoming bills
- Finishing cleaning up from Community Group Camp out
- Put away all the Halloween Items
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming (November) blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Schedule November work dates
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Write and Send Out Community Group Email
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Payoff the Van
- Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.)
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Laugh When You….
Recipe: 3 Easy Seasoned Pumpkin Seed Recipes
Every Fall our family likes to pick up a couple pumpkins to carve. One of our favorite parts about carving and enjoying some time together as a family is making toasted pumpkin seeds. This year was even more special because Grandma Penny and Great Grandma Willa were here to join in the festivities with the girls.
We did 3 different seasoned pumpkin seed recipes this year. The two that we did last year were such a huge hit that we did them again plus added one more. To make it easier on you I have all three recipes in this post.
Seasoned Salt Pumpkin Seeds
- 2 c pumpkin seeds
- 2 T butter
- Sprinkle Seasoned Salt (or substitute a 1/2 package ranch package mix)
Rinse the pumpkin seeds. Saute pumpkin seeds in the butter for about 5 minutes (until they start to turn brown). Sprinkle the Seasoned Salt on the seeds. Spread seeds into a shallow baking pan and baked at 250 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until crispy. Stirring every 10 minutes.
Dill Ranch Pumpkin Seeds
- 2 c pumpkin seeds
- 2 T butter
- 1/2 package Hidden Valley Dill Ranch Mix
Rinse the pumpkin seeds. Saute pumpkin seeds in the butter for about 5 minutes (until they start to turn brown). Sprinkle half the pack of Hidden Valley Dill Ranch Mix (or any flavor of Ranch mix) on the seeds. Spread seeds into a shallow baking pan and baked at 250 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until crispy. Stirring every 10 minutes.
Cinnamon Apple Cider Pumpkin Seeds
The cinnamon apple cider pumpkin seed recipe was adapted from the recipe My Retro Kitchen shared on her blog. I removed the nutmeg from the recipe but otherwise it is the same. These seeds came out with a perfect mix of sweetness. The other two recipes were more the salty flavors so adding this sweet one was awesome compliment to the three. I want to make them again because mine came out a little oily (maybe they needed to cook longer or I had too much butter?). These were a hit with family and friends, perfect for the Fall festivities!
- 2 cups pumpkin seeds, cleaned and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 1 1/2 tablespoons melted butter OR olive oil
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Pour the apple cider in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil. Add the pumpkin seeds and boil on medium heat for 10 minutes. Drain the seeds and pour them in a large mixing bowl.
Pour the melted butter or olive oil into the bowl, along with the salt, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well to coat and spread pumpkin seed in a single layer onto jelly roll pan or a baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour, stirring them them every 10 minutes, until butter topping has dried and the pumpkin seeds are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool and dry-out the rest of the way on the cookie sheet on top of the stove. Store in an air-tight container.After cleaning out our pumpkins we had a little over 6 cups of pumpkin seeds so we decided it up three ways and made three different recipes. These seeds were a hit with our family and friends. The girls had a blast cleaning and carving their pumpkins!
Fresh & Healthy: Lunch Box Meals
Karlie is ready to pack up her lunch!
I found fresh strawberries marked down at the grocery store last week and after picking out 1 bad strawberry the rest were perfect. The girls were excited to get strawberries in their lunch this week for their fruit. 🙂
Lunch Box Meal:
- Peanut Butter & Jelly or Almond Butter & Jelly Sandwiches
- Fresh Strawberries
- Fresh Carrots
- Cashews or Peanuts
- Strawberry Yogurt
- Ritz Cheese Bits or Elf Grahams
- Bugles or Corn Chips
- Whole Grain Crackers
- Cherry Kool-Aid Jammers or Yahoo Chocolate Milk
Fresh strawberries, carrots and more!
The girls are always excited to help with their lunches and they do a great job. This year we have a lot of extra activities going on after school so it has been hard to get all the activities, homework, dinner, baths, lunches made, and everything else done after school so I have been pitching in to help them when it is getting too close to bed time. If they don’t get a chance to pack their lunches before beds they are always eager to find out what is in them. Many times I catch them sneaking a glance in their lunches at breakfast or on the way to school.
Local Activities: “Dine Out for Mom” Event on Thursday, October 25, 2012
There is a special event going on tomorrow, Thursday, October 25, 2012 called Dine Out For Mom which is a part of the Let There Be Mom organization. As a Mom with small children it is important for me to remember that life is precious, sweet, and short. We never know what joys and trials life will bring our way. You may know of a friend or family member that has gone through serious illness and given only a short amount of time to live. This event is to remind us to celebrate life, create memories, cherish our family, and help others because our life here on earth is not forever.
What is Let There Be Mom? It is an organization that provides help to Moms when they or their spouse is diagnosed with a serious illness. How was it started? “Let There Be Mom” comes along side the family going through this difficult time to preserve memories. They do this through a variety of services tailored to meet the needs and wishes of the individual families. Some examples of ways you can get involved – photography, scrapbooks, journals, videos, meals, errands, special events, care packages, family cookbooks, and many more wonderful activities. The Dine Out For Mom event tomorrow is designed to help raise funds for this great organization. When you eat at one of the participating restaurants they will donate a portion of the proceeds to “Let There Be Mom” so they can continue to help families that are losing a loved one.
Take some time out of your busy day to meet a friend for lunch or take the family out for dinner. What a great way to spend time with those you love while helping a wonderful organization that is committed to preserving family memories.
For more information about the “Let There Be Mom” organization, their services, and how to get involved please visit their website.
CONGRATULATIONS to Our “21 Days to a More Discipline Life” Winners!
The 5 names have been drawn for the giveaway!
CONGRATULATIONS to
for winning Crystal Paine’s new ebook
“21 Ways to a More Disciplined Life”!
Thanks for making a comment in honor of our Giveaway!
An email has been sent to you with more information*
I hope this ebook is a wonderful blessing in your life!
If you didn’t win you can still get a copy of the 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine which will be available for $0.99 for 2 more days ONLY (Wednesday, October 24 to Thursday, October 25, 2012) after that it will go up to $4.99. You can also order it through Amazon for the same great price!
Don’t forget to enter our Toys R Us Gift Card Giveaway (which will be ending next week on Wednesday, October 31, 2012)!
*Giveaway must be claimed within 5 business days of the prize being announced. Failure to claim the prize within the allotted time frame means you forfeit the prize.
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of October 24 – 30, 2012
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. It is a great time to stock up on some Save A Lot deals. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meat and Seafood
Beef Stew Meat – $2.99 lb
Boneless Beef Chuck Roast – $2.49 lb
Pork Sirloin Chops – $1.99 lb
Chicken Drums or Thighs – $0.99 lb
Ground Beef – $1.99 lb
Pork Sirloin Roast – $1.69 lb
Hillshire Farms Smoked Sausage (12 oz) – $1.99
*Pick 5 for $19.99 promotion on going! Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts or types of meats, vegetables and more.
Fridge and Freezer
Banquet Frozen Dinners – $0.99
Totino’s Party Pizza (9 – 10 oz) – $1.29
Produce
Celery – $0.59 each
Green Cabbage – $0.25 lb
Sweet Potatoes – $0.39 lb
Apples, Assorted Varieties – $0.99 lb
Russet Potatoes (8 pounds) – $2.29
Carrots (1 pound) – $0.39
Grocery
Mantia’s Spaghetti Noodles (16 oz) – $0.88
Mantia’s Pasta Sauce (24 oz) – $0.99
Mantia’s Grated 100% Parmesan Cheese (8 oz) – $2.99
Hargis House Sloppy Joes Sauce (14.5 oz) – $0.99
So Cheesy Mac & Cheese (7.25 oz) – $0.39
Wylwood Canned Vegetables, Corn or Green Beans – $0.59
Diane’s Garden Sliced Tomatoes (14.5 oz) – $0.69
Wylwood Red Kidney Beans (15 oz) – $0.79
Marcum Chili Seasoning – $0.57
J. Higgs Saltine Crackers (16 0z) – $0.99
Kurtz Ketchup (32 oz) – $0.99
Kaskey Onion Soup Mix (2 oz) – $0.89
Save A Lot Soft Drinks (2 liters) – $0.69
Sunny Delight (48 oz) – $0.99
Save A Lot Today Toaster Pastries (11 oz) – $0.99
Westcott Vegetable Oil (48 oz) – $2.69
J. Higgs Potato Chips (10 oz) – $1.49
Ginger Evans Sugar (4 pounds) – $1.99
Cowboy Billy’s Baked Beans (16 oz) – $0.89
Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals! Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends. For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here. If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list. Please make sure to check with your local Save A Lot store, the ads do vary per region.
Giveaway & Review: “21 Days to a More Disciplined Life” ebook by Crystal Paine (5 WINNERS – Today Only)
Do you have ideas, hopes, goals, and dreams for what you want to accomplish in your life, but you feel like you’re being held back by a lack of personal discipline? I am excited to introduce you to Crystal Paine’s new ebook 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life! Crystal is the author of the popular Money Saving Mom blog. This is a positive, practical, and motivating ebook that will encourage you to make progress, in the right direction, on those areas of your life that need extra attention!
TODAY ONLY 5 lucky readers will win a FREE copy of the 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine! ENTER NOW for a chance to win a copy of this great ebook (it only takes a couple seconds to leave a comment and be entered into the giveaway, please see all the giveaway details below)!
You can get started reading 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine or through Amazon for only $0.99 for the next 3 days only (October 23-25, 2012)!
Who is This Book For?
21 Days to a More Disciplined Life (or through Amazon) is for you if:
- You have trouble following through.
- You get overwhelmed by huge projects.
- You start strong, but your passion fizzles out.
- You are super-disciplined in a few areas of your life, but you have one or two pet areas that you just can’t get under control.
- You check out 10 different books on discipline and organization from the library, but return all of them late.
Why I love this book:
There are specific areas in my life (physically, spiritually, and more) that I need to focus on because I haven’t given them the extra attention they need and it is mainly due to a lack of discipline on my part. I am looking forward to implementing several of the great ideas Crystal shared in this book. She has help inspire me to get “back on track” and tackle those many goals / projects that I keep putting on the back burner for several weeks, months, and yes (although it’s embarrassing to admit) even some goals that I have been delaying for several years now.
After reading 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life I think it will help inspire you to make positive steps in the right direction as well. I know many of you will enjoy this ebook and find it to be a wonderful resource! It is a great time of year to re-evaluate our lives, goals, and priorities.
- Are you easily overwhelmed by your big ideas or projects, and you just don’t know where to start and how to make real progress?
- Do you find yourself making “all-or-nothing” plans for transforming your life, and then three days later you crash and burn under the weight of your plan?
Giveaway Details
As a way to say thank you to my readers and to share Crystal Paine’s ebook I am hosting a giveaway! 5 WINNERS will receive a free copy of 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine!
How to Enter:
- Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied. You can sign up to receive Blessings Multiplied via email or like on Facebook.
- You can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing your best tip that helps you stay on track with your projects and goals!
All comments must be made by Tuesday, October 23, 2012 11:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.
I encourage you to check out more information on 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine if you are interested in finding ways to help you to tackle all those projects and goals you have been putting on hold for days, weeks, months, maybe even years! This ebook book may give you the just right dose of motivation to get you on the road to a more disciplined life! What are you waiting for…….get a copy and start reading today!
More information about 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine can be found:
- 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine
- Amazon – 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life
The 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine is currently available for $0.99 for the next 3 days ONLY (Tuesday, October 23 to Thursday, October 25, 2012) after that it will go up to $4.99. You can also order it through Amazon for the same great price!
I was given this ebook for free to write an informed review. The ebook, specific product information, and pictures were provided by Crystal Paine, however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I was not paid to write this post. A special thanks to Crystal Paine for providing me a copy of her 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook to review as well as five to giveaway to my readers!
Song: “Give You Peace” by Echoing Angels
The phrase that caught my attention in this song was “I will give you peace”. I cannot count the number of times in my life when it feels like I have more on my plate than I can handle. Part of the reason I am overwhelmed is because I haven’t given my concerns over to the One who can give me peace. There are days when I think I can manage life on my own but thankfully He gently gets my attention and draws me back to His side. He hears my prayers and gives me peace!
I see you lying their whispering prayers
I hear you breathing out hollowed be thy name
Holding out my hand catching every tear
Oh my child I’ll never leave your sideI will give you peace when the walls come crashing down
I will give you peace through the night
When you’ve had all you can take can’t face another day
I’ll give you peace, I’ll give you peaceFor such a time as this I have you here
Chosen for the lost to show I’m near
Through your brokenness my glory shines
And through your frailty my strength will riseYou’re beautiful, you’re beautiful
Perfect in my sight
Righteousness adorns you my bride
You’re beautiful, so beautiful
Kim Fritz
Renelle
Lynette
Gina Badalaty
Tracy