One thing I hate is going to the grocery store more than you have to. I ended up going 3 times a week because I forgot odds and ends for recipes I was fixing. I have found a solution to that problem...meal planning. Yes...it takes up a chunk of time all at once to plan. After you have the meals planned though, you don't have to waste time thinking of what you could have later in the week. This week we are going to have shrimp and sausage gumbo, leg of lamb with asparagus and rolls, carne adovada and corn, leftovers, chicken with zucchini parmesan, and spaghetti and meatballs. I got everything I needed that I don't already have in the freezer or the pantry. I also picked up what we needed for lunches and breakfast items. All in all, we end up spending less than $90 weekly which I think is pretty decent for a family of four. You couldn't go out to eat for a week and spend that little. $90 might cover you for maybe 2 days eating out for every meal. I don't understand how people can afford to do that.
I feel blessed that I can cook. I have my mother to thank for that. She is a wonderful cook and baker. She took the time, from when I was really little, to teach me how to read recipes and interpret what I need to do. I can't thank her enough. I just need to take the time to teach my girls when they get a little older. I have already started with my 2 yo. She loves to help me make cookies...really anything in the mixer. After I measure the items, she pours them in the bowl for me. My big helper! My hardest challenge is to have patience with her and to remember that she is only 2 yo. She is so big for her age, that sometimes I forget and treat her like an older child.
For seven days, I don't have to worry about what I am going to make for dinner. It will give me more freedom to work around the busy schedule we keep and not forfeit a yummy, healthy meal for my family.
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