The Candy Picnic Pail
We were expecting to head out the door for the 2nd session of general conference. We didn't realize that the streaming option for conference was in place - we tried last time and it wouldn't stream over our computer. Anyway, we made a quick change and stayed under our roof for general conference. The girls were not in the mood for sitting, but I felt it was important to at least try! Nini, with her brute strength and flexed muscles, carried her pink table into our office and both Cici and Nini sat and colored for the entire time. There were many disruptions, some bribing ( a treat after each talk), and a "go run and play during the song" time! Tomorrow we will be heading for the live broadcast at the church and for a huge baptism social in between the two sessions.
I have been working on my 30 day menu plan, but keep having to cross days off as I'm not quite ready to instate the plan! I should be ready by Tuesday, with groceries and 30 days of menus! So excited. I have been using Rachel Ray's, 365, No repeat recipe book, my own recipe's, and a couple area cookbooks for my plan. I'm actually nervous, as I've never planned this many meals in advance - mom, you would be proud!
Have you ever been on a dessert or candy picnic?
How far in advance to you plan your meals?
Do you freeze meals for a later date?
Before I forget, I took this photo this past week. Can you see the ground? We are finally in de-thaw mode, some flurries in the works for this weekend, but perhaps we're out of the worst? Check out Cici's outfit - so cute and they were such great helpers that day too!
15 comments:
I made a basic six week menu a while back. I started out just writing down all the meals I knew how to make, and then dividing them up somewhat according to price and type of food. Each day of the week was a different theme. For instance Sunday was usually a meat main dish (something that was still relatively easy to cook), One of our busier weekday evenings was always breakfast, it just varied what kind of breakfast we had for dinner each week, one day of the week was pasta, one day was for international foods and we rotated week to week between Mexican, Asian and etc. One day of the week was for soups and sandwiches. I left two days open to fill in according to what was on sale that week at the store, but it could easily be a casserole day or a day for leftovers. I have not been very good about doing menus lately and need to get back to it. The best thing about having six weeks was that we didn't have any repeats so it didn't get boring. After six weeks we could just start over again. I also kept a list of new recipes I wanted to try.
I'm impressed you are making a 30 day meal plan. That is such a great idea! I wish I could do that but I know I probably wouldn't end up being in the mood to eat what I had planned, and then would mess up the whole thing.
We have never been on a dessert picnic, but it sure does sound like a fantastic and novel idea. The candy picnic pails you came up with are very sweet.
My husband is the cook around here and he pretty much creates a different dish every night. He usually plans meals a few days in advance.
We had enrichment night on this very thing. Jen Gubler does this. She gets her recipe books from the library, Freezer meals. A few good freezer recipes are white bean chicken chili, Marcheschi sauce, cream of and tomato soup. You can find these at www.saucycooks.blogspot.com
meal planning for a month? You are a wonder. I aim to know for the next day.
I'll have to use your tips on keeping it together alone in June. Dirk is going on a five day fishing trip with his dad. And I'll be all alone.
I'm thrilled for you to be able to see the ground. Happy thawing to you!
Way to go with the meal planning. That is the biggest part of the battle for me. You're such an organizing inspiration to me lately!
I can't even beleive how much snow you still have!! Holy cow!
Those are such cute buckets. I will need to remember to do something like that. My girls would love to go on a dessert kind of picnic. Such heaven.
I have been doing really well still with cooking at home. It is saving us so much money.
Did you happen to get the good mail I sent you right before Easter?
wow a 30 day plan...that is commendable. lately i don't want to cook anything. it is hard for me when my mind is not set. i know people have to eat, but i have been just doing super super basic things...which is not me...but i have been thinking of planning and then buying ingredients and doing them, instead of the same old same...---still soo much snow..wow. it has been kind of cool down here in ca
oh...can I just tell you what a cute banner you have!
Good timing... I need to get back to better meal planning and just organization in general. I haven't done 30 days in awhile but love when I am that on top of it. I do freeze meals. I love it! As soon as I can do a major grocery run I want to do that again. I have taught the class at enrichment twice... now I just need to practice what I preached.
Really cute baskets for your VTeees. I haven't been too great either... another thing to get back on top of...
Hi there! I am a peek-a-booer, and I've loved reading your blog. I started back in Jan. You are such an amazing Woman, Wife,and Mother. I love reading about all your fantastic adventures, ideas, and crafts. I have been planning my monthly meals since the summer, and I absolutely swear by it now. It is amazing how much stress time you save by not having to figure out what to make for supper. I don't know about you but that is the hardest part for me. As well you'll see how much money you save by doing your one main grocery shop. You'll still have to do some fresh shopping, but you're not there doing a daily meal shop. I love it. I'm sure that once you get started on it you will be hooked. I also try and plan out our lunches so that I can make sure my children are rotating on the healthy snacks and special snacks. Take care and let us know how your menu goes..once your up and at it!
First of all I LOVE your new banner. It is darling! Where did you find those dresses? They are soooo sweet! :)
I have been inspired by your post to sit down this afternoon, and write out a meal plan. I think I will start with a 15 day meal plan, and take it from there. I have been trying to do better about cooking at home. We still tend to eat out more than I would like. I know I would be more happy to have a plan. Wow, all of the money, I could save too! :)
I have to tell you, I love visiting your blog. You have such a special way about you.
In the fall of 2006 I filled my freezer in the basement with meal knowing that I was having my third in early January. I seriously don't think I "cooked" a meal for months (between my mom visiting, friends bringing food and those in the freezer). It was heaven. I find that it's easier to do in the fall/winter when we're eating things that are more condusive to freezing. In the summer we just eat off the BBQ, salads, veggies from the garden.
Good for you! You will love it!
The boots with the tutu are PRICELESS!
Loved conference. We attended all sessions at the church because my son's calling is to set up the equipment for broadcasts and make sure they are recorded for the building. It is not an easy thing to keep 6 kids happy for that much church, but we survived!
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