How to Plan a Menu

For the longest time it seemed like I was making the same ten things for dinner every week or so.  And pairing them with the same sides and vegetables too.  My dad was the first one to bring attention to my lack of creativity.  Sorry I make the same easy dishes over and over....they are quick, easy, and taste good.  Win Win Win situation!  Well, I guess it was a win win win lose situation...

Okay, so I needed to spice things up a bit.  No problem, just a quick search on Pinterest and I could have different meals every day of the year!  But that would mean trying new dishes nearly every single day. I needed something a little more certain than that.  

So I made a list.  Yes, another list.  This was a list of all our families favorite dinners, side dishes, vegetables, etc.  Now every Sunday I look at the list and plan out a week of meals.  Being able to look at all the options keeps me from choosing my personal favorite dishes over and over.  Occasionally mom and I find something on Pinterest and have an experiment night.  Those are always interesting...

Here is our list, but feel free to print out this image and fill out your own.  And for the weekly menu, scrap paper works fine.  In the beginning I printed out fancy menu pages and grocery lists.  To be completely honest, scrap or blank paper works just as good.  Don't waste time or money trying to find a free or perfect layout on the internet...you'll be searching for hours.  :)

:Dinner:

Roast

Stew Beef

Baby Back Ribs

Meatloaf

Turkey Meatloaf

Hamloaf

Ham

Pork Chops

Shipwreck

Goulash

Sloppy Joes

Hamburgers/Hotdogs

Chicken Sandwiches (Grilled, Crispy, BBQ)

Cascades 

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Parmesan 

S&P Chicken

Italian Chicken

Chicken Nuggets

Chicken and Stuffing

Chicken and Rice

Chicken Alfredo

Chicken Salads

Christmas Wreath

Pizza

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Meatball Sandwiches

Pasta Stir Fry

Stuffed Shells

Lasagna

Lasagna Rolls

Fish

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Grilled Cheese (with Broccoli)

Soup (Tomato, Broccoli, Potato, Chicken Noodle, Beef Noodle)

Chili

:Side Dishes:

Baked Potatoes

Mashed Potatoes

Twice Whipped Potatoes

Scalloped Potatoes

Fried Potatoes

Onion Roasted Potatoes

Perigees 

Bow Ties

Buttered Noodles

Rice

White Bread

Biscuits 

Breadsticks 

Garlic Bread

How to Organize a Spice Cabinet

My mom has been on a cleaning frenzy!  From the walls and the cabinets, to the fridge and the basement storage, everything is getting organized before Christmas decorations come out.  Yes, ever since she bought this wall mop in Amish Country, she even mops our walls!   I will admit it's looking pretty nice...

In the beginning all our plates, glasses, bowls, etc. were right by the fridge.  It was nice if you were the only one in the kitchen, but when we were all in there it got a little chaotic.  We would all be in that same corner trying to grab something a plate, silverware, or something from the fridge.  My mom and I decided we needed to distribute the wealth throughout the kitchen.  

The spices got moved over by the fridge.  Changes are we won't be grabbing spices while someones in the fridge or freezer.  Plates, bowls, and glasses are in the opposite corner by the measuring cups. Silverware is by the dishwasher.  We all hate emptying the silverware basket anyway, so keeping it the closest to the dishwasher makes it a little less of a hassle.  

We just have plain shelves in our kitchen.  Since our cabinets are lacking those fancy features, my mom and I have to get creative to organize like pros.  So far our best idea is alphabetical order...creative right!  Here's a list of alphabetical (way too many) herbs and seasonings just incase you need a reference. :) I've seen some pretty cool ideas on Pinterest though...not going to lie, I'm kinda jealous. Here are my top five upgrades...