This Week on the Dining Table

The "I Can't Keep Up!" Edition................

Here is the latest large colander of tomatoes Hubs picked on Sunday.  He had just picked another bowl worth on Friday.  I am drowning in tomatoes!  That's always how it is with tomatoes(and zucchini).....you either have almost none or you have bowls of them all at once.  8-)))

Hopefully by tomorrow I'll be ready to process it all in the water bath canner.  I've been throwing bags of tomatoes into the freezer(easier to de-skin them that way)and have almost a full stock pot of mater pulp now.  The jars are out and ready and canning will happen soon now! ;-)

Moving On....

Onward to the meal planning!

This is what was planned--

1. Sunday--Chinese Take-Out
2. Monday--Chicken Pot Pie

3. Tuesday--Kielbasa on Rolls, Sauerkraut(optional), Harvard Beets

4. Wednesday--Dinner Out(Anniversary)

5. Thursday--Breakfast for Dinner

6. Friday--Shrimp Scampi w/Linguine
7. Saturday--Steak, Salad, Corn Casserole

And this is what actually happened--

1. Sunday--Chinese Take-Out
2. Monday--Chicken Pot Pie

3. Tuesday--Chicken Tenders, Broccoli w/Cheese Sauce

4. Wednesday--Dinner Out(Anniversary)

5. Thursday--Kielbasa on Rolls w/Peppers and Onions, Sauerkraut(optional), Harvard Beets

6. Friday--Shrimp Scampi w/Linguine
7. Saturday--Breakfast for Dinner(I had eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns)

Last week saw 5 nights of home cooked dinners, 0 nights of leftovers/ffy, and 2 night of Eating Out/Take-Out.

Everything happened except the steak but it didn't necessarily happen on the night it was planned.  Meals were changed up according to Ex-CB schedule, weather or me being too tired or not inclined to cook a particular entree on a particular night.

What got put into the freezer last week.....

* 3.31 lbs. corned beef brisket
* 1 pack sausage w/peppers and onions

What got taken out of the freezer and used last week.....
* 1 bag cooked chicken breast
* 1/4 of a bag of chicken tenders
* 2 packs Kielbasi
* 3 packs of shrimp

Two trips to Weis($34.14),a trip to Shurfine Market($16.42), a run to the Bread Outlet($10.00)and a forgotten trip earlier in the month to Ollie's($5.17) brought the weekly spending to $65.73 and my August Grand Total spending on food to $304.16.

My savings percentage last week was 60.65%(without Rite-Aid trips)and August's monthly savings total comes in at 52.16%(w/out R-A). 

Onward and upward to September!I have 28 more food shopping/spending days in September.  The budget is $400 but we always hope to do a little better than that amount. ;-)

Leftovers going into this week......Corn from 2 Corn on Cob, Shrimp Scampi, Linguine, Harvard Beets, Peppers and Onions, Kielbasi, 1 Pancake, 1 Sausage Patty and 1 strip of Bacon, a helping of Hash Browns, and a helping of Broccoli in Cheese Sauce, which I'll turn into Broccoli Cheese Soup. The leftover corn went into Sunday evening's corn casserole.

Here is this week's "food plan".....

1. Sunday--Steak, Corn Casserole, Garlic Mashed Taters
2. Monday--Haddock, French Fries, Cole Slaw

3. Tuesday--Leftovers(Probably Beets and Scampi + Tomatoes)

4. Wednesday--Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches, Squash and Onions

5. Thursday--Pizza, Salad

6. Friday--Pork Chops, Glazed Carrots, Rice(Hubs is cooking this.)
7. Saturday--?

This week will see 5 new meals cooked, 1 night of leftovers/FFY, and 1 night of ?.

What needs buying for this menu? Cabbage, Yellow Squash.  Lobsters are on sale this week so that might happen instead of something if I feel up to going to that store. ;-)

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week? 

Sluggy  

This Week on the Dining Table

The "It's a Bright Shiny New Year" Edition--

Here's hoping that 2018 sees us all growing richer in so many ways!  Time to put up the 2018 calendar today.

Moving On....

Onward to the meal planning!

Here's what was planned last week--

1. Sunday--Xmas Eve Chinese Out

2. Monday--Beef Roast, Mac and Cheese, homemade Rolls, Harvard Beets

3. Tuesday--Fried Shrimp(son's choice), Fried Potatoes, CA mix veggies

4. Wednesday--Leftovers

5. Thursday--Lftovers
6. Friday--Pizza, Salad
7. Saturday--Leftovers or FFY or ?

And this is what actually happened--

1. Sunday--Xmas Eve Chinese Out

2. Monday--Beef Roast, Mac and Cheese, homemade Rolls, Harvard Beets

3. Tuesday--Fried Shrimp(son's choice), Fried Potatoes, CA mix veggies

4. Wednesday--Leftovers

5. Thursday--Leftovers
6. Friday--Pizza, Wings(using gift certificate)-Nobody wanted salad. lol
7. Saturday--Leftovers or one of the tv dinners in the freezer

Last week saw 2 nights of home cooked dinners, 3 nights of leftovers/fend for yourself, 1 nights of take-out and 1 night of Eating out.
Two special meals for the Holidays this past week, 1 meal out and take-out pizzas/wings on Friday.  We had so many leftovers it didn't make sense to cook more than twice last week.

Trips to Weis and 1 trip each to Dollar General and Maines restaurant supply was the extent of the shopping last week and the bill came to $78.98 for all trips.  That brought December's food spending total to $516.48.
There are no more days in my shopping month.  December is the month I add back in all rebates/post coupons/rolled coins into the food budget so my "spending" from income was only $244.27 this month.

My savings percentages last week was 55.79%(before adding in all rebates/post coupons/rolled coins for the year) and the monthly savings so far ends up at 56.47%(without Rite-Aid trips and "found" money added in).

Leftovers going into this week.......chicken and dumplings, bbq pork, beef roast, mac and cheese, beets, rolls.

Here is this week's "food plan".....

1. Sunday--Cocktail Meatballs, Shrimp Toast, Cheese/Crackers, Dip/Celery, Pickles, Olives and Bubbly to drink

2. Monday--Ravioli in Sauce, Salad

3. Tuesday--Leftover Roast Beef, Asparagus, Mashed Taters

4. Wednesday--Leftovers

5. Thursday--?
6. Friday--Homemade Pizza, Salad
7. Saturday--Chicken Fried Steak, Gravy Taters, Mix Veggie

This week will see 5 new meals cooked, 2? nights of leftovers, 0 night of Take-out/Eat-Out.

The only thing I need to buy to make these meals is some milk I think.  I'll hit Weis for some loss leaders but that's about it this week.

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?


Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

The "Stuff Going On" Edition--

College Boy's Senior flute recital partner posted a slew of photos of the two of them on Facebook last week.  We are talking flute related photos taken by a professional photographer.
Who knew college recital photos were a thing?!?

This one should be captioned something like "Oh, you saucy wench!  Let us go make beautiful flute music together!!". lol

So we've got lots to do in November......besides a Thanksgiving gathering and the fetching and returning of College Boy to school, we've got assembling a piece of furniture(think Ikea hell), finishing moving stuff out of CB's room and then Hubs gets to drive to IL to move his sister's belongings along with his sister to SC to live with their oldest brother before she becomes homeless(along with being destitute)and then drive home to PA.  The next day after Hubs returns home we drive to college for CB's recital.  Not even two weeks after that in Dec. we rent another cargo van and move CB back home as he ends his college career.  Then it's Christmas!
I'd really prefer to sleep through November this year.......
The last thing I want to be doing is meal planning and cooking but alas!, it needs doing.

Moving On....

Onward to the meal planning!

Here's what was planned last week--

1. Sunday--Ham slices, sauteed Cabbage, Cornbread

2. Monday--Fish, Cole Slaw, Brussels Sprouts

3. Tuesday--Leftovers

4. Wednesday--Roast Chicken w/Veggies

5. Thursday--Asian Chicken Salad
6. Friday--Leftovers
7. Saturday--?

And this is what actually happened--

1. Sunday--Ham slices, sauteed Cabbage, Cornbread(I had cabbage and cornbread.)

2. Monday--Hot Dogs on rolls, leftover Baked Beans and Harvard Beets

3. Tuesday--Fish, Cole Slaw, Brussels Sprouts

4. Wednesday--Leftovers

5. Thursday--Roast Chicken w/Veggies, Stuffing, Gravy
6. Friday--Chinese Take-Out
7. Saturday--Jerk Pork Loin w/Peppers and Onions, Au Gratin Potatoes

Last week saw 5 nights of home cooked dinners, 1 night of leftovers and  1 night of take-out.  The Asian Chicken Salad didn't happen but Jerk Pork Loin did.  And Hubs and I splurged out on take-out on Friday since Daughter went out for the evening.

Last week's grocery spending at Weis and Shursave Markets came to $55.41.  That brings November's food spending to $55.41.  There are 24 more days in my shopping month.

My savings percentages last week was 48% and the monthly savings so far ends up at 48%(without Rite-Aid trips added in).

Leftovers going into this week.......lasagna, roast chicken, pork loin w/peppers and onions and I think a little bit of stuffing and gravy.

Here is this week's "food plan".....

1. Sunday--Fend for Yourself

2. Monday--Asian Chicken Salad

3. Tuesday--Olive Garden Gnocchi Chicken Soup

4. Wednesday--Rigatoni w/Meat and Mushroom Sauce, Salad

5. Thursday--Leftovers
6. Friday--Calzone or Stromboli(homemade)
7. Saturday--maybe Eggplant Parm in the freezer?

This week will see 4-5 new meals cooked, 2 nights of leftovers and 0-1 night of "I haven't got a clue". lolz
Leftovers carried forward into this week will be lunches for Hubs(and maybe me if I eat lunch). The leftovers roast chicken will make an appearance in the Asian Chicken Salad and the Gnocchi Soup.
When Hubs made lasagna he opened a third ricotta container and just used a smidgeon so that's why there is calzone/stromboli on the menu(I have two hunks of pizza dough in the freezer as well for that.).

The only thing I need to make these meals is some salad greens.

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?


Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

The  "42 + 42=84" Edition--

Here's my view this morning sipping my iced tea.
When I left home it was 42F degrees and foggy.  When I got to Va it was 84F degrees and sunny.
Sluggy doesn't do well in heat, especially when it's TWICE the temperature in the same day.  Gradually getting use to rising temps is fine but this?....No thanks!

Moving On....

Onward to the meal planning!

Here's what was planned last week--

1. Sunday--Pinto Beans w/Ham, Cornbread

2. Monday--Flounder, Fried Potatoes, Yellow Squash and Onions

3. Tuesday--Leftovers

4. Wednesday--Pork Chops, Garlic Mashed Taters, Stir-Fry Veggies

5. Thursday--Leftovers
6. Friday--Meatloaf, Veggie TBD
7. Saturday--maybe Chinese Take-Out

And this is what actually happened--

1. Sunday--Pinto Beans w/Ham, Cornbread

2. Monday--Leftovers(I had a can of soup)

3. Tuesday--Flounder, Fried Potatoes, Yellow Squash and Onions

4. Wednesday--Eggplant Parmesan

5. Thursday--Pork Chops, Garlic Mashed Taters, Brussels Sprouts
6. Friday--Leftovers
7. Saturday--Chinese Take-Out

Last week saw 7 nights of dinners....1 night of take-out, 2 nights of Leftovers and 4 nights of cooking new meals.  The Meatloaf meal didn't happen but I don't know if it will move to this week.

Two trips to Weis(one of which was almost all "free" as I used a gift card paid for last year)put a dent in the food budget of $35.96.   This brought my May food spending total to $79.93.  There are 16 days left in the month.

My savings percentages last week was 79.83% which brings the month's percentage to 75.84%. 

Leftovers going into this week.......3 Rolls, Taco filling, and Pizza slices.  Not much at all.

Here is this week's "food plan"....
* Denotes "complicated" meals

1. Sunday--Fend for Yourself

2. Monday--Ravioli and Sauce, Salad, Garlic Bread

3. Tuesday--Roast Chicken and Veggies

4. Wednesday--Leftover Chicken in Gnocchi Soup

5. Thursday--Leftovers or Fend for Yourself
6. Friday--Biscuits and Gravy(BFD)
7. Saturday--? or Leftovers

This week will see 4 new meals cooked, 0 night of Take-Out/Eating-Out and 3 nights of Leftovers.

What I need to buy for this menu?  Well I'm not there so I am not buying anything. lol
I think I have everything Daughter needs to make all this there already.  She's making a large batch of spaghetti sauce today with meat in it so I am sure they'll be having pasta(or at least some of them will)on the Fend For Yourself/Leftover nights.

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?


Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

The "Feeling Rich" Edition--

This is one of the rings I inherited from my mother.  She had a thing for bling, didn't she?
What do you think?.....Should I wear this out to Rite-Aid and Weis(PMITA)Markets the next time I am running errands?
What about my tiara?  Or would both be too much? ;-)

Moving On....

Onward to the meal planning!

Here's what was planned last week--

1. Sunday--Leftovers/Fend for Yourself

2. Monday--Breakfast for Dinner

3. Tuesday--Leftovers

4. Wednesday--Spaghetti and Meatballs, Salad

5. Thursday--Leftovers
6. Friday--Chicken and Mushrooms in Wine, Asparagus, Rice*
7. Saturday--Leftovers

And this is what actually happened--

1. Sunday--Leftovers/Fend for Yourself

2. Monday--Breakfast for Dinner

3. Tuesday--Coq au Vin(sort of), Asparagus, Leftover Taters*

4. Wednesday--Leftovers

5. Thursday--Leftovers
6. Friday--Pizza
7. Saturday--Leftovers

6 meals cooked at home, 4 of them a night of leftovers or Fend For Yourself, and 1 night of eating-out/take-out.
The spaghetti and meatballs didn't happen as we had so much in leftovers.

As for the grocery spending.....1 small trip to Weis, a trip to the Bread Outlet and a stop for just milk brought the food spending last week to $12.70. I used $22 in gift cards so it would have been $34.70 without the gift cards. This brought my March food spending total to $245.84.(Food spending would be $370.84 for the month so far, w/out that gift card).  There are 4 days left in the month.

My savings percentages last week was 84.83%. (Would have been 59.75% without using free gift cards.)

Leftovers going into this week.......1 slice Meatloaf, Corned Beef, Cabbage and Carrots, Irish Stew, 1 helping of Cole Slaw, Brussels Sprouts, Shrimp and Chili.
And a serving bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
We don't seem to have made much of a dent in the leftovers last week though I swear we ate leftovers! lolz

Here is this week's "food plan"....
* Denotes "complicated" meals

1. Sunday--Spaghetti and Meatballs, Salad *

2. Monday--Reuben Sandwiches(should finish up the corned beef)

3. Tuesday--Haddock, Cole Slaw, Asparagus

4. Wednesday--Leftovers

5. Thursday--Chicken Parm, leftover cooked Carrots and Cabbage
6. Friday--Leftovers or Pizza in Freezer
7. Saturday--Leftovers

This week will see 3 new meals cooked(4 if you count the sandwiches using leftover corned beef), 0 nights of Take-Out/Eating-Out and 3 nights of Leftovers.

What I need to buy for this menu?  More Rye bread unless I can talk the family into having their Reubens on pumpernickel which I bought last week.  I got chicken cutlets last week, meatballs are in the freezer, I have spaghetti and sauce ingredients here already, as well as salad fixings, asparagus, haddock(also bought last week)and part of a head of cabbage and a raw carrot to make cole slaw.
After this week's menu we should be out of fresh produce and will restock on April's dime.

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?


Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

The "Ready or Not, Christmas is Coming!" Edition--

While in KMart last week picking up free after gift card washcloths and drinks I took a wander through their Christmas aisles to see what new crap was available for the Holidays.
I am all for secular folks celebrating Christmas in a non-religious way, but have we run off the rails with it?  Outside and under tree decorations included hedgehogs, foxes, t-rex dinosaurs! and this cute little flamingo dressed as an elf.  At least there was no pig decoration this year......

Moving on......

Onward to the meal planning!

Here's what was planned last week--

1. Sunday--Pork Barbecue on Rolls, Cole Slaw

2. Monday--Crockpot Salisbury Steak with Mushroom/Onion Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans

3. Tuesday--Leftovers

4. Wednesday--Baked Chicken Thighs, Roasted Potatoes and Acorn Squash

5. Thursday--Clam Corn Chowder, TBA

6. Friday--Teriyaki Flank Steak with Stir-Fry Veggies(leftover taters for BF)

7. Saturday--Leftovers

And this is what actually happened--

1. Sunday--Pork Barbecue on Rolls, Cole Slaw

2. Monday--Leftover Kielbasa with Pierogies(new)

3. Tuesday--Crockpot Salisbury Steak with Mushroom/Onion Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans

4. Wednesday--Baked Chicken Thighs, Roasted Potatoes and Acorn Squash

5. Thursday--Leftovers(I had Pork Barbecue)

6. Friday--More Leftovers or Chicken Soup

7. Saturday--Primo Hoagies

6 meals cooked at home, 2-3 of them a night of leftovers, and 1 night of Take-Out.
Alll but 2 meals didn't happen-the Teriyaki steak and the clam chowder.  The daughter bought pierogies on Tuesday so we had those with leftover Kielbasi on Halloween.

Folks were fighting off colds later in the week here so it was leftovers or a big pot of chicken soup for dinners at the end of the week.
By Saturday we could all use a treat so we splurged and got Primo Hoagies(a chain out of Philly).  It was tasty but at $10 for a sub it won't be happening often here!

I roasted 2 of those volunteer acorn squash but no one liked it much.  I'll put the leftover(mashed up)into pancakes or something this week.

I also made Salisbury Steaks in the crockpot last week.  I have never made Salisbury Steak in all my 34 years of housekeeping/cooking.  It wasn't hard really as it's just a glorified hamburger. lolz

As for the grocery spending.....3 trips to Weis and 1 trip to the Shursave market brought my weekly spending to $148.81 and my November food spending Total so far to $148.81.
Hot damn!  I know it's high for so soon in the month but I am trying to get to $200 spent at Shursave before the 12th so I get that gift certificate offer.  I'll spend it anyway this month so spend it sooner rather than later and get the reward.  Plus some of this spent last week will come off my food bill as I picked up items for a Food Bank donation in these 4 trips.

So far, so good in my savings percentages in November at this point.  This week the savings rate average was over the top at 56.87%.

Leftovers going into this week.......pizza, barbecue, chicken thighs, salisbury steak, mashed potatoes.
Some of this will be eaten for lunches and some for dinner on Leftover Days.  Any leftover barbecue after this coming week will be put into the freezer for later.

Here is this week's "food plan".

1. Sunday--Meatloaf, Broccoli, Au Gratin Taters
2. Monday--Chicken Parmesan, Corn Casserole
3. Tuesday--Leftovers
4. Wednesday--Spaghetti and Meatballs, Salad
5. Thursday--Leftovers
6. Friday--Teriyaki Flank Steak with Stir-Fry Veggies(leftover taters for BF), Rice
7. Saturday--Leftovers

This week will see 4 new meals cooked and 0 nights of Take-Out and 3 nights of Leftovers.

What I need to buy for this menu?  Not a thing.

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?


Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

It's the "Happy Doggie" Edition.......

 I had enough pancake batter Sunday morning for 1 more piece.  Everyone was full so instead of throwing out the batter(I don't save it because day old batter is crap)I made Daughter's dog(the granddog)a pancake complete with butter and lite syrup.

The pup "wolfed" it down. ;-)
Then I sent Daughter(who was at work)a photo of her pancake being eaten by her puppy.
Yes, I am evil like that.........

Moving on......

Onward to the meal planning!

Here's what was planned last week--

1. Sunday--Spaghetti w/Meatballs & Sausage, Salad or Zucchini Casserole Leftovers

2. Monday--Fajitas(using up Leftovers)

3. Tuesday--Mushroom and Onion Pork Roast with Carrots, Au Gratin Potatoes(leftover)

4. Wednesday--Crab Cakes, Fries, Cole Slaw, Broccoli

5. Thursday--Tacos

6. Friday--Homemade Pizza or Leftovers

7. Saturday--Leftovers

And this is what actually happened--

1. Sunday--Spaghetti w/Meatballs & Sausage, Salad or Zucchini Casserole Leftovers

2. Monday--Various Leftovers

3. Tuesday--Mushroom and Onion Pork Roast with Carrots, Au Gratin Potatoes(leftover)

4. Wednesday--Taco Salads and/or Tacos

5. Thursday--Fried Flounder, French Fries, Cole Slaw, Broccoli

6. Friday--homemade Pizza(1 pepperoni, 1 veggies)

7. Saturday--Leftovers(I had a big Greek Salad)

7 meals cooked at home, 2 of them nights of leftovers and 0 night of Take-Out.

We felt like fish instead of crab so the crustacean meal moves to this week.

As for the grocery spending.....3 trips to Weis and 2 trips to the Shursave grocery store brought my weekly spending to $143.70 and my September food spending total to $504.50 with 11 days to go in the month.

Yes I am waaaaay over this month but the meat deals have been incredible in September.  The goal now is to stay under $600.  Man, I hate the sound of that.  Either way I can afford to spend what I spend and am not putting any purchases on credit cards I can't pay off each month so it's all good. 8-)

Leftovers going into this week........manicotti, pork roast and veggies, spaghetti w/meatballs and sausage, taco filling, cole slaw, broccoli, pizza.  Unfortunately it's just a bite or 1 serving of each of these so it won't go far as a meal.

Here is this week's "food plan".

1. Sunday--Beef Bourguinon, Mashed Potatoes
2. Monday--Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy, Asparagus
3. Tuesday--Paprika Chicken with Peppers and Onions, Noodles
4. Wednesday--Tuna Noodle Casserole, Fried Green Tomatoes
5. Thursday--Leftovers
6. Friday--Crab cakes, Cole Slaw, Fries, Summer Squash
7. Saturday--Leftovers

This week will see 7 new meals cooked and 0 nights of Take-Out and 2 nights of Leftovers.

What I need to buy for this menu? Not a thing.

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?


Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

It's the "We Finally Got Around to Cleaning Out the Shed" Edition......

This shot was after Hubs had pulled out about half the junk in there already.
What a hot mess......
I'll blog about this ordeal later this week and show more photos, which I know, y'all are dying to see. lolz

Moving on......

Onward to the meal planning!

Here's what was planned last week--

1. Sunday--Leftovers for kids, Anniversary Dinner out for Hubs and I

2. Monday--Meatloaf, Zucchini Casserole

3. Tuesday--Leftovers

4. Wednesday--Kielbasa on Rolls, Sauted Cabbage

5. Thursday--Leftovers

6. Friday--maybe Leftovers again?

7. Saturday--not sure yet, maybe Take-Out

And this is what actually happened--

1. Sunday--Leftovers for kids, Anniversary Dinner out for Hubs and I

2. Monday--Meatloaf, Zucchini Casserole

3. Tuesday--Leftovers

4. Wednesday--Kielbasa on Rolls, Baked Beans

5. Thursday--Leftovers

6. Friday--Roasted Chicken and Potatoes, Corn on Cob

7. Saturday--Chinese Take-Out(I had Cashew Chicken)

6 meals cooked at home, 3 of them nights of leftovers and 1 night of Take-Out.

As for the grocery spending.....3 trips to Weis Markets and 1 quickie to Shurfave market for bottled water bringing my weekly spending to $104.90 and my September food spending total to $104.90 with 25 days to go in the month.

Leftovers going into this week........meatloaf, zucchini casserole, kielbasa and cauliflower cheese soup.

Here is this week's "food plan".

1. Sunday--Leftovers
2. Monday--Steak, Veggie Ka-bobs, Baked Potatoes
3. Tuesday--Manicotti, Salad, Garlic Bread
4. Wednesday--Chicken Fajitas
5. Thursday--Leftover Meatloaf, Brussel Sprouts, Noodles
6. Friday--Apricot Glazed Pork Chops, Mixed Veggies, Corn Casserole, Applesauce
7. Saturday--Crab Cakes, Fries, Cole Slaw, Broccoli

This week will see 5 new meals cooked and 0 nights of Take-Out and 2 nights of Leftovers.

What we need to buy for this menu......steak, tortillas, peppers, mushrooms.  I got 1/2 off crab meat last week and a bag of potatoes so we are good on those items.  Garden grown tomatoes will go into the sauce for the manicotti and the salads.

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?


Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

It's the "Back To School" Edition......

We sent College Boy packing back to school on Sunday.
Well, after an hour delay in the morning as he tried to track down his wallet.
Boys........

Moving on......

Onward to the meal planning!

Here's what was planned last week--

1. Sunday--Eggplant Parmesan, Ceasar Salad
2. Monday--Chicken Marsala, Noodles, CA medley Veggies
3. Tuesday--Leftovers(Ribs, Ranch Chicken Bake and a Veggie side)
4. Wednesday--Meatloaf, Zucchini Casserole
5. Thursday--Kielbasa on Rolls
6. Friday--Pork BBQ sandwiches, Cole Slaw
7. Saturday--Whatever College Boy wants for dinner-probably Crab Cakes and Mac & Cheese(it's his last night home)

And this is what actually happened--

1. Sunday--Eggplant Parmesan, Ceasar Salad
2. Monday--Chicken Marsala, Noodles, CA medley Veggies
3. Tuesday--Tacos and/or Taco Salads
4. Wednesday--Tacos and/or Taco Salads
5. Thursday--Pork BBQ sandwishes, Cole Slaw
6. Friday--Homemade Mac & Cheese(CB's request)and whatever else was here that they wanted to fix
7. Saturday--Leftovers

7 meals cooked at home, 1-2 of them nights of leftovers and 0 nights of Take-Out.

As for the grocery spending.....1 trip to the Shursave Market for $30.88 which brought my weekly spending to $132.21 and my August food spending total to $457.27, well under my $500 goal.

Leftovers going into this week........chicken marsala, pork bbq, eggplant parm, ranch chicken bake, mac and cheese, and cauliflower cheese soup(also a College Boy request).

Here is this week's "food plan".

1. Sunday--Leftovers for kids, Anniversary Dinner out for Hubs and I
2. Monday--Meatloaf, Zucchini Casserole
3. Tuesday--Leftovers
4. Wednesday--Kielbasa on Rolls, Sauted Cabbage
5. Thursday--Leftovers
6. Friday--maybe Leftovers again?
7. Saturday--not sure yet, maybe Take-Out

This week might see 2 new meals cooked and 1 nights of Take-Out and 4 night of Leftovers and 1 meal out.
The meal out happened but not sure if the take-out will happen, or I might make a pizza instead.

What we need to buy for this menu......not a thing.  I have every thing needed to make those 2(or 3 if I do pizza)new meals.  We have so many leftovers so in order to eat it all it's a light cooking week for me.
Go me. lolz

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?


Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

It's the "Getting CB Ready for Back-To-School" Edition.............

The kids says he's "got this" but I am making an inventory list just in case because I know him. lolz
I don't want them to get there and find out he forgot important stuff as that means I get to drive back to college with it later.
Ain't.
Happening.

Moving on......

Onward to the meal planning!

Here's what was planned last week--

1. Sunday--Beef Stroganoff, Rice, Spinach Salad
2. Monday--Tempura Shrimp and Zucchini
3. Tuesday--BBQ Ribs, Sliced Tomato, Leftover Mashed Potatoes
4. Wednesday--Chicken Ranch Bacon Pasta Bake, Sliced Tomato and Cukes
5. Thursday--Steak, Grilled Veggies, Noodles
6. Friday--Fish, Cole Slaw, Leftover sides or Caesar Salad
7. Saturday--Leftovers

And this is what actually happened--

1. Sunday--Beef Stroganoff, Rice
2. Monday--Tempura Shrimp and Zucchini, French Fries(for the BF)
3. Tuesday--BBQ Ribs, Spinach Salad, Leftover Mashed Potatoes(for BF)
4. Wednesday--Steak, Squash Casserole, Roasted Potatoes
5. Thursday--Chicken Ranch Bacon Pasta Bake, Tomato Salad(using local maters I bought last week)
6. Friday--Salmon or Breaded Fish, Cole Slaw, boxed Mac and Cheese(for BF)
7. Saturday--Leftovers(I had a hamburger.)

7 meals cooked at home, 1 of them nights of leftovers and 0 nights of Take-Out.

Most everything happened as planned except a few sides got switched or changed.  I am happy we used up all those local fresh tomatoes. 8-)
Daughter made dinner one night.

As for the grocery spending.....2 small trips to Weis, 1 trip to the Bread Outlet and 1 huge trip to Maine Source totaling $144.65. Added to what was spent earlier this month and I am at $325.06 spent of my $500 budget for August, leaving me $174.94 in the food kitty.  With only 9 days left in the month I hope we'll stay under budget on food for August....it's just a matter now of how much under budget that turns out to be.

Leftovers going into this week........ribs, stroganoff, ranch chicken bake.

Here is this week's "food plan".

1. Sunday--Eggplant Parmesan, Ceasar Salad
2. Monday--Chicken Marsala, Noodles, CA medley Veggies
3. Tuesday--Leftovers(Ribs, Ranch Chicken Bake and a Veggie side)
4. Wednesday--Meatloaf, Zucchini Casserole
5. Thursday--Kielbasa on Rolls
6. Friday--Pork BBQ sandwiches, Cole Slaw
7. Saturday--Whatever College Boy wants for dinner-probably Crab Cakes and Mac & Cheese(it's his last night home)

This week will see 5 or 6 new meals cooked and 0 nights of Take-Out and 1 or 2 night of Leftovers.
Unless of course Daughter's doc appointment/injection runs long as I have to drive her for that. Plus I have to chauffeur CB to work and back.  If I don't get home in time to cook dinner tonight then either meal days get changed up or we get Take-out tonight and one of the meals planned drops to next week.

What we need to buy for this menu.....milk, eggplant and rolls.

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?


Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

It's the "Garden is in Full Bloom" Edition.............

I love Morning Glories. I haven't needed to actually plant them for years now though.  I let the vines die off and the seed pods open into the garden bed every Fall before clearing them out.  I am rewarded every Spring with new vines of lovely purple flowers.
I took this shot this morning after a friendly bumblebee had a sip or two from this flower.  You can see the than-you pollen grains he left behind if you look closely.  8-)

Moving on......

Onward to the meal planning!

Here's what was planned last week--

1. Sunday--Leftover Pizza(We weren't home yet.)
2. Monday--Glazed Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Caesar Salad(Daughter cooked.)
3. Tuesday--TV Dinners(I'm sick, I need easy.)
4. Wednesday--Beef Pie
5. Thursday--BBQ Ribs, Sliced Tomatoes, Baked Beans
6. Friday--Leftovers
7. Saturday--Tempura Shrimp and Zucchini

And this is what actually happened--

1. Sunday--Leftover Pizza(We weren't home yet.)
2. Monday--Glazed Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Caesar Salad(Daughter cooked.)
3. Tuesday--TV Dinners(I'm sick, I need easy.)
4. Wednesday--Beef Pie
5. Thursday--Leftovers(I had a Greek Salad.)
6. Friday--Homemade Pizza, Salad
7. Saturday--Leftovers or FFY(I had a Greek Salad with REAL maters! lolz)

7 meals cooked at home(well TV dinners aren't really home cooked), 2 of them nights of leftovers and 0 nights of Take-Out.

The rib and tempura shrimp dinners didn't happen and they move to this week.  I made a pizza instead and we had an extra night of Leftovers or Fend For Yourself.

As for the grocery spending..... 2 trips to Weis and 1 trip to the Farm Stand totaling $91.91. Added to what was spent earlier this month and I am at $180.41 spent of my $500 budget for August, leaving me $319.59 in the food kitty.

Leftovers going into this week........Burrito fixings, Beef Pie, Chicken Parm, Mashed Potatoes. I used the leftover Spanish rice and Chicken mix for Burritos that Daughter made for dinner the week we were gone to Maine and made up 3 Burritos to put into the freezer for quick meals if someone needs one.  The Beef Pie and Chicken Parm will be lunches meaning all I need to use up in a dinner is the leftover taters.

Here is this week's "food plan".

1. Sunday--Beef Stroganoff, Rice, Spinach Salad
2. Monday--Tempura Shrimp and Zucchini
3. Tuesday--BBQ Ribs, Sliced Tomato, Leftover Mashed Potatoes
4. Wednesday--Chicken Ranch Bacon Pasta Bake, Sliced Tomato and Cukes
5. Thursday--Steak, Grilled Veggies, Noodles
6. Friday--Fish, Cole Slaw, Leftover sides or Caesar Salad
7. Saturday--Leftovers

This week will see 6 new meals cooked and 0 nights of Take-Out and 1 night of Leftovers.

What we need to buy for this menu.....ribs, powdered Ranch dressing, cukes and veggie oil.  I went to Maine Source on Sunday so we have the ribs but the rest needs to be bought today.

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?
I'll be getting some Breakfast Hot Pockets for CB and the BF this week at Weis, along with doing the Spend $20 on cleaners and get $5 off instantly.  I could use a new stockpile of Spray N' Wash and it's included in this Cleaner Deal.

Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

It's the "Welcome to the Heat Dome" Edition.............
No photos today as the camera is broken.
The guy on the tv tells me we are under the "Heat Dome" phenomenon.  All I know is that it's hotter than blazes here and has been since we got back into town last Thursday.  Of course, where we were last week(down South)was also hotter than blazes and I am over hot weather now.

I came home to 1 little zucchini on one of my garden plants(along with scads of teeny tiny green tomatoes).  That zuke should be a size to pick and eat very soon this week.

Moving on......

Onward to the meal planning!

Here's what was planned last week--

1. Sunday--No Clue
2. Monday--No Clue
3. Tuesday--No Clue
4. Wednesday--No Clue
5. Thursday--No Clue
6. Friday--No Clue
7. Saturday--No Clue

And this is what actually happened--

1. Sunday--Pork Chops, Scalloped Potatoes, Spinach Souffle(not home)
2. Monday--Leftovers(not home)
3. Tuesday--Leftovers(not home)
4. Wednesday--Pizza(not home)
5. Thursday--I had Leftover Pizza
6. Friday--Catfish, Shrimp, Asparagus, Potato Salad
7. Saturday--Hamburgers

6 meals cooked at home, 3 of them nights of leftovers.   Hubs cooked Sunday night, bought take-out Pizza on Wednesday and when I came home I cooked dinner on Friday and Saturday.

As for my grocery spending..... I spent a total of $158.05 on 5 trips to 4 different stores. I have negative $124.57 left of my $450 food budget with 6 days to go in the month.
July's food budget has kicked my ass it seems.......


Leftovers going into this week........asparagus and a small bit of potato salad.

Here is this week's "food plan"--

1. Sunday--Take-Out Chinese
2. Monday--Chicken Parm, Tossed Salad or Leftover Asparagus
3. Tuesday--Chicken Pot Pie
4. Wednesday--Quiche, Tossed Salad
5. Thursday--Tuna Noodle Casserole
6. Friday--Verde Salsa Chicken on Tortillas
7. Saturday--No Clue?

This week will see 5 new meals cooked and 1 night of  Take-Out and possibly 1 night of Leftovers.

What I need to buy for this menu.....possibly some milk.

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?

Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

It's the "In the Midst of Barely Controlled Chaos" Edition.............

Well they are here as of Thursday night.
This is the current state of my living room.
There is small pile of crap in the upstairs hallway as well, plus a few things in the garage and a filled 5x10 storage unit they decided to store some things in.

I have taken this opportunity to declutter my own shit some more too so the dining room is partially filled with boxes I am going through and there is a full box to donate in the garage.

College Boy has also lost my phone for the second time this past week. ugh.  I fear with the upheaval in the house now it won't be turning up anytime soon.
Oh well......

Moving on......

Onward to the meal planning!

Here's what was planned last week--

1. Sunday--Chinese Take-Out(I was just too wiped out to cook.)
2. Monday--Leftover Chinese Take-Out or Fend for Yourself
3. Tuesday--Beef Stroganoff, Rice, Spinach Soufle or Salad
4. Wednesday--Broccoli Soup, Garlic Bread
5. Thursday--Leftover Stroganoff, Salad or Veg.
6. Friday--Chicken Fried Steak(I'll have something else), Collards, Cornbread
7. Saturday--Leftovers or Fend for Yourself

And this is what actually happened--

1. Sunday--Chinese Take-Out(I was just too wiped out to cook.)
2. Monday--Leftover Chinese Take-Out or Fend for Yourself
3. Tuesday--Beef Stroganoff, Rice, Cauliflower/Broccoli Blend
4. Wednesday--Broccoli Soup, Garlic Bread
5. Thursday--Leftover Stroganoff, Salad
6. Friday--Chicken Fried Steak, Collards, Cornbread
7. Saturday--Pizza take-out, Tossed Salad

3 meals cooked at home, 2 nights of leftovers and 2 nights of Take-Out.  Pizza was the only not planned thing about last week's menu but was just the right thing to grab while in the midst of chaos.

As for my grocery spending..... I spent a total of $21.59 on 2 trips to the store last week.  Actually Hubs and College Boy made these 2 trips as I didn't hardly leave the house last week.  ;-)
They bought 3 dozen eggs at .77¢ dozen, 3-4 lbs. of London Broil at $2.99 lb., a gallon of vegetable oil at $7.29 and a gallon of milk at $3.10.

I have spent $136.41 for June and have $263.59 left of my $400 food budget.

Leftovers going into this week......cauliflower/broccoli soup, cornbread, collard greens, stroganoff, and rice.

Here is this week's "food plan"--

1. Sunday--Roasted Chicken w/Roasted Onions, Potatoes, Zucchinni
2. Monday--Leftovers of FFY(Fend For Yourself)
3. Tuesday--Marinated London Broil & Skewer Veggies, Fettucine Alfredo Noodles
4. Wednesday--Chicken Enchiladas(using leftover roast chicken from Sunday)
5. Thursday--Steak Sandwiches(using leftover marinated London Broil), leftover Collards
6. Friday--Fish, Cole Slaw, Hush Puppies
7. Saturday--Leftovers

This week will see 3 new meals cooked and 3 meals of leftovers or planned-overs.
Trying to work around everyone's various schedules is going to be the death of me this week.  Hubs is out of town 1 night, CB works dinner shift 5 nights and I have no clue whether Daughter and BF will be here on any given night.  I'm just cooking and hoping for the best. lolz

What I need to buy for this menu.....chickens and fish are in the freezer and the London Broil was bought last Saturday. I do need some fresh veggies for kabob skewers on Tuesday, a bag of sub rolls for Thurs. and a bag of Cole Slaw mix for Friday.  We are almost totally out of sandwich bread so a run to the Bread Outlet is in order as well this week.  This all should run me about $25.
May pick up some loss leaders later on in the week as well.

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?

Sluggy