How To...Cooking Family Dinner (A Working Mom's Guide to Making a Home Cooked Meals During the Week)

Many families have busy schedules these days, and we are no exception. As a working mom I find it incredibly difficult to get home, fix dinner with a hungry 17 month old hanging on my leg, and keep my sanity while doing it. A few weeks ago, I decided that something had to change, so I implemented a plan that has worked really well for us so far.

• Every week, I do meal planning before I go to the grocery store (this saves us money too). I write the meals on my calendar.
• I cook my big meals that may require more time to prepare on the weekends while the baby is napping and hubby is home to distract the baby (if necessary).
  
• At least twice a week, we eat leftovers. (Leftover night at my house is on Mondays and Wednesdays while hubby is at school).
• On Mondays and Wednesdays, after Baby Boy is in bed, I fix the meal for the next day.
  
• Friday's is the anything goes night, some nights we have pizza, some nights we go out somewhere that will serve us our food quick, or we pick up some take home after work.

Here's what we at this week:

• Sunday: Poppyseed Chicken, Green Beans, salad.
• Monday: Leftovers.
• Tuesday: Spaghetti with Italian sausage.
  
• Wednesday: Leftovers.
• Thursday: Taco Soup
• Friday: Pizza night
• Saturday: Venison Steaks, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies. If I have time during the day, I may whip up something decadent for dessert.

I think this plan works because by making the bulk of the meal the night before and only having to warm it when I get home, eliminates many excuses (such as I'm too tired, we don't have anything to eat, or I'm starving and can't wait long enough to cook something). I also think by eating leftovers 2 nights a week and then cooking gives me a chance to recharge.

What easy weeknight meals do you cook? Leave a comment and let me know.

How to...Save Money at the Grocery Store (No Coupons Necessary)

Save money at the Grocery Store...Without Using Coupons!

I'm a working mom, so I don't have a ton of time to spend looking through ads looking for coupons. I do want to save as much as I can at the grocery store. I have come up with three things that I do (almost every week) that saves me money.

1. Look at the Store Ads online to see what is on sale. Click the links that follow and enter your zip code for the specials near you: Albertsons, King Soopers, Kroger, Price Chopper, Publix, Safeway Weekly Savings, Schnucks, Shop-n-Save, Shop Rite, Tom Thumb, Vons

2. Plan a menu for the whole week (based on what is on sale) and make your grocery list. I mostly stick to meals that are fast and easy to make, so I use my tried and true recipes...you know, the ones you grew up eating and know by heart. If you want something different, or need some help planning a menu, Once a Month Mom posts menus for a month at a time. $5 dinners has some great inexpensive recipes (hence the name), and on Mondays, she publishes her weekly menu.

3. Pay cash for all your groceries.
This may sound crazy to you, but try it. It's so easy to swipe that credit card or debit card, without even thinking about what you are spending; however, if you are standing in line with nothing but cash, you suddenly become very aware of every item in the cart and what you are paying for it. Remember that bag of chocolate chips, which wasn't on sale or on your list? Baking cookies doesn't seem quite so important (Newsflash! paying cash also helps your waistline!). Paying cash helps you stick to your list, but you also need to compare the per unit prices. Sometimes buying in bulk isn't the best deal...and the goal is to spend as little as possible, right?