I often talk about how much I value meal planning. I save money, waste less food, stress less over the old question, "What's for dinner?", and feel like something can be checked off my crazy to-do list! I only plan for 5 dinners, figuring that there will be leftovers for a couple nights or perhaps we will eat out one night. I also take into account if we are all home or if there will be late nights and I need to have the crockpot ready for a night when I will not have any time to cook!. I've decided to post them on my blog to help you out and take the stress out of planning your busy weeknights. These are just suggestions, so feel free to make any changes and please share your thoughts and ideas! If you need the recipes - just let me know!
Monday - Short Rib Ragu with Chiocciole and broccoli. (I freeze extras for another week.
Tuesday - Chicken & Onion Stew served over Rice. Sauteed Red Chard on the side. (Normally I would freeze these extras too but there never seem to be any!)
Wednesday - Enchiladas and a side salad (These can be made ahead and frozen.
Thursday - Roasted Chicken Breasts with root vegetables and mashed potatoes.
Friday - Turkey Meatballs (with all kinds of veggies hidden inside), red sauce and penne.
Organized Chaos would be a good way to describe my home. In my mind's eye, my home looks like a Sarah Richardson Design (Oliver & I love watching Sarah's House - said with a Canadian accent!) but sadly it is more of a...well...a mess! I tend to be a very organized person, but at times it is hard to tell. With school about to begin, I am determined not to lose, forget or misplace as many items as I have in the past. To accomplish this goal I am arming myself with a few simple things. First, I am creating a space in the kitchen where I can keep items used on a day to day basis. This includes a school roster, on-going grocery list, meal planner, family planner (thanks to my friend, Gaynor, and her great company Phoenix Trading - click here to see more), and my cell phone charger which I can never find. 
Second, I discovered a great website - momAgenda - that is devoted to helping Moms get organized. I am using a couple of their products along with their free downloads to keep a lot of information in one, small, easy-to-find place. If you go to http://www.momagenda.com/ and use the rewards code - mom25550 or just click this rewards code link www.momagenda.com/?rewardscode=mom25550 you will get a 10% discount.
