Lessons learned...

When I planned this weeks menu I didn't check our calendar to see what else we had going on. I planned a new item that was going to require extra prep work. Then on my regular cooking/prep day I had a work thing pop up and didn't have time to go shopping that night.

Tuesday, I did go shopping but had forgotten that my oldest had a hair appointment so I ended up getting home later than usual. PLUS, I made our leftover menu item more complicated by getting 'fancy' and making it into barbacoa beef flautas. It took way more prep time than necessary and I could have just made plain ol' tacos.

I didn't get done cooking the weeks menu until 8pm and was just exhausted when I was done; although I was HAPPY to still have done it. Later that evening we realized that we had other things going on. So this week every night I've switched items around to go with our schedule.

Lesson Learned?
Well; from now on I will check the calendar to see if we have extra things going on and if we do I will make sure to only prep easy things for the week.

I've been tested in week 3 but I feel I passed. I didn't give in to the temptation of just running out and picking up some fast food and I stuck to the plan. Even though I'm exhausted!

This week I am planning meals that I already have lots of the ingredients for to save money & to use up the items I have. The last two weeks with lots of new recipes I've spent a decent amount of money on new seasonings and oils so I figure it's a good idea to plan around those things. :)

The one thing I struggle with is my toddler who will NOT eat ANY meat. She seriously has a fear of it for whatever reason. At least with all of my meals being pre-made it gives me a bit more time to get her something to eat. I always give her a fruit or 2 plus a veggie and milk and/or yogurt but for her 'main' item it's usually noodles or a sandwich. I do offer her meat but I don't force it because it is pointless. I'm hoping she comes around eventually.

Here's my menu for the week:

Monday: Quesadillas w/leftover Barbacoa {Going grocery shopping!}

Tuesday: Spinach & Chicken Pasta Bake via Saving Money, Living Life

Wednesday: Meatloaf

Thursday: Crock pot Sesame Chicken via ifyouwantgoodfood.blogspot.com

Friday: Chicken Piccata via Skinnytaste

Saturday: Pizza Braid

Sunday: Tomato Bisque & Homemade Croutons

Be sure to check out Menu Plan Monday at Org Junkie!