Comments on: Mama Gets Into the Groove

By: katia

katia — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:06:23 +0000

I’m so all over the Meal Plan. I started doing that when I went back to work after Baby #2 and it’s saved our butts, my sanity, and the budget.
Woo hoo for the Meal Plan!!

By: Jessica

Jessica — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:40:58 +0000

Sometimes I’m in a slump on the couch by 9 a.m.

Great article Stace! (Do ppl call you Stace?)

For those who don’t like menus, what works for me is a list of meals for the next however long. Then you can still make what you FEEL like, but you know you have the ingredients & a plan. Works for me anyway.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 03:33:43 +0000

Hey Wendy,
I know. I totally resisted the menu plan idea for a long time. Well, not really resisted but I just wasn’t interested.

But I am so glad we’re doing it… I don’t feel limited at all. (At least not yet!)

The best part is having lots of good food to use as snacks and lunches for the kids and me during the day. That really helps with our moods.

Take care,
Stacy

By: Wendy

Wendy — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 02:53:30 +0000

really good ideas! thanks! menus always sound good but then i never do them. but spontaneity has its price!

By: Stacy

Stacy — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:35:01 +0000

Thanks, everyone, for the comments!

And Lindsey, I’m sorry about not explaining the meal plan! I was worried about the piece getting too long…

Here goes:

On Sunday, we decide what we’re going to eat for dinner each night of the week (accounting for leftovers) and then go shopping.

I plan more complicated meals (e.g., cutting up lots of veggies) for the days I know I will be home in the morning or afternoon and keep the simple ones for the times we will be really busy.

I’ve found since I already know what’s for dinner, I am more likely to “cook ahead.” For example, cook the rice or bake the salmon right after (or during) breakfast.

I think I first heard of the Menu Plan from Kristin at GreenStyleMom, but I finally decided to try it after friend of mine said it really helped them.

Good luck!

By: Lindsey

Lindsey — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:43:49 +0000

What is this Menu Plan you speak so highly of? Does it magically make all your meals for you? If so, I’m in!

But seriously, a link would be great. I must have missed the reference.

By: Bananas

Bananas — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:14:47 +0000

This is so inspirational… don’t feel funny about writing it, even if you don’t always follow your own advice… it’s still really helpful and I love the ideas. Thank you!

By: Becky

Becky — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:20:37 +0000

You don’t sound snooty at all! Everyone’s just trying to do the best they can. Too bad we can’t have those perfect “martha steward” days everyday though, right?
Becky
http://www.stinkylemsky.typepad.com/

By: Brianna

Brianna — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:09:29 +0000

Sounds like you’ve been peeking into MY world! Now that preschool is out for the summer, I’m thinking we need to set a morning schedule, too. With two kids needing attention all morning, it is a bit more overwhelming than “coasting along” with one while the other is in school. It is wonderful to know that I’m not alone in this!
Hooray for the improved weather so we can get out and explore our outdoors. I think we’ll be doing lots of walking/hiking stuff over the next few weeks.

Good luck with your new routine. I’m sure overall it will be GREAT!