It's already a rough morning with the start of the first daylight savings week and the lost hour. I'm always off kilter for weeks after the change and this is not a great week for that. It's quite ealry, but I'm dressed and ready to head out the door to work, and a four day business trip. Depsite the lost hour, I managed to be productive yesterday and worked ahead. After spending small fortune last Saturday on household and groceries, I've only had to buy odds and ends as I try to keep the average for the month to around $400. My budget left me to spend $47.50 a week. Last week, the odds and ends totaled $42.50, and that included a few items to send back with DD2. Yesterday I bought chicken for DH for his lunch sandwiches, more bananas-we can't seem to buy enough some weeks, bakery rolls, a frozen pizza, tortillas, cheddar cheese, and eggs. He'll make himself something substantial for breakfast often an egg burrito, or granola and yogurt, and lunch so supper's I'm leaving him heat and eat meals that I prepped yesterday.
- Leftover pork country ribs, sliced/shredded for sandwiches
- Cottage pie-DH's new favorite meal
- Hamburger stew and baby potatoes
- Frozen pizza
- Leftovers (from the previously listed meals, plus from Sunday)
For lunch today, I'll bring the burrito I had put in the freezer as that will fill me up, plus pack a couple cereal bars, clementine's, and a PB sandwich for the plane since I need to be done eating by 7:30 and wouldn't want to get something after checking into the hotel. On the way home Thursday, I may have to get dinner at the airport, but often this meeting provides a huge box lunch as the meeting winds up that is more than enough for the travel time. I'm flying Delta and they give Kind bars, so with juice, I should be just fine with my meal times. On Friday as well, I'll bring along something to eat in the car when I go pick up DD2, and I think we might as well eat in her dining hall before getting on the road since it is paid for an we then wouldn't need to stop except to use the bathroom. There's plenty in the freezer, fridge, and pantry to make lunches on Saturday before we go to the wedding and for Sunday before getting the college kid back. I really used yesterday to plan for the week and then life resumes a normal rhythm again on the 16th. It's hard juggling IF eating and DH's low sodium meals when life is on the chaotic side, but I think I've prepared well enough.
With 1/2 the month left after the week is done, I'll have a bit more than $100 if I want to stay to my average target of $400, and $5,000 for the year. Since the pantry is fairly well stocked, that will go towards roudning out meals with fresh food; meat, produce, dairy, and bread. How do you plan for weeks when your schedule is turned on its head? Do you tend to cook ahead or relay on take out more often?
I struggle with the time change too for a week or more. We did get the analog wall clocks changed over yesterday after thinking it was earlier than it actually was. LOL
ReplyDeleteI made egg salad over the weekend to bring in my lunch this week. I often eat breakfast once I get to work too and brought some cottage cheese with fruit for that. I am winging meal planning this week. I do have some leftovers to use up today such as carrots and mashed potatoes. I use them today and make something to go with them.
I've been bringing cottage cheese and fruit for my lunches as well. So yummy.
DeleteSounds like you have a busy week ahead of you. Hope, everything goes smoothly. We no longer switch time in this country. It used to be difficult for me too.
ReplyDeleteI bought a lot of staples for the pantry recently and I will be using whatever is on hand this week. I have a business trip as well but only for one day. On Wednesday, I shall be flying early in the morning and coming back at night.
It's 10:00 and this is my first chance since yesterday morning to be on line. The meeting has been so full today.
DeleteI do try to plan ahead for a busy week. Sometimes it works. I have never had a problem with DST. I am so ecstatic to get later sun that I guess I just power through that first day.
ReplyDeleteIt has been rainy in New Orleans-hoping tomorrow for some light.
DeleteWe also plan ahead,and typically avoid takeout. It's not a perfect system, but I also keep easy meal options in the freezer.
ReplyDeleteHubs should not go hungry. I wish I had more ready meals, prepared by myself, in the freezer.
DeleteYou did well to get all that accomplished so quickly. Safe trip!
ReplyDeleteNot too bad considering my exhaustion.
DeleteClementines have turned into a household staple around here. My kids love to tuck a couple in their backpacks, and DH eats them for snacks. I am not looking forward to them going out of season.
ReplyDeleteThey are so good to have on hand. Colleagues have been buying them by the bagfuls instead of other snacks.
DeleteTime change doesn't bother me but as a morning person, I prefer when it's not DST. You sure are well prepared for your trip. Hubby will do fine- does his mother live close enough that he can visit and have meals with her also? My dad was in sales and would come home around 4 PM, eat a snack or early dinner and then back to work several days a week. I grew up eating 'supper' early!
ReplyDeleteHis mom has such a busy social life, not really. Hubs works past 8 most nights so his schedule wouldn't fit hers very well.
DeleteUhg, the time change, I really dislike it in the spring, now the fall I welcome it.
ReplyDeleteI like having longer days, but hard to get up in the morning when so dark.
DeleteWe rarely eat out, so during the busy weeks, I make more simple meals. We grill year round, so that is my go-to when I need something quick.
ReplyDeleteWe eat out more than I'd like, but less since DH was sick in December.
DeleteIt takes me until early June to adapt to the time change! Then about the time I decide I like it they give me that hour back and plunge me into darkness in the late afternoon.
ReplyDeleteWhile not quite that long-it will be April before I am adjusted. The loss of the hour does hurt!
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