DH and I made it up to see many of his out of state relatives. I was glad for him. Now it's just us and I'm helping my MIL by cleaning up the remnants of many people in the space. She was very appreciative that I offered. It would have been a lot for her. Not sorry a bit though that I ate a gooey bismark, topped with crushed Snicker bars. I'll walk extra later.
As for meal planning, let's just ratle off what we ate this past week. Note my older daughter may or may not have eaten same foods. She modifies her own proteins when I have non plant based meals and sides.
Sunday: Burgers or bean burger, watermelon, pasta salad
Monday: crockpot ravioli
Tuesday: Chili and rice
Wednesday: Roasted veg, cous cous, and leftover burgers
Thursday: DH, leftovers, me and DD2 shared Reuben, fries, and hummus platter
Friday: DH, fended for himself, DD1 vegan grilled cheese, we had a late lunch at a Panera at a motarway stop on the way back, then had just a few snacks
Saturday: odd day as all were on different schedules and places. I had a grad party, plus there was fend for yourself meals, wedding meals, and DH's family gathering that we just got to in the evening. The girls did their own things.
This week looks all over the place. I took Monday off as I needed to use more vacation time, but that means long day the rest of the week. The crockpot and cook once, eat twice meals are needed. The chili was a big hit, despite the heat so I think a pasta fagiole soup might be in store as it yields lots plus leftovers. I'll do another pasta salad, roasted vegetables, and a curry, using coconut milk. I have all those chickpeas ready for that. I know there's still meatballs, hamburger, sausage and chicken in the freezer, so stir fry, pasta, and grilled meats likely will be made.
With the July 4th weekend, I'll think about both eating down fresh food and easy picnic type meals and sides, but spent a small fortune on fresh food. Eating cheap seems to mean eating poorly. while still occasionally eating a very low budget meal, we're loading up on the side with vegetables and fruit.
Suffice it to say, no meal plan but punting as Anne says. No doubt people will be fed.
I am fully stocked on fresh veggies so they will be the main focus of dinners this week. That is one of the best things about this time of year...lots of good fresh veggies and herbs.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your three-day weekend!!
I'm trying to base meals on veggies too. I like forward to more locally available. Your BLT looked so good!
DeleteWe eat very few canned foods. The fresh food is so very expensive but we spend the money. The taco casserole/soup is all canned, boxed, and packet meal with the ground pork. Otherwise, it is mostly fresh with a can of peas or green beans thrown in.
ReplyDeleteWe need a watermelon, but we cannot handle one or cut it safely. So, I have to buy the expensive cut ones. However, I do wait until it is bogo.
So you can see how quickly a top up shop can exceed $35 when there's four adults eating three meals and trying to buy fresh. It's worth it though in saved health costs plus taste.
DeleteYour idea of a top up and mine is different. Top up for me would mean bananas, milk, and maybe one other item. I have always understood the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables. It's worth it.
DeleteYour top off is what you need to refill. Mine is what I need to top off before my next regular shop. Same concept, different items.
DeleteI don’t have anything planned for the week, but will figure it out as I go along. chili sounds good and we did get ground beef on markdown this week, so that would be good. I don’t care if it is hot either. 😂
ReplyDeleteIt's surprisingly cool today, so I went ahead and through stuff for pasta fagiole soup. It warms back up starting tomorrow.
DeleteI forgot 4 July is coming. I should make some chili too.
ReplyDeleteMine was vegan, and served beside or over rice. Delicious.
DeleteI have a vegan one too, called 'Big Bowl of Red' Perhaps I will make that one.
DeleteI like the idea of naming a favorite recipe!
DeleteI had to check "gooey bismark" A Bismarck here is a version of pickled herring!
ReplyDeleteThat's so funny. Definitely a big old filled donut- not a salty piece of fish.
DeleteI am so happy you helped Mom in law. Many people would not and there comes a time when they age and just need more help. I know my mother in law does.
ReplyDeleteIt was easy enough. I threw in laundry, then relaxed, transferred towels, relaxed some more. DH was the vaccumer while I swept the floors and a quick mop.
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