Monday, August 3, 2009

Menu Plan Monday - Improvise!

Sometimes life just throws you a curve ball and that's what it's done in the last few weeks for me. Some health problems have come up in our family (not my hubby and kids) and life has become a bit derailed. I can't really go into detail because it's not my story to tell, but it has sucked most of my emotional and creative energy right out of me. I think I've made one meal last week and everyone has just been left to fend for themselves. Which means I've still got cupboards and a refrigerator full of food that needs to be eaten before it goes bad.

And since I still don't know what this week will hold, I haven't menu planned. I'll be shopping from my own shelves and coming up with meals on the fly. I have some stew meat and a large package of hamburger, lots of fresh produce in my fridge and garden, some loaves of bread in the freezer and the basic items I can't live without; flour, sugar, eggs, butter. Each evening I'll try and post what we came up with to eat that day along with the recipe if there is one.

Every once in a while I'll shop from home instead of the grocery store. It's amazing, even at a $60 a week budget, how much extra you can accumulate over time. And while my organized mind is shuddering at the thought of entering a week with no plan, I know that by the end of the week I'll be happy that we had no wasted food and the knowledge that if we ever have to skip a week of shopping, we'd eat just fine.

To see what others are cooking this week visit orgjunkie.com.

9 comments:

Honey said...

I am kind of doing the same thing. There's really no crisis, but just alot of generous friends. Lately we have gotten squash, zuccini, tomatoes (galore), green beans, eggs, oatmeal and dried apples. Except the later two items, things need to be used promptly. So today I made Chinese-style green beans, and homemade spaghetti sauce. So the things I had planned to use, that I already planned, will have to go on the backburner. But I find it fun to be creative and try to use what I have. I am looking forward to seeing what creative things you do, too.

Sarah said...

Praying for you and your family, Gayle. Love you.

Jennifer said...

I did this recently too, and I was AMAZED at what I was able to make with what we had on-hand. I go to the grocery store every week, but we seem to have enough that we can skip the store once in a while. It makes a hectic week a bit less crazy when you don't have to worry about shopping. I'm looking forward to seeing what you "cook up!"

Jennifer said...

Sorry about what you are going through. I am sure you will do a great job feeding your family, even without a plan.

Donna said...

The cool thing is when you are back in the saddle, you'll have extra money to spend on stocking up!!

Praying for you and yours.

Tracy said...

Praying for you and your family for sure Gayle! Take care of yourself....and those you love.

5dollarsaday said...

Hope everything is ok with your loved ones. I've been having some family stress as well and it's completely derailed my eating for the last couple of weeks. This week, I'm forcing myself back onto a regular meal plan and to use up some of what's started to lurk around again. You are right, even on a strict budget, it's easy to have extra stuff build up.

Unknown said...

I'm praying for you and your family Gayle. You have been such an encouragement to me through this blog, and to many others as well. I think everyone can relate to that whole "life getting in the way" thing. Thanks for being willing to share how your family manages when things are a little crazy.

Kate said...

You and your family are in my thoughts. I really enjoy your blog, and hope that things are back on track for you soon.