Working your menu plan around your life

Today I thought I'd give you some insight into how I do my menu planning around my weekly appointments.

My first responsibility is always to create a healthy home environment so I like to have a healthy supper prepared and ready to eat by 7pm.

I check the calendar to see when I have appointments in the evenings. I currently have a private platinum client permanently on Mondays, around supper prep time, so Mondays have to be super-quick (like a stir-fry) or freezer food.

If I'm doing teleseminars or group coaching calls, they're usually a little later in the evening, so those don't affect things too much, unless they follow normal coaching calls.

I note down all these appointments, including when we're going out for supper, maybe with friends.

Then I check the freezer to see if there are any ready meals that simply have to be heated. I'll use these on my "busy" days and only then will I have the luxury of "proper" cooking around all my appointments.

And that's how I do it.

How do you decide what to cook?

My menu for the week

Monday
Pasta carbonara

Tuesday
Stir-fried rice and veggies with chicken steaks

Wednesday
Grilled chicken, mashed potatoes and salad

Thursday
Out with friends to an Indian restaurant (Suzanne, I can't wait!)

Friday
Hot dogs and chips

Visit Laura for more menu ideas.

Don't forget to visit on Friday to show off what you declutter this week. The Mr Linky will be up at 12am EST so get ready :)

P.S. Download your free menu planning form and grocery list here :)

Menu plan 14 Jan 2008 & goals

The search for a cleaning lady continues but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Bea's friend is bringing a lady on Wednesday and I CAN'T WAIT! I really hope she works out because I'm a bit fussy (!).

And in case you're interested, I have still not done one stitch of ironing! I am wearing absolutely everything in my wardrobe first :)

Our goals
Dion and I had a goals review session last night - such fun! And then we went through MOUNTAINS of research for when we go to the UK in May. Our goal is to have flights booked by the end of the month. We're actually travelling for 4 weeks this year.

Good thing we've been saving because I had a bit of a shock yesterday looking at UK prices. Remember we have to multiply everything by 14 to get the prices in South African Rand, which can stop your heart beating for a few seconds ;)

But how are you doing on your goals? If you haven't been successful in the past, then maybe you should have a look at how to set and achieve your goals. Go here to read more.

Monday
Healthy macaroni cheese - see below for recipe

Tuesday
Dion's night

Wednesday
Stirfried beef, veggies and rice

Thursday
Baked potatoes with kidney bean sauce

Friday
Hamburgers, chips and salad

Healthy macaroni cheese
300g macaroni
1 can (410g) tomato and onion mix (or 2 tomatoes and an onion, chopped up)
500 ml fat-free milk
100g cheese
salt and pepper to taste
1 pkt thick white onion soup

Cook macaroni as normal.
Pour soup powder into a saucepan, add milk and bring to the boil. If you stir with a whisk, it keeps your sauce lump-free :)
Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
In a greased casserole dish, layer macaroni, tomatoes & onions, salt & pepper, cheese, then again macaroni, tomatoes & onions, salt & pepper and cheese. Keep some cheese for the top!
Pour the sauce over the top and bake for 15 minutes.
Then add the cheese and bake for the last 5 minutes.
Enjoy - it is SOOOO yum!

Please visit Laura for more menu plans.

Please also go to this post if you want to win a Household Organising File.

Have a great week!