Meal Planning

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Confession. We eat out a lot. I mean a lot. Once I totaled it up for the month and well, I'll just tell you that is was over half way to the 4 digit mark. {hangs head in shame} But it's a new year over at the Ballard house and we're working towards some goals. One inparticular that I can't share just yet.{wink}Another being that we want and need to eat healthier. I mean who knows what's really in that stuff at the restaurants. 


We've started buying much of our groceries from Earth Fare. It's a little pricey, but nothing compared to what we were spending eating out.{yikes} We get all of our meat there, many fruits and veggies, eggs, and also our milk. And most of it's organic. My dad used to haul fruits and veggies from coast to coast and he could tell you some sick stories. I digress. 

{via}

So...we've started eating at home a lot more and I kinda dig it. Cooking has become another creative outlet for me. I feel so proud of myself when my family really likes something I've made. And let's face it...it's so much easier to stay home and eat with two little ones than it is to venture out. We do treat ourselves on Sundays after church and for special occasions. I mean we can't just go all cold turkey up in here!


I thought it would be nice to share two weeks worth of meals with all of you. Maybe we can swap ideas. I get so tired of eating the same old things all of the time. {ie spaghetti} For breakfast during the week, it's usually cereal or bagels. But on the weekends I sometimes make these and this. Lunch equals leftovers, salads, sandwiches, and Lean Cuisine mac-n-cheese.{wink}

{The Pioneer Woman}

Week 1

Monday- These mini meatball sandwiches from The Pioneer Woman and a salad. *Just a note...it makes like 30 so freeze some for later.

Tuesday- Crockpot Italian Chicken. I need something daddy can serve cause mommy has photography class! Ahhh freedom!

Wednesday- Breakfast for dinner. Yup. We love it.

Thursday- Spaghetti. I know. With the leftover frozen meatballs from Monday.

Friday- Grilled pork chops and baked sweet potatoes.

Saturday- Burgers and asparagus on the grill. 

Sunday- {out for lunch!} For supper we usually just eat leftovers, sandwiches, or cereal. We heart cereal around here.

Week 2

Monday- Grilled chicken and baked potatoes. Maybe a little corn on the cob. Yum!

Tuesday- Taco salad. Nothin' fancy. Just tacos in the salad form.

Wednesday- Baked ziti from a church cookbook. Delish and it makes a ton. 

Thursday- Leftover baked ziti with a salad and some yummy bread.

Friday- Grilled stuffed burritos from The Vanilla Tulip. These are crazy easy and seriously delicious. 

Saturday- We'll more than likely order pizza because I'll be stitchin' my little heart out in last minute preparations for The Big Love Fest. {really cool. sketchy name. come see me.}

Sunday- All day at The Big Love Fest. So probably lots of snacks and unhealthy goodness.

{The Vanilla Tulip}

Oh and because I love y'all so much. I tried to make a quick little meal planning pdf for you to download and use as you wish but I can't figure out how to link it to the blog! Grrrr. So if you can help with that then email me paaleeze!

So, what's for dinner at your house? Let's share some ideas.

XOXO