menu plan monday : 8.20.12.

dinner was a bit easier to pull together last week but i still haven’t hit my stride.  i’m still in the “the crockpot is my friend” camp as it’s nice to simply pull together a side or two and have dinner ready when you need it to be without much though.

meatless monday : egg tomato and scallion sandwiches.  on mondays, the girls alternate who gets to go out for a dinner date with their aunt cuckoo.  this means i’m left with only one girl to feed dinner and usually let them pick out whatever random thing they’d like for dinner.  usually something quick so that we can head to the park, play outside, etc.  this means that i usually pick something random for me as well.  this is my random selection this week.

i’ve selected monday as a night of the week for our family to eat a meatless meal as it tends to be more budget friendly as well as a friendlier option for the environment. my meat and potato eating husband tends to go along with this idea because i also make him a yummy dessert in addition to his meatless meal. what can i say, i’m nice like that.

tuesday : southwestern black bean, quinoa and mango medley.  can yout tell we’re attempting to eat a bit healthier?  i could tell you the calories in many things i eat these days.  i love quinoa as an alternative to a higher calorie pasta.

wednesday : chipotle chicken taco salad.  yes.  the same salad that was on the menu last week.  so fresh and tasty we’re having it again.  at least the adults of the house are.

thursday : leftovers.

friday : pizza.  it’s the beginning of our staycation!  andy’s parents are arriving for an extended stay as we aren’t making the long trek this year due to having a new baby.

last week’s new recipe reviews

quiona puttanesca.  yum!  i doubled this recipe and loved having it around for a quick lunch or another dinner.  unfortunately, i think i was the only one who really enjoyed it.  camryn ate it, but i think it really was because she wanted a treat after dinner.  leighton was less than thrilled.

chipotle chicken taco salad.  l-o-v-e.  ironically, this is what i made us to eat for our anniversary dinner.  ha!  i was able to pull this together in less than 30 minutes after the kids were in bed.  we both enjoyed it and i had leftovers the next day for lunch without it being wilty.  score!