Baking Beauty : Meal Planning, I try but I can't seem to find the motivation these days!

Trying to save money can be difficult when you are used to going out to dinner when you don't feel like cooking. However, now that we are on a tight budget, that is no longer an option. I have started doing a little meal planning to help me stay motivated. We would just go get something if we both came home tired and said "What's for dinner?" I would shrug and say "I didn't get anything out of the freezer." Those days are long gone. We have to save where we can if we want to make our dreams come true.

To help answer the age old question "What's for dinner?" I have started meal planning. I plan out at least 4-5 meals for the week. I also always have something quick and easy for back up in the freezer, be it frozen pizza or Stouffer's. This has really helped me stay motivated to cook and made it easier to save.

So what is on the menu for this week you ask?

Day 1: Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken and Rice

I got this recipe from Publix's website. I thought I would give it a try. Publix has many of their Apron's recipes online. They are all simple, easy meals for working families.

Day 2: Steak with Garlic Cheese Potatoes

Day 3: Grilled Chicken with Provolone and Bacon with Homemade Honey Mustard

Day 4: Roasted Lemon Garlic Chicken

Day 5: Fried Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Corn and Corn Muffins

Now that the meal plan is complete, it is time to make the shopping list. Meal planning has really cut down our grocery bill. I make a list, stick to it, and don't come home with all kinds of things and nothing to eat!

I will try to post a step by step with pictures of the Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken and Rice later this week.

Have a great week!

~Baking Beauty