Menu Planning Progress

As I noted in my looking back post, menu planning was definitely not one of my strengths in 2012. It was inconsistant, non-existant and just plain hard. Edie blogged this past week about her menu planning process in three parts (one, two, three), and although I really like her idea of using reoccurring calendar meetings as a tool, I came to the conclusion that menu planning is personal. Every household is different, and just because something works in a kitchen in Tennessee, Toronto or Timbuktu; doesn't necessarily mean it will work for you.

Sunday's latest prep

I've been working at it for the last few weeks and here's what i've found works for me so far:

• I plan no more than 3 meals for the week. Life happens and that usually means that we aren't eating together or at home  twice a week. Anything more than this also feels like too much pressure.
• Prep your meals, scan your pantry & fridge, write a grocery list and shop once. I used to end up having to stop at the grocery store multiple times during the week because I didn't have all the ingredients for the meal I wanted to make. Shopping to a list also results in a cheaper more efficient trip at the grocery store!
• I don't necessarily prepare full meals on the weekend. I make a combination of full meals and prepped ingredients. For example, this weekend I made the sauce for pasta, so I just need to stir-fry the meat and veggies, a soup and a quinoa main dish. Last weekend I made a chili, prepped chicken burger patties, made oatmeal to go and marinated steak.
• Pre-portion your meals, whether they're in individual portions or meal-size portions, this certainly makes cooking during the week a lot easier!

How about you? Do you plan your meals on the weekend, or wing it throughout the week? If you do plan, what tools or recipes have you found the most helpful?

Design Thoughts

I've been thinking a lot lately about different things that I would like to do around the house now that spring has sprung and we've been here for over a year. This post is more for me to keep track of design priorities throughout the summer, but thought I'd share

1. I would like to keep an eye out for a coat rack for the front room. Our (read: Chris') coats usually end up on the staircase if they don't make it to the back closet, and it would be nice for guests who are just staying a while to have a place to hang their coat. I have the perfect little nook for one.

2. I would like to re-do the back entry way. I have pinterest board dedicated to it.  I would like to install a rail to hang coats (possibly using old pallets) as well as potentially set up cubbies, although I am worried about the cats climbing them. I'm thinking about a bench,mirror, rack combo thing, so I should measure the space before I venture to Christie.

3. I would like to re-do the office upstairs as we do not use the desk, and turn it into a reading room, moving my desk, a rug and table I have in storage. The idea would be to move the exercise equipment downstairs behind the living room. I'm still having trouble sectioning off this huge space...so we'll see...thoughts in process

4. I am also thinking of putting a chest of drawers in the living room for additional storage and moving the lovely metal table that's there now...I wonder if I could add casters to the table and turn it into a cart for the kitchen?

5. If we're in this place for the long haul, I would also like to re-do the spare bedroom. I know it's the boat room now, and that doesn't need to change...but the wall colour has to go.

Summer Find Wish List
Chest of Drawers for the Living Room
Coat Rack (Standing)
Coat Rack (Hanging)
Possibly a small bench
Comfy Chair (possibly rocking) & Ottoman
Chalkboard
Wire Baskets

A Fresh Start

I've thought a lot about resolutions in the last week, and I think I have landed on my goals for 2012.

1. I'd like to menu plan and prepare for at least three meals during the work week on the weekends prior. I find coming up with meal ideas and grocery shopping after work a pain in the butt- hopefully this will help us to save some money and eat better.

2. I'd like to blog at least 3-4 times a week (please keep me honest on this one).

3. I'd like to routinely purge anything I don't absolutely love (furniture, clothes, junk). I'm hoping this will help to keep my house, closets and even refrigerator uncluttered this year!

4. I'd like to re-arrange the office and living room- this should help me to keep my #2 goal!

5. And lastly to maintain good health, hips and peace of mind- i'd like to practice yoga at least twice a week. 

Do you have any resolutions for the year ahead?