One thing I learned with the kids growing up was that in order for me to keep my sanity, I needed to be prepared. We all know how it is… every day seems to be the same: Get up, rush to get ready, rush to work, traffic, meetings, meetings, meetings, rush to come home, traffic, prepare evening meal, juggle kids homework, clean-up, bath time, bed time –and not to forget when the kids are involved in extra curricular activity where you need to rush to a practice, game; finally to realize that you had no “Me” time. I’m lucky now because my kids are 18 and 16 so bath time and bed time are on them. However, they still eat… especially my 16 year old son; for those doing the math, yes I was 21 when I had my daughter and 23 when I had my son –some consider this young but I’ll talk about that experience in another post.
In order to keep my sanity, I decided to prepare a weekly menu of meals I could either prepare ahead of time to simply reheat, or meals with all ingredients ready to throw together. I always have a “left overs” evening in the week. This is the evening where I can simply kick back the shoes and enjoy a nice glass of wine.
Step 1 – Plan what you will eat
Even though my kids are, well, young adults now, I still get the “Mom, what’s for supper?” To remediate to this, I insured that my menu would be posted for the family to see. When I started doing this, it was a plan white sheet and was not very nice looking… let’s just say it did not fit well with the decor. Then, my wonderful Husband found this:
With time, the menu got it’s own space on the wall instead of the fridge.
Yes, the kitchen is my space in the house so this is why it’s Mom’s Cafe. I LOVE cooking and try to feed my family from scratch. The only thing I don’t bake myself is bread. Each meal contains meat and veggies. The planning of the menu is a family activity, they let me know what they feel like eating so everyone is looking forward to their choice.
Step 2 – The shopping
Look at the flyers and watch out for the deals. If you find something interesting or at good price, stock-up. Other than the veggies and fruits I get weekly, I stock up on meats that I portion size and freeze and canned goods that I use regularly.
Preparing your menu will not only make you save time but also money. You will purchase according to what you need and prevent throwing food away.
Step 3 – Lay out your ingredients to have a visual of your prep day
This will also give a chance for your meat to thaw (unless your just purchased it). If you have some meats that require to be marinated, start off with that. The longer it marinates, the more flavor.
I also insure that my kitchen is clean… I can’t work in a cluttered space. A clean kitchen is a happy kitchen. Once you have everything out and your cooking plan is mapped out, start cooking!
My cooking style varies also according to the seasons. I love my slow cooker during winter time but will prefer the outside grill in the summer time.
Step 4 – Store your hard work and enjoy a glass of wine
Oh wait… the dishes!!!
If your kids are old enough (if they can play on video games, they are old enough), have them do the dishes. Yes you might have to supervise them but this is a good way to have them start taking some responsibilities.
Now that you kitchen is clean, your hard work is stored away, sit back, relax and enjoy that glass of wine!
This is my typical Sunday. This works for me, does not mean it will work for you. I would love to know how you prepare for your week. I’m always open to new ideas.
