For some reason this week, I am really anticipating this weeks MPM. I am not sure if it's because I put a lot of effort into planning it or all this food sounds so good (maybe I am hungry?), either way, it took me about an hour and a half to map out my menu for the next two weeks, plus crank through my grocery shopping list.  I think the reason it took me longer this week is because I really stepped out of my comfort zone and pulled out some new recipes from my file. I haven't done that in probably two years.

It all started with last week when my MIL gave me some old magazines (MARTHA'S FOOD, CUISINE at HOME and a LIVING to look through. Most of them were from 2007 (one was from 2004) and for some reason a few of the recipes really sounded good, so of course, I ripped them out and worked them into my menu.

Here is the process I take when doing my meal planning.

1. Read through the weekly ad seeing what is on sale and how I can choose my meals around it.
2. Look through the coupons I already have and be sure to check online.
3. Start crafting my meals based on what is in the cupboard, what is on sale and what I have a coupon for.

Here is my meal plan for the next two weeks....

MONDAY
Pigs in a Blanket

TUESDAY
Shrimp Fried Rice

WEDNESDAY
BBQ ribs and baked potatoes

THURSDAY
Smokey Mac and Cheese

FRIDAY
Oven Chicken Strips with Waffle Fries

SATURDAY
Beef Roast with the G-Parents

SUNDAY
It's Football Season!!!!
Nachos and Black Bean Quesildillas

MONDAY
Chicken Skewers

TUESDAY
Spaghetti with Garlic Bread

WEDNESDAY
Smoked Sausage with butter noodles

THURSDAY
Corn Chowder with biscuits

FRIDAY
Spicy Pork with Green Beans

SATURDAY
Beef Noodle Something
(or as my mom used to say everything but the kitchen sink)

SUNDAY
Left Overs... It's been a long week!