Meal Planning 101

I've been wanting to try out meal planning for a few months now, so this week, I'm finally giving it a shot. Hubs and I have pretty hectic, and sometimes opposite schedules. I work night shift 7pm-7am three nights a week, and his work hours vary based on the day, week, month, etc., so it's a little difficult to plan. But lately, I kinda feel like I'm not living up to my wifely duties when I work 3 nights in a row and poor hubby has to fend for himself. (Even though he certainly doesn't care whether I make dinner or not, and is fully capable of cooking for himself or finding something to eat!) I like to provide and I like to cook. So I think planning out our meals each week will keep me in check and hopefully save me time and money by cutting down on the frequency of grocery store trips. I also hope to try new recipes in the process and broaden our culinary horizons!

I am starting small here and leaving one night (a working night for me) for leftovers. Here's whats on our menu this week:

Monday: Chicken stir fry with mushrooms, onions, and peppers
Served with brown rice. 

Tuesday: Meatloaf (hubs' fave)
Served with steamed broccoli and rice pilaf.

Wednesday: Whole wheat spaghetti with spicy Italian chicken sausage and homemade red sauce {courtesy of my father in law}
Served with salad.

Thursday: Leftovers.

Friday: Guiness Steaks with horseradish mashed potatoes {I plan to halve this recipe}
A new one for me. Guiness + steak=sure to be a hit with the hubby.

Saturday: Pioneer Woman's Simple, Perfect Chili
It will be my first time trying this recipe as well, but PW never disappoints :)

I found this tool, via Tales of the Trees and plan on filling it out tonight, and heading to the grocery store tomorrow morning. It's a little hard to see, but you can list your meals on the left and your grocery list on the right.

Wish me luck!