Menu Planning Monday: My menu for the week of 4/26


I posted a lot of information about my family and how we plan meals in this initial post. I’m in a bit of a meal planning slump right now…I think it’s due to burn out. But, here’s the menu I came up with our family for the week (and I only have to cook five nights this week!)

Sunday – I didn’t have to cook! We had our Dave Ramsey class and my mom’s birthday dinner

MondayLemon chicken – this is from Girlfriends on the Go: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Make Ahead Meals (these are coming out of my freezer)

Ingredients:
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tsp dried thyme
3 tsp salt
1 clove garlic
1 cup lemon juice

Mix spices and lemon juice in a bag. Add chicken breasts. Marinate for several hours or overnight. Place in slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low. You can also bake or grill instead.

If freezing, place in a freezer bag. The chicken will marinate while thawing.

TuesdayBeef Burgundy – slow cooker – I found this recipe on the Taste of Home website and I’m excited to try it!

WednesdayChicken lime tacos – I have been wanting to try this recipe since I saw it on Marci’s blog a few weeks ago – I plan to put the chicken and other ingredients in my slow cooker, cook it on low all day, and then shred the meat

ThursdayCountry style pork loin

Katie (Katiedid) from Taste of Home

1 boneless whole pork loin roast (3 pounds)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground mustard
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup cold water
Hot mashed potatoes, optional

Cut pork roast in half. In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, onion powder and mustard. Add pork, one portion at a time, and shake to coat. In a large skillet, brown pork in oil over medium-high heat on all sides. Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Pour broth over pork. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until tender. Remove pork and keep warm. For gravy, strain cooking juices and skim fat; pour 2-1/2 cups cooking juices into a large saucepan. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth; stir into juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Slice pork; serve with gravy and mashed potatoes if desired. Yield: 8 servings.

*This recipe was SOOOO yummy! Even my kids loved it. It is definitely a keeper at our house!

FridaySalisury steaks (slow cooker)

SaturdayDomino’s Savory Surprises House Party – we get to try out the new Domino’s bread bowl pasta AND I don’t have to cook!

Get 80% off on gift certificates from Restaurant.com

Save more when you dine out using gift certificates from Restaurant.com. You can get 80% off when you use the code LUCKY at check-out. Be sure to read the “fine print” on the offers (some require a minimum purchase or limit your dining hours). Don’t forget to shop through Ebates to get 15% cash back (you will also get a $5 bonus if you are signing up for the first time and use this link).

Get 20% off one item at Barnes & Noble

Use the code H4E7B3W at check-out to get 20% off one item at Barnesandnoble.com. Don’t forget to shop through Ebates to get 4% cash back (you will also get a $5 bonus with your first purchase if you sign up using this link). This offer expires on 5/2/09.

Free Right Guard Fast Break!

Click here to print a coupon for free Right Guard Fast Break deodorant (thanks Deal Seeking Mom!)

(Scroll down to where it says “Click here to learn more” to get the free coupon)

Weekend shopping round-up

Here are a few deals that you can access in store or online:

Gap – Take an additional 25% off baby styles when you use the code BABY at check-out through 4/26. Don’t forget to shop through Ebates to get an additional 1% cash back (you will also get a $5 bonus if you are signing up for the first time using this link and make your first purchase!)

Kohls – Save 40-60% off during their “Bonus Buys” sale. Click here to view all of the sale items. You will also earn $10 in Kohls Cash for every $50 that you spend. Kohls cash can be earned through 4/27 and will be available for redemption from 4/28-5/6. Earn 3% cash back when you shop through Ebates (you will also get a $5 bonus if you are signing up for the first time using this link and make your first purchase!)

Leap Frog – Save 25-50% off exclusive gift packs here through 4/27. You also get free shipping on any order that includes a gift pack! Don’t forget to shop through Ebates to get 3% cash back (you will also get a $5 bonus if you are signing up for the first time using this link and make your first purchase!)

Shade Clothing – Save up to 50% off in store and online during their sale. Click here to view all sale items (they’ve got some great deals on maternity stuff with lots of items priced from $3.99-4.99).

The Children’s Place – Save up to 40% on already reduced clothing and other items during their Spring Sale. Click here to check out all the deals. Save an additional 15% when you use code SA249 at check-out (valid through 5/10/09). Print a coupon to save 15% in store here. If you shop online, don’t forget to shop through Ebates to get an additional 3% cash back (you will also get a $5 bonus if you are signing up for the first time using this link and make your first purchase!)