Forum Thermomix
Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Chit Chat => Topic started by: Halex on May 12, 2011, 12:28:48 am
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I have never done this before. This is my first week of menu planning, my usual weekly grocery bill is around $300 per week which is ridiculously high considering I feed 2 adults and a 7 year old boy (who eats like an adult).
To date my bill this week is just under $200 - which also includes buying food in for my varoma demonstration. I might spend another $20 on a few extra items, but will see if I can go without.
I am really impressed with the menu planning idea and will try to do this each week. If I can save $100 per week on food within approx 4 months my TM will have paid for itself.
Would be great if there was a "budget meal" section in the recipe index.
All I can say is another win for the TM.
Hally
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It is really worth menu planning Hally once you buy the initial ingredients when you first get your TM your grocery bill should go down by heaps. I also keep a whiteboard inside my pantry and when things run out write them on to buy next shopping then you shouldn't run out of things
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It hasn't taken you long to get into the swing of things Hally - you definitely will save money if you continue to menu plan.
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I have been doing it for the past 2 weeks and its fantastic .. spend less time going back to the supermarket everyday too .. Im really trying to use what we have in the pantry as well .. And with sudden drops in temperature (its freezing and raining here ) I am happy to swap thing around and swap the salad for vegies etc ... I love it ...
:) :) :)
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Yes this menu planning is the way to go. I am so impressed and so will DH be as he says we spend too much money on food.
I am working the basis at 1 mince meat meal per week, 1 vegetarian meal per week, 1 soup and then plan the rest of the menu.
I used to be a the supermarket daily, have been once this week, need a few things for the weekend so will pop into today or tomorrow but that will be it for the week.
I am really enoying the menu planing.
Good luck with too elliej.
Hally
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Menu Planning is great! I started menu planning again when I got my TM. I am doing a Summer, Autumn, Winter & Spring menu over 4 weeks - we don't eat anything the same in the 4 weeks. My most unwelcome job of the week was sitting down on Friday night working out what we were going to eat for the next week so I did the menu over 4 weeks and then I did up shopping lists for each week! I then just have to mark off what we have and then buy what we don't have. I sit down at my computer on Thursday night and do my fruit & veg order with First Froots and it gets delivered to my door on Friday afternoon straight from the markets and then I do my grocery order with Coles Online and then that gets delivered to my door. I save myself about an hour at the shops - there is no stress as I don't have to be at the shops with the kids! and I save money too by not going to the shops and buying things I don't need! I just have to go and get bread and milk basically! I love it! :)
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HelenN
I am just at the computer now looking at doing a spreadsheet of fav meals which I can do in the TM. I will try and do a 4 week menu as I think that is a great idea but as I am new to this - I might not have enough recipes.
I have been going through some of the recipes here on the forum and am going to try some of the all in one meals, bangers and mash and the Italian meatballs with spag and tomato sauce. They are on next weeks menu already.
I am also trying to have one pasta, one rice dish, one potato dish, plus my soup. I am finding it really good fun at the moment. Not sure how long it will last, but if I can see me saving around $100 per week and eating good food, well that's gotta be worth the work.
I have Aussie farmers deliver fruit and veg and dairy and eggs, I go to a wholesale butcher so I shouldn't need much from the shops.
Hally :)
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When I menu plan I use our favourites and at least one new recipe each week... which often then makes it to the favourites list!! We rarely have the same thing - though I do plan for the nights when the kids are going to be tired from sport etc and plan something I know they will eat without any dramas ;) ;)
I resisted menu planning for so long, you will find threads about it on here somewhere :-[ :-[ Now I can't live with out it!! My life feels out of control if I haven't menu planned :D
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Here's one thread (http://www.forumthermomix.com/index.php?topic=1529.0) with meal planning - plenty of pages to browse through.
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I only menu plan for dinner as we are creatures of habit for breakfast and lunch. I always try to have red meat, chicken, fish and something else. eg quiche, pasta etc. On the weekend we have things like homemade pizza, calzone etc that are 'fun' meals swhen no one has to go to work. On my menu plan I have a column for things that are on that day and may affect the time I have to cook. Where the recipe can be found and the things I need to buy for that recipe. I also have suggestions for the next plan and some of the things I'd like to bake.
It sounds very complex but it isn't. The best part is I no longer have things in the pantry that don't get used.
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Mmmmmm - I can see that I am going to have to take the plunge and start menu planning again. Too many positives .......... the main problem that I had when I tried menu planning before was that I would plan meals for the week, buy everything I needed, and then some meals would have left-overs that would do us a second night - so at the end of the week we had things unused that were past their best and sometimes got wasted ....... any suggestions?
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Perhaps you could then make the meals that you missed the next week. That's what I do as I've already boought the things I need. Alternatively you could put the leftovers in the freezer for another week.
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You could also allow for one night a week using leftovers and if you don't have any (rarely happens in this house) have a stand-by meal in the freezer or just have baked beans and eggs which is a good wholesome meal anyway.
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With bacon on the top Judy.
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Yes Cookie :D
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I don't menu plan. how can I if someone posts a recipe here that I want to try immediately??? I live 2 km from the nearest supermarket.
I have noticed that the section in my pantry with cans has decreased lately. My section for "refillable" items has decreased because of The Pantry Moth Scare - and items are either replaced at the last moment or kept in the fridge.
The part that I have to concentrate on reducing is the Fillers & Starches section - largely the Rice, Pasta, cous cous packages, and I have to get my DH from buying crackers (that man is obsessed and its driving me crazy)
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Judy thanks for the thread - very interesting.
Well my menu plan has brought down my grocery bill by $80 for the week and I can see next week my bill will be approx $150 as opposed to my $300, DH is very pleased.
We have left overs too - 1 night a week is left blank for left overs, plus I do freeze a few bits and pieces for DH lunches.
I have started having soup most days for lunch since I have had my TM. I find this really good, I go to the gym 4-5 times per week and am normally starving when I get home, used to make sandwiches and grab things I shouldn't, now I have soup in the fridge to go. Today I am making Leek & Potato soup, should last 3 lunches, then will make another one.
CreamPuff I am OK to plan meals ahead as the TM is new to me - so are all the recipes, so its all very exciting. I can understand how you feel, a new recipe you would like to try straight away.
Hally
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Menu planning has worked really well for me so far. I have all the food in for the weekend now, so do not need to rush out to shops etc on a sat or sun.
Tonights menu is roast chicken and veggies, followed by apple crumble and custard.
I have spent $160 this week - thus saving $140 off my normal grocery bill.
I was lucky I didn't need to buy much meat as I had what I needed in the freezer.
Anyone else started recently?
Just loving my TM, cheaper, healthier food.
Hally
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Well done Hally :D :D
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Ditto from me too, you are really getting into it Hally. That's a great saving, bet DH is impressed.
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Thanks guys - yes DH is very happy. He now looking at other ways to save money...............
This week is going to be a very cheap week as I have decided to try and use up freezer food where possible, plus I have about 10 meals ready to eat in the freezer. The only downfall is that I wont be using my TM as much, but will try and make breads and some biscuits etc.
We were just talking last night and since I have bought the TM I have not bought any dips, cakes or biscuits, all home made now.
Mind you I seem to go through the flour very quickly.
I am looking at buying a large bag of flour - any tips on sotring the flour. I normally only buy 2kgs at once but would like to buy 10kgs for the saving.
Hally
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Hally I am not sure where you are, but here in Perth you can buy from All About Bread (or their distributors) white buckets (like the mayo buckets the restaurants get) I use a couple of those for my flours as I buy 12kg of white flour, 10kg of wholemeal flour. For my smaller flours (eg 5kg) I have large square tubs with handles that you get in the supermarkets (I am wanting to say sistema but am sure they are another brand!) Others will have plenty of ideas for you too ;)
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Hi Faffa,
Thanks for that - i just googled them and they are north of the river, I am south.
Anyone know somewhere south to buy the large buckets for flour storage? Also a cheap palce to buy flour.
Thanks
Hally
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Hally, great job saving $$!
I must confess I don't love menu planning but it is a necessity with working part time and two kids under 3!
Recently I made a list of all our easy meals and sides so I've got a go-to list when inspiration doesn't strike. I try and have a 'meat and potatoes' night that DH can cook. So my menu for the week usually looks like this:
Sunday: Roast with vegies
Monday: Quiche with roast leftovers (mix in TM, also great to grate fresh veg eg. courgette (zucchini), onion, carrot to bulk up the veg content). I use 1/3 c of sour cream per egg and just add it with the veg, pour into a blindbaked shortcrust crust and cook until set.
Tuesday: Steamed salmon, potatoes and veg (TMX)
Wednesday: Beef macaroni (forum TMX) and salad (steamed veg leftovers for the kids)
Thursday: Chicken enchiladas (using JulieO's recipe from forum TMX for inspiration)
Friday: Pizza (TMX)
Saturday: Usually throw something in the crockpot as we're out all day-next week prob lamb shanks with TMX mashed potatoes and steamed veg.
I use a rough template that goes something like:
Sun: Roast
Mon: Leftovers or breakfast-for-dinner
Tues: Fish
Wed: Pasta
Thurs: Mexican
Friday: Easy peasy
Saturday: Crockpot
in winter. It isn't fool proof and I usually have one or two meals that can be postponed till next week eg chicken enchiladas will have fresh veg that can go in a salad or on the pizza if I don't get a chance to make them, sauce and tortillas can be frozen if I don't use them becasue we have leftovers etc.
There are a lot of menu planning websites around-I like a pen and paper approach but www.planningwithkids.com has an online planner.
Fun thread!
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Hally I am south, where abouts are you? I am in Rockingham and can tell you it is Bake N Brew at home.
This might help you ;)
http://www.allaboutbread.com.au/contact.php
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Faffa, I think I have the ones you're talking about for the 5kg flour, is it the clear ones with a blue handle that pulls up and the lid has little opaque circles on it ? If so they are Decor brand. I have a couple and usually get them when they're 50% off (quite regularly). Big W have them too.
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Faffa, I think I have the ones you're talking about for the 5kg flour, is it the clear ones with a blue handle that pulls up and the lid has little opaque circles on it ? If so they are Decor brand. I have a couple and usually get them when they're 50% off (quite regularly). Big W have them too.
Yes that sounds like them!! :D :D
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I love menu planning, thinking about all the yummy things I can make.
I do it every weekend for the week ahead so have my main shopping list for Monday's shop, along with any other items that I put on the list as they are needed throughout the week.
I pretty much only buy what is on the list (ok I shopped today as busy tomorrow and I did add some Lindt chocolate - dark chocolate with blueberries and almonds - 1/2 price in Woolies, OMG it's yum!!!!! but only saw that as took me soooo long to find Semolina! No not with flours, not in the health food aisle, not with sugar and other stuff, not in the international aisle!! It was with the oats - which I had just been at and not seen it!! grr anyway because of having to keep trying to find it I did wander a bit more than usual and the chocolate just called to me!!) I do look at the specials but only buy if they are something we use regularly like jatz biscuits or toothpaste etc.
My shopping list is pretty small - today's was - cayenne pepper, bug spray, filo pastry, semolina, cream, rice crackers, 2 x tin of tomatoes, plain flour, rolls for dinner. Added to that the chocolate, lol.
Also on the list were sausages for dinner (dh was inspired by river cottage last night so we had 'hot dogs' bbq'd sausages with cooked apple slices on crusty rolls, yum!) and veg which I buy from the greengrocers, that includes things needed for the meals planned plus I put + 2 veg, + fruit type thing and only buy the regular basics - carrots, cucumber, tomatoes, a courgette, potatoes, onions then what is on special/in season and the amount we need. I have this sorted now but I used to have a vegie bake night once a week where I used up all the leftovers.
I buy meat in bulk and vaccuum pack (for example whole rump for $9 a kilo, get cut into slices then cube/steak/slice into portions) and freeze in general - I do look for great bargains as well. Chicken I either do the same or buy what's needed that morning. I'm lucky the Westfield with supermarkets, butchers, greengrocers, asian grocers is 2 mins drive from school so it's easy for me to nip in and buy the one thing I need, knowing I can go back again the next day if needed. If I just need say chicken thighs it takes me less than 5 mins to duck in for that.
I don't buy what isn't on the list. (unless it's a staple like cream I've forgotten to put down and I know we are out of).
We don't buy much that is prepackaged so the supermarket shop is pretty boring anyway. I don't go down most of the aisles (baking aisle, international/pasta/rice aisle, quick peak for meat bargains, cream/butter/cheese aisle, cleaning type aisle and personal care aisles if needed, but really hard to buy extras in those aisles, loo roll and shampoo are hardly exciting, lol. )
The kids have activities every afternoon after school so meals have to planned and have to fit into the routine so menu planning really works for us.
I also plan things like - Thursday's usual have mother's group and we have a bbq chicken for lunch. If I host that night we have leftovers with other salads and rolls. Has to be a light meal due to gymnastics classes anyway. Friday we have soup made from the stock from the carcass. LOL this week we didn't have mother's group but decided to treat us to a bbq chicken and it made:
Thurs lunch for dd3 and I, dinner for all of us with rolls and salad. Friday, soup. Saturday, chicken pies for lunch. Sunday chicken salad as one of the lunch salads.
Hot meal leftovers - usually not much but if there are I have them for lunch the next day.
If there were loads I might freeze for a few lunches for myself.
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Mine is done for the week :) just about to do my shopping list woo hoo. I really do find it a relief :D
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Hi everyone,
Nice to get some great replies - thank you :)
We live near Garden City shopping centre, so I am not sure where the closest place for me to buy bulk flour would be. I saw some in the supermarket - the Lighthouse brand 5kgs for about $10 but I am sure I can buy it cheaper than that.
Love everyones menu planning ideas, I have done the weeks shopping today and have spent $70.00 which includes my dairy deliveries from Aussie Farmers. I wont be home this weekend as I am having a trip to Sydney to see a friend of 30 years that I used to share a flat with in London. So I have lots of meals in the freezer for DH and DS aged 7. I have told DH to write down any food expenses on my spreadsheet, I cant see it being more than $20 as I have all the food prepared and also have a lot of items in pantry, fridge and freezer. Plusw I will bake some shortbread and soem cake before I go so DH wont buy shop bought preservative laden products.
I am now getting much better at sticking to my list, I do this as I am trying to challenge myself to spend less each week! I did buy the boys a few treats this week that were not on the list, I kind of figured they deserved some treats as I wont be home for 3 days.
Another great thing about menu planning is once it done I don't have to think, I just look on the fridge and see what we are eating for dinner that night. It is so much easier than trying to plan each day
Zan - you amaze me, how can you make 1 chicken go so far!!!!
Hally
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AMH - I have one night per week allocated to left overs - otherwise my freezer wouldnt shut!!LOL
How much do you spend per week on food, you seem to have got it down pat too
All you guys are doing so well.
Hally
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You are all so inspiring. I always have good intentions but get sidetracked when I see other recipes or don't feel like what is on my menu. I am going to sit down tonight though and do my plan for the week. I think it must be the only area of my life that isn't super organised (I'm a new flylady convert :-))).
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Hi Chelsea,
I cant believe how great menu planning is - I am addicted! :D - my DH is very impressed and took me out to a really expensive restaurant for lunch, we spent my 2 weeks savings but thats Ok as a treat.
Once done it is so easy. I now have a spread sheet full of meal ideas
I have sections as follows
beef, chicken, pork, lamb, vegetarian, soups, others - each sections has at least 10 meals so far, I also label whether they are TM and where to find the recipe, so its really quick and easy. Nearly all the meals are TM and if they are not marked TM the TM would be used for part of the meal.
I just try to keep to a strict plan, 1 mince, 1 vegetarian, 1 soup 1 rice or pasta dish, this seems to be a great formula for me.
Enjoy
Hally
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Hi all,
Just wondering how the menu planning is going.
I have averaged out my costs over 4 weeks and my grocery bill which includes cat food, toilet rolls etc is $187 per week, so I am very happy with that and so is DH. See what the next 4 weeks bring.
We are eating very well, infact we have never had so many deserts and cookies and cakes. Not so good for the waistline!LOL
Would love to hear how others are going.
Hally
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I've just started to do Menu Planning again as I'm so busy lately. It's been a real boon as I'm using what's in my fridge, freezer and pantry and only buying what I need.
I've developed a Menu Planning (https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B9anGVbB9gCjODEwNDQwYmQtZGM3Ny00ZGIyLTljYWEtZDY5MjNhN2ViYmRm&hl=en_US) (what is displayed is missing it's border and columns and I can't work out why!) and Grocery Check List (https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B9anGVbB9gCjZThmYzRiODgtZTVjMi00OWNkLTgwMGQtZTVkZTg5ZWM3YmI5&hl=en_US&authkey=CLuO5vYG) template.
Here's a pic of my menu for next week:
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Pic didn't come out very well, so link (https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B9anGVbB9gCjZjJlMjgxYjMtNTMzYy00ODZmLTk1OTAtYjYzNWQwOTgwYzE3&hl=en_US) instead.
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Mine is similar MJ. I have a master sheet that I print off and do mine by hand though. I don't plan for lunch either as I always have salad with a little protein of some sort and 2 slices of bread. DH eats the leftovers. :D
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wow thanks MJ, I don't menu plan at the moment so I should give it a go using your templates :-*
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This is a good thread, I need to get back to menu planning. Just need a kick up the rear end lol!!
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I've found it to be really helpful in saving money and not wasting food. It does take time, sitting down with all my recipe books, planning the week's menu.
But, often families do this together on a Sunday night, getting everyone involved in the meal choices so each family member feels that their input is valued.
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You're certainly does take time MJ but I must admit I enjoy doing it. I get out some different books each week. I've also included in my plan a space where I can write suggestions for next week. Useful if you see something in a magazine. I always check with the rest of the family if there is anything they would particularly like that week. I've factored in a space for the family in/outs for the week.
I love your grocery check list.
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Menu planning is something i really need to learn to do, along with weekly shops.
I tend to hoof it, decide on the day what I'm cooking and buy based on that, it kind of works but does lead to spending more than intended as I do pickup X & Y that I think are needed. There are lots of little excuses why I don't (like spending the couple of hours free time in the morning for myself rather than cleaning, being not good at organising, feeling overwhelmed by children sometimes, struggling to be organised enough and so on and so forth, not a fan of veg) but I want to start getting on top of it.
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Rob, menu planning is great. When i stick to it my food bill is down $100 or slightly more. I just used to buy daily whatever we fancied but now i have a list.
A good start is to see what you have to use up and plan around whats in the house to start with. You will be amzed at how much you casn use before you need to do a big shop.
Hally :)
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:) I usually do up a menu plan on saturday's, then shop sunday morning for groceries.
When i'm really organized, I plan a month at once.
It does save money when i do it.
Robyn
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I use organizedhome.com
for printables, for menu planning.
Robyn
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Thanks for the link Robyn will check it out
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I love menu planning with my family. We are usually on and off menu planners and it's really only when I need some inspiration in the cooking area. Everyone in my family picks 2-3 meals that covers beef, lamb, seafood, fish, chicken, vegetarian. I can then play with the recipes to suit. If we have sushi or spaghetti everytime that's OK. At least they'll eat it and enjoy it. I've also just found this great menu planning app for apple products - menu_planner. It's really easy to import recipes - mainly from mainstream recipes sites at the moment. I contacted the developer and he said that his next update will allow imports from any recipe website - that means Thermomix recipecommunity and forum recipes could be imported. At the moment I copy and paste (easy too) and it means I have all my favourites on hand. The meals are easy to plan, the shopping list even easier. I've been looking for something and have finally found it. For $5.49 it was definitely worth it.
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Hi Sue
Love to hear more about the apple menu plan app?
Do tou have to be on line to read the recipes once imported or are thet there whether your on line or not? Having probs with mine atm with my internet on & off.
Thanks
Hally :)
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Hi Hally,
Once they are downloaded it appears they are stored on the app. The only time you need to be online is if you want to sync it with your online account so it can then sync with your iphones, desktop or any other itunes compatible product you are using.
I'm not sure how much space it will take up once you have a few recipes in there. I might suggest that archiving some recipes that you haven't accessed in a while to the developer, once I find it's too much.
I'm still using this app every day and have been finding the moving of recipes really easy if I don't use the meal on a certain day. The shopping list and what's in my pantry list have also been useful. I can just update these when I'm shopping or as I cook. It makes my meal preparation really easy.
Sue
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Just bought the app. Cant work out how to use it, will try though.
Back to menu planning, birthday really blew budget ;D
H :)
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They are meant too Hally. Especially the special ones. :-*
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Hally. Did you get the app working. You can import recipes, or you can import food. If I don't have a recipe on the menu, I just list it as a food and add it as such. I love that I can make a food list when we go on picnics, camping etc, because it allows me to add things like apples, nuts etc to the menu plan under snacks. Check out the www.menu-planner.com website and it has tutorials there. Once you get into it, the app is versitile.
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Thanks Sue, i will do as I still havent got it to work :(
H :)
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Wanted to bump this topic as I am interested in menu planning....
Also, I think the menu-planner app is a winner.
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I menu plan from Friday-Thursday because we usually shop on a Friday afternoon. I usually have 1-2 fish meals, 1-2 red meat meals, about 3 chicken meals and sometimes a vegetarian. I try to do a couple of pasta/rice dishes, a casserole, a grill with vegetables, pizza on Friday, and whatever else in between.
I have my menu plan written on a whiteboard so I can just erase and rewrite each week :D
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Snap Amy i have mine on my pantry door mine came about because I got sick of every body asking"what's for dinner" ;D it is the best thing I have done and no more questions from the family
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Great minds think alike, right suzanne? ;D ;D ;D
Its so convenient having it on a white board! Especially right next to the pantry ;)
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They sure do ;D and every one who visits loves it
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And then they want to stay for dinner ;D ;D
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sounds like i need to invest in a whiteboard for the pantry as well...
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I got mine reasonably cheap at Officeworks Vieve ;)
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I got an A4 sized magnetic whiteboard that's already divided up into the seven days from IKEA for about $3 and use this for my menu plan. It is attached to my fridge door.
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I have a whiteboard too
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Snappy your whiteboard sounds great! I wish we had an IKEA down here :-))
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Well after reading this thread last night, decided it would be a good idea.
Found Pepperplate. Does anyone use this?
This afternoon will go through the freezer and add everything to a spreadsheet and everying from the pantry too.
So am wondering do I really need Pepperplate, have all my recipes in Evernote, or should I stick to spreadsheet and whiteboard?
Any help would be really appreciated.
Would really like to save money on shopping like Hally has done. There is only the two of us and we seem to spend a lot on shopping.
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I have a menu planner app but have my white board which I like better the Ikea one sounds good but the front of my fridge is covered in the kids artwork so no room. Goodluck suejen it really does save time thinking what to eat every night is a pain and if it's already planned no dramas
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I use pepperplate for recipes :)
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Ive used evernote and weekly menu on whiteboard.. Alot of people i k,ow do too that way the whole family knows whats on the menu :)
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I am going to work out my menu plan for next week now.. :) :) :)
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I actually created a sheet that I print off to write my menu plan on. I have a spot for things that are on and may effect cooking time, where the recipe is, what I need to buy for that meal, and what I have in the freezer as well as ideas for the next week and baking.
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I actually created a sheet that I print off to write my menu plan on. I have a spot for things that are on and may effect cooking time, where the recipe is, what I need to buy for that meal, and what I have in the freezer as well as ideas for the next week and baking.
In awe :o
Sometimes I simply limp from one meal to the next.
Best I can do is scrap of paper on fridge.
Quite good til I get called out or we,rush out for something and it all gets changed because am not here to cook whatever the paper says ;D
LOL
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Cookie, this is a very cheeky request, but would you mind posting a picture of your menu plan sheet on here somehow? I am a repeat offender menu-plan fail person, mostly because I find I cant cope with a menu plan and unexpected things that pop up ...... mayabe a more detailed plan like you have described would help?
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Karen, do you have the app paprika, its brilliant for menu planning. I can look back in seconds to see what we ate 6 monhs ago. It has a section for recioes & photos & abrowser & a shopping list.
You can email your menu, print your menu, its great.
Just had a look & I started mine at the beg of May & I can see what we have eaten since May :)
H :)
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I just write mine out, then on to the whiteboard
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We do ours on a sunday Just straight onto the whiteboard after everybody has picked a meal which sometimes turns into a free for all with I don't like that etc but it gets done and I shop on Monday.
if a meal has to get changed to a different day it doesn't make a difference because the stuff is already bought anyway
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Karen if you pm me your email I can send it as an attachment to you. I don't know how to do it on here. Sorry.
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I did write a list today and stick to fridge.
From memory here it is:
Sun lunch roast lamb and veg, sun supper scrambled eggs.
Yup we had those.
Mon lunch soup and sandwiches, and fruit. Mon supper chicken breast, made into homemade nuggets and veg and yogurt.
Tues lunch shepherds pie with left over roast from Sunday. Tues supper baked potato, tuna and sweet corn mayo. Plus pud.
Weds lunch beef stew and veg, fruit and yogurt, weds supper broth with remains of lamb and banana cake
Thursday lunch soup and rolls, fruit and yog, supper left over stew with dumplings, cake or fruit.
Friday lunch bacon rolls, supper honey/soy slo cooked chicken ( if have found slow cooker), and lemon self saucing pud.
Sat lunch shooters pie ( as described in budget shopping thread) , sat supper home made pizza.
Sunday lunch roast rib of beef with veggies and Yorkshire pudding, chookies choc delight, and birthday cake.
Plus home to make brioche almond and custard for w/e plus lots more bread and rolls.
Never know when may be called out to work, and meals may be switched.
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You are doing well DJ. We make a loose plan of dinners for the week so we know what shopping we need to do and then I have leftovers for lunch.
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DJ, you are so organized.
Tonight is Chicken
Tues, left over lasange
Wed rack of lamb
Thursday Fish
Friday pizzas
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No Robyn just trying really hard with budgeting and not wasting anything.....
Hally is the cheer leader on this.
DS is here all week, if it were just me it'd be soup and boiled eggs and occasional baked spud. DD home at weekend too for DS birthday.
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With the menu planning, we often have enough left overs for an extra meal that I dont freeze which is good. Tonight is roast pork with all the veg, we have enough left over from last night. We were 3 for dinner then 6, so I cooked up lots of extra veg but they werent eaten, so easy dinner tonight :)
Just as well as I had bad pain last night. One day I will be pain free.
H :)
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So sorry about the pain. :(
I did extra mash, and veggies today, these will go Into shepherd pie with chopped meat and gravy. Only have to sweat an onion.
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Yes DJ, pain in all ways.
Just probably used it too much yesterday
>:(
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Hope you get some relief soon Hally :(
Tonight: Homemade fish and chips
Tuesday: Grilled lamb chops, baked potato and steamed vegetables
Wednesday: Sweet and sour chicken
Thursday: Pork chops with apple sauce and cauliflower cheese
Friday: Homemade pizza
Saturday: Roast something
Plus cakes, biscuits, etc.
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Pain free must be soon Hally.
i take leftovers to work for lunches, saves heaps of $$$$
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Cookie, this is a very cheeky request, but would you mind posting a picture of your menu plan sheet on here somehow? I am a repeat offender menu-plan fail person, mostly because I find I cant cope with a menu plan and unexpected things that pop up ...... mayabe a more detailed plan like you have described would help?
Cookie emailed it to me about 6-8 months ago Karen and it's really great. I struggled with meal planning before this.
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i take leftovers to work for lunches, saves heaps of $$$$
I do that to Robyn. I pack leftovers in to microwave safe containers for mum and SD to take to work :)
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So far so good have suck to the list and started a sponge dough for rolls for freezer tomorrow.
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Dh always has left overs for lunch.
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Cookie, this is a very cheeky request, but would you mind posting a picture of your menu plan sheet on here somehow? I am a repeat offender menu-plan fail person, mostly because I find I cant cope with a menu plan and unexpected things that pop up ...... mayabe a more detailed plan like you have described would help?
Cookie emailed it to me about 6-8 months ago Karen and it's really great. I struggled with meal planning before this.
Great to hear mcmich ......... I have a copy now too, so will see how I go.
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http://quirkycooking.blogspot.com.au/p/how-to-menu-plan.html
Came across this and thought some of you may find it interesting . . . :D
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For some reason I can't get this link to work or Jo's Home Page :-\
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Just trying it on tapatalk on my iPhone CC. It's working for me....
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I can get the webpage but no text or content :-\ Must be me and my iPad :D
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CC I am getting the same on my iPad .
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It seems there is a problem with QJ's website - no content showing. I'm on the computer.
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I've just tried this (clicked on the link I gave this morning) on the PC and no problem this end . . . . wonder what's going on.
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Yes, she's back on air. Maybe she was doing some maintenance work on her blog GF.