Menu Plan Monday

My husband and I have decided to plan on going out to eat (with or without the kids) one night a week. Mostly resulting from an excess of eating out on our part. {insert embarrassed smile here!...} This summer has found us working long hard hours on projects and I have been struggling to make dinner every night.

We have decided to allot a certain amount of cash each week. This cash is placed in an envelope on the fridge and when it's gone it's gone. If we decide not to use it that week we'll roll it into the next week (maybe to go out somewhere extra fancy!). Hopefully this will help us save money during this season of our lives.

Here is what we are planning for dinner this week:

• Hot Dogs, Chips, Dip, Carrot Sticks
• Beef Tacos, Tortilla Chips, Salsa, Beans & Rice
  
• Chicken Pot Pie, Green Salad, Fruit Plate
  
• Marinated Turkey, Cheesy Potatoes, Mixed Veggies, Rolls
  
• Chicken Fingers, Pasta Primavera, Fruit/Veggie Tray
• Out to Dinner
• Dinner at Grandma's

I've also found it really nice to have a listing of possible Breakfast, Lunch and Healthy Snack ideas listed on my fridge (thank you Money Saving Mom). The list is helping to keep us from boredom and from running out to the fast food joints.

Here is my snack list:

• Apple Sauce
• Muffins
• Cheese & Crackers
• Dried Fruit
• Quesadillas
• Waffles
• Fruit/Veggies
  

Check out Organizing Junkies Round-up of 500+ menu plans for more inspiration on what to make for dinner.