well, it's about time!

This week has the potential of being a very stressful and busy week, so I MADE (yes, made) myself plan out my menu for this week. Not only will be it save me some sanity of knowing what I have planned for dinner, but we're working really hard at saving money by not eating take out! Now, why haven't I done this before, you might ask? My answer would be...I don't know. It sounds simple and it seems like it would make life a whole lot less stressful. The real reason is probably because I don't make it a priority. I know I should, but I don't. I really want to, so I'm starting this week! And, to make myself accountable to it, I am participating in my first ever Menu Plan Monday over at The Organizing Junkie (oh, and it doesn't hurt that there is a giveaway this week). She has inspired so many to get into action and plan out the week's meals. Many have even planned a whole day's meals for the whole week. One day...that WILL be me!

You have to start somewhere, right? And, that means the main dish. Next week, I'll try to plan out the side dishes, too. You can't expect too much the first time around!

I love me some AllRecipes, so I actually have links so you can try it, too!

Monday - Baked Ziti (my sister-in-law had originally hooked us on this by delivering this meal when my son was first born)

Tuesday - Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings (new recipe I haven't tried yet, but looks yummy!)

Wednesday - Impossibly Easy Ham & Swiss Pie (I first had this at a baby shower brunch...no one said we couldn't have it for dinner, too!)

Thursday - Zesty Slow Cooker Chicken Barbecue (this is so good on a hoagie roll)

Friday - Papa Murphy's pizza for the hubby & kids (I'm off for a night of scrapbooking!)

Saturday - Celebrating my friend's birthday-out to dinner


That really wasn't so bad... I'll be sure to do this again next week!

For more menu ideas, check out Menu Plan Monday.