Frugal Fabulous

Pinch Pennies...Without Feeling Pinched

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:14:00 +0000

I don't like feeling deprived, even in the name of frugality. Please don't get me wrong: living within my means, saving for the future, and avoiding debt are all important to me. However, that doesn't change the fact that I enjoy good food, nice clothes, and many of life's other luxuries.

Fortunately, being frugal doesn't mean I have to give these indulgences up. There are plenty of ways to live well, without spending a fortune. One of my favorite tricks is to cut corners in some areas, in order to free up more of my income for the things I really want. For instance, clipping coupons and getting my toiletries for free means I have extra money to spend on those designer handbags I love so much. :)

If you want to enjoy the good life on a dime, why not try some of my favorite strategies for living well and spending less?

Buy jewelry, handbags, and other accessories from crafters on etsy, rather than spending big bucks at a boutique.

Reduce or eliminate meat from hearty main dishes like chili, lasagna, or nachos.

Take films out of the library, or get them free from Redbox, rather than renting DVDs or going to the movies.

Purchase clothes and shoes off-season. You'll save even more if you shop at factory outlets or consignment stores.

Use coupons and gift certificates to eat cheaply at your favorite restaurants.

Invest in a cappuccino/espresso maker rather than spending dollars a day at Starbucks.

Free up more of your income for fun things by coupon-shopping, meal-planning, and CVSing.

Check your city's chamber of commerce website for free or inexpensive activities and attractions in your area.

What are your favorite ways to live well and spend less?

Fabulous Freebies

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:30:00 +0000

Christina Aguilera Perfume

Playtex Drop-Ins Original Nurser System

Always Infinity

Yogi Tea

Vaseline Intensive Rescue

Menu Plan Monday - week of 11/10

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:31:00 +0000

Breakfast:

Granola muffins

Acorn squash bread

Bacon, eggs, and potatoes (weekend)

Tea, milk

Lunch:

Rice and bean burritos

Spicy peanut chicken, broccoli, rice

Leftovers

Apples, oranges, carrot sticks

Dinner:

Nachos topped with rice, refried beans, chicken, cheese, sour cream, and salsa; carrot sticks

Beef stew with carrots and potatoes, cheese muffins

Homemade chili over rice, green beans, cornbread

Pasta topped with steak, red sauce, and white sauce; green beans

Pork chops, mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, gravy, green beans

Chicken quesadillas topped with salsa and sour cream; carrot sticks

For more great meu plans, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Help P&G Help Those in Need!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:03:00 +0000

Procter and Gamble is once again helping you bless those in need. Every time you redeem a coupon from the November 2 P&G Brandsaver insert, Procter and Gamble will donate a meal to Feeding America. This is a great way to save some money on your grocery bill, while also helping those in this country who suffer from hunger and malnutrition.

Please take advantage of this great opportunity by redeeming P&G Brandsaver coupons whenever you are able. For more information, or to make a donation, click here.

Welcome to Frugal Fabulous

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:11:00 +0000

I have received many kind and concerned emails from readers over the past few weeks, asking, "What happened to Frugal Fabulous?"

To be completely honest, during the month of October, Donnie's and my life was neither frugal nor fabulous. In fact, it got so bad—regular takeout meals, thoughtless spending, total disorganization in the home, and a general feeling of exhaustion—that I said more than once, "This is no way to live." Nevertheless, I couldn't summon even the slightest bit of cheerful frugality, as we continued to grapple with a long commute, a cluttered house, and the feeling that things were not going to get better any time soon.

Thankfully, this week I have been blessed with an exciting new career opportunity that offers a shorter commute, greater financial stability, more regular hours, and plenty of opportunity for advancement. The more predictable paychecks will allow us to create a true budget, and the less chaotic commute and hours will help us maintain more order in our lives.

I am looking forward to this new adventure, and am excited about my renewed commitment to living a simple, stable, sustainable life. I fully intend to hold myself accountable for budgeting, meal planning, creative cost-cutting, and overall financial discipline on this blog. I hope you care to join me on this new journey!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:10:00 +0000

It's getting chillier here in Pennsylvania. Fortunately, keeping warm this autumn doesn’t mean cranking up the heat! Turn down the thermostat, and instead chase the cold away with these frugal, environmentally friendly ideas.

Dress for the season. I know this sounds obvious, but many people don’t wear winter clothes in the house. In fact, up until last year, we usually kept our home so warm that I could wear tank tops in December. Now, you’re more likely to catch me in cozy sweatpants and fleecy tops. Wearing weather-appropriate clothing around the house will quickly curb your desire to crank up the heat.

Get cooking. Simmer some beef stew in the crock pot, bake a loaf of crusty bread, or whip up a batch of tasty muffins. Your house will warm right up, and your family will be thrilled!

Exercise. There’s a reason they call it “burning” calories. Physical activity is not just good for your health; it also warms you right up.

Brew up steaming beverages and broths. Nothing warms your tummy like a cup of hot cocoa—except, of course, hot tea, hot coffee, and chicken soup!

Snuggle up. Get cozy on the couch with blankets, pillows, and, of course, your loved ones!

Be productive. Tackle those big, physical household projects that make you sweat. Winter is the time to move your heavy furniture, paint your living room, or put in that breakfast bar you always wanted.

How do you keep warm when it’s cold outside—without cranking up the heat, that is?

Originally published November 2007.

Fantastic Freebies!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:07:00 +0000

Bertolli's Premium Microwaveable Sauce

Fiber One - Honey Clusters Cereal PLUS an Oats and Chocolate Bar

Bear Naked Fruit and Nut Granola

UnderJams Night Wear for Boys

Soup-er Supper

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:55:00 +0000

It’s getting chillier outside, especially at night, which means it’s time to start making soup!

Homemade soup is one of my absolute favorite frugal dinners. It’s tasty, nutritious, and costs practically nothing. Even better, the fragrance of homemade soup simmering away on the stove is just about the coziest, most welcoming smell in the world. A big bowl served with homemade bread, biscuits, or muffins is the perfect hearty dinner for a cold winter’s day!

Thankfully, homemade soup is incredibly easy to make. Fill a large pot with chicken, beef, or turkey bones, plus any vegetable peelings you have on hand. Sprinkle liberally with your favorite spices, and cover with water. Simmer over medium-low to medium heat for at least an hour. Drain through a sieve that has been lined with a cheesecloth (actually any damp piece of cloth will do—I use fabric from an old T-shirt!)

Return the broth to the pot and add whatever you have on hand that sounds good to you. Add vegetables and meat first. After they’ve simmered over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, add your choice of starch (Donnie’s and my favorite is spiral-shaped Rotelle pasta!) If your starch is already cooked, don’t leave the pot on the stovetop too long. Three or four minutes—just enough time to warm your rice, noodles, or potatoes—should be enough. Serve with homemade bread, biscuits, or muffins.

What are your favorite frugal meals for fall?

Originally published December 2007.

Super-Cute Crafts

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:05:00 +0000

Yesterday, I realized I need to start planning my Christmas shopping—especially if I want to be frugal this holiday season!

Fortunately, Erin at About.com: Frugal Living always shares the cutest craft ideas with her readers. These projects make wonderful handmade gifts. Today, this Denim Pocket Purse caught my eye. It’s easy to make, and absolutely adorable!

What handmade gifts do you like to give at the holidays?

Photo courtesy of About.com.

Gradual Gains

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:08:00 +0000

Over the past year, I’ve saved money and lowered my daily sugar intake by making a simple change to my morning beverage. Up until about ten months ago, I drank chai latte made from a powdered mix with my breakfast every day. It was delicious, but it was pricey, not to mention full of fat, calories, and sugar. I decided to save money—and improve my health—by replacing my latte with a cup of simple chai tea, sweetened to taste.

When I first started drinking plain brewed tea in place of lattes, I added about two teaspoons of sugar to my cup each morning. After a few weeks, I reduced that amount to one teaspoon. Once I had gotten used to drinking my tea that way, I once again halved the amount of sugar I added. Then, after about three months of drinking hot, slightly sweetened tea, I stopped adding sugar entirely.

Now I enjoy my fragrant chai tea without any added sugar. I don’t miss the sweetness at all; instead, I savor the beverage’s enticing aroma and naturally spicy flavor. I've even branched out and begun drinking other varieties of tea. Buying tea bags is significantly less expensive than constantly purchasing powdered chai latte mix, which saves Donnie and me a significant amount on our monthly grocery bill. Plus, I enjoy all the health benefits that come from drinking tea, without filling up on empty calories and sugar.

Small, deliberate changes like this can make a big difference in your life. How have you tweaked your daily routine to save money, improve your health, or reap some other significant benefit?

Originally published January 2008.

Pinchin' Pennies

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:41:00 +0000

All frugal homes should have a change jar. I firmly believe this. I made a change jar for Donnie’s and my first apartment eight years ago, and we’ve been using it ever since. It is an absolutely effort-free way to accumulate a nice little stash of “extra” money.

Whenever we pay for something with cash (which is almost always), we toss the change in the jar. When the jar is full, we cash it in. That’s all there is to it. Not exactly rocket science. Yet the cash from the change jar has always been a blessing. Over the past few years, we’ve used the change jar money to make charitable contributions, bolster our savings, and have a little extra spending money on vacation. During our younger, broker days, we often used money from the change jar to buy groceries or pay bills.

Seeing firsthand how much benefit can be reaped from such a miniscule effort is what leads me to believe that even the smallest changes can yield big results. You don’t have to overhaul your entire lifestyle to become more financially secure. It’s possible to save thousands of dollars a year by adopting just a few frugal habits. You can overcome debt, build savings, and consume less of our earth’s precious resources while still having a wonderful, full life. You can get the things you really want, without borrowing against your future. And the best part is, you can start making those small changes today.

There are a million things you can do, right this very minute, to get started on the road to financial freedom. Turn down the heat. Clip a few coupons. Resolve to make dinner at home tonight, and really do it. Or, just put a few coins in a jar. Whatever first frugal change you decide to make, do it today, and don’t ever look back.

Originally published December 2007.

Saturday Night Samples

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 01:10:00 +0000

Free Computer Screen Cleaner

Baby Phat Fabulosity Fragrance

Neutrel Honey Wheat Digestive Bar

UnderJams Disposable Nightwear

Prilosec OTC

Out and About...and Frugal

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:39:00 +0000

Is it possible for a household to live frugally, even when all the adults work or go to school outside the home? Donnie and I have found that the answer is, “Yes!”

It can be very challenging to maintain a frugal lifestyle without a full-time homemaker to keep things running smoothly. Nevertheless, with a little careful planning, it can be done.

Here are some of the ways Donnie and I balance frugal living with full-time work outside the home:

We use the crock pot. Slow-cooking our food serves two major frugal purposes: it makes even the cheapest, toughest cuts of meat tender; and it means dinner is ready to eat the moment we walk in the door. There’s no temptation to stop for fast food when we’ve got a home-cooked meal waiting for us!

We minimize clutter. Keeping our home free from excess “stuff” means we devote less time to cleaning, organizing, and maintaining some semblance of household order. We have more time to spend on side-income ventures, frugal planning and budgeting, or simply enjoying one another’s company.

We keep couponing simple. There are many brilliant frugal experts who create elaborate coupon schemes every time they shop. I admire them, but I can’t emulate them at this stage of my life. I maintain a coupon file, do some basic CVSing, and always try to combine sales with coupons to get the best deals. Our grocery expenses are still low, but I don’t feel overwhelmed trying to create complicated shopping scenarios.

We budget for convenience. We try to leave a little room in our monthly spending plan for whatever time-savers we think we’ll need. Personally, I think it’s better to get takeout for which we’ve already budgeted, than to find ourselves spending money on a last-minute fast food dinner when we hadn’t planned to do so!

We don’t shop for recreation. Donnie and I don’t go to stores, or even check out online retailers, unless we have a very specific purchase in mind. This prevents us from buying things impulsively, and also means we don’t feel deprived by spending lots of time looking at things we want but can’t have.

We plan, plan, plan. Having a weekly menu plan means we never have to ask ourselves, “What’s for dinner?” Creating a detailed shopping list prevents us from making impulse purchases at the grocery store. Keeping our freezer stocked with a few last-minute meals ensures we almost always have lunch or dinner at hand. Knowing how much we can afford to spend guarantees we won’t overdraw our bank account. In other words, planning ahead saves us time, money, and hassle!

How do you balance a two-career family and a frugal budget?

Making a Difference

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:23:00 +0000

A tight budget doesn’t mean you have to forego helping those in need. In fact, there are many ways you can make a difference in others’ lives, without spending much at all!

Share items from your CVS stockpile with a family in need.
Give the money from your change jar to your favorite charity.
Volunteer your time and talents with a worthwhile organization.
Donate your gently used clothes, books, and household items to your favorite charitable group.
Write to elected officials about causes that are important to you.
Invite a family going through tough financial times to your house for a delicious frugal dinner.

How do you make a difference on a dime?

Budget for YOUR Life

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:25:00 +0000

If you want to manage your money effectively, you absolutely must have a budget. Fortunately, developing a workable budget isn’t difficult. I personally recommend creating a yearly budget first, then narrowing it to a monthly breakdown (i.e., if your annual clothing budget is $700, do you want to divide that up by month, or would you rather do a major shopping a few times per year?)

No two households will have the same budget, because no two households have the same priorities. The key is to decide what works best for you through careful thought and experimentation. There’s no such thing as a budget that’s written in stone. Some expenses obviously can’t be changed—your mortgage payment is your mortgage payment, no matter how much you would like it to be lower! However, your discretionary categories, like entertainment and family vacation money, offer a great deal of flexibility. You can also get really creative and think of ways to lower your utility bills, freeing up more money for fun things. I provide lots of tips for lowering your monthly expenses on this site, so be sure to look around.

There’s only one aspect of budgeting in which I recommend you be absolutely inflexible, and that's savings. Regular saving is essential to building a secure financial future. I suggest setting aside 10% of your net income before spending so much as a dime. In especially lean times, this may not be possible, in which case I still recommend putting away something—even if it’s only $5 per paycheck. “Found” money, such as bonuses, gifts, or a tax refund higher than anticipated can help bolster your savings during times of greater financial hardship. If your employer matches contributions to your 401(k) up to a certain percentage (usually 6-10%), take advantage of the free money and sign up for the maximum matched payroll deduction.

In addition to savings, basic budget categories include:

Taxes – real estate; per capita; local, state, and federal income; capital gains (it's best to see a tax professional to plan for these)

Food – meals, snacks, and party foods prepared at home

Housing expenses – mortgage or rent, homeowners' association fees, homeowners' or renters' insurance

Utilities – electric, water, heat, phone

Transportation – car payments, bus or train fares, car insurance, vehicle registration fees

Insurance – health, life, and disability

Personal items and toiletries – non-food expenses like diapers, feminine products, toothpaste, shampoo, and toilet paper

Healthcare expenses – prescriptions, over the counter medications, co-pays, deductibles, vision care, braces, diabetes supplies

Charitable contributions – tithes, monetary donations, or major gifts to benevolent organizations

Household purchases – furniture, home décor, appliances, supplies for renovation projects, fees for paid services (such as professional painting or landscaping)

Education – tuition, books, tutoring, school supplies, after-school activity fees

Clothing – outfits for school, work, and weekends; uniforms; shoes; coats

Personal care – barber, beauty shop, and spa expenses; gym memberships

Entertainment – cable, high-speed internet, movie rentals, DVDs, books, games, children’s toys, sports equipment, restaurant meals, day trips

Holiday expenses – holiday gifts, decorations, activities, party supplies

Vacation money – airline or train tickets; hotel, motel, or campground fees; theme park tickets; souvenirs; meals

Balancing these household expenses in a way that makes sense for you is the secret to good budgeting. Trimming excess where you can, without feeling deprived, is the key to being frugal fabulous. Fortunately, there are many ways to cut corners without feeling pinched, freeing up more of your hard-earned income for the things you really want!

Originally published November 27, 2007.

Free Credit Scores!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:37:00 +0000

Great news from Dow Jones Business Interactive LLC:

If you had a credit card anytime in the past 20 years, you can get no-cost credit monitoring from TransUnion, one of the big three reporting agencies. The freebie is part of a settlement of a class-action suit filed against TransUnion for selling customer profiles to third parties. The company denies wrongdoing.
Sign up and you'll get copies of your credit report and score as often as you like for six months (usual cost: $60), which can help alert you to any identity theft. To register, go to http://www.listclassaction.com/ or call 866-416-3470 by Sept. 24.
© 2008 Dow Jones Business Interactive LLC (trading as Factiva). All rights reserved.

Breakfast on a Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:52:00 +0000

In this era of sugary cereals, Pop Tarts, frozen waffles, and Egg McMuffins, breakfast has become the least frugal, least nutritious meal of the day for many families. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Start your morning well by following some of the inexpensive, wholesome suggestions listed here.

Make a batch of homemade pancakes or waffles on the weekend, then freeze. These can be easily reheated in the toaster or microwave all week long. Preparing your batter completely from scratch is the most frugal option, but even using a mix is cheaper than buying these products pre-made.

Whip up some delicious, nutritious smoothies by blending whatever fresh fruit you have on hand with yogurt, milk, or orange juice.

Prepare old-fashioned oats on the stovetop or in the microwave. They’re cheaper, healthier, and tastier than instant oatmeal, but the preparation time isn’t significantly longer. Serve with a variety of toppings, such as fresh or dried fruit, honey, milk, brown sugar, or nuts.

Assemble a platter of whatever fresh or dried fruits, cheeses, and nuts you have on hand.

Create wholesome breakfast parfaits by layering yogurt with fresh or dried fruits, applesauce, nuts, homemade granola, coconut, wheat germ, or other toppings. Use large cartons of plain yogurt, which is more frugal and more nutritious than flavored, single-serving cups. If plain yogurt is too bitter for your taste, sweeten it with honey, molasses, or brown sugar.

Bake your own tasty breads, muffins, cakes, or cookies. Even if you use a mix, your creations will still be cheaper than buying packaged baked goods (“from-scratch” is still the most frugal option, though!)

What are your favorite frugal, nutritious breakfast options?

Originally published November 30, 2007

Fabulous Weekend Freebies

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 15:13:00 +0000

Escada Moon Sparkle Fragrance

Bounce Awakenings Fabric Softener

Degree for Men Deodorant

Parent's Choice Gentle Baby Formula

Clean & Clear Morning Burst Oil Absorbing Sheets

Thank Goodness for the Crockpot!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 02:42:00 +0000

Just a few hours ago, I realized Donnie and I don't have any lunches for tomorrow. Thankfully, we have a crockpot, which means we can whip up an easy, frugal meal with almost no effort!

As I type, I have a small roast from the freezer simmering away in a pot of water and Italian spices. Before I go to bed, I'll drain and shred the meat, stir in some of my homemade sauce, and leave the mixture to finish cooking overnight.

Served over noodles, this simple Italian pot roast will make a delicious, filling lunch. And that certainly beats getting expensive takeout!

Menu Plan Monday: Week of 8/11

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:53:00 +0000

Breakfast:

Homemade cornbread

French breakfast puffs

Fresh fruit: apricots, blueberries, strawberries

Lunch:

Chicken soup from my freezer stash

Leftovers

Homemade whole wheat bread

Fresh fruit: apples and oranges

Dinner (in no particular order):

Pasta topped with Italian sausage, homemade tomato sauce, and cheese; steamed broccoli; homemade whole wheat bread

Creamy basil chicken over noodles, fresh green beans

Nachos topped with steak, refried beans, salsa, sour cream, and cheese

Baked chicken, carrots roasted in the pan, mashed potatoes, gravy, homemade whole wheat bread

Italian pot roast over noodles, steamed broccoli, homemade whole wheat bread

Chicken fried rice loaded with veggies

For more great menu plans, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Rise 'n' Shine!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:14:00 +0000

Regular readers of this blog know that I’m a big fan of making your own breakfast goodies, rather than spending money on sugary cereals or frozen pastries. I try to have some type of home-baked good in the house at all times, so that Donnie and I can enjoy a healthy breakfast every day. As a result, I’m always on the lookout for new recipes that are both healthful and delicious.

This recipe for Blueberry Rise ‘n’ Shine Biscuits from Biblical Womanhood certainly fits the bill. The biscuits were incredibly easy to prepare, and absolutely delicious. Because they were made with fresh fruit and whole wheat flour, they stuck with Donnie and me until lunch—something that doesn’t always happen when we eat white flour-based baked goods for breakfast. Best of all, I can tell this recipe will be easily adaptable to whatever fruits are abundant during a given season!

If you’re looking for a simple, tasty, nourishing breakfast recipe, give these Blueberry Rise ‘n’ Shine Biscuits a try. You won’t be sorry!

Photo courtesy of Biblical Womanhood. (Crystal's biscuits turned out much prettier than mine!)

Frugal Fruits (and Veggies!)

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:26:00 +0000

One of the best ways I know to save money on produce is to shop at locally owned businesses, rather than supermarket chains. Donnie and I have been faithful customers of a small produce shop in our town since it opened, and as a result we have snagged some fantastic deals on fresh fruits and vegetables.

The prices at this shop are generally lower than those at the grocery store. However, that’s not the only benefit. The owners have come to know us and value our business, so they usually round our total purchase price down at the cash register, saving us a couple bucks a week. They’ve also been known to give us a few pieces of produce to try, for free.

I strongly encourage all of you frugal shoppers who live near a small, locally owned produce shop or stand to take full advantage of it. You’ll save some money, and help a small business owner at the same time. What could be better?

Keep Cool in the Summer Heat

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:12:00 +0000

I don't know how the weather has been in the rest of the US, but here in Pennsylvania it has been HOT for the past few weeks. Donnie and I have really struggled to keep our goal of using air conditioning as infrequently as possible.

If you've also been hit by a heat wave, check out the 7 cheapest ways to beat the summer heat, from weather.com. This article has lots of great tips, although it leaves off my favorite: a big bowl of ice cream!

Free Family Football Fun!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:38:00 +0000

It's late July, which means only one thing to football fans: training camp!

Training camp is a great opportunity for your family to enjoy live NFL action, and your kids to meet their favorite players, all without spending a cent. My family makes a point to go to Eagles training camp every year, and we always have a blast!

Click here for more information about your local team's training camp location and activities.

Menu Plan Monday - week of 7/21

noreply@blogger.com (Katie Gregg) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:24:00 +0000

We’re having a lot of broccoli this week—not for any particular reason, just because we happen to love it!

Breakfast:

Double chocolate cookies
Oatmeal with peaches and brown sugar

Lunch:
Leftovers
Strawberries
Watermelon

Dinner:

Monday: elbow macaroni with cream cheese basil sauce, Italian sausage, broccoli
Tuesday: pork chops with spicy plum sauce, rice, green beans
Wednesday: Asian-style beef and broccoli over rice
Thursday: nachos topped with spicy steak, homemade refried beans, homemade cheese sauce, and sour cream
Friday: creamy broccoli and potato soup, homemade whole wheat bread
Saturday: fried chicken thighs, broccoli au gratin, mashed potatoes, homemade whole wheat bread

For more great menu plans, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie!