Photograph Credit: iStockphoto
Knowing that a successful year will not materialize on its own, we must plan and prepare for a prosperous 2013.
Throughout the 31 days of January, I will choose one topic each day to prepare or schedule for this year.
Without preparation, I know I will forget, miss, or overlook certain items. If you desire an organized year, then join me in this adventure of Planning for Success for a prosperous 2013.
To receive a daily e-mail around 11:00 a.m. with the new posts of each day, subscribe to my free daily newsletter. In case you miss a post in this series, I will provide the link to each day as the month progresses. 🙂
- Day 1: Select a Planning Tool
- Day 2: Add Your Priorities
- Day 3: Print and Display Your Menu Planner – with free printable
- Day 4: Record Membership Expiration Dates
- Day 5: Mark Due Dates for Monthly Bills
- Day 6: Insert Credit Report Schedule
- Day 7: Schedule Your Annual Home Maintenance
- Day 8: Set Your School and Work Activities
- Day 9: Highlight Contract and Subscription Expiration Dates
- Day 10: Download a Savings Tracker
- Day 11: Note Daily Deals Expiration Dates
- Day 12: Setup Bill Pay
- Day 13: Secure Doctor Appointments
- Day 14: Purchase Batteries
- Day 15: Include Holidays
- Day 16: Jot down Library Return Dates
- Day 17: Track Your Family’s Favorite Meals
- Day 18: Reserve Time for Your Priorities
- Day 19: Post Your Payday Schedule – with free printable
- Day 20: Prepare Your Medical Spending Record – with free printable
- Day 21: Check Light Bulbs and Air Filters
- Day 22: Choose Event Dates
- Day 23: Enter Reward Deadlines
Day 24: Design a Quick Meals List
Last week, I shared how our family keeps a Top 20 List of our favorite meals. Though we eat other meals as well, I do try to serve food my family enjoys, so our list assists me in preparing our weekly menu plan.
Another great resource is a list of quick meals for those busy days. In our home, my son has already started spring soccer. His league practices often during the week, so I seize quick meals for those busy nights.
15 Quick Meals for Busy Nights
Breakfast for Dinner
1. Eggs and sausage
2. Waffles and fruit
Freezer Meals
These meals were made in a double batch one time but served twice or more. 🙂
3. Broccoli and cheese soup with sourdough bread
4. Chili and corn bread/muffins
5. Mexican Dip, tortilla chips, and vegetables
Pre-made Dinners
6. Bruschetta chicken on crusted bread – purchased from Sam’s Club in the appetizer section, served with cheeses, crackers, and fresh vegetables.
7. Pizza and salad
8. Stouffer’s entrees and vegetables
Sandwiches
9. Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato sandwiches with fresh vegetables
10. Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup
Stove Top Meals
11. Hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, and vegetables
12. Quesadillas and vegetables
13. Spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread
14. Tacos – soft, hard, and salad
15. Tortellini and Alfredo sauce with vegetables
In planning for success on busy nights, keep a quick meals list handy and supplies in stock. Though I consult my calendar before scheduling our weekly menu plan, some days turn out busier than others. Having a backup plan prevents panic, stress, and confusion at dinner time.
Feeding our families seems to take so much time among menu planning, cooking, cleaning, and shopping. Having a quick list gives us more options when we don’t feel like making a meal. In using time wisely, taking time to write and post quick meal options saves money, energy, and time.
Question: What are quick meals your family enjoys?
I always keep a list on the freezer of meals that are stocked up, but also meals that I have the ingredients for and can quickly be made. Taco’s and burritos top that list a lot lol
Tacos is a favorite meal in our house. If my son got to choose each night, we would live on spaghetti. 🙂 In thinking about how you update your list, do you add items after grocery shopping?
I understand the list, but I know I would forget to mark off something or add something else. I’m just wandering how you keep it current. Thanks for another comment, Val!