OK…we’re 2 days into back-to-school and I already feel the need to get uber-organized. Hockey has already started, and there will soon be soccer try-outs and early morning band practices, games, dances, work…all those good things that make our lives full and fun. Depending on the week and the activity, sometimes supper is eaten at 4:30pm and sometimes it is eaten at 9:00pm (by the hockey player…really, it’s more like 2nd supper…;) ) So my meal-planning muscles were flexing hard this week as I could feel the pull of September and the busyness of our schedules.  Nothing to worry about…we’ve done this before… and I’m going to show you how meal planning is made easy with Sam’s No Frills in Bridgewater.

If you’re not a meal planner, this is the perfect time of year to start. Imagine no longer staring at the freezer at 5:00pm wondering what you’re going to make. No more last-minute pizza orders or take-out windows because everyone was starving and there was nothing to eat at home. If you like saving time…and more importantly, money…you need to be meal planning. Want to take control of your diet and health…meal plan. Are you overwhelmed at work and home…meal plan.  Are you getting the picture? Meal planning can change your life! I’m a believer. 😉

One thing I love about Sam’s No Frills is the size of the store. I know I can head in there with my list, do my shop and be out of there in minimal time. I always check the flyer before I head out and make a list and plan our meals for the week. I typically plan 4-5 meal which with some leftovers will do us for the week. Weekends are a bit more casual or may involve a big Sunday dinner. There is NO better feeling than knowing I have everything I need in the fridge/freezer and a plan mapped out for the week. So much can feel out of our control in a busy week…your meals shouldn’t be one of them.

Here’s what we’re having this week:

Easy Ground Pork Stir Fry

Tuna  Burgers with Carrot Sticks

Barbecued Chicken, Barbecued Foil-Wrapped Potatoes and Cauliflower

Slow Cooker Pork Chop Dinner

Here’s what I bought:

Rooster Brown Jasmine Rice- $4.94
VH Soya Sauce- $1.97
3 cans Clover Leaf Tuna- ($0.97) $2.91
PC Spinach- $1.97
2 lbs PC Organic Carrots- $2.47
10 lbs Potatoes- $5.97
Dole Chopped Salad- $3.97
Cauliflower- $1.67
Ginger Root- $0.55
Cut-Up Chicken- $7.75
Pork Sirloin Chops- $7.92
Lean Ground Pork- $9.56
Wonder Hamburger Buns- $2.47

Total Spent: $54.12

There are a few items I already had at home, like onions, mayonnaise, a can of soup, etc. There are items I bought that will do more than just this weeks meal plan, like the rice and soy sauce. With that combination, the amount I spend is a rough estimate of what that weeks meal plan cost. Barbecued chicken, baked potatoes, salad, fresh vegetables…all for only $54.12! Thanks Sam’s No Frills!

Are you a meal planner? Back at it this week? No time to meal plan? No worries…I’ve done it for you. 🙂 I hope everyone survived the first week of September,  however that looks for you. Next week will be the real test…hang on….we’re ready. 🙂

*This post is sponsored by Sam’s No Frills, but all opinions are my own.