Taking Inventory

As part of my Goal Planning for this week I listed clean out the freezer, take inventory and make a list of meals (to make with what I have on hand).  I originally only planned to do the freezers but I ended up taking an inventory of almost everything I have in the house.  It's pretty overwhelming actually.  I was going to post the list of what I have and what I am going to make but it was just too long. So, I think I'll share my list of upcoming meals.  I do have a short grocery list of items that I'll need to complete a few of these meals.  (It's kind of embarrassing to admit how much I have on hand but I'm very thankful that the Lord has blessed us so abundantly.)

Grilled London Broil, Tangy Green Bean casserole or maybe this
Grilled Chicken, Grilled Asparagus, Pasta salad
Very Veggie Lasagna
Homemade pizza
Spicy Noodle Edamame Salad
Corn Chowder
BBQ Hash
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Chicken Tetrazzini
Country Chicken Pot Pie (probably served over toast rather than in a pie crust)
Stir Fry Beef and Broccoli with Rice
Hamburgers and Chips
BBQ Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken
French Toast and bacon
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Hotdogs
Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
Zucchini Garden Chowder

Red, White and Blueberry Muffins
PB & J scones
Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins
Zucchini Bread

I will need to purchase eggs, milk, toasted sesame oil, potatoes, BBQ sauce (unless I make some with ketchup and spices), Thai sweet chili sauce, fresh broccoli, frozen mixed vegetables.  I might need to buy more mozzarella cheese too.  I have other foods on hand...crackers, chips, ice cream, ingredients for cookies and bread, cold cereal, popcorn, yogurt, oatmeal etc.

There are a few items on this list that I won't eat because they are either too high in calories or I don't know what the calorie count is and I have plenty of things on hand that I can eat instead.

Molly's Money Saving Digest

Occasionally I am asked to review a product besides the Download N Go units.  This week I was sent a copy of Molly’s Money Saving Digest which is a monthly e-book “magazine”.  This is my first time reading an issue and it looks like a lot of fun.  I was given a small sample of a recent issue and a text only version of the November 2010 issue in exchange for my honest review.  The theme of the November issue is Preparing our Hearts and Homes for the Holidays.  Anyone who knows me knows that I love Christmas and the whole holiday season.   I really enjoyed reading through this issue and cannot wait to see the completed version because from the sample I have seen I know it is going to be beautiful.

Inside there are some articles, but one my favorite parts is the recipes.  There is a one week meal plan that includes meals you can make for the freezer.  I love freezer cooking and cannot wait to try the recipes. It even has a complete shopping list. There are lots of recipes for desserts too. (For my friends with Celiac Disease there is a gluten free cookie recipe as well!) Additionally, there are directions for how to make a breadbasket using plastic bags and recycled plastic lids.  I can’t wait to try making one (or letting my teens try making it.)

Molly’s Money Saving Digest is not just for recipes and crafts though.  There is a valuable article on organizing your holidays with multiple internet links to help plan everything out.  Others things you will find include a list of important dates, November bargains to look for, an article on beautiful table settings on a budget, another on dinner party manners and one writer shares her journey out of debt. Last but not least, an article on preparing our hearts and homes for the holiday season.

All in all, Molly’s Money Saving Digest is a very enjoyable read and my family will benefit from it this holiday season.

**** I saw the final version of this today and it's so nice with the pictures and that bread basket is the coolest thing.  I can't wait to try one when I have the time.