Welcome to the start of another week! The weekends are NOT long enough, right? On Saturday, I had a great time visiting the Manatawny Distillery for a tour and bottling workshop (yes, I bottled vodka – pretty cool!), then followed up with a late lunch at the SlyFox Brewery! The event was sponsored by the local Society of Women Engineers chapter. I should have taken more pictures – needless to say, I had more beer and liquor in one day than I normally have in a week!
I’m linking up with Jill Conyers and Laura from Mommy Run Fast for What’s for Dinner! This is a great linkup for cooking inspiration and it helps a busy working professional such as myself on track with my meal planning!
When You Lack Inspiration…
While we did eat out a few times, overall we ate pretty well this past week, but not because of me…I’ve been completely uninspired and feeling lazy in the kitchen. I’ve mentioned the past few weeks have been very stressful because of a work project, and I just haven’t had the joy to make a great meal. But I’m not giving up yet! Here are some ways I plan to shake it up this during this cooking slump:
- Food bloggers anyone? I follow so many food bloggers, and I find scrolling through my Bloglovin’ feed brings up tons of great recipes that inspire me!
- Go to Pinterest! I love just wandering through my Pinterest feed and seeing what recipes inspire me, but better yet, you can search recipes on Pinterest and see what pops up. Even if I have no plans to make those menu items, at least it gives me something to think about and I can pin it for later!
- Check your kitchen inventory. Have you ever bought some food ingredients months ago that you were really excited about, but life got in the way so you forgot all about it? Check your cabinets and freezer and if it hasn’t expired, start planning that special meal!
- Watch a few cooking shows. I know good and well that I can never duplicate anything made on Chopped, but I love watching just to get some good ideas for flavors and ingredients.
- Remember how much you love eating GOOD food. Sometimes I’m just lazy and don’t want to cook even when I’m not stressed out, but then I think about the consequences of eating unhealthy processed foods, that can give me the kick in the pants I need to make something more wholesome!
Meals for the Week:
Monday 3/2:
- Breakfast: Half a bagel and green smoothie
- Lunch: Tuna salad and fruit
- Dinner: Bret’s night
Tuesday 3/3:
- Breakfast: Half a bagel and green smoothie
- Lunch: Tuna salad and fruit
- Dinner: Chicken Ropa Vieja with brown rice
Wednesday 3/4:
- Breakfast: Half a bagel and green smoothie
- Lunch: Tuna salad and fruit
- Dinner: Bret’s night
Thursday 3/5:
- Breakfast: Half a bagel and green smoothie
- Lunch: Tuna salad and fruit
- Dinner: Homemade pizza (since I didn’t make it last week)
Friday 3/6:
- Breakfast: Cereal and green smoothie
- Lunch: Tuna salad and fruit
- Dinner: Chicken and vegetables
Saturday 3/7:
- Breakfast: We’ll be heading on the road so I doubt we will have a big breakfast.
- Lunch & Dinner: Out on the slopes! I can’t wait to let you know how it goes!
Sunday 3/8:
- Brunch: Most likely the typical waffles and eggs combo, maybe some sweet potato hash as well.
- Dinner: I’m thinking chili with ground turkey…just need to find a good recipe!
What tasty meals do you have planned for the week? How do you handle a lack of cooking inspiration?
I had homemade pizza last night- SO good! Also, I made chili on Saturday but it was little different (no beans, and used sweet potatoes) but still delicious! Your plan looks great!
Mmm your chili sounds so good! I love my homemade pizza but wish it was more filling!
While the pizza is baking mix two eggs/egg whites and then before the pizza is done baking take it out and cover it with the egg mixture then put it back in so it can finish baking… that helps it be more filling!
Hope this helps!
Ooh thanks for the tip!! I’ll definitely try that, thanks!
Going through kitchen inventory is something I have to do all the time. Every few weeks, I make myself use what is in the cupboards/freezer/fridge already! Have a great week!
You too Sandy! I need to check my inventory more often!
I love your half bagel and smoothie mornings. That sounds delicious. I have a weakness for bagels and cream cheese. I usually stick to cereal with half a banana for breakfast and occasionally switch it up with peanut butter toast.
Cereal and a banana is a good combo too, that was what I was eating last week!
For once we actually have some meals planned for this week! Because of all the ice yesterday my husband cooked up a storm so we will have home made tortilla soup that lasts a few days (SO yummy) and then some other things too. Pinterest would be such a great resource! Why have I never thought of this? Your week sounds great and so organized. 🙂
Tortilla soup sounds amazing! It’s great when you have food that can last a few days. I try to be super structured because otherwise I fall into laziness!
I seem to always make the same meals. They are quick andeasy and I know I like them so why not. My go to is chicken and veggie stir fry
That vodka bottling sounds fun!
That’s a good fall-back. I need to start thinking of easy go-to’s when I’m in a rut!
I go through the same thing. One week I’m super motivated to cook and other weeks I can barely drag myself to the grocery store.
It’s tough!
Although your meal plans sound delicious, what I’m most excited to hear about is you weekend trip to the slopes!!!
I haven’t snowboarded in years so I’m interested to see how it goes!!
Lack of cooking inspiration is the worst! When that strikes I do have a “fall back” menu plan with some healthy but quick and easy meals that come together in 15 min or less hehe Have fun skiing, what fun! 😀
What a fun weekend! You’re right- the weekends go way too fast.