Let’s talk getting out of the house with kids. I only have two, mind you. I happen to know that some of you have a whole gaggle, which is a lot…and I don’t know how you do it.
It takes us like 47 minutes to get out of the house. I nearly lose my mind. Usually there is a request for water, for a snack, an I have to go potty, a spill (always with the spills!), a forgotten favorite animal, and inevitably I always, always forget the kids shoes. It’s truly maddening.
I’ve started putting specific measures into place as any normal person would do to avoid a full adult tantrum (yes, I will admit this has happened)…keeping extra waters and pairs of shoes in the car, starting 30 minutes early to get out the door, and my new favorite…just not going anywhere 
Am I the only one?? Is there anyone else out there whose meltdown trigger is getting out of the house? Talk to me.
And in return for your wisdom and insight I’ll share with you my 6 tasty meals for the week, with a shopping list I estimate will be around $50 based on this spreadsheet.
Creamy Mustard Chicken + Haricots Vert
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total: $4.10 for the chicken + $3.24 for the green beans
Chipotle Chicken Sliders + Side Salad
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total: $5.00 for the sliders + estimated $2.00 for the side salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes (after pre-cooking chicken or turkey)
Total: $7.98 for the salad
Breakfast Pizza + Fresh Fruit
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total: $6.60 for the pizza + estimated $2.00 for the fruit
Sausage with Polenta + Your Favorite Veggie
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total: $8.17 for the sausage + estimated $2.00 for the veggie
Food Snob’s Meatloaf + Gorgonzola Mashed Potatoes+ Side Salad
Prep Time: 1 hour
Total: $6.30 for the meatloaf + $2.98 for the potatoes + estimated $2.00 for the salad
Grand Total: $50.37 for 6 family-friendly and fabulous meals! This is based on this spreadsheet where I’ve included what I typically pay per item and where I buy it.
Shopping List
Meat/Seafood
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 pounds ground chicken or turkey
- 12 slices turkey bacon
- 1 pound italian sausage (I prefer chicken or turkey)
Produce
- 1 pound green beans
- 3 shallots
- handful of cilantro
- toppings for burger
- side salad ingredients (x2)
- 1 head of romaine
- 1/4 cup chives
- 2 1/2 pounds yukon gold or russet potatoes
- 1 favorite veggie
- 1 pint grape tomatoes
- fresh fruit
- 2 tablespoons green onions
- 5 tablespoons italian parsley
- 1 red onion
- 1 bell pepper
- 3 garlic cloves
Pantry
- 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 2-3 tablespoons chipotle chile in adobo sauce (in the can, usually in the ethnic section of markets)
- slider or hamburger buns
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 slices sandwich bread
- 1/2 cup ketchup
Eggs/Dairy
- 3/4 cup half and half or cream
- 1 cup gorgonzola cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups asiago cheese
- 7 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups milk
