Meal planning used to be a fun little task for me. But then when a couple of kiddos, in addition to the husband got thrown in the mix, plus a tighter budget, it suddenly became more of a chore. Then I realized I just wasn’t doing it right. Sitting down with 2 or 3 cookbooks, picking out recipes that sounded good, choosing side dishes that paired well, making a long list of ingredients, going to my cabinet to see what I could cross off...it took forever.
Then about 6 weeks ago I learned about E-Mealz. It is a great meal planning website. Basically you can pick whatever type of meal plan you want...low fat, low carb, regular type, ww points, vegetarian, whatever...then choose what store you shop at and how many people you are feeding. It then plans 7 dinners for you each week...including side dishes.
The best part is that it prints out an aisle-by-aisle, detailed shopping list for you, complete with prices so you know exactly what you'll be spending. The meals also follow the weekly store ads/coupons so it is definitely budget friendly. The list is broken down by meal #, so if a particular meal doesn't appeal to you, it is easy to cross those items off the list.
It’s also easy on the budget by incorporating the same ingredients throughout the week. No more wasting half a tub of cream cheese…it will be used for a later recipe. It occasionally incorporates leftovers into the meal plan as well.
Are you hosting Easter dinner? Check out their holiday meal-planning guide. I recently noticed they are offering gift certificates too. It might be the perfect gift for those who are hard to shop for.
Anyway, we have found the meals to be great, even for our girls, so click the link above if you want to try it out. Dave Ramsey is an advocate of it, so if you sign up, use the coupon code "Dave" to save $2.50...that will make it $2.50/month. I figure after 3 months I’ll have enough recipes for a lifetime.
E-mealz is currently paying new members $3.75 for each friend they refer…so sign up and spread the word!
For more Works For Me Wednesday tips, visit We Are THAT Family.
3 comments:
i totally checked into this when you first posted it. and we use it now. i love it. even though buz actually does the grocery shopping right now.
i know. he's a saint.
but i love that everything is there on ONE page. it is awesome.
works for me/us.
Interesting ... that's twice today I've heard about E-mealz! Thanks for sharing
That sounds awesome and SO easy. I'll have to try it!
Thank you for visiting my blog a few weeks back- I appreciate your sweet words and encouragement.
Have a blessed day!
Lindsey
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