A Long Time Coming

August 9, 2015.  That's the day I posted a question on facebook. A question that I had been mulling around in my own head for quite some time before asking and has been nagging me since. 

The question, would there be interest in a blog or facebook group dedicated to quick and easy recipes (I use this word loosely) that could be thrown together at the last minute even if you forgot to plan or perhaps planned but forgot to set out your protein (or other ingredients) to defrost.

Between the comments, private messages and likes it seemed that this idea had legs and may be worth pursuing.

I'm a busy wife and mother, no busier than the rest of you but we are all busy none the less.  I work full time, home school our youngest daughter and we live an hour from everything so even a trip to go shopping is usually a minimum of three hours.  Getting dinner on the table in a timely manner when you're away from home during those crucial meal prep hours can be difficult to say the least. We often eat out, and when I say often I'm minimizing the extent of the situation. Lately we've been eating out more than we are eating at home.  Not only is this expensive but it certainly isn't healthy either.  I've always enjoyed putting a wholesome, hot, home cooked meal on the table but lately it has seemed impossible. 

I decided enough is enough and am self imposing a challenge to not eat out for dinner for the entire month of April.  This will take some planning, and perseverance on my part.  Will every day be gourmet? Of course not.  Might we enjoy freezer burritos or corn dogs at least once?  It's highly likely.  But, my hope is that we will save some money and a few calories all while enjoying some family time at the dinner table.

I will spend the next week creating my plan of attack.  Check back here for my tips moving forward regarding items I like to keep on hand, menu planning, and maybe some money saving short cuts.

This challenge is going to be rewarding in many ways I think.  Aside from saving money and calories, I'm hoping this will help free up some freezer space before hunting season comes along and it will also force me to learn to use my Instant Pot.