Menu Plan {November 19th – 25th} plus SMK is all grown up!

Well as you know this week is Thanksgiving – seriously how is that even possible? I know, I am always talking about how fast time flies but really it is crazy that the holidays are now upon us. It seems just yesterday I was talking about juicy summer tomato recipes.

Anyway, I am not complaining – no way! Thanksgiving means my mom’s lasagna, Great Aunt Amy’s chocolate pie, Cousin Camille’s taco dip, and a house filled with 4 generations of family. Yes there is a turkey somewhere in the mix but at my house it is an Italian American Thanksgiving at it’s best. It is awesome and I can’t wait! I try to practice portion control as much as possible but I am not going to lie my Great Aunt Amy’s chocolate pie is amazing and I usually sneak two pieces. Shhh don’t tell anyone

Before I get to my menu plan, which is mostly leftovers and freezer meals, I first need to talk about some more exciting news. Now I know if you are part of the SMK facebook community your probably sick of hearing about all of this; but if you are reading this in your email and have not been to the site in a few days then this will be new to you.

Skinny Mom’s Kitchen got a whole new makeover. Check it out. This is very exciting and significant in my blogging journey. The last year and a half has been such an awesome experience and more than I could have ever imagined. I have learned so much about myself and truly believe without this blog, and all of you, I would have never had the determination to maintain my healthy lifestyle. Believe me, there have been moments I wanted to throw my hands in the air and say forget it, but because of all the amazing people I have met through SMK I don’t. Thank you!

I decided to get a blog makeover about 3 months ago. The old design served it’s purpose but as the blog grew, and I further found my blogging voice, I felt it did not represent the image I was trying to get across.

I wanted my blog to be warm, inviting, and most important easy to navigate. I feel the new design does that and so much more. I also changed my slogan to “Helping You Organize and Create a Healthier Lifestyle”. Again, I feel this better describes what Skinny Mom’s Kitchen is all about. I would love for you to take a moment and check out the new design – I know you are going to love it as much as I do.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the woman behind my new look – Erin from Design by Insight. She is easily, hands down, one of the best blog designers around. I am not kidding just take a look at her portfolio – she is amazing! Not only is she extremely talented, her work speaks for itself, she is beyond professional. And her patience… oh my is she patient. Erin was able to take my vision and turn it into a reality that became more than I could have ever imagined.

I found Erin over a year ago and I feel very fortunate that I was able to get onto her busy schedule. I highly recommend her to anyone and I look forward to working with her on further projects in 2013 – that’s a little teaser just in case you did not catch on.

This is my new logo but make sure you jump over to the blog to check out the full design.

Okay onto my menu plan. I hope you were not expecting groundbreaking recipes this week because with Thanksgiving I don’t plan on eating anything but pantry meals and leftovers. Hahahaha….but seriously.

Breakfast

Egg and sausage breakfast burritos
Oatmeal

Make ahead tips

• I have just enough burritos in the freezer to get us through the rest of the week.
• Oatmeal is easy enough to make in the morning.

Lunch
Spinach salad with baked chicken
Bean and cheese burritos
Freezer PB & J’s
Greek yogurt with homemade granola and fruit

Make ahead tips

• I baked the chicken up today and will store in the refrigerator for lunches during the week.
• I have a few bean and cheese burritos and about 15 pb & j’s in the freezer I made up a few weeks ago.

After school snack
Apple peanut butter sandwiches – I know we have been eating these for the last month or so but my kids love them. And you know the old saying “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”.

Dinner
Shrimp risotto
Chicken quesadillas
Pantry or freezer meal
Thanksgiving and leftovers

Make ahead tips

• Risotto is easy to make so I will make that together night off.
• Shredded chicken is in the freezer.
• I have a bunch of meal starters in the freezer that I will throw together for dinner.

That is my menu plan for the week. I hope you all have a nice holiday.
Skinny Mom’s Kitchen participates in Menu Plan Monday hosted by The Organizing Junkie.

Featured Menu Planning Resource ~ Emeals Menu Planning Service. They now have Paleo meal plans for all you paleo fans out there!

*I am an affiliate but all opinions are my own and I do subscribe to the emeals clean eating plan