Welcome to the Mindful Menus - A Menu Planning Blog Roll to inspire health through real food! 
 
It is my hope that this blog roll will inspire others to health through menu planning and to introduce you to the joys of menu planning.  Yes, there are joys!  If you are new to menu planning, I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Don't forget to keep checking back as menu plans are added.

  
I was busy last week - homeschooling, cooking, researching, locating, exercising, tax preparing, laughing, shopping, talking, reading, snuggling, tasting, planning, responding, watching, driving and celebrating. But that's life and it's all good. 

The best day of the week was Saturday because DS turned three!  We had planned on having his party this past weekend, but rescheduled it for next weekend when more of his cousins can come.  It's a good thing too because I still need to find the cake supplies for his robot cake.  DS3 is really into robots and loves the robot that Nana and Pop-Pop sent him.  It's really cool, but very loud.  I joked I was going to remove its batteries because I have heard its robotic voice detecting and firing on enemies pretty much non-stop. 

Today, we wrapped up a gorgeous early spring weekend in Maryland.  The sun and warmer temperatures continue to melt the snow and have inspired me with this week's menu.  I can't wait for the local farmers markets to open and the growing season to kick in.          

Here's what's on the menu this week:
   
Monday - - Vegetarian - Veggie and Cheese Omelets or Frittata - I haven't decided which yet ... citrus fruit salad with mint dressing.

Tuesday - Fresh Herb Encrusted Roast Chicken... smashed potatoes... roasted brussel sprouts and shallots.  I will probably kill two birds with one stone and roast two chickens at once for leftovers. 

Wednesday - Vegetarian - Ratatouille topped with feta cheese over whole wheat couscous. I will use canned tomatoes because fresh tomatoes are not locally in season.  If you want to know more about how to eat seasonally (and locally) in the middle of winter check out this post.  Something came up last week and I didn't get to this, so it's on again this week.  Another great thing about menu planning - if you don't get to something one week, put it on again for the next week. 

Thursday - Broiled Salmon with Cilantro Pesto... risotto with sundried tomatoes and green onions... sautéed mixed greens in garlic and olive oil.

Friday - It's Friday... you know what that means - Yes, POW (Pizza of the Week) Night!!!  Last week, we decided to make our own pizza instead of the local take out that I had planned.  This week we'll do take out.    
    
Until next time... Eat REAL, Eat WELL- Cheers!!!   

Menu Planners: Please join me by linking your healthy menu plan via Mr. Linky on Sunday evenings.  I usually have my menu plan up by 9pm...  If you're not ready until Monday evening... No worries, just please do it!

A few "rules" for joining in Mindful Menus...

*Please post only menu plans that are healthy and focused on REAL food.

*You must link back to the blog roll so that everyone can explore all the menu plans available.  This is such a great way to get new menu ideas, new recipes and meet other like-minded people.  To link back, please grab a Mindful Menus button (in the sidebar on the right) for your post. 

*If you link up and are on Twitter, please let me know by comment with your twitter name or tweet to me @chivetalker.  I would love to tweet a thanks to you for joining in and I want to add you to my Menu Planners List.

Thanks again... I LOVE having you!!!