Confession Time: I've not been a very good coupon queen lately.  If I am to be perfectly honest with you guys, I need to confess that for the past few months, I have not been practicing what I preach. In my classes I teach that menu planning is the key to saving money. That planning out your meals and even cooking them ahead will save you from the trap of convenience foods.  Well, I've fallen into that trap. Back in late spring we had some things come up that for a few weeks we were eating out frequently--either for meetings or because we didn't have time to cook that night. It quickly became a habit and before I knew it, we were eating out or ordering pizza four or five nights a week. Add in drive-thru lunches and we were in trouble! I woke up this past week when two things happened: I stepped on the scale and I looked at our bank account. I couldn't believe how many trips to McDonald's and Wendy's were on that statement! (I also think we should get an award from Papa John's for being one of their best customers this summer.)  So back on the wagon I go. I've pulled out a lot of meat and side dishes from the freezer today and am prepping for a "Big Cook" later this afternoon. I will cook up a lot of meals that I can package and set in the freezer for those busy nights. I'm sitting down with a calendar and I'm making up my monthly menu plan. I made a large pot of chili last night and have frozen it already. Today I'll be cooking up:  

• Pot Roast, 8 lbs
• Two whole chickens
• Four pounds of ground beef for spaghetti sauce
• Beef bourguinon
• Paella