I have a fantastic give away to announce today. I am going to give away one ickle kids activity pack to a reader up to the value of $45.

A great friend of mine runs an online business called ickle kids. ickle kids are all about activity packs for kids on the go! The range includes age-specific travel packs for children from birth to 10 years. Each travel activity pack contains a selection of handpicked, fun and educational toys for busy mums, dads and carers to just “grab and go”.

I have bought a couple of different packs for my kids and they love them. I love them also as we have been travelling a bit lately and they have been perfect for keeping them amused.

To enter: Simply visit ickle kids and then come back here and leave a comment letting me know which pack you would like if you were to win (up to value of AUD$45). Give away closes Wednesday 21st May at 9am Australian EST. I will post the winner in the afternoon of Wednesday 21st May.

Now back to my traditional MPM post! This week I am still taking inspiration from the vegetables in season this month, so more soup and more lovely veggies! I am settling into the new look and functionality of WordPress 2.5.1 and have included my shopping list at the end of the post. I now have to go back in the archives and add links to shopping lists and recipes in previous MPM posts which I will do tomorrow.

Monday: Lamb Chops, Potato Au Gratin with seasonal vegetables

Tuesday: Baked Penne with Bacon

Wednesday: Chicken and Creamed Vegetable Soup

Thursday: Sausage and Vegetables

Friday: Left Overs

Saturday: Margarita Pizzas

Sunday: Pasta Bake

Shopping List for Menu Plan 12 May 2008

Carrot Cake

Again, I have included the shopping list for this week’s menu plan as an excel file. The below paragraphs explain what is in the attached excel file below.

It contains three separate spreadsheets. The first is named “Complete Grocery’ and it lists by supermarket aisle all the ingredients that are needed to cook the family meals for this week.

The second spreadsheet is named “Ingredient By Meal’ and it lists the ingredients that are required for the family by each individual meal this week. I have also left on the aisle and aisle subsection in this spreadsheet for reference, but if you want to print that out you will need to alter the print area.

The third spreadsheet is named “Menu Plan” and is a modified version of the menu plan that I print and place on the fridge. I have a notes section, that I like to populate with any activities that are likely to impact the evening meal routine.

Want to see what we are having next week? Subscribe to my free email updates via the “subscribe page” or from the RSS Feed icon at the top of the page.

For more menu planning ideas head on over to Laura’s place at “I’m an Organizing Junkie“.



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71 comments...read them below or add one

  • Super Sarah May 12, 2008 at 1:20 pm

    I love the ickle wooden musical pack, my nearly two year old daughter would have LOTS of fun with the instruments! Thats what I would pick out for her if I were to win.

    I love your Menu plan Monday posts, they are inspirational. Thanks for posting your spreadsheets, its been a real help in getting my own sorted out into something more manageable.

    Reply
  • Michelle May 12, 2008 at 1:56 pm

    OH the lamb chops sound so good,maybe i’ll hop a plane now to be there for dinner ;-) I’ll bring some lovely B.C. wine.ice okay? Have a great week down under.

    Michelles last blog post..

    Reply
  • Michelle May 12, 2008 at 1:58 pm

    I have a feeling that MCKenna would love the Ickle Girls Cinderella travel pack..but I could be wrong.. you know almost 3 yr olds.. :)

    Michelles last blog post..

    Reply
  • SilverMoon Dragon May 12, 2008 at 2:22 pm

    Mmmm, that soup sounds great. We are starting a weekly soup night on Fridays, to get us through the cold winter weather, so I’ll have to come back to this post for that one. We are having Chicken Noodle Soup this week, since Master Four discovered a liking for it while he was recently in hospital, and it turns out to be apt, since Miss Two and I are now both sick!

    I’m always glad to find other oz menu plans I can steal, ahem, *borrow* ideas from, as I usually don’t feel like light salads in the dead of winter, and I try to feed the family seasonally ;)

    If I were to win the giveaway, I’d pick the Holiday Activity pack. Master Four tends to end up in hospital a lot with his asthma over Winter, and those puzzle books are great for keeping both him and his younger sister entertained while he is stuck in bed.

    SilverMoon Dragons last blog post..Menu Plan Monday

    Reply
  • mamasutra May 12, 2008 at 2:28 pm

    First time visitor here from Menu Plan Mondays and I love your blog! The way you have organized all the information is fantastic. Your grocery planning spreadsheets are totally inspiring: I may have to figure out how to actually DO a spreadsheet now!

    My girls (almost 2.5 and almost 4) would love the ultimate ickle activity pack!

    mamasutras last blog post..Menu Monday, with Ramsay’s "Fast Food"

    Reply
  • Jen @ Daily Mish Mash May 12, 2008 at 2:42 pm

    I’d love to win the Girl’s Brain Teaser Pack. Thanks for offering the contest!

    Jen @ Daily Mish Mashs last blog post..Menu Plan Monday: The Food and TIVO Edition

    Reply
  • Fern May 12, 2008 at 5:25 pm

    Heya, I found you via aussiebloggers :)

    My son would love the musical pack, but I’m a far smarter mama than that! I would love the Ickle Bubba Animal pack, he has a jungle theme in his room so this would fit in perfectly with the rest of his toys.

    Ferns last blog post..I Spy, With My Little Eye…

    Reply
  • monica May 12, 2008 at 6:12 pm

    My 5 year old twin girls dont still very often..well actually NEVER!!!
    The Girls Brain Teaser Activity Pack would be perfect to keep them in one place for more than 5 minutes…having fun whilst learning, who could ask for more than that!!!

    Reply
  • Kerry May 12, 2008 at 6:17 pm

    Hi there, Interesting site you have here.
    I love the menu planning.
    I have a 7 yr old with Aspergers. I reckon he would LOVE the ickle Boys Brain Teaser Activity Pack (age 4+).

    Regards
    Kerry and William. (Mr & 7 )

    Reply
  • Bel May 12, 2008 at 6:33 pm

    What a fantastic idea your friend has come up with! I love that Boys’ Brain Teaser Pack (with Pirate Game).

    I came here from Menu Plan Monday. I appreciate your documents, recipes and other ideas – thank you!!

    Reply
  • Lightening May 12, 2008 at 7:24 pm

    Oooh…I would LOVE the Boys Brain Teaser Activity Pack. Wouldn’t that be FABULOUS to use on our 3-month trip?

    The packs look fantastic!!!! Thanks for highlighting them. :)

    Reply
  • Klar May 12, 2008 at 7:31 pm

    I’m a newbie to your website
    Must say your Menu Plan is outta sight
    Now to get me cooking up some Penne
    Gonna need some help from the ickle Bubba Animal Activity Packy!

    Reply
  • bb May 12, 2008 at 7:42 pm

    I would love to win the
    ickle Boys Brain Teaser Activity Pack! Sounds very educational and cool! Thank you :)

    Reply
  • Carol May 12, 2008 at 7:59 pm

    I would love to win the ickle Boys Car Activity Pack (age 3+) Would be perfect for my two little sons on car trips – anything to keep them entertained!!!

    Reply
  • [...] Planning with Kids is giving a FREE ickle Kids Activity Pack away!   ickle Kids are all about activity packs for kids on the go! The range includes age-specific travel packs for children from birth to 10 years. Each travel activity pack contains a selection of handpicked, fun and educational toys for busy mums, dads and carers to just “grab and go”. [...]

    Reply
  • Katrinna May 12, 2008 at 11:10 pm

    I am mum to two very ACTIVE Boys! Part of our daily activities include an hour of dancing to improve their co-ordination. Believe it or not one of the few Toys they possess are Musical Instruments so the ickle Wooden Musical Pack would be ideal!

    Reply
  • Diane Cranwell May 12, 2008 at 11:24 pm

    GIRLS BRAIN TEASER ACTIVITY PACKS 4 YEARS OLD.
    THANK YOU

    Reply
  • Sweetpeas May 12, 2008 at 11:26 pm

    The Girls Brain Teaser pack looks great, my girls would love it with the cat and mouse game and probably the Maisy playscene.

    Sweetpeass last blog post..Menu Plan Monday

    Reply
  • Gina May 12, 2008 at 11:38 pm

    Thanks for stopping by to see my menu plan. I love your site! I love talking to moms of older kids to learn how to better prep for the years ahead (mine are 2, 2 and 4).

    I think the Boys Creative Pack looks like a lot of fun! Thanks for doing a giveaway!

    Ginas last blog post..Meal Planning Monday

    Reply
  • Annette May 12, 2008 at 11:49 pm

    I’m new to menu planning and now that I am caring for my 3 year old granddaughter 2 days a week I have found that it really helps. I love looking at your menu plan for inspiration and I think it will help me when I am stuck for ideas or to jog my memory for a dish we haven’t had in a while. I would love to receive the ickle Girls Car Activity Pack (age 3+), it’s been a long time since I have had to entertain a little one in the car and I’m sure this would appeal to my granddaughter’s constant need for intellectual stimulation.

    Reply
  • Marla May 13, 2008 at 12:06 am

    I would love to try the Girls Brain Teaser Activity Pack. Maybe it would keep my girls busy enough they wouldn’t have time to catch snakes.

    Marlas last blog post..Sugar and Spice

    Reply
  • Sharon May 13, 2008 at 12:44 am

    Oh wow what a fantastic website!!! There are so many packs there that are fantastic. Loving the “Ultimate ickle Activity Pack” though as it will cover at least two of my kids.
    I can see some Chrissie shopping happening there though. Thanks again for the great tip!!!

    Sharons last blog post..Team Blog for Tara Dunstan

    Reply
  • Ruby of LA May 13, 2008 at 2:38 am

    I like the Ultimate ickle Activity pack. Thanks.

    Reply
  • Homemaker Barbi (Danelle Ice-Simmons) May 13, 2008 at 3:21 am

    I would choose the ickle Bubba Animal Activity Pack (age 18 months+)for my son. Cool idea with the travel packs!
    Thanks, Homemaker Barbi

    Homemaker Barbi (Danelle Ice-Simmons)s last blog post..Freebies, Samples and More 5/12/08

    Reply
  • Jena: Organizing Mommy May 13, 2008 at 3:38 am

    Hi,
    I would like the girls activity pack for 3plus, 24.99! So great to visit your blog again. I’m adding you to my RSS.

    Jena: Organizing Mommys last blog post..Menu Plan for May 12-18, 2008

    Reply
  • stephenie May 13, 2008 at 4:31 am

    What a neat site! The boy’s brain teaser kit sounds like something my boys would enjoy.

    I’ve bookmarked your blog as well, it sounds like you have some great ideas!

    I found your link on Niki’s organizing blog by the way.

    Reply
  • Nancy May 13, 2008 at 5:04 am

    Thanks for stopping by my site. Margarita Pizzas are a favorite of mine.
    The ickle Girls Brain Teaser Pack sounds like it would provide hours of fun. Thanks for telling me about this.

    Nancys last blog post..Menu Plan Monday #17

    Reply
  • [...] Planning with Kids is giving a FREE ickle Kids Activity Pack away!   ickle Kids are all about activity packs for kids on the go! The range includes age-specific travel packs for children from birth to 10 years. Each travel activity pack contains a selection of handpicked, fun and educational toys for busy mums, dads and carers to just “grab and go”. [...]

    Reply
  • the mama hood May 13, 2008 at 6:23 am

    My girls would love the ickle Girls Creative Activity Pack (age 3+)!!

    Reply
  • Michelle@Life with Three May 13, 2008 at 6:57 am

    The baked penne with bacon sounds delicious!

    I like the ickle holiday pack — great stuff for the car trips to the beach. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Michelle@Life with Threes last blog post..What’s for Dinner This Week…

    Reply
  • momtofivekids May 13, 2008 at 6:58 am

    Thanks for stopping by by blog today!
    If I win, I would like the ultimate ickle activity pack. I think my kids would love it!
    Blessings!

    momtofivekidss last blog post..Menu Plan Monday 5/12

    Reply
  • Lisa May 13, 2008 at 7:54 am

    Hi!

    Your menu looks great! Thanks for the heads up for the contest and for visiting my mpm.

    I think the girls car pack would be perfect for our 3 yo while traveling to her db’s hockey games all over western PA and in WV.

    Thanks!
    Lisa

    Lisas last blog post..Menu Plan Monday, May 12, 2008

    Reply
  • sandy76 May 13, 2008 at 8:08 am

    I know my boys would love your ickle Wooden Musical Pack, They could run around shaking their booties…and not be on my back
    that they are BORED!

    Reply
  • Guera May 13, 2008 at 8:50 am

    Great competition, PQ!

    Guerita would love the Girls Brain Teaser pack or the Car Activity Pack – but it was so hard to choose. They all look so great! You’re friend’s got a great idea there…

    Gueras last blog post..Happy Mother’s Day

    Reply
  • Georgia Reid May 13, 2008 at 9:28 am

    The ickle Boys Brain teaser activity pack would be fabulous!! My six year old is already running rings around me mentally (he has the memory of an elephant)…but I want to encourage his obvious intellect…at least I THINK I do!! LOL

    Reply
  • Kelly Hodges May 13, 2008 at 10:41 am

    My son would love playing with the ickle bubba animals pack! He just loves the bath, and unfortunately he only has old tupperware to play with!

    Reply
  • Caprice May 13, 2008 at 11:23 am

    Love the site, has really opened my eyes up to get more organised, especially love the shopping list as I always forget something needed for recipes when I get to the shops!
    Your friend has a great site too, my daughter would love the bubba animal activity pack with the farmyard animals, she could play with them on the long drive to visit her nanny and poppy at their farm!

    Reply
  • Michelle May 13, 2008 at 12:28 pm

    My daughter would love the Ultimate ickle activity pack. There is such a variety of things it should keep her busy for a while! Great comp!

    Reply
  • Naomi May 13, 2008 at 1:12 pm

    Wow, those ickle toys look fantastic :-)

    My bubba would love the Ickle Bubba Animal Activity Pack.

    Naomis last blog post..The Bogan Within

    Reply
  • Penny May 13, 2008 at 1:26 pm

    Oh yum – margarita pizza :) My fav :)

    Dunno if I’m eligible for the giveaway but if so, the car activity pack for boys looks fun ;)

    Pennys last blog post..Menu Plan Monday

    Reply
  • Cindy May 13, 2008 at 3:11 pm

    Love the menu ideas. YUMMM!
    I am very interested in the girls brain teaser activity set. I think my 6yo would LOVE it! I bookmarked the site.

    Reply
  • Trish May 13, 2008 at 3:49 pm

    HI Planing queen – S & J would love the Ickle animal packs 18months+ they are so cute. We have their 2nd birthday coming up and it has given me some great ideas.
    I like your menu plan and links. I want to make some soup this month.MMM chicken and vegetable soup.

    Trishs last blog post..I am finished …

    Reply
  • Emma May 13, 2008 at 4:03 pm

    My 3 year old son absolutely loves gathering up treasures from his toy box to take in the car so I think the ickle Boys Car Activity Pack would be just perfect for him! And it might help save Daddy’s sanity a little too, he won’t have as many toys to fish out from under the seats when he’s cleaning the car!

    Reply
  • alli May 14, 2008 at 6:48 am

    Ickle Bubba animal pack looks,
    Cool,
    Kids no longer bored,
    Laughter and
    Endless amount of fun to be had! (yay!)

    Reply
  • leanne May 14, 2008 at 10:38 pm

    the boys brainteaser pack will keep them entertained for hours sanity for mum :)

    Reply
  • Nancy French May 15, 2008 at 12:46 am

    Wow! So cool! My son would love the ultimate Ickle activity pack!

    Reply
  • Beth May 15, 2008 at 9:53 am

    Wow-you never know what you’ll find as you learn to plan menus! :-)

    My little guy would LOVE the “ickle Boys Brain Teaser Activity Pack”. He’s a third child and though he enjoys the toys that have been handed down, he always enjoys something that is alllll his. ;-)

    Thanks so much!

    Beths last blog post..Finally Used my On Board Accents!

    Reply
  • Jen@BigBinder May 15, 2008 at 12:58 pm

    What great activity packs!! We are going on a long car trip in a month and either the boy or girl car packs would be wonderful!

    OK your menu looks wonderful, and your lists are AMAZING!! As in, people should pay you for this amazing!!

    Jen@BigBinders last blog post..I’m Just Sitting Here Watching The Wheels Go ‘Round and ‘Round

    Reply
  • Erin and Baby Eva May 15, 2008 at 1:51 pm

    Hi
    Well after much consideration we have decided that the Ickle musical pack is our favourite
    I already have a headache from Eva’s obsession with banging blocks and spoons together.
    her favourite thing to do is play with daddys guitar, sing and dance and generally make as much noise as possible.
    Her baby friends and brother and sisters would love to try the instruments out to so I could guarantee they would be super well loved
    ♡ & Warm regards,

    .

    Reply
  • Alicia May 15, 2008 at 2:10 pm

    Hi,

    I love the idea of these Ickle Activity Packs as we usually only have time to grab one or two toys as we’re racing out the door!
    I’m sure my two boys would love the Ultimate ickle Activity Pack as I’m sure it would keep them amused for hours.
    Thanks!!

    Reply