Eating out...do you enjoy it?

I have to admit, even in my frugal ways, if my DH says "Let's go out to eat" I am the first one in the car, buckled and ready to go! I love food...plain and simple! Mexican, Thai, Italian, Chinese, heck, even a good ol' burger at the local burger joint makes me weak in the knees...

Until...

We pay the bill. I can't believe how sick it makes me feel after we leave (could be the gross overeating of chips, salsa, and that huge chimichanga...) I get "buyers' remorse" when going out to dinner, and it honestly ruins the whole evening. All I can think about is what that money could have been spent on...groceries, paying down debt, all things that really mean more to me than a simple Pad Thai with chicken and peanut sauce...but yet we still go....and I'm always the first one in the car!

So, DH and I made a pact. I told him that even if I begged and pleaded, he was to tell me NO! Not really fair to put the weight on his shoulders, but I need his help! I pledged to keep a menu plan, and keep the house stocked with EVERYTHING I need to make sure the plan was followed. I pledged to take better care of my family by providing them with wholesome, yummy food that doesn't cost $50 for one meal! And you know what??? I'm a pretty darn good cook, maybe, just maybe, they'll start leaving me a tip every once in a while!

In order to be accountable, I will post dinner menus here, and let you know each and everytime I fall off the wagon. I plan on ONLY going out to eat if it is a special occasion...and no, every Monday is not a special occasion!