Plotter or Pantser

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

A frequent interview question in the Indie writing world is “are you a plotter or a pantser?” Meaning do you carefully plot out your story or write by the seat of your pants.

For my entire marriage my meal planning has been pantser style. I would buy whichever meats were on sale and wait for inspiration. My whole way of meal planning changed in May of 2018 when we took the plunge to begin the Keto way of eating.

As I began reading recipes and creating mental meal combinations I quickly found that my pantser ways would not work.I did begin making shopping lists but they were pretty general.

This continued until this past Christmas when I faced the challenge of creating Christmas Eve treats for our family tradition. We have an early supper, attend Christmas Eve services then drive around enjoying the Christmas light displays. After which we return home and enjoy a spread of cheeses, crackers, and chocolate baked goods.

As I made plans for the treats I realized my pantser self was in way over my head.

I decided it was time to change my ways. Using the List app on my phone, I made a list of the foods I planned to make, then I notated the cookbook and page number. I get so frustrated not being able to remember where I found a recipe. Underneath that list I created a shopping list and used the checkmark feature as I put items in my shopping cart.

This was life changing! Now I make a weekly menu of at least 4 meals plus any desserts I would like to make. Usually I have enough leftovers for two suppers and we treat ourselves to take out once per week. Under each meal I create a sublist with items to buy and where to shop for them if they on sale or aren’t available at Aldi.

The list below I neglected to add the source and page number of the recipe . Big mistake.

  shopping list

SPAGHETTI AND MEAT BALLS

• Tomatoes. HAVE ALL OTHER INGREDIENTS

CHILE’S RELLENO BAKE

• 2 OUNCE OF COTIJA CHEESE Walmart 

• ENCHILADA SAUCE
• 8 OZ MONTEREY CHEESE
• 28 OZ OF GREEN CHILIES walnart
• 8 0Z CHEDDAR CHEESE
• 4 CUPS OF CHICKEN (BUY WHOLE)

TACO SOUP-TUESDAY

• 1 CUP ZUCCHINI Walmart 
• I JALAPENO PEPPER Walmart 
• 2 LBS GROUND BEEF
• 8 0Z TOMATO SAUCE
• BEEF BROTH- 2 CUPS

QUICK CHICKEN CHOWDER

• 1 /2 CUP CHOPPED COOKED BACON (BUY LARGE BAG AT WALMART OR SAMS
• 1 ½ POUNDS CHOPPED COOKED CHICKEN ( CHECK OUT THE CUBED CHICKEN
• 2 CUPS CHOPPED CAULIFLOWER STEMS AND FLORETS

PHILLY CHICKEN CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE

• 12 SLICES PROVOLONE CHEESE
• 8 0Z MUSHROOMS Publix 
• 8 OZ CHEDDAR CHEESE
• 2 BELL PEPPERS Walmart 
• ITALIAN SEASONING

How about you, do you create weekly meal plans?

Since beginning the Keto lifestyle my husband has lost 65 pounds and has seen improvement in his inflammatory issues. I have lost a mere 25 pounds but am no longer close to being pre-diabetic, inflammation is greatly improved and energy level 100% improved. There are many version of Keto floating around. We strive to eat whole food with minimal processing and additives. I read a LOT of labels! I get most of my meal ideas from Diet Doctor dot com and Kristie Sullivan’s cookbooks.

iAfter my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books . 

My 2020 goal is to continue using  my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.

Tags: #Keto, Creating useful shopping lists.