Life of a domestic goddess

Ah the life of a domestic goddess. I'm not used to "not working" a regular, paying job but I'm trying to get in the swing of things around here. Already this morning I've gone to get pictures printed, made a visit to the shoe repair guy and to the dry cleaners. Soon I'll be cleaning the house. Impressed? Yesterday after church shopping, Joe and I went grocery shopping and bought items for the week. We're on a mission to eat at home much more and save some money. Imagine us comparing cheese at the store because I wanted to buy it already shredded (hello, convenience!) and Joe recommended to buy it in the block and shred it ourselves because it's cheaper. Since when do I live this way? Well, apparently, I do now...without further adieu, below is my Menu Plan Monday for the week.

Monday: salsa pork chops and rice
Tuesday: good casserole (recipe below)
Wednesday: pizza and salad
Thursday: leftovers
Friday: going out?
Saturday: BLT sandwiches

Good Casserole
12 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
2 tablespoons butter
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup sour cream or plain nonfat yogurt
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
3/4 teaspoon salt
freshly ground pepper to taste
1 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped yellow onion
1 garlic clove, minced
vegetable oil, as needed
1 can (15 ounce) tomato sauce
2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place noodles while still warm in a lightly sprayed or oiled 3 to 4 quart casserole and toss with butter. in a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, parsley, salt, and pepper. Spread mixture over the noodles.

In a medium skillet over medium heat, combine beef, onion, and garlic and saute, breaking up meat with a spoon, until meat is browned and vegetables are tender, 6 to 7 minutes. Add a little oil if needed. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer several minutes. Pour over the noodles and top with cheese; do not mix. Bake, covered, until bubbly, about 35 minutes.