Menu Planning.

Alright folks, this isn't about it being pretty-it's about function. And while I am totally envious of those of you that have beautiful hand writing, time to create things on the computer then print, a vynyl cutter and so on - I don't. I couldn't even find a clean sheet of paper so I used an old calendar from one of my daycare parents (thanks Crystal!), held it up to the window and traced the lines of the calendar on the back. And yes, it's taped on the inside of our cup cabinet, because that's the counter space where I do most of my cooking prep work. It's not pretty but it works for me. Maybe after my kids are grown a little I'll be able to find the time to make a pretty frame and calendar for the wall. But, as it stands here it is!

 

I find time here and there to get on Pinterest and to recipes, and I try to only pin things that I know my entire family with eat, including Owen who is 18 months old, and things that I know I can cook without completely screwing it up (I have hungry boys to feed! Waiting an extra 30 minutes for me to throw something together isn't an option!). 

I sat down during nap time and wrote out the days on the calendar and then started filling it in. There are things that I cook on a weekly basis because we love them and the kids will eat everything. Taco salad is a huge hit so we have it at least once a week (and there are always yummy leftovers for lunches!). Clay loves meatloaf so we have that all the time too. Anyway, I fill in the weekly rotation that I have in each week, trying to keep it randomized so we don't get too bored. I try to do Meatless Mondays so I keep those days free. 

Then I go onto Pinterest and scroll through the recipies that I want to try out and fill them in the empty spots. It takes a total of 15-20 minutes to do and it honestly saves me every single night.

Once I have the calendar filled in I put together a grocery list of everything I need for each dinner. This part takes the longest. I usually write on my calendars the amount of meat needed for each day (1 package of ground turkey, four chicken breasts, etc) and then I can just add everything up and buy all my meat at once. Costco has the best products for the best prices.

I grocery shop twice a month with the occasional stop for milk or butter, or bread if I didn't have time to bake it, etc.

Whew! That was a lot of talking. If you have questions or suggestions on how to do it better please share!!


I'll share recipies as I try them! And I'll also do another post about making freezer meals and the like soon.