I know that every household has a system that works (or doesn't work) for them. Through trial and error, I've come up with a routine that seems to work for us. Here is what ours looks like...
First, I plan (roughly) our meals for 2 weeks on this Menu Planner.
Menu Planner
Then I pull the recipes from my recipe box and head to the pantry and refrigerator to begin making my grocery list. I keep the following two lists (Sam's Shopping List and Wal-Mart Shopping List) on the side of the refrigerator at all times so we can be sure to mark needed items as we think of them or run out. I really have no short term memory, so this helps me compile the most complete list. I absolutely hate getting home from the store and realizing that I forgot to add toilet paper to the list!
Since the Sam's list is short, I print it and then cut it in half.
Sam's Shopping List
The shopping list is printed double sided.
Shopping List
About this time every year, I get inspired to freeze more things that can be thawed and prepared in short amounts of time. It never fails, though, I forget what's in the freezer and 6 months later I find it covered in freezer burn and have to throw it away! I recently started keeping this list on the side of my refrigerator. So far it's serving the purpose beautifully. I just like to be able to see what I have frozen.
What's in the Freezer
So I know it looks like I'm pretty crazy (and I probably am) but this keeps me sane! Sure, things come up and we usually end up getting off track, but at least there was a plan in place when the week started. I typically go to the grocery store close to every weekend, but my larger trips are just once every other week. On the off weekends, I mainly just pick up milk for Addi, fresh produce and then any incidentals we might need.
So here's a picture of the side of my refrigerator. I would prefer to have a clean refrigerator with nothing on it, but this keeps us organized so I can deal with it.
I've been in this blog world long enough to know that there are some really talented and creative bloggers out there! It seems that we all face the same struggles when it comes to taking care of our children, our houses and our lives. So I'm interested to know...What's your routine? How do you plan your meals? Do you batch cook or use freezer meals (if so, what are your favorite recipes)? Please share with us your great ideas!
