In early 2003, while pregnant with my third, I had time to check out Flylady at http://www.flylady.net/ and chose to incorporate quite a few of her suggestions. At this point, I've taken what was useful and tweaked her advice to fit my situation (the schedules have been adjusted to meet the needs of our growing family, too). Since then, Wednesdays have been my planning and office day: menu planning and grocery list updates, office work and bill paying, calendar check with my husband and written correspondence.
Planning 1 or 2 weeks in advance works best for our family. Any longer and I've found that too many leftovers that go to waste. An 8.5x11 inch sheet of paper folded in half , six-hole punched, and kept in a small binder is what I prefer. The front side has a weekly schedule with 4 columns (date & day of week, breakfast, dinner/lunch, supper) and 8 rows (dates covered by menu and a row for each days' meals); the back side is a lined grocery list. The schedule is easy to make in either Word or Excel, then copies can be made as needed.
Usually, I try to make the new meal in the evening and have leftovers for dinner/lunch the next day. We are busiest in the morning, leaving less time to prepare a meal (unless it's sandwiches or something in the crock pot). Thus far, I haven't chosen to save my menus. They are based on what we have on hand, what's on sale, and what's in season. I do keep a list of recipes and recently asked each child to help compile a list of their favorites & least favorites.
This is the menu we've been using and will use from October 19 - November 1 (we usually add biscuits, salad or veggies to the main dish):
October 19-25
Sunday
Dinner: Local Church Dinner
Supper: German Supper at Grandma and Grandpa's Church
Monday
Dinner: Leftovers
Supper: Chicken Enchiladas
Tuesday
Dinner: Leftover Chicken Enchiladas
Supper: Barbecued Meat Loaf & Baked Potatoes
Wednesday
Dinner: Sandwiches
Supper: Leftober Barbecued Meat Loaf
Thursday
Dinner: Veggie Soup
Supper: Leftover Veggie Soup
Friday
Dinner: PBJ Egg salad sandwiches
Supper: Egg salad sandwiches
Saturday
Dinner: Hot Ham & Cheese Sandwiches
Supper: Pork Chops & Stuffing
October 26-November 1
Sunday
Dinner: Local Church Dinner
Supper: Brats
Monday
Dinner: Chicken Rice Soup
Supper: Leftover Chicken Rice Soup
Tuesday
Dinner: Sandwiches
Supper: Taco Soup
Wednesday
Dinner: Sandwiches
Supper: Leftover Taco Soup
Thursday
Dinner: Leftovers & Clean Out Frig!
Supper: Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Friday
Dinner: Pizza
Supper: All Saint's Day Party - Potluck Soup Supper
Saturday
Dinner: Eat out in Town
Supper: Eat at FB Game
1 comment:
It is so nice to plan out 2 weeks of meals, it helps to feel so organized and ready, things just flow better when I plan.
My hubby is on a no to low carb diet though now and it's hard!!! It's hard to cook normal for the kids (and me) and make him what he needs!
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