I figured since I was doing it up anyway I would show you how I do my monthly menu plan.
Here is an example of this month.
This is my amazing calendar. I write everything down on it and it even has some pretty cool stickers so we just have to look at a quick glance to know what is up for the month.
Next I take a piece of paper and write down meals that we normally would like to eat. We have a few favourites that we make every month. Such as crock pot roast beef, spaghetti, lasagna, meatloaf, steak (because we bought a cow a year and a half ago and we are trying to use it all up), etc...
Then I look up recipes. As of late I have been pulling a lot of inspiration off of Pinterest. So off to my computer I go to try and find new recipes.
Once I figure I have enough recipes I head back to my trusty calendar and figure out what meals go on what day. Certain days such as Tuesdays, when she dances from 2 till 8:30 I know supper has to be either made early or is leftovers from the night before. On the weeks that it is just Sarah and myself, I often cook a normal meal every other night and then the next night it is leftovers.
Then I write down my grocery list. I write down everything that is needed in the recipes that I do not have. When I add it to my phone I then add things like milk, eggs, fruit, etc...
Here is a close up view of March's menu plan. As you can see my baby is turning 14 and she requested pizza.
I don't know if this helps anyone but there it is.
I love doing a month at a time. I would never stay dedicated if I did it every week. I am pretty flexible as well. Sometimes we eat out so then the food that I would normally make that day is open to make a different day if I am not feeling in the particular mood for something.
It has drastically cut down my grocery bill to do this and I find I am not struggling at 4 trying to figure out something to make for supper. We are also eating way more healthier as it is not junk, because I never defrosted anything. :)
Thank you for your comments on my blog. Always an encouragement! I love your menu planning. Simple and effective. I have stunk at this area in my life. Last week I decided to give it a whirl for a week. It went really well. I am going to try it again this month. Let's hope I can get organized and DO it!
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