Meal planning is like a budget within a budget.

The fact is, if you plan your meals, you save money and eat healthier.  I haven't arrived, just a struggling house wife, taking each day one cup of coffee at a time, like everyone else but I was asked so here goes.

Meal planning routine.

Step One-  

meal plan - (picture below)

there's soooooo many menu planner templates out there but at the moment,  I like faithful provision's the most, but if you dont, all you have to do is google free printable meal plannner and the vast supply awaits you.

Step Two- 

 A grocery checklist. (Below)

This is so I can quickly check off what I need to buy after Ive planned the menu instead of writing every, little detail every, single week. Each week a checklist goes on the fridge, Sara checks it off when she does inventory at the end of the week, then before I go get groceries, I will grab it add anything new or extra that I need judging from the menu I just planned and off I go. This one is a mess,  I'm sorry.

And that's it. Now, as far as where do I keep the blank sheets, templates and information menu related? In my 

meal planning folder thingy

( long name.. I'll work on it) 

Anywho, I keep these templates filed away in this.  I've had this since before Johnny was born but I know I got it at Target. But every weekend when I go to plan my meals I grab this, one of those accordion type folders.

You open it up and it expands quite a bit.

Now all of these tabs we are looking at, well, that's a different blog for a different day. But it is coming real soon.

And in case you think, " I'm on top of it" Warning ! this might dissappoint you, guess what I did?  (since the boots episode ) wore two completely different earrings, one short, one dangly and not even close to the same color...in public. My darling daughter Juli said, 

"Momma, what is wrong with you? you had your coffee this morning!"  

Bless her heart :) 

Kids watch more than we realize! She has probably realized mom is walking but not awake until she's had her cup of Joe in the morning. Ha! I don't have a problem with coffee.....I have a problem without it!! No, just kidding, but it sure helps! :) 

 

Hope you have a beautiful day!