I wanted to share with you today about how I've been planning my meals this summer and a fun new little thing I made to help me do it better... and a little freebie for you as well (are you like me and can't get enough of free stuff?). :)
I may have mentioned that I was suffering from a complete lack of creativity with my menu planning until I decided to go a little off the deep end a couple of weeks ago and do five new recipes that week. We loved the variety and had a lot of fun trying different flavors. I use Pinterest for my meal planning (with new recipes) and am always pinning to my "Yum" folder (follow along if you are on Pinterest!).
My problem has been that I write my grocery list and menu plans on scrap pieces of paper and they invariably get lost in the shuffle of daily life. I was up early the other morning (4:30am ekk) and unable to fall back asleep so I decided to have a little fun before my guys woke up. Don't you just love time when it's just you awake in the house? It is such a soothing, healing feeling. Anyways... I made this menu planning sheet that'll outline what I have planned for meals and side dishes for the week. There isn't really a black stripe or a JPG announcement on the document, that was just the screen shot that I got. :)
Then, I made myself a grocery shopping list categorized by the areas of Market Basket that I go through regularly, and I organized the list how I would walk through the grocery store. Don't you feel if you make a random list that you are always walking back and forth? No, just me?
Don't you think the yellow is so cheery? It takes some of the drab, tediousness out of menu planning. :)
Here are some of the yummy things I have made this week. I bet you think I'm a great cook... well, you'd be wrong, I'm just great at following directions like any other goodie goodie. :)
FREEBIE
Shoot me an email (jen.migonis@gmail.com) if you want a PDF of the menu planning / grocery shopping lists... then we can all be somewhat more organized together. Don't hesitate to email me, I won't think you are crazy if I don't know you. :)
QUESTION
answer in the comments section, by sending me an email or on the Migonis Home Facebook page
So, tell me, what are your secrets for meal planning? Is there anything you have found that makes it easier?
OR
What is your fave recipe? I love trying new things.
Have you tried "Our Groceries" on my computer and Droid. I have lists for several stores that I frequent and I can add items from either my computer or my phone. I'm only a couple of weeks into this process but liking it and I'm a 70 yr old grandmother--not the most computer savvy person in the world.
ReplyDeleteNow, to go look at your "Yum" pins.
Barbara in CT
That is a wonderful idea, Barbara! Thank you! :) Good work being as computer saavy as you are... :)
ReplyDeleteJen
I was just saying I wish when you click on a recipe on Pinterest that it would generate a shopping list! I "liked" pasta fagioli but when I was in Market Basket couldn't for the life of me remember ALL of the 15 ingredients. Hence forgot kidney beans and diced tomatoes! UGH! There should be an APP for that!
ReplyDeleteJen - I don't cook but one of our favorite side dishes is grilled avocadoes! Just slice it up like an apple and throw it on the grill, nice and tasty!
ReplyDeleteIf I hadn't personally witnessed the things you could do before 5am I'm not sure I would believe you. Cool stuff, Jen.
ReplyDeleteI never really planned my meals. I just go what comes to my mind before I get hungry. But I never thought that I could use my graphic-design skill to create meals plan sheet. That’s genius! I should try creating my own version.
ReplyDeleteAndrew
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