I’ve mentioned it before, but I’m not a naturally tidy person. I love when things are organized, and have their place, but in reality it just doesn’t always happen.
However, I was feeling stressed when I didn’t have things planned out…especially when it came to dinner.
Raise your hand if you hate the question, “What’s for supper?” UGH! I HATED that question. My answer about 4 times a week was, “Not sure.” And this was always at 4:00 when there wasn’t enough time to thaw something out. So, it would lead to ordering pizza or making freezer food. (Bring on the chicken nuggets…)
After a while, I got so sick of it, that I thought…”Ok, we can solve this problem…”
So, once I went back to work after maternity leave #2, I decided…I’m going to be prepared for the dreaded question. Everyday. No more stressing over something that is so easy to fix!
Here’s what I am doing, and I told myself I have to do it for the full month of January, in hopes that I will just make it a habit!
Get a planner. Whether it’s on your phone, fits in your purse, or a grand-daddy planner, get something where you can write down your meals for each evening.
Make a master list of all your favorite meals. Add in some new things to try from cookbooks or Pinterest.
Take it one week at a time. Fill in your planner with events like practices, meetings, or anything that will alter your meal prep or cook time each evening. Pick recipes that match your time spent at home. Maybe pop something into the Crockpot or InstaPot so it’s ready when everyone is home from practice, or plan to have cold meat sandwiches if everyone will be home at different times. Just make sure to write it down!
As you make your list, check your kitchen. Do you have everything to make these recipes? If you don’t, add them to a grocery list. I love using Walmart’s grocery pick-up. I just add my items right on my computer so they are all ready to go in my cart!
Get ready the night before. Check your freezer for meat that needs to be thawed, or double check someone didn’t use all the butter…(yep that happened last week!) If you are a lunch packer…do everything you can in the evening, so you can literally open the fridge and walk out the door!
Pick a day where you “don’t cook.” Our day is Friday…we pick up a take and bake pizza or maybe we order out food with friends or family. We find it is also nice to have a day where you don’t have to feel guilty about not cooking.
Overall, this plan has been SO good! I am less stressed after work just knowing the answer to the “supper” question. It makes me feel like I have my life together…a little. Plus, it saves us money from running to the store and eating out so often! #momandwifewin!
Let me know your meal plan goals or plans in the comments!!
xoxo-
Brittany
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