Yes. I AM that nerdy.

This morning I got to do something that I haven't had the time for in 2 weeks.  Something that I look forward to.  Something that I enjoy.

I planned this week's dinner menu.

I will post each weeks menu in the sidebar.  Occasionally, I will post the recipes and pictures of the meals (and I'm more than happy to share any of the recipes if you ask).

There is something so satisfying in putting together meals for the week and compiling the grocery list.  Or maybe it's a tad obsessive-compulsive.  But hey, it works for us!  I always feel like a detective: what ingredients do I already have on hand to minimize what needs to be purchased?  What will make enough for lunches the next day? 

The trick to successful menu planning and grocery shopping?  Buy when it's on sale.  Shop in bulk, if you have the space.  And be realistic.  It's only a good deal if it will actually get eaten.  For instance, tonight's dinner is wild mushroom and beef stroganoff.  My husband will ALWAYS eat buttered egg noodles as a side dish, so we keep them on hand.  We both like sour cream, so it's usually in the house.   The only items I need to purchase for tonight's meal: mushrooms and beef.  Tomorrow night's dinner: veggie burgers.  This came about because we had chicken patty sandwiches last week, and I needed to find something to do with the remaining burger buns.  Pick up veggie patties, freeze four of the buns, and magic!  Dinner on Monday.

I usually plan 5 dinners for a seven day period.  Saturday nights, I'm on my own since Erik is working.  And leaving one night up to chance leaves us room for dinner with family, eat up leftovers, or fitting in a whimsical craving (not going to lie, it's usually hot dogs).

The most important part of weekly meal-planning?  WRITE IT DOWN.  I keep a calendar on the fridge that lists all our family events (doctors appointments, birthdays, etc.) and at the bottom of each day is a note of what is planned for dinner.  I color-code mine, but that's an advanced skill....for beginners, you can just jot it down.  Writing it down will help you write out your grocery list, will help keep you committed to your plan, and will also give you a record of what you've had before. 

Yes, I AM that nerdy.

I can't believe I've devoted this much time and energy into groceries.