Happy June!!! Hello sunshine, hello summer. I've never been happier for a summer. May just about did me in so I was really happy to welcome summer break at our house.
June marks about halfway through the year, halfway through the fun themed calendar pics, and a new post in
the Everyday Organizing for Busy Moms series. This month is all about meal planning and grocery lists. I ran into a friend at the grocery store last week and and we were talking about how much food our kids consume now that they are home for summer! It felt like the perfect time to cover these topics.
Meal Planning
When some people hear meal planning they might think might think that is something elaborate. I'm sure it could be because I know there are apps and calendars and all sorts of ways to keep up with this. However, for me it is literally figuring out the "What's for dinner?" question one week at a time and writing it down so I can keep track and have a general idea throughout the week.
It's often written on the back of my grocery lists and I usually think about this on Sunday so I can plan for the week. Sometimes it changes during the week and it is always generally based on how our evenings looks. If the Mr. is out of town and everyone has practice, you better believe Chick-fil-a is written down for that night. I might not actually be cooking, but that night's meal is planned for! Sometimes it will change as our plans change, but at least when I head to the grocery store on Sunday or Monday I have what I need to get dinner going the nights that we are actually home.
I usually plan for Monday - Friday. On Friday I will regroup and reassess what our weekend will look like. Who has sleepovers, are we hanging at the pool and grilling or going out with friends? I often don't know our weekend plans so I do a mini meal planning session if we'll be home for the weekend.
Grocery Lists
Some people keep elaborate grocery lists, spreadsheets, have lists on their phones or tell their Alexa to add it to a list. I'm old school though so I keep a notepad by the fridge and constantly add to it when I think of something we need or when we run out of pantry staples. Even though I'd like to think I would remember when I am actually at the store, I know won't.
The best thing I have trained my kids to do is to add to the grocery list.
Their favorite snack is gone and they want me to get more? Add it to the list.
They need more toothpaste? Add it to the list.
Want to bake with friends and need supplies? Add it to the list.
It's easy to pick out what they add, but I don't mind! They've stopped requesting things in person because they just know I'm going to tell them to go write it down for me. It's actually like a magical list. They write it down and it appears in our fridge or pantry. This method ensures everyone gets what they want/need and it saves me from making multiple trips to the store.
Although this summer I do feel like I'm making more trips than normal, but I'm totally fine with it! I'm just happy for them to be home, having friends over, and enjoying the short, but sweet summer break we have!
EVERYDAY ORGANIZING FOR BUSY MOMS
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