WFMW: The Weekly Menu

I mentioned that we started using coupons about a month ago, which has dramatically changed how I figure out what's for dinner. Once a week I sit down with my book of coupons and two sheets of paper for lists. One list is to write down meal ideas and the other is the grocery list. I end up with a list of about 6 real "meals" - a main dish and all accompaniments.

The first week, I hung this list on the side of the fridge so I wouldn't forget what I had all the ingredients for. It worked so well, that I've continued hanging up the list. This week, I jazzed up my list by putting it all in a document using fancy fonts and a layout similar to an exclusive restaurant. You know, just to make it all feel more official.

Everyday, I go to the list and see what sounds good and what I have time to prepare and eat depending on our evening schedule. For example, I'm not making pork chops with glazed onions, steamed vegetables, and french bread when we're going to have to race out the door to basketball. That's a time for those frozen pizzas further down the list. I make sure everything is thawed and ready early in the day. Once we've eaten, I mark that dinner option off the list.

It's a great way to make sure all the groceries get eaten and I'm not staring in the pantry at 5:00 thinking, "What can I make with a can of cream of mushroom soup and some pasta?"

For more Works For Me Wednesday tips, go to Rocks in My Dryer here, but only for this week. Next week it moves to a new home.