If you have not tried menu planning yet, I would like to challenge you to do so this week. Actually try it for 3 weeks and you will be amazed at how much smoother the week runs and how much you save on groceries. Each Sunday I take a quick peek in my cabinets and freezer to get a quick idea of what is there and what needs to be used up. Then I take 5 minutes and ask each family member if there is anything specific they want for dinner this week - most requests are honored. Next I grab a sheet of paper and write down the days of the week, fill in the events that I know will affect our dinner plans, add in the requests, then fill in the blanks. The whole process takes me less than 30 minutes and saves me so much time during the week.

Here is my menu for the week:

• Monday - Spaghetti and meatballs
• Tuesday - Shrimp lo-mein
• Wednesday - Hamburgers on the grill and 7 Layer Salad
• Thursday - Shredded taco chicken in the crockpot for tacos or salad
• Friday - Breakfast for dinner - waffles, sausage and fruit

For more Menu Plan Monday goodness, visit Laura from I’m an Organizing Junkie. I am trying out the Mr. Linky thing again this week. If you have posted a Menu Plan Monday post, please leave your name and a link to your post (not your home page). And, don’t forget to leave a comment, too!