Menu Plan Monday – Set Your Week Up for Success

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Which household management tasks seem to stress you most during the week? You know, the things that you put off, the things that hang over your head.

If you’re like me, you keep putting them on the to-do list (even if it’s a mental to-do list) and they come to mind as things you MUST remember. Those things, left undone, are eating away at your energy levels. They also tend to be the things that keep us from carrying out our menu plans successfully.

I spent some time thinking through what’s been causing me the most stress lately. I made a list – because y’all know I’m a great list-maker! If I want a less stressful week, these are my weekly must-do’s:

The menu plan is in place and realistic for the week. Crazy week = simple plan.
The grocery shopping is done. I have everything I need to carry out the plan.
Homeschool lesson plans are done. Papers are printed. Projects are ready. If I don’t do this, I’m stressing through the week. That just uses unnecessary energy that I probably need somewhere else.
The kitchen is clean. It might not be spotless, but the counters are pretty clear, the sink is empty, and a cycle of clean has begun.
My desk is clean…. or somewhat manageable. If I’m starting the week with a messy desk, I’m starting out behind.

As much as I’d like to kick back and relax all weekend, I pay for it the next week when I do. I’d much rather set aside a little bit of weekend time to tackle that list. It makes for a happier mama and a smoother week.

That said, I have the grocery shopping done, the plans ready, the kitchen clean. I’m prepping this post on Sunday night, so the desk is yet to be done. And here, my friends, is the menu for this week.

:: Breakfasts ::

Scrambled Omelette (Eggs, sausage, cheese all scrambled together) with Fruit
Peanut Butter Banana Toast Sandwiches (our own creation 😉 )
Cereal, Milk & Fruit
Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon Pancakes

:: Lunches ::

Leftovers
Cheese Quesadillas
Munchy Lunch (finger foods – crackers, cheese, veggies, fruit, nuts)
Peanut Butter & Jelly rolled in a tortilla, veggies on the side

:: Dinners ::

Italian Chicken, Potatoes & Green Beans (I’m using carrots instead of beans.)
Cornmeal Crusted Tilapia, Sweet Potato Chips, Green Beans
Chili & Cornbread (shared with company)
Homemade Pizza
Taco Night

What’s on your must-do list for each week? Is there some task that you always put off and regret it later?

If you’re looking for some general menu planning inspiration, stop by Menu Plan Monday hosted by I’m an Organizing Junkie.

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