meal planning

Grocery shopping day is almost here and I've been busy searching store ads and coupon sites for deals. I also made a menu for the coming week, which is probably something most of you do. I should be more organized and sometimes I am, but often I end up picking three meals and then winging it for the rest of the week. I've come up with a good menu and am going to try to stick with it this time!

Here's what I have planned:
Thursday- attending class at church with provided meal (yeah!)
Friday- Fish with pasta and veggies
Saturday- chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and green beans
Sunday- Pizza
Monday- Asian glazed drumsticks (I plan on using chicken thighs), rice and broccoli coleslaw
Tuesday- Lasanga, garlic bread and steamed broccoli
Wednesday- depends on t-ball practice, probably crab cakes and homemade fries
Thursday- cheese enchiladas, beans, Mexican rice

I didn't write out lunch or breakfast because those are somewhat easier to plan. The better I plan the fewer times I have to ask T to pick something up on his way home from work, although there is almost always the milk and yogurt stop on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

Do you meal plan a week or month in advance? We have been eating less beef and I made a lot of chicken dishes last week and got tired of it faster than I thought. I try to keep a variety of pasta on hand for night where I need a quick meal of spaghetti or the like. Tortillas, cheese and frozen veggies for quesadillas or omelets or usually stocked up as well.

I'd love it if you would share a meal that is easy to make or keep the items on hand for. I almost always reach for pasta of some sort when I am running out of time or energy in the evenings. Share away!