Helpful Tips for Busy Moms

Okay so here is the deal - I try to keep things as organized as possible to make our daily routine just a little easier. I have found a fun way to help organize our meals (dinner) and our shopping trips. I put together a book/binder with four different sections. First section is a calendar which I plan all our dinners for at least 2 weeks at a time. The second section is a list of meal ideas. The third section is a blank shopping list. (I found out that it is easier to have a list on hand so as soon as I realize I am out of something I can write it down so I don't forget when it comes time to go shopping.) And the fourth and final section is a grocery list I have typed for all of the meals on my meal idea sheet. (kind of confusing, but for example - I have chicken enchiladas listed, and then underneath that I have all the ingredients listed to make that dish) Then when I go to make my shopping list I can refer to my calendar and see what I am making for that week and then go to the grocery list and know exactly what to write on my shopping list. I keep this binder in the top drawer in my kitchen to refer to each day.

It has been really handy - no more guessing last minute what to cook for dinner. And I always know I have all the ingredients for what I am making. It also has made shopping a lot faster and I am not buying a bunch of items that aren't being used.

I will post a few pictures so you can get an idea (somewhat) of what I am talking about. If anyone is interested email me (tjkojjensen@msn.com) and I would be more than happy to send you all of my files so you can just print them off and they are ready to use.

Hope this doesn't seem silly - but I am always looking for something to make my life a little easier so I have more time for my family. If anyone else out there has some special tips to share to make this busy mom's life a little easier, I would LOVE to hear them.

Love You All - Jen