Mealtime Quandaries

In the last 5 months since being introduced to the art of couponing and frugal living, one of the things I've heard again and again is to MAKE A MEALPLAN. And when I do, we end up having plenty of food, a dinner time plan (instead of . . . what should I make for dinner question) and WE SPEND LESS. However, I can clearly recall doing this ONCE. I have the best intentions. Sometimes I get an unexpected moment to run to the grocery store (baby free) and I'll jump on that chance. But, when that happens I usually don't have my meal plan just ready and sitting around. I love reading Making Dough. Emily makes the yummiest dinners. I also know Photos, Fingerprints, Crayons & Coffee written by Emily (my dear friend) makes delicious meals & is good @ meal planning too. Me. Not. So. Much. Honestly, I can cook. Hate it when it takes too long & requires all the dishes in my kitchen being used. Mostly though, I'm tired by 5pm and by 4pm naptime is over and both babies crave their cuddle/laptime with mommy. Laptime. That requires sitting & not in the kitchen. So, with some good excuses now of why I don't mealplan. Oh did I mention that I just plain run out of ideas?! I found this site (and can't remember how). Probably blog hopping. Thought about it for a couple days and thought I'd give it a try. I'll let you know how it goes. Promoted by Dave Ramsey (go figure! Seems to be the theme this year . . . ha!) this service only cost $1.25 a week/$15 every quarter.

PS - Okay, I did my food shopping last night for this week's meals & totally stayed within my food budget & stocked up on the juice sale at Safeway. I also had to purchase around $10 of meat that I normally wouldn't buy unless it was onsale. So, I will update you later on how good these meals are! Wish me luck.

EDIT - IF you were to join E-Mealz . . . would you please do so by linking thru the banner at the top? I will then receive the referral. Thanx!