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UPDATED IN AUGUST 2025
There’s probably a reason one of the most popular new year’s resolutions each January is to get more organized. No one likes the feeling of being rushed, forgetting things, or like you are constantly playing catch up. Since life tends to get hectic when you least expect it, organization is key to keeping your wits about you.
One of my biggest drama-inducing mistakes is forgetting about menu planning. I detest the 5pm panic attack, realizing I haven’t pulled anything from the freezer, we are out of x/y/z, the kids will be home any minute, and what the heck are we eating!?
I’ve been guilty of falling into that trap more times than I’d like to admit. But once I started planning meals ahead of time -while sipping my coffee in peace, before anyone else is awake – it completely changed my weeks. Less stress. Fewer last-minute grocery runs. More meals we actually enjoy.
And yes, coffee comes first. Always.
I’m married to a black-coffee drinker (weirdo!), but I can’t do it. My coffee needs a little flavor love, which is why I’ve been testing different creamers and even some dairy-free options lately. If you’re looking for one, there are plenty of great choices now with clean ingredient lists and fun flavors.
I’ve spoken of my love of International Delight in previous posts (find my iced coffee drink recipe here!), and while their Simply Pure creamers are featured here, they no longer have these available as of 2025. However, you can still enjoy plenty of options in their other lines, including zero sugar!!
Now that coffee is working its magic, let’s get focused on the week ahead!
The quiet of the morning is the perfect time to focus on creating a menu plan for the week, which helps to avoid making those last minute fast food or unhealthy choices.
Step 1: Take Stock Before You Plan
Before I even think about writing out a menu, I check what we already have in the pantry, fridge, and freezer. It’s the easiest way to avoid overspending and helps me actually use what we buy.
Quick tip: keep track of your freezer & pantry inventory on your fridge so you can mark things as you use them.
There are also handy apps that make this easier. We’re constantly using the Alexa Shopping List on the Echo with compatible grocery list skills – you can update your list hands-free while you cook. It’s also great when my kids come to me whining, “Mooommmm, we’re out of cereal!” – I just call back to them to tell Alexa. Now it’s her problem, lol.
Even so, I still like the old feel of paper and pen to check things off, visualize at a glance, and feel prepared in my meal planning. I just can’t rely on apps alone.
Step 2: Use Printables to Keep It Simple
I’ve used plenty of other bloggers’ free printables, but I love creating my own too. My weekly menu planner lets you write down breakfast, lunch, and dinner – or just dinner if that’s where the chaos lives in your house.
You can menu plan breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or just dinners, depending on what fits best for you and your family. Dinners are our hardest ones, so that’s what I worked on this week. Be sure to write out both the main dish AND a side or two, so you aren’t scrambling to make a full meal come five o’clock.
Spoken from LOTS of experience…
Step 3: Build in Leftovers
Hopefully you’ve used up most of your pantry and freezer items, but it is still highly probable you will need to pick up a few things to complete your week. I always try to plan at least one or two meals that will stretch into another day. It’s the ultimate busy-night backup plan. Think soups, pasta bakes, roast chicken; anything that reheats well.
Now go grab a cup o’ joe and your free printable and get to work!
Download the Free Menu Planning Printable
You can grab my free printable menu planner right here. Pair it with your favorite morning drink, put your phone on “Do Not Disturb,” and enjoy a few minutes mapping out a week that won’t leave you frazzled at dinnertime.
Do you menu plan for the week? Or are you more of a “see what’s in the fridge” kind of cook?
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