Meal Planning and Being Meal-Prepared

 Since we live out in the country, even though it's less than 10 minutes from town, I try to keep a well-stocked pantry and freezer.  This helps with being able to put a meal on the table quickly, efficiently, and with not a whole lot of stress.  

In full disclosure, we have 2 refrigerator/freezers, and a total of 4 deep freezers (2 personal and 2 for our business, and one 'spare' in case a catastrophe happens).  I like to stock up so in our busy seasons, Fall and Spring, I have options.  

I do use many of these tips mentioned in The Pioneer Woman's blog about stocking a pantry: 

https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/a10740/stocking-up/?fbclid=IwAR28BiDTw8Uhd5yO7lP_vix2iIqHG3yQseQjuevh3uccJxGskPFI5Hu9gPE

Tweak it to work for you.  There are certain things I make sure I NEVER run out of.

Other time saving tips I use: 

• Meal plan.  I use a calendar and plan meals for a month at a time.  That way I can see what nights are busy, with activities that I need a quick meal or a crockpot meal.  I also always write my plan in pencil so I can erase and move around meals on my calendar if needed.
• Make a grocery list as I meal plan.  I have my cookbooks/recipe file, meal calendar, and grocery list all laid out.  My kids often help with this, so they have voice and choice in what we eat.  They always make sure to ask dad too! 
• I also like being wise with spending on groceries, so I make a monthly trip to Aldi.  I'm known as the lady with 2+ carts.  I use this list to organize my trip to Aldi: https://passionatepennypincher.com/ultimate-aldi-grocery-list/.  (Different Aldi stores specialize in different things sometimes, and prices are different based on locations, FYI).
• I do use grocery pick up on occasion, it forces me to stick to my 'needs' on my list.  Sam's Club & WalMart are the most economical, easiest to navigate the app (in my opinion), but also has the most substitutions. 
• Keep plenty of meat (duh, I raise beef, chickens, and turkey) and frozen veggies in the freezer.  Garlic bread, and frozen pies/desserts are also handy.  
• I make several pies at a time and freeze them so I have a quick dessert.

I am going to try to post some of my monthly meal plans, so keep an eye out!