Organize your life in 2010!

I've always been told I am exceptionally organized, that is, of course, when I'm not being called anal.

I never really thought of it as a true talent, but rather something I needed in my life. It has come to my attention recently that perhaps I do possess a skill that others could benefit from.

So I've decided to take a passion of mine; that's right organizing is something I truly enjoy, and share how I do it with others. My organization is not limited to just closets and pantries. I organize my time, my family budget, my family schedule and many other things.

Some of what I share you may already do - somethings may be new to you - and some may not be interested in orgazning at all, but I hope to inspire some to make their lives a little simpler through organization.

I'm going to start off by sharing one of my goals for the new year - Cooking more at home! I will share my menus and how I go about planning it in the least stressful way possible. A small waiver here - I do not love to cook so if you ask for recipes I'm more than willing to share - but they are not my own. I also like simple meals that take limited time and everyday "normal' ingredients. So if you are a lover of cooking - this portion probably won't suit you as much.

I plan my family meals about a week in advance. I usually plan them from Tuesday to Monday. There is a method behind this. I like to wait to grocery shop until I get the store ads in the mail on Monday. I use coupons (more on that later) and look at what is on sale at various stores to help plan my menu.

Some people like to do a month in advance, but I personally think that is too much. We like to eat out from time to time and it is not always planned in advance. In fact I usually leave one unplanned day a week for eating out and keep easy frozen stirfry or some other meal in case we stay in. Other things come up as well, and if I'm only planned a week ahead I can easily push back some nights.

Now I do NOT plan my menu exclusively on what is on sale; however, if a sale correlates with some recipes I have, then I plan on making those meals. Make sense?

When do I find time to do this - Monday during my son's nap or after he has gone to bed. I sit down with the ads, my coupons, and my recipes and begin making my grocery list. Also - I don't plan sides to go with dinner usually. I just keep on hand various sides we like (canned veggies, fruit, potatoes, etc).

So here are the meals I have made thus far for January:
1/4 - spicy salmon over brown rice
1/5 - Cola Chops
1/6 - Southwest Chicken and taco soup
1/7 - beef stroganoff
1/8 - dinner with friends
1/9 - dinner out
1/10 - busy running around had to push to Monday
1/11 - Eggplant parmesean
1/12 - taco salad
1/13 - Easy skillet
1/14 - Stuffed peppers
1/15 - Hubby not home - microwave meal for me
1/16 - Easy frozen stirfry or dinner out
1/17 - Parmesean Chicken
1/18 - Chili

Now why do I bother to do this???

Taking some time on Monday saves me time and stress later in the week. After I go to the grocery store I know I have everything I need to make meals for 1 week. When dinner time approaches, there is no worry about what is for dinner - it is already planned and again the recipes I pick are simple, so no hassle there.

To me it is worth the peace of mind to give up a little time on Monday to organize my meals - and maybe you'll agree! Good luck! Let me know if it works for you or if you have any of your own suggestions to add.