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That’s how this menu planning board was born! For me, that’s something with a little bit of wiggle room for life to happen.
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I prefer something in between chaos and perfect order that’s a little closer to reality – methods of organization that make it easier to stay on top of the mess rather than fall behind it. And when I try to attain something like that, I feel really great for the day or two that it actually works…then feel like crap when I get behind on keeping it up and discouragement sets in. I admire them, but that’s just not realistic to me. Don’t get me wrong, I “ooh” and “aah” over flawless labels on beautiful containers…or command centers with a place for everything…or spotless pantries with cans stacked perfectly…or weekly cleaning schedules with chalkboard checklists. I will freely admit, I am someone that feels stifled by too much organization. Last year, amidst the organization rush of New Year’s Resolution and frustrated with that question, I created a Meal Planning Guide as part of our family’s Command Center, and it has truly been a life saver for me. It’s almost like I expect our meal ingredients to light up with a neon sign and sing a little song – “use meeee to make the perfect dinner tonight!” Alas, that has yet to happen. Do you hate that 5:00 question as much as I do? You know the one…”what’s for dinner?” That of course is followed by the obligatory “dinner dance” of opening the pantry, fridge, and freezer, and staring blankly.