Friday of My Weekly Docket

I love my cleaning routine - it's simple, covers the house and doesn't take more than a few minutes every day.  Here's what I do EVERY DAY:

• SWEEP FLOORS (hardwood in the kitchen, powder room, small hallway, and entryway - this is mostly crumbs and dog hair) the kids use their dustpan, I use a broom and dustpan, but for the dog hair I LOVE my Bona Microfiber Dusting Pad on my BonaKemi Hardwood Spray Mop.  The microfiber dusting pad can be washed hundreds of times and it just works really well.  (I've had 2 Swiffer floor sweepers and the Method sweeper and this just plain works like a dream in comparison.)

• WIPE COUNTERS - this means the kitchen counters get wiped down after each meal every day with Basic H2 and a cotton rag.  Most days all the counters get wiped down 3 times a day, some days more, and some days less.  I also wipe bathroom counters as needed - about 2 or 3 times a week.

• LAUNDRY - at least one load washed/dried/folded/put away.  Here's a link to a post I did about my laundry routine if you're interested.

• CLUTTER - open mail and toss junk mail, file or pay bills, etc., make sure kids' toys are cleaned up before rest time and bed, choose an area to de-clutter as needed and write that down on the appropriate day.

Here's my Weekly Docket - this is how I schedule out my daily/weekly tasks.  I'd love to make one for you - I'll completely customize it for how you clean your home - they are in my Etsy Shop if you are interested.

Then every day of the week, I choose a larger cleaning task to do - Friday is meal planning and shopping day  so that's what I'll detail today.

I'm love to cook and bake, but I do try to simplify the process during the week.  I try to only do grocery shopping on one day of the week, but sometimes I have to run out for some sale or coupon items.  My favorite stores?  Costco, Trader Joe's, Meijer.  I can get the best deals at these three stores and they're close to my house.  So here's what I do on Fridays:

• during the week I write down some meal plan ideas (consult Meijer flyer and coupons)
• Friday morning I write out the menu on my Weekly Docket- I try to do as many recipes as possible that will be leftovers the next night, carryover proteins (roast chicken one night, chicken quesadillas the next), or make a double batch and freeze one pan.
• make shopping list
• sort coupons and print out coupons from online sites to match up with items needed or items on sale 
• head out to the stores -  I like to go out mid-morning so we're back by lunch time

Here's how I use my recipe tools to work out my menu:

 What's your favorite menu planning tip?