Since day one of my homemaking career I have found it to be of the greatest help to always have a plan when it comes to preparing meals for the family. This plan can be scribbled on a paper, written on a chalkboard or you may choose to print copies of the meal/shopping planner I use (I print one of each on front and back, so that I have just one copy), or go to http://www.enlightenedhomemaker.com/ where you can print off some cute free to use menu planners. Planning meals for a week or two should take no longer than 5 minutes, just begin jotting down meals your family enjoys. Add an additional 5 minutes and you've got your shopping list. I always hang my plan inside the cupboard door when I get home, so that I can easily see what's cooking each night. This saves both time and money and prevents you from having to run to the store for that one ingredient you may be lacking. If you haven't already done so try it. . . I promise your life will run so much smoother and your family mealtime will be much less stressful. I have done it since I was married 22 years ago and it really does work!
