Monthly Menu Planning

So, I finally got around to number one on my list of goals for this semester:
Monthly Menu Planning.

I got some ideas from an article by passionatehomemaking.com found here.

 There is also a link to a printable monthly menu planning template at the bottom of the article that I used.

 So I started off by going through these (my cookbooks).....

and these (my Cooking Light, Bon Apetit, and Real Simple magazines).

I wrote down page numbers from my cookbooks and tore out pages from my magazine that I know Seth and I will enjoy.

I finally consolidated all of the recipes and articles that I like from my magazines! 

I am getting tired of storing piles and piles of magazines in our cozy apartment.

 Next, I gave each night of the week a theme:

Mondays-Asian

Tuesdays-Soups/Main Dish Salads

Wednesdays-Mexican

Thursdays-American (I make this the only night we have red meat)

Friday-Fish

Saturday-Italian

Sunday-Leftovers/Free for all

Then I just found four recipes for each night, wrote down the books and the page numbers they are from, and accumulated a shopping list. Once we start a family, I would love to use Azure Standard for some pantry items and Community CROPS for our produce.

But before I get settled in on using those sources, I am planning on grocery shopping at the beginning of each month for all the dry goods I will need that month. Then I will buy meat weekly and produce as often as possible. I like buying my produce frequently, so it is as fresh as possible.

Since I work nights, I have found a lot of crock pot meals for my dinner themes. That way they will be ready for Seth when he gets home, since he gets home hours before I do.

I kept breakfasts and lunches very simple. Seth eats cereal for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch basically every day, so I don't have to plan for him. 

I like a little more variety for breakfast, so this I just pick one of these options (I normally have all of them on hand):
Bran Muffins

Green Smoothies

Oatmeal

Greek Yogurt with fresh/frozen berries

Egg whites with beans and cilantro

I normally find myself eating the same few things for lunch:

either leftovers, rice and beans, chicken dogs, or salads.

How do you like to plan your meals?