Happy Thursday! It’s the last Thursday of the month so I am linking up with Patty to answer 10 fun seasonal questions. I love thinking about my answers and seeing everyone else’s answers, too!

This month we are talking about how we make our weeks easier.

1 – Paper planner, digital calendar, or another option?

I prefer a paper planner, but with two teenagers we needed a system that the whole family could use. So, I still use my paper planner and we have a family google calendar with everything the kids might need to know. It may seem like double work for me, but I don’t mind.

2 – Meal planning, meal prep, or winging it?

I make a meal plan every week. We don’t always follow it, but the ideas are there. I don’t do much meal prep because I get home pretty early in the afternoon so I have time to do it then. There are some weeks that we wing it, but I do not prefer that.

3 – Do you choose your outfit the night before?

I don’t always pick out my outfit the night before, but I always have an idea of what I want to wear each week. I finalize my outfit in the shower each morning after looking at the weather.

4 – Tips for managing laundry and ironing?

This is not going to be helpful, but… Marry someone who is good at laundry and get a steamer so you don’t have to iron. I got a steaming pad for my door for Christmas and I love it!

5 – Grocery shop in store or online?

I do both. I buy everything frozen or packaged online. I shop in store for fresh fruits, veggies, and meats. I do my online/grocery pick up at Wal-Mart. I do my instore shopping at Aldi or Martin’s (our grocery chain).

6 – Best tips for getting out the door in the morning without chaos?

Leave before your kids. Haha! My real tip is to set alarms. I have a few that go off in the mornings to make sure I am moving along. I also build in a little extra time into my mornings so I am not panicking or rushing. I try to have everything ready the night before so there is less to do in the morning.

7 – Share your easiest dinners for crazy weeks.

• We had sheet pan chicken sausages last night and they are a quick and easy favorite.
• Spaghetti is pretty quick and easy.
• I also like chicken with salsa in the crockpot to make tacos, burittos, or taco salads.
• Carryout pizza is also easy when things are busy.

8 – Best tips to keep your house organized during the week.

• Deal with things as they come into your house – mail, kids’ papers, etc.
• Do a quick reset before bed – shoes away, blankets folded, etc.
• Run the dishwasher every night to keep the sink and counters clear.
• I used a weekly calendar on our refrigerator for years and I put everyone’s activities and dinners on it. I haven’t been very good about using it this year since we are all on the google calendar. I am going to try to go back to it this spring.

9 – Share your easiest breakfast.

I have three easy breakfasts that I tend to eat. I like Built Puff bars, greek yogurt with strawberries and protein granola, and hard boiled eggs. They are all easy to grab and keep me full until lunch.

10 – Share your best overall tip not covered yet.

Meal planning my lunches and packing them at night is a huge help. I will pack up leftovers when we are cleaning up dinner or assemble my lunch before I go to bed. It is a big time saver in the morning.

I am always on the lookout for tips to make my week easier, so I’ll be looking to see what everyone else says. Have a great day full of sunshine and books!