meal plan

Generally, I make out a mental (and sometimes actually write it down) list of things I might want to make during the period after my shopping trip and that way I will make a shopping list that makes sure I have what I need for those dishes. Then, during that time period between shopping trips...usually about 2 weeks...I will make what sounds good for that day. Basically by whatever mood I am in that day for making. Sometimes I stick pretty well with the menu I planned. Other times I go way off the list and make other things. As long as I have what I need to make the dishes, I don't care if I follow a menu or not on a particular day. My menus are more for the shopping list than anything else.