Not everything goes smoothly in my kitchen. I'd like to say that my clumsy children spilled the cornmeal all over the counter top, but it was me. And it was everywhere. I actually got out the vacuum cleaner hose to suck it off the counter in some places, and out of the cracks in the drawers.

But aside from this minor mishap in the kitchen, this week has gone so smoothly. Months ago, you all shared some of your grocery-saving tips and one that I heard over and over was, plan. your. menus. You'd think, hearing it over and over, I might actually give it a try, but I confess to still being guilty of the last-minute meal, the standing in front of the freezer/refrigerator/pantry looking for inspiration.

But this week, I sat down with a few back issues of Everyday Food and my notebook and got to work planning the week's dinner menu. Then I went to the grocery store and do you know how much I spent for the whole week, including what I thought were a few splurges like bocconcini cheese and a fresh basil plant for my windowsill?? $87! And do you know how many times I went back to the grocery store for things I forgot or things I needed to make that night's dinner??? Zero. Zero!

It's been pure bliss. Waking up each day, knowing exactly what ingredients to get out, not agonizing over what to make and feeling that panic when 4pm hits and I have nothing concrete planned. Having everything bubbling and simmering and baking happily in the kitchen. Really, it's culinary bliss.

Where have I been? Why I have NOT been doing this every single week? I'm a true convert now, people. I have now become a follower of the meal-planning faithful.

So, it's Friday folks. If you're not a menu-planner--perhaps I'm the last to get on board--give it a try this week. It is so worth it. It's a time-saver, a money-saver, a sanity-saver. You'll see....

And in the meantime, any inspiration for me for this week's menu? I'd love to hear....