I think I have found the answer I’ve been searching for with my meal planning woes.
My husband made note of the website listening to Dave Ramsey’s radio show (which is another post altogether). But, he was intrigued with what the site had to offer, attacking meal planning with a menu based on grocery store (and Wal Mart) sales. Just to list a few of its bragging rights:
E-Mealz plans are…
…are written and created by REAL moms with REAL families
…are balanced and family friendly
…are as easy as possible, but delicious and kid tested!
…consist of favorite recipes collected from hundreds of moms
…come with an organized, aisle by aisle grocery list
…are for 4 to 6 people
…are based on the current week sales at your grocery
…are priced at approximately $75 per week
…Two person plans average $35 total per week
There are also a variety of meal planning options, from low-fat to vegetarian, so there really is something for every lifestyle. But, there is a catch. The site costs $5/month, but with the savings from sticking to a grocery list of items that will only be used in menus you have in mind, I’m thinking it’s worth it. Plus, so far, I’m being forced to branch out of my comfort zone of foods-even buying shrimp this week. I haven’t actually braved that recipe yet, but I’m going to try!
Take a peek, and let me know what you think. 
WooHoo! Sounds great! I will let you know how I like it.
Interesting concept. I like the idea of combining the sales and the recipes in one place, it has the obvious appeal and yet still saves you time because you don’t have to do it. But as with all these subscription grocery store sale/coupon cutting/meal planning sites I wonder how many foods and/or recipes would be things I’d want to make for my family anyway. In a week where the entire recipe list plus sales don’t meet our tastes you’re just out that week’s fraction of $5 right? Admittedly didn’t look at the site but that’s what jumps out at me as a potential issue.
I would say you can pick and choose what you want for that week. You have 7 nights to plan. You can exchange the nights you don’t like with a bowl of cereal, bowl of soup, grilled cheese, hot dog, etc. Things you keep around the house. So far the meals have been very tasty. They certainly try to branch out into things you would not cook or even think of. That does not make them bad, just makes them different. The middle child is still opening his mind, but he is not crying about it. That is a big step for him.