Time to get Organized – Easy Menu Planner
April 29, 2013 by Nicolette
As a professional teacher on an indefinite motherhood sabbatical, I live by sticky notes. If I am being honest with myself, it’s more of an addiction. A cheery yellow sticky note posted on my fridge makes that to-do list seem actually conquerable. A blaring orange sticky note attached to that left-over cheesecake in said fridge with the caveat “Carrots are MUCH better for you!” is sometimes just the encouragement I need.
Needless to say, I have sticky notes posted everywhere. And just like that old floral arrangement that you’ve been meaning to toss for years has now become an over-looked and comfortable part of your home decor, I hardly noticed my excessive sticky notes until a stranger pointed them out to me. It was time for a change.
I love sitting down on Sunday night to make a weekly meal plan, that of course gets posted on a soothing blue sticky note and adhered to my wall, often crumpled or torn. Thinking back to an idea I saw in a friend’s home, I headed to the thrift store to start my Menu Planner project.
I found some great .50 cent 8×10 frames with some rags-to-riches potential and decided to turn my renovation into a fab gift for the women on my list.
Then I found some sassy acrylic paint at the craft store for less than $1 each.
With a 1″ foam brush, I painted each frame with 3-4 coats of paint.
Using scrapbook paper that I already had, I used the cardboard backing of one frame as a pattern. I then cut out an 8x 10″ scrapbook paper background for each of the painted frames. Next, I created a Word document with a handwriting font that I liked best (Edwardian Script ITC, size 46 with some marginal adjustments) to make my Sunday-Monday menu template. Then I simply printed the menu template onto the 8×10 scrapbook backgrounds. This part was free considering I already had scrapbook paper and ink!
I adorned a few with some cute fabric and burlap flowers I learned how to make here with some fabric scraps I had (free!) and then bought some dry erase markers that write directly onto the glass part of the frame and erase with a paper towel ($3.48 for a 4-pack at Walmart).
Ready for gift giving.
In all, each menu planner cost about $3. The best part is that I don’t even lament the loss of my old sticky note menus! My crafty new planner is just the “pop” of color my kitchen needs and it kinda makes me happy and excited to cook each day.
P.S. Sticky notes still organize my life and I could never abolish them completely!
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I did this same thing – only I made it a monthly calendar!http://www.mamagdog.blogspot.com/2012/01/creative-corner.html
I love this idea! I’m making one when I get home!
I cannot STAND menu planning, but it saves me! I try to do 2 weeks (and shop for 2 weeks) at a time. I made one of these a few months ago after seeing it on Pinterest. My favorite thing about it is that my husband isn’t constantly asking me what’s for dinner anymore!
That’s great! I actually made another one into my weekly deep cleaning schedule. If I do a little each day, I can actually stay on top of the madness!
Super cute! I like the colors you picked!!
I love this idea! My poor husband is sick of me calling him on his way home from work to pick up take out. I needed some motivation and I think a cute craft project will be just the ticket. I’m all over this!
What a marvelous idea! Will have to tackle this project soon.
I will for sure be doing this!!! ASAP!!! Love it! Thanks!
I am already using mine, and I love it! I’m so glad you made me one for Christmas.
Thanks for this tip. I am sure my wife and I will greatly benefit from it.
Great idea!!! Thank you and happy New Year!
Hugs, Luciana.
What a great idea. Much nicer than the piece of paper stuck to the fridge.
I used to use sticky notes as well. Then got a board from the dollar store…but then it broke. This one looks really nice. I will try and make one ASAP!
Oh my goodness!!
I absolutely LOVE THESE!!! I currently have my menu plan in a binder, in a sheet protector that I use the expo marker on… but I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea!
That away there are no more questions about what we are having for supper!
Thank you so much for sharing this!
I love this idea!
I did this for my children for Christmas instead I put on them “Dear Santa,” and at the end “Love, Becca” or Destin or Charlie
They loved it!
Loved this! I made one right after a friend posted the link to fb, and the best thing about it is that my husband is no longer coming home having eaten a lunch very similar to the dinner I made! Thanks!!
Ha! That’s great; I love not having to answer the question, “So what’s for dinner?” every night!
Hi We love your idea and the pictures of the one we made are here http://welovecards.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/upcyling/ Thank you so much Esther
Love that the kids got involved! Turned out great!
This is exactly what I need! I plan meals every Sunday too and end up using old scrap paper and taping it to my kitchen cabinet. Thanks for this wonderful idea!
I am a middle school English teacher and future wife (our wedding is next November) and I love this idea! I’ve seen some for objectives and what-not, but LOVE the weekly menu idea! I’m going to get a picture frame and scrapbooking paper tomorrow and do it! Thanks!
Yay! I heart English teachers! Or any teacher for that matter:)
This is a great idea. I need this in my life. I’m going to make one it is so smart and easy. Thank you.
I love this idea! Thank you!