5.17.2006

Works For Me Wednesday


It's time for WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY!

My topic today...menus.
Every month I print out a calendar from Microsoft Outlook and plan a monthly menu. I write everything in pencil so that I can change things or switch things around depending on what I think we may have for leftovers and such. I take this calendar, make my grocery list (I HATE grocery shopping and this helps me get those things I need, I do my big shopping for once a month on the first, then I go back on the 15th for the things I need again...produce, milk, bread). I then tape it to the inside of my recipe book cabinet door that way it is always accessible, but no one has to see it but me. I also put the recipe books that I am using that month on the top of the other books so I know what I need to grab. Works for me!

20 comments:

Katherine@Raising Five said...

Great idea. I keep thinking that with five kids I should stop dreaming up dinner at 5:00. Thanks!

Nettie said...

I don't know how you manage to only shop twice a month! My fridge needs reloading of 6 gal of milk once a week, so I have no hope of emulating that one. I love the taping to the inside of the cupboard thing. I do that too, every cupboard in my kitchen has something important taped to the inside door!

Shhhhhhhh! said...

I do this as well. I do my big shopping on the 11th and then go back when I need milk or produce. I have my menu calender and shopping list typed up so I can just grab it a go. My children are picky eaters so I don't have that much varity in my menu, shich makes things easier.

Dawnyel said...

I tried to do this once a long time ago, but it didn't work for me...but I wasn't NEARLY as organized as you are...maybe I'll try it again!!

Sandra said...

I do the exact same thing. Been doing it for 6 years now and it's been a true life saver, I even have my own food blog where I post my menus which have breakfast, lunch and dinner. Makes my grocery shopping twice a month, a LOT easier.

Glad to see others out there doing the same :)

Brooke said...

Great suggestion. I tried doing that weekly and it hasn't worked so well, but I think if I only had to plan once a month I might get it done. Thanks for sharing this.

Carol said...

You know, this is a system even I could do. Monthly list. Much better than a weekly one.

I'm on it! July 1st, I'm on it. Remind me.

Millie said...

Hey, I just saw my blog on your list! Thanks!

I wanted to tell you, I saw your comment - can't remember where - about splashing your daughter with cold water when she throws a tantrum. AWESOME!!!!! I had a friend whose baby daughter screamed ear-splittingly in the middle of Sacrament meeting (and at home), and we came up with the idea of getting a squirt bottle and squirting her every time she did it so she'd learn to stop. It worked!

Millie said...

By the way, I'm going to put a link to your idea on "Vancouver Sisters." It's really great!

The Domesticator said...

I am totally amazed at your organization!

Gabriela said...

I do this too with a six week calender. I fill up as much as I can think of, then I leave the rest blank and fill it is as we go (if kids make suggestions I add them). I keep it close to the cookbooks as well, and write the page and the cookbook I'll be using on that day. If I am trying something out of a cookbook, I make a copy and staple it to the calender so I don't loose it.

Gina said...

Great idea!

I see you are in Utah and I hate grocery shopping too! A couple years ago I discovered groceryguys.com

Try this once and you may never go back except on the 15th to get the small stuff.

This is truly a lifesaver for a working mom... delivery is when you want it and it's free. AND the site is organized by aisles. AND there is a calculator to the left telling you how much you've spent so you always stay under budget (and there is nothing crazy, like candy bars or donuts, staring at you to buy).

Lei said...

I've always admired this sense of organization around meal planning. I am so anal about so many other things, I just don't have it in me to take this step, lol!

Blackeyedsue said...

You all have so many good ideas. I love taking tips and adding them to my rapport to make things easier. Thanks everyone!

I've tried the grocery guru. I got sick of it really fast. I have several neighbors that are guru groupies.

I will have to try groceryguys. Thanks for the tip!

Rachelle said...

I do the same thing with a monthly menu and list. It makes it so much easier! Without a menu I would never cook. I hate trying to think of a new meal each day!

Jane said...

You would think after 22 years of making dinner, I would have some kind of a systme. But no, everyday day around 5:00pm I start trying to think up dinner. And it ususally involves something I don't have on hand. So my sweet dh makes a pit stop at the store to fetch the items needed on his way home from work.

I am doing a menu...I really am. Just you wait and see.

Jenn said...

that is a great idea!

Unknown said...

Lately I've been making a 2 week menu plan from payday to payday, but I hate making menus. I like the idea of making one menu for the month. Thanks for the tip!

Blackeyedsue said...

Kara, no way! I want details! CALL ME!!!

utmommy said...

I do that too, except my menu is for every two weeks. Then, my grocery shopping is done so much easier.