DIY Menu Planners – A Simple Way to Simplify Your Day

DIY Menu Planners – A Simple Way to Simplify Your Day:

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. There is a simple thing which you could be doing which will save you time, money and stress.

If you’re like me, you run your small business out of a home office (or if you’re really like me, your office is also your kitchen!) This means your day is probably full of distractions – dirty dishes in the sink, someone’s socks on the floor, figuring out what to make for dinner. When we work during regular hours, but also at all hours, it’s difficult to strike a balance between work-work and house-work. I’m going to admit that I haven’t got it all figured out yet – my worktime spills into my life long past 5pm and, unless I actually schedule it in, the floors don’t get mopped quite as often as they should.

But there is one thing I’m getting right! I menu plan. Do you?

I’ve actually been doing it for so long now that not doing it seems strange. Once a week, I sit down with a cup of coffee, my menu planner and I figure out what we’re going to eat for the next week. Then I use that plan to make my grocery list.

It means going to the grocery store once a week and way less impulse purchases. It means no more “what’s for dinner?” stress. It means way less food goes bad in the back of the fridge. It means healthier, more balanced meals and way less take out! And, if you weren’t convinced yet, all of that adds up to less money spent on food!

Less stress, healthier food, better finances = happier you!

Happier you = more time and energy to devote to your business and your life!

And, of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you that a great looking menu plan is a great addition to your kitchen! Here are a few DIY versions for inspiration:

Top Left: Chalkboard Menu Plan – Whipperberry 

Top Right: Recipe Board Menu Plan – Better Homes and Gardens

Bottom Left: Wipe-off Menu Board – Make & Takes 

Bottom Right: Magnetic Menu Planner – Omiyage Blogs

So that’s my secret! What’s your secret for saving time and reducing stress while managing a business and a household at the same time?