Menu Planning

Well, I dug out my menu planning gear and made my own planner, and I even used Excel, which I'm just don't know enough about to really be doing anything with it. I'll share it here, if I can figure out how to, and if you know how to link or upload a pdf file and don't see it here PLEASE comment and tell me how. I have not used my menu planner in quite a while now, my husband picks things up as we go, and the budget has been too tight to do anything except have him pick things up on his way home. I know there are many great planners out there, and I have printed a few off and actually used them, but with the rising cost of ink, and paper, I've found something that works for me and decided to share it. I do use SayMMM online for ideas and lsits, but what I did a few years ago is just make my own calendar with Publisher on my computer, and made up 5 or 6 weeks of meals we like, you may need another form. I also left Friday nights open (we have pizza) and one other day a week open for New Recipe night. I then made a staples list, of all the things I need on hand for daily life, and our recipes on that menu. I also added a few lines for items from New Recipe night or things we don't use a lot of. I don't have my list on the computer anymore, but since it's update time, I may do that and share. SayMMM will make lists for you from your menu lists and then you can click on things you have on hand to remove them from the list, and then print or add it to your written list. I keep my master list in sheet protectors on our kitchen bulletin board, then I check things I need as I need them with a dry erase marker. I also just updated my Grocery Gadget App on my iPhone and will transfer my staples to it, then I have a list on my phone, and can even make a separate list for my husband, or by stores. This way I have a "written" list in case my technology crashes, and also don't have to take a list to the store, it's already in my phone. There is a free one I read about on a blog Modern Vintage Homemaking but since I had purchased the Grocery Gadget a year or two ago, I'll keep it, don't' want to pay Stupid Tax.I am not knocking those services who do the planning for you, and even tell you what is on sale, but I cannot even afford the inexpensive $5 a month ones, and honestly since I can do this on my own, I'm not willing to pay for it, I need to save every penny I can now a days!!!

Just pencil in your meals (I did not put Months on my Menu calendar, it just rotates) and then if you like do your own on computer, I can email you this form in excel if you will be kind enough to leave your email in the comments. I put lines at the bottom of the page for notes, and at the right of the page to use for notes, and comments, like family did not like New Recipe Night... Okay, got to sign off and grade Algebra papers, Have a Blessed Day!!! Valerie

Print Recipe | Printable grocery list
What's for dinner tonight? Creamy Chicken, take a look!