Make: Weekly Menu Planner

by Designing Mom Tori

I have never been great in the kitchen. My theory for this is that I truly believe that talented cooks are artists and because I consider myself a designer by trade, I just can’t bring myself to have the same kind of creativity and drive I have in my “day job” to make amazing meals for family, friends, and even myself. In other words, I have used all of my creative time and energy for the day by the time that dinner preparation comes around.

My new neighbor turned friend, Amy, is one of those people who definitely knows her way around the kitchen. It’s like her art studio where she can create the most amazing masterpieces - and I am so grateful to be able to benefit from her abilities. She artfully makes EVERYTHING from scratch and I have had the pleasure of being in her home when she has served everything from homemade wheat thins and cracker jacks for our kid’s snack time to a variety of homemade breads (her specialty) and big dinners for family and friends.

What is Amy’s secret? Other than passion, natural talent, and creativity? - Her weekly menu planner she has posted on the fridge, of course! When I first noticed it, I thought two things to myself: “People actually do that?” and “What a great idea – maybe I should try it.”

She has a cute and simple page from a scrap-booking tablet that is titled “Menu Maker” with room for each day’s meals and weekly shopping list. The page is placed in an 8.5” X 11” clear plexiglass magnetic frame. All she does is use a dry erase marker to write on the board each week and then wipes it clean as needed.

So I thought it would be fun to make my own “Menu Maker” to share with those who also might be in need or at least up for the challenge. Here are step-by-step instructions for this VERY easy project:

- Click on my design for the high resolution image and print on the paper of your choice. I like to use a thick white cardstock – but a light colored paper or even one with a slight texture would be pretty as well.
- Once your menu is printed, slide it into an 8.5” X 11” clear plexiglass magnetic frame . These frames can be found just about anywhere and you can even do a google search to shop online. If you can’t find one you like, you can either just glue a few magnets to the back of a regular clear plexiglass frame and make your own, or you can just print out several sheets and stick them on the fridge just like that.
- If you do use the plexiglass frame, be sure to get a dry erase marker to keep handy to write down your menus. I recommend an ultra fine tip dry erase pen.

I may not be mistaken for Rachel Ray anytime soon, but at least this tool might help me get one step closer to finding my inner-chef. Thanks for the great inspiration, Amy! And until I get my act together, you can make me homemade wheat thins anytime!