Showing posts with label menu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label menu. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Keeping a Monthly Master Calendar in Your Planner
Even though it's summertime, a glance at my monthly calendar shows just how overbooked I truly am at the moment.
Friday, May 13, 2016
4 Uses for a Free Box Printable from Planner Fun
Becky at Planner Fun teams up with Giftie Etcetera every month to offer a free printable, with a ton of new ways to use it.
This week, we are using her cool page full of boxes. So versatile. So simple. So useful.
Make sure to visit Becky's blog (link at the end of this post)! She's awesome and most of her printables are free.
This week, we are using her cool page full of boxes. So versatile. So simple. So useful.
Make sure to visit Becky's blog (link at the end of this post)! She's awesome and most of her printables are free.
Thursday, May 5, 2016
The Truth About Mothering a Child with Exceptional Needs
I've drafted the first line of this post over ten times. It started as a celebration of mothers who raise kids with exceptional needs.
But that wasn't enough.
It morphed into a cutesy illustration of what moms of "normal" children can expect - footprint art, tissue paper flowers, or breakfast made from cereal and spilled milk - versus what moms of kiddos with special needs can expect.
But if a child can't remove his corrective foot braces, has inadequate fine motor skills, or had seizures pretty much every day this week, moms already know they won't be getting that traditional stuff. They don't need me to tell them (or you) that.
I owe it to the mom who stood by me in the special park (the one with a wheelchair swing and an adult-sized harness swing) - watching our two "probably have autism but doctors are nervous to label them" kids to make sure they were at least not physically mean to each other - to tell the truth.
But that wasn't enough.
It morphed into a cutesy illustration of what moms of "normal" children can expect - footprint art, tissue paper flowers, or breakfast made from cereal and spilled milk - versus what moms of kiddos with special needs can expect.
But if a child can't remove his corrective foot braces, has inadequate fine motor skills, or had seizures pretty much every day this week, moms already know they won't be getting that traditional stuff. They don't need me to tell them (or you) that.
I owe it to the mom who stood by me in the special park (the one with a wheelchair swing and an adult-sized harness swing) - watching our two "probably have autism but doctors are nervous to label them" kids to make sure they were at least not physically mean to each other - to tell the truth.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Friday, January 15, 2016
Surprising Day Planner Secrets
I use a planner.
I am generally on time for meetings, mostly get stuff done by the deadline, and can sometimes stop worrying about missing stuff.
But I am far from perfect.
I am generally on time for meetings, mostly get stuff done by the deadline, and can sometimes stop worrying about missing stuff.
But I am far from perfect.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Top Ten Planner Posts of the Year: Post # 7
As I continue to countdown the most popular planner posts from the last year, take a moment to schedule an hour or so to set up or tweak your 2016 planner using these tips.
All ten Top Ten posts will be available by New Year's Eve!
All ten Top Ten posts will be available by New Year's Eve!
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Live Blogging Thanksgiving
***This post may contain affiliate links. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
How do you get your Loyal Readers to tune in to your blog on Thanksgiving Day?
Why, an event, of course!
For years, my Facebook friends have been urging me to write a book about the funny and cool things my kids say.
In high school newspaper class, we kept all such sayings anonymous and called them "Overheards."
How do you get your Loyal Readers to tune in to your blog on Thanksgiving Day?
Why, an event, of course!
For years, my Facebook friends have been urging me to write a book about the funny and cool things my kids say.
In high school newspaper class, we kept all such sayings anonymous and called them "Overheards."
Sunday, November 1, 2015
It's Time to Start Planning for the Holidays
***This post may contain affiliate links. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
I hate it when a store plays Christmas music before Thanksgiving.
I rarely buy a single gift before Black Friday.
I never put up a tree until we have some leftover turkey in the fridge.
I hate it when a store plays Christmas music before Thanksgiving.
I rarely buy a single gift before Black Friday.
I never put up a tree until we have some leftover turkey in the fridge.
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| Check out the nose on our Cajun St. Nick! |
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
10 Essential Sections to Transform Your Daily Plan
***This post may contain affiliate links. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
Whether you use a planner or not, you should consider making a plan each day.
I solemnly swear that a daily docket will change your day, whether you are an office worker, a stay-at-home mom, or a business owner.
Whether you use a planner or not, you should consider making a plan each day.
I solemnly swear that a daily docket will change your day, whether you are an office worker, a stay-at-home mom, or a business owner.
Monday, October 19, 2015
5 Easy Steps to Transform a Blank Page Into a Planner Page
As I write this, I'm thinking about tomorrow. It's going to be a Monday. I'm working on reducing stress, so having a plan to start the week is essential.
I often use pre-created daily forms of some sort, but I am not too uppity to just use blank paper!
I have five key steps that transform a page of blank paper into a form for making a schedule.
1. Double Hole Punch
Double hole punch the blank page, as I've explained before, so that the blank page can go on the side of the planner OPPOSITE tomorrow's weekly entry.
2. Fold in 1/2 (or in 1/4s or 1/3s)
Fold the page, keeping the edges even, to create straight lines.
TIP: Find a layout that you love on Pinterest and copy it by folding the page accordingly.
In the example below, I folded once in half, to make a vertical middle line. I dotted the line for my own visual help. Compare the middle, dotted line to the horrible hand drawn line on the left by the rings.
The folded, dotted line looks so much better!
3. Label
I labeled the upper right corner is the day/date, the times (6 a.m. to 9 a.m., right between the dots), a.m. specific tasks, p.m. specific tasks, and menu (all on the right).
The left column is for my tasks (from top to bottom) and my prep list (or things to bring out of the house with me, from bottom to top).
4. Add Monthlies
Monthlies hold my appointments. Obviously, they are the backbone of a daily plan for most people.
TIP: If you have very few appointments, choose a task-based layout instead of my appointment-based one.
Once I add appointments to the daily plan, I strike them out on the monthly calendar pages.
5. Add Weeklies
Weeklies contain my tasks. As I recopy them, I move any that are time-specific to my a.m. or p.m. list.
The best thing about this set-up?
I can change it EACH DAY to reflect my priorities and whether it is an appointment, task, or list heavy day!
For more great Giftie organizing and planning posts, make sure to follow me on Pinterest!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
I often use pre-created daily forms of some sort, but I am not too uppity to just use blank paper!
I have five key steps that transform a page of blank paper into a form for making a schedule.
1. Double Hole Punch
Double hole punch the blank page, as I've explained before, so that the blank page can go on the side of the planner OPPOSITE tomorrow's weekly entry.
2. Fold in 1/2 (or in 1/4s or 1/3s)
Fold the page, keeping the edges even, to create straight lines.
TIP: Find a layout that you love on Pinterest and copy it by folding the page accordingly.
In the example below, I folded once in half, to make a vertical middle line. I dotted the line for my own visual help. Compare the middle, dotted line to the horrible hand drawn line on the left by the rings.
The folded, dotted line looks so much better!
3. Label
I labeled the upper right corner is the day/date, the times (6 a.m. to 9 a.m., right between the dots), a.m. specific tasks, p.m. specific tasks, and menu (all on the right).
The left column is for my tasks (from top to bottom) and my prep list (or things to bring out of the house with me, from bottom to top).
4. Add Monthlies
Monthlies hold my appointments. Obviously, they are the backbone of a daily plan for most people.
TIP: If you have very few appointments, choose a task-based layout instead of my appointment-based one.
Once I add appointments to the daily plan, I strike them out on the monthly calendar pages.
5. Add Weeklies
Weeklies contain my tasks. As I recopy them, I move any that are time-specific to my a.m. or p.m. list.
The best thing about this set-up?
I can change it EACH DAY to reflect my priorities and whether it is an appointment, task, or list heavy day!
For more great Giftie organizing and planning posts, make sure to follow me on Pinterest!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Monday, October 12, 2015
How to Make a Household Routine Checklist in a Planner
My house is often out of control. Stuff gets piled up on the island in the kitchen, and the bathroom counter, and the side desk, and the table, and, and, and...
Yes, I blog about organization and order. Yes, I teach people how to manage their lives. Yes, my therapist called me "high functioning" just this week!
Doesn't matter. If I don't do certain things every single day, I drown in housework.
Since nothing ruins a Saturday more than hours of household chores looming over my head, I have a MAGIC list of things that I do daily to keep things in check.
In addition to erasing the evidence of everything that I do throughout the day, I do my magical dailies every single day to keep my house and life in order.
PLANNER TIP: In your planner, use graph paper to make a simple chart of your Magic Dailies. Check them off as you get done! I keep them in my Projects section with other active projects.
MY MAGIC DAILIES
15 Minute Quick Clean - Sweep through the house and put things away. Clean areas that need wiping down. If the house is orderly, vacuum the carpet or clean a toilet. If everything is clear (HA HA HA!!!), organize the junk drawer.
Laundry - Throw in a load of laundry in the morning or as soon as you get home from work. Try to follow through to wash, dry, fold, and put away (or delegate to the family to put away). For times when it doesn't all get done, put those items away on tomorrow's laundry day.
(This laundry technique changed my life!)
Dishes - Unload/load the dishwasher. Hand wash dishes as needed.
Hot Spot - Pick the one hot spot that needs to stay clear and clear it off completely (by putting things away). For my household, the island in the kitchen is that hot spot.
Food Prep - Prep your food for dinner. Maybe that means jotting down what you are cooking. Maybe that means pulling something out of the freeze. Maybe that means chopping veggies. Perhaps you are ordering pizza. Just make sure the decision is made and any advanced steps are done.
Special Dailies - All of us have daily stuff that we need to add to our checklists. Maybe you take medication each day or you have to check email. I blog most days. Make a place for that stuff on your checklist.
Prep - Include prepping for the next day, including planning food, clothes, and any items for errands, work, or school, on your checklist.
PLANNER TIP: On your weekly pages, put a repeating task tab with the word "Dailies" on it on today's entry. As you complete your dailies, move the tab to tomorrow!
At first, it is hard to learn the routines. But if you put an X if something doesn't need doing (for example, if your hot spot is already clean) and a check mark if it is done, the empty spaces will remind you where you are slacking!
And you can give up cleaning all day on Saturday...your house and life will already be magically in order!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Marvelous Monday, Anything Goes, Good Morning Mondays, Something to Talk About, Meetup Monday, Monday Musings, Art of Homemaking, Mommy Meetup Monday, Create Link Inspire, Hip Homeschool Hop, Amaze Me Monday, What Are You Doing, Dream Create Inspire, Wednesday Showcase, Link It To Me, Creative Muster, Wow Us Wednesdays, Whimsy Wednesday, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Worthwhile Wednesdays, Way Back Wednesday, Wonderful Wednesday, Happy Home Life, Thoughtful Thursday, Think and Make Thursdays, This Is How I Roll, No Rules Weekend, Get Your Shine On, Momma Told Me, Weekend Blog Hop, Creative Inspirations, Fridays Five Features, Beautifully Creative Inspired, Funtastic Friday, Pretty Pintastic, My Favorite Things, Saturday Sparks, Saturday Sharefest, Skip the Housework, Share It One More Time, The Not Just Homemaking Party
Featured at: Meetup Monday
Yes, I blog about organization and order. Yes, I teach people how to manage their lives. Yes, my therapist called me "high functioning" just this week!
Doesn't matter. If I don't do certain things every single day, I drown in housework.
Since nothing ruins a Saturday more than hours of household chores looming over my head, I have a MAGIC list of things that I do daily to keep things in check.
In addition to erasing the evidence of everything that I do throughout the day, I do my magical dailies every single day to keep my house and life in order.
PLANNER TIP: In your planner, use graph paper to make a simple chart of your Magic Dailies. Check them off as you get done! I keep them in my Projects section with other active projects.
MY MAGIC DAILIES
15 Minute Quick Clean - Sweep through the house and put things away. Clean areas that need wiping down. If the house is orderly, vacuum the carpet or clean a toilet. If everything is clear (HA HA HA!!!), organize the junk drawer.
Laundry - Throw in a load of laundry in the morning or as soon as you get home from work. Try to follow through to wash, dry, fold, and put away (or delegate to the family to put away). For times when it doesn't all get done, put those items away on tomorrow's laundry day.
(This laundry technique changed my life!)
Dishes - Unload/load the dishwasher. Hand wash dishes as needed.
Hot Spot - Pick the one hot spot that needs to stay clear and clear it off completely (by putting things away). For my household, the island in the kitchen is that hot spot.
Food Prep - Prep your food for dinner. Maybe that means jotting down what you are cooking. Maybe that means pulling something out of the freeze. Maybe that means chopping veggies. Perhaps you are ordering pizza. Just make sure the decision is made and any advanced steps are done.
Special Dailies - All of us have daily stuff that we need to add to our checklists. Maybe you take medication each day or you have to check email. I blog most days. Make a place for that stuff on your checklist.
Prep - Include prepping for the next day, including planning food, clothes, and any items for errands, work, or school, on your checklist.
PLANNER TIP: On your weekly pages, put a repeating task tab with the word "Dailies" on it on today's entry. As you complete your dailies, move the tab to tomorrow!
At first, it is hard to learn the routines. But if you put an X if something doesn't need doing (for example, if your hot spot is already clean) and a check mark if it is done, the empty spaces will remind you where you are slacking!
And you can give up cleaning all day on Saturday...your house and life will already be magically in order!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Marvelous Monday, Anything Goes, Good Morning Mondays, Something to Talk About, Meetup Monday, Monday Musings, Art of Homemaking, Mommy Meetup Monday, Create Link Inspire, Hip Homeschool Hop, Amaze Me Monday, What Are You Doing, Dream Create Inspire, Wednesday Showcase, Link It To Me, Creative Muster, Wow Us Wednesdays, Whimsy Wednesday, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Worthwhile Wednesdays, Way Back Wednesday, Wonderful Wednesday, Happy Home Life, Thoughtful Thursday, Think and Make Thursdays, This Is How I Roll, No Rules Weekend, Get Your Shine On, Momma Told Me, Weekend Blog Hop, Creative Inspirations, Fridays Five Features, Beautifully Creative Inspired, Funtastic Friday, Pretty Pintastic, My Favorite Things, Saturday Sparks, Saturday Sharefest, Skip the Housework, Share It One More Time, The Not Just Homemaking Party
Featured at: Meetup Monday
Sunday, October 11, 2015
The Ultimate List of New Ways to Use a Planner
Think a planner is just fancy calendar?
Definitely not! A planner is so much more!
Check out my favorite post about new ways to use a paper planner by clicking HERE. Don't skip this step, as that classic Giftie post will teach you something new about paper planning!
As I do for every Flashback Sunday post, I wanted to share an update of new ways that I am currently using my planner since I wrote that previous post.
*FOLDER
Currently, I have a check to deposit and a list of books to check out at the library in the front pocket of my planner.
*TIMESHEET
I use a sticky note to track my billable time.
*MENU PLANNER
*SHOPPING LIST
*LOAN TRACKER
I list the money or things that I owe friends and family and the money that they owe me in my planner. For example, I put in with my sisters to buy my brother-in-law a gift, so I owe them money next time I see them! I also loaned a movie to my godchild.
*MEDICAL LOG
*PROJECT PLANNER
*TASK MANAGER
*CHECKLIST AND LOG FOR ROUTINES
For example, I have the steps in my weekly planner review on a checklist. I also log my exercise daily.
Don't forget to check out the post that inspired this one, all about new ways to use a paper planner, by clicking HERE if you haven't already done so!
Remember that sharing my posts on social media is the biggest compliment that you can give.
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Sundays Down Under, Happiness Is Homemade, Motivation Monday, Mommy Monday, Making Your Home Sing, Inspiration Monday, Simply Sundays, Mommy MomentsMarvelous Monday, Anything Goes, Good Morning Mondays, Something to Talk About, Dream Create Inspire, Wednesday Showcase, Link It To Me, Creative Muster, Wow Us Wednesdays, Whimsy Wednesday, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Wakeup Wednesday, Fridays Five Features, Inspiration Spotlight, My Favorite Things, Saturday Sparks, Saturday Sharefest, Skip the Housework, Share the Wealth, Small Victories, Create Link Inspire, Wonderful Wednesday
Definitely not! A planner is so much more!
Check out my favorite post about new ways to use a paper planner by clicking HERE. Don't skip this step, as that classic Giftie post will teach you something new about paper planning!
As I do for every Flashback Sunday post, I wanted to share an update of new ways that I am currently using my planner since I wrote that previous post.
*FOLDER
Currently, I have a check to deposit and a list of books to check out at the library in the front pocket of my planner.
*TIMESHEET
I use a sticky note to track my billable time.
*MENU PLANNER
*SHOPPING LIST
*LOAN TRACKER
I list the money or things that I owe friends and family and the money that they owe me in my planner. For example, I put in with my sisters to buy my brother-in-law a gift, so I owe them money next time I see them! I also loaned a movie to my godchild.
*MEDICAL LOG
*PROJECT PLANNER
*TASK MANAGER
*CHECKLIST AND LOG FOR ROUTINES
For example, I have the steps in my weekly planner review on a checklist. I also log my exercise daily.
Don't forget to check out the post that inspired this one, all about new ways to use a paper planner, by clicking HERE if you haven't already done so!
Remember that sharing my posts on social media is the biggest compliment that you can give.
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Sundays Down Under, Happiness Is Homemade, Motivation Monday, Mommy Monday, Making Your Home Sing, Inspiration Monday, Simply Sundays, Mommy MomentsMarvelous Monday, Anything Goes, Good Morning Mondays, Something to Talk About, Dream Create Inspire, Wednesday Showcase, Link It To Me, Creative Muster, Wow Us Wednesdays, Whimsy Wednesday, Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Wakeup Wednesday, Fridays Five Features, Inspiration Spotlight, My Favorite Things, Saturday Sparks, Saturday Sharefest, Skip the Housework, Share the Wealth, Small Victories, Create Link Inspire, Wonderful Wednesday
Thursday, September 24, 2015
The 7 Essential Parts of a Travel Plan
Even though I am known for my planner, I do most of my travel planning in OneNote on my laptop, since I pack and plan at home anyway.
That way, I can keep old packing lists and travel plans for using as models for new plans.
But what if you don't have a plan? What do you NEED to include in your travel plan?
There are seven things that you need to have in a complete travel plan. Some are obvious, but some are not.
1. Packing List
Consider dividing it based on the bag that you are packing the items in.
2. Weather Report
Making a packing list is so much easier if you look up the weather forecast for your destination.
3. Menu/Food Plans
If you are going camping, you can make a simple list. If going into a new city, look on-line for restaurants in your areas. The plans can be tentative, but at least it lets you decide how many snacks and drinks you need for the trip.
4. Shopping List
Put stars next to anything that needs to go on your shopping list. Then, before the trip to the store, add those things to your regular shopping list in your planner.
5. Task List
This one actually goes in your planner. It should include stuff like shopping, packing, and charging electronics.
6. Driving Directions
Do NOT just rely on the GPS. Many places don't have satellite coverage.
Also, didn't you learn ANYTHING from watching Cars?!?
7. Itinerary
If anything is time-specific, make sure you have the itinerary in your planner.
Have all 7 things? You are all set for your trip!
If you think of something else needed for planning a trip, let me know in the comments!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Momma Told Me, Friday Favorites, Weekend Blog Hop, Home Matters, Pretty Pintastic, Funtastic Friday, Saturday Sparks, Saturday Sharefest, Reasons to Skip the Housework, Monday Musings, Something to Talk About, Anything Goes, Good Morning Mondays, Worthwhile Wednesdays, Wednesday Showcase, Link It To Me, A Little R and R, Wednesday's Wisdom, Way Back Wednesday, Traffic Jam Weekend
That way, I can keep old packing lists and travel plans for using as models for new plans.
But what if you don't have a plan? What do you NEED to include in your travel plan?
There are seven things that you need to have in a complete travel plan. Some are obvious, but some are not.
1. Packing List
Consider dividing it based on the bag that you are packing the items in.
2. Weather Report
Making a packing list is so much easier if you look up the weather forecast for your destination.
3. Menu/Food Plans
If you are going camping, you can make a simple list. If going into a new city, look on-line for restaurants in your areas. The plans can be tentative, but at least it lets you decide how many snacks and drinks you need for the trip.
4. Shopping List
Put stars next to anything that needs to go on your shopping list. Then, before the trip to the store, add those things to your regular shopping list in your planner.
5. Task List
This one actually goes in your planner. It should include stuff like shopping, packing, and charging electronics.
6. Driving Directions
Do NOT just rely on the GPS. Many places don't have satellite coverage.
Also, didn't you learn ANYTHING from watching Cars?!?
7. Itinerary
If anything is time-specific, make sure you have the itinerary in your planner.
Have all 7 things? You are all set for your trip!
If you think of something else needed for planning a trip, let me know in the comments!
Etcetera.
If you enjoy what you read at Giftie Etcetera, please share on social media. Click here to join the Giftie Etcetera Facebook group.
Partied at: Momma Told Me, Friday Favorites, Weekend Blog Hop, Home Matters, Pretty Pintastic, Funtastic Friday, Saturday Sparks, Saturday Sharefest, Reasons to Skip the Housework, Monday Musings, Something to Talk About, Anything Goes, Good Morning Mondays, Worthwhile Wednesdays, Wednesday Showcase, Link It To Me, A Little R and R, Wednesday's Wisdom, Way Back Wednesday, Traffic Jam Weekend
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Discover the Most Important List in Your Planner
***This post may contain affiliate links. These links help you find the items that I use in my planner and financially support this blog. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
On Sundays, I revisit an amazing post that you might have missed and I update you on my own progress or changes since the post was first published.
Visit the original post here.
On Sundays, I revisit an amazing post that you might have missed and I update you on my own progress or changes since the post was first published.
Visit the original post here.
Thursday, August 13, 2015
How One Simple List Can Reduce Food Waste
I've found a simple solution (in my planner, of course) to prevent food waste, save time, and help me stay on the weight loss track.
One simple list can make sure that leftovers don't get thrown away!
I jot a list on a post-it of any leftovers that are on the leftover shelf in fridge.
TIP: Create a designated shelf for foods that are leftover or must be used quickly.
I just move the list from week-to-week in my planner and use it to meal plan each night.
TIP: Note the number of servings left and the number of calories, and you are all set for weight loss.
If you enjoyed this simple tip, please share in your social media circles!
Etcetera.
Partied at: This Is How We Roll, Thoughtful Thursday, Pintastic Pinteresting, Home Matters, Share the Wealth
One simple list can make sure that leftovers don't get thrown away!
I jot a list on a post-it of any leftovers that are on the leftover shelf in fridge.
TIP: Create a designated shelf for foods that are leftover or must be used quickly.
I just move the list from week-to-week in my planner and use it to meal plan each night.
TIP: Note the number of servings left and the number of calories, and you are all set for weight loss.
If you enjoyed this simple tip, please share in your social media circles!
Etcetera.
Partied at: This Is How We Roll, Thoughtful Thursday, Pintastic Pinteresting, Home Matters, Share the Wealth
Monday, August 3, 2015
How to Manage Your Mondays (And Avoid the Sunday Blues in 10 Easy Steps)
***This post may contain affiliate links. These links help you find the items that I use in my planner and financially support this blog. See my "Disclaimer" link for additional details.***
Got a case of the Mondays?
I suffer from this debilitating malady most weeks. There is no cure.
(As Sheldon would say, that's a lie. You could win the lottery, quit your job, and move to a nice island somewhere with lots of people attending to your every need. That would cure you!)
Since I am unlikely to win the lottery, I had to find an effective treatment instead.
Being miserable every Sunday - dreading Monday's inevitable arrival - was not working for me.
I found a solution in the form of a Monday Morning Plan.
Got a case of the Mondays?
I suffer from this debilitating malady most weeks. There is no cure.
(As Sheldon would say, that's a lie. You could win the lottery, quit your job, and move to a nice island somewhere with lots of people attending to your every need. That would cure you!)
Since I am unlikely to win the lottery, I had to find an effective treatment instead.
Being miserable every Sunday - dreading Monday's inevitable arrival - was not working for me.
I found a solution in the form of a Monday Morning Plan.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Stop Wasting Valuable Planner Space on Menu Planning
Paper planners are limited in space by the very nature of paper. A planner can only be so heavy, so wide, and so tall before carrying it or turning pages is even feasible.
Still, it needs to contain all the most important information.
Menus, for people in families or on budgets, fall into the category of important information. Menus help people eat healthy food, have a variety of choices, make a grocery list, save money, and reduce waste.
It's hard to think of an argument against having a menu plan every week. And, unless you are a "on the fridge" type of person, your menu plan is probably in your planner.
Your beautifully designed menu plan? Your carefully Pinterest-searched printout?
It's probably taking up TOO MUCH SPACE.
Don't feel bad. I was doing the same thing. I've wasted half a planner page on menus. Prior to that, I was using a whole page every week and carrying several weeks worth of menus. If you searched "Menu Planner" on-line, you will discover many full or half page forms.
It's time to downsize.
Instead of wasting so much valuable planner space, I am now using a temporary list as a menu planner, on a small post-it right behind my hard, plastic dashboard. If I want to keep old ones for ideas, I can have an entire page of post-its in my Notes section of my planner.
My entire menu plan measures 2" x 1.5" and is microscopically thin. It's placement is to the left of my ongoing shopping list (which is located to the right of the planner spread, but not pictured, above). The plan is nestled among other temporary but very active lists, like my timesheet for work (on another post-it), my Gift list, and my "Owed (To or From)" list.
Planner space is too valuable to waste on a somewhat repetitive list of seven items.
If you enjoyed this post, join us in my Facebook group (by clicking the Etcetera link below) and discuss ways to use your planner wisely to get your life in order.
Etcetera.
Linked at:
Still, it needs to contain all the most important information.
Menus, for people in families or on budgets, fall into the category of important information. Menus help people eat healthy food, have a variety of choices, make a grocery list, save money, and reduce waste.
It's hard to think of an argument against having a menu plan every week. And, unless you are a "on the fridge" type of person, your menu plan is probably in your planner.
Your beautifully designed menu plan? Your carefully Pinterest-searched printout?
It's probably taking up TOO MUCH SPACE.
Don't feel bad. I was doing the same thing. I've wasted half a planner page on menus. Prior to that, I was using a whole page every week and carrying several weeks worth of menus. If you searched "Menu Planner" on-line, you will discover many full or half page forms.
It's time to downsize.
Instead of wasting so much valuable planner space, I am now using a temporary list as a menu planner, on a small post-it right behind my hard, plastic dashboard. If I want to keep old ones for ideas, I can have an entire page of post-its in my Notes section of my planner.
My entire menu plan measures 2" x 1.5" and is microscopically thin. It's placement is to the left of my ongoing shopping list (which is located to the right of the planner spread, but not pictured, above). The plan is nestled among other temporary but very active lists, like my timesheet for work (on another post-it), my Gift list, and my "Owed (To or From)" list.
Planner space is too valuable to waste on a somewhat repetitive list of seven items.
If you enjoyed this post, join us in my Facebook group (by clicking the Etcetera link below) and discuss ways to use your planner wisely to get your life in order.
Etcetera.
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Thursday, April 30, 2015
How to Be a Frugal Foodie Without Sacrificing Yummy Food
If you love food, you don't have to sacrifice yummy flavor to be frugal and save money. Just follow these simple hints.
*Don't let leftovers linger.
To save time, definitely cook extra for leftovers.
EXCEPTION: Don't make leftovers of something that does not warm up well. Just make a single serving for each family member of meat that is not in a sauce that would keep it moist, for example.
But make sure that you eat leftovers only once, preferably the next day. Otherwise, your family will get bored and start complaining that they hate leftovers.
TIP: Write a reminder in your planner when you cook a large meal to "freeze leftovers" the next day.
*Recreate leftovers as frozen dinners (or lunches).
TIP: Freeze as individual servings.
I rarely freeze leftovers in one big ziploc bag. Instead, I make several individual servings. Grab one to throw in your lunchbox. Grab three for a quick dinner. Grab one or two as a side item to go with a grilled meat. The smaller servings defrost easily in a microwave or on the stove.
Leftovers are way tastier than most frozen meals, generally cheaper, and quick to heat up. By doing individual servings, each person can choose their favorite meal to heat up on leftovers night!
*Use fruits, veggies, and meats before the natural deadline.
FYI: Natural deadline = rotting food. Avoid that!
TIP: Write a note to eat the foods tomorrow in your planner.
TIP: Use as side dishes or snacks.
*Freeze fruits and veggies during the peak season, when they are cheapest and freshest.
TIP: Prepare them for cooking first.
Strawberries are cut into blender sized chunks. Jalapenos are pre-chopped for salsa or sliced for omelets. Some peppers are diced, while others are sliced.
*Mix and match leftovers with fresh foods.
I make a mean enchilada casserole. It's fine leftover, but adding a side of freshly cooked saffron rice makes my family forget that it is leftover.
*Use expensive condiments.
If I am serving an apple, my kids are not impressed. But slice an apple and drizzle a bit of honey and cinnamon? Dessert.
Some cheese that won't be good soon? Use some very aged balsamic vinegar. It doesn't take much to make any cheese pop with flavor.
You saw that instead of plain white rice, we often go for saffron rice.
Expensive condiments go on the side, but there is nothing like them for cheaply (because you don't use much) upgrading food.
Share with your budget-conscious, foodie friends!
Etcetera.
Linked at:
*Don't let leftovers linger.
To save time, definitely cook extra for leftovers.
EXCEPTION: Don't make leftovers of something that does not warm up well. Just make a single serving for each family member of meat that is not in a sauce that would keep it moist, for example.
But make sure that you eat leftovers only once, preferably the next day. Otherwise, your family will get bored and start complaining that they hate leftovers.
TIP: Write a reminder in your planner when you cook a large meal to "freeze leftovers" the next day.
*Recreate leftovers as frozen dinners (or lunches).
TIP: Freeze as individual servings.
I rarely freeze leftovers in one big ziploc bag. Instead, I make several individual servings. Grab one to throw in your lunchbox. Grab three for a quick dinner. Grab one or two as a side item to go with a grilled meat. The smaller servings defrost easily in a microwave or on the stove.
Leftovers are way tastier than most frozen meals, generally cheaper, and quick to heat up. By doing individual servings, each person can choose their favorite meal to heat up on leftovers night!
*Use fruits, veggies, and meats before the natural deadline.
FYI: Natural deadline = rotting food. Avoid that!
TIP: Write a note to eat the foods tomorrow in your planner.
TIP: Use as side dishes or snacks.
*Freeze fruits and veggies during the peak season, when they are cheapest and freshest.
TIP: Prepare them for cooking first.
Strawberries are cut into blender sized chunks. Jalapenos are pre-chopped for salsa or sliced for omelets. Some peppers are diced, while others are sliced.
*Mix and match leftovers with fresh foods.
I make a mean enchilada casserole. It's fine leftover, but adding a side of freshly cooked saffron rice makes my family forget that it is leftover.
*Use expensive condiments.
If I am serving an apple, my kids are not impressed. But slice an apple and drizzle a bit of honey and cinnamon? Dessert.
Some cheese that won't be good soon? Use some very aged balsamic vinegar. It doesn't take much to make any cheese pop with flavor.
You saw that instead of plain white rice, we often go for saffron rice.
Expensive condiments go on the side, but there is nothing like them for cheaply (because you don't use much) upgrading food.
Share with your budget-conscious, foodie friends!
Etcetera.
Linked at:
Thursday, March 5, 2015
The Amazing Paper Towel Salad Trick
My friend Jenny is a school teacher who is trying to be more healthy. She's a busy working mom with no time for making lunches every night, so I suggested that she make her salads for the whole week on Sunday.
"But won't the lettuce melt?"
"Not if you make a paper towel salad," I replied.
She did and she sent me this picture.
Just make the salads, putting the dressing in a separate container. Then, in each salad container, put a dry paper towel.
(You can even change it out on Wednesday night for Thursday and Friday. But it will usually be fine for the whole week.)
The paper towels absorb the moisture and keep the lettuce crisp.
BONUS TIP: Do the same for salads to serve with supper all week (in one big plastic container) or for the kids' lunches.
Eat happier and healthier!
If you enjoyed this tip, don't forget to share this post.
Etcetera.
"But won't the lettuce melt?"
"Not if you make a paper towel salad," I replied.
She did and she sent me this picture.
Just make the salads, putting the dressing in a separate container. Then, in each salad container, put a dry paper towel.
(You can even change it out on Wednesday night for Thursday and Friday. But it will usually be fine for the whole week.)
The paper towels absorb the moisture and keep the lettuce crisp.
BONUS TIP: Do the same for salads to serve with supper all week (in one big plastic container) or for the kids' lunches.
Eat happier and healthier!
If you enjoyed this tip, don't forget to share this post.
Etcetera.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Weekly Planner Spread: Is There Too Much Weekend?
I never have too much weekend. Bring on half day Fridays! Bring on Monday holidays! I'll take it all - and I'll love it.
But my weekly planner spread might have too much weekend on it.
This picture shows just how much of the spread is dedicated to weekends. In sum, about half on one page - roughly 25% - of the weekly two-page spread is saved for weekend tasks, even though most weekends are spent at events (like dinners or parties) or doing routine chores (listed elsewhere).
I've been tracking my writing in my planner over the last few months, and while Monday through Friday is usually close to full, with a daily docket often used because I have so many things going on, weekends generally are light (other than, of course, watching Downton Abbey). Weekends are, in fact, barely filled at all.
I'm thinking of converting the inside grey box of Saturday and Sunday to a weekly lunch and dinner menu planning space. I'm not sure that my brain can deal with that (or relearn how to use the space, frankly), but I hate the menu at the very top (too horizontal), need the menu on the weekly spread, and use all of my notes space some weeks.
What do you think about this idea? Anyone have other ways that they use extra weekend space?
Etcetera.
But my weekly planner spread might have too much weekend on it.
 |
| Too Much Weekend Space on a Weekly Planner Spread |
This picture shows just how much of the spread is dedicated to weekends. In sum, about half on one page - roughly 25% - of the weekly two-page spread is saved for weekend tasks, even though most weekends are spent at events (like dinners or parties) or doing routine chores (listed elsewhere).
I've been tracking my writing in my planner over the last few months, and while Monday through Friday is usually close to full, with a daily docket often used because I have so many things going on, weekends generally are light (other than, of course, watching Downton Abbey). Weekends are, in fact, barely filled at all.
I'm thinking of converting the inside grey box of Saturday and Sunday to a weekly lunch and dinner menu planning space. I'm not sure that my brain can deal with that (or relearn how to use the space, frankly), but I hate the menu at the very top (too horizontal), need the menu on the weekly spread, and use all of my notes space some weeks.
 |
| Menu Planning to Use Extra Space on a Weekly Planner Layout |
What do you think about this idea? Anyone have other ways that they use extra weekend space?
Etcetera.