Magnetic Menu

Always looking for ways to streamline activities in the kitchen, I came up with an inspiration that saves me time, mental energy and paper!


Each week I used to look at our schedule for the week and plan our menu accordingly. While most weeks look pretty similar, some slight variations always effect a few meals here and there. It also seemed that invariably as I would write up the menu I would erase and move and switch to accommodate something I had forgotten. Then, during the course of the week, plans would change and I would erase, draw arrows, etc.


I finally came up with the idea of putting the menu on magnets. We had some magnet paper around that you could run through the printer and then cut out however you want. So, I typed up our different meals. My husband graciously offered to print them out and cut them up then.

I also included labels for "Take out of Freezer," "Soak flour," "Make Bread," "Make Yogurt," and other such tasks that relate to meal preparation.


The extra pieces stay off to the side awaiting their turn on the schedule.

This simple project has enabled everyone to see what we are eating today, tomorrow, two days from now, without even needing to ask. And, when something changes, a quick switch of the magnets and a new plan is in place. I love simple solutions!


Great organizing tips at Works for Me Wednesday.

Edit 8/25/2009: I've been using this for nearly a year now, and still love it! I should have left a few blank pieces to fill in as time goes on, but it has needed very little tweaking in the months since we started it. We all love knowing what's on the menu, even if it is subject to change