1. I got a clipboard and taped magnets on the back for my fridge.
2. I made this Weekly Planner Sheet. I took the ideas from a few different Pins and combined them in a way that works best for me. I planned each day so that I would have a few chores that I never think of (like bathrooms or dusting) and a few that I always do (like dishes and counters). I didn't want to overwhelm myself in case things got too busy and it didn't get done that day. This way, if I need to push something to tomorrow, it's not a big deal. I also needed somewhere that I could write in any doctor visits or other places I needed to be that week. I put my scripture study on there as a reminder for myself too. I also planned my meals for each day on this sheet. I don't know about anyone else, but when I ask my husband what he would like for dinner, I always get "I don't know" as my answer. This drives me bonkers. I'm asking because I want to make something he'll like! I was also finding that even on weeks where I DO plan the meals, by the time it comes to make them, I've forgotten what I wanted to do and the ingredients that I bought either go bad or get pushed to the back of the cupboard and left.
3. I designed a Pre-Made Grocery list for myself. I put items on the list that we already buy regularly. I wanted to be able to quickly check off items as they come up during the week that I think "Oh, I need to remember to get that" because I never remember. I also left a few blank spots for items that I only occasionally need to buy. This list has really helped me to think about what I really need and what I don't. I also organized the list according to where in the store it is located. I don't know about you guys, but I'm a visual shopper. I see something and think "oh, I can use that" or "I need an extra one of those" and I don't realize that I already have 2 at home. This is just a waste of money for me. The first week that I used this grocery list, I had a pretty long one because I was planning 2 weeks instead of 1. In my head I thought..."this is a lot of food, it will probably be around $200" Nope, it came out to $120! I was really surprised when I got to the checkout and had saved as much as I did. I'm sure this is because I made a list and stuck to the list.
4. I made a list of Meals We Like so I would have a quick reference of meals I know my family will eat. I was amazed at how many meals I came up with right away. I also can add on to the list as we find new meals that we love. I love trying new recipes but once I do that recipe, I forget about it, even if we all loved it. This way, I can add it to my list and create my next week's meal plan quickly and easily.
5. The High Five: I took this idea from Pinterest as well and I think it has been very good for Jacob. We traced my hand and cut it out then I decided what 5 things I would like us all to do every single day. For us I picked 1) Brush Teeth 2) Make Bed 3) Get Dressed 4) Tidy Room 5) Help Mommy
Now I don't need a reminder to brush my teeth, get dressed or make my bed, but Jacob does and I don't always remember to tell him to do it. So it's been good for both of us and Jacob feels good when he helps out and gets his High Five every day.
6. Food Storage: I never think about food storage. Sure I think about having a stock of foods we eat regularly, but I never think "oh, I need to get 50 lbs of flour this week". Definitely Not! When I saw this list, I thought it would be good for me to add 1 thing to my grocery list each week. So I have this page as well.
Now I took these 4 pages and put them on my clipboard. I like being able to walk around my house and think about my lists for the upcoming week and they are easy to print off new ones. It's worked well for me so far. I feel better about my cleaning and I like not having to come up with dinner ideas at 5 PM, it's already done, I just have to put it together. Also, if I don't make something, I just push it off to next week and I don't have to buy new ingredients. I feel more organized and not stressed about my home being perfect.
