This giveaway is now closed. But this post is full of great info…plus a free meal planner download. So keep reading!
I don’t bug you very often about meal planning. I figure if you want to do it, you will. If you don’t, that’s fine too.
However, every January I can’t help but plug meal planning as a great new year’s resolution. Here are a few quick reasons why I think you should start {or continue} meal planning:
- Because I said so. Isn’t that enough?
- It will save you money.
- Weekly meal planning = less trips to the grocery store = a happier life
- It only takes a few minutes. I SWEAR. Especially if you visit a certain helpful website each week to get ideas from…
- You will no longer be stressed when dinnertime rolls around.
For those of you who are thinking, “I’m not organized like that.” Don’t forget, I am NOT all that organized myself. The only reason I get a meal plan done every week is because of this here blog. If I can do it, anyone can! And there are no rules when it comes to meal planning…don’t stress yourself out about it, just find a system that works for you.
Now that I’m done lecturing, on to the fun stuff!
Fun Thing #1: Whoops Bunny is giving away a Weekly Menu Planner & Shopping List, with a matching set of pencils. They are SUPER cute and come with a handy magnetic strip, so you can easily stick your meal plan to the fridge. To enter for your chance to win the set, just add a comment to this post by Midnight PT on Monday, January 11th.
Fun Thing #2: Ollibird has really cute meal planners that you print out and put in a frame. You then write your meal plan on the glass with wet or dry erase markers, which clean off easily week to week. You can find this design and this design at their etsy shop that you can download for $10.00 each. And…lucky you…Ollibird is providing a free download for the design you see below! Aren’t they the sweetest?
Here’s how to download and print this beautiful menu planner:
- Click on the image above. Save image to your computer. Dimensions are 19.625″ x 15.75″ but image can easily be cropped to most other standard dimensions. As is, the image will fit well in an Ikea Ribba frame.
- To print the large image, try a printer such as Kinkos, which should be a little less than $10.
Now that you have all these wonderful options for writing your menu plans, no excuses! And I hope to see your menus posted here on This Week for Dinner each week! I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again…I love reading your menus!
One last thing…you don’t have to commit to meal planning as a resolution to enter the Whoops Bunny giveaway. Please, post a comment regardless! Although…the random number generator might look favorably on those who take the meal planning plunge. (Okay, maybe not…but it’s a nice thought!)
BIG THANKS to Whoops Bunny and Ollibird for making this year’s meal planning post the best ever!
Hello! My name is Jane Maynard and you've landed yourself on my blog, This Week for Dinner™. Every Sunday I share a weekly menu...and then count on you to share your own! You'll also find other deliciousness that I hope you'll enjoy!
I’ve got a meal planning pad that I’ll admit to NOT using as often as I should. But the weeks when I do? Rock. These are some of the cutest ones I’ve ever seen — so great!
Comment by Genie — January 6, 2010 @ 5:14 pm
Cool! Thanks, Jane
Comment by Amy Duke — January 6, 2010 @ 5:17 pm
I am really into meal planning. Love it.
This would be great!
Thanks
Comment by Nikki — January 6, 2010 @ 5:18 pm
Pick me!
Comment by Rachel — January 6, 2010 @ 5:21 pm
Without any arm-twisting from you, Jane, meal planning is actually one of our New Year Resolutions. That, and cutting down on sweets (shocker!). Hoping to win these helpful tools to get it done! =)
Comment by Angelica — January 6, 2010 @ 5:22 pm
I really try but maybe this will mean success!
Comment by Colleen Sanders — January 6, 2010 @ 5:22 pm
me me..pick me! I think this would be great! Amy and I would eat like queens.
Comment by Jenny W. — January 6, 2010 @ 5:24 pm
Yo!
Comment by Brittany Riesenberg — January 6, 2010 @ 5:24 pm
looks like a handy idea, I’d love one!
Comment by megan — January 6, 2010 @ 5:29 pm
These are great! Thanks for finding them!!
Comment by Nicole — January 6, 2010 @ 5:30 pm
I love this idea…Rx
Comment by rachel segars — January 6, 2010 @ 5:30 pm
Meal planning is tough when you’re a busy single gal like me.
I love your giveaways though!!
Comment by Ellen Patton — January 6, 2010 @ 5:34 pm
I’ve started meal planning about a thousand times and it has yet to stick. Maybe this would help. I hope I win.
Comment by Maria — January 6, 2010 @ 5:38 pm
One of my resolutions IS meal planning
How perfect! And I can use all of the help I can get! lol
Comment by bpud — January 6, 2010 @ 5:51 pm
I agree with all your reasons to meal plan! Why in the world is it soo hard to stick to? I’m going to give it a valiant effort though…maybe some encouragement by winning a giveaway will give me a boost!
Comment by Gina — January 6, 2010 @ 5:55 pm
I have been meal planning for a full year now. I don’t know how I did it before. Thanks for the help over the past year.
Comment by Betsy Y — January 6, 2010 @ 5:56 pm
Pick ME!
Comment by Dare — January 6, 2010 @ 5:58 pm
I need all the help I can get! HEEEEEELP!
Comment by Petit Elefant — January 6, 2010 @ 5:59 pm
I’m really trying to do a better job of meal planning! It really does make me less stressed, and I think I eat healthier when I have a plan too.
Comment by Katie B — January 6, 2010 @ 5:59 pm
Meal planning sounds hard at first, but I feel pretty in-control and proud of myself when we actually eat the meals that were planned from the beginning. And, little organizers are always a motivator!
Comment by Bonnie Lawrence — January 6, 2010 @ 6:00 pm
If I win I can stop putting post-it notes all over the kitchen!
Comment by Megan — January 6, 2010 @ 6:00 pm
First time I saw your blog…I would love to win the planning pad!
I like your ideas and will come here often for my menu planning.
Comment by Amy Cook in WI — January 6, 2010 @ 6:02 pm
I love these!
Comment by Trisha — January 6, 2010 @ 6:03 pm
I meal plan every week or I can’t stand going to the grocery store. Sticking to the meal plan, however… that’s a totally different beast!
Comment by Leigh — January 6, 2010 @ 6:08 pm
I always think I’ll do it but never get around to it. Maybe this would help.
Comment by Mary Ann Hansen — January 6, 2010 @ 6:08 pm
I had already decided to make meal planning a resolution this year, I am so glad that you are offering a giveaway. I enjoy reading your blog every week!
Comment by BreannaS — January 6, 2010 @ 6:10 pm
Menu planning is a MUST. This year I’m hoping to plan a little better when it comes to the sweet treats for my blog!
Comment by Dianna — January 6, 2010 @ 6:12 pm
Love to plan! Meals and everything else
Comment by Joanna — January 6, 2010 @ 6:15 pm
Thanks for the giveaway!
Comment by Mireya — January 6, 2010 @ 6:17 pm
i’ve been trying really hard to plan meals for the week…it makes it so much easier to eat out less!
Comment by katie rivera — January 6, 2010 @ 6:19 pm
We spent New Year’s Eve with good friends and she had that EXACT meal planner! I was SO jealous!! Would love love love this!
Comment by Stella — January 6, 2010 @ 6:26 pm
I love this idea….This is one of my goals for 2010!
Comment by Kristi Fenley — January 6, 2010 @ 6:39 pm
Great contest!
Comment by Danielle — January 6, 2010 @ 6:41 pm
such cute tools! hope i win so i can plan a little bit better! <3 happy new year!
Comment by stacy — January 6, 2010 @ 6:46 pm
I’m game to give it a try.
Comment by krista — January 6, 2010 @ 6:53 pm
Love it! I’m going to tell peeps to get on over here and check it out! Thanks;)
Comment by anne marie — January 6, 2010 @ 6:54 pm
Adorable! Hopefully I’ll be motivated to plan more and be lazy less.
Comment by Kate — January 6, 2010 @ 6:55 pm
I already meal plan some weeks and those weeks definitely go better than when I don’t.
Comment by Heather — January 6, 2010 @ 6:59 pm
OK – I *did* start meal planning in 2010, thanks to your blog that is so inspiring. How’s the first week going? Let’s just say that the new year started out with a BANG! My crockpot, that is (or should I say WAS)! Two of my meals this week were crock-pot dependent and the handle broke off of it as I was retrieving it from the basement. I had to scramble to think of 2 last minute meals. I am more disappointed that my weekly meal plan didn’t work out than I am about my crockpot breaking into a million pieces! I’m looking forward to having another go at it!
Comment by Lori — January 6, 2010 @ 7:03 pm
I need all the help I can get!
Comment by Leta — January 6, 2010 @ 7:03 pm
I menu plan, but maybe I’ll look forward to it if I win!
Comment by Jenny — January 6, 2010 @ 7:09 pm
I started meal planning last year thanks to TWFD and I have saved soooo much money by only making one weekly trip to the grocery store. Thanks!
Comment by suzy — January 6, 2010 @ 7:10 pm
Thank you for the giveaway! I have been trying to do meal plans for a short time now. This month & last I have been following blogger advice of “eat from the freezer/pantry” before doing any shopping. So far so good. This week’s grocery supplies will run me about $20.
Comment by Tara — January 6, 2010 @ 7:22 pm
I try to meal plan every week but sometimes I get lazy! I am doing better in the new year. One week in..ha!
Comment by maria — January 6, 2010 @ 7:23 pm
I really need to start doing this and could definitely use the help.
Comment by Cora — January 6, 2010 @ 7:26 pm
Oh goodness! This would certainly be a fun thing to help motivate me to keep planning meals every Monday morning! I would love love love to win!
Comment by Holly — January 6, 2010 @ 7:26 pm
love it – need it!
Comment by Pat — January 6, 2010 @ 7:30 pm
I keep meaning to start meal planning. This might actually get me to do it!
Comment by Tiffany D. — January 6, 2010 @ 7:32 pm
I could TOTALLY use this!!!! So Perfect! Happy New Years!!
Comment by Amy Fago — January 6, 2010 @ 7:35 pm
This would be so fun!
Comment by Leslie — January 6, 2010 @ 7:42 pm
I am not very good at preplanning for the week, but do like to keep track of successful dinners. I LOVE the dry, erase download idea! I can write the meals on there as I cook them and then at the end of the week, note the best of the week. Great idea! This would also be a good place to write down recipes I find in magazines or on blogs that I want to try. Sometimes I put the magazine away and forget about it. This would be a great visual reminder. Thanks!
Comment by Elizabeth — January 6, 2010 @ 7:43 pm
I usually meal plan somewhat, but I need to get better at it. That planner would work so much better than my post-it note fridge reminders!!
Comment by Jackie — January 6, 2010 @ 7:43 pm
love it! and you know I love you too Jane!
Comment by christy — January 6, 2010 @ 7:46 pm
I’ve got to start planning like this. In addition to making life easier and saving money, I am hoping it will encourage us to eat healthier.
Comment by Kristen — January 6, 2010 @ 7:50 pm
This is so fun! I love the idea of the framed picture with dry erase markers. every week I throw away a sheet of paper with our menu/grocery list. Plus…it is super CUTE!
Comment by Katie @ goodLife {eats} — January 6, 2010 @ 7:51 pm
I have to say that meal planning is NOT my favorite thing to do. But maybe I’d like it more if I had cute paper to plan with.
Comment by Jen McDonald — January 6, 2010 @ 8:02 pm
I love giveaways! cute meal planner
Comment by Chef Panda — January 6, 2010 @ 8:03 pm
I NEVER used to meal plan…. then I became a 40-something college student (majoring in the culinary arts, nonetheless!) Now I’m HOOKED! That meal planner would be WONDERFUL to use
Comment by Becca — January 6, 2010 @ 8:05 pm
Great idea! Pick me please!!
Comment by Yuri — January 6, 2010 @ 8:07 pm
this was already my new years resolution! perfect!
Comment by paloma — January 6, 2010 @ 8:10 pm
cute stuff! pick me!!!!!!!!!!!!! (and I have been trying to menu plan for two weeks now, by the way!)
Comment by alexis — January 6, 2010 @ 8:11 pm
Oh! I stumbled on your website a few months ago and have really enjoyed the menus and musings. Meal planning has always been a challenge but the more I read, the more I’m inspired to do it. Thanks!
Comment by Beth — January 6, 2010 @ 8:12 pm
Okay…..the truth is I won’t meal on a weekly basis. However, I promise to continue our healthy eating on a weekly basis.
Comment by Maria Pitts — January 6, 2010 @ 8:15 pm
Oh My Goodness.
I am doing this! Right Now! The framed idea. No excuses this year!!!!
Thanks!
Comment by Angie K — January 6, 2010 @ 8:18 pm
i am a meal planner but i love those cute tools!
Comment by Kelly — January 6, 2010 @ 8:22 pm
those look really fun! I might even do it!
Comment by elizabeth — January 6, 2010 @ 8:31 pm
I am taking the plunge!! Anything to make it easier
Comment by Heather — January 6, 2010 @ 8:36 pm
I love the scribble menus, such a cute idea! I’m adding the Ribba frame to my Ikea shopping list.
Comment by Jenny D. — January 6, 2010 @ 8:37 pm
I am meal planner fanatic. I used to use a blackboard but it broke when we moved so now it is a piece of paper from the shopping pad not so pretty. Will certainly start using one of your suggested planners. I am also trying to get my sister to start doind it to help her eat better and save some money. Have a great day
Comment by Geraldine — January 6, 2010 @ 8:41 pm
I love meal planning but don’t always get around to it -but the weeks i do go so much more smoothly & we eat more interesting meals!
Comment by fourbabes — January 6, 2010 @ 8:45 pm
i would love this!
Comment by Anne Van Hoose — January 6, 2010 @ 8:46 pm
I need it! as my 2 year old would say
Comment by Tiffany Golden — January 6, 2010 @ 8:47 pm
Today in Italy was celebrate the festivity Befana I wish
I found this planner in my calza.
Would be’ very nice to’ start the new year like this ?
Comment by Sanrina — January 6, 2010 @ 8:55 pm
Getting off to a slow start but I do resolve to plan more. I made a yummy turkey pot pie from leftover xmas turkey. My son’s proposal was can we have one meal a week where they didn’t have to try something new. Sure – he just has to make the dinner
– with daddy if he’d like.
Comment by Nicole — January 6, 2010 @ 9:09 pm
Who wouldn’t want to plan meals with something that cute?
Comment by Kassie — January 6, 2010 @ 9:29 pm
You are so awesome! What a way to kick start the year! I try to do meal planning by the week myself. It doesn’t usually work because by the end of the week, what I have left doesn’t sound yummy anymore. But I’m trying!
Comment by Marianne Ogg — January 6, 2010 @ 9:34 pm
i try to meal plan… maybe this will help me!
Comment by leah pagal — January 6, 2010 @ 9:35 pm
That’s so cute! Hope I win, hope I win!
Comment by Renee — January 6, 2010 @ 9:35 pm
Love them both!
Comment by Linn — January 6, 2010 @ 9:42 pm
YES!!! The OCD side of me thanks you!! What a lovely way to layout what usually ends up on ripped up paperbags (reuse)!!!
Comment by Maria — January 6, 2010 @ 9:46 pm
So stinkin’ cute!
Comment by Annie Ferrin — January 6, 2010 @ 9:58 pm
I do this right now, but my supplies are not as nearly as cute as this!
Comment by Lisa Luczyk — January 6, 2010 @ 10:12 pm
i’d love to plan in style.
Comment by Lindsay — January 6, 2010 @ 10:14 pm
Very cute and I could use them!
Comment by Kathy — January 6, 2010 @ 10:22 pm
that meal planning pad IS darling & would help me a lot
Comment by becky — January 6, 2010 @ 10:24 pm
I would like to throw my hat in the ring! My usual routine is to scratch a rough plan on the back of my grocery list so that I remember to actually buy the ingredients when I get to the store.
Comment by fluteloop — January 6, 2010 @ 10:32 pm
Yes – Meal Planning is something that I need/want to work on this year. The stress it relieves!
Comment by Melissa S — January 6, 2010 @ 10:35 pm
I started my meal planning this week and it has been very helpful. Planning to continue, and this cute set sure would help! Thanks for your blogging efforts!
Comment by Marisa Schwartz — January 6, 2010 @ 10:52 pm
I would love to win this and really give meal planning a go.
Comment by Renee — January 6, 2010 @ 11:08 pm
oooh. super cute. I need all the help I can get… cute things are more motivating.
Comment by Amy Skinner — January 6, 2010 @ 11:12 pm
This would be a helpful motivation to do something I know I really need to improve at…
Comment by Melissa — January 6, 2010 @ 11:44 pm
Sorry, missy…when you have teenage boys, there is no such thing as meal planning as they are likely to eat up the supplies before you ever get around to cooking them…unless, of course, you go to the grocery store every day! Right now you have girls…just you wait! I guess I can save it until they are out of the house:)
Comment by Helen Naylor — January 6, 2010 @ 11:47 pm
Right now I use a 3×5 card for my weekly menu. This planner would be SO much more exciting to use and look at.
Comment by KyBraith — January 7, 2010 @ 12:03 am
I SO need to do this!
Comment by Allison — January 7, 2010 @ 12:08 am
I brainstorm meals before I grocery shop but I never cook what I say I will…so I definitely plan to stick with it in 2010!
Comment by Jocelyn — January 7, 2010 @ 1:03 am
This is truly one of my resolutions for this year – it is sometimes difficult with just my husband and 3-year old, since it seems that it should be much easier, but it’s not!
Thanks for the giveaway, I would love to win!
Comment by Kendra — January 7, 2010 @ 4:56 am
I LOVE meal planning, and I would LOVE that planner.
I would love to start planning all of our meals, not just dinner.
Thank you!
Comment by Lauren — January 7, 2010 @ 5:13 am
I plan my meals each week–it’s a great way to stay organized!
Comment by Emma — January 7, 2010 @ 5:33 am
I always meal plan, otherwise we would never eat! great finds!
Comment by ShanB — January 7, 2010 @ 6:13 am
Thanks so much for the giveaway. I am very excited to get started with meal planning. I used to try to do it for a while. Now, with my third child on the way I will need to do it to keep sane:)
Comment by Jeni — January 7, 2010 @ 6:15 am
as a new mom and a full-time working professional, i LIVE for meal planning. it is my sanity!
Comment by Jen M — January 7, 2010 @ 6:58 am
A tool to make lists??? LOVE it!! If I don’t win, where can I get it? Thanks!
Comment by Estela — January 7, 2010 @ 7:03 am
I am a compulsive list maker…I love meal planning, this would be awesome!
Comment by Staci — January 7, 2010 @ 7:18 am
this would be a good start to meal planning…before baby #4 arrives!
Comment by Jen — January 7, 2010 @ 7:20 am
I would love to begin planning my meals…and this meal planner is just the thing to get me started! PS- Love your blog!!
Comment by AL Karcher — January 7, 2010 @ 7:34 am
I already do a weekly menu plan … well, for dinner at least … but it’s always on whatever notepaper I can find. Notepads, scraps that I find, etc. I’d LOVE to win the Whoops Bunny set to help me out and keep more organized
Happy New Year!
Comment by CIndy — January 7, 2010 @ 7:35 am
I’ve been meal planning since I got married to my sweet husband Shawn. The only flaw, which I didn’t know was a flaw until reading your post, was I was writing my meal plans on ripped out notebook paper. Wouldn’t your giveaway be perfect for me? Thanks!
Comment by CheekyChic — January 7, 2010 @ 7:37 am
This is great, count me in!
Comment by Beth — January 7, 2010 @ 7:56 am
Been doing the meal planning thing for over a year and a half now – can’t imagine NOT doing it.
Comment by stephanie — January 7, 2010 @ 8:06 am
Ironically it was my NY Resolution…which is how I found this blog this week
Comment by alisha — January 7, 2010 @ 8:07 am
I’ve been planning for a few months now and it really does make my week less stressful. And it truly does not take that much time to do…do it the day before you do a trip to the store and that could be the only trip to the store you make that whole week…it’s awesome!
Comment by Traci — January 7, 2010 @ 8:08 am
I use a little tear off pad that has magnets on the back, available at my Michael’s for $1! They have Monday – Sunday on one half, and a shopping list on the other half. Works great for me!!
Comment by Patty — January 7, 2010 @ 8:10 am
Another great tip for meal planning, at least for those who work near computers all the time, is to use Google Calendar to do your meal planning. I do it that way and once a month I sit down and plan meals for the next month. I can look back and see what we had previously- what worked and what didn’t. You can also share your calendar with others (like your husband, parents or kids) with instructions and ingredient lists for the meals. You can also view the Google Calendar on a Smart Phone or iPhone (if you have one) while you’re at the grocery story to make sure you get all the right things. It’s worked GREAT for me, and trust me, I work outside my home A LOT!
Comment by Jenn E. — January 7, 2010 @ 8:12 am
Hey Jane -
I’ve been meal planning for a while – love your blog! When the kids were small we’d have a family meeting once a week so they could input their ideas into the menu – also that way they’d know that even if they didn’t like what was for dinner tonight that tomorrow they were having a favorite -
Comment by Nancy Deininger — January 7, 2010 @ 8:16 am
I use a spiral notebook to make lists and menu plan. Something magnetic would be so much easier! I like the framed glass idea too. It would be so much easier to re-use something simple like a pre-made list!
Comment by Kara — January 7, 2010 @ 8:21 am
New Years Resolution #1 be more creative with my cooking, #2 actually cook again!!
Comment by Alison — January 7, 2010 @ 8:33 am
I took a nutrition class in college and the teacher really pushed for meal planning. I am so interested in starting to do this but have moved around so much in the last year I get overwhelmed and think it’s going to take forever to do! But even if I don’t get those nifty planning prizes, I’m still dedicated to begin meal planning!!
Comment by BeccaV — January 7, 2010 @ 8:36 am
These are both great ideas
Comment by Jeannine — January 7, 2010 @ 8:45 am
Sounds like a great New Years resolution.
Comment by Wendy C — January 7, 2010 @ 8:49 am
I have almost everything that has been mentioned. All I need to do is DO IT!
Comment by Teresa R — January 7, 2010 @ 8:49 am
Inspiration for my New Year – Love it!
Comment by robyn — January 7, 2010 @ 8:51 am
I am all about meal planning. This cute stationary would be a great help. Love them!
Comment by Amy — January 7, 2010 @ 8:57 am
I actually already plan my meals out, mostly because I grocery shop weekly and this keeps me in budget. I make a plan for seven days with the option of moving most of them around. I sometimes don’t feel like having X on Monday but sometimes X doesn’t work on Sunday’s either.
I use excel to currently make my grocery list with prices and my menu list. One day if I’m ambitious enough I’ll write a program that automates a lot of my grocery shopping list from my menu plan. But that’s in the works lol.
I’m new here but look forward to sticking around to get good tips!
Comment by Alicia — January 7, 2010 @ 8:58 am
What adorable meal planners! I plan meals, but sometimes I lose the paper I plan on. These would save dinner.
Comment by Rynell — January 7, 2010 @ 9:02 am
i plan meals on the same scrap paper as my grocery list and 9 times out of 10 end up forgetting and throwing the list away. it would be nice to have a pretty little reminder on the fridge!
Comment by meghan — January 7, 2010 @ 9:12 am
I try to meal plan every week – about 80% of the time I stick with it! Sometimes eating out becomes too tempting!! ;o)
Comment by Andrea — January 7, 2010 @ 9:14 am
I was doing so well with my meal planning last year and then I don’t know what happened. But I’m definitely going to get back into it. Maybe having the planning list would be a good way to get me back into it. I love gear and stuff, it motivates me to do whatever.
Comment by zynnia — January 7, 2010 @ 9:15 am
This is a great idea. It’s a good way to plan all what you need at the store for the whole week, so you are not back and forth. I also love keep track of what you eat. I think it’s a great way for knowing what you will cook, but also a great way to watch what you eat! Pick me!
Comment by KJ — January 7, 2010 @ 9:19 am
I’m resolved to meal plan. Now pick me.
Comment by Brooke — January 7, 2010 @ 9:21 am
I have been trying for years to find something that works…this sounds like a great idea!
Comment by Becki — January 7, 2010 @ 9:26 am
I’d love to actually meal plan but have no clue except at 5 pm when we are all hungry & we try to figure out WHAT we are hungry for & try to make that…
Maybe this would help us be better prepared, stick to a budget AND become healthier in the New Year!
Thanks!
Comment by Shannon — January 7, 2010 @ 9:46 am
Meal planning is definitely on my resolution list. I need to be consistent!!
Comment by Melski — January 7, 2010 @ 9:57 am
How did you know? Can’t wait to get going with this!!
Comment by michelle — January 7, 2010 @ 10:13 am
I like the write on wipe off weekly meal planner! That might be a great compliment to my monthly meal planning protocol. Super cool! I’ll print it on my fancy dancy color printer tonight and pick up a frame and give it a whirl!
Comment by Nevadamtnbear — January 7, 2010 @ 10:14 am
This would definitely help my boyfriend start planning the weekly menu! Easy to use!
Comment by AM Denton — January 7, 2010 @ 10:26 am
we do meal planning already but this would be a much better option than scribbling on little scraps of paper which inevitably wind up in the bottom of my purse or the recycle bin by accident.
Comment by karen b. — January 7, 2010 @ 10:55 am
That is one of my resolutions for this year, before you ever even said so!
Comment by Jenn — January 7, 2010 @ 10:58 am
We use meal planning in our home every week, otherwise we would eat out way too much!!
Comment by Jo — January 7, 2010 @ 11:03 am
I’m trying to do more meal planning now that we have a deep freezer!
Comment by Amy — January 7, 2010 @ 11:09 am
Isn’t organization wonderful to think about.
Comment by Peg C — January 7, 2010 @ 11:38 am
I’m a planner. Oh wait…
This will change that though!
Comment by heww — January 7, 2010 @ 11:58 am
so cute. and i love making lists.. of any kind!
Comment by Alyssa — January 7, 2010 @ 12:00 pm
This could be super handy for me!
Comment by Nikki — January 7, 2010 @ 12:04 pm
I’m all about the meal planning!
Comment by Jessica — January 7, 2010 @ 12:33 pm
Just heard about your blog. Looks awesome!
Comment by Danielle — January 7, 2010 @ 12:42 pm
Great way to get new posters and additional inspiration!
Comment by Denise — January 7, 2010 @ 12:45 pm
I think I plan meals about 1/2 the time but I need to get better!
Comment by Jenny D — January 7, 2010 @ 12:55 pm
It would be so fun to win this planner! Would get 2010 off to a great start.
Comment by amy — January 7, 2010 @ 1:23 pm
Jane not all that organized herself?!? I know otherwise:-) Great giveaway, Jane!
Comment by Rebecca — January 7, 2010 @ 1:24 pm
I love that the example photo has chocolate listed for dessert and snack — my kind of menu planning!
Comment by Megan — January 7, 2010 @ 1:48 pm
I could really use something like that. Great idea.
Comment by Lisa — January 7, 2010 @ 1:56 pm
I love meal planning as a way to help our family save money and this calender will be just the organizational tool I need for this year. thanks!
Comment by Sarah A. — January 7, 2010 @ 2:02 pm
Jane, pick me, pick me!!! Great encouragement to meal plan. keep up the good work!
b
Comment by Barbara Ann Baker — January 7, 2010 @ 2:18 pm
I’m a newleywed, so I’m new to meal planning. Thanks for the tips.
Comment by Connie Z. — January 7, 2010 @ 2:20 pm
I’m a relatively NEW meal planner — four or five months in to it — and it’s been great. I found your site recently and have already made several recipes! You ROCK! My current menu planner consists of whatever piece of paper is on my counter on Sunday afternoon and any pencil I can steal from my kids’ backpacks … this would be a BIG upgrade, for sure.
Comment by Becky — January 7, 2010 @ 2:33 pm
Just found you from Pioneer Woman’s blog. Love your idea & blog – I have been trying to meal plan for a long time – with 3 little ones I am hit & miss – but the weeks I do it go SO MUCH better! Hope I win – but even if I don’t I’m looking forward to reading your site & meal planning!
Comment by Jenny — January 7, 2010 @ 3:27 pm
Sounds like a good idea.
Comment by Allison — January 7, 2010 @ 3:37 pm
I just stubbled on your blog from Budget Menus for the week- and I like this idea! I have always tried to do meal planning but for some reason or the other it always fails! We either don’t make it home in time to cook or we go out! It seems like I waste more when I plan… But you have inspired me to try again for 2010! Because I do waste more money by going to the store and also eating out and throwing away half of my groceries because we didn’t eat them! Thank you!
Comment by Sarah — January 7, 2010 @ 3:39 pm
Since I started planning my meals I have a lot less waste and a lot less headache wondering what to cook at the last minute. I plan my meals then I write out my grocery list and head for the store. It really works!
Comment by Linda meziere — January 7, 2010 @ 3:50 pm
I love meal planning, but I usually just write my 2-week menu on a scratch piece of paper. I need to new system. This would be perfect! Thanks for doing this giveaway.
Comment by Britt — January 7, 2010 @ 3:55 pm
I’m kinda new to your blog and so far I’m loving it. Thanks for a very practical yet fun giveaway. You know we all need it!
Comment by Shannon — January 7, 2010 @ 3:58 pm
This would be good to add to the resolution, to make sure it sticks.
/Mary.
Comment by Mary — January 7, 2010 @ 4:07 pm
Thank you for new menu ideas each week. They help keep variety in my meal planning
Comment by LaDonna — January 7, 2010 @ 4:08 pm
My mom and sister are both big meal planners and I should be as well. Thanks Jane for the suggestion to make meal planning a priority for 2010.
Comment by Lisa — January 7, 2010 @ 4:19 pm
I really need to get back into meal planning every week, it has gotten put to the back burner since I moved in with roomies! Now with me going to night school and yoga, I don’t get home til 8 or 9:30pm at night so I really need to start planning meals so I can slow cook or have a dinner planned when I get home. Thanks for the nudge
Comment by Lindsey S — January 7, 2010 @ 4:40 pm
I want to plan healthy meals for my family in 2010! No more cereal or make it yourself nights! Please help me!
Comment by Heather P. — January 7, 2010 @ 4:50 pm
I LOVED planning dinners (and even lunches!) ahead last year, but only ever did so when I was on break from semester. This year, however, i made the resolution to plan every single month no matter how busy I am- especially now that my boyfriend is also depending on me for a yummy dinner
I just found your blog tonight…it’s wonderful! Thanks 
Comment by Elyse R — January 7, 2010 @ 6:20 pm
this is my new year’s resolution.
Comment by sb — January 7, 2010 @ 6:26 pm
I try to plan ahead!!!! honest I do!
Comment by Heidi — January 7, 2010 @ 6:49 pm
I have been meal planning for awhile now. I am doing a month at a time because I am back in school in the evenings. I had to have it done so that my husband and I can see what needs to be done the night before and I also needed meals that could be prepared in the morning and thrown in the oven before I left for class. It has been a huge blessing. Now my husband can’t say “What’s for Dinner?” He just has to look at the calendar and if I am sick or gone…he can get to it!!!
Comment by Kellene L — January 7, 2010 @ 7:00 pm
Ditto comment 125!
Comment by Jessica Hansen — January 7, 2010 @ 7:01 pm
I am feeling lucky!
Comment by Jen Schulte — January 7, 2010 @ 7:10 pm
I love cooking so much more when I’ve planned out our menu–and I do a pretty good job most weeks, but that planner looks really cute!
Comment by KimM — January 7, 2010 @ 8:24 pm
I use to be so good at planning my meals. I fell off that wagon over a year ago. That was the time I probably needed to be doing it most! I never thought of making that a resolution. I think I need to do some altering to that list!
Comment by Sara P. — January 7, 2010 @ 9:14 pm
I need to save money!!!!!
I would love one….
And I can’t wait to make your Swedish meatballs…
I have been waiting for a good recipe and that looks amazing…
-Annes friend-
Rosie
Comment by The Good Wife Life — January 7, 2010 @ 9:33 pm
I have been trying to get into meal planning… This might be just the help I need to get started! btw – I LOVE ikea’s swedish meatballs and yours look even yummier… I will definitly be making these
Thanks!
Comment by Lisa — January 7, 2010 @ 9:46 pm
I’ve gotten terribly lazy about the whole, actual ‘meal’ thing ever since the obligatory holiday cooking ended.
Planning should help, right? Right?! *sobs into keyboard*
Comment by Rosie — January 7, 2010 @ 10:14 pm
Meal planning (and especially healthy meal planning) is one of my goals for the year! I know it saves money and stress.
Comment by Lachelle — January 7, 2010 @ 10:21 pm
Very cool!!! I am allll about being organized!!! And I desperately need to start meal planning!! Helllp!!!
Comment by Jenny Tadehara — January 7, 2010 @ 10:25 pm
All the reasons you gave are so true…and I especially love the shopping list part of this nifty gifty!
Comment by Sara — January 7, 2010 @ 11:41 pm
thanks for being so inspiring!
Comment by Isela — January 8, 2010 @ 6:34 am
Funny you should challenge us to do meal planning – that is one of my many resolutions this year. I would love to have someone guide me on how to do this w/a picky, dieting husband. I only have to cook for 2. Where do I start?
Comment by Johnnysmom99 — January 8, 2010 @ 6:39 am
Thanks for such a great challenge! I’ve been dabbling with meal planning but this is just the needed boost I need to really dive in.
Comment by Sally — January 8, 2010 @ 6:41 am
I never seem to stick with my meal plannings. I would do it for a couple of weeks or so and then stop. I need something to help me to stick with it.
Comment by Tina — January 8, 2010 @ 7:00 am
I always end of with three weeks of meals that I shuffle around with only a few novel recipes to relieve the monotony.
Comment by denebug (reader Rachel) — January 8, 2010 @ 7:02 am
What great prizes and I am so glad I found your site. I have been half way good at this but end up stopping because of the same old things. Now I have LOTS of inspriration. I am already working on next week!
Comment by Catherine — January 8, 2010 @ 8:16 am
Fun. The new meal planning set would be much more exciting that what I use now.
Comment by Cindy — January 8, 2010 @ 8:47 am
This would make menu planning so much more fun!!!!
Comment by Jennifer — January 8, 2010 @ 9:18 am
It took me 14 years to figure out an easy menu planning system for me. I am old and a pre-blog woman. Gotta love technology.
Comment by Nancy — January 8, 2010 @ 10:25 am
Ooh…something I really should do. Especially with my second child on the way. Life is only going to get more hectic!!!
Comment by Jennie — January 8, 2010 @ 11:12 am
Those are both cute ideas!
Comment by Jessica — January 8, 2010 @ 11:15 am
We have started off our new year with a diet, knowing exactly what we are going to eat has made it so much easier.
Comment by Natasha — January 8, 2010 @ 11:43 am
I so need this! I did make this a new goal for this year because everynight I struggle! That is even why I have just started following your blog! I hope I win and I hope this helps me!
Comment by susan — January 8, 2010 @ 12:00 pm
Menu planning was indeed my only NY’s resolution.
Comment by loriann — January 8, 2010 @ 12:16 pm
if i win, i will surely start planning my weekly meals…how could i not?
Comment by Jenny — January 8, 2010 @ 12:44 pm
Baby #5 is on the way– I HAVE to start doing this!
Comment by Diana — January 8, 2010 @ 1:11 pm
I’m in.
Comment by heww — January 8, 2010 @ 1:24 pm
I’d love this to help with my ORGANIZE My Life 2010 campaign
Thanks for all the great info!
Comment by SamIAm — January 8, 2010 @ 1:42 pm
fun ideas, thanks for the free download!
Comment by brooke guerrero — January 8, 2010 @ 1:55 pm
oooohhh…what a cool giveaway! I would LOVE to win!!!!
Comment by Charity — January 8, 2010 @ 2:32 pm
This should be foolproof way to organize meals.
Comment by Jenny — January 8, 2010 @ 3:13 pm
Wow I am glad to find this site! I need help with saving money by meal planning.
Comment by Kris — January 8, 2010 @ 3:27 pm
Those look awesome!
Comment by CarrieO — January 8, 2010 @ 4:06 pm
Great way to get and stay on track with meal planning!
Comment by Rhonda — January 8, 2010 @ 4:15 pm
Those would look so much neater than the dry erase board. I used to be great at planning meals, then baby #2 came along and my husband started an elimination diet. I need some encouragement!
Comment by Karen — January 8, 2010 @ 4:17 pm
I really need that meal planning pad. I hope I win!
Comment by Samantha — January 8, 2010 @ 4:32 pm
I tried to make one of my own and it didn’t work out so well. Oh please, oh please random generator!
Comment by Karen — January 8, 2010 @ 7:22 pm
Some weeks I am good and some weeks my family gets the same 5 ingredients mixed various ways. There’s definitely room for improvement.
Comment by Karen — January 8, 2010 @ 8:39 pm
I can usually plan for 4-5 nights a week, depending on what activities my children have. Would like to up that to 7.
Comment by Jodi B — January 9, 2010 @ 2:59 am
I use a spiral notebook every week to plan menus and then take that and make my grocery list. This is a much cuter idea!
Comment by Lynn McCowan — January 9, 2010 @ 5:14 am
I love menu planning…
Does anyone know of an iphone app that incorporates menu planning?
Comment by Troye — January 9, 2010 @ 5:32 am
I usually plan a week in advance as well. The contents of my weekly veg box and cupboards mostly help me make decisions about what we will eat.
Comment by sarah — January 9, 2010 @ 5:41 am
I love meal planning–and using the store circulars to decide what meals you’re going to use makes it even cheaper! Now my goal this year is to make a “menu” of everything our family likes to eat, so I can just pick from a list instead rummaging through my head.
Comment by Alicia — January 9, 2010 @ 8:12 am
I’m going to have to be much more committed to meal planning this year because my husband and I have committed to not eating out and not buying prepared foods for the entire year! Daunting.
Comment by Mar — January 9, 2010 @ 8:44 am
What a great way to make meal planning fun!
Comment by Sharon — January 9, 2010 @ 8:57 am
Meal planning helps ease the stress of busy schedules… I check in with your blog frequently for inspiration!
Comment by Lisa — January 9, 2010 @ 10:26 am
We’d love to try some new strategies for meal planning.
Comment by Nephi — January 9, 2010 @ 11:58 am
Aloha. Just discovered your blog. These meal planning tools are inspirational! Thanks for the chance to win one.
Comment by Mary — January 9, 2010 @ 12:24 pm
I would love to find a way to keep things better organized. This seems like a great way!!
Comment by Kate — January 9, 2010 @ 1:27 pm
This looks great!
Comment by Emily P. — January 9, 2010 @ 4:15 pm
All right, I’m in! I soooooo need to start meal planning again.
Comment by Shannon — January 9, 2010 @ 4:28 pm
I love this – I am trying to do better with my meal planning.
Comment by Lauren — January 9, 2010 @ 5:58 pm
I would love to win the menu planner! Pick me!
Comment by Missy — January 9, 2010 @ 8:45 pm
i want to organize and plan what’s for dinner! i love these! so cute!
Comment by emmaline — January 9, 2010 @ 9:29 pm
the notepad looks so cute and makes you want to be organized!
Comment by sophia — January 10, 2010 @ 12:48 am
I have been trying to get organized and start meal planning..so this would be helpful!!!
Comment by Cheryl C — January 10, 2010 @ 6:58 am
I have been using your site for about a year now and it has inspired me to plan ahead and get organized for our family meals! Thank you!
Comment by Lisa Humphreys — January 10, 2010 @ 9:13 am
I had been using e-mealz, but my kids are picky and won’t eat half the stuff I make. Using something like this planner might make it easier to make foods they’ll EAT…..and at no cost. Bonus.
Comment by Lisa Kovinchick — January 10, 2010 @ 11:12 am
Love this!
Comment by Haley — January 10, 2010 @ 12:33 pm
New Year, new attempt. We have a PB jar full of sticks with meal ideas written on them. The kids helped come up with the meals. Now we have somewhere to put the weekly ideas! Thanks
Comment by Kris — January 10, 2010 @ 1:54 pm
I love that idea! I would love to win
Comment by Michelle — January 10, 2010 @ 3:07 pm
neat!
Comment by Connor — January 10, 2010 @ 5:37 pm
I echo all the folks who say they need all the help they can get. Neither my husband nor I like to cook, but lately we realized this was mostly due to the lack of meal planning (duh!). Now we’re more excited than ever to get our aprons on and make some super-delicious and healthy meals. Thanks to your website for inspiring us!
Comment by Gaby Romero — January 10, 2010 @ 5:49 pm
Wow, thanks again for this great giveaway! I started meal planning just two weeks before Christmas and I lost two pounds over the holiday. I’ve seen improvement in my attitude and my free time thanks to a little bit of planning and organization on my part. I’m hooked now. I would love the chance to find out/ learn more about meal planning. I am resolved to do meal planning this entire year!
Comment by Mandy — January 10, 2010 @ 6:01 pm
just found your site! awesome stuff here.
Comment by Kristiq — January 10, 2010 @ 8:15 pm
Love the Whoops Bunny planner! I’ve been trying to do the weekly planning thing for a few months. It’s tough but definitely worth it. Love your site!
Comment by michelle — January 10, 2010 @ 8:38 pm
I don’t really meal plan so I need this planner. I’m always asking “what’s for dinner?”
Comment by Sumin Kim — January 10, 2010 @ 9:58 pm
I plan a menu weekly, but I’m flexible on the days we make items. With four kids and me working as a freelancer, things come up. Life gets hectic. We just make sure we eat all the meals each week and use the leftovers in lunches or in different ways to get it all eaten. These planners are all extremely cute!
Comment by Shaina — January 10, 2010 @ 10:12 pm
With there teen boys I do meal plan. Although I haven’t done it the last couple weeks and find myself scrambling at dinner. So back to the routine!
Comment by Piraflambe — January 11, 2010 @ 9:23 am
It’s definitely time to get back on track! These planners are very cute and would provide much needed motivation!
Comment by Amy — January 11, 2010 @ 9:50 am
Just in time.
Comment by Cuyler — January 11, 2010 @ 10:39 am
This would be such a great tool to help me out in my busy life. I go to school full time, work 3 nights a week, have a 14 month old and husband to feed, and clean the house. Half of the nights I am scrambling around trying to figure something out to cook for the night.
Comment by Brandi — January 11, 2010 @ 10:48 am
Great meal planning tools!
Comment by Colby — January 11, 2010 @ 11:01 am
Wonderful website! I would love to win the meal planning tools!
Comment by Aimee — January 11, 2010 @ 11:39 am
These would make meal planning more fun!
Comment by Joyce — January 11, 2010 @ 12:14 pm
This would be entirely classier and more functional than the back of my son’s spelling test!
Comment by Rhonda — January 11, 2010 @ 12:29 pm
meal planning it is! Thanks!
Comment by Melissa Lewis — January 11, 2010 @ 1:49 pm
oh my! SUPER cute!
Comment by amy — January 11, 2010 @ 2:37 pm
Great tools for menu planning…sure beats my index card on the fridge!!
Comment by Jaren — January 11, 2010 @ 2:55 pm
Yes, this is one of my resolutions. I’d love to win!
P.S. – I’m trying that tomato soup recipe tonight.
Comment by Lisa — January 11, 2010 @ 3:08 pm
What a lovely meal planner . . . and I just love to cook for my family every night!!!
Betty
Comment by betty — January 11, 2010 @ 4:18 pm
This would be a huge help! Plus, it’s easy on the eyes.
Comment by Adrienne — January 11, 2010 @ 4:22 pm
I am going to try to meal plan each week, but it is Monday night and still trying to put something together. Tonight we had grilled steak, rissotto and zuchinni.
Comment by Kelly — January 11, 2010 @ 5:21 pm
Really want to get into meal planning. Tried it a couple of times last year, but then got lazy. I want to start doing it again. It makes life a lot easier.
Comment by Janice — January 11, 2010 @ 7:47 pm
So helpful. I’ll take it!
Comment by Jami — January 13, 2010 @ 1:43 pm
Meal planning makes my 5:00 a lot happier everyday. Pick me!
Comment by Ashley Lyman — January 13, 2010 @ 6:57 pm
Never thought about doing “meal planning”- My initial thought is – CORNY! but I’m totally digging it and am going to try. Placing the templates in a frame and using dry erase markers- brillant, would have never thought of it!
Comment by Marisol — January 15, 2010 @ 10:02 am
For many years I have been planning my menus. I began planning because I would get so frustrated realizing that I was missing key ingredients when I tried preparing dinner on the fly. I found that planning cut down on my grocery bill as well. I wasn’t purchasing duplicate items etc. I also want to point out that in my planning I do not assign certain dishes to certain days. I find that with our ever changing schedules, I cannot plan this way. So..I come up with 8-10 entrees, along with side dishes etc. And..depending on the day will choose which recipe will be feasible. I usually have ingredients for a meal or two left over and I just incorporate that into the following weeks menus.
Comment by Jana Barbay — March 13, 2010 @ 9:13 am