First, I created a spreadsheet and listed all of the meals I make on a regular basis. I slipped the sheet into the front of a one inch binder, like this:
I then print off the current calendar week (or the week that I will be shopping for). I then make a menu based on our activities for the week. For instance, if we have a very busy night, with lots of people coming and going, I plan a crock pot recipe for that night. If we don't have much going on, I will plan something a bit more time consuming. I purchase fruits and vegetables to go with any of the meals. Here is what the inside of my binder looks like:
Thursday night we get subs (a healthier option for on-the-go eating), and Friday night is always pizza night! We could make pizzas at home or eat out.
I have other clear plastic sleeves in my binder. I have the school lunch menu in one, the school calendar in the next, a babysitter sheet (with our address, emergency phone numbers, and information on how to help someone who is choking), and a daily chore sheet - you can put in whatever is important to your family!
I hope you find the "family binder" and weekly menu idea helpful!
