Meal Organizing

We've been doing *alright* meal planning.  I've gone into MEAL PLANNING before on my blog.  Our concept really works for us.  But I need a better way of organizing our meals and helping to choose meals for the week.

I saw THIS plan on Pinterest and decided that I'm going to give this a whirl.  What I like best about it is there is an easy rotation.  School systems (at least our preschool) work on a 5 week rotation.  I'm going to fill mine with enough meals for 5-6 rotations.

I hope to work on it as soon as I get Brother's party finished and after Valentine's Day projects.  I already have the boards spray painted so it just needs some embellishments and some recipe cards made up!

Unfortunately my day job along with party planning and Valentine crafts are taking up so much of my time.  I wish I had a few extra hours in my day.  I'm no longer suffering from post-nursing insomnia...which is good because I'm no longer CRAZY, but I do get a lot less done when I'm sleeping! ;)

Christmas Organizer & Make Your Own Tabs

This year I have printed out and am going to be using the Organized Christmas planner.

They have over 40 different printables that help you organize your Christmas Planner.

Some examples include:
Budgeting
Party Planners
Weekly Planners
Ornament Journal (My favorite...keep track of yearly additions!)
Decor Planner/Inventory/Storage
Gift Ideas and Master Gift List
Card List
Black Friday Planner
Meal Planners

I put all of my planners into a 1/2 inch binder and made a little cover page.

On the inside I separated my planner into 6 different sections.
Lists-all of my to do lists
Money-budgeting
Mail-card mailing lists
Food-baking and menu planning
Home-decorations and home chores
Journal-ornament and traditions

I am in love with how organized my Christmas is going to be.  It makes me feel relaxed and happy.

Do you like my tabs for my organizer?  I made them myself...sorry for the terrible pictures!  It was LATE!

Here is how I made them...I cut circles from my card stock and folded them in half.

I measured and drew a straight line where I wanted the tab.
Then I used my exacto-knife to cut that line.

Slip the circle into the cut line.  I used zots to secure the folded circle together.  Quick, Easy and perfect for my organizer!

I'm linking my Christmas Organizer to these LOVELY and GRACIOUS hostesses!
Get Your Craft on @ Today's Creative Blog
Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple

DIY CHEAP kitchen curtains

So while I'm busy working on party stuff {and working, and being a mommy, and general craziness} I'm reaching back into my "stash" to show you some projects I have done quiet a while ago, but they are still cool!

Let me start by saying I.LOVE.MY.KITCHEN.  I love my walls, the white cabinets, my counter tops.  True, I would love a bigger space, but who doesn't?

When we moved in I chose GUACAMOLE for the wall color.  I wanted cafe curtains for the windows, so I made these with cloth napkins.  I cut four napkins in half.  I hemmed the cut edge and attached four tabs per napkin half.  I hung them with white tension rods.  They are the perfect look I was going for.

And while you are looking at my kitchen please notice the wall papered ceiling!  It is textured wall paper that was painted, and the walls (though you can't tell in these pictures) are also a textured wall paper that we painted over.  It is an amazing look.  Definitely my favorite room in the house.

Linking my cool curtains up to these cool hostesses!

We Did It Wednesday at Sew Much Ado

DIY Under $5 at A Little Tipsy

Freezer Meals

I really am excited for Lotte's birthday party, but I'll be ready for it to be over.  But not really because that means my little girl will be 2!!!! I am currently pushing back tears to get on to the post.

One of my first home projects post-party is taking care of my freezer and doing better meal planning.  Basically, I'm going to ORGANIZE my kitchen head to toe or cabinets to appliances.

The Man has had a hankering for a deep freeze.  Finally we found one the size we were looking for {smallish} and it was only $25!!!!  So now I want to take some time to fill it up for the busy nights when I don't want to "cook" something.  I have found several links to freezer tips and tricks and organizing.  I wanted to share them with you in case you have a hankering for a beautifully organized and yummy freezer.

Natalie from A Turtle's Life got it started when I found her AMAZING post.  So comprehensive.  If you didn't read it earlier in the week when I posted it, DO.IT.NOW.

Look at how beautiful this storage is...and the beautiful soups...GASP!

Tons of freezer recipes from Joelen at "What's Cookin' Chicago"

Tips for what freezes well at Annies Eats

A good overview of freezing "for dummies" from Or So She Says

I would also really love to find a group of girls from around these parts who would like to do a meal exchange once a week or even once a month.  It's sooo easy.  Make one meal several times and then exchange them and you have several different meals!