Supplied
School is officially back, meaning you’re either feeling totally organised right now or fast realising that the wheels have fallen off. You know how it is. You’re finally (finally!) ushering the kids out the door only to realise that a) you’ve forgotten to pack Crunch&Sip, b) someone’s missing a hat, c) uh-oh whose drink bottle is leaking? or d) all of the above.
That’s all without mentioning the grocery list you’re mentally compiling to ensure the family has speedy, nutritious dinners for the rest of the week or the pile of laundry you’re ignoring (for now). Chaotic mornings, family miscommunications and never-ending meal planning led lawyer, owner of online store Mikki & Me and mum, Michelle Leach, to come up with a genius, old-fashioned solution: a family calendar for your fridge.
Where the idea came from
“Meal planning was a constant battle, and I often had no idea what I was cooking or what was stored in my fridge or my pantry,” says Michelle. “I went back to a centralised paper system on my fridge, and the difference it made was phenomenal.”
Michelle’s simple list then became Mikki&Me’s top-rated All-in-one Integrated Magnetic Planner. It allows you to see your week at a glance, write your shopping list and plan family events for the entire month. Placing it right on the fridge – where everyone can see it – prevents double-bookings and gives you a break from hearing sentences like: “What do we have on this weekend?”, “When are your parents coming to visit?” and “You never told me we were going to [insert family event here]!”
Why it’s so great
What makes this magnetic planner different from plain old paper and a pen is that it is aesthetically pleasing, and easy to wipe clean at the end of the month. One reviewer writes, “[This planner] is the perfect tool to keep everything in order. Sturdy and easy to clean, this planner is an asset to my busy family.”
Michelle is proud that this simple solution is helping many Aussie families stay organised. “I love knowing our product is making a huge difference to other busy families.”
Shop the hack
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All in one integrated magnetic planner
$59.95 (normally $69.95), Mikki&Me
Best for: Those who want everything in one place
Keep a birds’ eye view over everything that’s happening in your household weekly and monthly with this all in one planner. When everything is in one spot, there’s no excuse for anyone to say “You never told me …”. This planner also has a sleek design that won’t disrupt the aesthetic of your beautifully styled kitchen.
02
Uni metallic liquid chalk markers
$15.95 (pack of 4), Mikki&Me
Best for: Smudge free planning
This calendar is designed to be used with liquid chalk markers. They’re easy to use, vibrant in colour and is easy to clean with a damp cloth. The chalk ink is also more durable than whiteboard markers, and won’t disappear when your kids bump against the fridge.
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Uni metallic liquid chalk markers
$15.95 (pack of 4), Mikki&Me
Best for: Focussing on meal planning
Prefer to focus on getting more organised with meal planning and grocery shopping? This magnetic meal planner has you covered. It has designated spots to plan out meals for the week and for writing down all the ingredients you’ll need. One reviewer says, “Can’t imagine my kitchen without it now. This planner has streamlined my meal planning process and reduced stress.” What are you waiting for?
