MAY MEAL PLAN + A RESET - RAE ANN KELLY

Not sure when the “stay at home” order started for you guys, but tomorrow marks the start of week 7 for us. Overall I feel like it’s been mostly easy to find the happy spots, embrace the slow (and chaos), and make the most of things, but last Monday the walls started closing in on me. You know that feeling like you could start hyperventilating at any moment!? Yeah, that was me. I could blame it on any combination of things like the rain (yeah, yeah) after such a sunny week, adding a puppy to our already tight quarters, all the bickering over who get’s to hold said puppy, or just needing a break, but it ended up being a very good thing. After a venting session to my husband (while the poor guy was at the Fire Station), it was clear I needed a little reset. So, even though it felt a little silly to be making adjustments when we’re so far into quarantine, I got to work on a new schedule for us. Johan and I also got organized with April’s meal plan and grocery shopping and let me tell you, even though things didn’t magically start going perfectly, IT WAS A GAME CHANGER for all of us!

Just want to encourage you, that if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed or like you could hyperventilate at any moment, you are not alone and even though it may seem like odd timing to start making adjustments to your daily schedule, it’s totally worth it. Hoping this meal plan helps a little too. And if all you need is a little happy hour inspiration, checkout this Aperol Spritz recipe on my IGTV!

Here’s what’s on the menu this week!

WEEK 1

M | BLT’s with Avocado! Bonus points if you grill them or use a panini pan. Might also try and make zucchini crisps or fries!

TU | Crispy slow cooker carnitas for CINCO DE MAYO — on a Taco Tuesday!? Could it be anymore perfect?! (or however that saying goes?). Working on a Ceviche and Paloma cocktailrecipe to share ASAP!

W | KID’S CHOICE! (Tilly requested a charcuterie platter + smoothie night. Here’s a good list of options, just sub the seasonal fall fruits and veggies for something more spring-ish.)

TH | BBQ chicken cornbread skillet — yep. The kids and husband are going to love this one :)

F | Happy Hour + Takeout

SA | Grill Chicken or Steak + a big salad or this Summer Asparagus Salad

SU | HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! I’ll be requesting these BBQ Salmon Bowls with Mango Salsa :)

WEEK 2

M | Penne Rosa (yum!) + Homemade Focaccia Bread! Also loved this pasta recipe from last months menu if you want a redo :)

TU | DIY Chipotle Burrito Bowl

W | KID’S CHOICE (homemade pizzas — or leftovers)

TH | Crispy Chicken Stir Fry

F | Happy hour + Takeout

SA | Loaded Baked Potato Soup (it’s always soup season and this is one the whole fam with eat!)

SU | STAYCATION SUNDAY (Cook from your favorite cookbook, get inspiration from favorite restaurant menu, or Takeout!)

WEEK 3

M | Pasta & Meatball Bowl or this Meatball Beef + Broccoli Bowl

TU | Breakfast burritos for dinner! Our favorite Sodo breakkie burrito is simply scrambled eggs, ground sausage, pico + cheese in a fresh tortilla. Or try this combo!

W | KID’S CHOICE (chicken strips + smoothies)

TH | Salmon Cakes (but wonder if you can sub with canned salmon like this recipe?)

F | Happy hour + Takeout

SA | Steak + Potato Toasts (I think I found my new favorite recipe website!)

SU | STAYCATION SUNDAY (Cook from your favorite cookbook, get inspiration from favorite restaurant menu, or Takeout!)