SEPTEMBER MEAL PLAN + 5 WAYS TO MAKE FEEDING THE FAM, EASIER

This back to school season is looking different than in years pasts however, I find myself feeling that same urge to nest, organize, and pull my babes a little closer (bedtimes before 10pm sounds life changing). Nothing centers our home or simplifies a transition more than getting my act together in the kitchen. Not sure about you, but the task sometimes feels like a full-time job (who has time for that?) so over the last week I started looking for ways to lighten the load… Here’s what I came up with!

5 WAYS TO SIMPLIFY FEEDING THE FAM

REPEAT AFTER ME, DINNERTIME IS A TEAM SPORT: Unless of course, the process of making dinner is your version of yoga (I feel that way sometimes), and your family leaves you in peace while you whip up a little magic in the kitchen. Otherwise, start delegating sista!
GROCERY DELIVERY: I’ve always been a grocery pick-up kinda girl and there have been other times where Johan and I tag team — I’ll meal plan and make the shopping lists and he does the shopping a couple times a week — but recently, even committing to leaving the house at a specific time seems almost impossible and Johan has his plate crazy full so I’ve made the switch to Instacart and so far it’s been amazing. I also signed us up for Smith Brothers so we’ll be getting a weekly delivery of milk, eggs, and our favorite, Seattle Bagels. Our milkman will be dropping off our milk box and first haul today and the kids and I are totally geeking out about it, lol. It’s the little things but also, why didn’t I sign up years ago!?
EAT OUTSIDE: The days of eating al fresco are limited and we haven’t been taking as much advantage as I would like so this is mostly a reminder to myself and anyone else that keeps forgetting!
PAPER PLATES: I know this isn’t very environmentally friendly of me and I’m not saying to do it every night (although you could), but especially during times of transition, I always appreciate a night or two with fewer dishes. We’ve been using these food boats (this is a good size for smaller kids or snacks) and they’re so easy to eat out of. Plus, watching my kids cary their food in them doesn’t result in an anxiety attack (why do they always hold their plate at an angle?!). Winning!
CREATE A NEW TRADITION: Nothing get’s everyone on board and excited to contribute like a fun tradition or new routine. We’ve decided to make “MILKSHAKE MONDAYS” a thing this month. Can’t wait for all the flavors!

WEEK 1 |

HAPPY (MILKSHAKE) MONDAY: Grilled Chicken, Buttery-Parm Noodles, Kale Caesar salad (make extra chicken for tomorrow night)
TACO(ish) TUESDAY: White Bean Chicken Chili
WHATEVER WEDNESDAY ;): Hot Dogs (+ Brauts) with chips, veggies, and dip! (Because hot dog season is almost overrrrr)
EASY(ish) THURSDAY: Zucchini Pancakes + Sausage (thanks for the pancake suggestion Jodi!)
TAKEOUT FRIDAY: or Leftovers!
YAY! SATURDAY!: Classic Stuffed Peppers (with tortilla chips for kids that like to scoop out the filling!)
NOODLE SUNDAY: Butternut Squash Pasta Carbonara

WEEK 2 |

HAPPY (MILKSHAKE) MONDAY: Any of these burgers (or your go-to)
TACO TUESDAY: Honey Lime Chicken Tacos (thanks for the suggestion Breann!)
WHATEVER WEDNESDAY ;): Asian Beef Bowls
EASY(ish) THURSDAY: Grilled Cheese + Soup
TAKEOUT FRIDAY: or Leftovers!
YAY! SATURDAY!: Chicken Satay Curry Bowls (another repeat from August that everyone loved… I omitted the spicy peppers!)
NOODLE SUNDAY: Stuffed Pasta Shells (this was such a huge hit last night) going to try this cheesy chicken version or this alfredo one!

WEEK 3 |

HAPPY (MILKSHAKE) MONDAY: Grilled Pizza (going to try this combo!)
TACO TUESDAY: Huevos Rancheros (or your favorite burrito)
WHATEVER WEDNESDAY ;): Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken
EASY(ish) THURSDAY: Tuna Melts + Tomato Bisque
TAKEOUT FRIDAY: or Leftovers!
YAY! SATURDAY!: Chili + Pretzels
NOODLE SUNDAY: (or make some chili-mac with the leftovers from Saturday!)

WEEK 4 |

HAPPY (MILKSHAKE) MONDAY: Try this Yummy Steak Salad
TACO TUESDAY: Mexican Street Corn Soup (and Costo Flautas)
WHATEVER WEDNESDAY ;): Hot Italian Sub Sliders
EASY(ish) THURSDAY: Mini Chicken Pot Pies (or make in a large baking dish — also, thanks for the suggestion Megan!)
TAKEOUT FRIDAY: or Leftovers!
YAY! SATURDAY!: Brown Butter Scallop with Parmesan Risotto or favorite seafood dish!
NOODLE SUNDAY: Thai Coconut Soup

(Loving our matte latte bowls in multi, stacked behind Tilly in this pic. Worth the wait!!!)

BREAKKIE |

MONDAY: Cereal Club or Yogurt
TUESDAY: Protein shake + frozen waffles + fruit
WEDNESDAY: Oatmeal + ice cream
THURSDAY: Green smoothie + bacon or sausage
FRIDAY: Cereal Club or Yogurt
SATURDAY: Breakfast quesadillas + fruit — To make quesadillas, layer cheese, scrambled eggs, and whatever meat (deli works) and veggies you have on hand, to a tortilla. Cook how you would normally!
SUNDAY: Homemade scones or muffins + eggs

LUNCH + SNACKS |

Hoping to get the kids packing their lunches a few days a week, even though we’re homeschooling. Here’s what I’m planning on keeping (mostly) stocked: Meat, cheese, and crackers, Turkey Sandwich and PB+J fixings, Bagels + Cream Cheese, Raviolis, Chicken Nuggets