Tag Archives: meals

affiliate links, Family, food, home organization, homeschooling, Meal Planning, Parenting, recipes, Single Parenting

Preventing The Back To HomeSchool Meal Planning Madness

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**This post does contain some affiliate links which could possibly earn me a small commission if a purchase was made through them. These links help to support our blog and our family.

Hmmm… have you thought about what you’ll be feeding those hungry learners? If your kids were in public school you may not have had to think much about it before. If you plan to homeschool then you will be feeding them at least three meals a day and maybe a few snacks in between.

This can turn into a chaotic juggling act if you aren’t prepared. How do we prevent meal time chaos in our home? By meal planning. I even plan out snacks sometimes so I don’t forget to include them on my grocery list. Check out this link for some Healthy Snacks to Go.

10 snacks your kids can make star (1)

It might seem like a lot of trouble but when you find a system that works for then it is so easy. It will actually save you time and money in the long run. This is also a helpful thing even if you don’t homeschool.

Check out this post for some quick and easy breakfast ideas to help you beat that morning chaos and fill those tummies with a nutritious breakfast to start their day off right. Here is another link for even more ideas: The Healthy Breakfast Book. Continue reading Preventing The Back To HomeSchool Meal Planning Madness →

affiliate links, Family, food, home organization, homeschooling, Inspiration, Life, Meal Planning, Parenting, recipes, Single Parenting, special needs

Have You Grabbed This Amazon Count Down Deal Yet?

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**This post does contain affiliate links that help to support my blog and my family.

Did you know that I have a couple of cook books on Amazon? Both of them are full of family favorite recipes that we enjoy eating again and again. I had planned on having another one out last year but with the move and the hurricane that just didn’t happen.

breakfast

Starting today you can get 31+ Breakfast Ideas And Recipes ebook for just $0.99! (That’s a 67% savings!) Yes, less than a dollar and you can have some really great breakfast ideas on your tablet, phone, laptop, or other device. These will come in so handy when the back to school morning chaos hits!

It is available as a paperback as well, if you prefer to have a ‘hard copy’ at home. This deal only lasts until August 6, 2018 and then the price will increase to $1.99 and then back to regular price after August 10, 2018.

What are you waiting for? Grab yours today.

While on Amazon you can also check out my other cook book, Kirby’s Korner Blog: Top 40+ Family Favorite Recipes ebook or paperback, by clicking either of these links.

40

 

You can also get both of these books for FREE (and about 1 million others) if you have Kindle Unlimited. Try it FREE today!

affiliate links, food, Life, Meal Planning, Product Reviews, recipes

A Completely Honest Review Of Our First Hello Fresh Box!

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We were so very excited to try out Hello Fresh. If you haven’t heard of them they offer a subscription plan where you choose your plan and your meals. They will deliver the meals, fresh from the farm to your home, and they provide a tracking service so you will know when to expect the package. You even have the option to skip a week or two, if needed.

You will need the basic kitchen utensils plus a few things like, butter, olive oil, salt and pepper, and sugar. Other than those ingredients they pretty much provide everything right in the cute little bags they deliver.

The first meal I made was the Lobster Ravioli with Chorizo in a Sherry Cream Sauce with Honey-Roasted Carrots, which was a Premium meal. Seems so fancy, doesn’t it? Continue reading A Completely Honest Review Of Our First Hello Fresh Box! →

food, Meal Planning, recipes

Quick and Easy Burrito Casserole

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This is a recipe that I’ve had for awhile and I’ve tweaked it a bit here and there to get it to our liking. I’ve actually had it on the menu plan for the past couple of weeks but haven’t been able to make it as we’ve just had some hectic schedules here lately.

You can call the kids in to help with this one. My littles like to tear up the tortillas and sprinkle on the cheese while the girls like helping to stir the meat and bean mixture and spread the sour cream. You can also let them help make a salad to go along with this yummy dish!

Quick and Easy Burrito Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb of ground meat (I like to use ground turkey for this)
  • 1 onion, chopped (optional)
  • 1 pack of Lipton Onion Soup Mix
  • 1 package taco seasoning
  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • 1 large can refried beans (I use a 31 oz can) or you can use about 3 c. homemade refried beans.
  • 2 – 3 c. Shredded cheese
  • 1 or 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 c. sour cream

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.

Spray a 9×13 casserole dish.

Brown the meat and onion, if using and drain any excess grease.

Add seasonings and stir in refried beans.

You can also mix in a can of soup if you want to make it go a little farther.

Mix one can of soup and the sour cream in a bowl.

Spread 1/2 of the sour cream mixture in the bottom of your greased casserole dish.

Tear 4 flour tortillas into bite size pieces and spread over sour cream mixture.

Layer 1/2 of the meat and bean mixture over this.

Sprinkle with a layer of cheese.

Repeat the layers, ending with cheese.

Bake for 20-30 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

Serve with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, yellow rice, and a nice salad for a hearty meal.

This would probably also work well as a freezer meal if you wanted to double the recipe and make an extra casserole for later.

Family, food, holidays, home organization, Kids, Life, Meal Planning, Parenting, Product Reviews, recipes, Single Parenting, special needs

It’s The Day Before Thanksgiving and My House Is A Wreck!

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**Please note this post does contain affiliate links to which I may, possibly, earn a small commission from if you click on and purchase an item. For full disclosure click here.

It’s true, our little house on the pond is a wreck and I don’t know where we will put all of our guests that are coming tomorrow. Anybody else feel the same way right now?

The past couple of weeks have been super crazy. I guess everyone has been trying to fit everything in before the holiday season. Then we had the time change which is always so much fun around here… can you hear the sarcasm?

Continue reading It’s The Day Before Thanksgiving and My House Is A Wreck! →

holidays, Life, Meal Planning

Luscious Four Layer Pumpkin Cake

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This is a reblog of one of my favorite holiday recipes…. I love this cake and I am determined to make it this year… I may even make it before Thanksgiving as I really want to enjoy it. It’s kind of hard to enjoy something so yummy when you are stuffed from all that turkey and other goodies from a big dinner.

Maybe this year we will kind of stretch out Thanksgiving a bit and have a few of our favorites throughout the Thanksgiving/Christmas season so we can enjoy them even more.

via Luscious Four-Layer Pumpkin Cake

Family, food, home organization, Meal Planning

2017 Meal Plans

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Below are links to current and past meal plans that we have used here at our house. We do have many of the same meals on a semi regular basis but I try to work in new meals and recipes from time to time. I try to include links to most of the recipes that we use also.

Please feel free to use these plans to make your own meal plans for your family. You can also check out the Keeper of the Home tab for more information and ideas.

January 1-7, 2017 Meal Plan

January 8-14, 2017 Meal Plan

January 15-21, 2017 Meal Plan (Pantry Challenge Week)

January 22-28, 2017 Meal Plan

January 29-February 4, 2017 Meal Plan

February 5- 11, 2017 Meal Plan

February 12- 18, 2017 Meal Plan (Pantry Challenge Week)

February 19- 25, 2017 Meal Plan

February 26 – March 4, 2017 Meal Plan

March 5 – 11, 2017 Meal Plan

March 12- 18, 2017 Meal Plan

March 19 – 25, 2017 Meal Plan

March 26 – April 1, 2017 Meal Plan

April 2 – April 8, 2017 Meal Plan

April 9 -15, 2017 Meal Plan

April 16-22, 2017 Meal Plan

April 23-29, 2017 Meal Plan

April 30 – May 6, 2017 Meal Plan

May 7 – 13, 2017 Meal Plan (Pantry Challenge Week)

May 14 – May 20, 2017 Meal Plan

May 21 – 27, 2017 Meal Plan (Pantry Challenge Week)

May 28 – June 3, 2017 Meal Plan

June 4 – 10, 2017 Meal Plan

June 11 – 17, 2017 Meal Plan

June 18 – 24, 2017 Meal Plan

June 25 – July 1, 2017 Meal Plan (Pantry Challenge Week)

July 2 – 8, 2017 Meal Plan

July 9 – 15, 2017 Meal Plan

July 16 – 22, 2017 Meal Plan

July 23 – 29, 2017 Meal Plan

2016 Meal Plans

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Bryta Magnetic Whiteboard Sheet 8″ x 11″ | Great for Kitchen Refrigerator or Fridge | Includes 2 Dry Erase Markers

 

Family, food, Meal Planning, recipes

Pizza Mac N Cheese

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So you’ve probably seen the macaroni and cheese pizzas but my kids, more like my 5 year old, wanted something different. This is what we came up with.

Pizza Mac N Cheese

Ingredients:

  • 2 packages of Macaroni and Cheese
  • 1 c. Spaghetti sauce (or pizza sauce)
  • 1 pack pepperonis
  • 1-2 c. Shredded cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400.

Prepare macaroni according to box.

Grease a 9 x 13 pan.

Spread the prepared macaroni in the greased pan.

Top with sauce.

Sprinkle with cheese.

Layer pepperonis on top.

Bake for 10-15 minutes.

Broil for 2-3 minutes if you want a crispy top.

Enjoy!

Serve with a salad and rolls to make a meal.

Family, holidays, home organization, homeschooling, Kids, Life, Parenting, Product Reviews, recipes, Single Parenting

Sneak Peek: November 14, 2017

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Below is a sneak peak at some of my upcoming blog posts.

Stay tuned for some more exciting things to come as well!

Have a blessed day!

Family, home organization, Meal Planning

Deep Fried Pork Chops

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I haven’t been making these as often as my family would like but I did get enough requests that I made them tonight and everyone loved them. You could also fry them in a skillet on the stove, if you like.

Deep Fried Pork Chops

  • 8 boneless or bone-in Pork Chops about 1/2 inch thick
  • 2 c. flour
  • 1 t. salt
  • 1 t. ground black pepper
  • 2 eggs beaten with about 1/4 c. of milk or water
  • 1-2 T. Creole seasoning of your choice, optional (I like Tony Chachere’s)

Directions:

Preheat deep fryer to 375.

Mix the flour and seasonings in a ziploc bag or deep dish.

Dip each chop into the egg mixture and then dredge in the flour mixture.

(You can repeat this step if you like them a little extra crispy.)

Let the coated pork chops sit on a baking sheet for 10 – 15 minutes before frying.

Fry 1 -2 chops at a time for 5 – 10 minutes and then flip and fry another 5 – 10 minutes. The chops should be a golden brown and a meat thermometer should reach at least 170 degrees.

Drain the chops on a plate lined with paper towels.

Serve with Mashed Potatoes and Vegetable Casserole, if desired.

Family, home organization, Meal Planning, Parenting, recipes

Ranch Potatoes

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My kiddos love these potatoes!

Ranch Potatoes

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 potatoes, washed, peeled, and cut into wedges
  • ¼ c. vegetable oil
  • 1 packet dry ranch seasoning

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450.

Grease a large baking sheet or pan.

Place potatoes and oil in a gallon-size bag or large container with a tight lid. Seal the bag or cover the container and shake to coat.

Add the seasoning packet and toss again until coated.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until potatoes are brown and crisp. (You may want to stir the potatoes from time to time to keep them from sticking.)

Collections ETC Set of 4 Fiberglass Stovetop Burner Protectors, 10.5-Inch, Black

Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids Food Storage Container, 42-Piece Set, Red

 

 

Cuisinart 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block Set, C77SS-15PK

Family, home organization, Meal Planning, Parenting, recipes, Single Parenting, special needs

June 25 – July 1, 2017 Meal Plan

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This is our basic meal plan for the week. Sometimes we will switch the days around if I forgot to set something out or put something in the crock pot. Please feel free to use this or change it around to suit your family’s needs.

I have started trying to do easier meals on days that I have square dancing obligations. This helps me to be able to put a nice meal on the table without feeling guilty about having some much needed ‘Mommy Time’. Some of these meals may also help with those that have busy or irregular schedules due to work or extracurricular activities.

I do have ‘Snacks/Desserts’ listed as well. I always try to keep a bowl of fresh fruit out on the counter or table for the kids to snack on. Sometimes I will make a special snack or treat for us to enjoy.

NOTE: This is a Pantry Challenge Week for me.

Sunday 

Breakfast:

Pancake Poppers, scrambled eggs, fruit

Lunch:

Tuna Salad Sandwiches, veggies

Dinner: ++

Upside-Down Meatloaf,Mashed Potatoes, Veggies

Snacks/Desserts:

Muffins/Root Beer Floats

Monday

Breakfast:

Cereal/Oatmeal

Lunch:

leftovers

Dinner: ++

Spicy Chicken and Bowties, Salad

**(This is a fairly quick meal to put together as Momma has a class/dance in the evening)

Snacks/Desserts:

Cinnamon Toast/Cookies  (** I will try to make a few extra to take along for refreshments at the dance.)

Tuesday

Breakfast:

French Toast

Lunch:

PB & J, fruit

Dinner: ++

Mississippi Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Veggies

**(This is a fairly quick meal to put together as Momma has a class/dance in the evening)

Snacks/Desserts:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Wheels **new recipe, link will update soon

(** I will try to make a few extra to take along for refreshments at the dance.)

Wednesday

Breakfast:

Basic Muffins

Lunch:

Pepperoni pockets, Salad

Dinner: ++

Crockpot Chicken Joes , French Fries, Cole Slaw

Snacks/Desserts:

Muffins

Thursday

Breakfast:

Pancakes

Lunch:

hot dogs, mac n cheese

Dinner: ++

Meatball Sandwich Casserole, Chips,  Salad

Snacks/Desserts:

Fruit

Friday

Breakfast:

Cereal/Oatmeal

Lunch:

Egg Salad Sandwiches, veggies

Dinner: ++

Free Day

Snacks/Desserts:

Sopapillas (** I will try to make a few extra to take along for refreshments at the dance.)

Saturday

Breakfast:

Waffles,  Fruit

Lunch:

Oven Toasted Cheese Sandwiches

Dinner: ++

Chili Dog Casserole, Chips, Potato Salad

Snacks/Desserts:

Banana Splits

++I have a few kids who seem to be going through growth spurts right now and are always HUNGRY. I have been keeping a pot of beans, blackeyed peas, or other vegetable as a side. I also have been buying a few lot of extra snacks like fruit, veggies, yogurt, etc.