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My Favorite Products
Here are a few of my favorite kitchen items that I just can't live without! I only recommend things I love, and think you will, too. These are items that I use weekly, and many of them daily.
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Get Organized
When it comes to simplifying my week, the best thing I can do for myself is to set up a meal plan. It starts by printing out this Menu Planner and Grocery List Printable Set. My grocery store has a program that allows me to order my groceries online and schedule a time to pick them up. This means I don't have to drag my kids through the store, nothing "falls into" the cart, and I can stay on budget more easily.
On Saturday or Sunday, I sit down and make my meal plan for the week ahead, depending on what's happening that week. If the kids have an doctor's appointment right after school, I know I need an easy portable snack they can munch on in the car. For instance, my Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Balls are great to munch on at home, but not as ideal for the car as my Healthy Granola Bar Recipe with Blueberries & Coconut.
On nights when we have Cub Scouts or Girl Scouts, dinner is all business, so I plan to have something that's super quick and easy to get on the table. Slow cooker meals work perfectly, but so do frozen pizzas from time to time! One of my favorite meals is Pulled Pork Sliders with Asian Slaw. The leftover pork is great in tacos or with pasta, so I get two meals for the work of one!
And then there's school lunch. I hate packing lunches for the kids. I would rather fold laundry. No really, I'm serious. If I don't plan out what they're going to take for lunches, the morning routine just stinks for me. I have one kid that is super picky, and one kid that eats loads of variety, but hates sandwiches. Mr. Juggling Act also takes lunch with him several days a week.
To simplify my life, I have cooked pasta in my fridge at all times. It's easy to add to chopped veggies for a quick pasta salad, or toss with some tomato sauce on a night when we have a PTA meeting. Typically I try to have a couple pieces of extra cooked chicken on hand, too.
Grocery Shopping Tips for Saving Time and Money
- Plan ahead by making a menu and a grocery list and sticking to it.
- Take advantage of online ordering and delivery services.
- Double meals that can be transformed into something else, such as pulled pork or grilled chicken.
- Make up staples like rice or pasta to add to a quick meal when you're in a rush.
Menu Planner and Grocery List Printable Set