Heavenly Homemakers

Encouraging women in homemaking, healthy eating and parenting

Menu Plan for the Week

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Is that a pretty picture or what? Matt put that lunch together last week with some of the last of the peppers and tomatoes from our garden. It was awesome!

Here’s what’s on our menu this week:

Sunday, November 4
Breakfast cookies, fruit
Italian pasta bake, tossed salad
Huddle

Monday, November 5
Pancake sausage muffins, pears
Meat and cheese burritos, fruit salad
Oven baked bbq chicken, tossed salad, green beans

Tuesday, November 6 (Matt’s bday!)
Peach cobbler – made with healthy ingredients, it’s the perfect bday breakfast!
Easy noodle stir fry with broccoli and carrots
Cheesy turkey sausage stromboli, tossed salad

Wednesday,  November 7
Chocolate chocolate chip muffins, applesauce
Cheeseburger macaroni, peas
Creamy chicken and rice casserole, green beans

Thursday, November 8
Honey whole wheat bagels, creamy orange coolers
Tuna salad on homemade pitas, fruit, raw veggies
Chicken fried steak strips, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas

Friday, November 9
Biscuits and turkey sausage gravy, fruit
Grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup
Tacos

Saturday, November 10
Omelets, smoothies
Leftovers
Chicken and noodles

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Menu Plan for the Week

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I have two things to tell you:

1. Soccer is officially over for the season. 
2. My kids are sick of oatmeal for breakfast on Sundays.

The boys had one last game today, and York College (where Matt coaches) finished yesterday. It’s been an awesome season, and now we can hang up our stinky shin guards. 

Actually, I’ll wash them and then we’ll probably play a pick-up game in the yard tomorrow. Soccer never really ends around here.

And about the oatmeal – Typically oatmeal is our standard Sunday breakfast. But every once in a while the kids decide they just can’t eat another bowl. I decided to give those spoiled kids my darling offspring a break, and serve them Breakfast Cookies on Sundays for a while instead. It will actually be an easier breakfast than making oatmeal (not that making oatmeal is the least bit difficult) – simply because I can make the cookies the night before. Then, everyone can just help themselves to cookies and a glass of milk once they are dressed and ready for church. :)

Here’s our menu plan for this week:

Sunday, October 28
Breakfast cookies, fruit
Leg of lamb, potatoes, carrots, gravy
Huddle at our friend’s house

Monday, October 29
Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, applesauce
Chicken and noodles, carrots
Shepherd’s Pie, tossed salad

Tuesday, October 30
Whole wheat waffles, blueberries
Teriyaki chicken and rice with veggies
Hamburger steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas

Wednesday, October 31
Easy breakfast casserole, oranges
Pizza boats, fruit salad
Tuna casserole, peas

Thursday, November 1
Homemade poptarts, bananas
Taco potatoes, yogurt smoothies
Alfredo sauce with pasta, tossed salad

Friday, November 2
Mini apple pies, cheese slices
Tuna salad on crackers, pineapple with cottage cheese
Homemade pizza, fruit

Saturday, November 3
Oven baked pancake, fruit
Leftovers
Tacos

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Menu Plan for the Week {And My Four Pound Hamburger Meat Dilemma}

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This weekend I got out four pounds of hamburger meat to thaw. “What are you doing with all the hamburger meat?” was the question I was asked several times during the morning as different family members went into the kitchen and saw the meat thawing. My answer? “I really have no idea.”

You’ve got to love it that my plans are always so clearly laid out and organized. ;)

What can I say? All I knew was that I had a few hours between soccer games to get some cooking done, and that our supply of convenience foods in the freezer was getting low. Therefore, I grabbed out the meat to thaw so that I could make something with it when I actually had time.

As I stood watching my boys play a soccer game in the late morning, I watched and cheered and memorized every move my children made so that I could talk through the game in detail with them later I mentally made a plan for the cooking I would do in the three hours I had at home before the next game. Going by what sounded good, what I had in my pantry, and what would work best to get me ahead for this week – I ended up making two Lasagna Casseroles and two pans of Cheesy Salsa Enchiladas.

Don’t worry. I can multi-task. I really was watching and cheering while I thought about browning hamburger meat and making tortillas.

Here’s our menu for this week….just to prove that I don’t always get meat out of the freezer without a plan. :)

Sunday, October 21
Oatmeal, pears
Lasagna casserole, tossed salad
Huddle at our friend’s house

Monday, October 22
Whole wheat peanut butter pancakes, bananas
Tuna salad on crackers, sweet peppers, baby carrots
Alfredo sauce with pasta, tossed salad, steamed broccoli and carrots

Tuesday, October 23
Easy no-knead bread, fruit salad
Chicken salad in homemade pita bread with lettuce and tomatoes, apple slices
Cheesy salsa enchiladas, tossed salad

Wednesday, October 24
Granola, dried fruit
Cheeseburger macaroni, peas
Cheesy chicken and rice, tossed salad, green beans

Thursday, October 25
Cinnamon swirl toast, apples
Hamburger patties, ranch potato wedges, green beans, sweet peppers
Chicken and noodles, carrot sticks

Friday, October 26
Easy breakfast casserole, oranges
Potato soup, carrots, coconut flour cheddar biscuits, sweet pepper slices
Hot spinach and artichoke dip, organic corn chips, grapes

Saturday, October 27
Whole wheat donuts, fruit
Leftovers
Fried eggs, blueberry struesel muffins, applesauce

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Menu Plan for the Week – and Hi, I’m Back

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Wow, it has been one busy, wonderful weekend. Every day I thought maybe I’d have a chance to get on the computer and update my blog, but I barely took time to check email, much less write a post.

(Secretly, I really enjoyed the little break. And I’ve enjoyed visiting with friends and family so much, I’m bubbling over.)

But I’ve missed you, so it’s great to be back. 

Here’s just a little glimpse into what we’ve been up to this week. We had 11 house guest between Wednesday to Sunday. They all came to celebrate Homecoming at York College (our alma mater). Among the guests were my wonderful Kansas nieces and nephews. The cousins had so much fun together that some of them were in tears as they pulled themselves away from each other when it was time to separate. Thanksgiving just won’t come soon enough for these fast friends.

Saturday, Matt was among a group of guys honored at the soccer game. Why? Because 20 years ago, they were a part of the YC soccer team that won the National Championship. I was Matt’s girlfriend with big hair, back in the day. Ah, the memories. :)

I’ll share more on Gratituesday. And now, on to our menu plan (which includes a few leftovers from this weekend):

Sunday, October 14
Oatmeal, fruit
Cheesy beef and rice, peas
Huddle at friends house

Monday, October 15
Leftover whole wheat pancakes, applesauce
Leftover sloppy joes, peas, pears
Creamy crock pot chicken and rice, carrots

Tuesday, October 16
Scrambled eggs, creamy orange coolers
Tuna salad on whole wheat pita pockets,
Leftover chicken and noodles, sliced pears, carrot sticks

Wednesday, October 17
Flaky cream cheese pastry, grapes
Chicken burritos, pineapple
Cheesy salsa enchiladas, tossed salad

Thursday, October 18
Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, apple slices
Cheeseburger macaroni, green beans
Taco potatoes, fruit salad

Friday, October 19
Peanut butter honey toast, applesauce
 Tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwiches
Italian pasta bake, tossed salad

Saturday, October 20
Fried eggs on toast, pears
Leftovers
Hamburgers, homemade fries, peas

 

 

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Healthy Crock Pot Recipes: Calico Beans

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This Calico Beans recipe packs a punch when it comes to protein. In my household of men, this is much appreciated. Oh, who am I kidding? I may be the only girl in my household, but give me a bowl of beans, beef, and bacon, and I’m a happy camper. I love me a high protein meal! If all the boys in the house enjoy it too, well now, that’s just a huge perk. :)

Add some chopped sweet green peppers, or even a few chunks of spicy peppers to this recipe if your family enjoys a little “kick”.

Calico BeansYum

Healthy Crock Pot Recipes: Calico Beans
 
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Author:
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
  • 8 ounces turkey bacon, cut into one-inch pieces
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ cup chopped onion (or 4 Tablespoons minced onion)
  • 1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 - 15 ounce cans baked beans (I use Eden Organics, full of healthy ingredients)
  • 1 - 15 ounce can kidney beans
  • ¾ cup ketchup (I recommend homemade ketchup or an organic variety that does not contain high fructose corn syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 Tablespoon vinegar (I use either red wine or balsamic)
Instructions
  1. In a skillet, brown bacon, ground beef, and onions together.
  2. Drain and dump into a crock pot.
  3. Add remaining ingredients, stirring until mixed.
  4. Cover and cook on low for six hours or on high for three hours.
  5. Or, skip the crock pot and bake this in a covered casserole dish at 350° for an hour.

Of course, you’ll save even more money if you soak and cook your own beans. Read more about this process here.

Calico Beans

I know everyone is different when it comes to craving meat and high protein meals.  Are you like me and feel like you could eat a half a cow sometimes? Or are you content with a small bowl of beans and the occasional peanut? 

Interested in more Crock Pot recipes? You’ll find several to look through here!

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Funky Fresh Menu Plan for the Week

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It’s September. At my house, that means canning tomato sauce, doing math lessons, and going to soccer games…all at the same time. I exaggerate. But just a little bit. I mean, I do usually remember to throw off my stained apron before I chase off to the soccer field. (But only if the boys remind me.)  I have to try and be super organized if I’m going to pull off this month gracefully. Trust me – it doesn’t always happen and I’m often tripping over myself as I try to get everything done. That’s why I’ve asked you to help me by joining in with our month of the Funky Fresh Kitchen! A girl can’t do it alone!

Ready to get your kitchen funky (functional) and healthy? The first Funky Fresh Challenge will be revealed tonight. Be ready!

In the meantime, here’s how our menu looks for this week:

Sunday, September 2
Oatmeal, fruit
Bison brats, baked beans, watermelon
Black bean salsa with organic corn chips, grapes

Monday, September 3
Pancake sausage muffins, cantaloupe
Chicken patty sandwiches, tomatoes, sweet peppers
Italian pasta bake, tossed salad, green beans

Tuesday, September 4
Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, applesauce
Rice and veggie stir fry, apple slices
Cheesy salsa enchiladas, tossed salad

Wednesday, September 5
Scrambled eggs with cheese, creamy orange cooler
Tuna salad on tomatoes, sweet peppers, carrot sticks
Whole wheat calzones, apples, grape tomatoes

Thursday, September 6
Mini crustless quiches, grapes
Sloppy joes, ranch potato wedges, steamed broccoli
Chicken fried steak strips, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas

Friday, September 7
Peanut butter honey toast, smoothies
Taco salad
Homemade pizza, carrot sticks

Saturday, September 8
Giant breakfast cookies, applesauce
Leftovers
Grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup

What’s on your menu this week? Share some of your “fresh” meal ideas in the comments section of this post to be eligible for our Heavenly Homemakers Shop gift certificate giveway!

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Make Breakfast the Night Before {Eat Healthy, Save Time}

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I know I’ve shared this tip before, but within this Eat Healthy, Save Time series, I decided to say it again:

In an effort to easily and quickly provide a healthy breakfast for my family each morning, sometimes I find it helpful to get breakfast made the night before I plan to serve it.

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins and Blueberry Muffins with fruit and milk.
Fast, easy, and a total family pleaser.

This sometimes means that I bake muffins at night after dinner. Or it might mean that I multi-task while making our evening meal and stir together Giant Breakfast Cookies while our dinner casserole is baking. Or, it might mean that I put together an Easy Breakfast Casserole right before I go to bed so that all I have to do is get up in the morning and put the casserole directly into the oven.

 

And shucks, as someone quite goofy but very practical once said, “If you’re making one you might as well make two…” Therefore, you might even decide to make an Egg Casserole to bake in the morning…and make a second one to put into the freezer for another morning. 

 And when breakfast has been made, and dishes have been washed the night before? Clean up after breakfast in the morning is a breeze! Kitchen efficiency (and a healthy eating!) just keeps getting easier, doesn’t it? :)

What kinds of breakfast foods have you found to be easy to make the night before?

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Menu Plan for the Week…Plus Cake Boys Episode 3!

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Here is our menu for this week. But more importantly, below you will find Cake Boys Episode 3! (Watch Espisode 1 and Episode 2 if you haven’t already.)  This time, the boys made a cake for Matt and me as we celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary. It was so very sweet. Be sure to admire my very messy kitchen and cluttery countertops as you watch. Yikes. ;)

Sunday, August 26
Oatmeal, fruit
Cheeseburger macaroni, tossed salad, green beans
Potluck picnic – taking drinks, veggie tray, and Texas sheet cake (made by the Cake Boys – Episode 4 coming up!)

Monday, August 27
Whole wheat pancakes, blueberries
Taco salad
Creamy chicken and rice casserole, carrots

Tuesday, August 28
Honey whole wheat bagels, cantaloupe
Tuna salad on tomatoes, pickles, olives, watermelon
Grilled bbq chicken, corn on the cob, zucchini

Wednesday, August 29
Crepes with jelly, applesauce
Italian roast wraps, tomatoes, lettuce, sweet peppers, green beans
Chicken patty sandwiches, ranch potato wedges, peas

Thursday, August 30
Fried eggs on toast, creamy orange cooler
Hamburger patties, steamed broccoli and carrots
Pizza casserole, tossed salad

Friday, August 31
Pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, apple slices
Grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, carrots
Tacos

Saturday, September 1
Whole wheat donuts, grapes
Leftovers
Steak on the grill, creamy cole slaw, corn on the cob

And now, Cake Boys Episode 3!

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Menu Plan for the Week

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Wow, I missed my menu plan last week. If you recall, we planned some big meals to feed the York College Ladies Soccer Team that my husband helps coach. So while I thoroughly planned those meals, I was too busy to plan meals for my family for the rest of the days of the week. 

It’s not like I follow  my menu plan religiously each week anyway, but wow, having nothing planned threw me just a little bit. Case in point:  By Friday night, I was pretty  much worn out and didn’t feel like cooking. Nothing sounded good. I had no meat thawed. All I had in the fridge (aside from the ever present milk, ketchup, and pickle relish of course) was two big containers of leftover mashed potatoes from feeding the team earlier in the week.

So for dinner Friday night? We had mashed potatoes, with mashed potatoes…and sliced tomatoes. I should have taken a picture to share with you (not). The “meal”, such as it was, didn’t taste too bad, especially since the tomatoes came from our garden. But here’s hoping putting together a menu plan this week will offer us a little more excitement. Although we do still have a lot of mashed potatoes to eat up. :)

Biscuits and Gravy – one of my family’s favorite meals!

Sunday, August 19
Oatmeal, fruit
Bbq meatballs, cheesy sour cream mashed potatoes (how’s that for a creative way to use the leftovers?!), green beans, tossed salad, brownie sundaes (with homemade hot fudge sauce) 
Chicken Burritos, grapes, strawberries

Monday, August 20
Whole wheat waffles, blueberries
Grilled burgers, baked beans, watermelon, carrot sticks
Baked three cheese chicken pasta, tossed salad, steamed broccoli and carrots

Tuesday, August 21
Simple sourdough biscuits, turkey sausage gravy, grapes
Tuna salad on tomato slices, chips and salsa
Alfredo sauce with pasta, tossed salad, green beans

Wednesday, August 22
Creamy orange cooler, scrambled egg sandwiches
Easy noodle stir fry with broccoli, carrots, and zucchini
Grilled salmon, brown rice, peas

Thursday, August 23
Coconut flour muffins, apples
Whole wheat calzones, raw veggies, fruit smoothies
Barbecue brisket, cream scalloped potatoes, tossed salad, green beans

Friday, August 24
Easy breakfast casserole, orange slices
Creamy mac and cheese, carrot sticks, peas, cantaloupe
Tacos

Saturday, August 25
Giant breakfast cookies, applesauce
Leftovers
BLTs, watermelon, raw veggies

If you’re looking for a little assistance getting started on menu planning, be sure to check out Plan to Eat!

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Menu Plan for the Week (What? We’re Actually Eating Out?!)

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Well, I’m off to a great start on my “To Do” List, and you’ll be getting a play-by-play all throughout this week. Bless your heart for being a fly on my wall.

In true “Getting Ahead” fashion, and also in true “I’m totally veering off of my original “To Do” list already” style – since I was making one Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole for lunch today, I went ahead and made an extra one for the freezer. Twice the food, but only one set of messy dishes. Score one for the freezer. (I used my Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole recipe, but you guessed it, instead of using beef, I used chicken. Clever, huh? Oh, and I also cooked the rice in chicken broth for extra flavor. Tasty!)

We often have a couple extra boys with us on Sundays. Today we got to celebrate a birthday with one of them. I gave him some choices, and he picked Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars… “with Chocolate Milkshakes, please?” Well, of course. (Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars:  This Oatmeal Butterscotch Chip Cookie recipe baked into bars – 350° for 25 minutes. Wow, it is the day for recipe variations, apparently.)

Note to self:  Never again put candles into cookie bars which have just come out of the oven.
They are hot. Duh.
Therefore, they will, of course, melt down into the cookie, causing a nasty,
waxy mess which will almost, but not quite, ruin your birthday celebration, for Pete’s sake.
And also:  As soon as you get off the computer, you need to remember to put “new birthday candles” on your shopping list…

Here is our menu plan for this week:

Sunday, July 29
Straw Propeller Gourmet Oatmeal (The boys were SO excited to help me review these this morning. More info on Thursday.)
Cheesy chicken and rice, green beans, sweet bell peppers
Spicy avocado dip with organic corn chips, fruit

Monday, July 30
Whole wheat pancakes, blueberries
Out to lunch for our “back to school” outing – more on that later this week
Crunchy ranch chicken, stir fried rice and veggies

Tuesday, July 31
Creamy orange cooler, scrambled eggs
Black bean salsa, fruit
Taco potatoes, watermelon

Wednesday, August 1
Pancake sausage muffins, cantaloupe
Tuna salad, tomatoes, sweet peppers, peaches
Lasagna casserole, tossed salad, zucchini

Thursday, August 2
Coconut flour muffins, applesauce
Salmon patties, peas, smoothies
Grilled Italian chicken, zucchini, corn on the cob

Friday, August 3
Cereal (Mom’s day off)
Out for lunch (wow, really?)
Grilled steak, tossed salad, green beans, corn on the cob (um, yeah, it’s my birthday)  :)

Saturday, August 4
Easy breakfast casserole, fruit salad
Leftovers
Cheeseburger macaroni, peas

If you looked thoroughly at my menu plan, you will see that we are eating out not just once, but twice this week. Craziness, huh? It’s a week of celebrations, what can I say? Oh, and do you think the “Cake Boys” might make an appearance on Friday with a special birthday edition? I’ve been sensing that something sneaky is going on behind my back. Just so long as there is chocolate involved… :)

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