In many parts of the country, the kids are starting back to school!

And, if your area hasn’t started yet, it will soon!

That means early mornings, crazy afternoons and evenings, then repeating it all over again the next day.

We need some planning to make this go smoothly.

One thing that we KNOW has to happen every day is EATING.

And without a plan, that can cause stress and too much time spent fussing over it.

Plan it. Execute that plan. And pat yourself on the back when at least ONE thing goes smoothly that day!

During the school year, we like to grill up some steaks for dinner on Sunday evening. We make sure to grill up more than we need for that meal so that we have leftovers for a) lunches; b) a weeknight dinner using the leftover steaks (like fajitas!); and c) a fun steak and egg breakfast at least one morning during the week.

We use Sunday nights for cooking up the meats we’ll use during the week and preparing a calendar of just how we’ll use them.

That way, there’s no guessing. Just a plan and the ingredients to make it happen!

What are your favorite meal planning ideas? Do they help you make school nights easier to endure? I’m all ears!

It’s coming up, friends. That holiday we all wait for.

No, it’s not a day off work. The post office is still open. And all government offices will be functioning.

But it’s special to me. And I think it’s special to you, too.

It’s National Filet Mignon Day!

So, how does one celebrate National Filet Mignon Day, you ask?

Well, I’m glad you asked?

Here is a list of ways I’ve compiled for your reading pleasure. Feel free to add your own.

1. Place a filet-themed wreath on your door, then grill up some filet mignons in the backyard.
2. Send an Evite to all your friends and family and ask them to join you to . . . grill up some filet mignons in the backyard.
3. Decorate your home with little pictures of steak (you can use all types of steak if you want) but then . . . grill up some filet mignons in the backyard.
4. Gather the children for a moment of silence to reflect upon the beauty of a filet, then . . . grill up some filet mignons in the backyard.

Do you see a theme here? It always ends up the same – with you grilling up some filets!

Everybody wins!

How will YOU celebrate National Filet Mignon Day?

Are you grilling or barbecuing?

Who can tell the difference?

It is subtle, but there is a difference.

A slight difference.

When you’re grilling steak, that’s simply grilling.

Steaks require direct heat cooking. That’s grilling.

You may use indirect heat AFTER the direct heat, but you need the direct heat first.

Barbecuing often refers to using indirect heat to slowly cook, leaving the meat juicy and tender.

See? I told you it was subtle.

Often, just using a barbecue sauce will turn a meal into a barbecue. Barbecue beef results from adding the BBQ sauce.

Ever heard of grilling sauce?

Didn’t think so.

That alone can turn it into “barbecuing.”

Whichever you choose to do, I support you 100%.

Just please invite me the next time you grill OR barbecue!