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!

The kids are back in school and the schedules and time crunch is back!

We need meals that are nourishing and delicious, but also hassle-free. That’s why I LOVE these easy back-to-school night meals. You literally heat, then serve them!

Here are 5 easy ways to make weeknight dinnertime a wonderful experience:

1. Brisket with twice-baked potatoes. The meat is already sliced and sauced. Put it in the oven (the potatoes, too) and voila!
2. Hickory-smoked ham and mashed potatoes with porcini mushrooms. Delicious and different. This meal is a hit!
3. Chicken Spiedini. A new twist on a mealtime favorite – chicken! This Italian dish is so savory your family will devour it. Serve with your favorite noodles.
4. Cold Water Lobster Tails. Did they ace the test? Break out this seafood favorite! You can grill, bake or boil them. Whichever way you choose, it’s simple! Try with creamed spinach.
5. Beef Wellington. Put it in the oven and you have a gourmet meal that is rich and flavorful. Green beans in a mushroom cream sauce are an excellent accompaniment!

May all your school nights be stress free – or at least the ones when you take it easy on yourself and serve these meals!

Photo courtesy of KansasCitySteaks.com.

Well, it’s back to school time! And that means packed lunches, dogs eating homework and jammed lockers.

Oh, sorry, those are just my nightmares.

But to keep your students from going off the deep end while at school, why not slip them a fun little note in their lunch sack?

I like this silly caped superhero steak stationery. It will remind them that if a steak can fly, THEY can pass that algebra exam.

Easy peasy.

Good luck to all our students learning the ways of the world this semester!

Photo courtesy of Zazzle.com.