I don’t know about you, but I am over this hot weather. I am really looking forward to the cooler weather that comes with autumn. However, I don’t love how busy our schedules become for a few months. Between homeschooling, soccer practices and games (I now have to get two kids to soccer practices four times a week, oy vey), and other family obligations, there’s little time for family dinners, or even dinner in general. Today I’m sharing a tip for back to school meal planning with you! This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are completely my own
easy back to school meal planning
To help me stay top of the dinner situation I like to meal plan. So I wanted to share a meal planning printable with you today! I keep mine really simple–just rotating the same meals every week for the month. Then I switch it up the following month. I think one of the most important things while meal planning is to think about what you have going on each day and what you’ll be able to accomplish. For example, on soccer nights I need something easy, so I rely on freezer meals or my slow cooker.
To help me stock up for back to school I headed to Safeway to pick up some of our favorites. DIGIORNO® RISING CRUST® Pizzas and STOUFFER’S® Party Size Entrées definitely made it into our cart. Personally, I like the party size because then we have plenty for our dinner and enough for leftovers for lunch the next day.
I also had to get some SKINNY COW® Frozen Snacks for after school treats as well. Or also, “I survived taking all my kiddos to the store again” snacks. Because with four kids under the age of seven chaos typically ensues.
| Read: Make 6 Freezer Meals in 60 Minutes |
And my husband wonders why it takes so long for me to run errands.
Now that you’ve got your meals planned out you need a simple side to help complete dinner you can throw together in a snap. You can’t go wrong with salad! Luckily my littles love salad, but they also love lots of dressing and it’s never good when we run out.
homemade honey salad dressing
Did you know it’s actually really easy to make homemade dressing? I’ve got a great honey dressing recipe for you today. It’s a simple base that you can add any spices that you like. That makes it easy to cater to any type of salad.
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 TBSP honey
- 2 cloves of minced garlic about 1 tsp
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Other spices to taste as desired
-
Add all ingredients together in a container with a lid, like a mason jar. Shake to incorporate ingredients, and then let sit (refrigerated) for a couple hours, or overnight.
Adapted from All Recipes
What are some of your favorite easy meals for  busy weeknights? I’d love some new ideas in our rotation! Don’t forget to print up your free meal planning printable, then check out Safeway’s website for money saving coupons!
34 comments
That salad dressing sounds so good! And pizza is my all time favorite 🙂
Pizza is such a great go-to because everyone loves it!
Well you have your hands full! But this looks perfect for easy meals!
http://styledbys.ca
Full hands, fuller heart. 😉
No!!! Don’t say that you’re excited for cooler weather!!!!!!!! 😉
Sorry Susannah, I just can’t take this heat anymore, and neither can my power bill. 😉
Meal planning is key for a happy household! Going to print your free planner, thanks!
Thanks so much Aly!
That salad dressing looks super simple and yummy! I’m obsessed with Stouffers!
Stouffer’s is so great for dinner! Thanks for your comment!
I am also over this hot weather! Haha. I am the worst at meal planning, so your printable is going to be a lifesaver. That dressing looks so good too!
Thanks so much Alicia! And yeah, hot weather while pregnant is no bueno.
I can’t wait for cooler weather either! It has been sweltering here in Georgia. We meal plan, too, but I switch our menu up every two weeks; I really like a variety. That dressing sounds Ah-mazing! I’m definitely going to have to try that out!
Yeah, I used to do weekly, but this is just easier for now. 🙂 Thanks for your comment!
Stouffers lasagna is one of my faves! Definitely easier than homemade.
Easier, and also, making homemade lasagna is surprisingly expensive!
The salad dressing looks super tasty. I will have to give it a try.
Cheers, J
Thanks Jenna!
I have to try that salad dressing. Sounds so yummy!
Glam Hungry Mom
Thank you so much!
Yum! I’ll definitely be trying the dressing recipe! We love spaghetti! My husband is Italian so he grew up only eating homemade sauce, so I make sure to always have the ingredients for the sauce on hand! Or I’ll make a huge batch of sauce and freeze half for later!
Yes, such a great tip! I love making a big batch also to freeze!
I am also very excited for Fall to get here (if it actually does come to TX). That salad dressing looks and sounds amazing! I may have to give it a try!
It comes to Texas eventually… and then lasts for about a week before winter sets in, lol. At least that was my limited experience. 🙂
MMMMMM I love eating all of these things! I am definitely a more heat it up/ stick it in the over mama and not from scratch cooker! I love this!
It’s just so much easier, especially for busy mommas like us!
Yum I love a sweeter tasting dressing!
Me too!
I love pizza!! its mostly our favorite meal, even though we don’t eat it that often! great post
Pizza is so yummy, we all love it!
Definitely have to try that honey dressing recipe!! And kudos to you for grocery shopping with all those kiddos!!! You’re doing great!
If I don’t go shopping with my hooligans we don’t eat, so… 😉
Yum! I love that lasagna, and I’m so excited for fall too!
Yay for fall!