Sweaters, jeans, boots, scarves, chilly evenings around the bonfire, apple orchards and pumpkins galore…and that whole back to school rhythm that kicks our menu planning buns.
*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. See my full disclosure here.*
This fall has turned out to be far different that I anticipated when school ended in May. (Don’t worry – it’s all good and wonderful stuff!) While we thought we’d continue sending our boys to a local private school, God had different plans and we are now homeschooling (now our 9th year!) – AND I’m teaching classes for our local homeschool co-op. Oh, and we can’t forget about soccer. We are a hard core soccer family through and through. And I absolutely love it all!
But the craziness of Life has demanded that I have my menu planning in top gear. Have you met my friend Laura over at Heavenly Homemakers? I followed her for many years, long ago, and honestly had forgotten about her crazy-helpful site until just recently. Her recipes are healthy, whole foods, and her instant pot idea for cooking up multiple pounds of FROZEN ground beef has been a game changer for me. You’ve got (affiliate links –>) an instant pot, right? I use mine at least 2-3 times a week – it’s a huge lifesaver.
Fall Recipes You’ll Make Again and Again
She’s got a 20 Minute Taco Soup recipe that is divine, topped with cheddar cheese, crushed corn chips, and sour cream.
Mr. 1915 and I have recently put our budget on a major diet (more on that later) – and Laura’s super budget friendly Calico beans are hearty, soul-warming, and so, so delicious. This is an easy one to throw together in the morning before running out the door. When you walk back through the door in the evening after a long day at work or running around being your kids’ chauffeur all day, your house will smell like heaven. Set the table quick and you’re ready to eat!
And GIRLS. Let’s have a moment to chat about breakfasts, shall we? I’m the first to admit that I’ve fallen into the cereal rut. *let it be known that there’s NO shame in that game* – that’s not what I’m saying. All I’m saying is that sometimes I wish I had easy, healthier options that didn’t require me to be up and hustlin’ in the kitchen at 5:30 am.
You simply MUST check out this list of 31 Quick and Easy **Healthy** Breakfast Ideas! Praise be! You’re now in love with Laura, too, aren’t you. 😉 I knew you’d love her as much as I do!
Now, I told you I’d chat real quick about our budget makeover diet. Remember in this post where I talked about how I was going to be giving my kitchen cabinets yet another makeover? Well, that’s not happening now. I realize paint is realively cheap, but honestly, we’re all in on Dave Ramsey’s Money Makeover and are working hard to trim anything unnecessary out of the budget. That means no paint, no new lighting, and selling a TON of stuff we don’t need. Like this dresser I painted here. She’s gone. Sad, I know, but we are so excited for getting rid of debt!!
So, our grocery budget has been cut in half and I’m loving the healthy (and wallet saving) options Laura shares on her site. I know you’ll love her as much as I do. Enjoy!!
Girrrrrrrl, I’m committed to menu planning from here on out!
Good luck on your total money makeover!
You can do it!
We’re so excited to be doing the TMM! We’re going to keep plowing away at it – so fun!! Blessings, Lisa!