The Many Little Joys

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How to simplify weekly meal planning + free printable templates

Meal planning is a life-saver, but sometimes it can feel like an overwhelming chore. Here’s how I keep things simple and delicious!

Meal planning is a life-saver, but sometimes it can feel like an overwhelming chore. Here's how I keep things simple and delicious!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you buy something through a link on my site, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you. See my disclosure to learn more.

I have been a firm believer in meal planning for years. It makes my life SO much easier. However, lately I’ve been simplifying my method even more to make mealtime doable during these crazy times we’re in.

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Christmas Popcorn Snack Mix

This easy-to-make Christmas popcorn snack mix is a perfect recipe for your holiday party, neighbor gift, or Hallmark family movie night!

This easy-to-make Christmas popcorn snack mix is a perfect recipe for your holiday party, play-date, or Hallmark movie night!

Christmas is next week! Are you ready? My shopping is almost all done, and I’m looking forward to some good low-key family time together next week. This week has been crazy busy (we’ve had something planned every night), but next week our schedule is wide open, and I want to keep it that way.

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Caramel Apple German Pancake

This caramel apple German pancake is a sweet twist on the classic breakfast recipe. It’s a perfect “fancy” breakfast for special occasions that takes minimal extra effort. This caramel apple German pancake is a sweet twist on the classic breakfast recipe. It's a perfect "fancy" breakfast for special occasions that takes minimal extra effort. 

NOTE: THIS POST INCLUDES AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I HAVE USED AND LOVED. SEE MY DISCLOSURE TO LEARN MORE.

I LOVE German pancakes–so much so that they take front and center on our breakfast table at least once a week. Why do I sing their praises?…

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Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Dinner

This hearty Instant Pot chicken and rice has become a staple in our house on busy weeknights when I need a no-fuss dinner that can keep up with the appetites of three growing boys. It’s a simple, one-pot meal that everyone loves!

This hearty Instant Pot chicken and rice has become a staple in our house on busy weeknights when I need a no-fuss dinner that can keep up with the appetites of three growing boys. It's a simple, one-pot meal that everyone loves!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you buy something through a link on my site, I may earn a commission, at no cost to you. See my disclosure to learn more.

I love to cook. But I HATE the stress of trying to get a healthy meal on the table in between school, sports practices, homework, and other errands. I’ve finally admitted to myself that this is NOT the right season of life for me to be making elaborate meals on a regular basis. Instead, I’ve made it my quest recently to compile a list of healthy, homemade meals that take minimal effort. 

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Healthy Apple Oatmeal Muffins

These healthy apple oatmeal muffins are the perfect fall breakfast recipe or after-school snack. Grab your kiddos, and whip up a batch in the kitchen today (really, a double-batch because they freeze beautifully)!These healthy apple oatmeal muffins are the perfect fall breakfast recipe or after-school snack. Grab your kiddos, and whip up a batch in the kitchen today!Some people might call our current month September, but I call it…APPLE SEASON! The weather around here has been cooling off, and I’ve been waking up to crisp mornings that have very much put me in the mood for baking. At the top of my “to bake” recipe list were today’s delicious apple oatmeal muffins.
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Easy after school snacks

After a long day of school, kids need some real fuel to fight off the hangry monster that often strikes before dinner. These easy, healthy after school snacks are kid-approved and totally doable for busy moms.After a long day of school, kids need some real fuel to fight off the hangry monster that often strikes before dinner. These easy, healthy after school snacks are kid-approved and totally doable for busy moms.

We have exactly ONE week until my kids go back to school. Have your kids started yet? How are you feeling about the end of summer?…

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Kids in the kitchen: Fudge in a bag

This simple fudge in a bag is a perfect opportunity to get kids in the kitchen. A handful of ingredients, a plastic baggie, and some good ol’ elbow grease will yield a tasty treat kids can make all by themselves!This simple fudge in a bag is a perfect opportunity to get kids in the kitchen. A handful of ingredients, a plastic baggie, and some good ol' elbow grease will yield a tasty treat kids can make all by themselves! Have you ever made fudge in a bag??? I had never heard of such a thing until a few weeks ago when my sister-in-law was visiting us from Texas and told my boys all about it. As soon as they heard the word “chocolate” they were sold on the idea….

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Kids in the kitchen: healthy fruit salsa with baked cinnamon chips

This simple fruit salsa recipe is a perfect, beginner-level dish for getting your kids involved in the kitchen. Plus, it’s addictively delicious–a perfect afternoon snack or summertime dessert.

This simple recipe is a perfect, beginner-level dish for getting your kids involved in the kitchen. Plus, it's addictively delicious--a perfect afternoon snack or summertime dessert.

Does anyone else feel like this summer is just FLYING by? At the beginning of the summer I was full of plans (and some trepidation), worrying about how I would occupy my three kiddos ALL. SUMMER. LONG. But now summer is more than halfway over, and we have barely touched our summer bucket list.

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Healthy Homemade Pancake Mix

This handy homemade pancake mix is a quick-to-make pantry staple…perfect for busy moms who want a simple way to get a hot breakfast on the table in under ten minutes. This handy homemade pancake mix is a quick-to-make pantry staple...perfect for busy moms who want a simple way to get a hot breakfast on the table in under ten minutes.  Hot breakfast or cold cereal…What do mornings look like at your house? If you’re anything like us, mornings–especially school day mornings–can get a little crazy with getting kids dressed and out the door, trying to get myself a shower, and managing the general hoopla of the beginning of a new day. 

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