Hi everyone! First I want to apologize if you experience difficulties trying to access my site on Mondays. Due to the higher traffic Bluehost puts me on the naughty list for awhile. I need to move to a dedicated server or something like it but the idea of all the technology knowledge that task might entail totally freaks me out and I’m having trouble getting the help I need. Hopefully it’ll all get figured out soon and in the meantime I thank you for your patience.
So last week my husband loved the Slow Cooker Honey Ribs. This was a real treat for him because I don’t cook ribs up very often. Talk about easy to make though. Throw them in to the slow cooker and cover them with the sauce. Walk away for 4-5 hours.
and dinner is served:
I also made some yummy muffins this weekend. I got the recipe from my friend Angie over at Echoes of Laughter. They are 6 Week Bran Muffins with Chia Seeds. You can keep the batter in the fridge for up to six weeks if you want but I just cooked them up all at once (makes 4 dozen) and then freeze them already made. I just find that to be easier. Also I used coconut oil in place of the shortening which could be why mine look so different from Angie’s. Or it could be because I really messed something up…TOTALLY possible! 🙂 Thankfully they still tasted delicious!
Last week I asked you “what is one thing you do to ensure menu planning success week after week?” and I loved all the answers. Here are some of them below and some I’ll save to post next week to hopefully continue to inspire you! 🙂
The only way I’m successful planning is if I look at the family calendar before I start planning. Then I know which nights someones not home, when we need a quick dinner, etc…. @ Jeri
I try to think about our schedules, the types of food that we like to eat during the season it is (very little heavy meals in the summer, etc) and have a bunch of go-to’s for when whatever reason I need something really fast & easy instead of the planned meals or we eat out way too much. @ Divas Cuisine
We ensure menu planning success by having a rythym to our meals. I have a lot of simple, frugal, healthy staples our family really enjoys, and I make only 1-2 new meals each week to keep things fresh. @ The Cheapskate Cook
I make sure it’s meals that I have most of the staples for and I also make sure to take the time to plan it before my shopping day. I also consider that by the end of the week I’m more tired so I need easy meals and plan my complex meals early in the week. @ The Life of Us
My number one tip about successful meal planning is to be realistic. Plan for busy days, and don’t try to fit in all new recipes, or a bunch of fancy meals. Know what is going to work for your family’s tastes and time constraints. Because more than likely if it’s too much, then you’ll give up. @ Serving Joyfully
One thing that I always have to remember when menu planning is to be flexible. Just because we say “Pizza Night” is Friday, the world is not going to crash down if something comes up. @ Behind the [Kate] Ball
I plan each week with what I already have in the house- that’s the key to keeping the food budget down and reducing waste. So each week I’m shopping for staples and the sales that will be fore the following week. @ An Oregon Cottage
Have a great week everyone!!
My Weekly Menu:
Monday: Ham and Cheese Quiche
Tuesday: Pizza Grilled Cheese
Wednesday: Coca Cola BBQ Roast Beef (in slow cooker) served with rice and broccoli
Thursday: Leftover buffet
Friday: Creamy Caesar Chicken Pasta Bake (so excited to try this one!)
Saturday: Oven Tacos
Sunday: YOYO (you’re on your own!)
WHAT’S ON YOUR MENU THIS WEEK? JOIN US!
Menu Plan Guidelines, banner selections and recipe helpers are here.
More family favorite recipes here.
One of my favorite menu planning resources:
Susieqtpies says
Thanks for hosting! It is one of my most favorite link ups all week. Have a great one! Susie
Elizabeth@ReadySetSimplify says
The ribs look yummy and easy. I’ve never tried them in the crockpot before. I should give it a go. I’ll have to keep an eye out for chia seeds. I’ve been hearing a lot about them, but haven’t seen them in a store yet.
Thanks for the tips on meal planning success. It’s funny to me that you asked that question on the week I didn’t get a menu plan done! I’m back on track this week, though!
Queen of the House says
Wow! Ribs in the crock pot!!! My husband would be so thrilled if I made those for him! Thanks for the recipe!
Have a great week! 🙂
Kelli Miller (@momof3boys3702) says
Yes, totally printing out that slow cooker recipe – or maybe just adding it to my pinterest page. LOL! It looks REALLY yummy and I am a ribs gal myself. 🙂
Steph (The Cheapskate Cook) says
Talk about an easy main dish! What a simple idea.
Thanks for mentioning my menu planning ideas 🙂 That was a pleasant surprise, and I’m glad you found it useful!
Thanks for hosting! I’m # 75, and I linked up my menu and 3 ways I streamline and simplifiy my menu during busy weeks.
Tara V says
Yay, thanks for highlighting my comment last week.
Have a great week.
Betsy @ Romance on a Dime says
Thanks so much for hosting this!!
Melissa Pflugradt says
http://christcenteredfamily.blogspot.com/2012/05/mon-spaghetti-and-garlic-bread-tue.html
Kay. I give up. The link sign-up is not working for me. Been trying for 10 minutes now..Just leaving my link in the comments section. Ugh! I kind of plan like how ServingJoyfully put it. Planning around how busy the week is gonna be. 🙂
Mon, Wed, and Fri’s I like them to be kind of light or use the crockpot cause of choir practice, bible study, and worship night at our church.
Gretchen says
Thank you again, those ribs look delicious!
Kelly says
Lots of great looking recipes and meal plans this week!
Jami @ An Oregon Cottage says
I’m glad it’s not just me experiencing difficulties these last few weeks getting on your site on Mondays. 😉 Weird how it only just started, though, ’cause you’ve had a lot of traffic for awhile. 😉
Thanks for the mention, and I hope you let us know how that creamy caesar pasta dish turns out- you’re right, it sounds yummy!
Janet says
Those ribs looks good. I may have to surprise my husband with them one day. Thanks for hosting.
Sinea says
I had been wondering what was up with your site. Loads seemed a bit slow. What a WONDERFUL problem to have…too much traffic! Wow! Every blogger’s dream.
We’re patient, Laura. Organizing Junkie is worth the wait. You’ll find just the right solution and we’ll all have a “clicking good time”! 🙂
Samantha Andersen says
I totally pinned 3 of the recipes you had listed. Yummy all the way around. Will have to wait though for 8 week healthy living lifestyle challenge ends in early june though for the quiche! Love your site and weekly inspiration.
Tammy @ Skinny Mom's Kitchen says
Wow it is almost 7:30pm and I FINALLY got around to posting my menu plan. Just linked it up.
The creamy ceasar bake sounds really good. Can’t wait to hear what you think.
Have a nice night!
[email protected] says
Ooh! Pizza sandwiches. We have made those in ages! That’s going to go on our “lunch” list for this month!
Mama Bucks says
Linking up for the first time! Love your site 🙂