PAID MEMBERS: The latest HomeBeginsWithLove Printable PDF recipe is linked to this post!
Today felt like a solid “back to normal” rhythm after a few days of special meals and recovery mode for my son who got braces. We’re easing back into our usual flow, but still making a few adjustments (especially with braces in the mix), and honestly—it was one of those days where having food already prepped made everything feel so much easier.
Morning/Breakfast
- Made a fresh batch of bacon to have ready for the week
- Breakfast was simple: toast, cereal, and one kid requested chicken sausage from the freezer (Costco staple)
- Back into regular homeschool routine as well after some lighter days over Easter break
Mid-morning adjustment:
- Around 9:30/10, a couple kids were hungry again
- Warmed up more bacon (this is why I love cooking it in batches)
- Chopped it up really small for my son with new braces
- He also had another Orgain protein shake (hands down the best option we’ve tried for kids who can’t chew well)
Lunch
- Leaned fully into leftovers: used yesterday’s Chipotle-style loaf pan chicken (with the McCormick seasoning packet)
- Built “homemade Chipotle bowls” in different formats depending on the kid:
- One did a platter
- One did a bowl
- I had a salad topped with the chicken (so good)
Notable:
- The flavor on this chicken is ridiculously good—I was honestly surprised by the seasoning packet…I did think it needed a little more salt, so I would recommend adding that with the packet before cooking
- Filmed a reel for this and will be posting it tonight…Here’s a link.
- Also created a printable with all three versions (original, Mediterranean, Chipotle)…as a PAID member of this Patreon you receive my PDF printable for free! It’s linked at the bottom of this kitchen log.
Afternoon Prep / Out & About
- Delivered a meal to a friend who just had a baby. I went over the full list yesterday when I prepped everything, so today all I had to do was:
- Add fresh cut veggies
- Include a box of the seasonal flower cookies from Trader Joe’s (a true sign of friendship in this house)
Meal delivery system (this worked really well):
- Used a laundry hamper to carry everything inside (highly recommend)
- Tossed in a couple ice packs instead of overthinking a cooler since it was a short drive
- Included:
- Typed reheating instructions
- Cute napkins/plates for kids
- Small gift for baby
Snack on-the-go:
- Used “snack cups” (Dollar Tree character cups = game changer)
- Filled with a mix of pantry snacks
- Sometimes add items like cucumbers in a baggie inside the cup
- Fits perfectly in car cup holders = no mess, no digging for snacks
Dinner
- Filmed a collaboration dinner (with my friend Janelle—she’s doing dessert. We’ve posted together before and it’s so fun!..the reel should be ready by this weekend!)
Dinner:
- Sliced bratwurst into “brat bites”…I roast these at 400ºF for about 10-15 minutes till cooked through
- Set some aside plain for kids
- For the rest:
- Tossed with Rao’s marinara
- Added roasted peppers & onions
- Served over pasta
- Added garlic bread + veggies on the side
Notes:
- This was such a fun twist on a classic—feels elevated but super simple
- Flavor was amazing
- This will make a great reel with her elevated dessert!
Kitchen Flow:
- Lots of solid leftovers:
- Brat pasta – using this for lunch on Friday probably
- Still have Chipotle chicken – probably dinner tomorrow (nachos I think )
- A little leftover Easter Ham – snack wraps tomorrow
- 1 burger left from grilling on Saturday…I’m sure a kid will eat that tomorrow for a snack
- I’ve now cooked all the protein from Costco. If needed, I can pull out some cooked ground beef from the freezer, but I think we’ll make it to the weekend with what we have. We very rarely eat out, but plan to go out for a family dinner on Friday night to celebrate my husband’s new job!