Here it is, the short list of what I’m loving lately. I’m sharing this in hopes that it blesses you in some way. Simple as that!
- Summer Camp: The day camp I went to for two weeks every summer played a big role in shaping who I am today and my love for people + time spent outdoors. Summer camp was drama, adventure, peace, excitement, bad weather, great weather, bug bites, ropes courses, silly games, fights + laughs with friends, ice cream, pottery, and everything in between. I loved it so much, I always wished it could be overnight and for longer – sort of like the camp in The Parent Trap. Imagine my delight when I discover another mama from our homeschool co-op helps to run the Feliciana Retreat Center, which now offers an amazing kids camp. If you’re looking for a wholesome, protected, and unforgettable experience for your child(ren) – I highly recommend checking them out. I’ll be on property throughout the camp session, capturing photos of all the fun and I can’t wait!
- Meal Planning + Prep: I recently purchased three meal plan bundles from Plandy Mandy after hearing an interview with the creator on my favorite podcast. I love finding creative ways to revamp any of our habits to help save the family time and money and so far these meal plans are a 10/10 recommend. I can’t wait to put the breakfast freezer meals into play when the busy fall season kicks in again! More details below.
- Podcast: Every single episode she’s released lately has been pure gold. I’ll always recommend the 1000 Hours Outside Podcast. I find so many great books this way and the episodes always leave me wanting to learn more about the topics discussed.
- Reading: SO MANY GOOD BOOKS. Since I started 75 Hard I have had the BEST time discovering and diving deep into some fantastic books. My favorite one lately: Homeschooling by Ginny Yurich. If you currently homeschool, hope to homeschool, or know someone who does…this book is an absolute MUST. I cried and laughed out loud, felt inspired and refreshed and I know you will too. I seriously can’t say enough good things about this one.
- Kitchen: Absolutely loving these silicone muffin trays so much. They are incredibly easy to clean, store, and remove muffins from because you can just pop them out. We’ve already made a batch of blueberry muffins to freeze for treats later!
Is there something you’re loving lately that you’d like to share with me? I’d love to hear about it. Just shoot a note to info@gabbychapin.com!
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As promised, here are some more details on the Plandy Mandy Meal Plans.
What I love most about these plans are their simplicity. I’ve tried other recipes and meal plans before and have always dropped them because so many seem to be trying to reinvent the wheel – requiring kitchen gadgets or ingredients that aren’t common or easy to come by. Mandy’s meal plans use staple items and kitchen tools that serve more than one function. The recipes are clean, simply written, easy to follow, and well portioned. Each meal serves 6 people, most are a cook once eat twice style, which means you’re really cooking for 12! This allows me the freedom to put away the second meal in the freezer for another day, or simply use it later and not have to cook again.
It may sound like a lot to cook such large batches but here’s why it saves time and money. One, you’re often buying larger quantities which means better prices at the store. Two, you’re only dirtying those dishes, cutting boards, pots and pans ONCE – which means washing them once instead of twice. It also means you’re only taking the time to prep and actually cook the meal once, instead of twice. SO MUCH TIME saved!
Something else that makes these meal plans unique is that Mandy has also given you the break down of calories and macros per serving. I know this is relative to actually measuring your portions, which I do not do, but it is helpful for an estimate on our intake.
As if all of this wasn’t enough to sell you on these meal plans here’s the absolute kicker for me because it is the biggest time saver! Mandy has provided a grocery list, typed up, for each week. On top of that, she has put a QR code you can scan to the exact shopping list in your Wal Mart App. Then you can simply go through the list and add the items that you don’t already have in your fridge or pantry. AMAZING. Last week I spent HALF of what I usually spend at the store and my entire family loved the meals. They were delicious and true to the descriptions on prep time.
I purchased the Summer Meals, 30-Minute Meals, and Breakfast Stock plans. We have cooked from the 30 Minute Meal Plan so far, and used the breakfast plans for muffins.
If you decide to give it a try, I’d love to know how it turns out for you. Don’t forget to follow her on instagram.
