Happy Thursday, friends!
Today’s post is a whole big mix of…
…BACK TO SCHOOL things 🙂 .
As of today, my kiddos have officially been in school one week, and it seems like (from your comments/DMs/emails) that your kiddos are either back as well or you’re starting to head that direction.
There really is no rhyme or reason to this post, just my current “one week in school” brain dump :).
Here are SIX BACK TO SCHOOL THINGS should you be in this season right now too!
This made me laugh 😉 .
Okay…
Right off the bat, the way you know the Shull kids are back in school is because MY MEAL PLANNING IS EXTRA ORGANIZED right now.
I mean, let’s be real…I’ve always been a good “meal planner”…
…about a million years ago, I even wrote a book about it…but this time of year, it’s REALLY REALLY GOOD.
Last year, I shared my 13 KEYS TO MEAL PLANNINGS, and if you missed that post, go read it now! I have my best tips and ideas right there from organization to actually enjoying the experience. Even if you don’t enjoy meal planning (I’m talking to my mom right now), I think you can enjoy it *more* if you perhaps incorporated one of my ideas.
This year, the only thing I’m changing up though is…
…I’m meal planning by the week right now and not the month. Why? As much as I love having a solid meal plan for the month, thanks to grocery delivery, I just don’t have to spend as much time in the store so I can meal plan weekly and not worry about actually doing “big” grocery shopping every week. I can buy all of the “bulk” items and have them delivered as often as I need (thank you Walmart!) and then enjoyably shop weekly for items I want to actually pick up myself (fresh produce, meats, cheeses, etc).
Please note that I love my back to school meal planning so much that I started a fresh legal pad and pulled out my markers to make my list for the first week of school. It’s the little details that make it more fun 😉 .
For more specifics about MEAL PLANNING read the post!
This is a screenshot of my Cozi app 🙂 .
The hardest part, in my opinion, about using an online family calendar is actually getting in the habit of using the calendar. As you know, it took me YEARS to get on the online calendar train and even longer to get Andrew to use it/look at it. Once we finally started making it a habit though, we loved it and live by it now! I hate to say it, but I rarely even write anything down anymore. I used to LOVE writing down things in my planner, but now, it’s just so much easier and way more organized to use an app. We use Cozi and love it, but I know there are many other apps to choose from.
I had several questions this week about how we “stay organized” and my honest answer is that it just really took both of us actually doing it every day (looking at the app and entering the info/making the edits) to make it finally click. The habit won out once we did it over and over again. I love Cozi because, depending on how your coach sends over the schedule, you can even add a link from your coach’s schedule and it automatically imports the info and makes the changes on your family’s calendar. For instance, Kensington’s cheer coach has a calendar that is imported now on our app so all of her games/practices/etc are on our family’s app without me having to do anything but upload her link once. If her coach makes changes to her calendar, it updates automatically on our end. It’s amazing.
If you’re reluctant to use an app, I feel you…but it truly is the EASIEST way for the Shulls to stay organized now.
If you haven’t read this book…
…Class Mom by Laurie Gelman, YOU MUST!
I have been talking about this book for YEARS, but I think about it all the time especially this time of year. This is the first of four books in the series, and they are all ADORABLE! This is a fictional story of a mom with a son in elementary school and her year as the “class mom”. It’s just adorable and SO RELATABLE! If you want to read something that is happy and will put you in the back to school spirit, read it. I could read it every year.
This was one of the DMs I received this week which was SO sweet and had so many questions I thought I could knock out in one answer…
…to kick things off…snacks, snacks and more snacks!
I shared this in the spring…
…”snack boards” was an idea I read about in The Lazy Genius Way book that my kids loved! This year, I’m pulling the boards back out but primarily for the girls. Right now, Smith isn’t getting home from school until 5:30 or 6:30, and by then, he’s looking for dinner. He’s taking his “snacks” with him to school which are protein bars (he likes the peanut butter Think bars), and then he also takes a protein shaker cup with a scoop of protein (he likes Double Stuffed Cookie Syntrax Nectar protein).
Smith is a growing teen boy who likes to eat, so we try and keep him full. He eats a big breakfast at home (turkey bacon, eggs, waffles with almond butter) and then for lunch, he takes a thermos with homemade food that Andrew makes for him every week. Right now, he’s on a kick where he likes eating protein and rice every day. He takes a thermos filled with 13oz of grilled chicken or steak and rice. On Sundays, Andrew grills up all the meat and then we combine it with the rice and freeze them. The night before school, we pull a bag out of the freezer, let it thaw, and then we heat it and put it in his thermos before school. I just walked downstairs and snapped a pic of one for you to see…
…see? That’s frozen and ready to be thawed, heated and added to his thermos one day this week.
A FABULOUS BLOG READER TIP FROM YEARS AGO WAS THIS: Fill a thermos with boiling hot water and let it sit about 10 minutes or so before dumping out the water and then filling it with your hot food. This keeps food hotter much longer in a thermos. I’ve shared this tip for YEARS because it works LIKE A CHARM!!!! My kids like taking hot food to school on occasion and this always, always keeps it hot.
As far as supplements go, I just texted Andrew and asked him, and he said just creatine (which I LOVE TOO for myself!!).
I just can’t stress this…
…enough.
My girls’ speech therapist told me the other day that Walmart delivery was the best thing I’ve ever told her about. You guys, it’s such a game changer for bulk items, grocery items, school supplies…everything! I just checked my app, and this week alone, I’ve used it FOUR TIMES! I’ve blogged all about why I love it HERE.
Okay and just to wrap up this post…
…today, I’m also sharing THE BEST BACK TO SCHOOL PEANUT BUTTER RECIPES. Back to School season and peanut butter just go together 🙂 . Check out my 17 EASY RECIPES today too!
That’s it for this Thursday! I’ll see you all back here tomorrow! If you have any back to school tips/thoughts/suggestions/ideas, please, please share!
Have the BEST day! xx
Sheaffer says
I remembered last night that we were out of turkey at about 6:00, so I hopped on my Walmart app and I had turkey and several other things we were low on delivered by 8:15. I had to choose the $5 under 3 hour delivery option since I wanted it last night, but $5 was sooooooooo worth it to me to not to have to run to the store. I LOVE IT.
Grace says
What kind of thermos do you use for Smith’s lunch? That seems like a good size portion of food and i have only seem them for smaller portions. That tip about heating up the thermos before hand really speaks to me because i do not like using the microwave to reheat my food. I also am excited to try out the Banana Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Frosting! i’ve got all the ingredients and bananas that are just ripe to be baked! Thanks for the post today!
Mix and Match Mama says
We use one of the big Yeti’s with a screw top lid. It works like a charm! Enjoy your cupcakes!!
Grace says
Thanks!
Elspeth says
This post is so helpful!
Thanks for sharing! Love the idea of meal prepping!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Amy says
Do you always leave a tip for Walmart grocery delivery? I almost signed up last week but then thought the tipping each delivery could get expensive.
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!! I always include a tip because I consider these amazing people SAVING me money by me not going into the store. If I went into Walmart or in the regular grocery store on my own, I would for sure spend more on things I added to my cart that weren’t on my list than their tip.
Erin says
Walmart delivery is life changing and I’m serious. Lol. If I have to go in a store these days, I feel like I’m doing it wrong!
Mix and Match Mama says
I just used it this morning for Zyrtec and La Croix!! It’s AMAZING!
Carrie says
I love the chicken/steak & rice idea for a teen boy’s lunch! Do you use any seasoning for flavor? Also, do you cook a big batch of rice on the stove or use Trader Joes frozen rice?
Mix and Match Mama says
Just olive oil, salt and pepper on the chicken and then Smith likes to change up the rice so that’s how the flavors change each day. We buy the microwave Uncle Bens (the one in the orange pouch, I’m almost positive that’s Uncle Ben’s) and it comes in cheesy, lime cilantro, garlic, butter, etc.
Catherine says
I was also resistant to using a digital calendar but it is so helpful especially as your kids get old enough to use it, too! We use the calendar app on our iPhone and it imports things from other apps as well which is so helpful! I’ve also started putting to do things with an alert in my calendar. For example, if I need to buy snacks for a game, I’ll set it as a calendar entry with a timed alert a few days before it needs to be done so I make sure I have the items and may even add a second entry if I need to be reminded to take it the day of. I can set those up so they only go to me. Technology can truly be a sanity saving friend!
MOLLY B says
Wondering if you or any of your readers have tips for surviving transition to kindergarten? My oldest started yesterday and is a wreck – so tired and overwhelmed despite amazing teachers. She had been at the same daycare since she was an infant. My mama heart is dying (especially bc my husband and I are both first responders so she has to do after school care some days too). I couldn’t sleep last night worrying about all of it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh I am so sorry, Molly. I am positive many mamas will chime in here, but let me just say that the first few days of kinder are just exhausting, but I really do think she’s going to find her rhythm and routine. I bet by this time next week, things will be improving. My kiddos (especially K) were extra exhausted at first, but it did not last long. Sending you so much mama love!!
Lisa D says
That is so hard! I have a younger-aged daughter who wasn’t ready for Kindergarten so she was in preschool/pre-K an extra year. She still struggled with going to school, cried most days for 3 MONTHS! Finally she made friends and after that she bounced to Kindergarten every day. Give your child time to adjust. It’s rough but your family will get through this.
AmandaG says
I second what Shay said. Just like I’m sure it was tough taking her to daycare at the beginning, but she eventually acclimated and things went well, so too will it happen for Kinder. It’s an adjustment, but I’m sure the teachers are used to it too. She will be fine before you know it! My kids did the after school program and loved being able to hang out with their friends for some play time. It may take some time, but she’ll get there!
Leslie S says
The first couple weeks were tough for 2 of my kiddos. What worked for us was early bed times, having a set home routine every day, a special after school healthy snack, extra hugs, as much time “nesting” with fav books or toys as we could fit in and baths. Baths are a game changer for a reset and mood lifter. It gets better and they have so much fun in kinder!
Molly says
Thank you so much!!! These comments are pure gold 🙂
Lauren G says
I have a hungry teenage athlete too so these food ideas are helpful! For Smith’s waffles, is there a certain brand he likes? Or if homemade, do you make them any special way?
Mix and Match Mama says
His favorites are Van’s G-Free Waffles. He puts Justin’s vanilla almond butter on top. All of my kids like Van’s waffles but the gf Trader Joe’s pancakes are the girls’ real favorite frozen breakfast treat.
Ashley D says
I love meal planning, but I understand not everyone enjoys it. One tip I would give is try to make it fun! I have a colorful notepad that has the days of the week listed out, and then I write down what we are having each night or if we are going out to dinner. The pad is from the Dollar Store, so not expensive! I will also ask my husband if he has any requests for meals during the week – get your family’s input! Finally, once I have made my grocery list based off of the meal plan for the week, I post the list on the wall by our gas range, so myself or my husband can easily check it! He enjoys coming home from work on Monday’s to see what we are having for the week!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love all of these ideas!!
Stacy says
After learning about cozi on your blog last year my husband and I started using it to organize all our family things and it was a complete game changer! He finds out an about a work dinner adds it right away I can then see if we need help moving kids from place to place – it has helped us so much! Now trying to figure out if we get the starlight frame as our home calendar our kids are to young for phones still but the calendar may help them – have you used it – it says cozi app will flow right to it!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!!! Andrew and I both love the daily email the most. This year, I even started printing our weekly schedule and keeping it taped near my desk. It’s SO easy! I’m unfamiliar with the starlight frame…tell me more please!
Elizabeth says
My family is very similar to yours in size and activities. I have two football players and a varsity cheerleader. How much meat (# pounds) do you grill over the weekend for the weekly lunches? I ask because with all of us prioritizing protein we keep running out early in the week and then its usually me that is stuck with nothing for lunch 🙂 Now that my children are older, eating more, and playing sports I feel very overwhelmed trying to make sure everyone has what they need to nourish their bodies!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh you’re having me do math early this morning, and we all know, that’s not my strong suit! Ha! He grills 4 pounds (I converted the ounces to pounds) just for Smith and then asks if anyone else wants some. Mades and K will occasionally ask for grilled chicken, so then, he’ll get more. K prefers leftovers that involve a ground beef, so she is looking more for that if it’s going to be an option in our week. Other things all of the Shulls love are hardboiled eggs (which I will often just make a big batch and keep those in the fridge) and then, of course, deli turkey and ham for wraps and sandwiches. K was on a BIG chicken Caesar salad kick last year, but this year, she hasn’t made one yet (I think she’s a little burned out).
Lindsey says
Loved this post!❤️❤️
Let’s talk more about creatine – I’ve been considering adding to my routine and then noticed you like it. What kind do you take? Have you noticed any of the benefits yet (and if so – what?! Ha!) Thanks for your input! Have a great day!
Mix and Match Mama says
I LOVE CREATINE! I heard someone on a podcast say once that the government should really just add it to all of our drinking water because it’s so beneficial. I take mine at lunch when I take many of my other supplements or I add it to my protein drink. I am stronger and have more muscle now than ever before which I know is a combination of a high protein diet and lifting heavy weights BUT I can’t imagine the creatine isn’t another piece of that puzzle. I heard that creatine was great for jet lag (if you take it regularly and have it in your system before you go/while you’re traveling) and the last two big trips I’ve taken (Indonesia and Northern Ireland), I had the least amount of jet lag I’ve ever had. I just really find it easy to take too.
Tiffanie Steele says
Our football strength & conditioning coach is pushing it for my Freshman, but our pediatrician was very against giving it to him. So confusing to know the right answer…
AmandaG says
My husband wanted our teenage son to start taking it but I had some concerns. We took a trip recently and we spent part of the drive listening to various podcast episodes about creatine for teens/women and just in general. I read up about it too. There seems to be a lot of benefits. The only thing I was concerned with after doing research was making sure he gets enough water. He’s pretty good about that though. I understand it might be hard to not listen to your pediatrician though!
Kate says
What kind of creatine do you use?
Mix and Match Mama says
This one! https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/creatine
Sascha says
A great podcast that answers the young athlete & creatine dosing question as well as the researched benefits for supporting our adult long term brain health is Iron Sights podcast The Science of Creatine: How It Works & Why It Matters from Feb 6 2023 https://open.spotify.com/episode/72celMDl8clW0W2dBYi7P5?si=xBGYrdScSIyQnd-P1F6wlQ
Maddie Giamello says
Another Vote for Walmart + over here!! I had never really grocery shopped at Walmart until I started doing Walmart + about a year ago and it changed my life 😂😂 it’s so so easy! I get all of our staples and bulky stuff from Walmart+ and then go to the Whole Foods right by our house a couple of times a week for fresh produce and meats. It’s such a game changer to get the heavy things like sparkling water delivered and not having to lug those into your car at the grocery store with little kids!! Also whenever we’re coming home from a trip, I do a Walmart + order on the plane so when we get home late at night, some groceries arrive around the same time we do and we have stuff for the next day so we’re not waking up with nothing! Truly game changing and so inexpensive, idk how they make money on it 😂😂
Melanie M says
I love, love, love your Meal Planner cookbook and feel like everyone should own this. BTW, your handwriting is beautiful!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Well you are TOO sweet, Melanie!! You are one of my faves. And thank YOU!! I feel like my handwriting looks just like my dad’s 🙂 .
DeeAnn says
Shay,
Thank you so much for sharing the frozen rice and grilled meats meal hack… genius!! My son travels 2 hours each way to soccer practice 4-5 nights a week, and we usually pack a thermos for his dinner on the drive home. This will be a game changer b/c I dont always have our family’s dinner ready by 2:30 when I need to pack his thermos!! Ty for sharing!
Mix and Match Mama says
What a big commitment for your family! I love that you’re supporting both soccer and feeding him well 🙂 .
Maria says
What do the “stars” and “N” represent on your weekly meal planning? And, is there a certain brand of creatine you use?
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s to help me keep track of what (if anything) I need to photo/video for this space. “N” means it’s a recipe that hasn’t been published as a reminder to me to take pics with my big camera every time I make it and the stars mean I might want to take updated videos. I use this creatine: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/creatine
Leslie S says
I just love all the ideas I get from reading your blog!! We started using the Cozi app after you recommended it and it has been a total game changer for me and my hubby! Do yall have the gold version, and is it better than the lower one I’m using? Do you have your kids using/editing it as well? I’m nervous to add my kids as users/editors lol.
Thanks so much for the comments on teen meal planning and snacks. Would love to see more content/ideas bc we are in that season of life too. I’ve been so excited and motivated to dive into improving my own health since reading your content and I’ve made so many changes that have been amazing for me (like lost 30 pounds!!) — translating these changes to my whole family, especially kids, has been challenging with back to school.
I’m loving the health content so much. It feels like we are all “in it together” when I read the positive comments too. Gives me more motivation to keep going!! THANK YOU for jump starting these conversations.
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww! Thank YOU!! That means so much! Okay, we do have the Gold version. I can’t remember exactly why I made the switch (I want to say it had to do with importing their external schedules), but for some reason we did when I wanted mine to do something that Erika’s was doing and we realized it’s because I didn’t have the gold version. AND HOLD THE PHONE, YOU HAVE LOST 30 POUNDS?! Holy cow! That is incredible!!! Wow! I am just SO EXCITED that you are taking control of your health. Wow! That is amazing!!! We are all getting older and we need each other. I am so thankful that you are a part of this community too. We ARE in it together! xx
Sandy M says
What is the difference in your two meal planning books? Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
One was my first book and the other was my last one. The one I linked today is the bigger/more detailed/updated version.
Sascha says
Thank you so much for sharing Smith’s lunch! OMG My athlete freshman boys just started last week, also don’t get home till dinner and I have been wracking my brain on what exactly to send for lunch that I could prep IN ADVANCE. Freezing at beginning of week is so smart. If you discover any other recipes, or hacks for feeding these teen athlete boys, please share!
Mix and Match Mama says
I will!!! I promise!
Tina says
I can always count on you to inspire and motivate me.☺️ I’ve been trying to get on the color-coded planner train for years and I always fall off bc I need to write something down and don’t have the right color pen with me. Lol So…before I try Cozi and color code all my family members, do the imported sports schedules give you the option to choose what color they show up in your calendar?
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!! They do!!! Kensington is “blue” in our family, so all of the cheer stuff gets imported in blue. If you’ll notice, I have seven “colors” because I have one for the dogs too (they share a color). I add their vet appointments, grooming, etc in their own color. It’s SO HANDY!!!
Tina says
Oh, good! Thank you! (Of course the dogs have their own color! 😂❤️)
WhittyWife (Lindsay) says
I just did my Fall meal planning yesterday… and I used your cookbooks for some of it! Some of our favorite cozy, Fall dinners are from you! 🍂❤️
Mix and Match Mama says
YAY!!!!! That makes me so happy!
Kelly Davis says
I live meal planning, but I include all sides veggies etc… and didn’t notice that with house. That’s where I need help with ideas. Would love to know what you have as sides with the entrees.
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t put too much thought into our sides most days. With every meal, I will make some sort of salad, roasted veggie and/or guacamole. Tonight, we’re grilling burgers, and I’m roasting green beans with guacamole as the sides. I typically buy frozen veggies and just keep them in the fridge and pull out whatever sounds good that night and roast it up. This week on Tuesday, I was at the store, so I grabbed fresh green beans to roast. I just tend to focus on the “mains” and let the sides be easy.
Gail Young says
For the start of kindergarten we didn’t plan any after school activities for the first 2 weeks of school, made sure there were really healthy meals, early or right on time bedtimes, and tried to keep life VERY simple. Maybe the biggest thing though was to plunk those kids in the bathtub every school night…..there is something restorative about water and they would just giggle and unwind and sleep really well. True story: One of our kids fell asleep on the bus going to kindergarten on the first day and the bus driver didnt find him until the end of the school day, still asleep at the back of the bus. We’ve laughed about that for years!
Erika Slaughter says
I have dinner in my slow cooker right now as we speak! Killing this first full week of school!
Carol says
I have been following you since you were posting baby pictures of the two oldest and now they are in high school. How did this happen so fast? Wow. Love that Andrew cooks up chicken and rice for Smith. Both of my sons do the same for their upcoming weeks lunch/supper. The uncle Ben’s rice is great. Have you tried the Trader Joes Spanish Style Rice? There are 2 pouches to a box and it just heats up in the microwave. And heats up nice the next day too. Question for Andrew. Has he ever tried the Barebells Protein Snack Bars? Also when are we going to get another Andrew video or post? Best wishes for a Blessed and Great school year.
Mix and Match Mama says
I have not tried the TJ Spanish Style Rice but you better believe I’m going to add it to my cart next time. I just asked Andrew and he hasn’t tried Barebells either (but he’ll do another video or post!). Thank you for the great suggestions. I am SO GRATEFUL for YOU!!
Katie Compton says
My whole family loves the Barebells Protein Bars! I’ve found the best price at Walmart, actually.
Charla Snodgrass says
I love Barebells Protein Bars. They have a low amount of sugar and the two kinds I have tried (Caramel & Cashew, and Chocolate Dough) were very satisfying.
stefanie says
I’m just curious if you know the price difference between Walmart food delivery and instacart? I use instacart and can order from all my favorite stores (except for trader joes) Just curious if Walmart is better priced. To be honest, the Walmart by us is not nice at all and I would never go there in person.
Mix and Match Mama says
So Walmart+ has an annual membership (which I buy!) so that my delivery is free if I spend over $35. All I pay extra each time is the gratuity (which you don’t have to include, but I always do). I’m not versed in Instacart.
sandi says
I’m late to this post so you might not see the reply. Our Walmart is not nice either which makes me hesitant to try the delivery when most of the time items are not in stock, some boxes are opened and products removed and it’s not in a great area. We have a gluten and dairy allergy in our house and some brands of yogurt and milk are only available at Wegmans or Whole Foods. I recently discovered that the prices are different when you shop via Instacart vs. in-store. Maybe everyone knew that, but my Kroger does not charge extra when they shop for me and neither does Harris Teeter. I would build a grocery list with Instacart and one with Walmart to see if there is a major difference. Hope that helps.
Alexa says
I love Walmart+ and your tip on keeping food warmer in a thermos! We are trying out using thermoses this year.
I am a little late to the comment game for today, but I’m wondering if anyone uses a skylight calendar? I recently heard an ad for it on a podcast I love and was very intrigued.
Kelly says
Does he grill the chicken breasts or how does he make them?
Mix and Match Mama says
He grills them!
Kristin Lyngaas says
Hi Shay! Because of you I started using Cozi a few years ago. I really love it! I really need to upgrade though to “gold”. It’s just me who uses, and it works great! Thank you 🩷
Christin says
I have learned so many things over the years readying your blog and reading through the comments recently I feel like I’m getting a bonus post each day! Thank you Shay and all you ladies commenting!
Angela Banae says
Thank you for the awesome meal idea you shared for growing teens! Our youngest son is a sophomore and he’s going to LOVE the chicken and rice lunch! With football and his sprint training and school starting here in Iowa next Friday, he is going to be so busy and needs all the protein!! I hadn’t thought of using our Yeti for a lunch thermos… love this idea, too!!
(Side note: I almost went all “mama bear” on here the other day wanting to defend you when an unkind comment was written to you. You are amazing, Shay, and I hope you truly understand how much we all love you and your family!!! You handled that with so much grace, yet stood boldly on truth to defend yourself and your family. Keep being awesome!!)
Praying you all have an abundantly blessed school year!!!!
LeAnn says
Can you link what thermos y’all use for Smith’s lunch?
Mix and Match Mama says
We use one of these: https://shopstyle.it/l/ceWsi