A Week of Meals + $100 Giveaway to Jack and Ella Paper. They offer beautiful, eco-conscious stationery and handy notepads that make meal planning and daily organization easier, including weekly grocery lists and menu pads.
Between work, family, errands and everyday life, keeping a household running smoothly takes planning. I juggle many roles—partner, parent, business owner, and the one who finds the missing blanket—so I rely on systems that keep things organized while leaving room for spontaneity. Meal planning is one of those systems that helps me feel in control and keeps everyone fed well.
Do you meal plan? I find planning meals ahead saves time, reduces stress, and helps me serve healthier, more balanced food. There are many approaches: some families map out an entire week, shop once on the weekend and prep ingredients; others plan just a few nights ahead. One tip I use often is to plan recipes that share ingredients, which reduces waste and streamlines prep. For example, roast a butternut squash one night and use leftovers in a chili the next, or roast a whole chicken and repurpose meat for soup or sandwiches later in the week.
I’m excited to partner with Jessica from Jack and Ella Paper, a local Madison maker of thoughtful, eco-conscious stationery. Their collection includes weekly menu notepads, grocery lists, daily to-do pads, and small encouraging cards—simple tools that make organizing your week more pleasant. Jessica focuses on quality and sustainability, and her designs are ideal for anyone who enjoys a tidy, intentional routine.
The “I’ve Got It Together” series is one of my favorites. It bundles a weekly menu pad, a snapshot-of-my-week sheet and a “to do today” list. Having a daily and weekly view in one place makes planning meals, errands and priorities straightforward. I also adore the tiny cards—they’re perfect tucked into a lunchbox or left in a backpack to brighten someone’s day with a brief note.
To celebrate, one reader will receive a $100 gift code to spend at Jack and Ella Paper. If you enjoy paper goods that simplify planning and add a thoughtful touch to everyday life, this giveaway is a perfect chance to try a few items and see what works for your routine.
A Week of Hip Foodie Mom Meals:
With cooler weather on the way, I like to focus on comforting, seasonal recipes. Set aside time on the weekend to prep: wash and chop vegetables, roast squash or chicken, and portion ingredients so weeknight dinners are quicker. Below is a simple, cozy weekly menu with links to each recipe so you can plan and shop efficiently.
Monday: Beef Stroganoff — a comforting, family-friendly favorite. Roast a butternut squash the same night and save the cubes for Tuesday’s meal to make the most of your prep.
Tuesday: Butternut Squash Turkey Chili — use the roasted squash from Monday to add texture and sweetness, or skip the extra step if you’re short on time. This chili is hearty, seasonal, and family-approved.
Wednesday: Lunch — Crunchy Kale Salad. Dinner — Baked Mac and Cheese (try a version with cauliflower for added vegetables and a boost of nutrition).
Thursday: Roasted Butternut Squash Pizza — quick and flavorful. Consider buying fresh pizza dough to save time, and prep chicken and root vegetables for Friday while you have a few minutes in the evening.
Friday: One-Pan Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables — a satisfying, hands-off dinner that makes great leftovers for lunches or a weekend meal. Read the recipe ahead of time so you can complete any necessary prep the night before.
I hope this weekly plan gives you a few ideas for cozy autumn dinners and shows how a little planning and the right tools—like a weekly menu pad or grocery list—can simplify busy evenings. If you try any of these recipes or use a planning pad from Jack and Ella Paper, I’d love to hear how it worked for your week. Enjoy!