Hi Reader, We're celebrating two holidays this coming week--Juneteenth and Father's Day--and have some great ideas to get you started below. Also, if you still need a gift for your dad or husband, check out gift ideas from our own husbands. Austin's shorts and Nathan's sneakers have been the most popular so far. Let’s get planning,Rachel Weekly Menu Plan * = A freezer-friendly meal that you could consider doubling a batch and freezing one for later. Monday: Caesar Pasta Salad with Chicken –...
4 days ago • 1 min read
Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or aunt/uncle/friend to younger kids...this email is for you. My (Rachel's) three kids are all teenagers now, but I spent many, many summers with preschool and elementary kids at home. Why Read Aloud to Kids? As a trained English teacher and former children's ministry director, I could see first hand the positive impact of reading from early on. So, I always wanted to use summer months to help my children's minds stay stimulated and read even more books...
5 days ago • 2 min read
Father’s Day is creeping up fast! If you’re struggling to figure out what to get the dad in your life—trust us, we know how notoriously hard they are to buy for—we’ve got you covered. On top of our ultimate Gift Guide for Dads, we’re sharing five things our own husbands swear by, along with a few of their absolute favorite recipes. Austin (Polly's Husband) Austin's Top 5 Recipes: Ground Beef Quesadillas Turkey Pesto Paninis Chicken Fried Rice (but made on the Blackstone) Smash Burgers with...
7 days ago • 2 min read
We've been SO excited to get this recipe published and in your hands. Everyone who has tried it so far is going crazy over it. Drumroll please....introducing Salmon Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce! SALMON BOWLS WITH BANG BANG SAUCE đź“Ś PIN THIS RECIPE đź“Ś Why You'll Love It Fast: This recipe is on the table in 35 minutes. Great for Meal Prep: All components store separately and hold up great for up to 4 days. You'll Actually Enjoy Eating Fish: A genuinely delicious way to eat more salmon (omega-3...
9 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week, we're featuring recipes that... Are fast, so you can enjoy longer summer nights. Reduce heat in the kitchen by relying on the stovetop, grill, slow cooker, or Instant Pot. Lean on Thriving Home favorites (see Southwest Chicken Bacon Wraps, French Dip Sandwiches, and 20-Minute Boursin Sausage Pasta). Let’s get planning,Rachel P.S. Traveling soon? ICYMI, we shared our favorite freezer meals to take on vacation and a screen-free activity for road trips in our last...
11 days ago • 1 min read
Good morning, I (Rachel) have made food ahead of time and taken it on vacation for YEARS. Here's why: It can save hundreds of dollars by not eating out every meal. When a meal is already prepped, I'm freed up to spend more time having fun with my family. It's an easy alternative if you don't want to navigate crowded restaurants. We wanted to make vacation meal prep easy for you, too. So, I’ve rounded up the best freezer meals to take on vacation, as well as expert tips for prepping and...
14 days ago • 1 min read
This Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken Thighs recipe is a quintessential Thriving Home meal that balances takeout-style flavors with whole-food ingredients. By using chicken thighs instead of breasts, the meat stays incredibly tender and forgiving in the slow cooker, while the homemade sauce—made from pantry staples like low-sodium soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar—avoids the additives found in bottled versions. It’s a perfect family-friendly win that’s easy to double for a freezer meal or prep for...
16 days ago • 1 min read
Goggles? Missing. Boredom? Settling in. Summer mode? Officially activated. If you’re currently in the thick of the seasonal transition, today’s email is for you. We’ve rounded up our best family-tested activities and survival tips to help you navigate these sunny months with ease, no matter what stage of life your family is in. 1) Outdoor Games, Toys, and More Fun outdoor toys and games can help motivate kids to get off the screens. We've got you covered with our list of lawn games, outdoor...
21 days ago • 2 min read
Did you know we have a wealth of recipes that work well to take to others? These tried-and-true recipes are great to give someone who is: Facing a medical emergency Welcoming the birth of a newborn In a battle against cancer Walking through grief of any kind We hope these meals--whether delivered fresh or as a freezer meal--will help you bless someone in need soon. ❤️ TOP MEALS TO TAKE TO OTHERS 📌 PIN THIS POST 📌 Polly's Go-To Meals to Take Others: Taco Bar - I brown up 2 pounds of taco meat...
3 months ago • 1 min read