Hi Reader Halloween is this weekend, and between costumes, trick-or-treating, and the inevitable candy overload, I like to keep meals pretty simple. One of our favorite traditions is to make a big pot of chili before heading out to trick-or-treat. It's hearty, easy to make ahead, and can stay warm until everyone is ready to eat. Plus, I figure a good meal before all that candy isn't a bad idea. 😉 And while chili is always on our Halloween menu, I have a few other easy recipes and fun treats...

Hi Reader, Here’s how I’m using my crockpot to make this week easier. I linked every recipe from the carousel below. Breakfast: Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Maple OatmealIt cooks overnight. In the morning, I portion it out, and breakfast is sorted for the week. Dinner, then lunches: Crockpot Chicken Tortilla SoupI make a big batch for dinner one night, and the rest becomes the most delicious lunches. It reheats so well. One pot, two meals: Crockpot ChiliI’m setting some aside to use as the base...

Hi Reader, The smartest thing I do all week happens on Sunday. But we aren't talking about hours of meal prep. Frankly, I want to enjoy Sunday with my family, not spend the day in the kitchen. I still like to prep strategically to make the week a bit easier. Sometimes that means making muffins while dinner is in the oven or cooking something that takes longer than I have on a weeknight. Or doubling up a recipe to cut back on prep later in the week. This week, I am planning to roast a chicken,...