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trusted recipes & freezer meals for busy families

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Thriving Home

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Freezer meal quick start guide CTA.

Grab Our Freezer Meal Quick Start Guide!

5 days of easy recipes and pro tips from freezer meal experts.

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Dec 5

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A calmer week starts in the kitchen. Our Free Weekly Meal Plan, sponsored by @hyveecolumbia, is designed to save you time, money, and stress—while keeping your family happy at the dinner table.

We also include the top 5 sales of the week at Hy-Vee, plus how to stock up and save on each item.

#MealPlan #ThrivingHome #WeeklyMenu #Hy-Vee #FreezerMeals 
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/menu-plan-for-the-week-of-december-8/
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Dec 5

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Day 3/5 Best Holiday Appetizers: Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Inspired by P.F. Chang’s recipe, these Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a hit with all ages! Easy to make, filled with good-for-you ingredients, and easy to freeze.

This is a holiday appetizer that often gets overlooked but it’s SO delicious. It also is a nice, vibrant change from typical heavy appetizers. 

To make sure those ingredients are flavorful and fresh, do your shopping at Hy-Vee. Grab a poinsettia while you’re there!

Want the recipe? Comment Send Link and I will DM it right on over. 

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/chicken-lettuce-wraps/

#holidayappetizer #lettucewrap #appetizer #holidaypartyfood #chickenlettucewrap
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Dec 4

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In my decades of baking, I have yet to find a better Snickerdoodle Cookie recipe. 

It’s simple, so soft & chewy, and easy for kids to help with. 

We love making these around the holidays!

Comment recipe and I’ll send it on over.

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/best-snickerdoodle-cookie-recipe/

#snickerdoodle #holidaycookie #christmascookies
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Dec 2

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We’ve put a holiday twist on our Honey Whipped Goat Cheese recipe by adding:

-Dried cranberries
-Pistachios
-Fresh Rosemary

Because quality is so important for this recipe, we recommend getting your ingredients at Hy-Vee!

This flavor combo is unmatched and will go super fast at your next holiday party. Give it a try!

Comment Recipe and I will DM you the instructions on how to make it. 

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/honey-whipped-goat-cheese-dip-4-ways/
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Dec 1

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🌲 Our free December Monthly Menu Plan is ready for you!🌲

Be sure to download and/or print it off to help ease the dinner stress this month.

We included three versions:
1 - digital with links to the recipes 
2 - printer-friendly version to stick on your fridge
3 - empty version to fill in using our ideas 

You’ll also see a Prep Ahead section with links to resources to help you stock your freezer in no time. 🙌

Comment MENU and I will send the link to your inbox right now.

https://thriving-home.kit.com/3eef4b4d2a
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Nov 30

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This Easy Meatball Sub recipe has been a Thriving Home favorite for more than a decade! With only 4 main ingredients, this mouthwatering meal comes together in just 15 minutes (if you have already cooked meatballs).

We have a variety of meatball recipes to choose from on our site. Or take a shortcut and buy some in the freezer section of your local grocery store.

Comment MEATBALL and we'll send you the link:
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/meatball-sub-recipe-my-healthier-version/
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Nov 29

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Day 1/5 Best Holiday Appetizers: Spinach Artichoke Dip with Roasted Red Peppers

Our festive Spinach Artichoke Dip with Roasted Red Peppers and Feta is colorful, bright-tasting, and so cheesy, making it the perfect hot dip for the holidays.

Here are the ingredients to grab from Hy-Vee. Pro-Tip: Grab some stocking stuffers while you’re shopping!

INGREDIENTS:

Cream cheese 
Sour cream
Fresh lemon juice
Garlic 
Red pepper flakes
Artichoke hearts 
Frozen chopped spinach 
Kar roasted red bell peppers 
Shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
Crumbled feta cheese 

Comment recipe and I will DM this right on over!

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/spinach-artichoke-dip-with-roasted-red-peppers/
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Nov 28

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Comment MP below and we will send this menu plan straight to your inbox.

Want weeknight dinners to feel easier, healthier, and way less stressful? This meal plan that’s sponsored by @hyveecolumbia is simple and doable.

We also include the top 5 sales of the week at Hy-Vee, plus how to stock up and save on each item.
#MealPlan #ThrivingHome #WeeklyMenu #Hy-Vee #FreezerMeals
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/menu-plan-for-the-week-of-december-1/
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Nov 28

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Got a kiddo on your gift list between the ages of 5-10ish?

If this is you, these gift guides will be a HUGE help. I’ve had 3 kids go through so I consider myself somewhat of an expert. 

👉🏽 Comment “gift guides” and I’ll send these straight to your inbox!

Why our gift guides are different:

• We’ve been creating gift guides for 12+ years
• 50k+ people used them last year
• Updated yearly with fresh ideas and current links
• Organized by price range for easy browsing
• Every idea includes an image

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/gift-guide-girls-ages-5-9/
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/gift-guide-boys-ages-5-9/
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Nov 26

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Don’t let Thanksgiving leftovers go to waste! 
Save this recipe or send it to your Thanksgiving host. 

It’s the BEST way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers. Even better, you can assemble the casserole and freeze it for later. 

INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups cooked turkey (diced; sub: rotisserie chicken)
- 1 1/4 cups Leftover Turkey Gravy  (or Cream of Chicken Soup)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups Stuffing 

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat an 8×8-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. Layer the casserole dish evenly with the turkey, gravy or cream of chicken soup, cheese, and finally the prepared stuffing.
3. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until heated through and golden brown on top. Serve hot.
___

❄️ Freezer Instructions ❄️

Freeze For Later: Follow steps 1 and 2. Cover tightly with a few layers of plastic wrap or foil (or an air-tight lid) and freeze.

Prepare From Frozen: Thaw completely. Preheat oven to 350°F. Set the casserole on the counter while the oven preheats and then bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until heated through. Serve hot.
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Nov 25

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This delicious Croissant Breakfast Casserole contains bakery croissants, eggs, ham, fresh herbs, and a delicious blend of cheeses. 

It’s quick and easy to put together, freezer-friendly so you can prep ahead, and is perfect for holidays and family gatherings.

Comment Recipe for the link!

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/croissant-breakfast-casserole/

#croissant #breakfastcasserole #freezermeals #holidaybreakfast #christmasbreakfast
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Nov 24

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No more clutter: gifts preschoolers love and parents appreciate. 

👉🏽 Pssst… Send this to someone who has a preschooler on their shopping list! They will thank you later. 

If you’re shopping for a preschooler (roughly ages 3-5), these are the gifts that actually get played with long after Christmas morning. Think open-ended, durable, imagination-boosting favorites that work for busy little hands and tired parents alike.

🎁Want the full list? Comment “gift guides” and I’ll send it straight to you.

Why our gift guides are different:

• We’ve been creating gift guides for 12+ years
• 50k+ people used them last year
• Updated yearly with fresh ideas and current links
• Organized by price range for easy browsing
• Every idea includes an image

Comment gift guide to have this list for your holiday shopping!

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/gift-guide-girls-ages-3-5/

#preschoolgifts
#giftguide2025
#preschoolmomlife
#holidaygiftideas
#kidsgiftguide
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Nov 21

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Comment MP below and we will send this menu plan straight to your inbox.

Our Thanksgiving week meal plan sponsored by @hyveecolumbia  is here! We’re keeping meals simple, cozy, and family-friendly—saving the big cooking energy for Thursday! Wishing you a week full of good food, gratitude, and time with the people you love.

We also include the top 5 sales of the week at Hy-Vee, plus how to stock up and save on each item.

#MealPlan #ThrivingHome #WeeklyMenu #Hy-Vee #FreezerMeals 
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/menu-plan-for-the-week-of-november-24/
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Nov 20

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Ok people… why did no one tell me about this? Maybe you did and I just ignored your amazing advice for far too long.

This little “time timer” has genuinely helped my kids manage their time so much better. It’s especially great for kids who struggle to conceptualize time (which is… all of them! Haha). 

It’s so simple yet gives them a visual for how much time they have left. Ideas for use:

- Mornings before school
- Timeouts
- Video game limits
- Bedtime countdowns 

Truly endless possibilities. I welcome more ideas below!

If you have kiddos, I highly recommend getting one.

Comment “Send Link” and I will DM you the affiliate link. 

https://amzn.to/3X47pBx
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Nov 18

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Mashed Potatoes with a Delicious Twist: Boursin Cheese!

Recipe below or comment send link if you want me to DM it to you. 

These simple-to-make yet gourmet-tasting Boursin Mashed Potatoes elevate any holiday table or meal. Yukon gold potatoes plus the soft, creamy garlic and herb cheese yield a velvety, moist, decadent side dish.

COMMENT SEND LINK FOR THE RECIPE 

INGREDIENTS

-3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces; about 8 cups)
- 1 cup whole milk (plus more as needed)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into smaller pieces)
- 1 (5-ounce) container Garlic and Fine Herbs Boursin cheese (sub: Alouette Garlic and Herbs Cheese)

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Boil the potatoes: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Cover and bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes. 

2. Drain the potatoes: Drain the potatoes in a colander and return to the pot. Let them sit for a minute or two to allow any excess moisture to evaporate.

3. Mash the potatoes: Add in the milk, unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir everything until the butter is mostly melted. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth (do not overmix or they will become gummy). 

4. Crumble the Boursin cheese over the top and stir until melted and thoroughly incorporated.  Add more milk if the potatoes aren’t moist enough. Taste and add salt, as desired.

Enjoy!

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/gourmet-boursin-mashed-potatoes/
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Nov 18

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The stress-relief tool you didn’t know you needed.

If you or your kids tend to pick, bite nails, or have restless hands, this little picky pad gives that urge a better place to go. 

I originally bought one for a single kiddo… and now all three are obsessed. They keep telling me how satisfying it is.

Each pad keeps their hands busy for hours. Pro Tip: I set out a small cup for the pieces they pull so it all stays contained and mess-free.

Ordering more for their stockings because these have been a total win.

👉🏽 Comment send link and I will DM it to you right now. (Affiliate link)

https://amzn.to/3XF3gUA

#fidgettoys #sensorytoy #anxietyrelief #adhdsupport #adhdtools #stressrelief #sensorytools  #momfinds #anxietytools #sensorykids #calmingtools #stockingstuffers
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Nov 17

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Listen. Not everyone loves pumpkin pie. Myself included. The good news is, we have a solution for your table! 

Pumpkin Dump Cake is the perfect swap that will still scream pumpkin dessert but is a hit with all ages, pumpkin pie haters included. 

Want to try it out?

Comment recipe and I’ll DM it to you. 

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/pumpkin-dump-cake/
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Nov 16

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Why This Is My Favorite Soup
--Rachel

⭐️It’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep! I always double it and freeze the extras for lunches.
⭐The creamy broth gets its complex flavor from a powerhouse ingredient–garlic and fine herbs Boursin cheese, which you can easily find in most grocery stores.
⭐️It’s gluten-free and filled with veggies and lean protein, yet so comforting and decadent tasting. Be sure to serve with your favorite crusty bread!

Scroll through the photos to see how it comes together. Comment SOUP and we'll send you the link:
https://thrivinghomeblog.com/boursin-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup-gluten-free/
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Nov 13

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Day 5 of 5 Cozy Fall Night Recipes // Boursin Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This comforting Boursin Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is simple to make, filled with wholesome ingredients, gluten-free, and packed with complex flavors and texture. 

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or to serve company.

To save time, I ordered my groceries online from Hy-Vee. 

Since Hy-Vee has higher quality ingredients, I’m hardly ever disappointed with what my shopper delivers. 

Comment SEND LINK and I will get this recipe right over to your inbox!

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/boursin-chicken-and-wild-rice-soup-gluten-free/
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Nov 12

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Day 4 of 5 Cozy Fall Night Recipes // Italian Chicken Thighs

Over 100,000 people have made this recipe in the past few years — and it’s easy to see why. It’s super simple, freezer-friendly, flavorful, and downright delicious.

It’s even one of my 14-year-old’s favorite Thriving Home dinners!

Here’s all you need:

👉🏽 Garlic powder
👉🏽 Onion powder
👉🏽 Salt & pepper
👉🏽 Italian seasoning
👉🏽 Poultry seasoning
👉🏽 Paprika

That’s it! I keep these stocked in my pantry year-round — all Hy-Vee store brand (budget-friendly and just as good as name brand!).

Want the recipe?

Comment RECIPE and I’ll DM it to you right now. 

https://thrivinghomeblog.com/italian-baked-chicken-thighs/
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