Menu Planning with a Crafty Twist

With the change of every season I tell myself I'm going to eat healthier, more veggies and protein, fewer carbs and less junk.  Sometimes it lasts, sometimes it doesn't.  I've found that I have the most success when I plan ahead, making a grocery list and planning meals for the week.  Let's face it, most people struggle with organization and time.  There is never enough time to do what we need to, let alone get organized.  This year I am determined!

So after scouring Pinterest and talking to my sister about a craft to work on with mom, we came up with menu boards.  For under $10 I made myself get organized.  My menu board was made with a $5 frame from Christmas Tree Shop and some card stock that I had in my craft closet.  My sister used a frame, burlap and some craft paper.

Here's mine:

I think it came out pretty neat!

Now I can sit down on Saturday, plan my meals for the week and make a grocery list.  Healthier eating, better organization and responsible spending one week at a time.

Crockpot Cooking- Sausage and Peppers

My Crockpot is easily my favorite kitchen gadget.  I use it all year long and even have a Pinterest board exclusively dedicated to it.  I've used it for everything from appetizers, main dishes, sides, desserts and even for baking bread.  (My mind was blown and it is now my favorite bread to make!)  Here is my recipe for super simple Sausage and Peppers in the Crockpot.

6 Italian Sausage links (Sweet or hot)

1 large green pepper, sliced

1 large red pepper, sliced

1 large onion, sliced

1 tablespoon of jarred garlic or 2 cloves minced

2-14.5oz cans of tomatoes (I used one each of stewed and diced tomatoes)

olive oil

1. Place cans of tomatoes in Crockpot. Add garlic and sausage.  

2. Cook on high for 5-6 hours.

3. In a frying pan, heat oil and cook onions.  Add peppers and cook through.  Add to pot.  (This can be done early in cooking time or later, but I suggest letting them cook in the tomatoes for at least an hour.)

4. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions:  Slice sausage and stir in pasta or serve with hard rolls.  Tastes great with a little Parmesan cheese on top.

When I made it for myself I used 5 links and had 4 meals out of it.  You could easily add more sausage for a larger crowd.  Double the peppers and onions for anything more than 10 sausage.

Here is one of my meals!  Enjoy!