Father's Day... On A Budget!

Hi there!  We're so glad you stopped by!

I really hope my husband will be okay with this post!  Not only because I am going to spill how little was spent on his father's day present, but also because I am going to share some private information. I am only doing so in hopes it could maybe help another family that is in the same boat we are in.

A few months ago we had our 4th child.  The week I was due, my husband was a casualty of a mass layoff at a company he has worked at for many years.  We have really had to penny pinch.  (Things are looking up, though!) He starts a new job with a FANTASTIC company next week!!  But, Father's Day is this weekend.  Obviously before paychecks start rolling in.

My creativity was lacking when I tried coming up with things the kids could make him this year.  Everything I thought of was something we have done in previous years.  I am entertaining the thought of homeschooling this fall, so the kids and I went to Dollar Tree today to get school material for a "trial run" of homeschooling.  While we were there, it clicked!  My husband loves to grill, and they had some pretty decent inventory for a gift basket.

The contents (including the basket) was $13.

I got 12 BBQ items, and the basket.

* Metal Spatula
* Foil Sheets (these are amazing, I will never buy the rolls again)
* Burger Baskets
* Corn Picks
* Metal Skewers for Kabobs
* Tong Flipper
* Grilling Fork
* Oven Mitt
* Matches
* Paper plates/Napkins
* BBQ Themed Dish Towel

They also had silicone brushes, ketchup and mustard bottles, burger press, grill cleaner, Metal Grilling Trays, etc.  To add to this gift (and for more than a dollar, but still budget friendly), I am going to add BBQ sauces, seasonings, charcoal, and a grilling plate that the kids will paint and customize themselves.  You can even get Dad a few steaks and beers to complete the gift!

I am NOT gifted when it comes to arranging things to make them look more appealing.  You have probably also noticed that my photography skills are seriously lacking.  But you get the idea :) The Dollar Tree I went to had very little in stock for plastic bins and baskets, so I am sure there are bigger and more sturdy choices at your local dollar stores.

If you are on a budget for Father's Day this year, I hope we have helped give you a few ideas!

- Tiffany

Turkey Sausage with Vegetables

Hi there!  We're so glad you stopped by!

I recently agreed to participate in a weight loss challenge.  I am not going to do any crazy diets, but I am certainly going to try to control my sugar and carb intake a little better.  Because of this, I have had to do an overhaul of our usual dinner night staples.  Trying to prepare something that is healthy, but also something 4 kids will eat has been quite the experiment around here!  But this meal I have been preparing has been a hit at our house!  Turkey Sausage with Veggies!

I am not going to pretend I know anything about dieting, calorie counting, and the science behind this meal (or any of the meals I will be posting in the future).  But I do know that turkey is a lean meat, and sweet potatoes, broccoli, and zucchini are acceptable when trying to lose weight.  That's the best expert advice I can give when it comes to these ingredients!  Now, I did serve this with rice for my kids because they are addicted to white rice. I usually need to make it as a side for all of our meals.  But for my plate I skipped the rice and just ate the turkey sausage and the vegetables.

Keep in mind, I have a family of 6, so I double this recipe.  But I am going to give you the breakdown for 2-4 people.  (Also, you can double this if you plan to meal prep, it will give you meals for the whole week).

INGREDIENTS

1 Turkey Sausage Rope

2 Sweet Potatoes, peeled and cut in 1 inch pieces

1 zucchini, cut down the middle and sliced

2 C. Fresh Broccoli

Olive Oil

Garlic and Herb seasoning

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375

2. Lay veggies on a cookie sheet, sprinkle with olive oil, garlic and herb seasoning, and mix

3. Bake the veggies for 15 minutes

4. While the veggies are baking, slice up your rope sausage, drizzle a skillet with olive oil, add the sausage, and season with the garlic and herb seasoning

5. Remove your veggies from the oven after 15 minutes, mix again, and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes. 

6. Cook your sausage on medium to low heat so the veggies and sausage are finished around the same time.  

Like I said, this can be eaten as is, served with rice, or cauliflower rice.  You can also add red onions, peppers, or any other vegetables you prefer. 

Enjoy!

- Tiffany