Every time I make this Sausage and Potatoes meal, people ask me for the recipe. And every time, I just say that I wing it… because I do! But I figured it was high time I actually sat down and typed up at least the basics of how I make it to give you something to go off of! 🙂
Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies are the best!
This recipe is so versatile, comforting, filling, and easy. Plus, I often find the ingredients on great sales or markdowns (which is why we make it so often!) so it’s very frugal, too.
You can make this in the slow cooker or as a sheetpan dinner. The slow cooker is great if you want to make it earlier in the day and then have dinner done. Making it on a sheet pan gives it a more flavorful, roasted flavor.
Sausage and Potatoes Recipe Ingredients
I make it a little differently every time, based on what we have on hand.
Here are the ingredients I use:
- Sausage: I always use some type of rope sausage or kielbasa. We like smoked sausage best as I love how it flavors everything. I just slice it.
- Potatoes: I always use either potatoes or sweet potatoes or both. I peel and chop them into pieces.
- Veggies: Depending upon what I have on hand, I’ll use a combination of peppers (we especially love red/orange/yellow), onions, and/or carrots.
- Broth, water, or oil: I add a little chicken broth, beef broth, or water if I cook in the slow cooker or drizzle with olive oil if I’m roasting it on a sheet pan in the oven.
- Seasonings: You can add herbs or seasonings if you’d like. But I find that the sausage will flavor it enough if you don’t.
How to Make Sausage and Potatoes on a Sheet Pan
I slice the sausage, chop the veggies, and then either lay it out on a sheet pan and drizzle it with oil or put it in a slow cooker and pour about a cup of broth or water over.
If I’m cooking in the slow cooker, I’ll cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. (If I make a large batch, I’ll add extra cooking time.)
If roasting in the oven, bake at 350º for an hour. Stir a few times while baking to fully roast everything.
Tips for making Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
Make sure you have enough time to chop everything up. It doesn’t take long, but it’s the most time-consuming part of the recipe.
Please feel free to mix up the ingredients based on your family’s taste preferences and what you already have in the house. There is no “one right way” to make this meal!
Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes Recipe Variations
There are an unlimited number of ways you can mix up this easy recipe…
- Change up the type of sausage you use
- Use different types of potatoes or even butternut squash
- Use a variety of seasonal veggies
- Experiment with different seasonings.
What to serve with Smoked Sausage and Potatoes
Fruit or applesauce are always good side dishes, as well as fresh bread and or a lettuce salad.
And don’t forget possible dipping sauces like Ketchup — or whatever your family likes!
How to store leftover Sheet Pan Veggies and Sausage
We rarely end up with leftovers, but if you don’t, just put them in a food storage container in the fridge for up to a week. You can reheat it in the microwave, in a toaster oven, or in a cast iron skillet.
Can Sausage and Potatoes be frozen?
The sausage itself can easily be frozen, however, the potatoes and veggies will not have the same consistency when frozen. They will probably be quite mushy and soggy. This is not a meal I recommend putting in the freezer.
Sausage and Potatoes Recipe FAQs
Yes, but they likely won’t get as crunchy or taste as fresh.
We like almost any type of smoked sausage or kielbasa sausage. Whatever you use, you’ll want to make sure it’s pre-cooked (or smoked) and in some type of casing so it doesn’t just crumble all over your sheetpan.
Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 pkg kielbasa rope sausage sliced
- 3 lbs potatoes chopped
- 1 lbs veggies chopped
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp herbs / seasonings optional
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup water or broth if cooking in the slow cooker
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- Peel and chop sausage, potatoes, and veggies.
- Dump everything into a large bowl and toss with oil, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
- Pour mixture onto a large rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, or until veggies are tender.
- If cooking in the slow cooker, add 1/2 – 1 cup of broth or water and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Love this recipe?
Make sure to share and save it on your favorite platform below!
And that’s it! Let me know if you make it and if you try any new variations on this staple recipe!
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Done-For-You Dinner Recipes With Simple Ingredients and a Grocery Shopping List!
This Week’s $65 Kroger Grocery Shopping Trip
We had one of our standby meals this past week — potatoes, sausage, carrots, and onions in the crockpot.
I made up a recipe for one dinner — I made a white sauce and added cooked chicken and broccoli and we served it over noodles.
A peek into a few lunches for Kierstyn and Baby D.
Jesse and I have been testing out the Eat to Evolve Meals for lunches this past week since they wanted to offer a deal to my Instagram followers and wanted me to give my honest review on them. (Spoiler alert: we were super impressed!)
Guess what we used these marked down items to make?
French toast!
Kroger didn’t have that many great stock-up deals this past week when I went shopping on Saturday, but I still found some pretty good deals to purchase.
I’m hopeful there will be more stock-up deals next week (and am grateful there were lots of great deals the past few weeks to tide us over on weeks like this that are slimmer pickings!)
I spent $65 on all the groceries shown.
Why Your Prayers May Not Be Answered
I recently shared a little bit about prayer on Instagram in answer to a woman’s question about praying to change her husband. I got so many responses from what I shared and many followup questions, that I wanted to focus this podcast episode on that topic.
First off, I think we often have a false sense of what prayer is. It’s not about bringing our laundry list of things we want changed and fixed to God; it’s about a relationship with Him. It’s about releasing our desire to control and micromanage life and give it to our Heavenly Father and entrusting our struggles and stresses to Him.
Ultimately, prayer isn’t about changing and fixing other people or situations; it’s about changing us. I love this quote by Mark Batterson (above) that I recently read in his book, Win The Day.
In this week’s podcast episode, we dive more into what prayer is, what it looks like, and why your prayers might not be getting answered (or maybe they are, but you just don’t realize it!).
In addition, Jesse and I update you on his anniversary gift that finally arrived, I share two things that are saving my life, we talk about caffeine and teens, and I share about a book I recently finished reading with Kierstyn.
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In This Episode
[00:34] – Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.
[00:48] – Jesse and I talk about decaf coffee and caffeine… and teens!
[02:34] – I introduce today’s topic: prayer.
[03:03] – The thing that everyone is asking about: did Jesse get his anniversary gift?
[04:05] – I share how peanut butter and jelly is saving my life.
[06:57] – We’re loving the Water Wow books by Melissa and Doug!
[08:31] – I have a book update for the young kids.
[10:54] – This week’s podcast sponsor: Twigby!
[12:48] – Let’s talk about prayer and what inspired this topic.
[13:38] – I don’t believe the purpose of prayer is about changing our circumstances or changing people in our life.
[14:44] – We think of answered prayer as in “we got the thing that we wanted, we got the outcome that we wanted”. But “no” or “wait”, is also an answer.
[15:29] – I read a quote from the book Win the Day by Mark Batterson.
[18:31] – I have really been convicted about how I pray for other people.
[20:00] – Sometimes God doesn’t answer the prayer in the way we want Him to because He has plans for us years and years down the road.
[21:10] – Why are we praying what we’re praying? So often when I pray now, I am not praying for an end result. I am praying for right here and now.
[23:58] – Prayer is one side of a two-sided conversation. View it as a conversation and this can change the way you approach it.
Links & Resources
- Books
- Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones
- Win The Day by Mark Batterson
- Special Mentions
- Pun Intended Too!
- Water Wow books by Melissa and Doug
- Other Links
- Love-Centered Parenting
- 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
- Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
- MoneySavingMom.com
- My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
- Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com
Sponsor Spotlight: Twigby
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Brigette’s $72 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6
Brigette’s $72 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6
My older sister, Brigette, shares her shopping trips and menu plans every week! You can go HERE to see all of her weekly menu plans and you can go HERE to read all about her family!
Aldi
3 Butternut Squash, reduced to $0.25/lb – $2.28 (Great price, so I’ll bake, puree, and freeze most of it)
1 Celery – $1.29
2 bags frozen Mixed Vegetables – $1.14
2 bags frozen Green Beans – $1.52
2 bags fresh French Green Beans – $5.78
1 bag Spinach – $1.29
1 3-ct bag Multi-Colored Peppers – $2.99
3 cartons Strawberries – $5.67
1 carton Grapes Tomatoes – $1.19
1 bag Red Grapes ($1.69/lb) – $3.28
2 Cucumbers – $0.50
1 pkg Romaine Hearts – $1.99
2 cans Green Beans – $0.98
2 3-lb bag Pink Lady Apples – $5.98
2 boxes Macaroni and Cheese – $0.68
3 dozen Eggs – $4.26
1/2 gallon Unsweetened Almond Milk – $1.49
1 gallon Whole Milk – $1.69
1 gallon Orange Juice – $3.15
1 32-oz carton Green Yogurt – $3.25
2 16-oz bags Shredded Cheddar Cheese – $5.18
12 single-serving cartons Greek Yogurt – $7.08
1 pkg Hot Dogs – $2.99
1 5-lb bag Corn Masa – $2.15
1 bag Chocolate Chips – $1.29
1 bag Corn Chips – $1.49
2 loaves Sandwich Bread – $1.32
1 pkg Hot Dog Buns – $0.59
Grocery Total for the Week: $72.49
Weekly Menu Plan
Breakfasts
Cereal, Oatmeal, Toast, Eggs, Fruit, Yogurt, Smoothies, Omelets
Lunches
PB and J Sandwiches, Cucumbers, Apples x 2
Macaroni and Cheese, Grapes, Peppers
Leftovers x 4
Dinners
Smoked Turkey (from last week’s shopping trip), Mashed Potatoes, Butterhorns, Green Beans
Venison Roast in the Crockpot, Mixed Veggies, Biscuits, Roasted Butternut Squash
Cheese Pizza, Breadsticks, Tossed Salad
Ham and Cheese Quiche, Green Beans, French Breakfast Puffs
Taco Salad (Chopped Romaine, Tomatoes, Shredded Cheese, Plain Greek Yogurt, Salsa, Corn Chips, Seasoned Ground Venison), Mexican Rice
Hot Dogs, Baked French Fries, Green Beans
Dinner with Friends (I’m bringing World’s Best Honey Cornbread and Chocolate Chip Cookies)
A Peek Into Last Week (+ my 10 goals for this week!)
Jesse bought me some doughnuts last week (one of my current pregnancy cravings!)… and someone else was very excited about them. 😉
We started working on learning how to color in the lines.
She’s also been loving these Water Wow books.
One of my goals for 2022 is to complete one craft project every month. I did an Annie’s Creative Girls’ Club Kit for this month.
Yes, this is a super basic sort of craft, but it was my first time to make something like this and I was really happy with how it turned out!
I posted this on Instagram this morning:
“How do you get over your insecurities and feel like you have anything to offer or share with the world?” The question came into my inbox this morning and I resonated with it so much.
I struggled a lot academically growing up. I could barely, barely pass high school math. I never took the ACT test in high school because I was sure I would bomb it so badly. I never went to college.
In addition to that, I had social anxiety. My worst fear was public speaking and being rejected by others. I avoided anything that might make me the center of attention.
And yet, here I am… teaching hundreds of thousands of people grocery math and showing up on video and writing posts that are seen/watched/read by millions of people (collectively). And yes, experiencing plenty of rejection and criticism in the process. Basically, I’m facing my worst childhood fears every single day.
Why and how? Because God.
There is no other legitimate explanation for it.
He doesn’t look at whether you did well or struggled in school to decide if He can use you. He just needs you to show up… and He can show off.
He doesn’t determine your worth or your usefulness based upon whether you graduated from college with honors or whether you never filled out a college entrance application. He just needs you to be willing… and He can use you to do great things for the Kingdom of God.
He can use you, in spite of your insecurities, social anxieties, and fear of rejection. He can use you — even if you feel like you don’t have much (or anything!) to offer.
Because He’s not looking for greatness; He’s looking for willingness and faithfulness.
I’m a living testament to the fact that God is in the business of doing great things through the most unlikely people.
So acknowledge your fears & insecurities, release them to God, and then step out and say, “yes, Lord! I want to be willing to be used. I’m scared. I don’t feel like I have anything to offer. But I want to be willing.”
Then, keep looking to Him, keep showing up faithfully wherever He has called you to be, & keep handing over your fears and insecurities to Him & asking Him to use you.
All He needs is willingness… He can do the rest!
He’s starting to learn how to stand up!!!
He’s even working on doing it one-handed!
I bought Kierstyn this Sensory Bin on Amazon and it has provided hours of fun for her. (You could totally make your own, too, but I thought this was a pretty good deal to have it all made for you!)
My 8 Goals for Last Week
My big goal for last week was to finish my manuscript and turn it into my publisher. I’m thrilled to say that I was able to accomplish this goal!! I will now wait for the first round of edits from my publisher before I start working on the book again. It’s got a lot of work left and multiple rounds of edits, but I’m so excited to be to this place!
Personal Goals
Delete 1000 photos and videos from my phone.Do one extra house-cleaning project every day(follow along on Instagram for details!)Do a craft project.
Reading Goals
- Finish reading Unoffendable and The Woman They Could Not Silence.
Family Goals
Watch the Olympics & Super Bowl together as a family.
Business/Blogging Goals
Write a post on surviving & thriving with two littles.
Book Goals
Read through each chapter of the book.Work on final edits before turning book in to my publisher.
My 10 Goals for This Week
Personal Goals
- Delete 1000 photos and videos from my phone.
- Do one extra house-cleaning project every day (follow along on Instagram for details!)
- Do a craft project.
Reading Goals
- Finish reading Unoffendable and The Woman They Could Not Silence.
- Finish listening to The Four Winds.
Family Goals
- Watch the Olympics together as a family.
- Go on a date with Jesse.
Business/Blogging Goals
- Write a post sharing a recipe for Sheetpan Dinner.
- Make two reels.
- Write devotional for Proverbs31.org.
This Week’s $72 Grocery Shopping Trip (+ what we ate!)
I used the eggs I got on sale last week, plus cheese on sale this week, and sausage (on sale — in the freezer) to make Frittata.
I froze the pizza dough I had gotten marked down and pulled it out and used a little extra leftover spaghetti sauce I had saved from making spaghetti recently + the cheese on sale to make cheese pizza.
I had gotten potatoes on sale, sweet potatoes marked down, plus had some carrots and sausage so I made a sheetpan dinner — I just drizzled with olive oil and baked!
I’ve been loving the marked down bagged salads I’ve been finding to use for lunches.
I used the chicken I got on sale recently + $1 frozen green beans + the marked down Stovetop Stuffing mix I got last week to make Chicken Stuffing Casserole (I made my own cream soup).
A follower sent me a recipe for these Apple Banana Oat Muffins.
While the recipe didn’t make that much, Kierstyn enjoyed them and I loved that it was such a versatile recipe.
I was under budget last week, so I had a few extra dollars to spend on groceries this week — and I was excited to find some great deals including Happy Baby products marked down, Beef Broth marked down to $0.25/can, peanut butter for $0.99/jar, Annie’s mac & cheese marked down, more cheese on sale, oats marked down, salad marked down, eggs marked down, plus more!
The Sunbelt bars are $1.49/box when you buy 5 or more participating items. We really love these so I grabbed up three more boxes.
And I was excited that avocados were on sale for $0.47 each with the digital coupon!
Also, butter is on sale for $1.97 with the digital coupon. You can get up to five pounds, but I just got 3 pounds because I already had three pounds on hand. And cheese is still on sale for $4.99 per 32 ounces!
Lunch for the littles — We’ve been slowly working on more oral eating with Baby D as part of his feeding therapist’s and nutritionist’s tube weaning plan for him. We’re so encouraged because many meals he’s been eating at least 5-7 bites and actually swallowing most of them!
A Different Perspective on Foster Care
I first found Jamie Finn’s instagram when we were beginning our foster care journey. As I started watching her stories and reading her posts, God used her words to really change my heart and perspective on foster care.
When we started fostering, I was focused on helping kids and I honestly had a critical attitude toward birth parents. But Jamie’s words convicted me that I needed a heart change. A Gospel-centered approach to fostering wasn’t about rescuing children but about walking alongside families with the ultimate goal of restoration.
It was such an honor to get to meet Jamie in person recently and record a podcast interview with her. In this episode, Jamie shares a different perspective on foster care then you often hear — one that is focused on families, not just children.
She also shares very practical encouragement for stepping out and saying yes — to anything in your life that might scare you. She shares the lessons she’s learned and how God has changed her heart over the years. Plus, she gives fantastic advice for those who feel like they can’t foster but they want to be involved in some way.
Whether you are a longtime foster family, someone just considering fostering, or someone who has no interest in fostering at all, I think this episode will encourage you in surprising ways. Listen to it below…
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In This Episode
[00:34] – Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show. I am honored to have Jamie Finn in the studio today.
[02:37] – A little introduction for Jamie.
[04:13] – “I really appreciate that you don’t sugarcoat things. You share the beautiful and the brutal.”
[05:35] – Do you feel like you have had a shift in your viewpoint of what foster care is?
[07:54] – I hear from many people, “We’re interested in foster care but we’re afraid of how it will affect our family.” Have you ever had those feelings?
[09:39] – How do you respond when someone say, “I could never do this, but that’s amazing what you’re doing”?
[12:08] – How do you even know when to take that first step?
[14:28] – What can we practically do? Where do we start?
[19:47] – Could you talk about just some of the really hard things that you have walked through?
[22:56] – If you could go back 8+ years as a brand new foster parent and talk to that woman, what would you say to her?
[25:41] – What is foster care from a Gospel-centered perspective?
[26:41] – I share what I love and recommend from Jamie Finn’s new book, Foster the Family.
[28:56] – What do you say to that person who feels like, “Is God still good, even when this feels so hard”?
Links & Resources
- Foster the Family Blog
- Foster the Family on Instagram
- Foster the Family on Facebook
- Books
- Foster the Family by Jamie Finn
- Other Links
- Love-Centered Parenting
- 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
- Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
- MoneySavingMom.com
- My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
- Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com
Brigette’s $98 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6
Brigette’s $98 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6
My older sister, Brigette, shares her shopping trips and menu plans every week! You can go HERE to see all of her weekly menu plans and you can go HERE to read all about her family!
Aldi
Back to Aldi this week – and they were MUCH better stocked! I’m so happy. I’ve missed Aldi.
1 gallon 2% Milk – $1.99
1 gallon Whole Milk – $1.99
1 32-oz carton Half and Half – $1.39
1/2 gallon Unsweetened Almond Milk – $1.65
2 pkgs Romaine Hearts – $3.98
1 pkg Zucchini – $2.00
2 Avocados – $1.38
1 pkg Celery – $0.99
1 large carton Organic Spring Mix – $3.49
4 cans Green Beans – $1.86
2 large cans Crushed Tomatoes – $2.74
4 pkgs frozen Broccoli Florets – $3.56
1 bag Mini Sweet Peppers, reduced – $1.79
1 Seedless Cucumber – $1.39
1 bunch Bananas – $0.81
1 large canister Quick Oats – $2.19
2 large pkgs Artisan Flatbread, reduced – $2.98
1 Garlic Bread, reduced – $0.55
2 bags Rice Cakes – $4.52
1 loaf Sandwich Bread – $0.50
1 pkg Flour Tortillas – $0.99
3 dozen Eggs – $3.45
1 32-oz carton Egg Whites – $2.95
2 jars Pasta Sauce – $1.74
2 large cans Pinto Beans – $2.53
1 can Black Beans – $0.48
1 jar Organic Peanut Butter – $3.45
1 32-oz box Spaghetti Noodles – $1.12
1 box Animal Crackers – $1.59
1 bag Tortilla Chips – $0.99
1 bag Pretzels – $0.82
1 pkg Hot Dog Buns – $0.58
1 pkg Taco Seasoning – $0.38
1 can Baking Cocoa – $1.49
1 32-oz carton Greek Yogurt – $3.15
5 single-serving cartons Greek Yogurt – $2.90
1 8-oz pkg Sliced Cheese – $1.29
2 16-oz bags Shredded Cheese – $5.18
1 family-size box Cinnamon Crunch Squares – $1.99
1 box Crisp Rice – $1.39
1 box Crunchy Granola Raisin Bran – $2.19
1 box Baking Soda – $0.60
2 pkgs fresh Chicken Drumsticks, reduced (about 8lbs) – $5.52
1 bag frozen boneless Chicken Breasts – $4.99
1 pkg Pepperoni – $1.99
1 16-pkg Deli Meat – $2.49
Also pictured: Honey Baked Ham Boneless 3+lb Ham, and Smoked Turkey (frozen) – these were free with a gift card we received at Christmas. The Honey Baked Ham store is right next to Aldi, so I finally remembered to stop in this week after my Aldi trip.
Grocery Total for the Week: $98.16
Weekly Menu Plan
Breakfasts
Toast, Cereal, Oatmeal, Fruit, Yogurt, Fried/Scrambled/Boiled Eggs, Veggie Omelets
Lunches
Deli Meat/Cheese Sandwiches, Ants on a Log, Bananas x 2
Pretzels with Peanut Butter, Strawberries, Peppers
Leftovers x 4
Dinners
Chili, Cornbread
Ham, Garlic Bread, Broccoli, Tossed Salad
Spaghetti, Toasted Buttered Hot Dog Buns, Tossed Salad
Baked Chicken Drumsticks, Creamy Milk Rice, Tossed Salad
Pepperoni Pizza on Nann Bread Crust, Green Beans
Build-Your-Own-Soft Tacos (Seasoned Ground Venison, Shredded Lettuce, Shredded Cheese, Chips, Salsa, Avocados, Chopped Onions, Cooked Rice, Tortillas, Plain Greek Yogurt), Broccoli
Grilled Chicken, Tossed Salad, Homemade Biscuits, Grilled Zucchini
Q&A: Any tips for surviving having two littles?
“Any tips for surviving having two littles? I have a 2 1/2 year-old and a 5-month-old and I’m struggling to keep on top of everything.” -A follower
1. Start Your Day with Jesus.
Even if it means listening to the Bible on audio while you push your kids in the stroller, begin your day relying upon the Lord and filling yourself up with His word. You can’t do this on your own; lean on Him.
I usually read a little bit of my current She Reads Truth study and write in my gratitude journal in the mornings either before the little ones get up or while they play nearby in the mornings. And then I pray over my day while walking on the treadmill (Kierstyn and Baby D play nearby while I do this or sometimes Jesse will have one of them out on errands with him or upstairs with him).
2. Create a Simple Routine.
Plan a few things to do in the same order every morning, after lunch, and in the evenings. This makes a world of difference in how my days run. Without a simple plan, I just run around putting out fires.
This could just look something like:
- Wake up
- Get Dressed
- Have Breakfast
- Quick Clean Up/Laundry
- Figure Out Dinner
- Go Out on a Walk
- Lunch Time
- Read Aloud
- Nap Time/Quiet Time
- Play Outside
- Toddler Watch a Show (Make Dinner)
- Quick Clean Up/Laundry
- Dinner Time
- Bath Time
- Bed Time
3. Simplify Wherever You Can.
How can you make things easier? What can you simplify and cut back on in this season of life?
Maybe you use paper plates, or stick with quick meals that use some pre-made ingredients, or use your crock pot or Instant Pot, or double any cooking you do to stick in the freezer.
4. Get Out of the House.
Even if it’s just to go on a walk or to the library, get out of the house. A change of scenery can do wonders for your sanity.
We will sometimes go out for a drive (not to go anywhere, though you could go through a drive-thru for a little treat!), just to change things up — especially if the little ones are being fussy.
I also love to meet a friend at the park to talk and walk our little ones in the strollers or to let them play at the park (a fenced in park is the best option!)
5. Have Daily Quiet Time.
Have an afternoon nap time/quiet time every day. This is time for you to put your feet up, eat some chocolate (or a healthy snack!), and do something to refresh your spirit.
If your 2 1/2 year old is no longer taking a nap, you could put together some tubs with special things to play with that your toddler only gets to play with during quiet time. Start with 10 minutes and gradually work up to 20 and then 30 and maybe all the way up to an hour.
When our older three were little, we had quiet time for quite a few years — even as the kids got older. I think it’s good for all of us to have a little quiet!
What advice and practical tips would you have for this mom who is struggling? Share in the comments!
A Peek Into Last Week (+ my 8 goals for this week)
He’s been doing so well in therapy and is starting to learn how to pull up, climb, and stand!
She loves vacuuming… or trying to!
I love watching them all hang out together in the mornings before school and in the afternoons and evenings after they get home from school!
I never knew I would celebrate him making messes so much… but watching him learn how to have the skills to get into things and the curiosity to want to get into things is so exciting! (I share a little more in this video and caption here.)
She’s loving learning so much right now!!
She gets SO excited about colors and letters and numbers and counting… we’re trying to capitalize on her interest and enthusiasm!
I’m over 20 weeks now — I can’t believe we’re halfway, baby! And the belly is starting to pop a little!
I haven’t been doing weekly pregnancy updates like I did last time around, but I plan to occasional post updates for those who have asked. This week had a lot of ups and downs when it comes to pregnancy-related things…
I started spotting last Monday and it got worse over the next few days so my OB wanted me to come in for an ultrasound. All looks great with baby but they did discover that my placenta was bleeding in a small section, so I’m supposed to take it easy for the next two weeks or so (no exercise, no lifting over 20 lbs., etc.) They think it will clear up within the next week or so but they gave me specific things to look for and strict instructions to call immediately if anything gets worse, I start cramping, etc.
In addition, my hemoglobin has dipped a little more (we did labs again this week since I have a history of anemia), so I’m adding Blood Builder pills to my daily regimen of Slow-FE + orange juice. I definitely have felt more tired this week, so I’m hoping this will help.
In happier news, we got to do the anatomy scan this week when I went in for the unexpected ultrasound! It was scheduled for this coming week, so it was fun to get that done — and everything looked great! We confirmed the gender (we had gotten the chromosomal blood test at 12 weeks) and baby is around 10 ounces and very, very active!
I’m feeling so well overall. Tired, yes. Nauseous some, yes. But I feel like this has by far been my easiest pregnancy — and the time is passing by so quickly! I’m so grateful for the gift of getting to carry this life — something I didn’t expect would be happening again!
I’m at the ravenously hungry much of the time stage, but am being careful with what I eat to help prevent heartburn as much as possible. My biggest cravings right now are sourdough bread toasted with butter, meat, cheese, and staying hydrated. I’m also happy that I’m able to enjoy salads again and am not really craving fast foods but mostly healthier foods (although I woke up multiple mornings recently wanting fresh doughnuts! )
An Update on Last Week’s Goals
Personal Goals
Delete 1000 photos and videos from my phone.Do one extra house-cleaning project every day(follow along on Instagram for details!)
Reading Goals
- Finish reading Win the Day and The Woman They Could Not Silence.
Finish reading The Jesus Storybook Bible with Kierstyn.
Family Goals
- Have a family game night.
Watch a movie with Jesse.
Business/Blogging Goals
Write post with an update on my yearly goals.Choose and post books for February.
Book Goals
Finish the Step-by-Step implementation plan for the end of the book.Work on final edits before turning book in to my publisher.
My 8 Goals for This Week
My big goal for this week is to do the final edits to my book manuscript because it’s due to my publisher on February 15. I’m keeping my goals simple with this in mind. Plus, we’re spending a lot of time watching the Winter Olympics (especially ice-skating!) together as a family right now!
Personal Goals
- Delete 1000 photos and videos from my phone.
- Do one extra house-cleaning project every day (follow along on Instagram for details!)
- Do a craft project.
Reading Goals
- Finish reading Unoffendable and The Woman They Could Not Silence.
Family Goals
- Watch the Olympics & Super Bowl together as a family.
Business/Blogging Goals
- Write a post on surviving & thriving with two littles.
Book Goals
- Read through each chapter of the book.
- Work on final edits before turning book in to my publisher.
OVER-SPENDING EVERY SINGLE MONTH?Grab these FREE Budgeting Sheets!
Click here to download!
This Week’s $65 Grocery Shopping Trip + my Amazon order
Silas helped me make a batch of Chicken Tetrazinni.
Kierstyn is learning the joy of licking the batter off the spoon!
We served pumpkin muffins on the side. (I used this recipe and just baked in muffin tins for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees.)
I’ve been eating my usual salads and toast every day for lunch.
We used some of the chicken that was on sale last week to make Barbecue Chicken.
With mashed potatoes on the side.
Of course we did Breakfast for Dinner one night, too! This week, I used some of the marked down pumpkin to make Pumpkin Waffles.
The potato deal wasn’t as good as some of the deals recently, but we were almost out of potatoes so I was excited for another deal at Kroger this week.
And this wasn’t the best deal on sausage, but it was pretty good so I picked up three packages to put in the freezer.
I was excited that there was another barbecue sauce deal — especially since I had just used the last bottle from the last sale!
Here’s what we got for $65 at Kroger. The Stovetop stuffing was marked down to $0.25/box, so I stocked up. We love to use them for Chicken Stuffing Casserole!
I also used some of the extra grocery money from being under budget the last few weeks to buy the Softsoap deal.
I posted this on Instagram — some ideas of how we might use the groceries to put together meals.
How to Respond When Someone is Frustrated
One of the kids woke up really frustrated recently. In all honesty, I wanted to respond back in frustration… because it felt like a really “silly” thing for them to be upset by.
But if I’ve learned anything in over 17 years of mothering, it’s this: responding in frustrating to a child who is frustrated never ends well. Just trust me on this.
So instead, I took a deep breath, leaned on the Holy Spirit, and asked them to share what was wrong.
They had a lot to vent out right then & I purposely just listened. I wanted to try to come up with some quick fixes or solutions, but I could tell that’s not what they needed. They just needed a listening ear that said: “I care. You are valued. What matters to you, matters to me.”
After they had poured out their big feelings, I asked how I could help. There wasn’t much I could do, but I could tell that just that simple question brought some relief to them. It communicated that they weren’t alone. That I was *with* them. That they didn’t have to shoulder this all on their own.
And then I asked them what they could do about it. Instead of me trying to swoop in and fix things, I wanted to let them process through what they were feeling and come up with next steps.
We didn’t tie everything up with a neat bow, but my posture of leaning in and loving and seeking to walk beside de-escalated the situation so that by the time they walked out the door to leave for school, they were feeling much calmer and less stressed.
Mamas: we set the tone for our home. We can’t fix all our kids’ struggles. We can’t solve all our kids’ problems, but we can walk with them. We can communicate to them, “I’m here. I love you. I’m FOR you. And I’m not going anywhere.”
There might need to be some hard conversations or consequences or addressing heart issues in days to come — after a child/teen is in a better headspace — but in the moment when our kids are feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, they just need to know we are there. They don’t need our lectures; they just need our presence.
“What’s wrong?” “How can I help?” These two questions and the willingness to listen well can make a huge difference in our relationship with our kids.
In this week’s episode of The Crystal Paine Show, Jesse and I share more about how to respond when our kids (or anyone in our life!) is frustrated. Plus, I share a crazy travel story from my recent trip, and we talk about books and reading.
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In This Episode
[00:34] – Welcome to another episode of The Crystal Paine Show.
[01:15] – What to do when your child is frustrated.
[02:00] – I have a travel “horror” story to share today.
[04:02] – While I was stuck in Charlotte for four hours, my phone was starting to run out of battery.
[07:46] – Word to the wise: if there is wet carpet in the airport don’t assume that it’s water spilled.
[08:41] – What I recently finished listening to.
[09:57] – A letter from a listener about Jesse’s advice on reading.
[12:05] – Are you making progress over who you were yesterday?
[12:35] – Jesse shares his book update.
[13:49] – How to help a child who is frustrated…
[16:02] – Ever been frustrated at someone for being frustrated (oh! the irony!)
[17:52] – Instead, stepping back and asking for God’s help
[19:13] – Question #1: “What is wrong?”
[21:23] – Question #2: “How can I help you?”
[22:39] – Question #3: “What can you do about it?”
[23:53] – Practice the art of asking questions versus telling someone how they should feel or respond.
Links & Resources
- Books
- The Masterpiece by Francine Rivers
- Other Links
- Love-Centered Parenting
- 10 Days to Be a Happier Mom
- Sign up for the Hot Deals Email List
- MoneySavingMom.com
- My Instagram account (I’d love for you to follow me there! I usually hop on at least a few times per day and share behind-the-scenes photos and videos, my grocery store hauls, funny stories, or just anything I’m pondering or would like your advice or feedback on!)
- Have feedback on the show or suggestions for future episodes or topics? Send me an email: crystal @ moneysavingmom.com
My 2022 Goals: January Update
I spent some time the past few days reviewing my goals for 2022 and was so thrilled with the progress I made in January! Here’s an update on each goal:
Myself
1. Go through 5 She Reads Truth studies for the year. (I’ve been loving going through these studies again this past year, but I realized that it’s better for me to go through much more slowly than what they designate the pace should be. I usually take 2-4 days on each day and that’s worked out well for me so that I’m really soaking the verses and learning from the passages.)
January update: I finished the Old Testament study in January and have started the New Testament book. I hope to have finished it by March or so.
2. Finish at least 4 books a month. (Last year, I set the audacious goal of reading three books per week. I ended up falling very short of that. So this year, I decided to set a much more realistic goal. I hope to exceed this goal by a lot, but we’ll see! And if you missed it, I’m setting monthly goals instead of yearly goals for reading — and I’m really excited about this approach!)
January update: I finished 9 books in January — yay! You can see all my book review posts here. And here’s my list of books I plan to read in February.
3. Complete at least 1 craft per month. (I plan to use some of the craft kits that I’ve gotten from Annie’s Creative Girls’ Club and Annie’s Creative Woman Craft Club. Since so many of you purchased the fantastic deals I posted from them, they signed me up for both subscriptions as a thank you! While crafting is not something I’m really gifted at, I find that it is relaxing for me and something that challenges creative parts of my brain that I don’t use very often!)
January update: I made stacking bracelets in January (see above). I love them and wear them often!
Motherhood
4. Have a monthly date with each of the three older kids. (I’m planning on having the kids help me decide what they’d like to do each month. I love hanging out with my kids and I cherish our time together even more as they get older.)
January update: I watched hours of ice-skating with Kaitlynn when we were both home sick instead of going to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in person like we’d planned. Kathrynne and I went to a movie and Silas and I went out for smoothies.
5. Read 10 chapter books aloud to Kierstyn and Baby D. (I’ve been reading a Bible story from The Jesus Storybook Bible and a chapter from a read-aloud book each afternoon before their naps. While they are little and much of it is over their heads, I love to establish this habit when my kids are tiny so that it becomes an important part of their family culture for the most formative years of their life. Plus, it’s fun for me!)
January update: We almost finished The Jesus Storybook Bible and have read about 40 pages of our current read-aloud. I’m hoping to make better progress on this goal in February!
Marriage
6. Have a monthly date with Jesse. (While we hope to occasionally get an actual date night out, with multiple little kids, we want to be realistic… so we plan to at least do one Date Night in a Box kit at home every month — even if we can’t get out for a real date every month).
January update: Jesse and I went out to a local restaurant for dinner to celebrate our anniversary — thanks to a gift card his parents gave us for my birthday!
MoneySavingMom
7. Finish my next book draft. (The first draft is due to my publisher mid-February. Then, we’ll be going through multiple rounds of edits before it goes to the printers. It’s slated to release in spring 2023!)
January update: I made some great progress on the book draft in January and it’s getting close to being ready to turn into my publisher to start the big editing process!
How are you doing on goals for 2022? Let us know in the comments!
Brigette’s $95 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6
Brigette’s $95 Grocery Shopping Trip and Weekly Menu Plan for 6
My older sister, Brigette, shares her shopping trips and menu plans every week! You can go HERE to see all of her weekly menu plans and you can go HERE to read all about her family!
I went back to Lidl again this week. I’ve decided I definitely prefer Aldi overall, but they continue to have major stocking issues in our area. I might have to resign myself to shopping at both Aldi and Lidl on a weekly basis for the time being. Also, someone gifted us with leftover items from a large event, so I already had some staples on hand this week (like milk and bread).
Lidl
1 bag Long Multi-Colored Peppers – $2.49
1 5-lb bag Russet Potatoes – $1.99
1 pkg Baby Bella Mushrooms – $1.69
1 carton Blueberries – $1.99
2 English Cucumbers – $1.90
1 Cabbage – $1.93
1 Cauliflower – $1.88
1 carton Grape Tomatoes – $1.49
3 bags frozen Broccoli Florets – $2.67
1 large tub Organic Spinach – $4.98
Sweet Potatoes (2.62lbs @ $0.88/lb) – $2.31
Zucchini (1.31lbs @ $1.47/lb) – $1.94
1 pkg Romaine Hearts – $2.39
1 bag Shallots – $3.29
1 bunch Cilantro – $0.78
1 bag Red Onions – $2.19
1 Avocado – $0.99
1 large bag Kale Greens – $2.28
2 gallons Orange Juice – $5.88
1/2 gallon Unsweetened Almond Milk – $1.79
3 dozen Eggs – $3.69
1 5-lb roll Tyson Ground Beef – $15.12
2 16-oz pkgs thick cut Applewood Bacon – $5.00
1 16-oz pkg Deli Meat – $4.42
1 box Yoplait Go-Gurts, reduced – $1.69
10 single-serve cartons Greek Yogurt – $5.90
1 4-oz log Goat Cheese – $1.99
1 2-ct box Instant Oatmeal – $2.49
1 pkg Flour Tortillas – $1.75
1 large pkg Corn Tortillas – $2.69
1 box Cinnamon Crunchies – $1.45
1 box Honey Crunch Oats – $1.09
1 can Black Beans – $0.62
1 pkg Taco Seasoning – $0.78
Grocery Total for the Week: $95.53
Weekly Menu Plan
Breakfasts
Oatmeal, Cereal, Toast, Yogurt, Fruit, Roasted Veggies
Lunches
Baked Sweet Potatoes, Peppers, Fruit, Pretzels and Peanut Butter
Deli Meat Sandwiches, Cucumbers, Fruit x 2
Cheese Quesadillas, Peppers, Blueberries
Leftovers x 3
Dinners
French Toast, Bacon
Venison Roast in the Crock Pot, Steamed Carrots, Baked Potatoes, Green Goddess Salad (I will have to make a couple of substitutions, but something like this recipe)
Build-Your-Own-Soft-Tacos (Seasoned Ground Beef, Shredded Lettuce, Shredded Cheese, Chopped Onions, Tomatoes, Cooked Rice, Chips, Tortillas, Black Beans, Cilantro, Avocado), Broccoli
BBQ Meatballs (1/2 venison, 1/2 beef), Mashed Potatoes, Kale Salad, Roasted Cauliflower
Bacon Cheese Frittata, Broccoli, Biscuits
Date Night Out (kids eat homemade macaroni and cheese, green beans)
Homemade Cheese Pizza, Breadsticks, Green Goddess Salad
My Reading Goals for February
In previous years, I’ve picked a long list and big stack of books I want to read that year. I’ve found that I struggle to stick with that list because I always find so many other books I want to read and that initial list makes me feel kind of guilty that I’m not following through.
Instead of trying that approach again, I’m experimenting with something different in 2022: I’m going to set monthly reading goals. At the beginning of the month, I’ll pick a stack of books I want to read that month and I’ll focus on reading those books throughout the month.
This way, I can make room for the many new or new-to-me titles I discover throughout the year. Plus, I can pick fewer books to read on the months that I know there is a lot going on.
My Book List for February
Here is my book list for February and why I chose each title. I didn’t finish three books from my January list, so I carried these over to February and plan to read them first. (Note: Inclusion on this list does not mean I am recommending or endorsing the book as I haven’t read it yet! So read at your own discretion and look for my weekly book review post to hear my honest thoughts on each title!)
Beneath a Scarlet Sky
So many of you have highly recommended this book and it’s high time I finally read it. I wanted to pick a really good fiction book to start the year off with!
Win the Day
I love so many of Mark Batterson’s books and have gleaned a lot from them, so I’m looking forward to many takeaways from this book!
The Woman They Could Not Silence
This book was chosen by Sharon Says So on instagram for her recent book club. I wasn’t part of the book club, but the title intrigued me. I’ve read half of it so far and have mixed feelings on it, but I’ll wait to decide until I finish it!
Hero on a Mission
I’ve loved other books by Donald Miller, so I’m excited to read this one! It has mixed reviews… so we’ll see what I think!
Forgiving Paris
This fiction book was highly recommended to me by multiple people. I’ve really enjoyed other Karen Kingsbury books in the past, so I can’t wait to dive into this.
Unoffendable
I’ve heard rave reviews of this book and think the message is so needed in this divisive culture. I am sure I will get my toes stepped on some from reading it!
Forever Boy
The author sent me this book and it looks like a beautiful story of what it’s like to mother a child who is autistic.
Jesus Everlasting
I am reading this book in consideration for a possible podcast topic/guest, but I’m also just excited to read it for myself.