Dollar Store Christmas Decor

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Yes I realize it is only November 14th… However, if your schedule is anything like mine is, every weekend from Thanksgiving on is booked. Solid. Needles to say I like to get a head start on decorating for Christmas. I will note that my husband knows thinks I am crazy and doesn’t love the fact I decorate before December 1st. Sorry Hubbs, not sorry.

Every year I like to add a little more to my collection of Christmas Decor. I also try to be as thrifty as possible. So this year I took a little trip to the Dollar Store and I hit the Jackpot!

I found some holiday flowers to add to my mason jars, and SUPER cute  Christmas Figurines! Total = $5

Next, I needed a little something extra for the tray on my center island. I found this vase, more flowers and a tube of Christmas bulbs. Total= $3.00

I already have a few glass candle holders around my house so I grabbed another tube of mini bulbs to give them a little holiday flare. Total= $1.00

More holiday flowers added to the mason jar in the hallway. Total= $1.00

And lastly on my way out I saw this super cute sign that fits perfectly next to the front door. I will probably sort through my burlap to make a bow for the top!  Total= $1.00

Grand Total= a whopping $11.00

Now you can’t beat that!

Do you have any cool Dollar Store Christmas finds? Let me know below!

Happy Holidays!

xo Megan

Million Dollar Spaghetti

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You guys, this recipe definitely lives up to it’s name; Million Dollar Spaghetti. Not only is it a HUGE hit in my family but it’s very easy to make and re-heats really well. You know I am a big fan of left-overs! Also this is a GREAT dish to bring to someone who just had a baby!

Prep time: 15 min     Cook time: 1 hour     Total time: 1:15      Serves: 8

You will need:

• 1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (16 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• 1/2 cup butter, sliced – divided
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
*Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.                                               *Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until “al dente” (cooked through but firm to the bite), about 12 minutes. Drain.
*Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
*Cook and stir beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes, drain and discard grease.
1. Combine the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic and cottage cheese until well blended.
2. Use the butter to cover the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Spread half the spaghetti into the dish. Top spaghetti with creamy mixture.

3. Layer remaining spaghetti over creamy mixture.
4. Pour ground beef mixture over spaghetti and spread sauce to cover casserole.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
6. Spread Cheddar cheese over pasta and continue baking until cheese has melted and is lightly browned, about 15 more minutes.

And last but not least if you want to block out 48% of these carbs from being turned into glucose make sure you take two block before you eat! You can get your bottle HERE! I never eat a meal without it!

If you make this million dollar recipe be sure to let me know what you think!

xo Megan

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Slow Cooker Sausage and Potatoes

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So this recipe is nothing short of amazing. That’s right amazing. Not only is it super simple to make but it’s nice and hearty and filling! I know it’s good when my husband doesn’t try and spice it up with sriracha. Which he puts on everything.

Cook time: 6 hours     Prep Time: 10 min

You will need:
2.5 pounds of golden potatoes
2 packages of smoked turkey sausage
1, 11oz can of fat free cream of mushroom soup
green onions (chopped)
2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning (give or take depending on how spicy you like your food)

First spray your slow cooker with cooking spray or use you can use one of these awesome slow cooker liners. I don’t even know how I ever lived without them! No more scrubbing out your slow cooker! Next chop up your potatoes, green onions and sausage and add them to the slow cooker. Finally pour your cream of mushroom soup and Cajun seasoning over the top, cover and cook on low for 6 hours. I topped mine with a little cheddar cheese and sour cream!

SO GOOD!

If you make this recipe be sure to let me know what you think!

xo Megan

One Skillet Sausage and White Bean Gnocchi

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I have always wanted to try a one skillet meal, so when I found this recipe over at Chelsea’s Messy Apron I decided to give it a shot! It ended up being a two pot meal for me since my skillet isn’t oven safe, but it was still super simple and easy to clean up! {I am actually eating leftovers as I write this}

If there is one thing I would change it would be to add a little Cajun seasoning. Only because I love Cajun seasoning. Even though this dish is already packed with flavor it could easily be tweaked to your liking.

Prep Time: 10min    Cook Time: 20 min    Total Time: 30 min

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (I only used 1 clove)
• 1 medium  sweet onion, chopped
• 1 package (13 ounces) Butterball Hardwood Smoked Turkey Sausage
• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth (I used Chicken Broth)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika, optional
• Seasoned salt and pepper
• 1 can (15 ounces) white kidney or cannellini beans
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) Italian diced tomatoes
• 1 package (16 ounces) gnocchi
• 1 and 1/2 cups (4-5 ounces) fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: fresh parsley

Directions

1. Move a rack in your oven to the upper third of the oven and then preheat to 425 degrees F.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, over medium-high heat, pour in the olive oil. If your Skillet isn’t oven safe, you can use a medium sized baking dish.
3. Add in the chopped onion and stir until the onion is transparent — about 4 minutes. Add in the garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.
4. Slice up the turkey sausage and add to the skillet. Cook over high heat until lightly browned about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add in the water or broth, un-drained Italian diced tomatoes, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, seasoned salt and pepper, (any other seasonings you want to add) rinsed, drained, and dried white beans, and uncooked gnocchi. Stir until everything is well combined. Gently stir in the spinach and make sure it’s covered with liquid.
6. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and place in the oven. (If your skillet is not oven safe transfer all ingredients to oven safe dish)
7. Bake for 17-22 minutes. If desired, turn on the broiler and then broil for another 2-3 minutes for a delicious crispy gnocchi.
8. Remove from the heat, top with additional salt, pepper, and some chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately.If you try out this delicious dish be sure to let me know what you think!

-Megan