February 2016 Goal: Use the Slowcooker on Busy Nights

So somehow January flew past me. Even though I chipped away at my January Goal of Decluttering and Organizing, the busy pace of a usually quieter month meant I just didn't get as far as I wanted to. (Although happily we did make some progress  with cleaning out toys, clothes, and several cabinet spaces.) As I've discovered in the past with this goal, sometimes this is one that takes a few months of focus to really make a difference.

When times get busy though, it helps to focus on ways I can find some balance in an otherwise chaotic spell. For February I'm deciding on one simple way I can create a little more balance within our busy weeks: use the slow cooker more.

In the past I've loved using our slow cooker, especially in the winter. But for some reason this winter we haven't been pulling it out as often. Yet I know that when we get home from a busy day at work or I find myself headed out to an evening meeting the slow cooker can be a true sanity saver. 

Crock Pot Chicken Sausage Tortellini Soup

When I started blogging I envisioned posting more family friendly meals than I have so far. While crafting and learning has become our primary focus here, I'm always on the look out for meals and recipes that the whole family will enjoy and that are convenient too. The crock pot is definitely a huge help in creating a little sanity in our family. So as I promised on facebook last week, here's the first of some of our favorite crock pot recipes.

I've been making this recipe for a couple of years now, and modified it a few times. It's mild enough to be enjoyed by both boys while still being flavorful enough for the grown-ups too.