Fast Food VS Home Cooked

Its been awhile (okay, a month) since I've posted on here but this is something that's been on my mind alot lately.  Without a doubt, I have a "large" family, 5 kids is nearly 3 times the "average" for the USA so while this may not work out to the same savings for every family, it definitely makes sense for us $$ wise but health wise too.

Let me preface this with the fact that my kids love the idea of fast food-- french fries, the toy, etc.  And, I will readily admit, I love Big Macs & french fries.  BUT these days, fast food has increasingly become more expensive than eating at home.  Not to mention how "bad" it really is-- the calories, the fat, the sugar, and all of the "ingredients" that make it taste so good.

We are a family of 7 (2 adults 5 kids) so eating at Mc D's, the King, etc. costs us about $45 by the time you factor in 4 kids meals (roughly $3.50 ea), 3 adult meals (about $6.50 each) plus a couple of extra burgers/sandwiches ($4.00/each).- afterall, my husband and oldest son (who is now 15)  can eat :)
So for us to eat at Mc D's--
$41.50 + 1.72 tax = $43.22 TOTAL  (not to mention the gas to drive to & back)

The comparison?  NY Steaks, a veggie, salad, garlic bread, & milk
$17.85 Steaks (3 large steaks is enough for all of us believe it or not)
     2.25 frozen veggie- 16 oz. white corn or green beans (pop in the microwave to cook)
     3.41 a loaf of pre-made garlic bread (reheat in the oven)
     1.62 1 head of organic romaine lettuce (salad)
     1.42 cherry tomatoes (salad)
        .75 shaved Pecorino Romano cheese (salad) + olive oil & balsamic vinegar dressing (homemade of course)
     2.00 1/2 gallon of milk
      4.00 charcoal for the grill plus the incidental electricity/water
$ 33.30 + 1.39 tax = $34.69 TOTAL

I could substitute the milk for Soda (soda pop) and it would probably add a $1.  Still, for nearly $10.00 LESS, my family gets a higher quality dinner at home, not to mention that its healthier.  I know that $35 for dinner isn't cheap by any means... so down the road, I'll post one that's even more budget friendly.

My reasoning for posting this isn't that I'm going "anti- fast food".  Its moreover a realization that eating at home is not only better for your family's health, but also the bank account.

Ah... and if I could, I've recently added a few things for Juniors/Womens.... take a peek!


With that thought... here are a few of my favorite finds from fellow Etsy sellers!

Featuring Eco-Friendly Finds from The Green Haven on Etsy

Megan at TheGreenHaven.etsy.com has a great selection of eco-minded products- snack bags, gift bags, lunch bags and napkins- all re-useable which helps keep our environment healthy :) 

Here are just a few of the items found in her shop:

Hearts and Cookies Coffee Huggie (Coffee Cozy)

Cloth Cocktail Napkins - SET of 4- Fiesta in Pastels

Red Polka Dot Lunch Buddie (Reusable Lunch Box)

 

Etsymom Street Team Giveaway-- SewBrookie

I really enjoy seeing what others create and by being a part of the Etsymom Street Team, I've met several very talented gals!  The Etsymom Street Team is a great support team and everyone there is extremely helpful so if you're a mom selling on Etsy, join us!  There's a February Giveaway going on at the Etsymom Street Team Blog so take a look and see a sampling of the wonderful creations.

One of them is SewBrookie . She uses beautiful all natural fabrics.  Here's just a few things at her Shop on Etsy--

www.sewbrookie.etsy.com

A few newly discovered things on Etsy

Just an update on a few new wonderful shops and items I've come across on Etsy.  I'm constantly amazed at the talent of these Artists.  Perusing their shops is a great way to be inspired by colors and themes.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade HotLavaClothing.etsy.com

Featuring items from Jennifer at Destiny's Treasures on Etsy

I met up with Jennifer @ Destiny's Treasures in the Etsy forums about a month ago.  She carries a little bit of something neat for everyone including cute Cat toys :) .  Her prices and shipping rates are reasonable so check out what she has in stock!

Here's a set of Toys any kitty is sure to love

Two Valentines Day Catnip Toys

Something fun to hold your lipstick! (also available in light pink, Lavender, & hot pink)
Red Lips Lipstick Holder

She also has a great selection of "How To" Books
Aida Plus Trinket Boxes Book

Featuring a fellow Artisian... Earjeans

"Earjeans - Jeans your ears will love!"

I came across Tasha's shop a while back and thought she had a really fun and unique idea... taking a bit from her shop "Jewelry that fits you like your favorite pair of jeans. "- what a great idea! 
In addition to earrings, she also offers necklaces, bracelets, rings, and greeting cards featuring works reproduced from original paintings by master artist, Chester L. Hopper.

Here are just a few items from her shop:


  Flowers for You - Lime green
  So much fun to create and wear.  Earrings are 2" wide and are very light weight. I hand painted a 7 petal flower (yellow) on lime green denim fabric. Flower is on one side.  

 Gold Wire Wrapped Ring
10K Yellow gold wire wrapped ring with a brown, gold, and black glass button bead.  Available in sizes 6, 8, and 10. (These are the last ones!) Get 'em while you can :o)





Black and White Hoops
Black Denim decorated with white and silver fabric paint (design on both sides) Silver finding and black bead chips added for a little extra sass!  Earrings measure 2 3/4" in diameter and are very light weight.

Coffee Spots
Various size and colored circles printed on 100% cotton make a great set of Earrings that will match with several outfits! (brown, maroon, yellow, green, orange, and white).  They measure 3 1/2" diameter and are sure to stand out in any crowd.






*Photos, descriptions, and excerpts have been used with permission from Tasha LaRae, owner and creator of Earjeans.