Meal Planning for LESS: Maple Glazed Salmon with Asparagus

I forgot to snap a picture of last nights meal, but not to toot my own horn, but these meals are pretty impressive. Last night we had fresh fish with a fresh vegetable....on a BUDGET! This is our second seafood of the week...and I still have three more in the works. Did I mention I did all this with less than $150. You have my permission to be impressed!

1/3 cup maple syrup (freebie, we bought it a few weeks ago for the same meal)

Juice from one orange ($.69)

2 salmon filets ($6.01)

Salt & pepper (pantry freebies)

Asparagus ($3.49)

Total cost: $10.19. Makes two servings, $5.10 each

Preheat broiler. In a small saucepan combine syrup and orange juice, cook over medium heat. 

Season salmon with salt and pepper, place on greased pan, broil about 5 minutes. Brush glaze all over salmon and broil 5 minutes longer. Serve salmon with grilled asparagus.

This was another great budget meal! But I'll be honest, broilers make me nervous. One wrong move and that salmon would have been GONE...and while $10.19 is a cheap meal, it's an expensive mistake!

Meal Planning for LESS: Pork with Plum Salsa

I haven't forgotten to update! Wednesday night we had our date night (which is budgetted for!) and Thursday night we had grilled cheese ($.50 for bread and $.95 for cheese) and tomato soup ($1.58) for a total of $3.03. That's less than a dollar per serving!

For tonight dinner, I had pork chops on hand. Here's a big tip: subscribe to Omaha Steaks emails, they are constantly sending deals. Stock up and have on hand!

Sorry it's blurry! I couldn't wait to eat it!

Olive oil (freebie, pantry item)

4 pork chops (for me this is a freebie, but you can get them cheap!)

Soy sauce (pantry item)

2 jalapenos ($.25)

3 plums, chopped ($1.18)

1/2 red onion, chopped (freebie, had it from last week)

1/2 tsp ground ginger (freebie)

1/4 cup honey (freebie)

TOTAL = $1.43. Four servings, $.36/serving. Even if you need pork this is still a cheapy!

Heat oil in skillet. Brush soy sauce on pork chops, cook 6 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from skillet and cover with foil.

For the salsa, chop jalapeno, combine with plums, onion, ginger and honey in the skillet. Cook until heated through. Serve over pork.

Meal Planning for LESS: Turkey & Avocado Chef Salad

Happy Tuesday! Today I want to share another budget friendly dinner with you. And we're using FRESH ingredients and even making our own salad dressing. I often find that budget eating is healthier eating. No prepackaged, sodium enriched foods. Just good for you, made with love foods!

1/3 cup milk (freebie, had some left from last week)

1/3 cup sour cream ($.29)

Juice of lemon ($.69)

2 Tbsp cider vinegar (freebie, pantry item)

1 Tbsp honey (freebie)

Salt & pepper (freebie)

1 head Boston lettuce ($2.19. Save 8-10 leaves to use for another meal)

1 lb roasted turkey, torn into pieces ($1.40)

1 avocado, sliced ($1.39)

1 cup alfalfa sprouts ($.60)

1 cup shredded carrots ($.42)

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack ($.95)

Total Cost: $7.93. 4 servings, $1.98 each!

In a small bowl combine milk, sour cream, lemon, vinegar and honey. Season with salt and pepper.

Divide remaining ingredients into bowls, drizzle with dressing and serve.

Can you go ANYWHERE for a great salad under $2!? Not only that but you are controlling exactly whats in it. Healthy and budget friendly. Can't really beat that!

Meal Planning for LESS: Shrimp Bisque

Being on a budget scares people. For some reason people think you'll have to eat boxed mac and cheese, ramen noodles, and tv dinners. This couldn't be further from the truth. We buy lots of fruits and veggies...and recently, fish. We can actually buy MORE fish than red meats and chicken. And BONUS! It's healthier!

So, tonight for dinner I made shrimp bisque. Doesn't that sound fancy...and not something people on a budget eat? Here's how I did it!

2 cups water (free)

2 tsp seafood seasoning (free, we have a friend who makes his own!)

12 oz frozen shrimp ($6.99)

2 stalks celery, thinly sliced ($.34)

12 oz can evaporated milk ($.69)

1 cup milk (we had milk left from our last grocery trip)

2 Tbsp flour (pantry item, freebie)

2 anchovies chopped ($.36)

Total Cost $8.38, serves 4, $2.10 a serving

Combine water, seasoning, shrimp, and celery in a pot. Cook, uncovered, until shrimp turns pink. Remove shrimp with slotted spoon and set aside to cool. 

In a bowl, whisk evaporated milk, milk, flour and anchovies. Stir into pot, cook uncovered for 10 minutes over medium heat.

Chop the shrimp, add back to soup, heat for another 2 minutes. Serve hot!

Remember, I got EVERYTHING I need for two weeks of living (not just meals, but toiletries and pet supplies!) for UNDER $150. How is THAT for my first budget friendly meal!?

Meal Planning for LESS: The Grocery List

People always seemed to be amazed with how little me and Danny spend at the grocery store. What's even more amazing? We don't coupon. I used to! But to carry a list, pen, calculator, push the cart, and pick things up? Extremely frustrating to me! So, just imagine how much YOU could save if you clip out a few coupons!

I've done similar posts before, you can play catch up with these posts: The Envelope System and Grocery Shopping for Less.

We go grocery shopping every two weeks. Our goal is to spend $150 or less. That's breakfast, lunches for me (Danny likes leftovers,) 12-13 dinners (we like date nights!) snacks, toiletries, and dog stuff. The BEST way to keep your grocery cost down is to make a menu. Using your menu, make a grocery list, and STICK to the grocery list. If it's not on the list...we're not getting it. No matter how delicious it looks!

Today I am going to share our October 6, 2013 Food Lion receipt with you. Throughout the next two week I will show you exactly what I did with each item on the list. You can eat GREAT for $150. I PROMISE!

Apricot Preserves $2.69

Evaporated Milk $.69

Tomato Soup $1.58

Lite Mayo $4.69

Parmesan Cheese $2.79

Anchovies $1.79

2 Movie Theater Popcorn (BOGO special with MVP card) $3.28

Captain Choice Crackers (MVP price) $2.39

Pretzels $1.97

2 Sweet and Salty Granola Bars $2

Breakfast Blend K-Cups (MVP price) $5.99

Black Silk K-Cups (MVP price) $5.99

Whole Wheat Bread $1.99

Bottled Water (MVP price) $2.99

Sliced Turkey $2.79

Crab Meat $2.99

Yellowfin Tuna $8.58

Salmon (MVP price) $6.01

Salmon (MVP price) $5.24

Shrimp (MVP price) $6.99

Alfalfa Sprouts $1.19

Shredded Carrots $1.69

Boston Lettuce $2.19

2 Peaches (MVP price) $1.01

2 Limes $.50

2 Lemons $1.38

Asparagus $3.49

2 Jalapeno $.25

3 Plums $1.18

2 Avocados $2.78

Green Onions $.59

1 Roma Tomato $.25

1 Orange $.69

1 Zucchini $.91

Raspberries $3.49

Celery $1.69

18 Eggs $2.89 

10 Frozen Lunches (MVP price) $10

Sour Cream $.87

Monteray Jack Shredded Cheese (MVP price) $1.89

Vanilla Caramel Coffee Creamer (MVP price) $2.69

Pepper Jack Sliced Cheese (MVP price) $1.89

Can Opener $3.59

Dentasticks $6.59

Toilet Paper $2.99

Cotton Swaps $1.79

2 Body Wash (MVP Price) $4.00

2% Food Tax

7% Non-Food Tax

TOTAL = $139.57

They didn't have any rotisserie chickens, so I'll have to be going back for that. Those are about $8, making my grand total $147.57! For two weeks I think that's pretty fantastic!

Starting tomorrow I'll be posting recipes and pictures for everything that I bought! I can't wait to share this with you!

What a Fabulous Weekend!

You know what we did this weekend? Nothing. Well, nothing in the sense that we didn't have to pack suitcases, put Miley in the kennel, and drive for hours and hours. That's right....we stayed home.

Saturday night we had date night: dinner and a movie. I honestly can't remember the last time we did something so low-key (And cheap. Keep reading to find out how!) For dinner we headed to Red Robin. Last time we were there they gave us a Red Royalty card. Since it was our first time using it....we got a free appetizer! And I just had to try the Oktoberfest burger. The pretzel bun was so yummy....but I'll be honest, it wasn't as unbelievable as I wanted it to be. And I was stuffed after the nachos, that's all we should have had! Dinner Total: $19.98

We had tons of time to kill before the movie, so we walked around the mall. Because we are huge nerds we just had to get photobooth pictures taken! And I just realized...this was our first time getting these pictures done! Our favorite is the last one! Photo Total: $3.00

Then we finally made it to the movies. And thanks to Kara's giveaway we had free movie tickets! We saw 50/50, which was pretty good. It was serious, and funny, and emotional....the perfect combination in a movie. I recommend it! Movie Tickets: FREE!

Yesterday was a typical Sunday: we took Miley for a walk, went grocery shopping (under budget!) got the Sunday haircut, and watched football (him, not me!) And the one and only time I wanted to splurge this weekend, Hubby thought it was a good idea to play a joke on me.

After dinner Danny had to go on base to pick up our car. I asked him to pick me up a pumpkin coffee on his way back...I even gave him money for it! I figured....I suffered through football all day, I deserve a coffee! Half hour later Hubby comes strolling in...holding a bunch of stuff. But not my coffee! He got all defensive, "you were supposed to text me and remind me." I was like "whatever, I don't want it anymore."

And then he stormed out.

A second later he comes back in holding my super large pumpkin coffee....saying "I would never forget your coffee!" What a cruel joke! Don't mess with a caffeine addict and her coffee!

How was your weekend?

Green Thumb

One of my favorite things about our apartment is that we have a little backyard. It's perfect for Miley to run around and for our patio set. What's not so perfect....we can't plant a garden. I've always liked the idea of planting your own veggies and herbs. It's so cheap to plant and saves you so much money in the grocery store. And I'm all about saving money.

Herbs are easy...especially when they come prepackaged from the dollar bin at Target! I'm growing cilantro, chives, parsley, and basil. I can not wait to start using them! Fresh cilantro is amazing in salsa....I can already taste it! YUM!

One day the UPS man knocked on my door..I was totally expecting a table for our living room, so when I opened the package I was a little confused. A pop-up garden. Did I really order the wrong thing?! I called Mom and she told me she ordered it for me because she knew I wanted to do some planting. Me and Danny headed to the store picked up some random seeds and soil. Less than two weeks later everything is already sprouting. Cucumbers, green onions, banana peppers, snap peas and sunflowers!

I'm so happy that everything is growing. I was doubting my green thumb because I killed a potted plant (I blame it on the super hot North Carolina weather though...I water it every morning!) But it looks like everything is going to be successful in my garden!

Do you garden? What do you plant? What are you favorite recipes for everything I'm planting?

By Popular Request: The Envelope System

Everyone always asks me how I budget so well. It's really hard for me to give away my secrets...not because I don't want to share but because it's hard to explain. I'm going to try my best.

Our budget is fairly simple. I'm a stickler when it comes to money...if we can't afford it, we don't buy it. If we put it on a credit card its because we bought it online...not because we don't have the money. We own our car, so we don't make payments. There is also only one driver in the family. So, you will need to adjust the budget to meet your needs.

First, you need to sit down with all your bills. The bills we pay every month are rent, car insurance, renters insurance, Banfield, Netflix, electric, and cable. Our cell phone bills are not included, but you can include them in your budget. Add everything together to find out how much you have to spend every month. We put this amount of money into our checking account. We treat our checking account like a credit card...if we take money out, it goes right back in. There is always (close to) the same amount of money in our account. Sometime I sneak a little extra in there...you know, for a rainy day. 

So, say for example your bills total $1000. You get paid twice a month. You need to be putting $500 each paycheck into your checking account (for the record, I hate direct deposit...I need the physical money. I know, I'm weird.)

Second, make a list of everything else you spend money on. My lists are always different (I usually budget a year at a time...but redo it every three months to make adjustments, that are usually in our favor.) This is our current list...

Grocery

Date

Replace in Savings (we had an emergency, working on replacing the money)

Vacation

Gas

Creditors

Miley

Summer

Eventually we'll have two weddings to go to, so those will make the list. And Christmas will be on there towards the end of the year. Once we replace the money in the savings account we'll be able to start saving more.

Okay, so now that you have your list...figure out how much you need for all of those categories per pay. For example with our next pay check we are putting $150 in the grocery envelope. You can either use the $150 during those two weeks or carry some money over to the next pay. These are my grocery shopping hints.

Third, whatever is leftover is your spending money. Now, I know that might sound rough...but don't forget, your groceries, gas, bills, and date nights are already covered. Personally, I don't spend that much during the week...I have an awful coffee habit but I've learned to suck it up and drink it at home instead of going to Starbucks everyday. I've been called a "money hoarder." I'd rather save money to do stuff instead of buying things. Oh well...sue me.

Fourth, only spend what you have. If you want to go on a date and the envelope is empty...looks like you'll be making dinner at home that night. I also prefer to only spend cash..I hate debit cards. Hate hate hate. But I know I'm in the minority with that one. I have converted Danny though!

Fifth, so...since I'm a money hoarder....I never spend change. Ever. We keep it all in a jar and empty it out every few month. Keep in mind we've only been married for a year...we've already saved enough change for a trip to Williamsburg, Boston, and getting ready to empty it out for another mini-trip!

I know it sounds rough, but once you get used to it...you will be saving money. I've been living by the envelope system since I was 17. I've paid for trips to Disney and Jamaica using mostly change. Once you really get into budgetting you'll discover you love coupons...and since you'll be buying more food with less money you will be eating at home more...you'll be spending less money eating out. 

Short-term and long-term having a budget is very important. If this system doesn't work for you , you should find one that works. You'll thank me later!

Grocery Shopping for Less

Last week I posted that I only spent $58 on groceries for the week. I was asked many times, "how do you do it?" It's actually a lot of work before you even think about going to the grocery store.

There are four major things I do in advance.
First I think everyone should have a budget, you can read how I do ours here. We have an envelope specifically for grocery shopping. Say you get paid on the 1st and the 15th (like we do) pick an amount to put in the envelope. Then, figure out how much you are willing to spend on groceries. For example, we usually put $100 in on the 1st and 15th. Then I figure out how many grocery trips we need to take and usually say I want to spend $80 - $100 a trip. If you don't spend the whole amount, put it back in the envelope...it rolls over! Money starts stock piling once you actually start saving money!

Second I realize this option isn't available to everyone. My Mom sends us Omaha Steaks, I think we average one order every two months. Our last shipment had pork tenderloin, catfish, and filets. They send you 4 - 6 of each item, and since there are only two of us..it lasts a while! So, when someone asks what you want for Christmas this year...tell them you want steaks!

Third Coupons! Get them anywhere you can, newspapers, online, product packages. Also, we get free samples in the mail..and they usually come with a coupon for the product. 

Fourth Make the menu for the week, try using ingredients you already have hand. Try doing meals with a lot of the same ingredients (chop once, use twice!) 

Ok, so now you are ready to go grocery shopping! Get your list, the money you set aside, a calculator and a pen! We walk up and down every aisle, I use the calculator to keep track of how much we are spending..that way we have no surprises when we get to the register! Make sure you use the pen to cross of things you buy, I hate forgetting things! 

We stockpile, but not a lot. We have lots of shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste. We don't buy a lot of snacks, and if we do...it's usually pudding and yogurt. We splurge on two things, beef jerky and cheese. And we usually get a bottle of Lucky Duck wine, really really cheap and yummy! Once a month we have to buy dog food and paper products. I also don't buy any canned products, everything is fresh or frozen.

It  might take a while to get a hang of it, we were spending about $100 for a while, getting a good stockpile. But now we are averaging about $60 - $70 (and we buy things that will rollover into the next week), AND we don't use all the money in our budget...so we are still saving money!

We are grocery shopping tonight. I set aside $80. I'm aiming to spend only $60 of that!

Good luck! 

Cutting Back

I stress about money...a lot. More than any person should. Literally, the muscles in my arm were sore because I was so tense earlier today. We have a budget, we stick to the budget..but still, I'm constantly stressing. I'd rather pass up cute dresses, clothes, new phone, new computer...and save for trips and other fun things we can do together.

Why do we pay $95 a month for cable? We hardly ever watch it. We should cut back to just the basic ABC, NBC, CBS...really, that's all I watch in the morning. We watch movies the rest of the time. And if something good is going to be on...it's usually on Hulu. I'll be having Danny calling to cancel the stuff we don't use. It's a waste.

Why do I pay $80 for a cell phone that I only text on? 450 roll over minutes that I never use. I hate the phone. Today I joined my Moms family plan for $10 a month, we'll share minutes...but who cares, it's free Verizon-to-Verizon, and well..everyone I know has Verizon. And she said it's unlimited texting. No internet, but oh well, I can live without it. It's $175 to cancel my AT&T contract, but in the long run...I'll be saving money.

I will not stop saving money for our Disney trip. Maybe we won't get to stay IN the parks resorts. But who cares? Other hotels have free transportation. The only downfall is, food wouldn't be included. We would just have to budget a little more.

My Avon isn't selling as well as I thought it would. But as long as I have one eCustomer every two weeks, I'm not losing money. So, I'll keep doing that.

I LIKE staying home taking care of everything. Not driving saves a bunch, but it also keeps me from working. I think I will be getting my license (I don't want anymore hater comments on this...not in the mood to deal with them.) soon. And then maybe work part time somewhere. But really, I like having nights and weekends off to be home and take care of things. We're not losing any money by me doing that, I sit in silence with no TV all day haha!

I'm super stressed about the holidays (note: it's only July....) Like, where will we be spending them, how will we be getting there and how in God's name will we be getting anyone presents.

Seriously, these are the things constantly running through my head.

Tonight we're going to sit down and redo the entire budget for the billionth time.  I have my notebook, pencils and calculator ready to go. Wish me luck!

And tomorrow....I'll have happy news. No more Debbie Downer!

I Made a Plan

And I'm sticking to it. I also had to completely redo our budget, but I'm the queen of budgeting, so I think we are all set with that (as long as BAH kicks in by June 1 and I have a license and job by June 15.) This is, of course, all assuming that my new social security card comes within the allotted two weeks. And Breanna of Forever Yours, Semper Fi even offered to help me out with the driving and taking me to the DMV. I told her she would have to stay on my butt about it..because I really don't wanna drive!!!

Danny wants to teach me how to shoot. Is it weird that I've always invisioned myself hurting someone with a knife and not a gun? I told my Mom that I can see myself beating someone with a gun and not actually shooting it...she suggested I get a bat instead! She also wants me to get mace and a blowhorn. I'm going to need a bigger purse.

I've also decided I want to take some self-defense classes. Anyone want to be my buddy and go with me? I'll need a ride!

Happy Happy!

I have so many things to be happy about...
1) This weekend is Valentine's Day. Our first one together. I really hope he doesn't actually buy anything for me though. I'd so much rather get all dressed up and go out to eat. And if he does buy me something, I hope it's not a box of chocolate...unless of course it's the chocolate strawberries or truffles from Godiva. We went to the store last weekend and I could feel my waist expanding just looking at them. I don't care though...they just look so so delicious!

2) I have a huge notebook with our budget and I'm DONE touching it. Seriously, I too EVERYTHING into account (with of course, saving money too.) If all goes according to plan, we will have no problem paying rent, utilities, cell phones, going on trips, date nights, grocery shopping...yada-yada-yada. You get the drift. I'm a worry wart and need to have a plan. And this plan includes me getting my license (ew) and having a job that pays minimum wage (hopefully I find something more, but if not..we will be able to make it work.) Getting another degree might have to wait a little longer..but oh well. Maybe I can find something that I can use my History degree for.

3) We will be in our apartment buy April 1st! I can't wait to have our own place and get all my stuff out of storage. I miss my huge wardrobe and cookbooks! It drives me nuts!

4) We are putting our car on the road Tuesday! YAY!

5) Our wedding is a month away!

Hope everyone has a great Valentines Day..even if your not physically with your guy right now..find a small way to celebrate and make it special. Or watch sappy movies and eat Ben and Jerrys..either way, have a great weekend!

5 Weeks

We will be married in FIVE weeks. Can you believe it? It's flying by. I'll be in Boston in two weeks. Then I have babysitting while my family (parents, grandparents and uncle) are in Aruba (without me and Michelle...tear), Happy Hours, bachellorette parties, and finally..in five weeks MARRIED. YAY!

This weekend was good. I was finally able to have a weekend where I didn't worry about anything most things. Friday night we ate lots of pizza and saw Dear John. Honestly, the book was WAY better. It was slow moving and they changed things that didn't need to be changed. I cried in the book..and not because its "about" the military because actually..its not what the book is about. You could change his profession to mechanic and I still think it would have the same effect. It's about true love and people growing up and apart. Sorry Nicholas Sparks, I'll never see a movie based on one of your books.

I spent today budgetting. We have a good idea of what Danny's checks will be, plus expenses. I was able to make an awesome budget. Including me making bare minimum, and being able to travel for every holiday (which won't happen, but atleast we will have the funds available.) I rounded up on everything and we are still able to pay bills, save, and save for a vacation for next spring. I'm feeling SO good about this.

Valentines Day this weekend! Our first one together! I don't want a gift..I want to get dressed up and go out...and drink a bottle (or two) of wine!