Couponing, small week

I just went to Aldi this week.  No coupons this week.  I really need to stock up on meat and produce.  Next week I will be buying even more meat.  I only spent $25.80 this week, but this means I will be spending a lot more next week.  Here is the haul: bag of sweet potatoes, bag of carrots, 6 kiwi, two pints of strawberries, asparagus, garlic, 110 calorie bagels, milk, turkey bacon, meat balls, egg substitute, sugar free lemonade, milk, and four packs of gum.

Hubby,activity list

This is a list I came up with of different ideas my hubby and I do together.  My husband is my best friend.  God has blessed me with him. There is no one I would rather spend my time with. We do, however, have moments where we stare at each other and ask, "What do you want to do?"  This is going to be a reminder for me as well.  Enjoy!

In the past month (more practical list): 

1. Biking - It was warm out so we enjoy a bike ride together.  FREE (If you have bikes)

2. Board game- Play one you both like so it is not a strain.  FREE - (If you already own one)

3. Dinner and a movie- We got Subway to eat and Thor to watch.  We have netflix, but you could always go  to the Redbox for a dollar.  I would make this a special treat. (under $15)

5. Lifting weights-  Exercising is so much more fun when you have someone to motivate you! FREE (if you already own the equipment) 

6. Take a walk-  We walked two miles and back to a gas station and got some Ice cream and a drink.  Make sure you hold hands!  FREE (if you don't buy the ice cream and drink haha) 

7. Sit on the couch- Cuddle and talk.  This one is a favorite of mine. FREE (If you own a couch) 

8.  Watch football- It is not football season, but I watched the draft with him a few day ago.  Ask questions if you don't know what is going on....It makes them feel smart. (Free if you own a computer.  Which I know you do) haha

9. Go shopping- Cost is up to you.

10. Video games- I enjoy doing this with my hubby.  On average I will play 45 minutes with him.  I have gone more than six hours before, but those are special occasions.  If you don't enjoy this just watch him play.  I do this too.  Sit down for ten minutes and give him well meaning complements.  I have watched many games beginning to end because I simply enjoyed the story line and the art.  

In the past year (A little out of the ordinary):

Cooking, Mandoline food slicer

I love my Mandoline food slicer!  I make perfect french fries, potato chips, apple chips, and sliced veggies.  To use simply attach the fruit/veggie to the safety cap and move in a up and down motion over the blade. I cut my finger on the sharp blade because I didn't use the safety cover.  My husband also cut his finger while washing it, so be careful!  There are different options and slicers.  I did some research and the one I picked was not the cheapest, but it was the cheapest one with the highest rating.  It even got higher ratings than expensive ones.  Here is the Amazon link.   It will cost around $20.00.  I hope this was a help!

I don't cry anymore when I cut onions.  My eyes are sensitive to them. 

Apple chips!  

Fresh veggies for a salad. 

Heath, Fast food

Sometimes it is just impossible to make dinner.  You are in a rush and over stressed. The family is hungry and you don't have time to stop home.  Here is a simple list of foods I love from fast food restaurants. I probably eat fast food once a month...This is including Subway or Panera. 

My number one all time favorite "fast food" restaurant is Subway.  99% of the time I will order a veggie sub on wheat bread.  The sweet onion dressing is my favorite.  I promise if you are a veggie lover you will NOT miss the meat.  It is loaded with flavor and doesn't need cheese. It only has 460 calories so I will eat the whole foot long.  Here is a pic of my sub from last Saturday. 

McDonalds has delicious salads.  I would be super careful of the dressings.  The two dressings I would recommend are the Light Balsamic Vinaigrette (40 calories) or the Low Fat Italian Dressing (60 calories). Both dressings are from Newman.  Another tip is NOT to get crispy chicken.  This will add almost 200 calories compared to grilled chicken. OUCH!  My favorite salad is the Southwest Salad with grilled chicken (290 calories.)  The Caesar Salad with grilled chicken only has 190 calories.  Lastly, the Bacon Ranch Salad with grilled chicken has 230 calories.  Remember to add your calories for the dressings! 

(Above: Southwest Salad.)

Girly Things, Flower accessories

I am a girly girl at heart.  Kevin told me I should give tips on hair an makeup when I first started my blog.  At first I said no because I didn't want to come off as shallow. Even though this is NOT the most important hobby of mine, I enjoy doing hair and makeup. I get cosmetics for free a lot since I coupon, so it is an inexpensive hobby as well! Here is a fun hair tip:

SPRING IS HERE!!!!  Ok, even though it snowed out today I am still bringing out the bright flowers.  I just can't wait any longer.  Flower accessories can turn a simple side braid into an elegant look.  It is a fast easy do that looks like you spent time on yourself.  BTW, this is second day hair. 

I got these flowers at Forever 21 for $1.50!  They had so many different colors. Play around with the flowers and see what looks best on you.  Here I put one in the back and one more in the front. 

I decided it looked best when I put them directly lined up in the front. 

Health, Four awesome salads

I have salad 2-3 times a week for dinner.  It depends on how many times I have them for lunch that week.  Salads are not a burden for me to eat.  I have loved them since I was a kid.  They are really one of my favorite meals.  However, I think you need to change them up once in awhile. Here are four salads I had recently. BTW, ALL of them are under 300 calories.  Most are around 250! 

Sweet Summer Strawberry Salad: 1/2 boiled egg, feta cheese, dehydrated strawberries, broccoli, and red onions.  I would use a light sweet dressing for this salad. I used Margetti Light Raspberry Cabernet dressing. 

Apple Chicken Salad:  3oz chicken breast, 1/2 dehydrated apple, broccoli, red onion, carrots, and cheddar cheese. I would use a sweet light dressing for this salad or a balsamic dressing. 

Cooking, Box Baking

It is OK to use a box baking product to cook.  I do make homemade brownies, cakes, and cookies from scratch. However, sometimes it is cheaper for me to use a box because of coupons.  It definitely has a convenient factor to it. Anyways, homemade always tastes better, but these products are a close second.  

 Brownies are probably my number one choice for baking in a box.  I usually get fudge or ones with chocolate chips in them.  I don't go with a store brand when it comes to these babies.  This is one of the few products I am willing to spend an extra $.50 on because I can tell a difference.  You really can't go wrong with Betty Crocker on this one.  In fact, she is sitting in my cupboard right now.  

I don't like box cookies.  They don't come out as moist and fresh tasting. Every chocolate chip cookie mix I used has hardly any chocolate chips in it.  I end up putting my own ingredients in it anyways. ugh! They never turn out right.  Plus when I make homemade I get over 45 cookies in a batch.  Duncan Hines gives me 16.  Tell me if you know of a good baking boxed cookie. 

I love Betty Crocker and Pillsbury when it comes to cakes.  These brands make great cupcakes as well. The only complaint I have with Pillsbury is he never shows up when I am cooking.  It has been a dream of mine to poke his tummy since I was a kid.  Anyways, I always add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to my chocolate cake batter.  It really gives it moisture and everyone loves it. It really is not a must though. Just a tip. ;)