And On Weeknights...

We cook!

J and I are big foodies but, when living in a city like ours, it's hard not to be! As much as we love to go out to eat, it can get pretty pricey so we came up with an agreement. 

We are trying to save money for a down payment on a house together and budgeting is going really well for us so far. We decided that we/I would cook Monday-Friday and then Saturday would be our date night out and Sundays are "family dinner night" with my parents. It works for us and I LOVE to cook-J can throw down in the kitchen as well! I also decided to start mean planning and taking my lunch to work everyday so I am not spending money on crap food at the place around the corner. 

A few food related budget tips that have really worked for us is to: 

#1 plan plan plan! Being a teacher, you should be used to having a ton of sticky notes with random thoughts and countless lists of things posted everywhere so, add one more! 

I am not a couponer. I've tried and it just doesn't work for me however, the grocery store we shop at puts a weekly ad out every Thursday and I do take advantage of those deals! I typically spend part of my Thursday break making a grocery list. I also plan our menu for the upcoming week. I am lucky because other than seafood, anything is fair game for J. 

#2 Set a MONTHLY budget for groceries and don't go over it!! 

J and I split everything equally. Rent, utilities, vet bills, groceries, etc. We each budget $175 per month for groceries. I know that $350 may seem high for a two person grocery budget but it is what works for is and what we don't use each month we treat ourselves to fro-yo dates or some kind of special treat. We usually make a grocery trip once a week and follow our list closely. Since we have started budgeting, we haven't gone over the $350! 

#3 Use what you have and get creative

There are several sites online that will allow you to type in the ingredients you have on hand and then will spit out a recipe. My favorite is: http://www.supercook.com

You can typically substitute items for ones you don't have. 

Even with being a teacher and working long hours, I always find time to cook wether it is throwing something in the crock pot before I run out the door at 730 am or starting dinner right when I get home at 6pm. 

Here are a few of the top "go to" recipes we use! (All of these are family recipes) 

1.

Ground Turkey with roasted veggies, brown rice and feta cheese. This is one of my favorite bulk meals. I will cook enough for five days and bring one container a day to work for lunch. 

2. 

Pan seared pork chops with an apple glaze, butternut squash and mixed green veggies. 

3. 

Sweet and tangy chicken cutlets with mashed rutabaga and balanced green beans. 

4. 

(J's favorite) Stuffed yellow peppers 

What are some of your go to recipes?? 

My Very First Stitch Fix!

Hi Bloggers! 

So, when I re-started this blogging journey of mine, I pursued through countless posts titled "Stitch Fix Review" being the crazy shop-a-holic that I am, I decided to try stitch fix out for myself! This afternoon, I received my first box and I was very pleased and definitely hooked. 

Most of the posts I read said that the girls first box was unsuccessful -I would have to say that I got pretty lucky. I loved all of the pieces that were selected for me but here is my full review: 

When I opened the box, everything was neatly wrapped in crisp white tissue paper and mint stickers. There was a mint envelope sitting on top which included the style card-ideas for the pieces and how to style each one- the price list and a return bag. 

These are the four clothing items I received-three tops and one maxi skirt. 

And this bracelet was the fifth item. I tried the bracelet on, I DO like it and the profits benefit women in Uganda however, the price for the item was not in my budget at all. {PASS}

*SWOON* I LOVE this maxi skirt! Black and White Chevron, very stretchy and a nice cool material. I absolutely adore maxi skirts and have been shopping all over for a simple pattern like this. {KEEP}

This top is an aztec-y navy and pink razorback. Again, very comfy and it fits perfectly. However, as much as I love this top, I feel like I can find something comparable at a TJMAXX, Marshalls, Etc. for half the price. {PASS}

I loved this teal 3/4 top before I put it on however, it doesn't have much stretch and it was made out of a chiffon like material and that isn't exactly ideal when working with toddlers.  {PASS}

The last item, this sleeveless navy blue top but again, I love the idea of this top but, it didn't fit perfectly and I have a a few tops similar to this one from New York and Co. that were half the price!  {PASS}

When I filled out the initial form, I put my size down as medium and all of these tops were true mediums but being that I am on the floor all day with toddlers, I like my tops to have a little bit of room in them. Although I am not going to purchase all of the pieces, I feel like the stylist understood my style and picked out pieces that are exactly what I am looking for. 

I chose to try everything on BEFORE looking at the price sheet because I didn't want the price to hinder my true reaction of the item. 

Prices: 

Bracelet $42

Maxi Skirt $48

Pink and Navy Top $54

Turquoise 3/4 $58

Navy Sleeveless $54

Stitch Fix items are definitely a little pricey but, the $20 does go towards your purchase!  

Overall, I am very pleased with my first fix!