Saturday, January 26, 2013

Alyssa's Menu for Jan 27- Feb 2

So my doctor has recommended that I go on a controlled carbohydrate vegan diet for the next 6-8 months in order to reverse my PCOS.  Yay! No meat, butter, cheese or super carby things!  Hehe.  I'll try and make the best of it, and it'll all be worth when I'm back to feeling like my old self again.  Here's our meal plan for the week.  Of course I'll still make homemade bread and there's still some meat left in the freezer that my husband will probably make and eat, but this is it for me.

Monday
b- Vegan Almond flour flax pancakes with sugar free jam and strawberries
l- Avocado and daiya quesadilla on low carb tortilla and homemade tomato soup
d- 5 grain tempeh stir fry with broccoli, snow peas and carrots

Tuesday
b- Strawberry and Hemp Protein superfood smoothie
l- low carb tortilla pizza and salad with Annies lemon and chive dressing
d- tofu spring rolls, steamed green beans and spicy peanut sauce

Wednesday
b- oatmeal with stevia and chopped cashews
l- big salad with romaine, edamame and goddess dressing and homemade tomato soup
d- homemade channa masala and sesame stir fried cabbage

Thursday
b-  Vegan Almond flour flax pancakes with sugar free jam and strawberries
l-  5 grain tempeh stir fry with broccoli, snow peas and carrots
d-  Avocado and daiya quesadilla on low carb tortilla and homemade tomato soup

Friday
b-  Strawberry and Hemp Protein superfood smoothie
l-  tofu spring rolls, steamed green beans and spicy peanut sauce
d- low carb tortilla pizza and salad with Annies lemon and chive dressing

Saturday
b-  oatmeal with stevia and chopped cashews
l-  homemade channa masala and sesame stir fried cabbage
d-  big salad with romaine, edamame and goddess dressing and homemade tomato soup

Alyssa's Groceries for January27- February 2

WinCo
Frozen Mango- 2.05
Frozen Mixed berries- 1.98
low carb tortillas- 3.68
romaine hearts- 2.88
3 cans italian tomatoes- 2.94
almond milk- 2.88
fire roasted diced tomatoes- 1.38
organic veggie broth- 2.92
veggie stir fry mix (2 pounds)- 3.98
1.09 lb dried garbanzo beans- 1.23
1 head green cabbage- 1.68
4 large avocados- 3.98
peanut butter- 1.88
2 pounds strawberries- 2.96
3 pounds granny smith apples- 2.93
1 gallon 1% milk- 1.66
baby wipes- 2.59
mini sweet peppers- 2.98
Total- $47.70

Whole Foods
Daiya mozzarella shreds- 4.99
5 grain tempeh- 2.39
annies lemon chive dressing- 3.29
1 can organic light coconut milk- 1.99
Total- $12.91

Grand Total- $60.61

the big fish - twin girls dance in vietnam

I've had twice the adventure I've cried double the tears. I've had two times the bad times, In only half the years...

Edward Bloom Inspired

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The biggest fish in the river gets that way by never being caught

This week we are taking our inspiration from my all time favorite movie, Big Fish. This is one of Tim Burton's most uplifting and visually appealing films (in my opinion). It also has the quirkiness and darkness that you would expect. There are many memorable characters, moments and production design elements to draw inspiration from. I am excited to give it a go!

Here are some lovely film stills to get you started:


 Y'see, most men, they'll tell a story straight through— it won't be complicated, but it won't be interesting either.~ Edward Bloom



The town of Spectre, in its heyday



Sandra Templeton! I love you! And I will marry you!~ Edward Bloom



I want to have a telephone line of shoes in my backyard someday...


Helena Bonham Carter as the Jenny/ the witch



That was my father's final joke, I guess. The man tells his stories so many times that he becomes the stories. They live on after him. And in that way, he becomes immortal.~ Will Bloom




Saturday, January 19, 2013

A little bit of silliness, really...

Me about to crack up!

The hair do was the part I was most proud of! I rarely spend more than 5 minutes on my hair, but it was pretty fun doing something extra for myself!


 The Outfit: 

Wool coat: Ralph Lauren hand me down (a pretty awesome hand me down)
Peach Sweater: Hand me down from my mom
Scarf: Kohl's clearance 2013- 1.97 !!!
Skirt : Macy's clearance 2013- 6.00
Tights: Target
Shoes: TJ Maxx 2010

 Hair and Makeup

I used Grace Kelly as my inspiration for the hair style. I used a diffuser to slightly dry my hair, curled the front outward and slicked it back with a little hair spray. Then I brushed it out lightly to give it volume.

For my makeup I did natural peachy tones (trying to go for that wholesome Nancy Drew goodness) and a heavier wing tipped eye.

I had a blast getting all dressed up and got more compliments today than I have in years! I am looking forward to this experiment!

Alyssa's Menu for Jan 20- 26

Sunday
B- Dedos Gitanos (Mexican Rolled French Toast stuffed the Sweetened Cream Cheese and Homemade Blackberry Jam) http://www.patismexicantable.com/2012/10/mexican_french_toast_rolls/
L- Pinto Beans, sour cream, cabbage and chips
D- Spinach and Feta Stuffed Roasted Chicken, rice pilaf, and green beans

 Monday
B- Oatmeal and applesauce
L- Roasted Chicken Sandwiches
D- Leftovers

Tuesday
B- Ceral, milk and pomelos
L- Pinto beans, sour cream, cabbage and chips
D- (Quinn's welcome dinner) BBQ ribs, cole slaw, tiny roasted potatoes, green beans, and homemade rolls  
  
Wednesday
B- Dedos Gitanos or homemade cinnamon sugar donuts
L- Leftovers or Bean Burritos
D- Navy Bean and Ham soup, green salad and dinner rolls

Thursday
B- Oatmeal or Cereal and fruit
L- leftover soup, salad and rolls
D- Italian meatloaf, pasta with marinara, green beans and broccoli

Friday
B- Dutch Baby and homemade blackberry jam
L- Broiled meatloaf sandwiches and baby carrots
D- Curry Grilled Chicken thighs, rice pilaf, cucumber and yogurt salad, and butternut squash fries                 

The Mystery of the Fire Dragon

Alyssa's Groceries for the week of Jan 20th

I thought about just scanning my receipts, but they're pretty much written in jibberish that I wouldn't understand a week from now.  So I'll just type it all out for easy future reference. 

WinCo
2 boxes shredded mini wheats- 3.96
3 gallons milk- 4.98
raisin bran- 2.48
dozen eggs- 1.40
fruit snacks- 2.08
brownie mix- 1.98
2 pounds butter- 4.96
2 boxes Mac n Cheese- 1.56
Ranch Dressing- 2.78
Poppyseed Dressing- 3.12
Bulk Bin Cajun Seasoning- .75
Chopped Walnuts- 2.10
St. Louis Style Ribs- 12.28
2 cans Pineapple Orange Juice Concentrate- 2.82
Refrigerator biscuits- 1.69
7 pounds baby carrots
2 cream cheese- 1.96
extra firm tofu- 1.28
limes- .80
cucumbers- .96
Hy-top D BRN (whatever the heck that is- see just bought it and can't decipher the code)- .78
Sweet Baby Rays BBQ sauce- 1.48
2 pounds shredded mozzarella- 3.70
turkey croissant sandwich (a girl's gotta eat)- 2.28
gala apples- 1.84
6 Greek yogurts- 4.08
1 pound grind your own almond butter- 4.48
2 loaves wheat bread- 1.76
2 pomelos- 2.56
Liquid Plummer- 3.98
PLUS $10 OFF COUPON!!!!
total- $78.72

Trader Joe's 
Mediterranean hummus- 3.99
sour cream- 1.79
3 pounds pre-trimmed green beans- 8.97
frozen spinach- 1.49
crumbled feta cheese- 2.79
2 pounds teeny tiny fingerling potatoes- 3.98
total- $23.01      

Whole Foods
chocolate pudding- 2.99
2 luna bars- 2.28
3 lara bars- 4.00
mint and honey bottled green tea- 1.69
2 bags food should taste good chips- 7.00
mojo bar- .99
PLUS $4 IN COUPONS!!!
total- $15.40

GRAND TOTAL- $ 117.13

Yeah, the coupons feel pretty good.  Gotta get better at using them more often!  We have my brother in law Quinn coming to stay next week so I did buy a little extra to make some special meals for him.  My next post will be my menu plan for the next week. 

Amber's Meal Plan 1/20- 2/2

My favorite meal plan template is on Peacefulmom.com. She has a large family and lives on 28,000 a year, yet is able to feed her family healthy meals by budgeting and planning out their meals so they don't waste food or go to the store spontaneously. Check out her site for awesome tips and some great templates to help you get organized!

I wasn't able to post the template here, but hopefully I can figure it out for next time so I won't have to type everything twice. The longer I type.... the more messes there will be when I get up from the computer...

Our breakfasts and lunches stay the same every week. I do this because I have an at home daycare and do not like to even think about what to make when there are up to 6 hungry kids at the table!!! Having a predictable schedule makes it easier on the kids (they know what to expect) and easy on me because I know that I will have the ingredients on hand.

Here is our breakfast, snack and lunch schedule

Sunday

B: Cereal

S: Crackers and cheese

L: We usually just have an early dinner on Sundays

Monday 

B: Oatmeal, fruit and OJ

S: Yogurt

L:  Kids- PB & J, applesauce      Me- Asian Salad

Tuesday

B: Cereal, fruit

S: Veggies and dip


L: Veggie Quesadillas, beans and fruit

Wednesday

B: Eggs, toast and fruit

S: apples and peanut butter

L: Penne Pasta, Marinara, baguette and peas

Thursday

B: Cream of Wheat

S: oranges

L: Grilled paninis (mushrooms and peppers for me, cheese for the kids) with minestrone soup

Friday

B: Pancakes and smoothies

S: yogurt

L: Cheese and cracker tray, fresh fruit

Saturday 

B: Cereal, bananas

S: muffins

L: Kids- PB & J and yogurt Me- Goddess Salad

Dinners 

Sunday, Jan. 20th
Veggie lettuce wraps, rice and pineapple smoothie
I made this last week and featured it on my other blog.
This is the stir fry I made last week with a sweet and sour lettuce wrap type sauce. I served it over noodles. This week we are going to try it as a lettuce wrap with rice for the kids.
Monday, Jan. 21st
Create your own pizza and salad bar, stevia root beer

This is usually how we set up our pizza bar- the kids love it! :)
Tuesday, Jan. 22nd
Cod, quinoa salad, rye bread
Whole foods copy cat recipe here: 
http://kidtestedfirefighterapproved.com/2012/05/01/california-quinoa-salad-whole-foods-copycat/

Wednesday, Jan. 23rd

Soft taco bar, cilantro lime rice, beans 

Thursday, Jan. 24th
Leftovers

I made these veggie kabobs a few months ago and they were so delicious!
Friday, Jan. 25th
Cauliflower Mac N Cheese bake, salad

Saturday, Jan. 26th
Nachos with beans, fajita veggies, chopped cabbage, lime, cheese and salsa

Sunday, Jan. 27th 
Breakfast for dinner! Pancakes, scrambled eggs with cheese, smoothies

Monday, Jan. 28th 
Veggie kabobs, curry couscous, chickpea salad, fruit

Tuesday, Jan. 29th
Vietnamese Curry Soup with Rice



Wednesday, Jan. 30th
Alfredo Pasta w. artichoke hearts and peas

Thursday, Jan. 31st
Leftovers

Friday, February 1st
Indian Curry, samosas, lassis



Saturday, February 2nd
Black bean or salmon burgers, sweet potato fries


Desserts 
I don't make dessert very often anymore, but I like to make sure that I always have ingredients for homemade pie on hand. Over the next two weeks I want to make a Rhubbarb and Cherry Pie and try out Alyssa's apple cake.... hmmmm! :)


You may also notice that there is no mention of going out to eat over the next two weeks... we have been indulging in that WAY TOO MUCH over the past couple of months, and so our goal is to not go out until Valentine's Day! It will be so worth it to go alone and not have kids throwing food, escaping out of high chairs and spilling chocolate milk all over my shoes! :)  I hope we have the will power to do this!

Amber's Grocery Shopping 1/18- 2/1

We get paid every other Friday and so  I usually do 2 big shopping trips a month and go to the store if we run out of fresh produce or milk. This was a busy day and a larger shopping trip than usual, but because we have been stocking up on basics when they are at their bottom low price, I was able to stick to my budget and get some really awesome stuff! For those of you new to couponing, I use Grocerysmarts.com which has each store listed and where you can find the coupons. We get 2 Sunday papers every week and that is plenty for our family of 4. When I can save money on household goods and fun snacks, it frees up my budget to do most of our shopping at Whole Foods. 

 
Harmons

Grocery 

Hummus - 4.99
Frozen OJ x 2 - 3.18
Texas Grapefruit x 4 - 1.00

Household

Edge Shaving Cream  x 4 - 8.00- Smart Source coupon 2.00 off 2= final cost 4.00 for 4 cans
Skintimate Shaving Cream x 2 = 4.00 -Smart Source coupon .55 off one = 2.90 for 2 cans
Hugo organic and vegan liquid hand soaps- (originally 8.50, in the clearance bin for $1 a piece!) 9 for $9

Total = 25.07 

Smiths 

Grocery

Gala Apples .99/lb x 3 - 2.97
Organic Quinoa - 2.97 (about 3 cups)
Yoplait Gogurt x 2 - 2.24 - Smart Source coupon .55 off
Yoplait Trix Yogurt x 2 - 2.24 - Smart Source coupon .55 off
Chobani Yogurt x 4 - 4.00
Milk- free with purchase of Yoplait items
Barilla Pasta x 2- $1 each with 1.00 off 2= .50 each
Whole Wheat buns - 3.79
Kroger Cream Cheese - 1.00
Kroger Cottage Cheese x 2 - 2.00
Envirokids Cereal x 2 - 4.00
Flips Chocolate Pretzels x 2 - 2.00

Household

Toliet Paper 12 ct. - 5.79
Wipes- Kroger 3 ct - 4.79

Total = 38.79




Whole Foods

Grocery

365 Mac N Cheese x 4 - 4.00
Food Should Taste Good Lime Chips x 2 = 5.80 - coupon for $1 off 2= 4.80
Xochitl Tortilla Chips - 4.39  (BEST CHIPS EVER!!!)
Luna Bars x 2 - 1.98- coupon- $1.50 off 2= .48
Lara Bars x 3 - 3.87- coupon for $1 off = 2.87
Clif Bars x 10 - 10.00
365 Cantina Salsa - 2.39
Aloo Palak - 2.50 - $1 off coupon = 1.50
Rudi's Multi Oat Bread - 2.50 - coupon for .75
French Baguette - 2.49
Old Style Rye Bread - 4.49
Organic Celery - 1.99
Red Cabbage - 3.09
Kale- 2 bunches - 3.00
Green Lettuce - 1.50
Tangelos x 8 - 3.58
Yams - 3.02
Frozen Pineapple - 1.79
Frozen Rhubarb - 1.99
Atlantic Cod - 5.99
Salmon Burgers -FREE! - we were eyeing them at the deli, but had never tried them so the deli manager gave us one for free
Frozen Blueberries -3.99
Cheese- Parrano - 1.60
Cheese- Capricho - 1.92
Ready Made Pizza Dough - 1.99
Chobani Honey Lemon Yogurt - 3.39
Stevia 6 pk - 4.00 - $1 off coupon = 3.00
Barbara's Cereal x 2 - 6.00 - coupon .55 off = 4.90 for 2
365 Rice Milk x 3= 5.07

Total = 92.74

Grand Total = 155.5


Coming up..... my two week meal plan!
Ps.- After I typed all this up, Taylor said, "Why don't you just scan the receipt..." Doh! Next time.... :)