My Janaury Paleo Inspired Breakfast Norm

January 31, 2013 By 15 Comments

Brian and I tried out eating a paleo diet this January. We have decided we like the term paleo inspired as we did have a few non-paleo items during th months … like the cookies I would give in an eat one about once a week. But it made me think about eating out the cookies so it was a nice change for us. I was happy eating the one cookie instead of eating four of them … you know one each time you walked through the kitchen on a mission to do something else? Yeah that was what I used to do.

So this became a common breakfast for me … an wanna-be omelet with fruit and maybe half a glass of orange juice. Some days I would add in a turkey sausage and some days like this day I didn’t. (We really love the Jimmy Dean’s Turkey Sausage patties that Sam’s Club sells.)

Eggs. We at a lot of eggs in January. We need chickens now. I am only half kidding when I say that. When the kids get older, we may actually get chickens to have fresh eggs. We have the space but I just refuse to feed another person or animal right now. Anyway back to breakfast, I have to admit that it being January, I seriously missed my warm oatmeal and Grape Nut breakfast meals. It was especially hard to make Grape Nuts for little dude every other morning. (Doesn’t your three year old ask for Grape Nuts for breakfast?! No? Well this one does and I love that Grape Nuts is his favorite cereal.) I think that come February that I will give into a bowl of Grape Nuts but not every morning. I have learned that it doesn’t really take that much time to make my wanna-be omelet and still get a warm breakfast that will fill me up and that is a good thing.

Did you try a new way of eating in the new year? How did it go for your? Leave me a comment and let me know what you learned!

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The Fresh 20 – Meal Planning

January 31, 2013 By 30 Comments

We recently got a chance to take a look at a weekly meal planning site, The Fresh 20.  We are always looking for fresh ways to jump start our meal planning efforts and I am always on the lookout for new inspirations for our family’s dinners.  The Fresh 20 turned out to be a great resource for this.

 

About …

The Fresh 20 is an alternative to food as products. It’s about buying less and making more. It’s about loading your dinner table with delicious, preservative free food. It’s about saving that takeout money for something more rewarding than takeout!

We are a meal planning service.  Our meal plans rely on simple, healthy and homemade dinners using just 20 fresh, seasonal ingredients per week.  No more grocery lists with 80 items that will eventually go to waste.  Our meal plans are carefully created to utilize everything on the list so you can stop throwing money down the drain. We don’t just grab 5 random recipes and call it a meal plan.  The Fresh 20 mixes and matches a small list of ingredients to create 5 balanced dinners that play off each other.

In addition to their classic menu, The Fresh 20 has gluten-free and vegetarian options.  Whichever menu you choose, you’ll find a list of pantry staples that you should have on hand  and a shopping list of 20 fresh ingredients that will come together into 5 fresh meals to get you through the week.  You can get all of this for just $5/month on the subscription plan or $49/year on the annual plan with access to the archives!

Our Thoughts …

Since we plan our dinners out for a month at a time, we looked to The Fresh 20 for some additional inspiration.  I love that you get a menu for the week with a shopping list that you know will not got to waste.  Sometimes I feel like we wind up wasting so much food.  We’ve gotten so much better about it, but knowing that their are meal plans out there that make use of leftovers to create entirely new meals definitely makes me want to take a look.  I know that I’m already going to use some of the options available from January in our February meal plan.

Since we got to take a look at all three menu options, I do have to say that I wish the gluten-free and vegetarian options differed more from the classic menu.  Just replacing a piece of chicken with a piece of tofu or replacing pasta with gluten-free pasta doesn’t seem to be the most inventive way to change up the menu.  For Beth and I, we were specifically looking for low-carb options.  I wish that The Fresh 20 had a menu option for that.

All in all, for us, The Fresh 20 is going to be a great resource as we plan out our monthly meal plans this year.  Hopefully, they can be a great resource for you as well.

In order to help you out with your meal planning this year, we are excited to give away a big meal planning prize to one of our readers! Our reader will win an all-access pass – which will include an annual subscription to all 3 dinners (classic, gluten-free and vegetarian) plus their 6-week lunch plan with mini ebook!! What a prize!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review Disclaimer

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Buying a New Home

January 30, 2013 By 4 Comments

Are you a proud apartment dweller?  Have you maintained a steady job for a couple of years now?  Looking to move anytime soon?  Looking to settle down?  If you are currently renting a place but you have a steady and are looking to settle down, now may be a great time for you to start looking into buying a new home.

 It’s a great time to be buying a new home

To be honest, even if you currently own a home, but are looking to move, you may look at buying a new home right away.  In most of the country, even though the housing market is showing some signs of rebounding, housing prices are still greatly depressed from what they once were.  On top of that, mortgage rates are at historic lows.  Did you know that, on a 30-year $300,000 loan, one-quarter of one percent could be more than $35 a month or $420 a year.  Tack that up to a full percentage point and you are looking at almost $150 a month or over $1700 a year.  That’s another whole mortgage payment each year!!  If you buy while rates are low, you can just go ahead and apply that savings directly to your mortgage.  By applying just one extra mortgage payment each year, you can take around 6 year off of your mortgage and save tens of thousands of dollars in interest payments.

Buying a new home can pay for itself

Trust me when I say that buying a new home can pay for itself over renting, particularly if you are able to get a fixed rate mortgage.  If you are able to do that, your monthly cost for shelter never goes up.  Rent, on the other hand, will definitely go up each and every year.  If you are staying in an area for more than 5 years, buying a new home will likely save you money in the long run.  If you are still on the fence about it, take a look at “Is It Better to Buy or Rent?” on the New York Times site.  Enter in numbers appropriate for your area and see how long it takes for buying a new home to cover the cost of renting.

 

If you are considering buying a new home, make sure that you are careful with your personal information.  We’ll have more about that next month, but, in the meantime, check out Lifelock for

LifeLock for Life Sweepstakes! For more tips, make sure to Follow LifeLock on Twitter and Like LifeLock on FaceBook.

 How do you keep your personal information safe while house hunting?

 

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Cash vs. Credit Price for Gas

January 30, 2013 By 4 Comments

I saw a Cash Price for Gas last week pop up at our local Exxon last week. I sat at the red light across from the gas station in shock. Really? It was a 6 cents a gallon difference. 6 cents adds up when you are on empty even in a little Honda Civic. As I sat there I wondered if it was worth it to save that money when I have the kids in the van though. Getting them out to run in to pre-pay and then run back to pump then go back in for my change because gosh knows I would over pay making sure I filled up the tank. Is that worth 6 cents a gallon?

I remember when I stared driving that credit card readers were becoming popular at gas pumps. I was amazed when I went out with a lady from church who used her credit card for gas. It cost more to use a credit card back then but she did it! I only ever had cash for gas when I started driving. If I was lucky, my brother was with me and would pump my gas for me while I paid and got us each a soda all for under $20. Oh the days! The price difference between cash and credit disappeared at some point. I never thought about because then I got my debit card and I started using that for gas and haven’t looked back … well until I saw that sign last week. Gas is more here this week but the cash price and credit price is still a 6 cent difference. I still haven’t decided if it is worth it. We mostly fill up at Sam’s Club these days but that Exxon is my go to place when I find the car on empty on my way into work.

I know it costs money for businesses to use credit cards but I haven’t thought much about it until now.

Have you seen signs like this pop up where you live? Do you pay cash or credit for gas? What price difference would make you switch to cash if you are a credit card user? Leave me a comment and let me know!

 

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Eggland’s Best Eggs eCookbook, “Your Best Recipes”

January 30, 2013 By 2 Comments

You can get your own FREE copy of the new eCookbook “Your Best Recipes” from Eggland’s Best Eggs!

More details about “Your Best Recipes” …

Eggland’s Best is excited to announce the launch of our second original eCookbook, “Your Best Recipes” featuring the Top 20 recipes from the first nation-wide Eggland’s Best “Your Best Recipe Contest”.   These delicious recipes were selected from thousands of entries submitted by at-home chefs and bloggers.  Each recipe highlights a creative way of using EB eggs.

You can download “Your Best Recipes” eCookbook, a $9.99 value, FREE for a limited time. All you have to do is visit the their special promotion page on and like the Eggland’s Best Facebook page so you can click download for this eCookbook! This offer is available January 25, 2012 – February 15, 2013.

If you love ebooks and eCookbooks for your favorite eReader or even to read on your computer, this is a great eCookbook to add to your collection. We have been eating a lot of eggs lately so I am looking forward to reading the book to see some new recipe ideas that will maybe be an inspiration for a meal in our February Meal Plan!

NOTE: We were provided with this promotion information from Eggland’s Best. Passing this information along to our readers qualifies as an entry in a blogger only giveaway.

 

 

 

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How Can You Expect to Age?

January 30, 2013 By 1 Comment

Did you know that where you live can tell you about how you age? Check out this infographic for a great visual on this topic!

The Age of the Aged life expectancy infographicThe Age of the Aged was created by LifeInsurance.org.uk

What did you find most interesting about this infographric? I loved the information about the Centenarians! I also felt some joy about those living in the country living longer. I wonder if we moved here soon enough for that to count? ;)

Do you think this inforgraphic is right for you and what you see your community? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Filed Under: Health & Beauty, Simply Life Tagged With: ,

Friday Favorites: Lands’ End Boots

January 25, 2013 By 13 Comments

I realized we have a thing for Lands’ End boots yesterday when we had a snow fall. Brian lined all of the boots up in front of the fire to dry and I manged to get a quick picture! The kids all have Sno Flurry boots. I have learned and bought them a size bigger than what the kids wear this year. They can put them on themselves and walk in them!! I get the kids the boots each year for Christmas. They don’t see it as a fun present but I watch for a coupon code to buy them from Land’s End. I then can resell them for a nice price since they don’t get worn a lot here in Virginia!

My boots are also Lands’ End boots but they are an older style. What can I say … my feet don’t grow and we don’t get enough snow for me to wear them out! It looks the ones I have are similar to this new Women’s Function Snow Boots though. I love the draw string part of my boots and this style has a draw string too! These boots are so warm and keep my feet dry. Having warm, dry feet is key for me to even think about being out in the snow so I always dig out these boots when there is snow on the ground. I have even been known to wear them into work when I know the parking lot will still be snowing. It isn’t worth the chance of falling in dress shoes so my boots are my go-to winter footwear for sure! 

What is Friday Favorites?

Friday Favorites is another almost weekly feature here at Simply Budgeted. The whole point of this feature is to share some of our favorite finds. Anything is game. Food. Cleaning supplies. Kid stuff. Garden favorites. Recipes. Anything that I really like and want to randomly post about.

Reminder/Disclaimer/Whatever: Everything in Friday Favorites is something that we use and bought on our own.

What do you think of Lands End Boots? Leave me a comment let me know!

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Maison Le Grand

January 25, 2013 By 11 Comments

This is post will feature Maison Le Grand, the fifth of final finds that we will feature from the DC Metro Cooking Show back in November! Watch this week for ALL of these finds as they might make a great Valentine’s gift for your love or even your kids … or maybe a teacher … or even yourself!

Details …

La Maison Le Grand is a leader in the production of cold-processed sauces. Our products are inspired by both the gourmet quality of fine European cuisine and West Coast influence on healthy, natural foods. We combine tradition and innovation. Our motto is: “artisans of the third millennium!”

Their products include Garden Pesto, 4 Nuts and Cheese Pesto, Sun-dried Tomato Pesto,  Roasted Red Pepper Pesto, and Tzatziki!

Our Thoughts …

We had the opportunity to try several of the Le Grand products. Beth loved the Sun-dried Tomato Pesto. The kids found the Tzatziki to be a great dip for a veggie tray! But I had to make something. I made several dishes with these product but the everyone really loved the last minute Mozzarella-Pesto Pizza I made one night!

Le Grand Mozzarella-Pesto Pizza Recipe

Mozzarella-Pesto Pizza

Ingredients

1 ball of pizza dough (we used store bought)

1 Le Grand  4 Nuts and Cheese Pesto

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Directions

1. Roll out the pizza dough and place it on a slightly oiled baking sheet.

2. Put a thin layer of the Le Grand  4 Nuts and Cheese Pesto. (You won’t use the whole package!)

3. Sprinkle with cheese. If Beth is at your house, double the amount of cheese as she loves anything extra cheesy!

It doesn’t get any easier than that for a quick at home dinner. You would pay a lot for a pesto pizza at a restaurant and it probably won’t taste as great! Check out Le Grand’s link on Where to Buy? their products to find it in a store near you! If you are into Social Media, you can find Maison Le Grand on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with their latest recipes and products!

Have you tried Le Grand products yet? Would your family enjoy the Mozzarella-Pesto Pizza? Leave me a comment and let me know!

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A Virginia Snow Day – January 2013

January 24, 2013 By 10 Comments

All of the kids didn’t have school today … we actually had snow this was a big fun Snow Day! We had between 2-3 inches of snow … and yes that is enough to cancel school here!

This didn’t do much good for Brian’s to-do list. I decided to not chance the still snow covered roads this morning and stayed home too. I took a morning break to go outside with everyone to play in the snow. The best part of the snow playing was that for the first time in six years, none of the kids screams at being out in the snow! YAY!!!

Here is the snow adventure in pictures …

 

 

Our backyard … do you see our dog in the picture? ;)

Don’t all kids play on the playground in the snow?!

 

Do you have snow on the ground where you live? Leave me a comment and let me know!

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Shredded Turkey Chili with Del Monte Petite Cut Diced Tomatoes

January 24, 2013 By 213 Comments

Del Monte has announced they have two new varieties of diced tomatoes! They are Del Monte Petite Cut Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies and Del Monte Petite Cut Diced Tomatoes with Chipotle Chilies. 

Del Monte Petite Cut Diced Tomatoes

This recipe uses the Del Monte® Petite Cut® Diced Tomatoes with Chipotle Chilies!

To help inspire creativity in the kitchen, Del Monte is also launching the “Del Monte Southwestern Tomato Kick-Off Sweepstakes,” on Pinterest which will give us and you a chance to share entertaining tips and recipes, featuring the new Del Monte Southwestern-Style Petite Cut® Diced Tomato varieties. One lucky winner will take home an exciting entertainment package including: a Sony® 55” LED TV, Bose® home theater system and Sony® Blu-ray player (ARV $4,779.00 USD). This contest runs from January 21st through February 15th. Official Sweepstakes Rules*- http://bit.ly/11bK144 This prize would make for some great TV viewing parties!!  

 Did you know? The majority of Del Monte products are picked at the peak of ripeness and canned on the same day, to ensure nutrients and flavor are locked in

We are excited to share a recipe with you for Shredded Turkey Chili!

Shredded Turkey Chili

Shredded Turkey Chili

This recipe was brought to life one night when we have some leftover shredded turkey and bell peppers and I needed something interesting for dinner.  The Del Monte Petite Cut Diced Tomatoes with Chipotle Chilies added a nice spice and smokiness that really brought the rest of the ingredients together.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 small onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 large bell pepper, diced (I used half of a green and half of a yellow.  Have fun with it!)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
2 cups shredded turkey
1 14.5 oz can Del Monte Petite Cut Diced Tomatoes with Chipotle Chilies, drained
1 14.5 oz can stewed tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste
sour cream (optional)
green onions, chopped (optional)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat.

Add onion, garlic, peppers, cumin, chili powder, and salt and pepper.  Allow to cook about 5 -7 minutes or until onions are translucent.  Add turkey and warm until it shreds easily as you stir it around.  Add the tomatoes with chipotle and cook for 3-4 minutes.

While the rest of the chili cooks, puree the stewed tomatoes in a food processor.  Pour the contents into the chili.  Allow to simmer for another 10 minutes.  Serve with sour cream, green onions, rice, and/or corn chips and enjoy!

 

Into Social Media? Find Del Monte on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Check out our Del Monte Southwestern Tomato Kick-Off Pinterest Board too!

We are excited to offer a giveaway to our readers thanks to Del Monte! One reader will receive a gift pack that includes: (1) Del Monte® Petite Cut® Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, (1) Del Monte® Petite Cut® Diced Tomatoes with Chipotle Chilies, and $25 Visa gift card.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

NOTE: The Del Monte products, information and both gift packs have been provided by Del Monte.

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