As a brand, She Makes Cents is all about inspiring and informing you of ways to use your “cents” to live a fabulous life. So it’s time to start thinking about…well, some fabulosity. Now that the weather is warm and … Continue reading
I got this question in from a reader who connected with me through my about.me!
Hello there! I am curious, I am wanting to start using the envelope method but I’m wondering how to go about spending the amount given for me in the grocery amount when on a diet. Diets are super hard to stick to especially when you are on low budget. Any advice?
MyKudos to you for making two great decisions eating clean and trying not to go into debt doing so. The envelope system, by Dave Ramsey, is such a wonder tool that has helped me reshape how I think about money. Truthfully, it may take a few visits to the grocery store for you to figure out exactly how much goes into your grocery envelope. My latest goal that I have implemented into my own life is to set realistic goals. Once you figure out how much is realistic to spend for your budget, lifestyle, and family size, then you are really to maintain a consistent amount every check.
My second recommendation would be to plan your meals on a weekly basis and make a grocery list based on the meals you plan to cook. There are a number of sources that provide recipes to help you eat cleaner by planning your meals in advanced. Choose My Plate is a government website that helps you plan motivational menus on a 2000 calorie diet, provides tips to help you save, and suggests foods that are great for your diet. Here is an example of a sample menu for the week. Another great source is Pinterest, which is filled with thousands of recipes from people across the web who share similar tastes and goals as you. Now that you have an idea of what you want to prepare for the week, then it is time to make the all important grocery list. I really like this grocery list from MomAgendga and I recommend never stepping into a grocery store without a completed list.
Other tips to consider:
For other tips, check out these 10 tips from Choose My Plate on Eating on a Better Budget
What is your favorite budget shopping tip?
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Photo: Business Wire
This week, Starbucks announced the availability of handcrafted Starbucks Refreshers™ beverages, a global breakthrough beverage innovation that delivers a distinctly new take on thirst-quenching refreshment while providing a natural boost of energy from green coffee extract and real fruit juice. On Friday, July 13 from 12-3 p.m. local time customers can visit participating U.S. and Canada stores and enjoy a free Tall (12 fl. oz.) handcrafted Starbucks Refreshers™ beverage, courtesy of Starbucks while supplies last.
Will you be making a Starbucks run on tomorrow?
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Oh this could not have come at a better time. Valid until July 2, 2012, all Starbucks located inside of a Target location will offer Buy One Get One Free for all Frappucinos. I will be trying out my first Frappucino concoction off of Starbuck’s secret menu asap!! It will be a great way to beat the heat while partaking in the yummy awesomeness that is Starbucks. Denia and I have been trying to get together for a meeting of the minds, now we can do it while saving money. Frappucino anyone? My treat:)
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Love Bytes!!!
I wanted to take a quick moment and tell you about a blog I came across while blog surfing one Sunday called Budget Bytes. First of all, ALL of the food looks yummy, but what I LOVE the most is how Beth breaks down the recipe step by step, with pictures I might add, and how much it costs to make…especially compared to dining out. She reminds me of Sandra Lee from the show Semi Homemade on the Food Network.
Here is one recipe that I have been dying to try:
It has been in “my favorites” on my iPad for the longest. Maybe this could be a fun alternative to the traditional Memorial Day hot dogs and hamburgers?
Total Recipe cost: $7.98
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Cost per serving: $2.00
Prep time: 15 min. Marinate time: 4-24 hrs. Cook time: 15 min. Total: 30 min. (after marinating)
CHICKEN & MARINADE COST
2 lg. (1.25 lbs) chicken breasts $2.48
1/2 cup plain yogurt $0.25
1 Tbsp minced garlic $0.36
1 Tbsp lemon juice $0.32
1/2 tsp cinnamon $0.03
1/2 tsp dried oregano $0.03
1/2 tsp salt $0.02
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg $0.03
1/4 tsp ground cloves $0.03
YOGURT SAUCE (for sandwich) COST
7 oz. cup plain greek yogurt $1.59
1/4 tsp minced garlic $0.03
1/4 tsp dried dill $0.03
1/4 tsp salt $0.02
SANDWICH ITEMS COST
4 homemade naan, pita, or flatbread $0.64
1/2 head romaine lettuce $0.80
1 medium cucumber $0.69
2 medium roma tomatoes $0.63
TOTAL $7.98
STEP 1: In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the marinade (yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, cinnamon, oregano, salt, nutmeg, and clove). Add chicken to the marinade, coat well, cover and refrigerate for 4-24 hours. If desired, slice the chicken into strips before marinating to maximize the flavor.
STEP 2: Prepare the yogurt sauce for the sandwiches. Open a 7 oz. container of plain greek yogurt and stir in the garlic, dill, and salt. Refrigerate until ready to use.
STEP 3: After marinating the chicken, grill until cooked through (I use a George Foreman, cooked for about 7 minutes).
STEP 4: Prepare the vegetables for the sandwich. Chop, rinse, and drain the lettuce in a colander. Wash and slice the cucumber and tomato.
STEP 5: Build the chicken shawarma sandwiches. Spread the yogurt sauce on your flat bread, top with the chicken and vegetables. Roll the sandwich closed. You can wrap the sandwich in foil to help it stay closed as you eat.
Check out Beth and all her wonderfully yummy recipes on her website Budget Bytes!
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I think this will be me and Denia’s next project… pictures to follow.
This looks so awesome! Kerry from Squawk Fox provides a step by step that looks so delicious. Think is will taste as good as the original? For $.32, it is worth investigating from the She Makes Cents team. We will let you know how it turns out. In the meantime, check out the post here!!!
What do you think? Fab, right?
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inform and inspire ways to use your “cents” to live a fab life
The Chick-fil-A ”Eat Mor Chikin®” Cows are treating customers to breakfast the week of Labor Day at its restaurants nationwide. Beginning today, Chick-fil-A patrons can visit www.chick-fil-aforbreakfast.com to reserve the free Chick-fil-A® breakfast entrée of their choice. Reservations may be redeemed Sept. 6 – 10 during breakfast hours (6:30 to 10:30 a.m.) at the selected restaurant by presenting a printed copy of the personal invitation received upon making a reservation on the website. The offer is limited to one free breakfast entrée per customer, per restaurant during the five-day period. Offers and availability may vary at participating locations.
Customers will have up to nine breakfast entrées to choose from, including the Chick-fil-A® Chicken Biscuit, Spicy Chicken Biscuit, Sausage Biscuit, Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Minis™ (three-count), Chicken, Egg & Cheese Bagel, Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit, Chicken Breakfast Burrito, Sausage Breakfast Burrito and the new Multigrain Oatmeal. Entrée choices may vary by restaurant.
Yummy!!! I just made my reservation. Have you made yours?
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Buy a Blizzard Treat Today (my birthday)
Bring Hope and Healing to local kids
Kids love DQ® and the feeling is mutual. That’s why $1 or more from each Blizzard Treat sold at participating locations on Miracle Treat Day, August 11, 2011, will help sick and injured children at your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Since 1984, DQ has raised over $86 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals-including $5.5 million in 2010. Let’s make 2011 a record-breaking year! Join DQ and help make miracles happen.
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“National Cheesecake Day has become a wonderful tradition for The Cheesecake Factory and our guests,” said David Overton, Founder of The Cheesecake Factory. “This year, we are looking forward to extending the excitement throughout the entire month by offering a look at our nation’s history from the viewpoint of a cheesecake aficionado.”. This month-long campaign culminates with The Cheesecake Factory’s annual National Cheesecake Day celebration on July 30 and the introduction of the new Hershey(R)‘s Chocolate Bar Cheesecake available in all of its restaurant locations across the country. Guests who dine in on July 30 are invited to enjoy a slice of any of its more than 30 varieties of legendary cheesecake for half price and can be among the first to taste the Hershey(R)‘s Chocolate Bar Cheesecake. The new cheesecake features silky smooth Hershey(R)‘s Chocolate Cheesecake between layers of moist chocolate cake and ganache with creamy chocolate frosting and chocolate chips.
For more information, please visit www.TheCheesecakeFactory.com
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