Monday, November 30, 2009

Getting My Shop On

Because yesterday was super-cala-fragilistically busy, I didn't make it out for my usual Sunday grocery shopping errands. So, I went today. Per usual, I combined coupons, sales and a shopping excursion at the 99 Cent store to get amazing savings. You already know.


Photobucket

99 Cent Store: $26.98
-2 boxes of Turkey Sausage
-1 Lean Cuisine
-3 lbs Ground Turkey (in 1lb rolls)
-Alaskan Polluk (99 Cents, holy cow)

Photobucket

-Onion Soup mix (4pack)
-Bananas
-16 oz bag frozen peas
-Quaker granola bars
-Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth
-3 Rolls Soy Chorizo
-2 cans lite tuna
-16 oz bag frozen corn
-16 oz bag frozen california blend veggies
-16 oz bag frozen green beans
-pack of 6 tomatoes
-1 can cream of chicken
-glass cleaner
-3 Christmas-related things

Photobucket



Vons: $49.18

Photobucket

-Box Raisin Bran
-Walnuts
-2 jars Ragu
-2 jars Skippy PB
-1 bottle smoky pepper seasoning
-1 box whole grain spaghetti
-1 roll paper towels
-18 eggs
-gallon of 1% milk
-2 bottles juice
-yogurt
-waffles
-Big pack cinna-raisin muffins
-HUGE Pack Skinless Chicken Breast ($6.62!!!)
-red delicious apples
-12 oz red raspberries ($3.00!!!)
-2.5 gallons drinking water

Photobucket

Yes, I am a professional shopper. Thank you. Thank you. No need for applause. You're too kind.

All jokes aside, I have literally HALVED our grocery bills since I began my freelance career. It's amazing what you can do when you have to.

I love my life today, and I hope all is well and beautiful in yours.

--Mrs. Myers

--

Friday, November 27, 2009

A Day After Thanksgiving Reminder

This morning, my husband was in a terrible car wreck. It was a two-car crash. Both of them are totalled. What's worse... I stayed up late last night and slept through his calls.

He is okay. His only injury was jammed-up hands (they hit the dash).

But, it TERRIFIED me that I could sleep while something so big was affecting him. I couldn't stop crying for hours after he called me. I always had this idea that I'd just intuitively know something was wrong. Not so. I didn't know. I didn't know at all.

I have another reason to be thankful today.

On a lighter note...

Thanksgiving Fun

Photobucket
This is what the boys do on holidays ALL DAY.

Photobucket
YUM-O!!!

Photobucket

Photobucket
My Love


Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket
Wiped out.

Today: A Day of Thanksgiving Leftovers

Photobucket
Oatmeal w/Cranberry Jelly (OMG)

Photobucket
Acai Berry Tea in my new mug... Thanks Jess!!!

Photobucket
Lunch... Can you tell I love cranberry?

Did you have a good holiday? Let's help each other bring the spirit of Thanks into our lives all year round, okay?

THANK YOU for reading my blog.

xoxo

-Mrs. Myers

----

Monday, November 23, 2009

How to Feel Fabulous on a Budget

Hey All,

Today has been non-stop. Well, except for that small nap I took, but, otherwise, all work. lol. I had an early morning. We didn't get home last night until 10:30 after our friend's going away party. So, this morning, I got up at 4:45 to do my math homework. Yay. I had to be at class at 7:30. (At least that partly explains my nap.)

After class, I worked. I did eat, but it was nothing spectacular and I was bent over my laptop all day long.

This evening I made another fabulous Bloggie-style Tuna Helper because we were out of food and that's all our roommate had. I used olive oil instead of butter, threw in a few leftover whole-grain rotini noodles and some peas. It actually turned out really tasty. I served with a side salad (again, we had no food, so iceberg and cheese was it), and we split an orange. I didn't eat the salad though. He ate mine.



Photobucket



After that, I headed to the 99 Cent store and Vons. I highly recommend always always going to the 99 Cent store BEFORE the grocery store. They have some serious deals.

Organic Rice Milk (chocolate!) Cha-ching!



Photobucket



Eight Roma Tomatoes Cha-ching-ching



Photobucket

I also purchased:
-a head of cauliflower
-a loaf of whole wheat bread
-Del Monte tomatoe sauce
-two cans tuna in water (.79/each!)
- Yoplait Light for hubby (.39/each!)
- a box of tuna helper (to replace the one I borrowed from roommie)
- napkins and paper towel
AND
- Candies Sunglasses!!! Yaaaaay


Photobucket

Fun new shades: $0.99
Feeling Fabulous: Priceless

Have a happy, productive, FABULOUS Tuesday.

Best,

-Mrs. Myers

===

Friday, November 20, 2009

I Miss Daylight Savings Time

Good evening! My brain is currently the consistency of what my grandmother would call "mush melon. " I think unless you're from the Midwest, you won't know what that is.

Today's lunch was colorful and tasty. I had a red-pepper hummus, honey turkey and spinach sammy on whole grain bread with tomatoes and a clementine on the side. I had an apple about 10 minutes later, as well. I'm addicted to apples lately. I love the crunch.

After lunch, I worked and worked and worked some more. Then, I did a quick 4.75 mile walk before the sun went down. And, considering the sun goes down at like 4:30pm, I really did have to book it. I swear, at 5pm, it could be midnight for all you know just by looking outside. :-/

Now, my tummy is working up a nice appetite for supper, but I have no desire to cook!! What to do? I think my vote is to hit the shower and let hubby deal with it. What do you think? :D

I'll let you know what we figure out.

xoxo
--Mrs. Myers

--

Be Green: Recycle Your Food

In my quest to leave no leftover unused, I used the kidney bean and spinach rice dish again for dinner last night. I skillet-browned some tilapia fillets and served with cut-up apples on the side. Simple and quick (required). Mr. Myers thought it was mighty tasty too, so it was a hubby-approved meal.

This morning is very busy. I'm working on a lot of great projects right now (possibly too many, but that's how I work), none of which can I share with you at this time! :p However, I'm very excited, and can say only that there's going to be some changes that I think you guys will love! Thank you for all your support.

Much love,
--Mrs. Myers

---

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Quick Food Does Not Mean Fast Food

Good afternoon, my friends!

Today has been go-go-go. My to-do list is growing, and it's already 1:15!!!

Since my life is erratic and chaotic time-wise, I'm going to catch you up on a few yummy meals, and I will try to be better at regularly scheduled blogging. But you know me. Work and school are my life. :D

This morning, I was in a blazing hurry, but a girl's still gotta eat, right?

Photobucket

PB&J Whole Grain English Muffin - Does a body good.

Sped off to class, and thankfully made it on time. I stayed after class today to talk with my nutrition teacher. We talked for almost an hour about dietitican stuff. It was SO interesting. The older I get the more I yearn to learn.

When I got home, I was craving a black bean topped baked potato. No such luck. I am out of black beans. So sad. So sad. I still managed to make a really scrumptious lunch, though. Recently, I used a coupon for Uncle Ben's Sundried Tomato Long-Grain Rice. I ususally don't buy these because of the sodium content, but cheap is cheap. Live a little, right? Still, I couldn't just have plain ol' boxed rice, could I? Absolutely not! Am I a foodie or am I a foodie?


Photobucket

Boxed Rice w/fresh spinach and kidney beans. Tomatoes on the side.

Recent Meals

I've been working ALOT of late nights. Sometimes hubby, in his infinite sweetness, will make me dinner. Last night was one of those nights.


Photobucket

Take this McDonalds. Whole Grain English Muffin w/1 egg and 1/2 slice of cheese. I couldn't eat that for dinner every night, but sometimes it just hits the spot.

Over the weekend (when my life is slightly less hectic), I made soy-chorizo pasta w/spinach & broccoli salads on the side. Delish!

Photobucket




Photobucket



Well, now it's time to get down to the get down. I have six articles and a letter to write by tonight! EEP!

Recent Articles by Mrs. Myers

400 Calorie Fix: Fix or Fantasy?

How to eat healthy on a budget in San Diego

Have a happy and productive day!

--Mrs. Myers

--

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Kashi Meal Review & a Surprise Party

Good Evening Peeps!

I've been working on my book all night, and I'm just now getting to blog. This is wayyyyy past my usual bedtime, so I'll make it quick.

For lunch today, I tried a Kashi Meal: Lemongrass Coconut Chicken.


Photobucket


Photobucket


Ok, I seriously heart coconut. Where the halibut was the coconut?!? Needless to say, I wasn't impressed. I thought it would be really tasty. It has quinoa, which I love, but there was really no flavor. It tasted like chicken, quinoa and snow peas. No flavoring at all. And, it was a bit mushy to boot. I didn't eat it all.

For dinner,I threw something together at lightning speed because I needed to get back to work. Hubby couldn't cook tonight because the Colts were playing (HOLY COW - did you see that game!?).

So, I made Kraft Whole Grain Mac n Cheese with a can of tuna and some fresh broccoli. Served with kiwi on the side. It was actually really tasty.

Photobucket

Sorry, my camera sucks if I'm only using interior lighting (it was already dark outside, so no help from the sun).

Also, last night, we threw my husband a SURPRISE 30th Birthday Party. It was a total hit. He was COMPLETELY surprised.

Photobucket


Photobucket


Photobucket

Yes, a football cake, too. Of course, what else?


Photobucket

Hubby had an absolute blast. A complete success! I can't believe my man is 30!!! It seems so grown up!

And, now... it's really time to go to bed. In the morning, I'm hoping to hit the gym and finish my math homework, all before I have to be in class at 7:30am. SHEESH. We'll see.

See you tomorrow.

xoxo

--Mrs. Myers


--

Friday, November 13, 2009

This Oatmeal's Doing Too Much



Whole Oats made with Light Chocolate Soy, 1 tbsp peanut butter and some big blackberries. Chocolate, PB and Blackberries. Kinda weird, but it was yummy though! My friend Mandy would say it combines lots of antioxidants, so its all good. lol.

What strange flavor combinations do you like?



P.S. I joined Facebook. I have no idea what I'm doing, and I have no friends! :p

--------
Recent Articles
Strength Train to Burn Fat
Avoid the Flu this Season: Strengthen Your Immune System with Exercise
Easy Substitutions for a Healthier Thanksgiving
Beat the Cold and Avoid Winter Weight Gain

---

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

This might not look like much...

But it's sooooo good!

Lately, I'm on my kick of one hardboiled egg chopped up and topping a toasted whole wheat english muffin with a little earth balance butter. SOOOO good. It looks completely unglamorous, but seriously... try it.



Photobucket



After class, I had an unpictured cherry pie larabar (LOVE). For lunch, I threw together another favorite: baked potato stuffed with black beans and a smidge of shredded cheese. It didn't fill me up, so I also had an apple later.



Photobucket



As Rachel Ray would say, YUM-O!

Dinner was Tuna Helper Bloggie-style. I added cracked black pepper and chopped (fresh) zucchini. Served with a side of roma tomatoes.

Photobucket

Today was a busy day, but I felt like I couldn't get anything done fast enough. Here it is after 5 o'clock, and I still have a long list of "stuff" to write, do and study. Boo! :(

Tomorrow will be another busy one. How was your humpday? Are you ready for the weekend?

See ya tomorrow!

--Mrs. Myers

--------
Today's Article
Strength Train to Burn Fat

Recent Articles
Avoid the Flu this Season: Strengthen Your Immune System with Exercise
Easy Substitutions for a Healthier Thanksgiving
Beat the Cold and Avoid Winter Weight Gain

---

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup: A Love Story



When I was young, my mother would tell me stories about the early years with my dad before I came along (I'm the oldest). One of those stories was about my father's rather novice cooking skills. My mother worked at a pizza restaurant in town (she was a student at the time) and would walk home from the restaurant. My dad would have dinner waiting for her when she arrived. Sweet, right? There was just one problem. My dad only knew how to make grilled cheese sandwiches and canned tomato soup. So, each night, my mother would walk home to a dinner, lovingly arranged on the table, of grilled cheese and tomato soup. :p

Tonight's dinner is an ode to my parents' beginnings (made by Hubby). And now I'm dying of thirst! Darn soup! :D

Hope you're having a great Tuesday night...

xoxo
-Mrs. Myers

---
Recent Articles by Mrs. Myers:

Avoid the Flu this Season: Strengthen Your Immune System with Exercise

Beat the Cold and Avoid Winter Weight Gain

Easy Substitutions for a Healthier Thanksgiving

----

Tomatoes and Sprouts and Brown Rice, Oh My!

Hey guys! I hope your week is starting off well. Mine works. Took my vitamins and minerals test today - a piece of cake! Woohoo! It was 65 questions. I questioned myself on maybe 2 of them. Always a good feeling to breeze through a test.

I've been cooking alot with brown rice lately. The other night I make coconut rice with peas and had it for lunch yesterday, along with sprouts, tomatoes and my last morningstar burger. I bought the Morningstar burgers in a large pack at Costco and it lasted us forever. Great deals!


Photobucket
I guess I was hungry yesterday because that's a realllly big lunchy.

Today's lunch was a little more reasonable. More rice! Last night, my friend Mandy came to dinner. She was here visiting from DC and is preggers!!!! I wanted to make something simple, so I threw together some veggies, chicken breast and more brown rice. Very good dinner. I had the leftovers for lunch today, along with some cut up roma tomatoes. I bought a whole pack of roma tomatoes at the 99 Cent Store! Can you believe that?! I was so excited.


Photobucket

Later, I had some organic blueberry yogurt and some fat blackberries I picked up at Henry's. Yum.

Photobucket

Tonight's dinner will likely include more brussels sprouts and some zucchini, since they're about to go bad. Not that I mind. I think I could eat brussels sprouts every day. Stay tuned.

Is there a vegetable you could eat every single day?

xoxo

--Mrs. Myers

Recent Articles by Mrs. Myers:

Avoid the Flu this Season: Strengthen Your Immune System with Exercise

Beat the Cold and Avoid Winter Weight Gain

Easy Substitutions for a Healthier Thanksgiving

--

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Do You See What I See

Baked Yams... OMG I love yams. I think I'd forgotten...


Photobucket



I bought two large yams at the grocery store and I'm loving it.


Photobucket




Photobucket

What's not to love?
-Chock-full of Vitamin A and Beta Carotene
-Fiberously Filling
-You can dip them in ketchup (the best part)

What are your favorite fall vegetables?