Missing family...

Hey guys, I'm taking a semi-hiatus today (other than commenting on others blogs, of course!) to mope a bit. Haha, well, not mope exactly but I don't feel super in the mood to chronicle everything.

I just found out that my dad is working over thanksgiving. I don't get home until about 1a.m. and his flight leaves at 7 a.m.... that, combined with the fact that I'll only be able to see him Maybe 4 days over christmas break has me pretty down. My father and I are Really close and he's been the only constant support in my life. He always ends every conversation with: "I love and support you in everything you do" and it's become more of a joke, haha. He's also the guy who drove me to school (in the sidecar of the vespa!) Every single day of my youth and I could always cry in front of. Even though we talk all the time, there's nothing quite like a hug. Anyway, I'm hoping Something works out. I mean, I'll get over it because I know I'll see him at some point; but I'd rather have more than a couple of sleep deprived hours!

Thanks for understanding, guys. Your constant positivity and support means a lot!

Tired Tuesday; and Tuesday's Tip

Good evening!! I'm not sure why but I have been incredibly tired all day! I actually dozed off for two minutes at work until someone wanting to use the gym nudged me awake, haha. I'm really hoping it's just the lack of sleep from the last 4 or so nights catching up with me; I don't think I slept more than a couple hours straight due to schoolwork and general tossing and turning. So, in the interest of keeping this short but interesting so that I can go to bed, I'm veering away from today's eats (practical and boring) to bring you: Tuesday's Tip! Now, I'm definitely not sure whether or not this will be a 'weekly feature' or anything, it just happened to be awesome alliteration for right now ;)

How to shop on the cheap (skate):

I'll admit it freely: I'm pretty cheap. Heck, I work for my money and don't work enough to make a lot of it, having other educational priorities. In these times of economic crisis, everyone is looking at the little things that they can do to help 'trim the fat'- and with the holidays coming up it'll be in more ways than one ;)  How do you shop healthily, on a budget, at different stores?

New Leaf is fantastic. It's very similar to Whole Foods (which we don't have anywhere near) but doesn't have as appropriate a nickname as 'Whole Paycheck,' though I'm trying to come up with one! (any ideas?) They specialize in local and organic products. Because of this, it tends to be a bit pricier; but you really can tell the quality!

Here are the goods!

Tip 1: I know a lot of people say that their healthy/cheap tricks involve going to the grocery store with a plan. I disagree. Sure, I write down things I know that I need (this trip I needed frozen veggies); however, I just make sure I don't go in hungry! I also write down generalities ("tea," "yogurt," "fresh vegetables," etc). This way, I can go into a store and shop based on not only what is on sale, but what looks fantastic. FYI- Everything but the Oikos was on sale; and All of the winter squashes were 89 cents a Pound! I knew I needed a vegetable so I decided spaghetti squash, being on sale and the right size/price, was absolutely the way to go. Also, I wanted tea and the seasonal teas were on sale- why not try something new?

Spice-Tastic! Seasonal things always get me into the spirit.

Tip 2: coupons, Coupons, Coupons! Seriously, sunday is one of my favorite days of the week just for the paper. Also, a lot of these more specialized stores will often send out their own newsletters or flyers and/or have them around the store. New Leaf, in particular, has a "Healthy Clippings Catalogue" free to pick up which includes coupons for popular items (I grabbed a 'winter' And a 'holiday' one-shh!). 

Nope, that's not a typo.

From a bill that began at $10.02, I managed to coupon and 'on sale' my way down nearly half! Part of that is great thanks to the amazing Jenn- thanks to her Oikos win the yogurt was free. 

Tip 3: The most lucrative tip? Combining 1 and 2! Look at what is on sale, and then look at what you have coupons for. I chose that particular brand of frozen vegetables because I had a coupon for them (plus they're amazing); the holiday teas were all on sale but I happened to have a coupon for the Celestial Seasonings brand; and I knew Oikos was in my future when I opened my amazing care package. In fact, the only thing that I did not have a coupon for was the Spaghetti squash which, I think, ended up being the most expensive thing I got. Still, it was a sale item as well.

So, sorry for the potentially boring post, I was just amazed at the store the other day and felt the need to share my tips. These may sound time consuming, but it honestly takes all of five minutes to look through the paper, another five to make a list, and once you're at the store looking around it's a snap to combine the two together. What are your healthy budget tips?

Happy cheap shopping!

Sigh.... And AWARDS!

of relief! I really hope everyone's week started off with a bang (in the best way possible). 

Just a quick note to let you all know that I miss you! Just finished my big midterm/final that's been distracting me and I'm going to whip up dinner- but then update this post.

 I cannot wait to get an hour of me time to relax and blog (sad, or what? haha). What can I say, I thrive on the mutual support in the community ;) Catch up with ya soon!!

Update:

First off..... 

Thank you JENNGIRL!!!

I definitely wore my beanie proudly all of friday and, lucky me, that was also the roommates and I's 'grocery night'- I just grabbed 1 oikos to try because we were in a rush but one was enough to know that they are AWESOME! 

I highly recommend this brand of yogurt for the amazingly thick and creamy taste while still managing to be non-fat. It's truly incredible. Greek yogurt Is the ambrosia of the gods ;)

I just tried the plain version but I cannot wait to look through the coupons and try Lots of stoneyfield products. There's some great information on the pamphlet that I promise I will update this with later, but at the moment I'm sitting comfortably with a mug of tea- but a review will follow; I've put a ribbon on my finger. 

Second of all....

I'm a superior scribbler!!! :)

Thank You Jenngirl And Megan!  

It really means a lot to me that I was in your thoughts. I know I've been lacking on the food related posts lately, but I really try to come on each day and say hello, as well as comment to support all you ladies. This blogging community has been so accepting and I'm so thankful for the connections I've made already and really hope to strengthen them in the future. You ladies are so incredibly strong, inspirational, amazing and creative with not only your food choices but your Life choices. I feel blessed to be among you!!

Rules:

1. Post the award on your blog

2. Link those who gave it to you 

3. Link the original posts by Jenn and Megan

4. Pass it on to five deserving people

5. Post these rules for your recipients

Well well well, this award has been making the rounds a bit, but there are definitely special ladies who either deserve to get it for the first time- or Again!!

1. Veggiegirl for seeming to find time for Everyone always- she is the most thoughtful amazing multi-tasker I've ever 'met'

2. The Biggest Diabetic Loser for coming up with incredibly creative and delicious recipes. Apparently I'm her #1 food fan and, I'll admit, I've copied a few of them down into my own recipe book (I won't take credit, promise!)

3. Julia from SBfitness for having great workout as well as food advice. I know that I can go to her with any questions, fitness related or otherwise; especially now that she's just passed her certification exam (congrats!!)

4. Megan at the fitnessista for staying so strong in the face of hardship and longing. I feel for you girlie. You are such an inspiration to me (being in a long distance relationship, though Not with your obstacles) and I enjoy reading every one of your posts; no matter if it's positive or if you're looking for a bit of support!

and, last but Never least

5. My opposite/twin Lara from Thinspired. I love that I've found someone who I feel like I have so much in common with, yet so many subtle differences also. Your relationship (both with matt and with food! haha) inspires me daily and your struggles with acclimating to a new life and area really make me curious about my own future. Can't wait too stay friends; even if we're Not crossing airport paths ;)