Menu Plan 4

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! Mine was very laid back; but, full of cooking, eating and visiting with friends with my little family! 

This time of the year is increasingly difficult for me to stay motivated to cook and plan meals.. I'm trying to force myself out of my comfort zone and try some new recipes and hopefully ignite some encouragement!

Also, I'm pretty terrible about crockpot meals... In theory, they sound great! They should be quick and easy, right? Well, for some reason.. finding the inspiration to get up in the morning and throw it all together is like convincing a toddler to keep their shoes on.... I truly don't know why I struggle with it so much! Anyone else?? 

Having said that, I included a couple this time around in hopes to keep me accountable!



Lighter Chicken Pot Pie
I'm going to par-bake some biscuits and then place them on top to serve as the crust instead of buying phyllo dough. Mostly because I'm cheap haha. I bake them a little on their own because they can get really underdone if you place them on top for the whole pot pie baking time. Sure, the biscuits take away from the whole "lighter" idea, but 'tis the season!

Biscuits and Gravy
I have never added butter to my gravy, but maybe that makes it that much better! I think it's totally up to you if you want to add it or not. Also, I cheat and buy the frozen Pillsbury biscuits. 1. They're cheap 2. They're easy 3. You get a lot. I also plan on using the extra biscuits as a top for my pot pie because phyllo dough is pricey!

Lo Mein (crockpot)

 *This is a new crockpot recipe for me, so we can try it together!
Or you can pick up a frozen bag of stir fry vegetables and have dinner made in 20 minutes.

Fried Rice
Feel free to add whatever meat you prefer, or omit the meat!

Roasted Vegetable Mac
This is one of my favorite mac and cheese recipes! It's kind of spicy so feel free to skip or adjust the amount of red pepper flakes! You can switch up the veggies too if you'd like!

Roasted Winter Vegetables with Chicken
I have never had a parsnip before. While I was at the store, I picked up a variety of new to me vegetables! I got some Japanese sweet potatoes (instead of yams), parsnips, purple potatoes and carrots (obviously not new to me...). This should be a colorful dinner and could easily swap out your meats!

Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
This recipe goes in the oven, but I'm going to throw ours on the grill!

French Dip Sliders
New to me! But I think you can make anything small and suddenly it's even better, so I'm pretty confident this should be good!

Cheesesteaks

 I've used a lot of different cuts of meat for this recipe! No need to pick anything expensive! -Most recently I picked out some cheap round steak tip (I think that's what it was called... is that a thing?) it had some good marbling  and was super cheap! I sliced it very thinly against the grain, gave the slices a quick sear and it was great! 

Chicken Taquitos (crockpot)

These just looked good and easy and like my toddler would even eat them! 

Potato Soup

Copy Cat Chik-fil-a Sandwiches
Honestly, I've been wanting to try these for so long! Fingers crossed! I bought vegetable oil instead of peanut oil... Have I mentioned how cheap I am?

Spaghetti

Because it’s quick, cheap and easy! Especially if you just do sauce, noodles and a vegetable/salad. You can easily add ground turkey, sausage or beef if you'd like as well! 

Grocery List-

coming soon!! 

The Sweetest Christmas Gift

When you search for Christmas gift ideas you are quickly flooded with all kinds of ideas.
Toys, clothes, books, shoes, etc.

While all that is great! I have another idea for those wanting to give gifts that will be treasured for years to come...

Personalized letters from Santa!

My sweet friend hand crafts these letters and seriously, they're amazing! (Don't just take my word for it, go read her reviews!!) She personally creates each letter based off of your answers from a questionnaire she sends you. It's not a standard template where the neighbor down the street has the same letter with different fill-ins. 

These are so thoughtful it's crazy! Pictures do not do them justice!

Not only are they so well written, but the little details are amazing: Vintage stamps, unique authentic looking postage, stained and shimmery paper that even smells like cookies! She seriously thought of everything! 

I highly recommend these for any kid on your list! She also makes naughty and nice lists and magic santa keys for those lacking a chimney! Check out her Etsy page! You will not be disappointed! 

Noni and Joge

-The Cheap Mama

My Stich Fix Review

Stitch Fix was kind of awesome. I loved the experienced!! I enjoyed every item (except the scarf, but I'm not a big scarf person. It was cute, just not my thing). I would have been more than happy to add every piece to my closet!

But first, the pictures----

The box arrived 3 days early!

My box included a personal note from my stylist on why she selected each piece for me and outfit suggestions for each piece! 

I loved this hi-low top. The fabric was thick and soft, the zippers and criss cross back added some personality to an otherwise simple shirt. It's hard to tell because the lighting sucks in my house, but this top was dark olive. So cute and comfortable and excellent quality. 

This was probably my favorite piece in the whole box. Its 100% what I normally wear haha! I'm a sucker for black and lace. I never would have tried this on in a store because the neck line seemed strange, but once I put it on- I loved it! I almost bought this top.. but with holidays around the corner- that tiny voice said no... But i loved everything about this shirt. 

This is the scarf. It's cute and fun and I like the patterns - I just don't wear scarves much. To be honest, the whole idea of a blanket or square scarf kind of intimidates my non-fashion mind anyway. I have no idea how to wear it. The box included different ways to tie it, but I must be kind of dumb because it just looked like I was hiding in a blanket. 

When I saw this sweater, I was very doubtful. I have a large chest (which I told my stylist about) and I thought for sure this neck line would be bizarre on me. But, that's why I'm not a stylist! Because, guess what? I loved this stinkin' thing too!! It was so soft, comfortable and felt like I could snuggle up in a blanket all day- but was so cute I could wear it anywhere! 

These jeans. I hate trying on jeans. So much so, that I just order the same brand of jeans every.single.time I need new jeans. I know my size at American Eagle so I just add to cart and wait for them to arrive. But now I realize I need to venture out! My stylist said she included these for me because they were super stretchy and great for moving every which way chasing kids.

I can't said I would normally grab a pair of stretchy jeans because my current collection of AE jeggings and jeans have some give to them but stretch out pretty quickly and fall down ALL DAY long. 

But these jeans felt great! They came up high, the waist was less stretchy so they did not slide down on me and they comfortable and so cute!!! I loved them and am keeping an eye out for a sale! 

Overall, I loved it! I had so much fun trying stuff on in the privacy of my own home. Having a few days to really think it over. Having a professional find what fits my needs! The quality of everything was excellent. I felt like my stylist really nailed what I was looking for while pushing me out of my comfort zone.

Honestly, their prices were not bad for most people. I, however, only shop off the clearance racks or from odd online shops for insanely cheap. I can't tell you the last time I paid more than $20 for a pair of jeans and spending $12 on a shirt is a splurge for me. I'm disgustingly cheap. Like I said, I wish I wasn't that way all the time.. but for now - I am who I am

**For comparison- the olive top was $54. The black lace top was $44. The navy funnel neck sweater was $64. The scarf was $38. The Jeans were $88. 

If I would have wanted to purchase all 5 items, I was given 25% off the total. Plus the $20 styling fee would go towards my total. So, I could have purchased all 5 items for $196. Which makes me want to puke- but for the quality of the pieces- It's really not a bad price. Just not the right time for me to be spending $200 on nice clothes!

-during my fix profile interview- I selected "the cheaper the better" as my budget. So if you want even nicer pieces- you can increase your budget for them to stay around.

BUT- One day I want a minimal wardrobe made up of quality pieces. Currently, I have a rather large wardrobe made up of a weird collection of cheap pieces. Cheap in quality and price. Which is fine for my currently lifestyle! I get thrown up on a lot.. I'm a personal napkin most days.. I live in leggings and yoga pants.. It's a good day if I get all of my makeup applied before noon! So my cheap wardrobe functions fine for me now! 

But when the day comes that I'm ready to take my wardrobe more seriously- I fully intend to put Stitch Fix to work for me. Additionally, If I had a lot of events I had to dress up for, I would totally use this. But it's not easy for me to drag my two littles to the mall and try on clothes for half the day. 

I hope this helps! 

And no, I don't regret spending the $20 for some style guidance at all! I plan on trying to track down similar pieces for a fraction of the price with some Christmas money! (But that's like comparing shopping at Nordstrom to shopping at Walmart, if that helps -as far as quality and price is concerned.) Which I'm ok with while I'm a human napkin! 😄

I say, give it a try for the holidays!!! Or give a giftcard for someone to try! It's fun for sure! 

 Stitch Fix

-The Cheap Mama

Thanksgiving!

Because we do not live near our families, I plan on cooking the whole meal for Thanksgiving. No potluck style dining or anything like that. So, here is my menu! As it gets closer, I will also share my fall tablescape! (If all goes as planned!)

This year we will be smoking our turkey, and all things smoker, my husband is in charge of. So as far as that specific recipe -it is still in the works.

Turkey
But, a great and easy recipe (especially if you haven't cooked a turkey before) is a good ole Reynold's Oven Bag. I've made many turkeys and you just can't screw one up in a bag. Here is a very easy recipe to follow.

Sides

As far as sides go, I like tradition.

Stuffing (or dressing rather because I will not eat the inside of a turkey...)

*Every other year I have bought my own sourdough and wheat bread, cubed it and toasted it for my stuffing. This year, I'm hoping to save some time but still achieve a higher quality stuffing. The attached link is the recipe I have made in past years. I plan on buying 2 boxes on plain old Stove Top Turkey or Sage Stuffing and making according to package. Once cooked, I'll toss in the cooked sausage, chopped apples and craisins. Then bake until a little toasted on top. But the original recipe is fantastic, (minus the turkey liver....) I just don't want to stand in the kitchen for quite as long this year. :) Hopefully it turns out well!

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

*I cheat and buy the Knorr brand of brown gravy, use a little turkey drippings in place of the liquid on the recipe. *
**Can be made ahead of time**

Sweet Potato Casserole

*can be made ahead of time* 

Green Bean Casserole
*Cream of mushroom soup weirds me out, so this recipe is from scratch.*

Rhodes Rolls

because they're delicious and carbs are my favorite. Obviously. 

Desserts

*make ahead*

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

I'm really trying to talk my husband into having some kind of chocolate pie but he loves his classic Pumpkin Pie... but if I get my way... Chocolate Chip Pie!!

I mean, are we really debating on this??? 😍

Drinks

Cranberry and Rosemary White Christmas Sangria

Grocery List

I'm being naughty and including the ingredients for all 3 pies... Mostly because I can't decide if the Pecan Pie Cheesecake is worth the price and effort... So if I decide to go a different route, I'll just scratch those ingredients off the list. But for now-

Produce Area
1 Golden delicious apple
1 Granny smith apple
1 Braeburn apple
7-8 Potatoes
3lb Sweet potatoes
1 Small onion
1 Garlic bulb
1 and a half pounds green beans (or 2 cans)
1 Mushroom package
Fresh cranberries
1 Sprig of rosemary


Middle of the Store
Dried cranberries
2 boxes Stove Top Stuffing
Gravy mix
Cinnamon
Ground cloves
Ground ginger
Brown sugar
Flour
Pecans (about 4 cups)
Mini Marshmallows
Chicken broth
Panko breadcrumbs
French's Fried Onions
Sugar
Vanilla wafers
Dark corn syrup
Vanilla extract
1 (15oz) canned pumpkin
1 (12oz) evaporated milk
Semi sweet chocolate chips
Hot fudge sauce
Club soda
White grape juice

Cooler Section
Butter. lots of butter.
5 Cream cheese blocks
Milk
Eggs
Half & half
Heavy whipping cream (2) or
Cool whip
2 - 1" deep pie crusts
Vanilla ice cream
Rhodes rolls

Meats
Turkey (see the bottom for the size of turkey for your needs!)
1lb ground breakfast sausage

Alcohol
1 Bottle of Pinot Grigio



Happy Shopping!!! 

-The Cheap Mama

***Remember- everyone will remember the company and conversation before the food and decorations for years to come. So relax and enjoy the holiday! Pull out some cards or games. Maybe grab a 2nd or 3rd bottle of wine!
Also, if you're hosting a large gathering, I can almost guarantee you that no one will care if you use throw away aluminum baking dishes, paper plates or plastic cups! Just make sure you get paper plates that can hold all the food. ALL the food 😋.
Easy clean up and one less thing to worry about!

Meal Plan 3

This round of meal plans is a little smaller than usual. With Thanksgiving just 11 short days away, I will do a separate Thanksgiving post including my entire menu for the day and plans for the leftovers! Having said that, since I typically gain about 5 pounds on Turkey day alone, I tried to keep this batch a little on the lighter side. Tried anyway ;)

Dinners
Bacon and Eggs
Because it's freaking easy. Seriously, if you're not baking your bacon yet- try it! It's cleaner, easier and just as good!
Personally, I preheat my oven to 400, lay down a layer of aluminum foil on a big baking sheet, lay down the bacon and throw it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. (I don't wait for the oven to actually preheat either.) If you really want to decrease the amount of grease, cook your bacon on a cookie cooling rack on top of a baking sheet in the oven. -Use foil though, either way. Bacon grease is disgusting to clean.

Broccoli and Beef (in the crockpot)
https://www.keyingredient.com/recipes/185716238/crock-pot-beef-and-broccoli/

Big Chicken Salad
I like to buy the big plastic container of salad mix, toss in some craisins, sliced almonds, cooked chicken, fresh veggies and we are currently on an Olive Garden Italian dressing kick. Obviously, you know how to make a salad and can make it however you'd like! But since it's the star of the show this night, I like to splurge on some extra add-ins to liven it up a little.

Baked Chicken and Rice 
Whatever baked chicken recipe you like. Growing up, I ate a lot of baked chicken coated in Ritz crackers crumbs. May be a winner if you've got littles running around (Ritz Chicken). Or keep it super simple with some olive oil, seasoning and bake at 350 for 30 minutes or so. Additionally, we really like the Rice-a-Roni rice pilaf with some toasted almonds thrown in. Don't forget a vegetable :)

Lasagna
I cheat and buy the Barilla No-Boil noodles. They're kind of a life saver. Shaving like 20 minutes off the prep time for this meal. Also, I use the basic recipe on the back of the box. Which I'll include here if you throw the box out and don't want to dig it out of the box 8 more times while you're making it like I do.
**I know what you're thinking... "I thought you said 'light' meals". Which I totally did so to keep this recipe lighter you can make some easy swaps. Instead of noodles, try thinly sliced zucchini (just slice lengthwise, sprinkle with a little salt and toss in a colander to drain while you prep the rest of the goodies. Use as you would regular noodles.) You can also opt for the low fat ricotta or cottage cheese instead of the full fat ricotta. Lastly, you can omit the meat or use ground turkey instead of beef.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings
http://eatathomecooks.com/2009/07/homemade-chicken-and-dumplings-its-easy-really/
I like to add in Mrs. Dash for more flavor.

Deconstructed Stuffed Mushrooms.. kind of
We just made this up one day and it has become a part of our regular cycle.
I cook up some brown or white rice. I slice 2 containers of mushrooms thinly, sauté in a little olive oil until nice and brown. Move to a bowl. Brown some spicy sausage. Toss it all together and sprinkle with feta cheese. If you hate feta, you can use whatever cheese or omit the cheese. It's just a simple quick dish.

Chicken, Apple, Sweet Potato & Brussel Sprout skillet
http://www.wellplated.com/chicken-apple-sweet-potato-and-brussels-sprouts-skillet/print/
This is another that regularly makes our fall routine. Everything is in season right now and easy to find. (I skip the bacon)

Creamy Cauliflower  (Alfredo) Pasta
http://pinchofyum.com/creamy-cauliflower-sauce
It's time to jump on the cauliflower band wagon. Seriously, this is a really good sauce! We usually add in chicken or shrimp.




Snacks for this time- 
we are making Spinach Muffins (because my toddler is refusing to eat vegetables...) Honestly, they are pretty good! They don't taste like spinach at all and freeze well.
Oatmeal Energy Bites (I omit the flax seed because I'm cheap.)
and a personal house favorite Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Dip with homemade granola, for dipping apples or just plain.



Like I said, it's a short list this time. Check back soon for my Thanksgiving post!!


Grocery List
Produce
2 heads of broccoli
Garlic clove
Salad
2 large zucchini (if you want that for your lasagna)
2 granny smith apples
2 sweet potatoes
Brussel sprouts
1-2 heads of cauliflower
2 mushrooms
1 onion

Middle of the store
Soy sauce
Sesame oil
Brown sugar
Cornstarch
Beef broth
Craisins
Sliced almonds
Salad dressing
Mrs. Dash
Flour
Baking powder
Rice Pilaf
2 jars spaghetti sauce
Fettuccine noodles
No boil lasagna noodles (if you're going that route)
Brown rice

Cooler Area
Butter
Milk
Eggs
Mozzerella
Parmesan
Feta cheese
Ricotta cheese

Meat
1lb beef chuck
6 or so chicken breasts
1lb ground beef or turkey
1lb spicy ground sausage



***If you're not finding my meal plan super helpful but like the idea of meal planning-, start an "on the menu" board on pinterest. Pin 5-10 meals or so and all week your recipes are easy to find. While you pin them, jot down the ingredients and you're done. If you like the recipe, pin it to a board called "repeat meals" if you hated it, delete it and forget it ever happened. Every week or two just delete the contents and start over. ***

Have you tried Stitch Fix??

Christmas shopping is already in full swing in my house! I find that the sooner I get gifts taken care of, the sooner I give my full attention to the reason for the season. Also, I tend to find great deals and stay on track much better.
In my Christmas deal searching venture today, I came across Stitch Fix.
I am fully aware that Stitch Fix has been around for a while, however I never really understood what it was or how it worked.
So after being inspired by one of my most favorite bloggers (Hip2Save) I decided to check it out.
Basically, you fill out a pretty thorough questionnaire on your lifestyle, likes and dislikes, sizes, etc. It even asks how frequently you go on date nights or different occasions like that. Additionally, you can link your Pinterest style board or Instagram page to your profile and your personal stylist can browse the items you already know you like!
Next your stylist will handpick 5 clothing items to ship to you!
Once your shipment arrives, you have 3 days to choose which items you would like to keep and those you wish to send back. (all shipping is free)
Now, you do have to pay a $20 stylist fee BUT that $20 goes towards the item(s) you choose to purchase. So, if you decide you do not want to keep anything from your box, you are out the $20.

Rumor has it their prices are pretty high compared to what I normally spend on clothes. They are supposed to be super high quality pieces though.
This is not a subscription required service. You can log in and request boxes as frequently or infrequently as you'd like.

My first box is scheduled to arrive November 17th and I will share what is included in it. Even if the items are pricey, I would imagine the looks could be an inspiration at least for new pieces to look for! I mean, it is a personal stylist selecting items for you and you get to try it all on in in your home, in normal lighting and have a couple days to really decide how you feel about each piece!

So, what a perfect time to give this a shot! Holiday parties coming up, New Years around the corner or even a great gift idea for the hard to shop for person on your list!

Check it out with me!! 

If you have already given Stitch Fix a try, share your experience with me!

-The Cheap Mama

***For a more thorough review of this service please visit Hip2Save and read all about Collin's favorite splurge! As well as getting to see her box contents.

Meal Plan 2

It's officially fall here in Idaho!!! Today it's chilly, rainy and lazy out. So you'll notice I selected somewhat heavy meals this time. It's my favorite time of the year! Bring on the sweaters, leggings and an extra 5 pounds, baby! It's a little beef and protein heavy this time too.. just remember every recipe can be altered to fit your specific wants and needs! 

Comment and share how much you're spending on groceries each trip and how many trips you make in a month!! Send me some feedback on types of recipes you'd like to see on here! 

Dinners:

Sloppy Joes
http://southernbite.com/sloppy-joes/

Chicken Enchilada Rice Bake

http://www.jocooks.com/main-courses/poultry-main-courses/chicken-enchilada-rice-casserole/

Chicken Quesadilla

I just slice 1-2 chicken breasts very thinly, sauté with some olive oil, salt, pepper and cumin. Then assemble the tortillas with refried or black beans, chicken, cheese and whatever else you want to add. (salsa, rice, avocados, etc.) Toast in a skillet or in the oven until crisp. 

Homemade Pizza

Just pick up your favorite pizza crust, tomato sauce, mozzarella and the pizza toppings you prefer. Bake according to the crust and the cheese is bubbly. For a fun family night, pick up mini crusts and make a toppings bar for the kiddos to assemble their own! I like to put my tomato sauce in a sauce pan, add some seasonings and cook it down until it is between a sauce and paste just to concentrate the flavor a little more.

Grilled Cheeseburgers & Chicken
(2 meals, whenever we fire up the grill, I throw on as much as I can)

I have been craving a cheeseburger like you don't even know, lately. The greasier the better. Don't forget the steak fries!
The leftover BBQ chicken makes great leftovers on salads, in wraps or just reheated. Also try a BBQ chicken quesadilla if you want! Use BBQ sauce and sautéed onion instead of beans, mozzarella instead of cheddar and sliced up leftover chicken. 

Chili 

Feel free to use your favorite chili recipe! I'll share what I do, because it's quick, easy and basic. I just grab a can of kidney beans, pinto beans, Bush's chili beans, small can of tomato sauce, 1lb ground turkey, a small onion and chili seasoning. Cook the turkey and onions, add in the seasoning packet (we tried McCormick's BBQ chili seasoning packet and enjoy that as well for something a little different from time to time) throw in the drained kidney and pinto beans, the whole can of tomato sauce and the can of chili beans. You can heat it up on the stove or the crockpot. Serve with cheese, plain greek yogurt, green onion, crackers or Fritos! You can switch up the beans, opt for no meat, add diced tomatoes, do your thing! 

Fried Rice
http://therecipecritic.com/2013/08/easy-fried-rice/
*If you didn't use your whole bag of frozen shrimp, toss it in!

Ham & Swiss Sliders

http://www.kingshawaiian.com/recipes/hawaiian-ham--swiss-slider/
We never use all of the sauce for topping these sandwiches. You could easily cut it in half, in my opinion. 

Glazed Pork Chops
http://www.budgetbytes.com/2010/08/glazed-pork-chops/

Tater Tot Casserole

I hate cream of mushroom soup... cream of anything soup to be honest. But I do like a good tater tot casserole when it's cold and dreary outside. I use 2 lbs of lean ground beef, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, 16oz of sour cream (or plain greek yogurt), 1 cup of cheese and 1 bag of frozen tater tots. Mix sour cream and soup together then layer it on top of the browned hamburger. Next, add cheese and top with the tots. Cover in foil. Bake at 350 in a greased 13x9" pan for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 more minutes. 

Frittata

(super easy and customizable.)
We like to add some sautéed spinach, ham or bacon, cheese & mushrooms. 

**This round of meals we are making a large batch of breakfast burritos for breakfast. An hour or so of work and dirty dishes but a hot and hearty breakfast in under 2 minutes all week long.

***With each meal, I like to serve a vegetable and a fruit. Lately I have struggled as my local grocery store is kind of terrible with their produce, but right now they're "renovating". 

*cue eye rolls*
-If you want me to share my sides with each meal as well, let me know!!! -

Groceries
Produce:

1 onion

1 green pepper

Garlic

Cilantro- optional

(Frittata add ins)

(Pizza toppings)

(Burger fixins) 

Center of the Store:

Ketchup

Brown sugar

Mustard

Applecider vinegar

Soy sauce

Sesame oil

2 enchilada sauce cans

Rice

Refried beans

1 can of corn (or frozen)

Black, pinto or refried beans (optional for quesadilla)

Pizza sauce

(Pizza toppings)

Favorite bbq chicken seasoning or marinade

Pinto beans

Kidney beans

Chili beans

Tomato sauce

Chili seasoning

Fritos

Hawaiian rolls

Onion powder

Mayo

Worcestershire

Dijon mustard

Poppy seeds

Cayenne

Garlic powder

Paprika

Olive oil

Cream of mushroom soup

Cold Stuff:

Cheddar cheese

Monterrey jack cheese

Mozzarella

Swiss cheese slices

Butter

Plain greek yogurt or sour cream

Freezer stuff:

Peas

Tater tots

Meat:

4lbs ground beef

1lb ground turkey

6 chicken breast

Eggs

Milk

Ham deli meat

Pork chops

(Pizza & Frittata toppings)

*Don't forget to grab stuff for breakfasts, lunches and snacks!
    However, I wouldn't worry too much about desserts or sweet things this round! Here's a link to 55+ ideas for what to do with all the leftover Halloween candy you'll inevitably have! http://www.somethingswanky.com/55-recipes-using-halloween-candy/

Enjoy!

Happy Shopping,

-The Cheap Mama