UIDAN

Heather Farrell posted about this awhile ago but I wanted to second it, and also mention from personal experience, since I am currently taking the financial classes. You can save money through a program can UIDAN that can be used toward a house, education or new small business. For more information click on the link above. We are hoping this will help us get in our first home in (hopefully) the next 3 years or so. From my understanding there is a waiting list currently, but after you finish the 4 classes and apply, you will be placed on the list and start saving as soon as there is an opening, then get a great return on your savings when you complete your savings plan.

My Weekly Meal Plan

Crystal inspired me to post my dinner meal plan for this week, as I am currently planning my shopping list, I figured I could write it here as well. If anyone is interested in a recipe, feel free to comment on this post and I will post it. My goal right now is to shop as cheaply as possible and be more efficient in my planning and cooking, i.e., if I have spinach, make sure I am utilizing it for salads throughout the week, but also planning a specific meal to cook with it; cooking meat for two separate meals at the same time then using later that week; being more conscious about varying the meats, non-meat meals, etc. I am feeling more in control of our eating and food budget as I am trying to do this. That, and cook from what I have and what's on sale, not just choosing random meals then having to purchase items at full cost. It's amazing how much smarter my shopping has become as I've done this the last few weeks.

Monday - Taco salad
Tuesday - Spicy tofu burritos
Wednesday - Tuna over toast
Thursday - Spinach quiche
Friday - Tomato basil soup
Saturday - 4th of July (we'll probably be at a family BBQ)
Sunday - ?? (usually with family, if not, we'll come up with something simple!!)

Yummies Lasagna!

I LOVE this recipe. It is worth the time it takes to make! It is Stuart's counsin Camille's recipe, and so great!

Lasagna

1 lb ground beef
1 clove garlic
1.5 tsp salt
1 TBSP italian seasoning
1 lb can tomatoes
2 cans tomato paste (I always use sauce and it still tastes good)
1 TBSP brown sugar (I added that, so yummy!)
8-10 strips dry noodles
2 eggs
2 c. cottage cheese
1/2 c parm cheese
2 TBSP Parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
grated Mozz cheese

Brown meat and drain fat. Add next 6 ingredient and simmer 20 minutes. Cook, drain, and rinse noodles.

Beat eggs, cottage cheese, parm, parsley, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.

Spread a little meat sauce on bottom of 9x13 pan. layer noodles, 1/2 cottage cheese, 1/2 mozz, 1/2 meat sauce. Repeat. Bake at 350 for 30 min or until bubbly.

FINALLY!

It has been a while, but I'm trying to get back on the train here. I realized that my last post was before I found out I was expecting, and things have been crazy since then. But money is as tight here as ever, so I'm going to start trying to post meal plans with a shopping list every Sunday. Wish me luck! :) The food for each day is under the date, minus a snack. The dinner is in BOLD.

Monday
6/29
Milk & Mini-wheats
Yogurt & fruit
PBJ
Apple
Carrots & spinach
baked potato bar & broccoli


Tuesday
6/30
Scrambled eggs
Fruit & toast
lunch: Leftovers
Lasagna w/ spaghetti squash (see post for best Lasagna recipe, though not quick)


Wednesday
7/1
Cereal & fruit
Pretzels & turkey salad pita
Leftover lasagna


Thursday
7/2
Cottage cheese & fruit w/ toast
PBJ w/ strawberries & yogurt, veggie
Chicken stir-fry w/ brown rice
Spinach salad (cook chicken for Sat. night's dinner)

Friday
7/3
French toast w/ fruit & milk
Tuna sandwich w/ chips & veggies
Homemade pizza (sauce)


Saturday
7/4
Eggs & fruit
Mac n cheese w/ veggies
Chinese Chicken salad w/ fruit

Sunday
7/5
Cereal & fruit
Grilled cheese & fruit
Pot Roast & mashed potatoes

Now for the shopping list. Just a note, I did not put things on the list if I had them already. :)

Produce
Apples (5)
blueberries
banana (6)
pears(4)
strawberries
Squash (3 kinds)
Celery
Cucumber
Romaine
cabbage
Broccoli
celery
onions
Pita bread
Wheat bread
*already have spinach

Dairy
Cottage cheese
Mozz cheese

Protein
b/s chicken
turkey breast meat
eggs
roast

Frozen
Edamame
Peas
Corn

Non-perishable
2 pack chicken ramen
Lasagna noodles
pizza sauce
pickles
Sunflower seeds
fennel seeds
Honey
Raisins
Popcorn
Waxed paper