Cheap Eats 1 : weekly meal planning

Meal Planning for me is always a highlight of my week- it lets me be creative and resourceful. 

These days those skills need to work in overdrive! My husband is back to school finishing off his program and with me being a stay at home mom and a government funded budget, we aren't working on much here. Lets be real... 

I'm excited for the challenge, although times will be tight frugality is something we have adopted since we decided I would stay at home with our little one. Surprisingly- we don't go without too much. We are clever and buy smarter. This is going to be tested the next 6 weeks without my husbands income and I'm sure there are those of you that can relate. 

We do have to be ingenious about not eating ICHIBAN every night now that we have another little mouth to feed... Healthy food is important and so are things that won't be wasted. 

My tactic is to lower our meat intake to a few times a week, my husband is away at school so my opposition to vegetables is in the clear and I'm going to take full advantage! Also choosing produce in season and budget friendly items is obviously imperative! 

Have a peek at my new 'weekly FRUGAL meal plan' & Grocery list-  'Pin-able' to Pinterest 

Hope this helps you pinch a few pennies and still feel satisfied in the kitchen! 

What are your favourite recipes a la cheap?? Ill be looking for more next week 

mini poutine cups

these sweet, messy bites of yum were a treat to my hubby on his birthday. 

they have all the amazing bits of poutine and are as satisfying as they are stupidly portion sized. Germaphobes - your welcome. 

these babies were a great hit at the party and so of course, they are making the blog. 

easy, dirty, greasy and delish.

mini poutine cups 

- tater tots for the fries 

-pizza mozzarella or curds 

-gravy package 

-seasoning salt 

-muffin tin 

Order of Assembly 

-preheat oven to tater tot instructions 

-place 4 or 5 tater tots in each muffin tin and place them in the oven for the preheat 

(this will soften them to allow them to 'smoosh' into the muffin mould) 

-once softened , take a spoon or some blunt tool and create a cup shape out of the tot. make sure you make edges to allow to hold the 'goods'

-sprinkle with seasoning salt and bake till edges are crispy 

- mix gravy per instructions 

- remove tots from oven and sprinkle with cheese while they cool a touch 

- place on plate to serve and drizzle with gravy and sprinkle with additional seasoning salt 

SEE-DIRTY. 

Serve with side of gravy if you want to allow dipping and any other fancy-ness you prefer

ENJOY! 

Capsule wardrobe 2015

We are almost into colour and fun of the summer season- but i wanted to share a few quick favourite items from my winter capsule wardrobe! Each season its so fun to mix and match and know that everything in the closet matches and fits and i feel good in.. a few of these items are new so I'm counting them forward into spring. Its nice to have a few new pieces in the new year!!! 

This isn't everything but it is my favourites from this season! I thought i had decided to forgo Old Navy this season but they got me with some great deals and cute cuts although I am already seeing a fade in the quality. However, the black jeggings are holding strong and almost make me feel like Catwoman. Almost. if Catwoman wore jeans, stretchy jeans, that makes sense..never mind. I suggest them to everyone! 

WINTER CAPSULE WARDROBE FAVOURITES 

Aquatherm Blend Rubber Boot

Rockstar Jegging from Old Navy 

Black Puffer Vest from Gap 

Plaid shirt and tunic are also from Old Navy 

Poncho is Similar to this one- i adore that it has a hood and can be stylish and comfy! winning!!! 

Stay tuned for SPRING 2016!!! I hope to see your soon too 

Firsts!!!

Hello!!!! I'm back! a little break never hurt anyone, I'm refreshed to start blogging again - just realizing the amazing ability to connect with people around the globe is inspiring and leaving me awestruck! 

So for this first post back- I'm proud to say, I have a 3 year old!!! we have survived the (not-so terrible) twos and have moved on to 'three-anger' territory! This one ain't for the faint of heart- life is now full of opinions, boundary pushing and 'why's .... say a little prayer for me! 

This left me reminiscing, as most mothers do, where has the time gone? Life really does flash by when your cleaning pee and trying to sleep... 

This is an exciting season of life, a celebratory season - not only is it almost spring, but its the beginning of new lives, my best friend is expecting her first bundle of joy- other friends are welcoming new little's to the world too and to top it off I'm gaining a sister in law!!! There is just something about firsts...
So in honour - this is a flash back to my Little's first Birthday!!!! 

I will be doing lots of celebrating in this next season of the year and am feeling blessed!!!
Thank GOD for Pinterest and all the unachievable ideas ... Because I love to throw a good party, here are a few very achievable party ideas from my littles first 'circus' bash!! Because well- life with wee ones is a Circus... 

Tickets, clown noses, snowcone inspired cupcakes, lemonade and a photo booth really added to the circus vibe. We also had a make your own cotton candy and hot dog station. The big gift was this Circus tent from IKEA which has been well loved and still standing strong.. 

 Those polka dot balloons made for great photo pop for my little the next day for pictures! 
It was a great time celebrating with family and friends!!!!  Im so happy i took so many pictures to remember upon- 1 is a really big deal, not only is your little growing, but you have survived the parenting pains of year 1 too!!!