Meals for the next 2 weeks!

So......what meals are you planning for the next two weeks?  I have left over Paleo Spaghetti sauce in the freezer, along with 2 large pieces of grouper, and 3 large pieces of boneless, skinless, chicken breasts. 

Here is what I have on our menu:

Monday - Lean beef taco's
Tuesday - Paleo Spaghetti sauce w/ organic noodles + salad
Wednesday- Grilled Pork Loin + squash casserole
Thursday-Paleo Chicken Tortilla-less soup
Friday-Lean beef burgers (no bun for some) + Bushes Baked Beans
Saturday-Grilled Grouper + Salad
Sunday-Pork Ribs, steam fresh veggies
Monday- Paleo Taco Soup
Tuesday-Roast, carrots, veggies over rice
Wednesday-Grilled Pork Loin + steam fresh veggies
Thursday-Turkey, squash casserole, sweet pot casserole, dressing, pie

Winn Dixie, Publix, and Target Deals!

I noticed all the coupons that came in the paper this Sunday.........$5 off $40 purchase at Publix, $5 off $50 purchase at Winn Dixie, and $10 off $50 food and beverage purchase at Target.  Wow!  As soon as I got back into town I went right to town clipping and researching coupons.  After chatting with my sis in law, she mentioned the $10 off Target coupon and how she grocery shops there...hmmm....maybe I should give it a whirl?  So I went online and clipped coupons after doing the whole cartwheel thing.  I was able to stack coupons plus use cartwheel....triple awesome!

With that said, I carefully planned my grocery trip on errands day so that I could get the most bang for my buck out of all three stores.  Luckily they are all pretty close to our home and the errands I already had to run so I did not waste any extra gas.

My first trip was to Winn Dixie.  Here is what I got (plus fuel perks for gas)!

Pot Roast $8.19
Pork Loin $8.62
Country Style Ribs $4.68
Country Style Ribs $5.28
16 lb turkey $9.25
Bell Pepper .89 - .30 WD Cpn = .59
Squash $1.48
Baby Carrots $1.39
Glass Cleaner $1
Charmin Toilet Paper $3.99-$1.20 WD Cpn = $2.79
Steam Fresh Veggies $1 a box
Waffles $1.58
Ice Cream $2.39
3 pack Aqua Soap $1.49 - .50 WD Cpn = .99
Cover Girl Blush $3.99 BOGO - $1.50 Manuf Cpn= $1.24 each blush
Total $51.71- WD $5 off $50 order = 46.71

Next stop was Publix.......This run I got toiletries as I doubled up on cpns for everything!  Score!

Here is what I got:

Suave Professionals Shampoo $3.00 - $1 off any suave product= $2
Suave Professionals Conditioner $3.00 - $3.00 BOGO manuf cpn = FREE
Simple Facial Wash $6.99 - $1.75 Publix Cpn = $5.24
Simple Facial cloths $5.49 - Buy any Simple product get the wipes= FREE - $1.75 Publix cpn = credit of $1.75 applied back to the face wash which ended up costing me $3.49 for BOTH items!
Degree Motion sense deod $3.50 - $1 Publix cpn = $2.50
Degree Motion sense deod $3.50 - $1 Publix cpn - $3 manuf cpn off two Degree items = FREE plus the credit of .50 was applied to the first deod which costs me $2.00 for 2!  Score!
Tresemme leave in conditioner $5.99 - $5.00 manuf cpn  off 2 Tres products = .99
Tresemme ceramic heat protector $4.49 - $3 off Publix manuf cpn when you buy 2 Tres products = 2.49

 

 

                                                                   Total Spent $13.41
                                                                   Total saved $32.94

My last trip was Target.  Here is my food/beverage purchase:

Simply Balanced Organic  Blue Corn Tortilla Chips $2.99-$1.25 Target cpn - 5% cartwheel = 1.59
Simply Balanced Organic Honey $3.00 - 5% cartwheel = 2.85
Simply Balanced Organic Eggs $2.99 - .50 Target Cpn - 10% cartwheel = $2.24
Simply Balanced Organic Spagh Pasta $2.49
Smithfield Bacon $3.49
Garlic .59
Skippy Natural PB $2.69 - .55 manuf cpn = $2.14
Black Olives $1.22
Chicken Broth $1.22
Tom sauce $.49
28 oz can Diced Petite tomatoes $1.42
Red onion .84
Jalapeno Peppers $.92
Fresh Cilantro $.99
Bushes Baked Beans $1.39
Fruit cups 4 pack  $1.99
Oregano spice $2.24
Strawberries $2.79
4 pack ground beef patties $4.89-$2 Target cpn- 5% Cartwheel  = $2.70
4 pack ground beef patties $4.89 - $2 Target cpn- 5% Cartwheel =  $2.70
1 lb Lean ground beef $3.39 - 5% Cartwheel = $3.22
Frozen Steam Peas .92
Tater Tots $2
Lean cuisine frozen meal $1.60
Lean Cuisine frozen meal $1.60
Bagel Bites $1.99

Total $37.94

**I gave the cashier the $10 off $50 cpn first, then handed the cashier the Target and Manufac cpns, then lastly gave her the cartwheel scan code therefore getting it down to $37.94.

 

Lastly here is my toiletries deals which were a separate order.  Here is what I got:

Colgate Max Advanced toothpaste $3.49 - $1 off Target cpn - $1 manuf cpn = $1.49
Target Brand sand Ziploc bags $2.49-.50 Target cpn = 1.99
Hefty trash bags $5.54- $1.50 Target cpn - .55 manuf cpn = $3.49
Vanity Fair napkins $2.19 - .50 manuf cpn - 15% Cartwheel = $1.36
Vanity Fair napkins $2.19 - .50 Manuf cpn - 15% Cartwheel = $1.36
Dog Food $4.64 - $1.50 manuf cpn - $1 Target cpn = $2.14

Total Spent $11.83 

Paleo Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Here is a new recipe I found online this weekend.  It turned out really good!

Ingredients

2 lbs. grass fed  beef stew meat (I used lean stew beef)
1-2 sweet potatoes (quartered)
1 yellow onion, (chopped)
1 tbsp. bacon fat (I used coconut oil)
6 oz. can of organic tomato paste
3/4 cup red wine (I used 1 cup)
1 cup baby carrots
1 cup sliced mushrooms 
bag of frozen green peas 
2.5 cups beef broth
3 cloves of garlic (minced)
1 tsp. thyme
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. marjoram
1 pinch of salt

 
Instructions


1. In a large saucepan, heat the bacon fat (coconut oil) over medium-high heat.
2. Once the pan is searing hot, add the cubed beef to the pan, cook until its brown on all sides. It's important that you only add the beef once the pan is very hot, this produces a good sear and keeps in the beef's juicy goodness. Once the meat is ready, place it in your slow cooker.
3. Fry the chopped onions in the saucepan at medium heat for about 5 mins.
4. Add the red wine and tomato paste to the pan with the onions and let it simmer for 3 minutes. Add to the slow cooker.
5. Stir in the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker.
6. Cook for 8 hours on low (5-6 hours on high)
7.. Serve and enjoy!

                      

Publix deals

Here are some deals I scored today at Publix!  Half of my coupons were from newspapers and the other half I got from coupons.com and redplum.com.  No worries, I know it looks like a ton of cookie dough BUT I bake a lot around Halloween for my work and Justin's work plus neighbor kids each afternoon :)

Total spent $18.95, saved $37.46  (Each item was BOGO except for the Del Monte fruit squeezes)

Motts Juice BOGO $2.50-$1 off = $1.50 for 2, .75 each bottle
Arm and Hammer Laundry Detergent BOGO $4.99 - $1 cpn = $3.99 for 2, $1.99 each
Nestle Cookie Dough BOGO $3.29 - $1.25 = $2.05 for 2, $1.03 each
Veggie Dip BOGO  $3.69 - $.75 cpn + .50 cpn = $2.44 for 2, $1.22 each container
Quaker Medley Bars BOGO $3.99 - $1 cpn - $1 cpn = $1.99 for 2, .99 each box
Delmonte Fruit Squeezes $2.99 - $1 cpn - $1 Publix cpn = .99 a box
Sponge Bob and Dora Fruit Snacks BOGO $2.50 - .50 cpn = $2.00 for 2, $1 a box

Arugala Chopped Greek Salad with home made dressing

This was a great salad!  Found this on health bent.com. 

Here is the recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 English (also called Hot House) cucumber
• 2 green onions
• 1 pint cherry/grape tomatoes
• 1 handful kalamata olives
• 4 pepperoncini peppers
• 2 handfuls arugula greens
• juice of 1 generous lemon
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint (I do not care for mint so I did not use this)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• salt & pepper
• feta, if you want (YUM, I added this)

 

 

Method

Get out a storage/serving container.
Chop up the cucumber, green onions, tomatoes, olives, peppers and arugula. (If you are trying to save time and make ahead, do not add the Arugula just yet, wait till your ready to serve)
Toss them into the container. Add in everything else.
Make sure you generously season the salad with salt and pepper, to your liking of course.
Stir to combine.

Salmon with Avocado Salsa

This was a wonderful recipe I tried tonight!  D_E_L_I_S_H!  Trust me!

I got this recipe from laylita.com . 

Here is the recipe!

Ingredients

 

 

• 2 lbs salmon, cut into 4 pieces
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
Avocado salsa
• 1 avocado, peeled, seeded and sliced
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 3 mild hot peppers, seeded and deveined, diced or sliced
• Juice from 2 limes
• 3 tbs olive oil
• 2 tbs finely chopped cilantro
• Salt to taste
  
• Instructions:

 

1. Mix the salt, coriander, cumin, paprika, onion and black pepper together, rub the salmon fillets with olive oil and this seasoning mix, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Pre-heat the grill.
3. Combine the avocado, onion, hot peppers, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil and salt in a bowl and mix well, chill until ready to use.
4. Grill the salmon to desired doneness.
5. Serve the salmon topped with the avocado salsa.

Finished Product:

 

 

 

 

Paleo Crock Pot Chili

I decided last week to search out new recipes!  I am tired of the old!  Time for a change!  I found about 5 new recipes that I will share this week as I make them!

Tonight it was a chili recipe from paleonewbie.com.  This turned out to be a good chili recipe!

Here is the recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. of lean ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red and 1 green bell pepper, both diced
• 1 cup of carrots, finely diced
• 1 cup of celery, diced
• 1 jalapeno, minced
• (1) 28-ounce can of crushed or stewed tomatoes
• (1) 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes
• (1) 15-ounce can of tomato sauce
• ****I chopped up all of the veggies the night before and stored in a large container to save time in the morning****Also don't forget to thaw the ground beef the night before****
 
Spices
• 3 tbs. of chili powder
• 1 tbs. of oregano
• 1 tbs. of basil
• 2 tsp. of cumin
• 1 tsp. of salt
• 1 tsp. pepper
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. of cayenne
Garnish
• About 4 pieces of bacon, fried and crumbled (This makes the dish)
• 1 or 2 avocados, diced

Instructions

1. Saute onions and garlic together in a large saucepan over medium heat
2. Add ground beef to the saucepan, and brown
3. Drain excess fat
4. Transfer the cooked onions, garlic and meat to your crockpot
5. Add all vegetables and spices (except garnish ingredients) to the crockpot
6. Give it all a good stir
7. Set crockpot to low and allow to slow cook for about 6 hours
8. Spoon into individual bowls
9. Garnish with crumbled bacon and avocado slices
10. Serve hot and enjoy!

Aldi Deals

This week I found some great deals on veggies at Aldi!  Perfect for my planned meals in the week ahead!  Here is what I paid!

Limes .15
Mushrooms .75
Avocado's .69
Cherry Tomatoes .99
Honey Crisp Apples 1.59 bag
2 pack Bell peppers .99
3 lbs onion bag .99
cucumber .50

Total $ 7.49

Steve's produce.....again..... another great deal!

So on our way home from the beach we passed by Steve's produce....and I saw the $1 table filled with stuff.  Of course I had to stop and check it out as I knew I was making Paleo Taco Soup this week!  To my surprise I found a few items that were perfect.  A bag of tomatoes (9 to be exact), poblano peppers, green beans, and corn on the cob (4 pack)!  Score! 

Total spent $4!

Steve's Produce!

Recently I stumbled upon a great produce place!  When I say great, that means one thing...they have a SALE table!  Yes, a SALE table of various veggies and fruits that are going bad within 3 days.  Perfect for my budget!  When I stop I usually look for two items....tomato's and bell peppers (any color peppers).  This week I stopped twice (on my way home) and found these gems......

These were $1----not bad at all for 6!

 

These jalapeno peppers were $1 a bag, the apples were $1, and the cucumber was $.50.
Total for this bunch was $2.50

 

Kohls....Back to School deals!!!

Today I went to Kohls for the first time in a year.  I had found a $10 off $25 Kids clothing coupon online plus the Sunday paper had a 15% off any item in the store coupon and I was able to use them both!  Score!!!!

Here is what I found for the kids:

Orange T shirt $ 6
Blue Cargo Shorts $9.01
Boys 8pk socks $6.76
Jean Capri's $3.61
Pink Capri's $2.40
Purple Capri's $2.40

Sub Total $30.18
15% off    -$4.53
TOTAL $27.45 (with tax)

Back to school deals......Walmart

So I was out getting some things from Walmart which I rarely frequent these days and happen to stumble on some cute things for Kendra at a great price!

Check out what I got as part of her back to school clothes:

The pink top was $3
The floral skirt was $3
The Disney Victoria Necklace/bracelet combo was .50
The purple skirt was $3
The white shirt was $3.97

Total spent $13.47 + tax

Express Deals....$15 off a $30 purchase!

I am very behind in blogging my deals here lately....I have been so busy with working all summer (which is NEW to me) and sending the kids to camp. 

Last month I got a Facebook offer from Express which was $15 off a $30 purchase.  Now I rarely hit the mall and hardly ever step into Express so I took my coupon and visited the store after work one afternoon.

When I walked in I saw all kinds of sleeveless summer tanks on sale...$10 each!  Wow!  They had many styles and prints, however I wear an XS top and the choices were very limted....no prob!  I bought three tanks (super cute, see through print on back, small pocket on  front). 

My total was $30 and after my $15 coupon I paid $15 + tax....not bad at all for 3 tops at Express!

Discount Store Makeup?

So I have slowly been trying out discount store makeup and products.....I use Clinique for the most part but I am slowly moving towards discount products and saving a few $$.

Here are a few things I picked up this weekend.  Walgreens had the Wet n Wild products for $1.49.  WOW!  Why not try a few things out?

Here is what I picked up........

 

The lip product on the left is a lip shimmer #100 which was shimmier (pretty sure that is NOT a word) than I would have liked but I will still wear it and I do like it just not all the shimmer....The middle lip stick was called "Bear it all" and it is a peachy/brown/nude combo.....it's o.k. and I actually mix it up with the shimmer.  The nail polish is called "Sugar Coat #205B" and Kendra helped pick it out.  It is a light ballet slipper color and I like it.  Def a must try!  The Mascara I have used for months and it works very well.  The Marc Anthony Morocco  Argan Oil packet is a deep conditioner I got from Ulta.  It was $2.99 and it will actually give you 2 treatments in one packet.  Afterwards my hair felt great. 

 

All in all I spent a total of $8.95 + tax which is a great deal to try out new products!

Paleo Turkey Meatloaf

This is another great recipe I got out of "The Food Lovers" Make it Paleo.

Ingredients

• 1 whole Egg, whisked
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 cup Celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup Onion, chopped
• 1/2 whole Bell Pepper, chopped
• 2 lb Ground Turkey
• 2 Tbsp Coconut Aminos
• I added fresh chopped jalepeno for an extra kick!

 

Directions:

Note, these instructions are written assuming the standard serving size, since you have modified the number of servings, these steps may need to be modified for best results

1. Preheat oven to bake at 375°F.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
3. Lightly grease a loaf pan with coconut oil.
4. Pour ground turkey mixture into the loaf pan.
5. Evenly distribute the mixture to get a uniform loaf.
6. Bake at 375°F for one hour.
7. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes.
8. Slice, and serve!. Super Easy!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

Notes:

This recipe will work best with a perforated loaf pan with drip holes on the bottom (and a matching catch pan for the drippings).

Paleo Steak Fajita's

Here is a recipe I made Sunday night.  It was sooo good!  I checked out "The Food Lovers"  Make it Paleo at the local library and found so many yummy recipes to try out :)

Paleo Steak Fajita's

 1 lb skirt steak (I had trouble finding it at Publix but WD had it on sale)
1 tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow pepper, thinly sliced
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 tsp salt, pepper, cumin

Steak Marinade

2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
juice of 2 limes
1 tsp salt, pepper, cumin
4 cloves of garlic minced

Directions:

1. Rinse skirt steak under cool water and pat dry.
2. Carefully remove any remaining silver skin from the steak.
3. Place steak in a 1-gallon ziplock bag and set aside.
4. In a small mixing bowl, lime juice, salt, pepper, chipotle, cumin, and garlic.
5. Pour marinade over steak, seal bag, and toss to evenly coat the entire skirt steak.
6. Place in the refrigerator and marinate up to 24 hours.
7. Preheat grill to 500°F, 10 minutes prior to cooking.
8. Remove steak from the refrigerator and bring up to room temperature.
9. Grill steak 3–4 minutes per side.
10. Allow to rest for 5 minutes after cooking, then cut steak in thin strips.
11. Heat coconut oil on medium heat in a cast-iron skillet.
12. Add vegetables and seasonings, and sauté until onions are translucent and peppers have softened.
13. Remove from heat and set aside.
14. Turn oven to broil at 500°F, and raise oven rack to the top level.
15. Place vegetables in cast-iron skillet under the broiler for 3–5 minutes.
16. Serve steak topped with vegetables, and with a side of guacamole.

The side I made to go with this was Broccoli Slaw Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing

Ingredients

•  2 Green Onion
• 4 cups Broccoli, grated
• 1/2 head Red Cabbage, grated
• 1 Tbsp Sesame Ginger Dressing--recipe below

 

Directions:Thinly slice 1/2 of a red cabbage using a mandoline or sharp knife.
Using a grater or food processor, grate broccoli to uniform small chunks.

Chop green onions into 1/4-inch pieces.

Toss everything together with the Asian ginger dressing.

Serve.

 Sesame Ginger Dressing-

Ingredients

• 1/2 Tbsp Garlic, minced
• 1/2 Tbsp Ginger Root, minced (I used organic minced ginger I got from Whole Foods)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 2 Tbsp Coconut Aminos
• 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil, toasted
• 2 tsp Sesame Seeds

 

Process

Note, these instructions are written assuming the standard serving size, since you have modified the number of servings, these steps may need to be modified for best results

1. Mince garlic and ginger.
2. Combine sesame oil, coconut aminos, garlic, ginger, sesame seeds, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
3. Whisk all ingredients together.
4. Serve withAsian steak salad.

 

   

 

 

 

Publix Trip!

Here is what I picked up today at Publix....the sale changes over tomorrow so I went in for just a  few things.  Mainly for my Flatout Bread and Pizza I was making for dinner!

Publix Yogurt $.20 a piece

Silk Fruit and Protein $2.00-$1 manuf cpn = $1

Blue Diamond Almonds BOGO = $1.45 a can......so good for snacking on or adding to yogurt for b-fast

Publix Waffles (kids fav) $1.66

Pasta Sauce (for my picky kids) $1.43

Pizza Sauce $1.50

7 UP (for Trent's upset tummy :(  $1

Top Sirloin Steak $3.99/LB (I bought 2--great deal)

Fresh Veggie Stir Fry $1.67 (add above steak and dinner is ready)

Muffin Mix $1.19 each

Mushrooms $1.50

Mozzerella $1.99

Applesauce $1.69

Flatout Bread BOGO = $1.60 each (Freeze one bag, make delish pizza's)

Carrots $1.50

Insulated Large Bag $2 (I bring a ton of food to work, this is a nice size)

Pepperoni's $2.19

Soft Scrub $2.50 - $1 manuf cpn = $1.50

Dial Soap $1 - .50 Manuf cpn = .50 each

Choc pudding $1

 

I had a $5 Publix store coupon so my total was $36.23

 

Total Savings $29.13

 

 



Bath and Body Works Deals

Finally I made it to the Bath and Body Works semi annual sale!  With working so much and being off with the kids on Friday's, there has not been a good time to shop.  I was so happy to finally make it and stock up on candles and lotions which I was totally out of!

Here is how I made out :)

*I also used a $10 off coupon = discount*
#4 Large Candles $5 - discount = $3.68
#3 Full Size Lotions $3 - discount = $2.27
#1 Full Size Shower Gel $3 - discount = $2.27
#3 Small Lotions $1.66 - discount = $.94
#2 Kids Poof's $2.75 - discount = $2.08

Total Spent $30.78

Walgreens Friends and Family Deals!

So last night I finally went through my Sunday paper looking through the ad's, etc.  I always look at Walgreens for their super cheap bottled water.  I noticed 24 pks of water were only $1.99 (limit 3 but that is ok).  They also had Gain detergent, sandwich bags and freezer bags for .89...what a deal and who does not need water, laundry detergent, and sandwich bags?  So I added these items to my list.  Then I get an email from Walgreens last night with a 15% off friends and family coupon on all purchases......20% off if you buy anything that is Walgreens brand (The NICE brand) which turned out perfect for me!

Here is my breakdown of savings:

NICE brand bottled water $1.99-20% off = $1.59 each 24pk (WOW--I got 3 packs)
NICE brand sandwich bags AND freezer bags = .89 = 20% off = .78 per box (I got 4 boxes)
GAIN laundry detergent $4.99-15% off = 4.24 - $1 manuf Cpn = $3.24 (Not bad)

TOTAL SPENT $11.13

Flat Bread Pizza!

Today I was at Publix picking up a few things for dinner!  I knew when I got up I wanted a flat bread pizza.  Of course the "Flat Out" bread was BOGO so I got 2 bags for $3.19.  Not a bad deal!  I usually freeze a bag, and keep one bag out.

With a flat bread pizza you can't go wrong.....add whatever you would like with less than half the fat of a traditional pizza. 

Here is the breakdown of my dinner tonight......

Flat Out Bread
Pizza sauce (I go light so it does not weigh down the bread)
1/4 c mozzarella cheese
9 pepperoni's
red onion
tomato
mushrooms

Heat oven on 450-500, cook for about 6-7 minutes (watch it so it does not BURN).

According to my calculations (and the package of each item) my flatbread was aprox:

245 Calories
16 g carbs
15 g fat
19 g protein
860 g sodium

Not bad for a nice size flatbread ;)  Enjoy!

Publix Deals

Today I went into Publix for just a few things and ended up with a cart full of stuff.  I just can't pass up a great deal!  I actually found all my coupons on the items!  That NEVER happens! 

Deal #1 (My kids go through a can a week at summer camp)
Sunscreen 8.99-2.00 publix cpn = 6.99
Sunscreen 8.99-2.99 publix cpn = 6.99

**With every can of sunscreen,  you got $3 off either Sun Chips OR Gatorade 6pk**
Since I got 2 cans I chose Sun Chips $3.99-$3 = .99 for a big bag AND Gatorade $3.00 - $3.00 = FREE.   Total spent $14.97

Deal #2
5 boxes of Nature Valley bars on sale $1.99 + $1 off coupon on every box=  .99 a box
7 boxes of peanut butter oatmeal squares on sale $1.99 + $1 off coupon on every box = .99 a box
2 bags (40 ct) of Totino's pizzeria rolls on sale $1.49 a bag + $1 off coupon on each bag = .49 a bag
2 packs (4 ct total) of Smores snacks $1.00 each pack + $1 off coupon when you buy 2 packs = $.50  a pack
Total Spent $13.86

 

Deal #3

Top Sirloin Steaks were $3.99/lb

I got 3 packs of steaks and paid $2.71, $3.71, and $3.71

Claussen Pickles were on sale for $2 a jar! 

Maries dressing (our fav) was BOGO so each bottle was $1.64

Total Spent $17.41

 



Paleo Chicken Stir Fry w/ Mediterranean Flair

Wow, it's been forever since I have posted any new recipes I have tried out!  I guess because I have not made anything new in almost a month.  Last week I got on a kick and went online for new dinner idea's and I found a few actually!  Mostly from fastpaleo.com.  Now I don't eat paleo every night, it's more like a few meals a week, and then I make whatever I want the other days that are non paleo. 

The first new recipe I tried out over the weekend and it was really good!!  Here is the recipe!

3 Boneless Chicken Breasts cut in to bite size pieces

3 Cups Fresh Green Beans

1 Medium Red Pepper sliced

1/2 Red Onion sliced

10 White Mushrooms sliced (or more if you choose-I love em')

15 Kalamata Olives pitted (or more if you wish)

4 Tbs Kalamata Olive juice (I used more but it's up to you)

Sea Salt to taste

1 Tbs Ghee or Cooking oil of your choice (Olive oil would be okay for this.) -I used coconut oil

Cut up all your veggies and chicken.  Sprinkle salt on chicken pieces.
Heat oil in a medium fry pan on medium-high
Add chicken to pan.
Let meat brown on both sides and cook. Should take about 5 min on each side.

 

 



After chicken is cooked, Add 2 Tbsp kalamata olive juice.
Add green beans, red bell peppers, mushrooms, and kalamata olives.
Let vegetables and chicken simmer (about 3 minutes.)
Remove from heat.
Veggies should still be crunchy but cooked (i.e – onions will have become caramelized.)

Serve up and enjoy!

Salmon and roasted veggies

Today I made a new recipe!  I knew I was cooking salmon when I got up this morning but needed a new twist on it!  I found this recipe on marksdailyapple.com.  It looked good so what the heck!  I will give it a whirl!

Here is what you need:
(I was lucky I had everything already on hand)

1/4 cup coconut aminos or tamari

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil

3 green onions, roughly chopped

2 to 4 cloves garlic

4 center-cut salmon fillets ( I only used 2 fillets)

3/4 pound green beans (give or take)

1 pound mushrooms (try a blend of cremini and oyster), roughly chopped

3 red bell peppers, thinly sliced (I used 1 red pepper + 1 green bell pepper)

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 ºF

Place three rimmed baking pans in the oven to heat up. One needs to be just large enough to hold the salmon, the other two will be for the vegetables. The more spread out the veggies are, the faster they will cook. (I used one round pan for salmon and one small casserole dish for veggies).
In a blender, combine the coconut aminos (or tamari) and the oils, green onions and garlic for about 25 seconds, until the green onions and garlic are very finely chopped.

Pour 1 tablespoon of the sauce into a small bowl and then brush it onto the salmon pieces.

Combine the green beans, bell peppers and mushrooms in a large bowl. Pour the remaining sauce on top and use your hands to toss the veggies until well coated.

Take the hot pans out of the oven. Set the salmon pieces in one of the hot pans. Spread the veggies out in the other two pans. Place all the pans in the oven.

 

 

 

Bake for 20 or so minutes or until salmon reaches desired doneness.

Sprinkle sea salt and black pepper over the salmon and veggies to taste. Serve with additional coconut aminos or tamari on the side for additional flavor if needed!

ENJOY!

Crock Pot Tex Mex Carnita's

Tonight we had Tex Mex Carnita's!  I bought a Boston Butt at Publix on sale (about $7.50) and threw that thing in the crock pot (thawed for the most part) before work and it was done cooking when I got back!  I did not add anything,  just cooked it to begin with.  It produced it's own water.

Cook in crock pot on low for 6 hours aprox or on high for 4 hours.  After cooked, shred with fork and replace shredded boston butt back into crock pot.  Add all the below ingredients and mix well.  Adjust seasonings if needed according to your taste.

Recipe:

2-3 lbs pork (boston butt)

1/2 c. diced yellow onions

1/4 c. diced green chiles (canned is okay)

3 fresh garlic cloves minced

1 tomato diced

1 tbsp cumin

2 tsp onion powder

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tbsp agave/honey

2 tsp. lime juice

1/4 c. orange juice

1 cup organic salsa

 

Mix well and serve on iceberg lettuce wraps or flour tortilla's!  I like one of each! Top with fresh green onions, Salsa...... whatever you prefer!   Enjoy!

Prepping Crock Pot Meals

So I saw a few pinterest posts about prepping crock pot meals ahead of time as a time saver!  I have thought about doing this for months now and FINALLY sat down last night and pin pointed a few good looking recipes I wanted to try!  Here are the recipes I used.  I went and shopped for everything which included a list that you HAVE to have to make this work well.  Otherwise you will have set everything out only to find out you are missing a few key items...FAIL!  You need to have everything ready to make this work!  Here is my list I used.  You can do this any way you see fit, spreadsheet, word doc, but I feel a notebook with list is best for me!

 

This trip I actually went to Walmart.  Usually I shop Publix but I needed to go to Walmart for specific things and actually found their prices to be better plus it was a one stop shop!  I bought lean ground beef for $3.89 lb, chicken breasts were $8 for 8 breasts, lean extra trim stew meat was on special for $4.88 for 1.5 lbs.  The veggies were pretty cheap too and like I said I had a ton of errands to do today and one stop shop was awesome and a must for today. 

The canned items were tomato paste,  tomato sauce, black olives, pineapple chunks, and 2 cans of diced tomato's.  I always try to buy no salt added, all natural, and reduced sugar, etc if  I use canned items....the healthiest you can afford is great.  Walmart does not have a good selection of organic like Publix does so I tried to buy as good as I could.  Def go to Publix for the best selection!  I wish I did.    Here are the recipes I used this go around.  I got them from my Paleo cook book, websites, etc. 

 

Paleo Taco Soup (DOUBLE THIS RECIPE TO MAKE 2 DINNERS)

 

**LABEL FREEZER BAG PRIOR TO --COOK  FOR 6-8 HOURS ON LOW.

 

1-lb lean ground beef or grass fed beef

1 red onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper, 1/4 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, dash of salt and pepper

2 cups chicken broth

1 -4 oz can green chili's

4 tomato' s diced

1 cup salsa

 

cilantro to garnish (when cooked)

avocado to garnish (when cooked)

 

Dump everything into a large ziploc freezer bag.  When ready to eat, thaw out the night before.  Cook 6-8 hour son low.  Top with cilantro and avocado!

 

SLOW COOKED BEEF STEW (DOUBLE THIS RECIPE TO MAKE 2 DINNERS)

 

**LABEL FREEZER BAG PRIOR TO--COOK 6-8 HOURS ON LOW

 

2 lbs Lean stew meat or grass fed stew meat

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 large yellow onion chopped

6 oz can tomato paste

2 handfuls of baby carrots

1 handful of fresh mushrooms

1/2 cup frozen peas

2.5 cups beef broth,

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp thyme (I skip this)

1 tsp marjoram (I skip this)

1 bay leaf (I skip this)

 

Dump everthing into a large freezer bag.  When ready to eat, thaw out the night before.  I serve this over brown whole grain steamed rice.  Yum!

 

Teryaki Chicken (DOUBLE THIS RECIPE TO MAKE 2 DINNERS)

 

**LABEL FREEZER BAG PRIOR TO--COOK 8 HOURS ON LOW

 

1/2 bag of baby carrots

1 red onion, cut into larhe chunks

20 oz can pineapple, undrained

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 chicken breasts (more for left overs)

1/2 cup teryaki /sesame sauce

 

Dump everything into a large ziploc freezer bag.  When ready to eat, thaw the day before.  Add 1/4 cup teryaki sauce to crockpot/mixture and cook on low for 8 hours.

 

 

Enchilada Chicken Stew (DOUBEL THIS RECIPE TO MAKE 2 DINNERS)

 

**LABEL FREEZER BAG PRIOR TO --COOK 8 HOURS ON LOW

 

2 chicken breasts (more for leftovers)

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, chopped

1 jalepeno chopped (no seeds)

1 4 oz can chopped green chili's

2 tbsp coconut oil

1 14 oz cand iced tomato's

1 7oz can tomato sauce

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp cumin

1 tbsp chili powder

2 tsp oregano

salt and pepper to taste

 

cilantro to garnish (when cooked)

avocado to garnish (when cooked)

 

Dump everything into a large ziploc freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw the day before.  Cook on low 8 hours.  After its done, use fork to shred chicken.  Top with cilantro and avocado!

 

Eight meals ready to go!  Here is what we made for dinner tonight!  Paleo Taco Soup!  Yum!!!