Meal Plan

Dinners this week:

Winger's Sticky Finger Wraps
Chicken Tostadas
Fettuccine Alfredo
Turkey steak and au gratin potatoes
Hamburgers

Groceries:

strawberries
limes
garlic
shred. lettuce
guacamole
salsa
tostada
bread
Italian cheese
frozen chicken breast
frozen chicken strips
au grautin potatoes
dehydrated onions
beans
chili
milk

Now that school is over, I'm hoping to have more time for this blog!!

Meal Plan April 3 - 9

I am loving #LDSConf. Are you enjoying it? Lots of time to sit, enjoy the Spirit and eat tasty snacks. A bag of Cheetohs has disappeared already today. Crazy...but I feel no guilty.

Meals:

M - Shrimp skewers
T - Chile verde pasta
W - OYO
R - Element's Burger Bash (Gift Card)
F - Kuala Pork -- Practicing for class


Groceries: $45

half & half
cream
egg
salsa verde
bow tie pasta, fettuccine pasta, penne pasta (5/$5)
lunch meat
pepper jack cheese
cheddar cheese
 swiss cheese
banana
carrots
snack peppers
strawberries
limes
oranges

I'm still needing people to let me practice photography on them so PM me on FB!

Grocery Shopping at 8:00 (March 25-March 31)

I have a lot of new recipes I'm trying this week. I have such a hard time cycling through recipes because there is just so much that I want to make! On my Pinterest page I have created a "Tried and True" board for all the recipes I've made and looooove. It has been nice when trying to meal plan to think about foods that we like to eat.

Here is this week's meal plan:

S: Straatman's
S: Alex & Jeremy's
M: chicken fajitas (my own recipe!)
T: Shrimp and pineapple skewers 
W: Busy night so OYO
R: Baked potato soup
F: Costa Vida - I have a coupon :)

Groceries $50
(Pro-tip: grocery shop at 8:00 in the morning on a Saturday. By this time, all the shelves are stocked but there is nobody in the store. I love getting up, throwing my hair in a pony then heading to Macey's. I always bring home donuts for breakfast so that makes Connor happy.

pineapple
spinach
sweet potato
shrimp
waffle mix
chili
corn dogs
rice
mandarin oranges
raisins
sunflower hearts
half&half
cream
milk
sausage for breakfast :)

And there you have it! Have a great week :)

Apples, and Peppers, and Oranges OH MY!

I love that summer produce is coming on! When Macey's does their Fill it Fresh for $10 bags, I stuff that thing with as much fruits and veggies as I can.

Here's what this week's menu is:

M: Kabobs (I'll post the recipe on Monday!)
T: Turkey Steak and potatoes
W: OYO
R: Potato soup
F: Fajitas

Groceries $60 - because I bought a fancy ribeye steak for dinner on Saturday...

cucumbers
peppers
oranges
onions
apples
strawberries
bananas
cantaloupe
sirloin steaks
ribeye steaks
bacon
brown sugar
white sugar
milk
eggs

I know it doesn't seem like it should be that much, but when you consider the steaks were $10 and the fruit another $10, it adds up. But what I love about it is the amount of fruits and veggies I got. I still haven't lost any weight, which is super frustrating, but I will continue to try my best.

Case Lot and Food Storage (March 13-17)

If you have never shopped the Case Lot sale at Macey's, you are seriously missing out. This time of year is one of my favorites to stalk up on canned foods.

Here's what my storage room looks like:

We don't have a done of space, as you can see, but I try to stock up on essentials a few times a year, just to keep me from having to buy them later. It was something we both felt we could take out of savings for. The other nice part about Case Lot, is that it lasts two weeks. So if you plan carefully, you can really take advantage of some great deals.  I've got canned green beans, corn, black beans, oatmeal, cereal, ramen noodles, soups, and chicken broth. It's definitely good to have staples. Then, after a buy a few extra, I donate them to the Cache Community Food Pantry.

My menu for this week looks like this:

M- Skinny Burrito Bowls
T- Spaghetti
W- OYO (This has turned into just whatever leftovers, sandwiches, ramen we can find)
R-Brazilian Stroganoff - I don't have a solid recipe for this yet. S/O to Roxann
F-Burgers

Groceries: $65 this week, but that's because I bought a few things from Case Lot

cantaloupe
grapes
carrots
lettuce
tomatoes
onions
green onions
turkey steaks
ground beef
black beans
canned tomato sauce
table cream (for the Stroganoff)
shoe string chips
milk
frozen chicken breasts ketchup
pasta
marinara sauce
ramen noodles


Have a great week!

Meal Plan February 12-19

We have a BIG week ahead of us. Valentine's Day, Connor's birthday, and lots of time with family.

M- Ramen
T-(Valentine's Day) Papa Murphy's Pizza, chocolate covered strawberries
W- (Connor's birthday) - Texas Roadhouse -- per his request
R- Baked potatoes
F-Hu Hot with the Reeds
S- Burgers
S- Indoor Winter Picnic with my grandparents.

Groceries:

bananas
lettuce
apples
oranges
bacon
crystal light
eggs
milk
strawberries
sparkling cider

I'm really excited for Connor's birthday! On the morning of his big day, I'm going to get him a Texas donut with "Happy Birthday" written on the frosting.

Can't wait!
What are your Valentine's Day plans?

Meal Plan January 30-February 5

We are 1/12 of the way done with 2017! I cannot believe it's already February this week. Connor and I have been home from our mission for TWO YEARS on Thursday. We've started a tradition of going to In-N-Out burger to celebrate. The mission means a lot to us, not only because of the faith, testimony, and Spirit we had there, but because it brought us together. California Redlands Mission will always hold a special place in our heart.

This week I tried to use up food I already have. We had a lot of leftover things that I need to use. Plus, last week was crazy and I, again, only made a few recipes. So now, I have planned NOT to cook every day for days like those.

M-Avocado chicken burritos
T-Creamy tortellini soup -- *New recipe* If I can remember, I'll show the process of cooking on my Instagram story (@alishajreed)
W- Honey garlic chicken
R-In-N-Out
F-leftovers
S-Pork chops and apples
S-SUPERBOWL PARTY! I love Superbowl, even if it' just for the food. It's become almost another holiday in America. And for me, it's an excuse to make appetizers that I don't normally get to make! I'm super excited.

Groceries $40.34 (I haven't gone yet but when I get price, I'll be sure to post it)*Disclaimer These are ingredients that I have to buy, doesn't mean it includes everything for the meal plan above.*
spinach
matchstick carrots
bananas
in season//on sale fruit
mexi cheese
tortellini
Italian seasoning
cereal
veggie broth
cream
milk
eggs
sandwich bags
hand soup
tissues

My lunches this week are ham and cheese salads and pressed meat sandwiches with carrots, pickles, blueberries, and of course string cheese.

Of course, I haven't gone to the doctor yet for my throid issue, but I'm still trying to stay healthy and eat less junk food. Not going to lie, it's been really frustrating not knowing the reason for all my struggles. I hope that we get answers. And if it isn't a thyroid issue, I guess we'll have to find out something different.

I need motivation to work out is also part of the problem...

Meal Plan (January 23-29)

Wow. Coming back from a vacation sucks. Especially when you get DUMPED on with snow. I am so done with this winter.

So for this week's meal plan, I tried to keep it simple and soothing, because on a cold day, the first thing I do is crave warm meals.

M-baked potato soup
T-chicken tacos
W-Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs (recipe)
R-BLT
F-Burgers
S-YOYO
S-Reeds

Lunch:
chicken salad -- eventually I'll get around to posting this tasty chicken salad
string cheeses
fruit

Breakfasts:
eggs
cereal
protein shakes

I tried that two week diet thing and didn't lose ANY weight, leading to me believing that I might have a thyroid issue. We have a doctor's appointment scheduled in a few weeks but as I was reading up on it, I realized that all my symptoms the last few months add up to hypothyroidism: weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, anxiety, etc. Hopefully we get some answers soon.

Meal Plan January 16-22

Hey guys! I realized I haven't been posting meal plans lately, but I vow to get back in the habit.

This week I can start back into carbs again, slowly. My plan will still be to eat little carbs but I am not going to deny myself. I've learned to have a healthy relationship with food and not use it as an emotional tool.

M-Tuscan Pork Chops
T-Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
W-Crockpot Potato Soup
R- BLT Sandwiches
F,S,S- We will be traveling

Groceries:
bananas
strawberries
lettuce
tomato
roma
onion
garlic
chicken thighs
bacon
cheese - I learned that buying the bag of shredded cheeses is SO worth it
sage
basil
ranch packet
sour cream
eggs
yogurt

Total Cost $34.62.

I already had pork chops because of a sale that happened  a few weeks ago. If there is ever any meat BOGO, do it. It freezes fine and saves money on weeks that are a little tight.

I haven't weighed myself since starting the diet but if I haven't lost any weight, then perhaps there is something wrong with my thyroid haha. Because let me tell you, only eating veggies and meat has been hard. On Tuesday, when I can eat carbs again, I'm going to Olive Garden and eating the biggest plate of pasta I want. And then eating a whole bag of Cheetohs. And maybe, just maybe, grabbing a blueberry spudnut from Johnny O's Spudnuts. (Side note, if you haven't had Johnny O's, you are SERIOUSLY missing out)

Christmas Week (12/19-12/26)

I have gotten out of the habit of writing up meal plans. My bad.

Christmas is a week from today. Eeek!! Do you have all your shopping done? I think I have all mine, but you never know right?

Here's what our tentative meal plan looks like. I'm learning more and more the importance of being flexible when someone asks "What's for dinner?" Sometimes I just want to eat Ramen. And sometimes a beef and broccoli stir-fry sounds great. It all just depends. So I've left a few days blank expecting the unexpected.

S-Teriyaki salmon
M-//
T-Fettuccine Alfredo
W-Beef and broccoli stir-fry
R-Baked potatoes
F-//
S&S- With family.

I'm going to be experimenting with a BBQ chicken quesadilla this week so finger's crossed it turns out yummy! I'll post the recipe if it does.

Groceries .... ya... I forgot. I'm so sorry I slaked these last couple of weeks. With finals and family gatherings, I honestly have had a hard time to blog. But this time I promise to do more of it. :)

FINAL WEEK (Dec. 5-10)

ONE MORE WEEK OF SCHOOL! So so excited to be done with classes.

Here's the menu for the week-

M-Pork chops and sweet potatoes
T-Tereyaki steak and rice
W-Baked chicken
R-Baked potatoes
F-At Parents
S-Date night!

My groceries were interesting this week but include:

pork chops
bananas
avocado
oranges
bagels
corn chips
salsa
chicken thighs
frozen chicken strips
milk
string cheese

Stay tuned on my Instagram for some delicious food pics!

Healthy Holidays (Nov. 28-Dec.3)

Meal planning notebook-poor quality I apologize...

Did you survive Thanksgiving? I learned the art of homemade rolls, which was a blast. But now I'm REALLY needing to start eating healthy. I've made it a new goal of mine to keep to healthy eating as well as college-budget friendly.

Because of the stress I've been under the last month (don't worry, I think I can see the end of the tunnel), I have been eating my feelings away, resulting in not-so-fun weight gain. Now I am determined to lose this stupid weight and feel great in my body again.

M-baked potato
T-Spaghetti
W-Crockpot Chicken tacos
R-Ramen
F-grilled Pork chops and rice

Breakfasts:
oatmeal
eggs
smoothies
toast

Lunches:
sandwiches
leftovers
frozen veggies
soups

Snacks:
string cheese
clementines
crackers
chips and salsa

Groceries (I have no idea how much they will cost, but considering I haven't gone for two weeks and my fridge broke...we literally have nothing)

bananas
clementines
spinach
chicken breasts
string cheese
lunch meat
cheese
pork chops
taco seasoning
ranch packet
salsa
PB bites
spaghetti sauce
bread
eggs
yogurt
frozen veggies

I'm really trying to stay as healthy as I can. Who's with me? *insert hand raising emoji*

Bad Week (Nov. 14-17)

I don't normally do this, but I could really use some prayers. People always say that they "go through" a trial but right now I feel like I'm just "in" a trial. That I can't see the end, and I can't exactly pin-point where it began. Wow that sounds depressing...because I know I will be ok! Faith, trust, and a few bubble baths right? Maybe Netflix binge session? How do you cope with a bad week?

As I walked up Old Main today, I realized that once I got to the top, I could blog. Blogging is a way to forget about myself and just write. It helps me cope with wanting to eat every snack food item in the vending machine across the hall. Food blogging is my escape and I'd like to thank all 5 people who read my blog. *insert fist bump emoji*

Background info: last week was one of the worst weeks I've had personally in a long time. I had no appetite, nothing sounded good, and it was just easier to eat out. Note to self (and everyone else) don't let your emotions control your stomach.

Menu:

M-Shrimp tacos
T- Homemade mac'n'cheese
W-Hawaiian Haystacks
R-I have a RS activity so Connor is on his own (poor guy)
F- Burgers

Because of my crazy week, I totally forgot to keep my grocery list and receipt to finish out this blog post. I promise I will be on top of my A-game next week.

Thanks everyone!

It's NOVEMBER? (October 30-November 6)

Where has October gone?? That's what I want to know.

Confession time. This week has not been my week. I have felt the beginnings of a cold coming on and with mid-terms and other stress, I did not want to cook. The very thought of doing anything in fact made me hurt. I've also been having some weird back pains that make it hard to stand or sit. The only thing that feels comfortable is lying flat. Strange! But my confession is I hardly cooked the meals I said I would. Which is a positive thing because it meant I had things to carry over, but a negative thing for poor Connor. He was such a help though so I didn't complain.

M-Grilled pork chops and asparagus
T-Shrimp and pasta
W-Campbells chicken noodle soup and bread
R-baked potatoes (We still have 49 lbs of potatoes in storage)
F-Chicken breasts and sweet potatoes
S-NO IDEA! I'll see what sounds good when I go grocery shopping.
Sunday-Probably the Reed's.

Groceries: $40
bananas
sweet potatoes
chicken breasts
lunch meat
shredded cheese
more pumpkin spice bagels
pumpkin
pumpkin spice seasoning
corn syrup
cream
Mtn Dew-Connor
mac'n'cheese

I'll be making some pumpkin pie bars that I'm SUPER excited about for tomorrow. Follow me on Instagram and watch my story for yummy details!

Halloween Weekend (Oct. 24-30)

Anybody else REALLY looking forward to holiday foods? I know I am. This week I not only listened to Christmas music at work, but I began planning Christmas gifts and decor for our tiny abode. Trust me, they'll all be married student budget friendly.

We have an interesting week coming up. Connor has a new calling in the Young Men's leaving me alone on Wednesday's needing a quick dinner idea. Also, temple night is Tuesday, Monday is FHE, Thursday is Institute, Friday is date night, and Saturday is our ward Halloween party. Phew. Are you tired? Cuz I am and it's only Monday.


Tonight for dinner I had leftover potato and sausage in the Crock-pot so I grabbed some bread-sticks from the store and called it good. We're hoping to go to the pumpkin walk tonight (fingers crossed) but a dark cloud seems to be coming in. Who knows?

Menu:
M-Crock-pot potato and sausage
T-Papa Murphy's Pizza
W-Glazed pork chops and asparagus
R-Baked potatoes
F- Date night! (Thanks to my wonderful bosses)
S-Ward Party (Chili)
S-Dinner with the Straatman's

Groceries: $40
bananas
asparagus
lettuce
pumpkin bagels (I don't normally hop on the pumpkin bagel band wagon but MAN these are good)
cream cheese
shredded cheese
frozen pizza (on sale 5/$5)
bread-sticks
milk
hot chocolate
fruit snacks (yes I'm going to be THAT mom)
croutons

Let the holidays begin!

Sales (Oct. 17-Oct. 21)

I love when meat is on sale. Very rarely do I buy steak but this week I had a $2 off coupon. So here's the layout:

M-Broccoli soup
T-Steak with baked sweet potatoes
W-Mexican pizza
R-Crockpot potatoes and sausage
F-Pork chops with apples

Groceries: $40.00
onions
sweet potatoes
thyme
steak
ground beef
sausage
Mexican cheese
canned tomatoes
re-fried beans
milk
cream
eggnog
mushroom soup
Doritos

Sorry, not a lot of commentary this week. Lots of homework. You know. College life.

Cold Weather (Oct. 3-9)

It's gotten so cold around here, we almost turned on the heater .But we are trying to hold out as long as possible with blankets and socks and lots of cuddling. Don't worry we aren't freezing, just trying to save money where we can.

I've been CRAVING a few comfort foods this week:

M-Olive Garden Gnocchi soup and bread sticks--I was going to attempt to make it but got too lazy so we ordered take-out.
T-Connor will be all alone this night as I have a work project in Davis County that night.
W-Asian Lettuce Wraps. SUPER excited about these as I'm kinda making it up
R-Crock pot pulled pork
F-Red potatoes and creamed peas
S-Emily's birthday!
S-Reed's

Groceries: $29--What a STEAL!
onion
lettuce
oranges
bananas
pork roast
ground beef
tortillas
buns
granola-I love when the Sunbelt kind goes on sale!!
sesame oil
milk
Dr. Pepper


Can't wait to try a new recipe this week!!

Cheap Groceries = Big Blessing

I realized this week an amazing blessing of tithing = inexpensive food. Every time I go to the store and they tell me my total, I'm shocked. The Lord truly does bless those who keep the commandments. It's also been fun with this blog to make sure my recipes and meal plans are college-budget friendly.

Here's what this week is:

M-Taco truck tacos...it's the last weekend our favorite taco truck will be in town so we had to celebrate $1 tacos.
T-Chicken fettuccine
W-Teriyaki pork and rice
R-baked potatoes (My parents got us 50 lb. bags of russet and red potatoes so we'll be eating them a lot).
F/Sat/Sun- We are staying at my parents house for General Conference and to celebrate my sister Whitney being home. Thank heavens for generous family.

Groceries: $35 total

Doritos/corn chips
shredded cheese
match stick carrots
chicken breasts
milk
pork chops
sandwich cheese
bananas
green beans
bowtie pasta
canned biscuits (for biscuits and gravy and donuts)
Oreos
Orange juice

Can't wait for conference snacks and family time.

Meal Plans--Yay or Nay? (Sept. 19-25)

So for those who read this (all 4 of you) do you like the weekly meal plans or not. I recognize I need to post more recipes and other things but for me sometimes having someone else plan my dinners and grocery lists helps a ton. PLEASE let me know by commenting at the bottom of this post. Thanks!

But for now, the schedule:

M-Fajita Chicken Pasta
T- Zucchini Stirfry
W- Ward Potluck--I have no idea what to bring...
R-Crockpot Taco Soup
F- OYO-Connor is going to Scout Camp so I'll be by myself for dinner. Sad? Maybe but it means I can eat what I want.
S-Women's Broadcast-I wish I knew my plans for this night haha.
S-Reed's for dinner and we will be making Mtn. Dew ice cream as an experiment.

And that's it!

Groceries:
spinach
apples
peppers
bananas
zucchini noodles
Doritos-Connor needs his munchies
diced tomatoes and chilies
chicken broth
penne pasta
chili beans
8 oz tomato sauce
peeled, diced tomatoes
green chilies
milk
cream

I have to be honest, I thought everything would be so pricey but it came out to be only $35! I was shocked and so happy. Gotta love sales.

The Challenge (Sept. 12-18)

This morning Connor went to his parents' homeward to be there as his dad got released from his calling as bishop. I'm in the Primary presidency in our ward so I stayed behind to help with the preparation for the program. I let myself be lazy but I'll be honest, I was completely bored without Connor there to talk to.