Some details

I wanted to clear something up here. I am not a vegan, I'm not even vegetarian. I eat eggs, chicken, turkey, some beef, shrimp. No dairy. I do eat vegetarian dishes often and I use meat as more of a garnish than a main entree. That said, most of the blogs I read on a daily basis are vegan/vegetarian.

I've been updating my price book. Prices do change over time as well as sizes change (sneaky stores!) I found out today that a local Albertsons is closing in October. I've found since the price book I hardly ever go there. It used to be fairly cheap but about 2-3 years ago they went to one of those 'preferred customer' cards and the prices went up. Even their sales aren't very good. My preferred place to shop is Fred Meyer's. Lots of healthy vegetarian options and good prices.

Barbara

Frugal pays off

I've been doing the frugal thing for a while now. I've learned a lot. Now that money is tight for us, it's really starting to pay off. I know what prices are good and jump on a good deal. I've stocked up on things, so we don't have to run out and buy something full price just because we need it right now. We are eating healthy and have lots of good food available.

I guess I'm saying, stick with it. It will pay off, sometimes right away, sometimes in the long run.

Barbara

Saving gas

Gas is still quite pricey here (about 2.92 a gal regular) so we've been trying to save on gas. My partner takes the bus sometimes to/from work. I plan trips to go in a circle, to avoid driving distances. I have also taken to riding my bike to the library and for some grocery shopping. That is very frugal, not to mention earth friendly and personally healthy.

I've been loving the Braggs aminos in stuff. I only wish I hadn't waited so long to try it.

Barbara

Misc Items

I've been using Braggs and I like it. I did notice that I used a little too much yesterday and the taste stayed with me for a few hours. Today I used less and it was fine.

I've been getting harmful ingredients out of the things we eat. High fructose corn syrup, sodium nitrate, trans fats, MSG and so on. We eat whole grain and a lot more fruits and veggies. And, today my partner weighed herself (cause she tried on some shorts and they were way loose) and she had lost about 8 pounds in the last month and a half. Without really trying. YAY!

In a way, her being busy at work and a bit of a procrastinator, helped. I don't buy some foods she might like because I feel that they would be unhealthy for her. I tell her, go ahead, go buy them yourself. And she never gets to the store, so she doesn't eat the bad stuff! You who push the grocery cart, wield real power!! :)

Barbara

Braggs Aminos

After reading a lot about Braggs (from frugal veggie mama and others), I finally bought some. I've been using La Choy low sodium soy sauce. I bought some Braggs and did a taste test. Very very close in taste. The soy sauce is darker, but that's because it's colored. So, I'm happy with the purchase. I'll give it a try in cooking tomorrow.

Barbara

Meatball comparison

I did the Nates/TJ's meatless meatball comparison test. Now, I've never had either before. I picked one from each package, about the same size. Heated them up in the oven. Cut them in half and tried them. They look the same, inside and out and I couldn't tell any difference between them. I did like them. So, I think they are at least made in the same place, if not by Nate's directly.

Barbara

Meatless Meatballs

Did a little shopping this morning. Found a couple of nice frozen vegetable blends. One is called fiesta blend and the other a stir fry veggie blend. The fiesta blend has broccoli, carrots and about 5 types of beans.

I also went to Trader Joe's today. I bought some of their meatless meatballs. In the freezer I also have some of Nate's classic flavor meatless meatballs. I am wondering whether Nate's is the source for the TJ meatballs. The ingredient list is exactly the same, as is the wording for the cooking. I'm going to do a taste test later today or tomorrow and see if I can tell any difference.

Barbara

Frozen muffins

A while back I had made quinoa muffins. They were pretty good. No way I could eat all of them at the time, so I froze them. Unfroze one today and it wasn't very good. It got hard and not very tasty. I only ate half. I like them because they give you fiber and protein. I'll just eat what I can. Not sure of any way to sort of recycle them.

Made some brown rice yesterday. I like brown rice and canned beans with spices or salsa as a quick meal.

Barbara