Cooking for One – Relearning Meal Planning

Photo Courtesy of Funky Fridge

A new disruption in my life has been cause for some major changes. I have always been used to cooking for two people but due to some recent life events it’s now down to a one man meal. With that said, I will also mention that there has been a major cut in the grocery budget so from here on out my meal planning will have to be much more simplistic than I am used to but I also feel like it will be a great learning experience because ready-made will have to be a thing of my past for now. 

Biting the Budget Bullet

My new budget for the month for food is…. $200. Yikes right? That includes going out to eat, which means I won’t be going out to eat.  I have broken it down to $50 a week (how many 5 week months are there? ::cringe::). $50 a week breaks down to about $7 a day with some change left over. $7 a day breaks down even smaller to $2 a meal with $1 a day for snacks. I know that sounds completely impossible but with some creativity and effort I think I can do it. 

A Few Tips for Staying in Budget

• Check the clearance aisles (Meat, canned veggies, etc.)
• Keep an eye on sales (Know what a good price to pay for what you’re getting is)
• Shop your pantry (I bet you didn’t realize you have three jars of peanut butter)
• Coupon clipping isn’t just for your granny (It’s actually addicting, beware
• Store brand isn’t always bad (Sometimes it is though, trial & error my friends)
• Try your skills out at growing (Or be nice to someone who does
• Eat your leftovers (Don’t just let them rot in your fridge; they will start to smell)
• Don’t be lazy (Cut up your own goodies) 

Staying Healthy

Another point I’d like to mention is that I am very in to eating healthy (excuse the McDonald’s cup on my desk) and enjoy fitness so I will not be binging on Ramen noodles or Kool-Aid either. My goal is to continue to maintain my weight of 120-125 lbs. which involves plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, lean cuts of meat and water. 

My plan for the upcoming week:

Do you have any tips on meal planning for one?

Turquoise Tuesday: Take 2

An important part of style to me is not just how the clothes look together but how they look on the person who is wearing them. You can have the cutest outfit on but if it doesn't work for your body type it just isn't for you. So long pin up dress dreams! I also think it has to do with how confident you feel in it. The whole "work it girl!" comes to mind. Over the past few weeks my clothes have been getting a little on the tight side and I just haven't been feeling very photo friendly. I did however snap a shot of an outfit I wore last weekend and thought I'd share it.

I decided today that I am going to consciously make an effort to eat healthier and make it to the gym more often. I probably make this decision once every few weeks but who doesn't! It is easy to get started on a health kick but it's very hard to stay consistent. Hopefully this time will go better.

Anywho! On to the attire!

Sweater:(Man, I need to go shopping for a new sweater:) $15 Target

Dress: $13 XXI

Belt: Free (It came off a different dress

Bracelet: $1 Garage Sale

Necklace: $7 Lula B's 

Total Outfit: $36

In case you were wondering, the purse is from JCPenney's and it was $35.

People seldom notice old clothes if you wear a big smile.

Comfy and Cute

Sometimes it is really hard for me to throw together a cute outfit. It is something that definitely does not come naturally to me so everyday I work on it and "study" it. I feel like my time is very consumed on everything else like school and work and my kitties :) to the point where putting together a savvy outfit is a tedious task. In addition to that challenge I am slightly limited on what I can wear due to my body shaped and the big one.... Living in Texas. My favorite "look" at the moment is lots and lots of layers and the Texas heat is not very forgiving. Even in the early weeks of March it was getting too hot to even wear an undertank with my tops. But alas, I am not one for spending much time outdoors so I will survive the walk to and from my car to get where I am going.

This outfit started with a few more layers but by the time I got down three flights of stairs from my apartment to the wooded area behind us I started taking it off. *Cue sexy dance music*... but really it was more like sweatily peeling layers off of me. Sorry if that's TMI.

On to the look!

yay purple hair

Top: $6 H&M

Skirt: $5 Thrifted but it is XXI brand

Boots: $20 Payless

Key Necklace: $7 XXI

Belt: $10 Papaya

Total Outfit: $48

Lesson Learned - Dress comfortably

"The finest clothing made is a person's skin, but, of course, society demands something more than this.  ~Mark Twain"

A Little Bit of Rock and Roll

Every once in a while I like to get back to my roots and dress a little more me. Growing up, I was always quite the character in dress and personality.  I made most of my clothes out of whatever crazy print or pattern I could get my hands on. 

I like to think of this look as a combination of my old style and what it has developed in to as I've gotten older.

Miley Cyrus Top: $3 Thrifted 

Brown Leather Skirt: $25 H&M

Rose Leggings: $7 Target

Studded Boots: $15 Payless

Total Outfit: $50

Lesson learned- Dress so you feel like you.

"Remember that always dressing in understated good taste is the same as playing dead."  ~Susan Catherine

How has your style changed over the years?

Dress to Impress

Wow, making consistent posts has definitely been the biggest challenge in blogging. It seems like there is always so much to do and something as simple as writing a post and adding some pictures really takes quite awhile.

One of my favorite things to do when I'm in a rush is throw on a dress and go. It's so convenient. No matching tops with bottoms or wondering if these jeans give me a muffin top. The only problem I come across is finding the perfect belt. I love the layers and it really gives your look and silhouette that something special.

And to add a little business flair.....

Dress: $25 Agaci

Blazer: $15 Agaci

Belt: Came w/different dress

Bracelets: $13 total Forever 21

Shoes: $25 BCBG from DSW (CLEARANCE GREATNESS!!)

Total Outfit: $78

Lesson learned- Muted colors can make an impact.

And just a little something that made me giggle....

A dress makes no sense unless it inspires men to want to take it off you.  ~Françoise Sagan

What is your favorite dress accessory?

Turquoise Tuesday

I received some critique about my writing and grammar so hopefully this one reads better. Today was back to work for me (Heather) so I decided to business casual it up. I feel this is an outfit that can go from work to an evening out with friends easily. I tried to keep with the theme of color pop so I wore pretty muted colors with a few accents of turquoise. The sweater was a steal from Target on sale for only $15! Needless to say, I was very excited about this purchase :)

Sweater: $15 Target

Blouse: $15 H&M

Jeans: $13 Macy's Clearance

Tank: $3 Forever21

Watch: $3 Estate Sale

Floral Bracelet: $7 Forever21

Boots: OLD hehe

Total Outfit: $56

Lesson Learned- Try to put together outfits that will translate well from work to casual environments. Sleeves down for work, pulled up for play. 

What pop of color is most flattering on you?