Who said "Yum" has to be expensive?

I hate how our culture showcases candle light dinners, steak, lobster and the like as if it is something you MUST have if you want to have a good date, or even just a dinner out. Spending $50 or more for one night's dinner is very hard for me as that is one weeks worth of food for our family! Now, have I done it? Yes, but only a few times. Unlike many people, I would much rather go to the grocery store and buy food and cook a fancy dinner at home. I know that it doesn't have quite the same feel as a restaurant, and you do have the work of cooking and clean up after, however it is so much more enjoyable to me when I know that it didn't cost me an arm and a leg for a feast fit for a ladybug (you catch my drift?!).

Source

I heard a great sermon this last Sunday that talked about money and our culture; how we think we are broke and yet if you make $25,000/year, you are in the top 2% richest people in the world (according to Global Rich List). How crazy is that?!?! It got me thinking about what I am responsible for in our budget: food. Where I strive to make sure each meal is around $5 or $6 so that each serving is $1 or less, there are people living on $2/day for all of their living expenses. I can do better than that, right? Learning about the real numbers of our world's poverty made me come to a realization in the realm of preparing meals for my family.

Food is a energy source for our bodies; it's prime purpose is not meant to be an emotional experience. 

Okay, Okay, yes I think that food should taste great, but I think that too much time and effort is put into finding the perfect blend of flavors so that when you take a bite your whole world is made better. While I already knew this to some extent, it really clicked when the preacher was talking about the money aspect of it. Keeping this in mind, I hope to think twice before I pin the "Buttered Lobster, Pillowy White Rolls, with a side of Succulent Lemon Green Beans and Decadent Molten Chocolate Cake with Taiwanese Blueberries" recipes on Pinterest, for example. Sure, I think that all sounds wonderful (I wonder if it even exists...), but I can probably get more nutrition out of a different meal that costs me a lot less. I think there are times when a fancy dinner is okay, but fancy AT HOME dinner is so much cheaper! Try it some time :)

With all that being said, I would like to share with you some sites that I visit often to find inexpensive, nutritious meals to prepare for my family. These particular two sites also break down the costs of the recipe so I know exactly how much I'm spending- which also helps a lot!

Budget Bytes

Pennies & Pancakes

Both of these sites have whole wheat options if desired, and really try to create wholesome recipes on a tight budget. I'm very thankful for these sites as they do a lot of the work for me when it comes to figuring out what recipes fit with the ingredients I have on hand and also what fits into our budget. Below I listed a few of our family favorites from both Budget Bytes and P&P. I hope you like them as much as we have! 

Hearty Black Bean Quesadillas

Chili Cheese Beef N Mac (we use ground turkey)

Dal Nirvana and Naan 

Best Wheat Bread

Frozen Bean and Cheese Burritos

Wheat Pancakes

**If you are interested in hearing the sermon I talked about, definitely click the link :) It was a great lesson about breaking free from the bondage of debt in our lives...and much more! 

Tasty Tips for Teething Toddlers

L-bug all ready to help mommy make crackers

Ahh, teething. Isn't it the most wonderful time of the year? My daughter is just over a year old and has definitely been teething lately. I have to admit though, I haven't had it all that bad; L-bug (as I often call her) has her typical drooling, running nose, gnawing on anything in sight symptoms but she rarely gets overly cranky. To try and soothe her sore gums, I have offered frozen fruit, frozen teethers, or sometimes even raw carrot or celery sticks, but often times she refuses them all. On the other hand, she will eat crackers :)

I have been making my own crackers for the babe since the end of summer, when we realized that animal crackers (the brand that we buy at least) had high fructose corn syrup in them. (Now, I'm not a big freak about that ingredient, but if I can, I do my best to avoid it.) I have tried multiple recipes, most of which are very yummy, but my tiny taste tester was only partial to a few. Below are the yummy, yet rejected recipes that I have tried.

• Oatmeal Animal Crackers by 52 Baby Steps. These were very tasty, but I think that they were not thick enough to gnaw on and therefore soothe L-bug's gums. Also, they call for a lot of vanilla which can be expensive if you are buying the extract instead of imitation flavoring. I added about 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg to the recipe and they tasted a lot like traditional animal crackers. My husband and I could gnaw on these all day, however! 
• Honey Whole Wheat Graham Crackers by Heavenly Homemakers. These were another tasty cracker but again, a hit or miss for my little one. I added some molasses at one point which gave it a different, but yummy flavor. 
• Homemade Graham Crackers by What's Cooking with Melissa. These were a little bland for our (the parents') tastes, however L-bug liked them. I think I will try these again after I am out of my current batch. 

Which brings me to the most current recipe: Homemade Baby Teething Biscuits from Imprintalish. I did modify this recipe using what I had on hand so if you are interested in the original, definitely follow the link above. These crackers are another bland one but the little one liked them right off the bat. Since then she has been a little picky but I have decided that she must be hit or miss with crackers; some days are cracker days, others are not. These crackers also have NO SUGAR in them!- which is always a plus when you're talking about little ones.  Here is a tutorial about how to make these great crackers! 

Homemade Baby Teething Biscuits  

 

You will need:

1 cup flour 

1 cup oat flour
1 ripe medium mashed banana (1/3 cup-I have also substituted pureed carrots and sweet potato)
2 tsp cinnamon

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons water

 

 First preheat your oven to 425 degrees, then gather your ingredients (and a little helper-as seen above). I made my own oat flour by blending a cup of old fashioned rolled oats in my "magic bullet" until flour-like consistency. Combine your dry ingredients in a bowl.

          
Then its time to mash your banana. Add the oil and water to the mashed banana and combine. Then mix your wet ingredients into your dry. You want a non-sticky, firm dough. If you find that it's too firm, add more of water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
  

Allow your little taste tester to do her work :) Then roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into squares or use small cookie cutters.

 

Place cookies on a greased cookie sheet and bake for approx. 10-12 minutes, or until slightly brown. I watched mine closely since the dough was dry/firm, I thought that they would be done faster and I didn't want bricks, but they took about the normal time. Allow to cool completely and store in an air tight container. (*Note*: I kept mine in the fridge after a few days just because there are no preservatives in them and I didn't want them going bad). Then let the little teething monster gnaw away! Enjoy! 

Changing my view on stress

Last night I was stuck. Stuck on one of the main highways in the Chicago area. I saw construction signs... and I was annoyed... and then I saw an ambulance and tow truck race by. My heart ached for those people. I could wait in traffic as long as it took in order for them to get that person or people to safety and the medical care they needed. Perspective. As I sat in traffic I was working on my perspective on many things, and recently I had watched this video...

(I highly recommend you watch it)

Right now I spend at least 10 hours in traffic a week. And this is Chicago traffic. On average it takes me an hour to drive the 11 miles to work. Then when I get to work it is normally high stress until I leave to go home... and then I'm stuck in traffic again... and then I have to battle for a parking spot. For 90% of my day I feel like I'm under extreme stress. 

But what if my view changes? What if I decide to be thankful I have that time in the morning to catch up with people and process through things. Be thankful I have a car that works and that I CAN drive to work. I love my job, and though it is high stress, I am trying to view it as a blessing to have a job I love so much. To have coworkers that in just 6 short months have become like family. To have patients who trust me enough to be vulnerable during one of the absolute hardest times of their life. And that at the end of the day I can get back in my car and drive home and walk into the my place that has heat and running water.

None of this removes the stress, but it does change my perspective. And perspective can change how I handle the stress. I don't expect to be perfect with this, but I am hoping that as I continue to make a conscious effort, I will be thankful for the stress.

I'm going to make a conscious effort to have healthy relationships around me. To support those that are around me as well. I'm going to give more hugs. I'm going to make a conscious effort to spend time with people where I can support them. I'm going to be thankful that my body can respond to stress so well. I'm going to be thankful for the support I do have and that I don't have to handle stress alone.

I am going to change my view on stress. Because life is full of stress, but it is ultimately from that stress that many of my blessings come.

This year, I am going to choose to be thankful for stress... and hug a lot more :-)

How are you going to change your view on stress?

Foodie Friday: The 'Hot Mess'

Today, I am taking a break from the usual appearance posts to spot light a 'Catie Manning Original' to post a recipe.  No it is no Betty Crocker, but it is tasty and healthy none the less.  From my previous thoughts on the new year...the big bad 2014...as promised here is my one recipe this week!

Also I should note because I am working on a tight budget, I have listed the prices to which I found these items.  Price, ingredients and food labels for some of the items played a role in my purchases.  The items to which do not have a price listed, I had at my house already.

Hot Mess
Yields: 4 meals

You will need:
1 green zucchini  (2/$3)
1 yellow zucchini  (2/$3)
1 green pepper ($1.69/lb)
1 teaspoon of Meijer Natural's Minced Garlic ($2 for a small jar)
Parsley
Italian Seasoning
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Meijer Natural's Brand Tomato Basil Organic Sauce ($1.99/jar)
Meijer Parmesan Cheese ($1.99/container)
1/2 box of spaghetti noodles (On sale for $1 a box)
Butter

Prep:
Take the your vegetables and rinse them off in cold water.  Take both zucchinis and grate them finely. Make sure to grate the whole vegetable.  Then, slice your green pepper in a little larger sections.  I would suggest cutting into roughly 8-10 pieces.  You will leave your prepped vegetables in a medium sized bowl.

Next, boil water in a larger pot.  As you allow your water to boil, use the extra virgin olive oil to coat a large separate skillet.  Using medium heat on your stove top, add in your pre-prepped vegetables.  Add your spoonful of minced garlic and sprinkle the top of your vegetables with your Italian seasonings.  If water is boiling at this point in pot, add 1/2 box of spaghetti noodles.

Occasionally toss or stir your vegetables as for them not to burn or the garlic to be too concentrated in any one area.  Once noodles are al dente, drain the excess water and remove vegetables from the heat.  Join your cooked vegetables with your spaghetti and add a 1/2 tablespoon or so of real butter and toss it into your mix.  Sprinkle the top generously with parmesan cheese and toss into mix as to lightly coat your noodles.  Sprinkle parsley over the top of the mix.

My Hot Mess pre-tomato basil serving

Before serving, lightly coat your hot mess with tomato basil spaghetti sauce.  You don't want it to be dripping by any means.  Toss just enough into your mix evenly.  Sprinkle serving with a small amount of parmesan cheese for appearance.

Protein:
There are many varieties that can be used to pair with the Hot Mess.  I would suggest sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken.  Both equally compliment in texture and flavors.

Wine or Drink Pairings:
A light slightly dry white wine such as a Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris would pair well with this meal.  These wines are light, crisp and add a slight fruit flavor.  For non-alcoholic options, a Sprite or Sprite/Cranberry Juice mix would also match this recipe.


I hope that you enjoy your Hot Mess!  This meal has lasted me a week and still tastes amazing.  Please try my recipe and see what you think.

I would love suggestions or to hear recipes from our viewers.  Feel free to comment below or catch us on our Twitter or Facebook Page.

Bon appétit!
Catie Manning

A New Adventure for a New Year

Me and my sweetpea

Today marks my first official day as a full time STAY AT HOME MOMMY!! I couldn't be more excited! Last month, we were faced with needing to find yet another babysitter to watch our daughter. This would have made sitter number 4 for the year. We sat down and did a little math and discussed our goals etc and decided that it was better for all involved if I just stayed home. As much as I was excited to do so, I was somewhat unnerved to go tell my boss; it was the first time that I had actually chosen to leave a job that A) didn't make me hate my life and B) that I was not physically moving out of state and therefore could no longer work there. My last day was right before we left for the holidays so it didn't really sink in right away. Today was my husband's first day back to work and so I count today as "day 1". 

Although excited, I was afraid that I would be somewhat stir-crazy as I am used to getting everything done around the house in 3 or 4 days so that I can go to work for my 3 days/wk. So far, nada. Maybe I will get stir-crazy, but I get the feeling that I will have way too much else on my mind to sit around twiddling my thumbs. With staying home comes increased financial stress. While my income didn't contribute much to our overall household budget (aka mine was mainly in excess to our needs), it did cover some costs. Our budget is much tighter now. And tighter means more work for me when it comes to grocery shopping for example. 

Since getting home from my parent's house in NE, I have been pouring over recipes figuring out health and cost benefits. I already have some tasty, inexpensive recipes that I use but wanted to find more. BudgetBytes and Pennies&Pancakes are two sites that I visit often as they both supply yummy, healthy recipes with a cost breakdown per recipe and serving. Laura at HeavenlyHomemakers was my youth minister's wife when I was in high school and now has a flourishing website and COOKBOOK(s), which I was given over the holidays and have been going through and figuring out costs for all the tasty recipes. As I get accustomed to life at home 7 days/week, I will post some of my discoveries when it comes to cost/unit/serving of my favorite recipes so make sure to check back in a couple weeks :) 

This new year not only starts the beginning of my dream job, but it also marks the beginning of some other changes in my family's life. My husband and I have come to the conclusion that we don't want to be tied down anywhere; we want to be free to go where God sends, whenever that may be. We both want to do mission work someday but don't know where yet. We also want to be debt free before we start that so that we are not a burden to those who might support us on the mission field. That being the case, we are sifting through our belongings and selling or giving away things that we don't use. Basically its an early spring cleaning. Clearing house is our first step, and there are many more to follow but I will write on that another day. Our main goal for this year is to be able to listen attentively for God's direction; we know He has a plan for our lives together, but we don't know exactly what that plan looks like yet. 

In honor of the traditional "new year's resolutions", I have chosen goals for the year as the word "goal" means more to me. My personal goals for the year are: adjusting to my new role, learning how to better interact with my husband and daughter, being more intention about how I spend my time (Pinterest, don't worry- our time is sacred ;)), finding ways to grow my etsy business (BoundWithHope), and becoming a master at inexpensive, healthy living. What are some of your goals for this year? Hope you had a happy holiday season, and look forward to spending 2014 with you! 

-Ruth

2014: Eyes on the Prize

"Running has taught me, perhaps more than anything else, that there's no reason to fear starting lines... or other new beginnings." - Amby Burfoot

With the start of the new year, many of you have your sights set on a new & improved you. Maybe you are starting your first ever fitness routine, trying to bump your current fitness skills up a notch or finally breaking off that long (but loving) relationship with your Chinese delivery man. Yet, maybe you know it's time to dust off those gym shoes but not sure exactly how to start. Why not give running a try?

Don't be intimidated by veteran runners with high-tech hydration gear, short shorts and gazelle-like paces - everyone had to start as a beginner and get the experience to become a master racer. Running is the simplest form of exercise as all you need are a stable, fitted pair of shoes, some water, and you're off! Below are a few tips to help you get started before the start line!

1. Create an inspiration board - Visually seeing your goal will continually reinforce how badly you want to cross that finish line & receive your first race medal. When life gets stressful, the sidewalks to

the gym are covered in a foot of snow or you "just don't feel like it", having a visual reminder like a run inspiration board will keep YOU going because YOU says what goes on the board and what uplifts you to keep going when the going gets tough. Plus, it's a great way to utilize those left over Women's Health & Shape magazines sitting in the corner.

2. Take your time - Many new runners either injure themselves, get down on themselves or get burnt out because they try to do too much right away. The worst mistake a runner can make is to compare themselves TO THE PERSON NEXT TO YOU. It doesn't matter if the runner on the treadmill next to you is running at a pace 3x faster than you or you missed two days so you'll makeup by running those miles in one day...STOP! Your body can only handle so much, so make sure you listen to what you body is saying, stretch and hydrate yourself. You won't be able to cross the finish line if your sidelined from an injury.

3. Team Up - Why not make that finish line count!? There are numerous of charity teams you can join to not only get coaching tips and training plans, but also meet other runners, connect with the running community and make a difference for a great cause. Likewise, you'll have a team to celebrate that first time finish with!

4. Run out of the ordinary - With the growing popularity of Color Runs, Mud Races and themed 5ks, make your first race memorable! These runs provide more than just the usual on-course water and post-run banana and sport drink. You get the chance to either create a costume for races such as the 80's run or (Mike) Ditka Dash or wear white and watch yourself be transformed throughout the run. Plus, many themed races are a 5k (3.1 Mile) distance - a perfect distance for first time runners!

5. Be One with RUNNING - So you are just starting out? That doesn't make you inferior to the veteran runner next to you who is on his 38th marathon or your running friend who wakes up at 4:30 a.m. to get 8 miles in each morning. Every runner has their own pace, training schedule, running preferences and more. When people ask you what you do for fun, tell them you run! Mention your training, your goal and start calling yourself a runner. Once you accept yourself as a runner, you'll soon be joining your friend for those 4:30 a.m. runs.

Goodbye 2013... Hello 2014!

I love new years. I love the "new beginnings" outlook it brings.

There is a lot I could talk about from this year. I learned so much. I had a lot of changes. Overall, it was a good year.

A lot of my friends are no longer making resolutions. Instead they are choosing to put hopes and dreams into a jar. I'm not sure if this is that much different than resolutions, but I think it is a different outlook. Locking away in a place that is visible the things you are hoping to accomplish this year.

I won't be making a resolution. I will be joining in these hopes and dreams. I will be making goals. I will live a healthier life. Thankful for the changes 2013 brought that will allow me to live healthier than I have been able to in a few years. I will continue to make those steps to a healthier life. Here are a few of my goals..

1. Get back to making the majority of my meals at home and eating out less

2. Take a vacation for myself

3.  Be brave, whatever that may mean (I love this song right now Brave)

4.  Start the process of going back to school for my nurse practitioner

5.  Face my fear of heights

6.  Give up something for someone else that means a great deal to me

7.  Learn what healthy boundaries in all areas of my life mean

8.  And because I currently live in Chicago... right now it is to stay as warm as possible!

What are some of your goals for 2014? How are you going into this new year?

Happy 2014!