I know that I seem to have fallen off of the face of the planet – but I just moved from San Francisco, California to Reno, Nevada…but there’s a lot of work surrounding it. I won’t be “settled” until February 15th, so I won’t be updating for a while. I plan to keep this blog going with frugal updates, etc.
In the meantime, see my other blogs!
Yell!
Cheapskate Veg
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Mission Street Food
Last night, Mission Street Food did a special veg-only night, and half of the proceeds went to Food Not Bombs, so I felt obligated. I went, but the sky-high prices left my stomach still empty and my wallet all "WHAT!?"
Basically, I paid $6 for one tapa. That's what it boils down to.
We went to Bender's afterward. I love Bender's because they have 2$ PBR for the cheapskate in ya. (Luckily, I had a friend to cover my second drink. Because he likes booze. And his friends.)
Basically, I paid $6 for one tapa. That's what it boils down to.
We went to Bender's afterward. I love Bender's because they have 2$ PBR for the cheapskate in ya. (Luckily, I had a friend to cover my second drink. Because he likes booze. And his friends.)
- Coffee: $0.60
- Apple: $0.75
- Mission Street Food: $6.00
- PBR: $2.00
- TOTAL: $9.35
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Laundry Day
Yesterday, I didn't cook anything. I didn't eat leftovers, either. So, yesterday was a lot of "to-go" food.
I've been busy packing and preparing to move on Saturday to a town four hours away, so cooking was at the end of my list last night. Also, the cafe downstairs makes a KILLER Spicy Lentil Dahl, so I had to have it one last time.
I also had laundry to tend to.
I've been busy packing and preparing to move on Saturday to a town four hours away, so cooking was at the end of my list last night. Also, the cafe downstairs makes a KILLER Spicy Lentil Dahl, so I had to have it one last time.
I also had laundry to tend to.
- Coffee: $0.60
- Dahl: $4.00
- Laundry: $3.00
- Taco: $2.28
- TOTAL: $9.88
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
An Experiment Gone Wrong
I decided to eat outside-of-the-box last night, but it was met with nothing more than a mess that was a little too garlicky, a little too basily, and a little too runny.
But, I tried. I wanted something new, and I tried.
The attempt was stuffed manicotti. I've addressed the over-spice, but I couldn't get the tofu to blend with the spinach like I wanted, so I added some water to the mix.
I added too much water.
What I wound up with was edible, and I stuffed it into my mouth...but the adventure did not have a happy ending.
I couldn't get the taste of garlic out of my mouth, no matter how much I brushed.
So, no, this recipe will not be shared.
Also, I had two cups of coffee yesterday. I was hurting for some caffeine.
But, I tried. I wanted something new, and I tried.
The attempt was stuffed manicotti. I've addressed the over-spice, but I couldn't get the tofu to blend with the spinach like I wanted, so I added some water to the mix.
I added too much water.
What I wound up with was edible, and I stuffed it into my mouth...but the adventure did not have a happy ending.
I couldn't get the taste of garlic out of my mouth, no matter how much I brushed.
So, no, this recipe will not be shared.
Also, I had two cups of coffee yesterday. I was hurting for some caffeine.
- Coffee: $1.20
- Apple: $0.75
- Safeway: $5.54
- TOTAL: $7.49
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sushi Happy Hour
Since I had enough soup to last me a few lunches at work, I suggested a sushi happy hour night to a few friends and we went to it last night.
There's a place here in San Francisco called "Sushi Delight." They have a pretty good happy hour: $2 rolls, buy-one-get-one-free hot sake, and $1 oysters. I just opt to not drink and buy two $2 rolls and voila, $5 dinner ($1 for a tip).
Other than that, life was typical.
There's a place here in San Francisco called "Sushi Delight." They have a pretty good happy hour: $2 rolls, buy-one-get-one-free hot sake, and $1 oysters. I just opt to not drink and buy two $2 rolls and voila, $5 dinner ($1 for a tip).
Other than that, life was typical.
- Coffee: $0.60
- Apple: $0.75
- Sushi: $5.00
- Knee-High Hose (for work): $0.59
- TOTAL: $6.94
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday
The day after my birthday, I felt that hangover sting that only a Scorpion bowl can provide. I woke up starving, but all I really had for breakfast were some rolled oats that I promptly made into delicious oatmeal. After some french-pressed coffee, I felt ten times better.
Lunch was actually eaten out-of-home. Mac was in town and he has a love for Ali Baba's in Lower Haight that can't be ignored when he's here, so we went for falafel at lunch. We walked to the library to return a book, then went to Amoeba to look around. Let me say this: walking into a record store like that and walking out empty-handed is a hard one for me. Especially since I'm moving to a city without a record store. Vinyl will be available only online for me very soon.
For dinner, I just ran to the produce market at Page and Divisadero and loaded up on enough veggies to make my Ginger Peanut Stew again. (My roommates discovered that rice added to the stew makes it super-thick and soaks up a lot of the spice - perfect dish!)
The same produce market also has bags of $0.75 "iffy" produce out front, and there was a bag of banged-up and bruised apples for $0.75 that Nate got me on Saturday, so I opted to make a super-simple apple crisp out of them. The crisp was gone when I woke up this morning, so I think it's a winner.
That batch of stew provided enough food for me to eat like a king at lunch three days in a row this week!
Lunch was actually eaten out-of-home. Mac was in town and he has a love for Ali Baba's in Lower Haight that can't be ignored when he's here, so we went for falafel at lunch. We walked to the library to return a book, then went to Amoeba to look around. Let me say this: walking into a record store like that and walking out empty-handed is a hard one for me. Especially since I'm moving to a city without a record store. Vinyl will be available only online for me very soon.
For dinner, I just ran to the produce market at Page and Divisadero and loaded up on enough veggies to make my Ginger Peanut Stew again. (My roommates discovered that rice added to the stew makes it super-thick and soaks up a lot of the spice - perfect dish!)
The same produce market also has bags of $0.75 "iffy" produce out front, and there was a bag of banged-up and bruised apples for $0.75 that Nate got me on Saturday, so I opted to make a super-simple apple crisp out of them. The crisp was gone when I woke up this morning, so I think it's a winner.
That batch of stew provided enough food for me to eat like a king at lunch three days in a row this week!
- Falafel: $5.96
- Produce: $1.76
- Bus: $1.50
- TOTAL: $9.22
Mom's Oatmeal
-1 cup rolled oats
-2 cups water
-1 tablespoon margarine (Smart Balance is good!)
-1 teaspoon cinnamon
-2 tablespoons sugar
Combine all ingredients in a small pot over the stove on medium-high heat. Stir constantly until oats are thick enough for your liking.
Easy Apple Crisp
Filling:
-4 cups chopped apples
-1 teaspoon cinnamon
-2 tablespoons brown sugar
-2 tablespoons flour
Topping:
-1 cup rolled oats
-1/4 cup sugar
-1/4 cup margarine
-1 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit. Oil an 8x8-inch baking pan.
Mix the filling ingredients in a large bowl until thoroughly mixed. Pour into greased pan.
Mix the other ingredients in a large bowl, then spread evenly over the filling mix in the pan. Sprinkle with a small amount of brown sugar, if desired.
Bake at 350 for about one hour.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Birthday Binge + Hella Recipes
I have to make up for the small updates over the past few days. I'll be posting several recipes at the bottom of this entry.
Yesterday was my 23rd birthday. I wound up spending absolutely nothing, but I did get dinner and drinks for free...since it was my birthday and my friends are hella rad. Dinner was at Khan Toke Thai House (soooo good; rad atmosphere; affordable) and drinks were had at the shameful, bad-news-bears Trad'r Sam. Both are located in the Richmond District of San Francisco. Both led to a night of debauchery and sheer hangover hell today. ($14 BOWLS of rum punch at Trad'r Sam....between four of us, there were five bowls involved.
Prior to all of the nighttime activity, however, I did bake myself a birthday cake and I made lunch soup for several people around the house. Both are stuffed with super-cheap ingredients and both owned the mouth.
Spicy Ginger Peanut Stew
-1 1/2 cup chopped broccoli
-1 1/2 cup chopped carrot
-1 medium chopped yellow onion
-1 tablespoon minced ginger
-4 cloves minced garlic
-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon pepper
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-3 cups vegetable stock (or water)
-1 large chopped tomato
-5 tablespoons peanut butter
In a large pot, saute onions in oil until soft. Add ginger and garlic and cook for a few more minutes. Add vegetables and spices. Cook until vegetables are tender. In a small bowl, mix peanut butter with half of the stock until peanut butter is thinned-out. Add peanut butter and all of the stock to the vegetables in the pot. Reduce heat and simmer for twenty minutes.
Cold Sesame Noodles w/ Tempeh
-1 8 oz. package tempeh
-2 tablespoons peanut oil
-8 oz. spaghetti
-1/2 cup shelled edamame
-1/4 cup tamari
-1 tablespoon sesame oil
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-juice from one lime
-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
-1 red, yellow, or orange bell pepper, sliced
-3 green onions
-1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Cut tempeh into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat peanut oil in skillet over medium-high heat and cook tempeh and bell pepper until tempeh is golden-brown and pepper is soft. Remove and set aside. While tempeh cooks, prepare spaghetti according to package directions. Rinse with cold water and set aside. At same time, bring another small pot of water to boil. Add edamame and simmer until tender. Drain, rinse under cold water and set aside.
In small bowl, whisk together tamari, sesame oil, olive oil, lime juice & red pepper flakes.
In large bowl, combine noodles, tempeh, bell pepper, edamame, green onions and cilantro. Add dressing and toss to coat.
Wacky Vegan Cake
-2 tablespoons cocoa powder
-1 1/2 cup flour
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1 teaspoon baking soda
-1 cup sugar
-1 teaspoon vanilla
-1 teaspoon vinegar
-5 tablespoons vegetable oil or margarine, melted
-1 cup water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit.
Sift together cocoa, flour, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl. In seperate bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients until well-mixed. Add dry mix to wet mix slowly, stirrying constantly. Stir all ingredients together until JUST MIXED (don't over-mix) and pour into a greased 8x8 baking pan.
Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
**This cake is a favorite in my house. Roommates gush about how moist it is, and the best part is that the ingredients are those that most houses have on hand. It's an old recipe from the war days, when rationing was common.
Easy-as-Sin Sinful Chocolate Icing
-10 oz. silken soft tofu
-3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
Put ingredients in a blender and puree until completely mixed. Pour into airtight container and let cool completely before using. (It thickens as it cools.)
Yesterday was my 23rd birthday. I wound up spending absolutely nothing, but I did get dinner and drinks for free...since it was my birthday and my friends are hella rad. Dinner was at Khan Toke Thai House (soooo good; rad atmosphere; affordable) and drinks were had at the shameful, bad-news-bears Trad'r Sam. Both are located in the Richmond District of San Francisco. Both led to a night of debauchery and sheer hangover hell today. ($14 BOWLS of rum punch at Trad'r Sam....between four of us, there were five bowls involved.
Prior to all of the nighttime activity, however, I did bake myself a birthday cake and I made lunch soup for several people around the house. Both are stuffed with super-cheap ingredients and both owned the mouth.
- TOTAL: $0.00
Spicy Ginger Peanut Stew
-1 1/2 cup chopped broccoli
-1 1/2 cup chopped carrot
-1 medium chopped yellow onion
-1 tablespoon minced ginger
-4 cloves minced garlic
-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon pepper
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-3 cups vegetable stock (or water)
-1 large chopped tomato
-5 tablespoons peanut butter
In a large pot, saute onions in oil until soft. Add ginger and garlic and cook for a few more minutes. Add vegetables and spices. Cook until vegetables are tender. In a small bowl, mix peanut butter with half of the stock until peanut butter is thinned-out. Add peanut butter and all of the stock to the vegetables in the pot. Reduce heat and simmer for twenty minutes.
Cold Sesame Noodles w/ Tempeh
-1 8 oz. package tempeh
-2 tablespoons peanut oil
-8 oz. spaghetti
-1/2 cup shelled edamame
-1/4 cup tamari
-1 tablespoon sesame oil
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-juice from one lime
-1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
-1 red, yellow, or orange bell pepper, sliced
-3 green onions
-1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Cut tempeh into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat peanut oil in skillet over medium-high heat and cook tempeh and bell pepper until tempeh is golden-brown and pepper is soft. Remove and set aside. While tempeh cooks, prepare spaghetti according to package directions. Rinse with cold water and set aside. At same time, bring another small pot of water to boil. Add edamame and simmer until tender. Drain, rinse under cold water and set aside.
In small bowl, whisk together tamari, sesame oil, olive oil, lime juice & red pepper flakes.
In large bowl, combine noodles, tempeh, bell pepper, edamame, green onions and cilantro. Add dressing and toss to coat.
Wacky Vegan Cake
-2 tablespoons cocoa powder
-1 1/2 cup flour
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1 teaspoon baking soda
-1 cup sugar
-1 teaspoon vanilla
-1 teaspoon vinegar
-5 tablespoons vegetable oil or margarine, melted
-1 cup water
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit.
Sift together cocoa, flour, salt and baking soda in a medium bowl. In seperate bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients until well-mixed. Add dry mix to wet mix slowly, stirrying constantly. Stir all ingredients together until JUST MIXED (don't over-mix) and pour into a greased 8x8 baking pan.
Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
**This cake is a favorite in my house. Roommates gush about how moist it is, and the best part is that the ingredients are those that most houses have on hand. It's an old recipe from the war days, when rationing was common.
Easy-as-Sin Sinful Chocolate Icing
-10 oz. silken soft tofu
-3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
Put ingredients in a blender and puree until completely mixed. Pour into airtight container and let cool completely before using. (It thickens as it cools.)
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Two Days
I didn't get a chance to update yesterday on spending for Thursday.
Thursday was just the standard bit. Went to work and made dinner at home; tofu scramble and homefries. I had already purchased everything the day before, so the only money spent on Thursday was coffee, the apple, and a bus-ride (it was raining).
Friday, I wanted something different for dinner, so I went out to the Mission and got two vegan mole tacos, chips and salsa at Papalote. I went by bus because of rain.
I also got to enjoy Iron Lung at Annie's Social Club, but it was free via the guest list...so free show for me.
It's my birthday weekend, so updating won't be too in-depth.
Thursday was just the standard bit. Went to work and made dinner at home; tofu scramble and homefries. I had already purchased everything the day before, so the only money spent on Thursday was coffee, the apple, and a bus-ride (it was raining).
- Coffee: $0.60
- Apple: $0.75
- Bus: $1.50
- TOTAL: $2.85
Friday, I wanted something different for dinner, so I went out to the Mission and got two vegan mole tacos, chips and salsa at Papalote. I went by bus because of rain.
I also got to enjoy Iron Lung at Annie's Social Club, but it was free via the guest list...so free show for me.
- Coffee: $0.60
- Apple: $0.75
- Bus: $3.00
- Tacos: $5.15
- TOTAL: $9.50
It's my birthday weekend, so updating won't be too in-depth.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Sales, Sales, Sales
I decided to just make myself some fried rice for dinner, mainly because it’s thrifty. As I walked to Safeway, I really started to crave a taco from Castillito…and it’s right across the street from Safeway. I almost caved and veered right instead of left, but I stuck to my guns and went to the grocery store. I’m glad I did, because I found out tofu was on sale for even LESS than it had been all month. Prior to this, it was 2/$3, which is a good deal, but now it’s at 10/$10, so $1 EACH. I was excited, and snatched up not one but THREE containers of it. Inspired by the sale, I went ahead and picked up everything I needed for dinner for tonight in addition to the fried rice for dinner last night and lunch today. I even got the ingredients for a bagel spread I had been wanting to try, since Tofutti “cream cheese” is over my budget at $4.79 a container.
So, I made my fried rice. I made my bagel spread (so good, recipe below). I have everything I need for dinner tonight. All for under $10. All for under $7, actually. Nice.
So, I made my fried rice. I made my bagel spread (so good, recipe below). I have everything I need for dinner tonight. All for under $10. All for under $7, actually. Nice.
- Coffee: $0.60
- Apple: $0.75
- Bar of Dark Chocolate: $1.29
- Tofu: $3.00
- Onion: $0.54
- Potato: $0.66
- Banana: $0.30
- Brown Rice: $1.49
- TOTAL: $8.63
Bagels-for-Breakfast Spread
-one medium, ripe banana
-four ounces of silken smooth tofu
-two tablespoons peanut butter
-two tablespoons maple syrup
-one teaspoon vanilla
-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
-1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Directions:
Blend everything together in a blender. Pour into airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Unexpected Bills
Finances have begun to stress me out a bit. I have that cavity issue to deal with, and I also just received a bunch of medical bills in the mail from November. (I broke my arm biking to work.) I did my taxes yesterday and somehow (I still can’t figure it out) I owe. I’m moving at the end of the month and I have a U-Haul truck to rent. Suddenly, I’m nearly-$1k in-the-hole and it’s making me uneasy….especially since I have given my two-weeks notice (I’m moving out of San Francisco.) and I have no job lined up at the destination city. (I have savings, though…as small as they may be…)
Regardless of all of that, I am still cranking away on my $10 project. I ate my last bagel for breakfast yesterday, so I made sure to load up on another package while shopping for supplies for dinner. Other than that, my spending was typical. I did my coffee, apple, leftovers bit at work. On my way home from work, I biked past a church between Octavia and Laguna on Page Street. This church puts out a table PILED with various types of bread, and the bread is fine. I’ve had several roommates in the past who survived on these loaves of bread. Considering my current situation, I went ahead and picked up two bags. On my way home, I went over what to do with the bread in my head, and I tried to work it into the sales I know occurring at Safeway. I found a solution: meatball subs.
Oh, yes. Big, filling, overflowing sammiches. And it was delicious.
Meatball Subs
-1 pkg Gimme Lean “Beef” Style
-1 small onion, chopped
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-1 15-oz can tomato sauce
-2 mini-french loaves of bread
-olive oil
-salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and basil
Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit.
Saute onion in olive oil for a few minutes. Add garlic and sauté for a few minutes further. Open package of beef and roll the “meat” into balls about 1-inch in size and drop into pan with onion and garlic (this “meat” works really well like this; it won’t fall apart). Stir often until “meat” starts to brown. Add tomato sauce, then season by taste. Simmer for about five minutes, then spoon into the slice loaves of French bread, creating an “open-face” sandwich.
Bake for about five minutes, until the bread gets crispy.
Optional: Grate fake mozzarella cheese over the sauce and meatballs before you put them in the oven.
Regardless of all of that, I am still cranking away on my $10 project. I ate my last bagel for breakfast yesterday, so I made sure to load up on another package while shopping for supplies for dinner. Other than that, my spending was typical. I did my coffee, apple, leftovers bit at work. On my way home from work, I biked past a church between Octavia and Laguna on Page Street. This church puts out a table PILED with various types of bread, and the bread is fine. I’ve had several roommates in the past who survived on these loaves of bread. Considering my current situation, I went ahead and picked up two bags. On my way home, I went over what to do with the bread in my head, and I tried to work it into the sales I know occurring at Safeway. I found a solution: meatball subs.
Oh, yes. Big, filling, overflowing sammiches. And it was delicious.
- Coffee: $0.60
- Apple: $0.75
- Bagels: $2.50
- Gimme Lean "Beef": $2.99
- Tomato Sauce: $0.85
- Onion: $0.24
- TOTAL: $7.93
Meatball Subs
-1 pkg Gimme Lean “Beef” Style
-1 small onion, chopped
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-1 15-oz can tomato sauce
-2 mini-french loaves of bread
-olive oil
-salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and basil
Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit.
Saute onion in olive oil for a few minutes. Add garlic and sauté for a few minutes further. Open package of beef and roll the “meat” into balls about 1-inch in size and drop into pan with onion and garlic (this “meat” works really well like this; it won’t fall apart). Stir often until “meat” starts to brown. Add tomato sauce, then season by taste. Simmer for about five minutes, then spoon into the slice loaves of French bread, creating an “open-face” sandwich.
Bake for about five minutes, until the bread gets crispy.
Optional: Grate fake mozzarella cheese over the sauce and meatballs before you put them in the oven.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Amazing Weather
The weather in San Francisco has been absolutely amazing, and I’ve been abusing the hell out of it. Yesterday, I woke up and fixed myself another batch of waffles, pressed some coffee, and then prepared myself for a long bike ride. I rode out to Sutro Baths in San Francisco and then down to the San Francisco Zoo to see a friend who works there. After I rode home, I skipped down to Safeway to grab what I could for a recipe I was really excited about trying.
I’m moving out of San Francisco on the 31st, so I’ve been trying to condense and rid myself of unnecessary things. This is a bit tricky because I moved just four months ago into my current place, so I already did the condensing necessary for that downgrade. What I did manage to tackle, however, is my craft area. I had somehow acquired a garbage-bag full of scrap fabric, and I realized I just wasn’t going to use it…at least anytime soon. So, I bagged it all up and posted an ad in the “Free Stuff” section on Craigslist, unsure if anyone would even want it.
I woke up Yesterday morning to FIVE e-mails asking me for it. …San Francisco is certainly an interesting bunch.
I found a taker and had that bag out of my life in less than 24-hours.
As for dinner, I made my own version of a recipe I saw in Natural Health magazine. The recipe called to me because it was already vegan and sounded super-good (Cold noodles and sesame tempeh FTW!), so I catalogued it in my mind and remembered it yesterday. It turned out GREAT, but I made some changes. (It called for edamame, but that’s just not in my budget. I used ½ a can of peas instead. The recipe also said to include raw peppers. I’m not too crazy about peppers, so I sautéed them with the tempeh. It also called for peanut oil – not in my budget. I just used the sesame oil I splurged for, instead.)
It was also a roommate’s birthday yesterday, so I made my favorite chocolate-cake recipe, altering it to add a hint of coffee by pressing a cup of coffee and replacing the water in the recipe with that. I made homemade icing and sprinkled it with chocolate chips I had on-hand in the freezer (I buy them on-sale and I can use them in a variety of things when I decide to. They last forever in the freezer.) This particular cake recipe is a throwback from WW2, when rations were strict. It’s dubbed “Wacky Cake” and it is naturally vegan.
- Laundry: $3.00
- Sesame Oil: $3.59
- Cilantro: $0.99
- Lime: $0.35
- Peas: $0.85
- TOTAL: $8.78
Monday, January 19, 2009
Hangover
There just wasn't much happening in my life yesterday. I could barely make it it the four blocks to the taqueria for a taco, much less to the grocery store and back, then to cook. Yesterday, I was all about making take-out food relatively cheap.
I DID make breakfast. I had gathered the stuff I needed the night before for tofu scramble and homefries. Halfway through the cooking, I remembered that our house was out of ketchup....and I was not in the mood to have potatoes without ketchup.
After that, though...I laid around and watched Netflix movies. I started to get hungry again around 1, and I started having INTENSE cravings for a "chicken" sandwich from Love'N'Haight. I ignored the cravings at first, but it got out-of-hand and I found myself walking the two blocks there, repeating "No avocado. It's an extra $0.99 for avocado."
Around dinner, my roommate and her boyfriend were creating a masterpiece in the kitchen and I didn't feel like making anything anyway, so I just went to Taqueria Castillito and had a veggie taco (free chips!) for $2.16. (Tacos are my secret weapon. When you order JUST a taco, it's like they're TRYING to hook you up. You end up with half-the-amount as a burrito, and half the calories. Tacos usually fall around $2-2.50, and if you go to a place that gives you chips with dinner...it's exactly enough for a meal. I had two taco tortillas, rice, black beans, salsa, cilantro, onion, guacamole, lettuce, and a tomato slice, and chips and three kinds of salsa - for almost $2 even. Hot damn and hell yeah.)
The rest of the night was free entertainment - a friend came over and one of my roommates hung out, too, and we watched four episodes of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" on Hulu.com. I passed out relatively early because I had only four hours of sleep the previous night.
Also, to note, you need a waffle iron. They're $10 at Walgreens and a great appliance to have around the house. Not only can you make delicious homemade waffles for a1/3 the price of a store-bought frozen box...but you can use the thing to make pressed sandwiches!
Easy-Peasy Vegan Waffles
-1 cup flour
-2 teaspoons baking powder
-1 teaspoon cinnamon
-a few dashes salt
-1 cup soymilk
-1/4 cup vegetable oil
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(-Optional: Add in about a cup of fruit - berries, apples, banana...I minced a large apple and threw it in the flour and mixed well before adding the wet ingredients - so good!)
Directions:
Mix all of the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Mix all of the wet ingredients in another bowl.
Add the wet to the dry. Mix until just mixed. Put 1/4 cup batter into each "waffle" section on the iron, or follow the manufactuor's specifications.
It makes about five waffles.
I DID make breakfast. I had gathered the stuff I needed the night before for tofu scramble and homefries. Halfway through the cooking, I remembered that our house was out of ketchup....and I was not in the mood to have potatoes without ketchup.
After that, though...I laid around and watched Netflix movies. I started to get hungry again around 1, and I started having INTENSE cravings for a "chicken" sandwich from Love'N'Haight. I ignored the cravings at first, but it got out-of-hand and I found myself walking the two blocks there, repeating "No avocado. It's an extra $0.99 for avocado."
Around dinner, my roommate and her boyfriend were creating a masterpiece in the kitchen and I didn't feel like making anything anyway, so I just went to Taqueria Castillito and had a veggie taco (free chips!) for $2.16. (Tacos are my secret weapon. When you order JUST a taco, it's like they're TRYING to hook you up. You end up with half-the-amount as a burrito, and half the calories. Tacos usually fall around $2-2.50, and if you go to a place that gives you chips with dinner...it's exactly enough for a meal. I had two taco tortillas, rice, black beans, salsa, cilantro, onion, guacamole, lettuce, and a tomato slice, and chips and three kinds of salsa - for almost $2 even. Hot damn and hell yeah.)
The rest of the night was free entertainment - a friend came over and one of my roommates hung out, too, and we watched four episodes of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" on Hulu.com. I passed out relatively early because I had only four hours of sleep the previous night.
- Ketchup: $1.79
- Sandwich: $5.49
- Taco: $2.16
- TOTAL: $9.44
Also, to note, you need a waffle iron. They're $10 at Walgreens and a great appliance to have around the house. Not only can you make delicious homemade waffles for a1/3 the price of a store-bought frozen box...but you can use the thing to make pressed sandwiches!
Easy-Peasy Vegan Waffles
-1 cup flour
-2 teaspoons baking powder
-1 teaspoon cinnamon
-a few dashes salt
-1 cup soymilk
-1/4 cup vegetable oil
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(-Optional: Add in about a cup of fruit - berries, apples, banana...I minced a large apple and threw it in the flour and mixed well before adding the wet ingredients - so good!)
Directions:
Mix all of the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Mix all of the wet ingredients in another bowl.
Add the wet to the dry. Mix until just mixed. Put 1/4 cup batter into each "waffle" section on the iron, or follow the manufactuor's specifications.
It makes about five waffles.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Pro-Active Day
Yesterday was a very pro-active day. I got a lot done. I woke up and made myself some apple-cinnamon waffles from scratch. I made myself some coffee, and then I took my flat bike tire down to Box Dog Bikes in the Mission. (Yes, I am aware that everyone and their brother seems to think changing a flat tire is a piece, but no one - and I mean NO ONE - I know outside of those who WORK in a bike shop can ACTUALLY change the tires I have on my track bike, so there.) Box Dog was having a big sale (20% off of everything), so I got my tire changed for $5.
After that, I went on a three-hour walk. The weather was beautiful and I had a library book to return, so I went to it. Then, I walked through Golden Gate Park and found a nice, sunny spot and read for a bit. I stopped by the grocery store on the way home and picked up some essentials for dinner and breakfast.
After I got home, I just took it easy. I made a loaf of bread in my bread machine. I watched some tv shows on Netflix. I read a bit.
We had a party at the house last night (turned out to be rather massive) and I intended to leave at some point to get some cheap beer...but it just never happened. I was able to drink for free all night in exchange for some well-needed dj services. (No matter what, a "Smells Like Teen Spirit" sing-along always seems to brighten the mood and bring back fond memories.)
Today, though...I am craving (and I mean CRAVING) a sandwich from Love'N'Haight...but it's $6.49. No dice.
After that, I went on a three-hour walk. The weather was beautiful and I had a library book to return, so I went to it. Then, I walked through Golden Gate Park and found a nice, sunny spot and read for a bit. I stopped by the grocery store on the way home and picked up some essentials for dinner and breakfast.
After I got home, I just took it easy. I made a loaf of bread in my bread machine. I watched some tv shows on Netflix. I read a bit.
We had a party at the house last night (turned out to be rather massive) and I intended to leave at some point to get some cheap beer...but it just never happened. I was able to drink for free all night in exchange for some well-needed dj services. (No matter what, a "Smells Like Teen Spirit" sing-along always seems to brighten the mood and bring back fond memories.)
Today, though...I am craving (and I mean CRAVING) a sandwich from Love'N'Haight...but it's $6.49. No dice.
- Bike Maintenance: $5.00
- Black Beans: $1.00
- Tofu: $1.50
- Garlic: $0.39
- Onion: $0.88
- Potato: $0.45
- TOTAL: $9.22
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Sunset on the Beach
The Yelp party on Thursday night caused an annoying hangover the next day...and all I know how to do on a hangover is eat, eat, eat. Eating, I've discovered, takes away a lot of the "pain" and soaks up that "crappy feeling."
Bagel for breakfast. Coffee. Two oranges. Lunch was a can of vegetarian chili...but even that was not enough and a cheap-ish $3 vegetable sandwich from Lee's Deli held me over a bit. I got out of work at 4 p.m. and decided to try and catch the sunset on Ocean Beach, which is a 45-minute ride from my work. The ride was amazing....the weather in SF has been incredible.
For dinner, I opted to treat myself to a burrito. I wanted something substantial and I still wasn't feeling 100% (especially after the ride to-and-from the beach), so I headed down to Taqueria Castillito at Church and Market. They have the biggest burritos in the city, and an awesome option for vegans: grilled vegetables (broccoli, carrots, zucchini), black beans, rice, salsa on a wheat, spinach, or tomato tortilla for $4.22 with tax. It's the best veggie burrito bargain and the tastiest in the city imho. (Chips and salsa are included and - oh hai - SALSA BAR!)
I kept it low-key last night, though, by watching a movie and just vegging out online for a bit before reading a little and turning in early on a Friday night.
Bagel for breakfast. Coffee. Two oranges. Lunch was a can of vegetarian chili...but even that was not enough and a cheap-ish $3 vegetable sandwich from Lee's Deli held me over a bit. I got out of work at 4 p.m. and decided to try and catch the sunset on Ocean Beach, which is a 45-minute ride from my work. The ride was amazing....the weather in SF has been incredible.
For dinner, I opted to treat myself to a burrito. I wanted something substantial and I still wasn't feeling 100% (especially after the ride to-and-from the beach), so I headed down to Taqueria Castillito at Church and Market. They have the biggest burritos in the city, and an awesome option for vegans: grilled vegetables (broccoli, carrots, zucchini), black beans, rice, salsa on a wheat, spinach, or tomato tortilla for $4.22 with tax. It's the best veggie burrito bargain and the tastiest in the city imho. (Chips and salsa are included and - oh hai - SALSA BAR!)
I kept it low-key last night, though, by watching a movie and just vegging out online for a bit before reading a little and turning in early on a Friday night.
- Coffee: $0.60
- Sandwich: $3.00
- Burrito: $4.22
- TOTAL: $7.82
Friday, January 16, 2009
Free Food & Drinks
Last night, I was treated to free drinks and appetizers at Tropisueno in downtown San Francisco. I got the free treatment because I am a member of the Yelp Elite. (The Yelp Elite is a "club" thing that Yelp offers to frequent and thorough reviewers. You are nominated by someone and then they review your activity and invite you in. Then, you get to go to Yelp-sponsored events all over town for free.)
Margaritas, Tecate, chips and salsa, and random Mexican-inspired appetizers filled me up enough that I couldn't even imagine needing to buy/make dinner.
That being said, my spending was minimal yesterday....and my hangover is great today.
Margaritas, Tecate, chips and salsa, and random Mexican-inspired appetizers filled me up enough that I couldn't even imagine needing to buy/make dinner.
That being said, my spending was minimal yesterday....and my hangover is great today.
- Coffee: $0.60
- Apple: $0.75
- Bus Ride: $1.50
- TOTAL: $2.85
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Cooking for Friends on $6
I've noticed a severe increase in the amount of people bringing in their own food at lunch-time around the office. I guess the financial times are finally hitting them...or perhaps it's that "New Years Resolution" thing that will eventually wear off. Regardless, I like the trend. It's amazing how much money you can save by not shelling out at lunchtime every day. (Not that I ever really did. I think $3.50 for a sandwich across the street is even ridiculous. I've always brought in food at least 2-3 days out of the week.)
I also like the concept of leftovers. You get a bit of variety in the middle of your day that could vary from the typical sandwich or salad that people here get trapped in. Leftovers also tend to be a little heartier and, if it's homemade, it's probably healthier than pre-packaged foods.
Today, I'm eating leftovers from last night's "communal" dinner. A few friends came over and brought the alcohol and I made the dinner. We settled on Chana Masala, an Indian dish made of curry and chickpeas. The ingredients are super-cheap and I was able to make a large portion for all of us. Also...rice and chickpeas are very filling.
I'm also super-stoked on my mom mailing me some jars of homemade apple butter. It goes GREAT on my bagels in the morning!
I also like the concept of leftovers. You get a bit of variety in the middle of your day that could vary from the typical sandwich or salad that people here get trapped in. Leftovers also tend to be a little heartier and, if it's homemade, it's probably healthier than pre-packaged foods.
Today, I'm eating leftovers from last night's "communal" dinner. A few friends came over and brought the alcohol and I made the dinner. We settled on Chana Masala, an Indian dish made of curry and chickpeas. The ingredients are super-cheap and I was able to make a large portion for all of us. Also...rice and chickpeas are very filling.
I'm also super-stoked on my mom mailing me some jars of homemade apple butter. It goes GREAT on my bagels in the morning!
- Coffee: $0.60
- Apple: $0.75
- Two Cans of Chickpeas: $2.00
- Two Large Onions: $1.17
- Bag of Brown Rice: $1.49
- Garlic: $0.50
- Tomato Paste: $0.85
- TOTAL: $7.36
Chana Masala for Two
-one 15-oz can chickpeas, drained
-one large yellow onion, chopped
-three cloves garlic, minced
-half of an 8-oz can tomato paste
-two tablespoons curry
-three tablespoons water
-one tablespoon lemon juice
-salt and pepper, to taste
-oil
-one cup brown rice, prepared according to package directions
Directions:
Saute the onion in oil until translucent. Add the garlic, curry, and tomato paste and saute for a few minutes. Add everything else (except the rice). Stir well. Adjust seasonings to your liking and let simmer for about ten minutes. Serve over rice.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Using the Sales @ Safeway
Today was a day like any other. I had my bagel and coffee and apple, leftovers for lunch, trip to the dentist, came home..
...yeah. Trip to the dentist. /shudder. I don't want to get into it, but I am in the process of finding a new dentist after a less-than-satisfactory experience with the evil lady of Commercial Street. Co-pay for the visit is nothing, so I didn't spend any money on the visit. I will, however, have to break the $10-a-day thing on the 22nd and get two cavities filled, but this is my teeth we're talking about; I only get one pair.
Another faux pas: I had to buy contacts today. I realized I only had one pair left this morning, and that's no bueno. I DID, however, manage to finagle some savings out of the situation. My eye doctor told me it would be $38 A BOX for a pair of contacts, and I was all, "oh, no. No way. Not paying that." I requested my prescription and logged onto 1800contacts.com. I found my contacts on there for $24.99 a box. Score! THEN, I decided to see if I could get them any cheaper - by searching for coupon codes. I went to Google and typed in "1800contacts coupon code" and the first site gave me a code for free shipping. Double score! I got two boxes of contacts for only $10 more than my eye doctor said ONE box was. I felt a little...victorious. (And yes, I understand that glasses are practically free...but the sun shines in my eyes and when I wear the glasses too long, my eyes get strained/tired.)
All of that being said...I was on-track with the rest of my expenditures.
Dinner tonight was rad! I went down to Safeway with a few options in my mind (stirfry, fried rice, beenie weenies or quesadillas), but I had pretty much decided on beenie weenies for dinner, since the Tofu Pops were on sale for $2.69 a package. (They're usually something like $4, so it's a good deal...you meat-eaters are lucky with your cheap dogs!) Whilst browsing the bean aisle, I discovered that the cheapest can of baked beans was something like $3, and I find that a bit ridiculous. I just glanced over the ingredients list and figured I could totally make my own baked beans, so that's exactly what I did. (I also saw a can of vegetarian chili for $1, so I grabbed that right up for lunch at work one day.) The finished product was delicious, so I'll be sharing the recipe...in all of it's "kinda-sorta measurements" glory.
Homemade Veggie Beenie-Weenies
(for the broke and wonderful)
-one can black beans
-half of one medium yellow onion, chopped
-four garlic cloves, minced
-olive oil
-four "hot dogs"
-barbeque sauce
-tomato sauce
-brown sugar
-salt & pepper
Directions:
Saute onion in oil until translucent. Add garlic and saute a few minutes longer. Drain the water from the can of black beans (or save even more money and soak a cup of dry black beans overnight prior to this) and add to onions and garlic. Chop up the "hot dogs" and add them to the mix.
This is the fun part: add everything else to your liking. If you like baked beans super-sweet, then add a few tablespoons of sugar. If you really like barbeque sauce, then pile it in. Don't add too much liquid, though, or you'll wind up with a soup. My measurements were about 1/4 cup tomato sauce, three tablespoons of barbeque sauce, two tablespoons brown sugar, and then a few dashes of everything else. I added a little bit of garlic powder, too, because I'm a garlic addict and four cloves wasn't enough - it's just all we had in the house.
Let it simmer on medium for about ten minutes to soak in the flavor.
...yeah. Trip to the dentist. /shudder. I don't want to get into it, but I am in the process of finding a new dentist after a less-than-satisfactory experience with the evil lady of Commercial Street. Co-pay for the visit is nothing, so I didn't spend any money on the visit. I will, however, have to break the $10-a-day thing on the 22nd and get two cavities filled, but this is my teeth we're talking about; I only get one pair.
Another faux pas: I had to buy contacts today. I realized I only had one pair left this morning, and that's no bueno. I DID, however, manage to finagle some savings out of the situation. My eye doctor told me it would be $38 A BOX for a pair of contacts, and I was all, "oh, no. No way. Not paying that." I requested my prescription and logged onto 1800contacts.com. I found my contacts on there for $24.99 a box. Score! THEN, I decided to see if I could get them any cheaper - by searching for coupon codes. I went to Google and typed in "1800contacts coupon code" and the first site gave me a code for free shipping. Double score! I got two boxes of contacts for only $10 more than my eye doctor said ONE box was. I felt a little...victorious. (And yes, I understand that glasses are practically free...but the sun shines in my eyes and when I wear the glasses too long, my eyes get strained/tired.)
All of that being said...I was on-track with the rest of my expenditures.
Dinner tonight was rad! I went down to Safeway with a few options in my mind (stirfry, fried rice, beenie weenies or quesadillas), but I had pretty much decided on beenie weenies for dinner, since the Tofu Pops were on sale for $2.69 a package. (They're usually something like $4, so it's a good deal...you meat-eaters are lucky with your cheap dogs!) Whilst browsing the bean aisle, I discovered that the cheapest can of baked beans was something like $3, and I find that a bit ridiculous. I just glanced over the ingredients list and figured I could totally make my own baked beans, so that's exactly what I did. (I also saw a can of vegetarian chili for $1, so I grabbed that right up for lunch at work one day.) The finished product was delicious, so I'll be sharing the recipe...in all of it's "kinda-sorta measurements" glory.
- Coffee: $0.60
- Apple: $0.75
- Black Beans: $1.00
- Tomato Sauce: $0.65
- Vegetarian Chili: $1.00
- Tofu Pops: $2.69
- TOTAL: $6.69
Homemade Veggie Beenie-Weenies
(for the broke and wonderful)
-one can black beans
-half of one medium yellow onion, chopped
-four garlic cloves, minced
-olive oil
-four "hot dogs"
-barbeque sauce
-tomato sauce
-brown sugar
-salt & pepper
Directions:
Saute onion in oil until translucent. Add garlic and saute a few minutes longer. Drain the water from the can of black beans (or save even more money and soak a cup of dry black beans overnight prior to this) and add to onions and garlic. Chop up the "hot dogs" and add them to the mix.
This is the fun part: add everything else to your liking. If you like baked beans super-sweet, then add a few tablespoons of sugar. If you really like barbeque sauce, then pile it in. Don't add too much liquid, though, or you'll wind up with a soup. My measurements were about 1/4 cup tomato sauce, three tablespoons of barbeque sauce, two tablespoons brown sugar, and then a few dashes of everything else. I added a little bit of garlic powder, too, because I'm a garlic addict and four cloves wasn't enough - it's just all we had in the house.
Let it simmer on medium for about ten minutes to soak in the flavor.
The Art of the Leftover
I have perfected this art. I have figured out how to come home from work and prepare a meal for myself that leaves me with two servings: one at that moment and one for leftovers at work the next day. Spaghetti, stirfry, sandwiches, pizza...they all work!
That being said, I did the ole bagel and coffee and apple thing in the morning at work. Lunch was a can of veggie soup, since I didn't cook a dinner the night before. I made simple spaghetti with chopped mushrooms for dinner.
While at Safeway buying the sauce and onion for dinner, I discovered a really REALLY good deal on some fake sausage and fake beef and tofu. The sale goes all month, so I'll be using these deals to my advantage. I can't say I wasn't excited.
Last night, the Independent here in San Francisco did it's weekly "free movie night." The movie was Burn After Reading. They say there is a two-drink minimum per person, but I'm not sure how strict they are on that...but my friends had me covered, anyway. Mike and Chris bought a pitcher of Blue Moon and let me have some beer on the measely $1.00 I was able to throw in. (Thanks, guys!) There was free popcorn, so I did what I could in getting enough to bring back to the table as a small "thank you" to the boys.
That being said, I did the ole bagel and coffee and apple thing in the morning at work. Lunch was a can of veggie soup, since I didn't cook a dinner the night before. I made simple spaghetti with chopped mushrooms for dinner.
While at Safeway buying the sauce and onion for dinner, I discovered a really REALLY good deal on some fake sausage and fake beef and tofu. The sale goes all month, so I'll be using these deals to my advantage. I can't say I wasn't excited.
Last night, the Independent here in San Francisco did it's weekly "free movie night." The movie was Burn After Reading. They say there is a two-drink minimum per person, but I'm not sure how strict they are on that...but my friends had me covered, anyway. Mike and Chris bought a pitcher of Blue Moon and let me have some beer on the measely $1.00 I was able to throw in. (Thanks, guys!) There was free popcorn, so I did what I could in getting enough to bring back to the table as a small "thank you" to the boys.
- Coffee: $0.60
- Apple: $0.75
- Deoderant: $2.81
- Tomato Sauce: $0.85
- Bag of Bagels: $2.50
- Onion: $0.37
- Crimini Mushrooms: $0.68
- Pitching in for a Pitcher: $1.00 (aka "my friends rule")
- TOTAL: $9.56
Monday, January 12, 2009
Lazy Day
I didn't do much yesterday. The day was spent laying around and relaxing, snoozing in-between.
But I got hit with an intense craving half-way through the day: cookies...I needed them. I needed to make chocolate-chip cookies.
So, I trudged to the store and got a bag of semi-sweet morsels and a bagel (I am an addict.).
The only other thing I bought yesterday was one bus ride on the SF MUNI.
But I got hit with an intense craving half-way through the day: cookies...I needed them. I needed to make chocolate-chip cookies.
So, I trudged to the store and got a bag of semi-sweet morsels and a bagel (I am an addict.).
The only other thing I bought yesterday was one bus ride on the SF MUNI.
- Chocolate Chips - $3.49
- Bagel - $0.69
- Bus Ride - $1.50
- TOTAL: $5.68
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Most I've Spent
Yesterday was the closest I've come to the $10 mark.
For breakfast, my boyfriend and I decided to make breakfast burritos. He bought the tortillas and salsa, and I bought everything else (tofu, onion, avocado, potato, and garlic). The burritos turned out really well...some of the best food I've eaten since the inception of this whole thing.
The burritos held us over for a long time as they were super-filling. We did, however, stop by a new bakery in-town called Brickhouse Bakery. Luckily, it's pretty affordable, and I was able to buy a vegan cinnamon roll for only $1!
The rest of the day was spent at an antique store and walking around town for some fresh air. We watched a few movies...all "free" things to do. For dinner, I just made some fried rice, but I tweaked the recipe a bit. I used green onions instead, and Boyfriend had some nutritional yeast for the tofu. I think it made it taste better.
For breakfast, my boyfriend and I decided to make breakfast burritos. He bought the tortillas and salsa, and I bought everything else (tofu, onion, avocado, potato, and garlic). The burritos turned out really well...some of the best food I've eaten since the inception of this whole thing.
The burritos held us over for a long time as they were super-filling. We did, however, stop by a new bakery in-town called Brickhouse Bakery. Luckily, it's pretty affordable, and I was able to buy a vegan cinnamon roll for only $1!
The rest of the day was spent at an antique store and walking around town for some fresh air. We watched a few movies...all "free" things to do. For dinner, I just made some fried rice, but I tweaked the recipe a bit. I used green onions instead, and Boyfriend had some nutritional yeast for the tofu. I think it made it taste better.
- Avocado: $0.89 (on sale!)
- Onion: $0.45
- Tofu: $2.98
- Garlic: $0.50
- Potato: $0.92
- Green Onion: $0.89
- Crescent Rolls: $2.50
- Cinnamon Roll: $1.07
- TOTAL: $9.75
Vegan Breakfast Burritos
-large tortillas
-one cup salsa
-one block tofu
-one medium onion
-five cloves minced garlic
-two medium potatoes
-one avocado
-salt and pepper
-oil
Directions:
Chop the onion in-half. Use one half of the onion (chopped) for the potatoes. Use the other half (chopped) with the tofu. Saute four of the cloves and half of onion in oil until translucent. Add diced potato and salt-and-pepper to taste. Fry until potato is golden-brown.
In seperate skillet, saute the rest of the onion and garlic for a few minutes. Add tofu and salsa and saute for about ten minutes.
Remove potatoes from skillet and place in a bowl. Lower to medium heat and warm tortilla for about a minute on each side. Place potato, tofu, and diced avocado in the tortilla and roll tightly like a burrito. Place in medium-heat pan and "grill" for about a minute on all sides.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Thursday & Friday
I haven't been feeling so well, so my lack of updating isn't because I gave up...it's simply because there just isn't much to update.
Feeling better, though.
On Thursday, my only out-of-pocket expense was the morning coffee and apple, bringing my total for the day to $1.35. My meals were supplemented by bagels, leftovers, and some Indian my roomie scored for free (because he previously worked at the establishment).
Yesterday, I had to buy a ride on the city bus. I also purchased a burrito for dinner/lunch. I went to a free punk show, but I brought in a forty...because that's just what you do.
Feeling better, though.
On Thursday, my only out-of-pocket expense was the morning coffee and apple, bringing my total for the day to $1.35. My meals were supplemented by bagels, leftovers, and some Indian my roomie scored for free (because he previously worked at the establishment).
Yesterday, I had to buy a ride on the city bus. I also purchased a burrito for dinner/lunch. I went to a free punk show, but I brought in a forty...because that's just what you do.
- Bus Ride: $1.50
- Burrito: $4.00
- Beer: $2.00
- Total: $7.50
Thursday, January 8, 2009
A Dinner Feast
Yesterday was relatively normal. I had my bagel and coffee for breakfast, with an apple in-between meals. Lunch was a can of soup I had stashed here at work.
By the time I made it home, though, I was pretty hungry. I found some spaghetti noodles in the cabinet, and I had some Yves (fake) ground turkey in the freezer from a sale Safeway had a month or so ago. I figured I could make some spaghetti in "meat" sauce for dinner.
I live about two blocks from a tiny, corner "health-food" store. They price things a tad bit higher than most grocery stores, but you're paying for convenience. Considering I wasn't grocery shopping and just picking up a few things, I figured it was okay. I wasn't going to go over $10.
Dinner was awesome. I picked up a small head of broccoli at the store, so that I could work some dark greens into my diet. I simply steamed it and ate it as a side to my meal. I also got a mini-loaf of french bread and cut it in-half (some for today's lunch with leftovers). I made garlic-bread with it by spreading some olive oil on the halves and sprinkling it with minced garlic, then baking at 250 degrees Farenheit for about ten minutes.
By the time I made it home, though, I was pretty hungry. I found some spaghetti noodles in the cabinet, and I had some Yves (fake) ground turkey in the freezer from a sale Safeway had a month or so ago. I figured I could make some spaghetti in "meat" sauce for dinner.
I live about two blocks from a tiny, corner "health-food" store. They price things a tad bit higher than most grocery stores, but you're paying for convenience. Considering I wasn't grocery shopping and just picking up a few things, I figured it was okay. I wasn't going to go over $10.
Dinner was awesome. I picked up a small head of broccoli at the store, so that I could work some dark greens into my diet. I simply steamed it and ate it as a side to my meal. I also got a mini-loaf of french bread and cut it in-half (some for today's lunch with leftovers). I made garlic-bread with it by spreading some olive oil on the halves and sprinkling it with minced garlic, then baking at 250 degrees Farenheit for about ten minutes.
- Coffee: $0.60
- Apple: $0.75
- Onion: $0.25
- Tomato Sauce: $2.49
- Bread: $1.00
- Broccoli: $0.75
- TOTAL: $5.84
And, here's a recipe for some easy pasta...since it's been a bit:
Spaghetti w/ "Meat" Sauce
-one small yellow onion, chopped
-five cloves of garlic, minced
-olive oil
-one pound fake ground turkey (or fake ground beef)
-half-pound spaghetti noodles
-one can tomato sauce
-salt, pepper, thyme, sage, basil, oregano (or italian seasoning)
Directions:
Saute the onion in a few tablespoons olive oil until translucent. Add the chopped garlic and saute for about two minutes. Stir in the "meat" and stir frequently until the "meat" begins to brown. Add the tomato sauce and seasonings to taste.
In a seperate pot, boil water with a few dashes of salt and olive oil. Add noodles and cook according to package directions.
Stir the sauce frequently while pasta boils. When pasta is done, drain, then add to sauce. Stir well.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
My First "Splurge"
Today just grated my nerves and, by the end of it, I needed to treat myself to something "fancy."
Cue Love'N'Haight Deli in Lower Haight, San Francisco. They have a spectacular selection of vegan sandwiches, and I had my eyes, heart, and tummy set on the vegan chicken-fried steak, hold the mayo, on a sourdough roll with avocado.
And I devoured that sonofabitch.
Cue Love'N'Haight Deli in Lower Haight, San Francisco. They have a spectacular selection of vegan sandwiches, and I had my eyes, heart, and tummy set on the vegan chicken-fried steak, hold the mayo, on a sourdough roll with avocado.
And I devoured that sonofabitch.
- Coffee: $0.60
- Apple: $0.70
- Sammich: $6.49
- TOTAL: $7.79
Monday, January 5, 2009
Back in San Francisco
I live in the Lower Haight section of San Francisco, but I work in the Financial District. I get to work via bicycle, so there is no expenditure here.
I still had bagels and Tofutti cream cheese from last week, so I enjoyed my favorite kind of breakfast.
And now to a regular routine: I discovered that the Lee's Deli across from my work charges only $0.60 for coffee if you bring your own mug. I have been doing this for about six months, and nothing will change during this project. (I understand brewing your own coffee is cheaper, but I really enjoy leaving the office for some "fresh air," folks.) On the same token, I also usually supplement my coffee with an apple purchased at the same time.
That being said: that's all I spent today. I had leftover homemade pizza for lunch (from last week) and a chunk of dark chocolate for dessert. When I got home, I discovered I had everything to make fried rice.
I still had bagels and Tofutti cream cheese from last week, so I enjoyed my favorite kind of breakfast.
And now to a regular routine: I discovered that the Lee's Deli across from my work charges only $0.60 for coffee if you bring your own mug. I have been doing this for about six months, and nothing will change during this project. (I understand brewing your own coffee is cheaper, but I really enjoy leaving the office for some "fresh air," folks.) On the same token, I also usually supplement my coffee with an apple purchased at the same time.
That being said: that's all I spent today. I had leftover homemade pizza for lunch (from last week) and a chunk of dark chocolate for dessert. When I got home, I discovered I had everything to make fried rice.
- Apple: $0.75
- Coffee: $0.60
- TOTAL: $1.35
Criticism
There has been some criticism about this blog that I would like to clear up.
This blog is not how to "barely survive." This is a lesson in budgeting and still being able to spend (minimal) money on entertainment in addition to food. This includes eating out if I so choose, as long as it's in the budget of $10-a-day. If I wanted to "barely survive," then yes I could just eat rice every meal, etc etc, but that is NOT what I am trying to prove. It's a budgeting exercise, not an exercise in living on as little as possible. That's why the budget is $10 rather than $1. (See this guy's try at it, though.)
Criticism on the fact that this is not including my rent and other bills is apparent. Well, that's ridiculous. It's impossible to live on $10-a-day in San Francisco while paying rent and utilities. It's just simply ridiculous to suggest unless I share a room with four other people and live only on dumpstered bread. If you disagree, make your own blog and prove me wrong. I choose to not include pre-existing bills due to, oh, reality.
Yes, I bought some shampoo and conditioner before the experiment. I was out. That's what people do. I did not buy anything else, but who cares if I had? People stock up on those things, and it wouldn't have been any different with me.
As far as a bagel holding me over until 1 p.m.: maybe I slept-in on those days. I was on vacation, after all. Trust me: I am by no means anorexic. I love my food - a GREAT deal. I am an average-sized woman with curves.
There was also criticism about letting the extra money move over into the next day. I haven't been practicing this at all thus far, and I don't really intend to. It seems that $10-a-day is just fine and I need no extra from another day. Trial and error, people. I've never done this before.
Any other questions before you get a knot in your knickers?
This blog is not how to "barely survive." This is a lesson in budgeting and still being able to spend (minimal) money on entertainment in addition to food. This includes eating out if I so choose, as long as it's in the budget of $10-a-day. If I wanted to "barely survive," then yes I could just eat rice every meal, etc etc, but that is NOT what I am trying to prove. It's a budgeting exercise, not an exercise in living on as little as possible. That's why the budget is $10 rather than $1. (See this guy's try at it, though.)
Criticism on the fact that this is not including my rent and other bills is apparent. Well, that's ridiculous. It's impossible to live on $10-a-day in San Francisco while paying rent and utilities. It's just simply ridiculous to suggest unless I share a room with four other people and live only on dumpstered bread. If you disagree, make your own blog and prove me wrong. I choose to not include pre-existing bills due to, oh, reality.
Yes, I bought some shampoo and conditioner before the experiment. I was out. That's what people do. I did not buy anything else, but who cares if I had? People stock up on those things, and it wouldn't have been any different with me.
As far as a bagel holding me over until 1 p.m.: maybe I slept-in on those days. I was on vacation, after all. Trust me: I am by no means anorexic. I love my food - a GREAT deal. I am an average-sized woman with curves.
There was also criticism about letting the extra money move over into the next day. I haven't been practicing this at all thus far, and I don't really intend to. It seems that $10-a-day is just fine and I need no extra from another day. Trial and error, people. I've never done this before.
Any other questions before you get a knot in your knickers?
A Greyhound Ride
I had to ride Greyhound for about six hours yesterday, so there wasn’t a whole lot of cooking taking place.
That being said: my expenses were rather easy to handle.
I ate a bagel for breakfast and a bagel with peanut butter on it prior to getting on the bus. Homefries were made as a side for lunch, since I had purchased a large bag of potatoes prior to the New Year.
I also had an apple leftover from December that I took with me for the bus-ride. Clif Bars were on sale for $1.00 each, so I bought a few for the ride.
I had to buy fare on the city bus when I got into town, but I couldn’t locate a nickel. I paid $1.45 rather than the $1.50 fare.
Two Bagels: $1.00
Head of Garlic: $0.50
Onion: $0.42
Two Clif Bars: $2.00
Gum: $1.00
Lighter: $1.60
City Bus: $1.45
TOTAL: $7.97
As a side note, I should mention that I have been carrying around a Nalgene water bottle to ensure that I always have liquid on-hand. This will prevent me from unnecessary spending on bottled water or soft drinks. I am also a coffee-addict, but I have been brewing at home.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Purchasing More Than Food
Yesterday, my boyfriend and his roommates decided a trip to Virginia City, Nevada was in order. Virginia City was a boomtown back in the days of mining; the site of the Comstock Lode.
Nowadays, it's a tourist trap, if you can even call it that. It's mostly stores selling hokey "western" wear and fancy rocks...and bars. There are so many bars in a two-to-three block radius.
For breakfast yesterday, I just whipped up some homefries for breakfast. Before we left for Virginia City, I made a quick pb&j sandwich to hold me over.
I collect postcards. I keep some and mail away most of them. I bought four postcards in Virginia City. I also found some incense I haven't been able to locate since I moved to California from Missouri. (It's called Fizzy Pop and it smells amazing!) When I found a store with it in Virginia City, I had to buy a little bit. Other than that, I only spent money on a bit of "entertainment" and some candy at the candy shop.
I shot some rounds at a shooting gallery and watched a short comedy bit in an old antiquey slide-machine. (I can't remember what they're called. It's a private viewing thing.)
When we finally left, we drove to Los Gallos in downtown Reno and I got a burrito that held me over for the rest of the night.
- Incense: $0.50
- Postcards: $1.50
- Root Beer Sugar Stick: $0.25
- Old-Fasioned "Slide Show": $0.25
- Shooting Gallery: $1.00
- Burrito: $4.00
- TOTAL: $7.50
Friday, January 2, 2009
Not So Bad
The second day is practically over, and I won't be spending another cent.
I spent a bit more today, but I didn't even reach my $10 limit just yet.
I repeated a few meals again, today, as well, but I'm in Reno and vegan food has to be prepared at home in any way and I already had stock of several of the things I used.
This morning, I woke up and made my french-pressed coffee in-house. Boyfriend and I walked to the supermarket and picked up two bagels each. I ate my bagel with the same spinach dip-spread as the day before. The other bagel was consumed for lunch with some things I already had on hand (some hummus, tomato, avocado, and sprouts leftover from a sandwich I made prior to January).
During the day, I decided to make brownies, and (luckily) I didn't have to pick up any of the ingredients.
I made the fried rice again for several reasons. My boyfriend wanted to know how to make it, I had most of the ingredients already, the ingredients I didn't have were cheap, and, well, I liked it.
Tonight, some friends picked me up for pizza night, a weekly all-girl meetup at a pizza place in-town. Pitchers of PBR are $8 or so, so I put in $5 for one of two pitchers at the table. I didn't eat since I ate at home.
Today's expenditures:
I spent a bit more today, but I didn't even reach my $10 limit just yet.
I repeated a few meals again, today, as well, but I'm in Reno and vegan food has to be prepared at home in any way and I already had stock of several of the things I used.
This morning, I woke up and made my french-pressed coffee in-house. Boyfriend and I walked to the supermarket and picked up two bagels each. I ate my bagel with the same spinach dip-spread as the day before. The other bagel was consumed for lunch with some things I already had on hand (some hummus, tomato, avocado, and sprouts leftover from a sandwich I made prior to January).
During the day, I decided to make brownies, and (luckily) I didn't have to pick up any of the ingredients.
I made the fried rice again for several reasons. My boyfriend wanted to know how to make it, I had most of the ingredients already, the ingredients I didn't have were cheap, and, well, I liked it.
Tonight, some friends picked me up for pizza night, a weekly all-girl meetup at a pizza place in-town. Pitchers of PBR are $8 or so, so I put in $5 for one of two pitchers at the table. I didn't eat since I ate at home.
Today's expenditures:
- Two Bagels: $1.00
- Tofu: $1.49
- Onion: $0.48
- Beer: $5.00
- TOTAL: $7.97
And, as an added bonus, here's the recipe for the brownies. Most people who bake already have this stuff on hand, and they're probably the best vegan brownies I've ever had.
The Best Vegan Brownies I've Ever Had
-2 cups flour
-1 cup water
-1 1/2 cup sugar
-1 tsp salt
-1 tsp vanilla
-3/4 cup cocoa
-1/2 cup vegetable oil
-1/2 tsp baking powder
Directions:
Boil the water and 1/2 cup flour over medium heat until a semi-thick paste is formed.
Mix sugar, salt, vanilla, cocoa, and oil. Add the flour-water mix.
Mix in the rest of the flour and baking powder.
Pour into an 11"x9" pan and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Day One
It's the first day of my project, and conveniently the first day of 2009.
It's interesting to suddenly be so aware of cents in addition to dollars. Prior to this, I didn't care too much if something was $3.49 or $3.79 or $3.99. Now, that fifty cents matters.
I'm in Reno until Sunday night (visiting my boyfriend), so I am away from home and any "stocked" foods that I usually have at home (potatoes, rice, pasta, etc) so I made sure to stop by the store last night and grab a bag of brown rice, a box of linguini pasta, a loaf of bread and a 5 lb. bag of potatoes. (This was all relatively cheap, though...under $10 for sure.)
We rang in the New Year at his house with his housemates and a few of their friends. One of his housemates made an awesome vegan spinach dip from Tofutti cream cheese, so I used the leftover "dip" as a spread this morning on a bagel I got for fifty cents at supermarket Raley's here in Reno. The rest of my bill at Raley's included a bag of frozen peas and carrots, a box of tofu, and a small yellow onion.
Around 1 p.m., I got a little hungry, so I made homefries out of two potatoes, half of the onion and some garlic his housemates had. I plan on living on these homefries as a side quite frequently through this whole thing, because they are super cheap to make and super tasty.
Later on in the day, we went for a walk through downtown Reno to make a stop at my bank atm and withdrawal the money for tomorrow and Saturday. There are two corner-stores in Reno that carry Little Debbie pies that happen to be vegan, and they are only $0.75. I munched on an apple-stuffed one.
When we got home, I started on dinner: my first foray into fried rice (vegan-style). The experiment was hugely successful...so much so that Boyfriend asked how I made it, as it was so cheap and tasty. We killed the entire batch and now I rest at the end-of-the-day. I don't predict leaving the house at all, so I believe I can make note of today's expenditure (and save a few super-cheap vegan recipes).
It's interesting to suddenly be so aware of cents in addition to dollars. Prior to this, I didn't care too much if something was $3.49 or $3.79 or $3.99. Now, that fifty cents matters.
I'm in Reno until Sunday night (visiting my boyfriend), so I am away from home and any "stocked" foods that I usually have at home (potatoes, rice, pasta, etc) so I made sure to stop by the store last night and grab a bag of brown rice, a box of linguini pasta, a loaf of bread and a 5 lb. bag of potatoes. (This was all relatively cheap, though...under $10 for sure.)
We rang in the New Year at his house with his housemates and a few of their friends. One of his housemates made an awesome vegan spinach dip from Tofutti cream cheese, so I used the leftover "dip" as a spread this morning on a bagel I got for fifty cents at supermarket Raley's here in Reno. The rest of my bill at Raley's included a bag of frozen peas and carrots, a box of tofu, and a small yellow onion.
Around 1 p.m., I got a little hungry, so I made homefries out of two potatoes, half of the onion and some garlic his housemates had. I plan on living on these homefries as a side quite frequently through this whole thing, because they are super cheap to make and super tasty.
Later on in the day, we went for a walk through downtown Reno to make a stop at my bank atm and withdrawal the money for tomorrow and Saturday. There are two corner-stores in Reno that carry Little Debbie pies that happen to be vegan, and they are only $0.75. I munched on an apple-stuffed one.
When we got home, I started on dinner: my first foray into fried rice (vegan-style). The experiment was hugely successful...so much so that Boyfriend asked how I made it, as it was so cheap and tasty. We killed the entire batch and now I rest at the end-of-the-day. I don't predict leaving the house at all, so I believe I can make note of today's expenditure (and save a few super-cheap vegan recipes).
- Frozen Peas & Carrots: $1.25
- Tofu: $1.49
- Small Yellow Onion: $0.43
- Onion Bagel: $0.50
- Little Debbie Apple Pie: $0.75
- TOTAL: $4.42
My only complaint is the health aspect thus far. The only veggies were spinach in the spread and the peas and carrots in the rice, and there's no real fruit to speak of. (I have an apple in the 'fridge. I might indulge in it later as a snack.)
Recipes for the day:
Yell's Homefries
-2 medium potatoes
-5 garlic cloves, minced
-1/2 onion, chopped
-salt and pepper, to taste
-oil (I usually use olive for health, but any others work fine)
Directions:
Saute the onion in the oil over medium-high heat until onions are transclucent. Add the garlic and saute a few more minutes. While the garlic and onion saute, chop the potatoes into squares about a cubic inch in size. (No need to peel the potatoes.) Add the potatoes to the garlic and onion and mix well. Sprinkle salt and pepper (be very generous!) onto the mix. Stir well. Saute the mix for about twenty minutes, stirring frequently.
Vegan Fried Rice
-1 cup brown rice
-1/2 onion, chopped
-1 box Firm Silken tofu
-1/2 bag frozen peas and carrots
-soy sauce
-seasonings (I used salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and a little bit of curry.)
-oil
Directions:
Bring 1.75 cups of water to boil. Reduce heat to low and add brown rice. Cover and let simmer for 50 minutes. Remove from heat and let set for 10 minutes before removing lid. DO NOT LIFT LID WHILE RICE IS COOKING - IT WILL LET THE STEAM ESCAPE. Stir rice with a fork.
Saute onion in a little bit of oil until translucent. Crumble tofu into the onion and sprinkle with a tablespoon-or-so of soy sauce. Season to your liking - but don't over-season! Saute for about five minutes, then transfer mix to a bowl. Pour about two tablespoons of oil into the pan and add the rice. Add a little bit of soy sauce and stirfry the rice for about five minutes. Add the half bag of veggies and mix well. Add in the tofu mix and cook for about five more minutes.
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