Food | How to Save Money, Earn Dreams- SamiCone.com

Free Meal Planning April 30, 2012

April 30, 2012 By sami

I know I’ve totally left you hanging these past few weeks when it comes to meal planning, but I wanted to make it up to you by reminding you that the free meal planning offer for April ends TONIGHT (April 30, 2012)!

Food on the Table is literally giving away free meal plans…and all you have to do is use code SPRINGFREE to get their meal planning service free…for life!

This has been a great supplement to my regular meal planning since you can also tailor the plans to your favorite local grocery stores.

Have you tried this yet? What have you got to lose?

Filed Under: Deals & Freebies, Food, Meal Plans Tagged With: april, free, meal, Menu, plan, recipe

Meal Plan Monday: April 2, 2012

April 2, 2012 By sami

Here’s my Meal Plan Monday for the week of April 2, 2012.

I’ve been on Blue Sky MD for 3 months now and lost 15 pounds, but March was a real challenge when it came to eating for me. It started with a trip to NYC for my sister-in-law’s wedding, and included trips to Atlanta, Pigeon Forge and other events that made consistent meal choices hard to make.

Even though this week is Spring Break, the Cone family is staying put (you know we never travel when everyone else does – that just doesn’t make economic sense!) I’m hoping to have a quiet week at home that lets me catch up on time with the kids and make-up some house work

So here is what we’ll be eating on this week. We’re still working off of the Whole Foods meal plan from eMeals, (just remember that if you want the actual recipes, you’ll have to subscribe to eMeals yourself

Have fun with your family meals this week!

Week of 4/2	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER
Monday	Cereal	Edamame Salad	Cod with Warm Lentil Salad
Tuesday	Waffles	Turkey & cheese roll-ups	Chickpea Burgers with Tahini Sauce & cucumber salad
Wednesday	Oatmeal	Spinach Salad	Slow Cooker Asain Chicken with Bok Choy & ric
Thursday	Pancakes	Peanut Butter & Jelly on Rice Cakes	Quinoa with mushrooms & kale
Friday	Cereal	Chicken Vegetable Soup	Family Fun Night – pizza & salad
Saturday	Waflles	BLT’s	Enchilada Casserole
Sunday	Eggs & grits	Leftovers	Chicken Parmesean Subs

Filed Under: Deals & Freebies, Food, Meal Plans Tagged With: april, meal, Menu, monday, plan, recipe

Best Crock-Pot Deals & Options

March 20, 2012 By sami

You may have seen me talk about crock-pot recipes on Talk of the Town recently, so if you’re new to the crock-pot arena (like I was until recently!), I wanted to share some of the best crock-pot deals & options on the market.

Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

If you want to be able to program you slow-cooker to start & stop when you tell it to, you’ll definitely want to check out the Hamilton Beach St ‘n Forget 6-quart programmable slow cooker. This also has 3 manual cooking options as well as great carrying handles and a tight-grip lid so you can take it with you!

Proctor Silex 1-1/2-Quart Round Slow Cooker

If you’re looking for something a little smaller to keep on your kitchen counter, check out the Proctor Silex 1.5 quart round slow cooker. This is great for everything from cheese dip to fondue and doesn’t take up quite as much room in your cabinets and is great for smaller snacks.

Crock-Pot Three 1-1/2-Quart Trio Buffet Cooker

I haven’t bought this yet, but I fell in LOVE with it over the holidays! As a family who likes to entertain, I love the idea of being able to have 3 different dishes warm at once. This is great to have on hand at a great price.

Do you have a favorite crock-pot or slow cooker?

Filed Under: Deals & Freebies, Food Tagged With: coooker, crock pot, deal, Food, kitchen, slow

Healthy Recipes for Busy Moms: Talk of the Town Video March 2012

March 20, 2012 By sami

Talk of the Town Frugal Love Sami Cone 300x225 Healthy Recipes for Busy Moms: Talk of the Town Video March 2012

Watch the Talk of the Town video from today’s show: White Chicken Chili Crock-Pot healthy recipe for busy moms on the go:

Today on Talk of the Town (March 20, 2012) I shared how busy moms can still cook healthy recipes even when they’re on the go! Busy moms often find themselves in a conundrum: how to find the time to not only cook for your family, but how to make those meals healthy!

Well the answer may be older (& closer) than you think: your crock-pot!

For some reason I always used to associate crock-pots with casseroles (which I’m not a fan of)…but that couldn’t be farther from the truth!

Here are just a few reasons why your crock pot should be your friend (whether you’re a mom or not):

They use less energy than the oven, saving you money on electricity
The slow-cooking process adds more flavor without adding extra fat and calories that come with traditional cooking methods
You can plan (& start cooking) your meal WAY in advance of the dinner hour, when it’s more convenient for you….even putting food in overnight after the kids are asleep!
You can cook enough to last beyond one meal and re-purpose the rest for a dinner later in the week (for example, cooking a whole chicken for dinner, but then using the rest to shred for salads, fajitas, etc)

My latest favorite recipe is one that you can literally toss all the elements into the night before and end up with a perfect & healthy meal for dinner the next day. It’s White Chicken Chili, and you just might be surprised at what’s used to thicken it up…

Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili

Ingredients

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 (16-ounce) bag dried Cannellini Beans
1 (16-ounce) bag frozen Sweet White Corn
1 (16-ounce) bag frozen fajita blend (peppers & onion), pulsed in food processor
1 head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into small florets
2 quarts low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons fine sea salt
1 teaspoon garlic salt
Suggested toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, chopped red onion

Cooking Directions

Arrange chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Top with beans, corn, poblanos, cauliflower, onion, broth, cumin and chili powder.
Cover and cook on low until beans are very tender and cauliflower has fallen apart, about 10 hours

Adapted from Whole Foods Market Slow Cooker White Chili recipe

This is less than 300 calories and under $1 per serving. We make a big batch and usually have enough left over to freeze for an additional 2 dinners! Serve with cornbread or crackers to round out the meal.

If you don’t yet own a crock-pot or slow cooker, check out some of my favorite crock-pots for every need!

Filed Under: Deals & Freebies, Food, Recipes, TV Tagged With: busy, frugal, healthy, mom, recipe, talk of the town, video

Meal Planning Monday: March 12, 2012

March 19, 2012 By sami

Monday’s Meal Plan is back for the week of March 12, 2012.

I’ve been quite happy with my Whole Foods meal plan from eMeals, so once again I’ll be sharing most of my dinners from them (though if you want the actual recipes, you’ll have to subscribe to eMeals yourself

Have fun with your family meals this week!

Week of 3/19	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER
Monday	Waffles with Peanut Butter	Ham & Cheese	Breakfast for Dinner
Tuesday	Berry Protein Smoothie	French Onion Soup	Balsamic London Broil
Wednesday	Cereal	Open faced burger	Teriyaki Chicken Lo-Mein
Thursday	Pancakes	Smoked Turkey & cheese roll ups	Chipotle Beefy Skillet
Friday	Oatmeal with honey	Chicken Tortilla Soup	Family Fun Night – 4 Cheese White Pizza
Saturday	Greek Yogurt & granola	Tacos	Maple Mustard Glazed Chicken
Sunday	Eggs & grits	Green salad	Chicken Riggies

Filed Under: Deals & Freebies, Food, Meal Plans Tagged With: free, march, meal, Menu, monday, plan, recipe

Free Meal Planning: March 12, 2012

March 12, 2012 By sami

Of course I want to share Monday’s Meal Plan for March 12, 2012, I’m also thrilled to let you know that the free meal planning service that ran out so fast last month is back!

This comes from Food on the Table. I don’t know how long it will last this go-round, but once again they’re giving away their meal planning service free…for life!

I love having more resources when it comes to making great food for my family!

This is a rare week of 2012 where I actually think we’re in town all week, so here’s what we’ll be chowing down on in the Cone Home:

Week of 3/12	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER
Monday	Egg & Cheese flatbread	Ham & Cheese	Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Sauce
Tuesday	Berry Protein Smoothie	Rice Cakes with PB&J	Naked Taco Salad
Wednesday	Egg White veggie scramble	Tuna Salad	Soy Ginger Cod
Thursday	Waffles with Peanut Butter	Grilled Veggies	Blue Cheese & Bacon Burgers
Friday	Cereal	Turkey & Cheese stackers	Homemade Pita Pizzas
Saturday	Crepes	White Chicken Chili	London Broil over carrots & onions
Sunday	Cereal & fruit	leftovers	Potstickers & Miso Soup

Filed Under: Deals & Freebies, Food, Meal Plans Tagged With: free, march, meal, Menu, monday, plan, recipe

Meal Planning Monday: February 27, 2012

February 29, 2012 By sami

Don’t worry, I didn’t forget about Monday’s Meal Plan for the week of February 26, 2012.

It’s just been a little bit of a crazy week since I was at the Blissdom Conference this past weekend, and we’re getting ready to leave for a family wedding in NYC on Friday…I haven’t even unpacked and now I have to turn around and pack again!

Oh, and did I mention my son turns six tomorrow?

That being said, I didn’t have a lot of creativity for a meal plan this week. So guess where I turned?

That’s right, I’m relying HEAVILY on my new Whole Foods meal plan from emeals. I can’t give you the recipes (but seriously, just sign up…it’s just a little over $1 a week!), but it will give you an idea of how to vary your dinners for this week (and eat healthy!).

Here’s to good eating!

Week of 2/27	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER
Monday	Egg White omlete	Turkey Bacon BLT	Coq Au Vin
Tuesday	Berry Protein Smoothie	Blue Cheese Chopped Salad	Chimichurri Chicken
Wednesday	Baked Oatmeal	Pasta Fagiole Soup	Sausage & Eggplant Arrabbiata
Thursday	Cereal	Potstickers	Spinach & Lentil Soup
Friday	Blueberry Waffles	Turkey & Provolone wraps	Family Fun Night (NYC Pizza!)
Saturday	Bagel French Toast	Gyros	Black Bean & Corn Quesadillas
Sunday	NYC Brunch!	…more brunch	Beef Stroganoff

Filed Under: Deals & Freebies, Food, Meal Plans Tagged With: february, free, meal, Menu, monday, plan, recipe

Monday’s Meal Plan: February 20

February 20, 2012 By sami

It’s a special President’s Day edition of Monday’s Meal Plan for February 20!

Many of you are off school and work today, so you may be planning something special for dinner (we always love celebrating the lesser known holidays like these). We happen to be at a friend’s birthday party tonight and I’ll be at the Blissdom conference later this week, so I’m going to mention some favorite meals that can be eaten easily on the go or cooked ahead so my family doesn’t have to work as hard while I’m away!

We’re also playing around with our new Whole Foods meal plan we just got through e-Mealz. We’re still watching carbs somewhat closely, so a lot of the beans, rice and pasta dishes have to be amended, but it’s still great for new inspiration! during November or December, you’ll get their holiday plan for free! And who doesn’t need help planning their meals during the holidays? This is one of the best $1.25 a week you’re going to spend.

Shop e-Mealz

Week of 2/20	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER
Monday	Mickey Waffles with Homemade Syrup	Oatmeal	Pizza (birthday party)
Tuesday	Cereal	Ham & Cheese sandwiches	Fajita Soup
Wednesday	Fruit & Yogurt Smoothie	Salami & Cheese roll-ups	White Chicken Chili
Thursday	Peanut Butter & Toast, Kiwi	Leftover Chili	Eggplant Lasagna
Friday	Cereal	Turkey Sandwiches	Flatbread Pizzas
Saturday	Eggs & Grits	Beans & Keilbasa	Trader Joe’s Honey Chicken & Shau Mai
Sunday	Crepes with lemon & sugar	leftovers	Roast with spicy broccoli

Filed Under: Food, Meal Plans Tagged With: code, emeals, Meal Plan, Menu, monday, presidents day, recipe

Free Meal Planning: February 13, 2012

February 13, 2012 By sami

Not only is it time for Monday’s Meal Plan for February 13, 2012, I also have a great free meal planning resource I want you to check out!

I’m going to give you my meal plan in just a minute, but I wanted to make sure you saw this increidble offer from Food on the Table. Now through the end of February, they’re giving away they’re meal planning service free…for life!

I don’t care if you are already using your own meal plan, my meal plan, or another meal plan service, this is a GREAT Deal and you can never have too many resources to draw from especially when they’re free!

Regardless of whether you sign up or not (though it would also make me look good to the folks there if you did, just FYI , I wanted to give you the Cone Home menu plan as well. Just remember, we’re still keeping tabs on carbs & calories since I’m in week 6 of my life transformation journey with Blue Sky MD, so feel free to adapt as you see fit for your family.

Week of 2/13	BREAKFAST	LUNCH	DINNER
Monday	Egg & Cheese flatbread	Chicken Tortilla soup	Root Vegetables over Quinoa
Tuesday	Berry Protein Smoothie	Cobb Salad	Mexican Chicken
Wednesday	Egg White veggie scramble	Spinach Salad	Orange Shrimp with cucumber salad
Thursday	Waffles with Peanut Butter	Asian Chicken Salad	Baked Tilapia
Friday	Cereal	Miso soup with tofu	Family Fun Night (Pizza)
Saturday	Crepes	Chili	Italian sausage with peppers
Sunday	Cereal & fruit	leftovers	Pot Roast with Carrots & Onions

Filed Under: Deals & Freebies, Food, Meal Plans Tagged With: february, free, meal, Menu, monday, plan, recipe

FREE for LIFE! Easy Meal Planning

February 12, 2012 By sami

How would you like to get easy meal planning ideas FREE for LIFE?!

If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you already know that one of the easiest ways to save money and time each week is to meal plan…but that’s still too big of a commitment for some of you.

Well look what I found for you!

There is a new site (which my friends love already!) that will provide you meal planning FREE for life.

Seriously!

Even if you don’t like every meal or don’t follow every week exactly, this will still give you a GREAT place to start in your meal planning or supplement what you’re already doing. WHY? Because did I mention, it’s free for the rest of your life!

So go ahead, what are you waiting for? <Your family will thank me for it later >

Sign up for your FREE easy meal planning subscription.

Filed Under: Deals & Freebies, Food, Meal Plans Tagged With: Food, free, meal planning, Menu

Latest Printable Coupons: