talk of the town Archives - Saving Time & Money l SamiCone.com

An Easy Food Soup Swap: Talk of the Town Video

February 26, 2013 By sami

This month on Talk of the Town Appearance, I shared what my friends and I have just discovered to help cut back on our grocery budgets AND our cooking time in the kitchen: A food swap!

Since this was our first go-round, we decided to keep it easy and start with soup.

Here were the basic ‘rules’:

-Fill two gallon bags (approx 3/4 full) of soup for each family and then freeze flat

-Use the most natural ingredients possible (e.g. butter, not margarine; no artificial sweetener; no processed ingredients, etc).

-If possible, attach any necessary directions (probably not a big deal for our soup round) and add a recipe card so we can re-create your delicious offering

We did this with our small group, so at one meeting we came up with some mutually agreed upon soups to try to start out. They were:
Potato soup
Beef Vegetable soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup
White Chicken Chili
Chicken Tortellini soup
and of course, my Easy Lentil Soup Recipe

We meet every two weeks, so we decided to have everyone bring their soups to our next meeting. Taking into account that not everyone eats at home every night of the week and you’re going to want to eat some other things besides soup, we thought these would see us through about two weeks.

The beauty of this is that when you find something that’s on sale, you’re able to buy enough of it to feed all the families in your group and you don’t have to search for as many sales to fill out your weekly meal plan!

Here are some other soups we wanted to try but didn’t get assigned this time:
Pasta Fagioli soup
Italian Wedding soup
Broccoli cheese soup
Chicken Corn Chowder
Chili
Vegetable soup

Here’s the video from today’s show in case you missed it:

In our next food swap round, we’re hoping to try more main courses. We also discussed going to a restaurant supply store to get disposable food trays to freeze the dishes in.

It’s just great to know that you can spend one night cooking and end up with meals that will last your family almost two weeks! Of course the key here is to find enough people who you trust to ‘follow the rules’, deliver on time and stick with the program.

Have you ever tried anything like this?

I share my Meal Plans every week here on SamiCone.com, but keep in mind many of my dinners are based around eMeals (although they now offer breakfast & lunch plans too!).

Filed Under: Food, Recipes, TV Tagged With: Food, recipe, soup, swap, talk of the town

Individual Veggie Lasagna Recipe: Pasta-Free, Easy & Healthy!

January 22, 2013 By sami

On my latest Talk of the Town Appearance, I shared an easy, healthy AND kid-friendly veggie lasagna recipe….oh, and did I mention it’s pasta-free?!

So even if you’re not gluten-free, you might want to give this a try. It’s also just as easy to make a full pan for dinner (or to freeze for later) as it is to make individual portions in ramekins that the kids will love.

It’s important to note that the exact recipe isn’t as important as the technique: feel free to add meat to the sauce, add or subtract veggies or even make it with pasta if you like.

Product note: This recipe will be much easier with a mandolin. You don’t have to get an expensive one (a friend found me the one below at Goodwill for 99 cents), but you can also find them at most grocery stores for under $5. It will help you create even slices that otherwise would be hard to re-create with a knife.

Bonus tip: Instead of traditional linguine or spaghetti, we also like to stack the zucchini slices after we use the mandolin and cut them in thin slices lengthwise to create ‘noodles’ that are great to eat with meatballs or simply sauté with garlic & olive oil.

Once you get your zucchini or eggplant slices, you’re going to layer them in the 9 x 13 pan. Or, if you prefer to make individual portions for the kids, you can layer them in a ramekin like so:

When adding the vegetables to the sauce, make sure to season them well. This is also the stage where you could add additional vegetables or even ground beef or tofu if you prefer:

While the sauce is cooking, prepare the cheese mixture. After you’ve combined the egg, shredded cheese, ricotta, salt & pepper, you can start creating your layers.

Start by adding water to the jar to loosen the leftover sauce and then pour over the bottom of the pan just enough to coat. Start with layering the zucchini or squash slices. Next, add a thin layer of the vegetable sauce. Then, smooth a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat until all ingredients are gone.

Finish by covering the dish with the remaining shredded cheeses.

Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Remove foil and then broil to brown the cheese for about 5 minutes.

Let sit for 10 minutes to allow layers and flavors to set properly, then slice:

You can check out the exact ingredient list and full recipe here:

Pasta-Free Veggie Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients

1 Eggplant
2 Medium Zucchini
1 jar Marinara sauce (with garlic, onion & peppers if possible, or some combination of)
1 package frozen spinach (thawed)
1 package frozen bell pepper & onion blend
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4 oz shredded parmesan cheese
1 container (16 oz) ricotta cheese
1 Egg
1 T Italian Seasoning
1 T salt

Cooking Directions

(Day before preferably): thaw and drain spinach
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Using a mandolin (or sharp knife), evenly slice thin strips of the eggplant or zucchini (whichever vegetable you prefer to use for your \'noodles\'). Set aside.
In a large pan on medium, heat olive oil then add chopped garlic as well as peppers & onions. Sautee for 5-7 minutes until soft. Add jar of sauce and combine with veggies. Once incorporated, add thawed spinach, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer than cover and let sit over med-low heat for ten minutes.
In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, egg, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of the parmesan cheese, along with salt & pepper to taste. Set aside.
In a 9 x13 baking dish, ladle in your sauce until bottom is covered. Then add a layer of veggie \'noodles\'. After that, spread a layer of the cheese mixture and then cover that layer with more sauce. Continue to repeat each layer until you reach the top of the dish.
On the very top, cover the last layer of sauce with the remaining shredded cheese. Lightly cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the oven for 40 minutes or until heated through thoroughly. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to brown the cheese. Let rest for a little while after pulling out of the oven so that the cheese doesn\'t run everywhere when it\'s cut!

One of the things that makes this recipe so easy is taking advantage of all the help you can, especially when it comes to pre-chopped frozen vegetables like the ones I used courtesy of Whole Foods Market Green Hills (Nashville). Their 365 Everyday Value brand makes it easy for anyone to get great quality vegetables, including organic, at an amazing price (under $2 a bag).

The Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value brand goes beyond vegetables and includes everything from Spices and Syrup to Olive Oil. Check out my video series if you’re looking for more everyday ways to save at Whole Foods!

I created this recipe because our nutritionist thought it would be beneficial for our family to try following a more Paleo style diet for a little while. If you want some help with meal planning, I’m a fan of eMeals. Not only do they have every type of meal plan you can think of (choose based on the stores you shop at or based on the way you eat), but it is SO affordable and easy. You’ll find the majority of my Meal Plans are based around eMeals dinners (although they now offer breakfast & lunch plans too!). Plus, save an extra 15% off right now with the code NEWYEAR.

I hope this recipe has inspired you to try something new with your family in the New Year!

Filed Under: Food, Recipes, TV Tagged With: gluten free, lasagna, pasta, recipe, talk of the town, veggie

Watch Sami live on Talk of the Town January 18, 2013

January 18, 2013 By brenna

Guess what? You can watch me live on Talk of the Town again on Friday, January 18, 2013!

I be sharing an easy, healthy recipe for individual vegetable lasagna that also has a fun preparation for kids!

Turn on NewsChannel 5 at 11am if you live in Nashville, or check back later and I’ll post the video here on my blog.

UPDATE: Watch the video of the segment here:
NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather

Filed Under: Deals & Freebies, TV Tagged With: frugal, mom, nashville, talk of the town, tv

Watch Sami live on Talk of the Town November 13, 2012

November 12, 2012 By sami

Guess what? You can watch me live on Talk of the Town again on Tuesday, November 13, 2012!

Not only will I be sharing some of the Hot Holiday Items for 2012, but I’ll be giving you some great Black Friday shopping tips too.

Turn on NewsChannel 5 at 11am if you live in Nashville, or check back later and I’ll post the video here on my blog.

UPDATE: Watch the video of the segment here:
NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather

Filed Under: Deals & Freebies, TV Tagged With: frugal, mom, nashville, talk of the town, tv

How to Save on Fall Makeup

October 19, 2012 By sami

If you’re looking for ways to save on that Fall makeup transition so many of us love to make, look no further! Below are the best Frugal Fall Makeup Tips I shared on Talk of the Town today.

1. Don’t overlook the drug stores! The brands they carry have come a long way in the past few years, but don’t forget to do your research first: use beauty lists from Glamour or InStyle, which always include drugstore finds, to discover “Editor’s Picks” and “Consumer Top Buys”. Even better – most drugstores have great return policies. For example, CVS will allow you to return any product within 60 days with a receipt for a full refund.

2. Don’t skimp on a good set of brushes…but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money. My favorite inexpensive brushes are from makeup artist Sonia Kashuk at Target. You can find individual brushes for as little as $3, but they have a great Essential Brush Kit for only $25!

3. You can look like a celebrity for less these days! Mass retailers have partnered with makeup professionals and celebrities to create high-end lines at affordable prices. CVS has the Nuance Line by Salma Hayek and Target has the Jemma Kidd line – both give department store quality products at drugstore prices.

4. Just because you’re saving money doesn’t mean you have to forsake your favorite department store brands… just wait to buy your favorite items until the have their “Bonus Buy Event”. Usually if you spend $35 – 40, you’ll receive a bag of full-size goodies. And if you have heard about a specific department store item, ask the makeup counter if they have a FREE sample for you to try.

5. Not wanting to take the plunge to drugstore brands but don’t have the budget for department store brands? Check out sample box programs like GLOSSYBOX that let you try those brands before you buy them! You’ll get between five and seven large size samples of department store brands delivered to your mailbox for around $20.00 a month.

If you missed my Talk of the Town segment on this topic, you can watch the full segment here:
NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather

What are your best tips for saving on your favorite makeup?

Filed Under: Deals & Freebies, TV, Ways to Save Tagged With: fall, how to save, makeup, talk of the town, tips

Watch Sami live on Talk of the Town October 19, 2012

October 18, 2012 By sami

Guess what? You can watch me live on Talk of the Town again on Friday, October 19, 2012!

I’ll be talking about a topic that many of you love to dish about: MAKEUP!

If you’re wanting to transition your makeup from summer to fall without breaking the bank, then be sure to tune it to find out my best tips!

Turn on NewsChannel 5 at 11am if you live in Nashville, or check back later and I’ll post the video here on my blog.

Filed Under: Deals & Freebies, TV Tagged With: frugal, Kids, makeup, mom, nashville, october, talk of the town, tv

Top Grocery Savings Tips: Talk of the Town September 24, 2012

September 24, 2012 By sami

talk of the town sami 300x200 Top Grocery Savings Tips: Talk of the Town September 24, 2012
If you heard me share my top 3 Grocery Savings tips on Talk of the Town today (September 24, 2012), but didn’t catch all the details…or just want to learn more…here you go!

Watch the video from today’s Grocery Savings segment:
Page Title – No value

September is National Coupon Month, and there is a nationwide movement spreading across the country to help people learn how to shop smarter at the grocery store. I’m helping people with a Savings Nation class at Grace Christian Academy tonight (9/24) where they too can learn to save up to 50% off their grocery bill next week – that is $400 a month for the average family. Here are three of the most important tips to help you start saving at the grocery store.

1. Meal Plan – Shop seasonally, and only purchase meats and produce when they are on sale, build your weekly meal plan based on these items.

2. Shop the Sales Cycles - Save significant money without ever clipping a coupon.

3. Match Coupons To Get ‘Rock Bottom’ Prices
– Match coupons you are clipping from your local store with coupons from products that are on sale to get rock bottom prices. This is how you get the deep discounts.

Filed Under: Deals & Freebies, Grocery, TV Tagged With: 2012, Grocery, savings, september, talk, talk of the town, tip, town

Watch Sami live on Talk of the Town September 24, 2012

September 24, 2012 By sami

Watch me live on Talk of the Town today, Monday, September 24, 2012!

It’s National Coupon Month, so I’m going to share some of my top 3 tips to save on grocery shopping so you can start saving 50% off RIGHT AWAY on your grocery budget each month.

Tune in to NewsChannel 5 at 11am if you live in Nashville, or check back later and I’ll post the video here on my blog.

If you want to learn even more, make sure you come to my Grocery Savings Workshop tonight.

Filed Under: Deals & Freebies, TV Tagged With: frugal, Kids, mom, nashville, save, september, splurge, talk of the town, tv

Save vs. Splurge: Talk of the Town August 15, 2012

August 15, 2012 By sami

talk of the town sami 300x200 Save vs. Splurge: Talk of the Town August 15, 2012
If you heard me share some of my favorite “Save” vs. “Splurge” items on Talk of the Town on August 15, 2012, but didn’t catch all the tips…or just want to learn more…here you go!

Watch the video from today’s Save vs. Splurge segment:

As much as I love to save money, nothing frustrates me more than when I buy something at a steal and then have to replace it a week later because it breaks or wears out! That being said, here are a few things that’s worth the extra money up front so it has a longer life in your budget:

FASHION

Invest in a few key pieces that will outlive the trends. Things like a great, light trench coat that can double as a blazer, a cardigan that can pack easily and double as a shirt…
cn4980877 Save vs. Splurge: Talk of the Town August 15, 2012 …or a fun purse that doubles as a laptop bag and transitions from day to night are perfect to spend a little more on and hang onto in your closet for a long time.
cn4953120 225x300 Save vs. Splurge: Talk of the Town August 15, 2012 What I love even more is a store like Banana Republic that offers high quality clothes at a great value. Compared to most retailers, you can truly get a great deal any day of the week, but considering all the amazing sales & coupon codes they offer, there’s no excuse for not getting quality items at an affordable price.

shoe side 300x153 Save vs. Splurge: Talk of the Town August 15, 2012

Another fashion splurge is a great pair of shoes. If you’re on your feet all day (especially busy moms), you know your feet affect how your entire body feels. My new discovery is Therafit Shoes. You can’t even buy them in stores yet, but I love both the colors and the technology that lets you adjust your support yourself based on what you’re doing at the time! Whether it’s more support when you’re going for a run or a little less when you’re at the mall, they’ve created technology so individuals can create their own comfort level.

—Other fashion splurges: great fitting pair of jeans
—-Saves: trendy tops and accessories

BACK TO SCHOOL

Invest in a good backpack. It doesn’t matter how much they love the latest cartoon character, the bag will most likely break and their tastes will change. We just bought a character backpack from one of the “buy a backpack, get a lunch bag free” sales and it broke on the first day of school! Get something with a good lifetime warranty and great customer service, like Lands End backpacks.

I immediately fell in love with the tagline for their ClassMate Backpacks: your “most durable value for back to school”. I also had to order their new line that was designed for kids, by kids. The Dash backpacks have a bottom section to keep smelly shoes and dirty clothes separate from the main compartment and the MADBOX lunch box has a velcro freezer compartment that can keep your cold foods separated from those that don’t need to be refrigerated. In the mind of this mom, they’ve thought of it all.
I also found out that Lands End makes “Iron Knee” pants…what parent doesn’t want those? I can’t tell you how many pairs of khaki school pants we went through last year, so I’m excited to give these a test run! Lands End was the first company to make two-day shipping standard without a surcharge anywhere in the continental U.S, so they recognize that when you need something (especially for school), they’re going to get it to you ASAP, and not penalize you for it!

—-other splurges: reliable computer (after mine just crashed and lost all our family memories, it’s made me see the value of not buying the cheapest computer off the shelf)

—-saves: water bottles (they get lost anyway and should be replaced often), school uniforms (get hand me downs or shop consignment sales, like the Little Sprouts Sale in Cool Springs this weekend.)

TOYS

Don’t buy a lot of little toys, consider having grandparents and relatives combining to make a larger purchase that every kid in the family can enjoy (like a Trampoline and Enclosure Set or Wii that also plays movies/streams internet) or a toy that will last beyond this birthday (like an American Girl doll) that also has accessories you can add on to each holiday.
IMG 5369 300x225 Save vs. Splurge: Talk of the Town August 15, 2012 —other splurges: Wooden toys that can be passed down, camping gear or something to be used as a family

—saves: plastic dolls, things they outgrow/have to ‘upgrade’ quickly (like bikes)

HOME

Find one piece of furniture you love to spend your money on, then work your room around it – a funky chair or a comfy couch.
—saves: You can always find great decorative pieces at yard sales, good will or even Craig’s List!

What are some of your favorite splurge items?

To find out more information on how to book a workshop or speaking event, contact me.

Some links in this post are affiliate links, but only for products I already love and I think you will too!

Filed Under: Deals & Freebies, Kids, Travel, TV Tagged With: 2012, august, list, save, splurge, talk, talk of the town, town

Watch Sami live on Talk of the Town August 15, 2012

August 14, 2012 By sami

In addition to co-hosting the Family Friendly morning show tomorrow, you can also watch me live on Talk of the Town this Wednesday, August 15, 2012!

It’s actually my THIRD ANNIVERSARY of being the “Frugal Mom” on Talk of the Town, so I’m so share some of my favorite “Save vs. Splurge” items for fashion, back to school, toys, & home!

Tune in to NewsChannel 5 at 11am if you live in Nashville, or check back later and I’ll post the video here on my blog.

Filed Under: Deals & Freebies, TV Tagged With: august, frugal, Kids, mom, nashville, save, splurge, talk of the town, tv

An Easy Food Soup Swap: Talk of the Town Video

Individual Veggie Lasagna Recipe: Pasta-Free, Easy & Healthy!

Watch Sami live on Talk of the Town January 18, 2013

Watch Sami live on Talk of the Town November 13, 2012

How to Save on Fall Makeup

Watch Sami live on Talk of the Town October 19, 2012

Top Grocery Savings Tips: Talk of the Town September 24, 2012

Watch Sami live on Talk of the Town September 24, 2012

Watch Sami live on Talk of the Town August 15, 2012

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