Eating from the Pantry: College Style

I have not been blogging as usual for about two weeks now, but I have been out of town visiting family and working REALLY hard on keeping up on homework. After all, the semester ends in less than four weeks! Crunch time!

Today, I would like to call attention to a post made by one of the blogs I follow (Moneysavingmom.com) and mention that while, yes, eating from the pantry is a GREAT way to save money, not all students have enough stock piles or time and resources to conquer this feat. Which is a serious feat for most of us. So, I would like instead to offer some tips and pointers on how to accomplish the challenge while staying creative and not breaking the bank.

First, what I did, was look at what I had on hand (some boxed rice I got on sale + MQ's, some steak I got for free or cheap from target with their Qs, and some grean giant vegies I picked up at publix 10/$10 + $.50/2 which made for some cheap nutritious sides!). I took those components, along with some simple spices (salt, pepper and italian seasoning) and put together some fun and easy meals!

Dish 1: frozen peas, cooked & cubed steak, and boiled rice
While rice is boiling for the last 5-7 minutes, add 1-2 cups water, cubed steak and peas. Turn down heat. Add salt, pepper & italian seasoning. (Add extra vegies or seasoning if on hand: chopped onions, garlic, cabbage, potatoes, etc) Let simmer for 15-20 minutes. Serve while still hot.

Delicious and nutritious and ready to eat in less than an hour!


Dish 2: vegie medley, thawed & sliced steak, and boiled rice
Microwave vegie medley for about 2-3 min, or until partially thawed. Let steak thaw, then sliver when tender enough. Boil rice completely. Add vegies, steak and thoroughly cooked rice to a pan (any size, depending on amount), and stir. The steak and vegies create their own juice and since the rice is already cooked, it wont soak up all the liquid. While meat is browning, add salt, pepper, and seasonings to taste. Stir on med/low heat until meat is completely browned. Serve while still hot. Yields: fluctuates depending on amount cooked.


If you have any ideas about how to cook with four (common) ingredients or less, leave a comment and a link to your blog about your ideas and share the savings!!

*Coupon Lingo*

New to couponing or the internet couponing world?

• EBRs = Extra Buck Rewards (CVS in-store coupons printed after qualifying purchase; used like cash on next trans.; *applied BEFORE taxes*; good on most merchandise; has expiration date)
• ES = Easy Saver Catalogue (Walgreen's small monthly pamphlet of in-store Q's and rebates)
• GC = Gift Card
• Insert = Small magazine-type coupon booklet found in most Sunday papers; includes MQs
• Mag = Magazine
• MQ = Manufacturer Coupon (coupons created by the manufacturer; found in Sunday paper, magazines, online, etc)
• OOP = Out of Pocket (refers to ACTUAL money used to pay for transaction; cash/credit/debit/check/etc; does not refer to $ used on GC, EBR or RR)
• P&G = Procter and Gamble (a specific coupon insert found in most Sunday papers)
• PQ/PC = Printable Coupon (coupons you can print from a home computer; usually quantity limited)
• Q = Coupon
• RP = Red Plum (a specific coupon insert found in most Sunday papers or via snail mail)
• RR = Register Rewards (Wags in-store coupon printed after qualifying purchase; used like cash on next trans.; *applied AFTER taxes*; good on most merchandise; has expiration date)
• Snail Mail = Traditional mail via post office, ups, etc.
• SS = Super Saver (a specific coupon insert found in most Sunday papers)
• Wag/Wags = Walgreens

Walgreens 3/8-3/14 -- *Dorm Necessities*

Coca Cola 12-pk (sale) 4/$13

- 2 MyCokeRewards B1G1 MQ

- $3 RR (WYB 4)

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TOTAL: $3.50/4 12-pks!

Garnier Fructis Hair Care (sale) $2.99
- $1/1 MQ 3/8 insert

- $2/1 ESQ

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TOTAL: FREE! plus $.01 !

Crest Pro Health Toothpaste (sale) $2.49

-$.75/1 3/1 insert

-$1 RR

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TOTAL: $.74 !

Smart Balance Deal
(2) Smart Balance Buttery Spreads B1G1 $2.99
(1) Smart Balance Milk (check your local Wag) $2.99 (aprox.)

- $1/2 2/1 RP insert

-B1 SB Buttery Spread G1 SB Milk
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TOTAL: $1.99 for 2 Buttery Spreads and Milk!

To be continued!.... :-)

It's been a while!

Hey there! I know it's been a while, but in the last two weeks my fiancee's grandaddy passed away and the memorial service was held in his honor. He was almost 90 and lived a very respectful life; and a frugal one at that. We haven't really had to buy much in the last few weeks, because family and friends have been gathering and grocery shopping has not been an absolute necessity. Family and friends are always great ways to have free and invaluable fun, share time, memories and food!, and thus save! We have been so lucky to have great bonds with those we are close to. So today's frugal tip is instead of going to a restaurant or to the movies this week, try to re-connect with friends and family. After all, memories and laughter are the few FREE pleasures we can all share with anyone! :-)