Monday, August 17, 2009

Good websites

Here are a two helpful websites I found:
http://veganonabudget.wordpress.com/
http://www.veganfamilyliving.com/vegan-shopping-budget

Thrift stores

I love thrift stores! You really never know what you're going to find when you go. Unlike regular stores which are very standardized. You can find a neat treasure or a few duds. The thrill of the hunt is exciting. There are also other reasons to shop thrift stores.
-Save money
-Lower your environmental impact
-Support a good cause

Some vegans even shop for items secondhand that they wouldn't want to give their money to otherwise such as wool and silk.
What do you think? Do you like thrift stores?

Monday, July 27, 2009

25 money saving ideas

I almost forgot about this blog post that I had bookmarked until I was looking through my "compassionate living" folder. Here's a great list of money saving tips from a fellow vegan. I recently started cooking dry beans from scratch. (One of the tips) I was always hesitant to try it because I thought it was complicated and/or time consuming and it isn't as difficult as I thought it would be. Besides the fact that I'm getting no hours at work so I might as well spend my free time making good food. haha!

Check out the list here.

Free sample of Kiss my Face showergel

Boy do I love freebies in the morning! :)

http://dengaku.com/free_off1.php

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Treading Water

Sorry I haven't been posting much. Mostly because I have been too depressed. It seems no matter how much I try to save money or make money it isn't enough. I'm beginning to think there's nothing I can do to save my house. I've been very disheartened.

I've been using this search engine: http://www.swagbucks.com/
which gives you points that you can redeem for things just for using it. (If you sign up please enter my name under the referral which is Elfearz)

I've also tried this site: http://cash4books.net/index.php?ref=41667
but they won't accept any of my books. It's worth it to check out anyway, in case you have some books they are looking for.

Hope these help.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Stuffed pita pocket

Here is a quick go-to meal idea* that can be made cheap and fast. It's what I turn to when I'm lacking in creativity, money or time. However, it is really delicious. I've seen similar pocket sandwiches sold in the supermarket for a lot more. Start out by sauteeing veggies in a small pan. Whatever veggies you like. I usually use zucchini, onions, sliced garlic cloves, various squash, sometimes carrot, bell pepper strips etc. While those are cooking open a whole grain pita pocket and spread a bit of spaghetti sauce on the inside. Microwave for a few seconds, maybe 20 just to warm it up. When veggies are soft pile them into the pita and enjoy!

*not really a recipe

Sunday, May 3, 2009

More lovely vegan giveaways!

http://allergickid.blogspot.com/2009/05/earth-balance-giveaway.html


http://www.onefrugalfoodie.com/2009/05/03/one-sweet-giveaway-enter-to-win-a-prize-pack-from/#comments

Check them out and good luck!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Compassion Over Killing's tips to staying vegan on a budget


MONEY-SAVING TIPS:

  • Plan your meals in advance: It might sound time consuming, but it can be as simple as jotting down dinner ideas a few days ahead. Make lists of things to buy for the week (or month!). This can save you time and money!
  • Pack a lunch: Don't be tempted to eat out everyday.
  • Buy in the bulk sections of grocery stores: You can often buy bulk pasta, rice, dehydrated meals, spices and beans. These items are usually cheaper than buying them pre-packaged, and you can get as little or as much as you need.
  • Use a crock-pot: Soak dry beans overnight; cook them in the crock-pot while out for the day.

(For more ideas check out the website: tryveg.com)

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Win free coupons!

Did you ever want to try one of Turtlemountains new coconut milk products? Now you can for free. You can win a chance for some free coupons. Please visit this blog and follow the instructions.
Good luck!

Friday, March 6, 2009

Sweet Carrots

I like to keep things simple. I've grown up in the city and never quite escaped from there. I often dream of living a slower country life. Sitting on the porch sipping lemonade and eating simple dishes. In reality, this is probably not what country life is really like. Then again how would I know?

Sweet Carrots*
(Serves 1)
-1/2 cup cooked carrots coins (I use canned)
-1 teaspoon sweetener of choice (I use pure maple syrup,but that can be quite pricey. It's one of my few splurges)
- pinch of salt and pepper
-pinch of dried Italian seasonings

Throw ingredients together in a bowl. Stir and heat either in a microwave or on the stove top.
Serve warm as a side dish or put over 3/4 cup brown rice to make it a meal.

The Verdict:
The maple flavour wasn't as prominent as I would have liked. Next time I will add some more. This was pretty good, though!


*Inspired by this recipe.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Penne with sundried tomatoes

I love pasta. Many of the ingredients for this simple, rustic Italian dish can be found for cheap, depending on the area you live in. For me, most of these came from the 99cent store.

Penne with Sun dried Tomatoes
1/2 cup wheat penne (spiral pasta works too)
1 baby carrot
2 tablespoons onion
5 sundried tomatoes
1/4 cup cannelloni beans
pinch of Italian seasonings and garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
oil

Cook pasta according to the directions. Dice onions and thinly slice carrots. Begin sauteing in a drizzle of oil. Put the pinch of seasonings and garlic powder in the pan. Saute until onions and carrots are soft. Roughly chop tomatoes and add them in. Saute for another minute or so. Add beans. Saute for another minute or less. Just to warm the beans. Add pasta and salt and pepper to taste and keep on stove until warm. Serve and enjoy!

Serves 1-2


Hint: I make a scrambled tofu the next morning with onions,carrots and sun dried tomatoes.