Organic & Thrifty

I’m beginning to see the light at the end of my freezer!  There’s still lots there, thankfully, and I think I’m just going to keep up this Pantry-Based menu planning and utilize sale items and my CSA to round out the meals.  This week I snagged some great deals and was able to stock up on some household essentials as well as pick up great deals on my favorite organic items using a killer combination of coupons (many mentioned in this post).

I’ve got to say I was tempted to break my plan and go buy a bunch of chicken since I’m getting a bit weary of beef.  BUT, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I’ve got beef (and lots of fish as well) so beef and fish we shall eat!  I also still have LOTS (and LOTS and LOTS) of squash, a good amount of green kale, potatoes (which we use sparingly), onions o’ plenty (thank you Costco!) and lots of cabbage.  I feel like I need to dabble in some Irish cooking!

We are also celebrating my dear daughter’s 5thbirthday today (Monday). As anticipated, I was able to do her birthday majorly on the cheap, but withlots of fun and tasteful elegance (we had a simple tea party with Elana’s Famous cupcakes and coconut ice cream for a few of her close friends).  Michael’s Craft Store is a life saver when it comes to affordable party favors and fun party activities!  All told, DH was very impressed wihmy bottom line.  I was able to get all of her presents for under $5!!!  1 game (purchased during a B2G1 free sale in December), 1 pair of crocheted Mary Jane slippers (using $1 worth of yarn), a package of goodies from Bath and Body works and freebies that came to $3 (including a 75% marked down lemon bubble bath, 2 hand sanitizers, and some yummy lotion, the last 3 all free with coupon  ).  Her last present was not technically free, but it was an item I had ordered months and months ago, was on back order, and forgotten. It’s a Montessori MoveableAlphabet technically for homeschooling, but I wrapped it up and am using it a a present!  I digress….In honor of her birth week, I’m planning a post all about her GAPS journey for Real Food Wednesday this week, so stay tuned for that!

Monday: Happy Birthday Dear Daughter!
B: grain-free waffles with cinnamon-apple kraut and sausage
L: special birthday lunch: hot dogs wrapped in coconut flour biscuit dough, carrot sticks
D: meatballs, broccoli and cheese, salad, almond flour chocolate cake and coconut milk ice cream

*soak almonds

Tuesday:
B:eggs fried in butter and coconut oil with cortido
L: leftovers/veggies
D: brother’s birthday dinner @ parents’

*start chicken broth

Wednesday:
B: squash pudding and breakfast sausage
L: miso soup, sardines
D:  Crock Pot Taco Meat with Shredded Cheese and Sour Cream and Salad

Thursday:
B: almond flour muffins, yogurt
L:deviled eggs, tuna, salad greens
D: kale, white bean, and italian sausage soup (modified from this recipe)

Friday:
B: Grain-Free Granola
L: leftovers and salad
D: out to IOCC benefit concert (hot dogs for kiddos!)

Saturday:
B: hazelnut-vanilla pancakes (almond flour)
L: leftovers/soup
D: baked salmon and green beans 

 For more great meal ideas, head on over to The Organizing Junkie!