The SNAP Challenge - Day Two

This is my meal plan for today:

• Breakfast: Oatmeal with strawberries and two hard boiled eggs.
• Snack: Banana
• Lunch: Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, applesauce, and cucumber slices.
• Snack: Baby carrots.
• Dinner: Macaroni and cheese with broccoli and chicken. Salad with carrots and balsamic vinaigrette.

My meal plan is similar to yesterday's (it is exactly the same until dinner time).  This is one of my biggest challenges this week.  I am hosting book club at my place and will be serving a meal for 4 people (including me).  This will have the honor of meal with the most ingredients this week as well as the most expensive purchase I made at the grocery store (baby lettuces $1.99).  I am hoping everyone will enjoy the meal, and it will be similar to something I would usually serve, just with a smaller budget.  Everyone who is in my book club is familiar with SNAP and will completely understand what's happening. Even if I cannot provide wine.

Here's dinner:

Macaroni and cheese with broccoli and chicken.  Salad with carrots, diced tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette.

It was good.  Everyone cleaned their plates (that may also mean there wasn't quite enough food).  I noticed that canned chicken was vary similar to canned tuna, I don't think any of us could tell much of a difference in flavor.  This is a group who all have worked at hunger relief organizations or with vulnerable populations, so everyone is familiar with the SNAP program.  I had a great compliment that if ever they were going to eat a meal on the food stamp budget they would want me to make it because I am a meticulous planner and can put together a decent meal at a low cost.  Thanks Cindy!  I would say that a lot of time and thought went into planning for the week and now that the challenge is going on I am able to go with the flow.  I used a half of a container of Greek yogurt and some water to mix the cheese sauce into the noodles since I was not able to afford milk and butter on my budget.  Cost: $6.36 ($1.59 per serving).  Calories: 459 per serving.

Daily Totals -
Cost: $8.40 ($3.63 for what I ate)
Calories: 1,292 (just my portion)

Look for other stories by perusing #HarvestersSNAPChallenge on Facebook and Twitter.

The SNAP Challenge - Day One

I was excited to start this morning, because I had done so much preparation.  My lunch box was easy to pack because I already had a plan!

This is my meal plan for today:

• Breakfast: Oatmeal with strawberries and two hard boiled eggs.
• Snack: Banana
• Lunch: Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, applesauce, and cucumber slices.
• Snack: Baby carrots.
• Dinner: Brown rice with diced tomatoes and black beans.

Breakfast:

Maple and brown sugar oatmeal with diced strawberries and hard boiled eggs.

I eat 2 hard boiled eggs as part of my breakfast almost everyday, today they are white instead of brown.  I really like the oatmeal and strawberry combination.  The oatmeal did include added sugar though.  Cost: $.79.  Calories: 304.

Snack: 

Banana. Cost: $.22. Calories: 100.

Lunch:

Peanut butter and jelly sandwich with applesauce and sliced cucumber.

 I like that I was able to incorporate a vegetable and a fruit serving.  I would usually use a jam or jelly with no added sugar (I am really trying to cut back on sugar).  The main downside to this was the bread was not very tasty and a little dry, now I am locked in for the week.  You can see some of prep work in this picture, I used a lot of those little containers.  Cost: $.90. Calories: 388.

Snack:

Baby carrots (and me).

Baby carrots. Cost: $.13. Calories: 35.

Dinner:

Brown rice with black beans and diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano.

The main difficulty about dinner was plans to go out and I still did, but I ate beforehand and went and hung out with everyone afterwards, sans chips and salsa and other delicious Mexican delicacies.  What I ended up making for dinner was a large portion, so that was quite nice because I was definitely hungry when dinnertime rolled around.  Brown rice takes 45 minutes to simmer if you make it on the stove, so I had to be quite patient.  It did give me time to open and rinse the beans (and watch some Downton Abbey on my DVR).  I am glad I purchased the diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic because the spices gave the dish some flavor, since I didn't purchase spices with my weekly allowance, only allowing myself the use of salt and pepper. It filled me up and I was not all that tempted by other people's food at the restaurant.  Cost: $.73. Calories: 422.

I feel like I had a successful day one, I stuck to the plan, which for me is the hardest part.  I am locked in to the groceries I bought for the week and I can't change, even if I want to.  I have enough to eat to keep my body going and not a lot more.  I would say that I am not always eating what I want to eat, but these are the options I have and like those actually benefited by the SNAP program they are limited.

Daily Totals -
Cost: $2.77
Calories: 1,255

Look for other stories by perusing #HarvestersSNAPChallenge on Facebook and Twitter.

The SNAP Challenge - Prep Day

I went shopping yesterday at Aldi and Price Chopper.  I spent a lot of time preparing by looking at both stores' ads online and I did some reconnaissance work and scoped out some prices at Price Chopper last week when I did some of my regular shopping.

I don't think I have ever been as prepared with a list as when I went to the store.  I knew prices and was able to compare at the store.  I am really excited that I was able to buy salad dressing, I didn't know for sure if I would have room in my budget.

It was a very snowy day, but pretty enjoyable.

My first stop was to Aldi.  I remember now that you need a quarter to get a cart (you get your quarter back when you return it).  I didn't have one, so I carried a reusable bag and put all my items in there to take to the checkout.  Since it was a store I haven't been to in probably 10 years it was a little difficult to know where items were.  They make the prices lower by only stoking one or two brands of an item, so there aren't big sections of say mac & cheese to look for, just one spot on one row.  You don't pay for customer service, and that is the point of the store, but it was different from what grocery experiences are typically like for me.  You also bag your own groceries after you check out.  I spent $13.84 at Aldi (you don't include tax) of my $22.50 budget.

I stopped at Price Chopper after that.  I usually shop there so it was similar to my usual shopping experiences.  I didn't look around though, I stayed focused on my list.  They do a really good job of making you want to buy things.  I did weigh my bananas on the scale, I don't usually weigh things when I go to the store, but I had to be on budget.  I spent $7.66 at Price Chopper, putting me at $21.50, exactly $1 left to spend this week (probably on chocolate).

Through my shopping experience I thought about all of the things I take for granted.

Observations:

• Aldi has some great deals, though I shop at the grocery store near my house, because it is exactly one mile from my front door.  
• I used to budget more and look at ads, but I hadn't been doing much of that lately.  
• Coupons weren't very helpful in my experience because they are for processed foods typically and I tried not to go that route, and I was finding them for quantities more than what I needed.
• I didn't purchase a single item over $2.00.

Here is a photo of everything I bought:

I would like to note that I am doing the challenge where I purchased all of the food I will be eating this week, I didn't price out per serving (for instance, the oatmeal box has 10 packets in it, but I didn't subtract the value from the packets I will not eat this week).  I wanted this to be difficult.  

Here is my complete list:

1. Two cans of diced tomatoes.
2. A jar of balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing.
3. Strawberries.
4. Peanut butter and jelly (combined in one jar!).
5. Can of black beans.
6. Maple and brown sugar oatmeal packets.
7. Box of macaroni and cheese.
8. Baby carrots.
9. Baby lettuces.
10. One dozen eggs.
11. Loaf of bread. 
12. A container of yogurt.
13. Bag of frozen broccoli florets.
14. A can of chicken.
15. A jar of applesauce.
16. A can of sliced carrots.
17. A bag of brown rice.
18. One cucumber.
19. Three bananas (1.10 pounds) 

I spent a lot more time on prep work this week, slicing and dicing the strawberries and cucumber and doling out the applesauce.  I used a lot of plastic storage containers.  I am excited to start tomorrow and see what the first day brings.

Remember to look for other stories by perusing #HarvestersSNAPChallenge on Facebook and Twitter.

The SNAP Challenge

I am participating in the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Challenge as part of National Nutrition Month this March.

My food stamp challenge is March 2 - 6.

I am limiting my food expenditures to $4.50 per day, which is the average daily SNAP (formerly food stamps) benefit for an individual in our area.

I am participating with others in Kansas City area as part of Harvesters--The Community Food Network challenging people to see what it is like on a very small scale to be a food insecure person in our region.

The USDA recommends stretching your budget by purchasing raw ingredients whenever possible and preparing those items yourself.  I should note that individuals in the SNAP programs do not have the option of buying pre-made  food.  That leads me to several key points that I think are sometimes misrepresented. If you are on SNAP you cannot buy alcohol, cigarettes, or any toiletry items (including toilet paper and diapers), you can only buy food.  You cannot purchase fast food or prepared items (like a rotisserie chicken).

I am going to go grocery shopping at Aldi and Price Chopper, so wish me luck!  I have scoured their ads and I am pretty confident I can stay under the $22.50 mark.

Look for other stories by perusing #HarvestersSNAPChallenge on Facebook and Twitter.

Out of the Blue Clear Sky ~ George Strait

Blast from the past, am I right?

My blog will be coming out of hiding for two important events:

1. I am participating in the SNAP (food stamp) challenge and would like to be able to send out updates on my journey.
2. I am traveling to Europe this summer and I think some people (I am looking at you Mom and Grandma) would love to see pictures and stories of that trip.

See you soon!

Me

I will stand in the way of a bullet. I will run through a forest of flames. I will climb the highest of mountains just to show you I love you, I will.

An Intellectual Response to The Room, Part 1
By Me

“Oh, hey.” I want to begin by stating what a piece of cinematic brilliance The Room is. Tommy Wiseau (1) is a genius! The Room is the story of a love triangle between Johnny (Wiseau), his "future wife" Lisa, and his best friend Mark.

A major theme you will see throughout the movies is Johnny represents all thing good and Lisa represents all things bad. Further proof is that Jesus starts with J, just like Johnny. Who do we know whose name starts with L? That’s right! Lucifer. Lisa = the devil. Having this knowledge will help you through the film and life. You might find yourself asking “What would Johnny do?” You should always buy roses, toss around a football and ask about your friends’ sex lives.

There are a few “criticisms” (2) of the film. I will comment on a few of these.

Here is one: While the film is rife with continuity errors and several other minor cinematic drawbacks, there are several plots, subplots and character details whose inconsistencies have often been pointed out by critics and audiences. The Portland Mercury has pointed out that a number of "plot threads are introduced, then instantly abandoned" (3,4). Wiseau obviously did this on purpose. He wanted you to think about these instances and not show you how you should react. For example, in an early scene, halfway through a conversation about planning a birthday party for Johnny, Claudette off-handedly tells Lisa: "I got the results of the test back. I definitely have breast cancer." The issue is casually dismissed and never revisited during the rest of the film. The meaning behind this is obvious; in real life cancer is something people don’t like to talk about. By not mentioning it the rest of the film Wiseau is holding up a mirror to his audience and asking us to reflect on the issue. Also, if Lisa is the devil (which she is) then it comes to reason that all women in this film should not be trusted. So, Claudette might be planting lies, you know, doing the devil’s work.

Another issue is a scene in the middle of the film where Johnny, Mark, Kevin, and Denny dress up in tuxes and toss a football around while standing only a few feet away from each other. Some people may be confused on why they do this, besides obvious: showing off Mark’s clean-shaven face. As we know, men do not like to dress up, so it stands to reason the women made them do this. To fight off the evil oppression the women (most likely Lisa “You’re tearing me apart Lisa!”) have thrust upon them (though Wiseau does the majority of thrusting in this film) the men do the most manly (5) thing they can do, toss around a football. What would Johnny do? He will toss around a football and hug on Denny and dote on Lisa (6).

If you have not seen The Room I would recommend dropping whatever you are doing now (besides reading this intelligent thesis) and get your hands on a copy on the film and watching it right away and then a second time. If you have seen it, watch it again you will so many new levels, Wiseau says so, and he plays Johnny, so do it.

1 - Actor, Writer, Director, Producer
2 - Misunderstandings
3 - Wikipedia
4 - Portland Mercury article: "Tommy Wiseau: The Complete Interview(s)”
5 - And fun
6 - Though we later find out this is the wrong decision.


(The title of this post comes from the Song "I Will" by Clint Gamboa, from the illustrious soundtrack from the motion picture "The Room")

I could stay stay stay, if that’s what you want want want ~ Cee-Lo Green, What Part of Forever

So... I am updating my blog, finally.

And also, I have had an amazing couple of weeks.

Times I have seen Eclipse: 3

Recap:

I had two three-day weekends in a row. The first contained 3 days poolside, some shopping, hanging out with Tina and Jennifer (separately though), and giving blood. I also helped my dad repair some of the vinyl on the boat (yeah, the BOAT)!

The week in between held the midnight showing of Eclipse with Tina and Jennifer (this time together) where they showed up dressed exactly the same and not at all Twilight related, thought I can't say the same for myself. I was clad in my Team Edward shirt with Cullen crest earrings in my ears. We stopped and got Cherry Dr. Pepper and peanut butter M&Ms on the way, so the whole experience was awesome. As usual, I loved Edward and was happy to get to see him smile more. Highlights: the leg hitch, the tent scene.

Thursday night I had dinner with Mom and Matt at La Fuente, where I proceeded to drink half a pitcher of frozen margaritas, I blame my mom because she kept refilling my glass.

Friday I had lunch with Cindy at Jerusalem Cafe in Westport where I had their amazing hummus and falafel plate. I was so full, but it was so worth it. Friday night I saw Eclipse again with my stepmom at AMC Mainstreet and we had dinner beforehand at the Bristol. The food was delicious, we had the chef's tasting menu with wine pairings. The movie theater had vibrating seats and the way the audience sits in relation to the screen almost gave me motion sickness (that I had just consumed a lot of food probably didn't help the situation).

I spent Saturday by the pool with the fam. I started reading Eat, Pray, Love and we ate ribs. This is where I need to incorporate the cuteness that is my four (and a half!) year old cousin Shep. When talking about the nationality of the characters of Dora the Explorer he claims that Diego is St. Louis and Dora is Chinese. And, during dinner that evening while eating our beans to accompany our ribs my cousin Madison informed him of the bean song and how they make you toot. He claims if you leave one bean on your plate such gastrointestinal issues will not occur. He left a bean, I finished mine off. He came to me that night after homemade ice cream and sparklers and asked me if I had tooted yet. It was the cutest! My answer (and it's the truth!) was no, not yet.

Sunday we had a Bromley family workout and then my cousin called to inform me that her singing performance in Overland Park would now be at 2 pm instead of 3. It's one and I just worked out. I showered and made my way to my dad's where he sped faster than I had ever seen that "defensive driver" go. We ran up the stairs and up the escalator and made it literally as she was being called to the stage.

On Monday I went to lunch at Red Lobster with my mom's side where I ate no less than 3 cheddar biscuits. I then rode about 9 1/2 miles on my bike with my dad, and we barely missed the rain. That night I saw Eclipse for the 3rd time, with my cousin Lauren. We had a great time, and may have talked a bit during the movie, so sorry to those around us, we sat to the side for a reason, our third viewings were meant for commentary. We may or may not have had Sonic Blasts on our way home.

Yesterday was Tuesday. I finished Eat, Pray, Love. I enjoyed it immensely. I also cooked. I made everything in my CSA bag: zucchini, corn, garlic, beets. I even used by green beans form last week, basil from Mary's garden, and a leftover hamburger I had frozen from my pool party. Yay me!

There will be more more parties on or near water to come.

And I'm going to Happy Hour tonight! I'm living the life. Or maybe just living life.