https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 26 Apr 2026 21:48:18 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-766058 Tue, 07 May 2013 15:07:35 +0000 pui 766058@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It really does add up fast!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-766051 Tue, 07 May 2013 15:04:44 +0000 plantains 766051@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My favourite salad dressing is 3:1 EVOO and lemon juice. Sometimes I go 2:1 for more flavour. I also put crushed garlic in there. Tastes amazing on everything, even the plainest of greens. </p> <p>Easy &amp; tasty dinners:</p> <p>Grilled fish tacos - grill so fish with lemon juice and a little olive oil, serve soft or hard tacos with red cabbage slaw (cabbage is mega cheap and goes a really long way. Just shred some cabbage =, mix with lime jiuce a little honey and cumin. You don;t have to use cumin, just adds a nice kick) plus avocados and some hot sauce.</p> <p>Burgers - I prefer turkey but just buy some ground meat, chop up a bunch of peppers and onions, mix together with one egg to bind and shape a few patties. I ususally make a big batch and freeze individually in saran wrap. That way we can just put some in the grill pan fro a quick dinner with some salad.</p> <p>Stirfries are also very easy over some rice or couscous.</p> <p>Whole chicken is also always a winner. Baked potatoes, so easy no real work for you. </p> <p>I have a million of these, and you don't really need a ton of spices. Salt, pepper, garlic, cayenne, oregano and you are set IMO. </p> <p>@regberadaisy: @StbHisMrs: penzeys is my mecca. I was so sad when they closed their NYC location. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-766033 Tue, 07 May 2013 14:53:18 +0000 regberadaisy 766033@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@StbHisMrs: LOVE Penzy's! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765858 Tue, 07 May 2013 13:58:20 +0000 Mrsbells 765858@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Websites like Kraft, Pillsbury and Campbells have lots of great easy recipes.<br /> Pasta is always an easy go to option you just cook it an add a sauce or bake it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765831 Tue, 07 May 2013 13:46:50 +0000 StbHisMrs 765831@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PastaAndPotato: That's my go-to seasoning too, love crazy mixed up salt! </p> <p>I buy almost all of my spices at Costco like @regberadaisy: they're seriously cheap!<br /> What I use the most are ~<br /> Crazy mixed up salt (in place of garlic salt usually)<br /> Johnny's seasoning salt<br /> Cumin<br /> Oregano<br /> Italian Seasoning (dried herbs like oregano, parsley, basil..)<br /> Montreal Steak Seasoning</p> <p>We also like Penzy's spice shop, I think they're all over the US, some can be spendy but they're so yummy!</p> <p>Here's the blogs I swear by ~<br /> <a href="http://www.laurenslatest.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.laurenslatest.com/</a><br /> <a href="http://iowagirleats.com/" rel="nofollow">http://iowagirleats.com/</a><br /> <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.skinnytaste.com/</a><br /> <a href="http://www.aspicyperspective.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.aspicyperspective.com/</a><br /> <a href="http://damndelicious.net/" rel="nofollow">http://damndelicious.net/</a><br /> <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/" rel="nofollow">http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/</a><br /> <a href="http://picky-palate.com/" rel="nofollow">http://picky-palate.com/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765476 Tue, 07 May 2013 12:00:46 +0000 Revel 765476@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For salad dressing, I like a vinegar/olive oil/mustard/salt and pepper combo. Often what you're missing at home from a bottled dressing is sugar, so adding a touch of honey can make it much better, and still cheaper/better for you than a product that contains a ton of sugar or high fructose corn syrup. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765457 Tue, 07 May 2013 11:56:42 +0000 Beebug 765457@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Champagne: Here are my simple faves right now:</p> <p><a href="http://www.cookwithcampbells.ca/en-ca/Recipes/italianochickenandricebake.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.cookwithcampbells.ca/en-ca/Recipes/italianochickenandricebake.aspx</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/salsa-cheddar-chicken-106369.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/salsa-cheddar-chicken-106369.aspx</a></p> <p>Do this with BBQ sauce instead of gravy (tip at bottom)<br /> <a href="http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/recipes/easy-shepherds-pie-108130.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.kraftcanada.com/en/recipes/easy-shepherds-pie-108130.aspx</a></p> <p>Super, super simple and yummy....and cheap!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765393 Tue, 07 May 2013 11:38:00 +0000 BSB 765393@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't even want to know how much we spend. Need to get back on a budget. I should have taken advantage of that YNAB deal last month. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765390 Tue, 07 May 2013 11:37:05 +0000 Honeybee 765390@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We've used McCormick Grill Mates (prepackaged marinades and seasonings) and it makes a really simple, fast meal. The marinade takes 20-30 minutes and then you can grill or pan cook the meat within minutes. While the meat is marinating, you can make a side dish like veggies or rice and a salad. You don't need a lot of spices with veggies; just steam them with a little butter and you're good to go! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765346 Tue, 07 May 2013 11:24:15 +0000 IRunForFun 765346@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@futuremama: You can get a similar "stocked" spice rack for a similar price off of Amazon if you don't have a Marshall's or TJ Maxx close by! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765325 Tue, 07 May 2013 11:19:13 +0000 blackbird 765325@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>my favorite salad dressing is 1 part olive oil to 3 parts balsamic vinegar (don't go chintzy--get a good $20 bottle), then add a little bit of garlic and maybe a tsp of dijon mustard. Mix it up real good. Easy! Delish </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765292 Tue, 07 May 2013 11:06:30 +0000 futuremama 765292@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you have a Home Goods/TJ Maxx/Ross near you? You can get a spice rack with 15 different spices included for around $20. It usually includes the basics (dried basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, etc.). Also, if you have the space, try growing an herb garden. It only costs a few bucks, and fresh herbs make everything better! </p> <p>Buy (or make) some vinaigrette. Then you can marinate meats or fish in it. Add some fresh herbs and grill it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765289 Tue, 07 May 2013 11:05:49 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 765289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: those are my staples too. I was going to say the same thing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765284 Tue, 07 May 2013 11:02:53 +0000 meredithNYC 765284@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Champagne: Hmm... well, one of my favorite go-to sites is Epicurious, since they have a huge store of recipes from Self, Gourmet, Bon Appetit, etc. You can easily search for what you want and you have the option of searching by season, for quick and easy things, diet-friendly, etc. </p> <p>The other sites I use pretty often are Smitten Kitchen and Homesick Texan. Smitten Kitchen is written with a good sense of humor and the blogger, Deb, does everything in her tiny NYC kitchen, which goes to show that it can be done. Most things I make from that site are a hit.</p> <p>Homesick Texan is written by a woman who currently lives in New York, but misses the food she grew up with in Texas. I love it for anything Tex-Mex. The pulled pork is to die for, especially. I think people are put off by the required spices for the rub + the amount of required cooking time, but it's seriously easy - just make the rub, put on the pork and cook for 8 hours. Beats any crock pot pulled pork I have had by a ton. There is just no comparison. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765279 Tue, 07 May 2013 11:00:38 +0000 cascademom 765279@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you have a grill? Marinating some pork tenderloin or chicken breasts is a great dinner. You can get some fresh veggies and grill them as well. Quiche is another quick recipe requiring few ingredients. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765272 Tue, 07 May 2013 10:59:31 +0000 PastaAndPotato 765272@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Champagne: yup, i just use regular old olive oil, and normally whatever is on sale, at that </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765247 Tue, 07 May 2013 10:48:48 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 765247@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>thanks for the responses.. glad we aren't the only ones that suck with this! :(</p> <p>@Bluebonnet: what would you say are the basics I should have?</p> <p>@PastaAndPotato: just regular olive oil? EVOO?</p> <p>@grizz: I will need to look into that!!</p> <p>@regberadaisy: unfortunately not near us, we live in a really small town. there is a bulk barn close though, I wonder if they have some!</p> <p>@meredithNYC: a typical dinner when we stay in is chicken and salad. last night was BBQ chicken and a plain bagged salad. bleh. we also like pasta! but don't usually have that too often in the warmer weather </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765238 Tue, 07 May 2013 10:46:07 +0000 yoursilverlining 765238@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you're spending that much a month eating out; make an investment in spices and a more stocked pantry. Penzey's spices are really great quality and they sell very small jars, which are cheaper and then you also don't feel like you are wasting $$ by ordering tons of spices you won't use often.</p> <p>What kinds of foods and spices do you like eating? What sorts of dressings do you prefer for salads? We just use olive oil/balsamic or lemon juice (and a little s&amp;p) on salads. If you are used to eating heavier, creamy dressings, it will take your system a little while to get used to a dressing without so much sodium and sugar in it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765237 Tue, 07 May 2013 10:46:00 +0000 lavender 765237@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I found that my local Dollar store carries spices for way less than the supermarket. Maybe start there to grab a couple of spices to try. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765231 Tue, 07 May 2013 10:43:33 +0000 Boheme 765231@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have you heard of e-Meals? Its a weekly meal planning service that focuses on whatever kind of meals you like to eat (regular, low fat, low carb, vegetarian, whatever) and sends you a plan based on what's on sale at the grocery store that week. It saved our butts when we were first married and spent a fortune on eating out! You can get a year subscription for like $30 I think? It lists the exact ingredients you need to buy at the grocery store for the entire week, and I've found all the recipes to be easy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765230 Tue, 07 May 2013 10:42:05 +0000 Bluebonnet 765230@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you are going to do more cooking at home, spices are a really good investment. They add so much flavor to your foods. You don't need a ton of spices, just the basics. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765228 Tue, 07 May 2013 10:41:28 +0000 PastaAndPotato 765228@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>my go to seasoning for everything is a drizzle of olive oil and salt, pepper and sometimes garlic - my favorite thing to do is put this on veggies and roast them (peppers, zucchini, eggplant, asparagus, anything) - i throw them in the oven for about 30 to 40 minutes at 350-400 (depending on the veggie) i do big batches, and then for weeknight dinners just pull out some and heat it up on the stove</p> <p>for a good, easy, salad dressing, i do the 3:1 rule - three oil to one vinegar, i normally go olive oil and balsamic, but you can totally change that up to your taste (and, my measuring is by "big spoon" but as long as its 3:1, it should work out) - add some salt and pepper and any other spices you like and you're good to go</p> <p>oh, and our go-to spice for most things is crazy mixed up salt - its like salt, pepper, garlic and a few other spices together that are good in just about everything (eggs, veggies, etc.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765222 Tue, 07 May 2013 10:39:43 +0000 regberadaisy 765222@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Champagne: do you have a wholesale store membership? We get garlic salt from BJs and a HUGE container is like $3 whereas the small ones are $3 at grocery stores! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765220 Tue, 07 May 2013 10:39:23 +0000 meredithNYC 765220@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also, what are the staples of your diet? With that info, some of us can probably point you towards some really good cooking blogs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765216 Tue, 07 May 2013 10:38:03 +0000 meredithNYC 765216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly, I think just bite the bullet on the spice front? If you really start cooking a lot at home, you will definitely use them. It has taken us years, but at 31 and 34 years old, my husband and I finally have a pretty grown-up kitchen set-up and it's definitely a nice change!</p> <p>I tend to always have the following stocked up just to make things easier:<br /> garlic<br /> onions<br /> chicken stock (or vegetable, if you're vegetarian)<br /> cans of diced tomato<br /> cans of beans or bags of dried beans<br /> eggs<br /> butter<br /> cheese<br /> brown rice<br /> pasta<br /> olive oil </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765206 Tue, 07 May 2013 10:35:51 +0000 HLK208 765206@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh man. This is our weak spot. Umm we ate out for every meal yesterday.</p> <p>I have no advice but I'm interested to see responses! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765195 Tue, 07 May 2013 10:32:08 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 765195@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@regberadaisy: Thanks. I don't even have garlic salt!! But I need to get that... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765194 Tue, 07 May 2013 10:31:40 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 765194@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: ugh! we were planning to finish our basement, so were going to just eat out on Friday night. I thought I'd add it up to see how much it actually was. YIKES! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765193 Tue, 07 May 2013 10:31:35 +0000 regberadaisy 765193@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our go to seasoning is super simple: salt, pepper &amp; garlic salt! Works on everything!<br /> Staples in our fridge are peppers, onions, greens &amp; garlic. Add some potatoes, yams and quinoa/pilaf/etc and you're set! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-did-the-math#post-765192 Tue, 07 May 2013 10:30:48 +0000 .twist. 765192@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Omg, you are brave. I am too scared to add up those $$$. </p>