Comments on: Reader Story: The 30-Day No-Restuarant Challenge http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/ Common sense advice on money saving tips, how to get out of debt, high interest savings accounts, cd rates, money market accounts, mortgage rates, money management and more. Wed, 22 May 2013 05:54:52 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Ashley http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-2/#comment-2927302 Ashley Fri, 10 Aug 2012 18:18:05 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2927302 Congrats on not eating out for a month. As someone who li When I was a student and really strapped for cash, my roommate and I would do an “if it” dinner every two weeks as a way to clean out the fridge – which means, quite literally, “if it’s there, eat it”. We’d take turns cooking up the “if it” meal. As we were both relatively decent cooks, we had a lot of fun trying to find creative ways to use up the left overs. Not every meal was a success, and sometimes we had some very odd combinations of food on the table (i.e. pizza on pita bread and scrambled eggs), but sometimes we ended up with a masterpiece. To this day, I swear, the best pasta sauce I have ever made, was created on an “if it” night. Ultimately, tho, was a great way to eat up all the bits and pieces of what was left in the fridge before they went bad. It also became a catalyst for great conversation, and a cheap night in, as we’d sit at the table together and chat for hours. While my roommate and I now live in two different parts of the world, I often continue the “if it” dinner practice at home with my boyfriend. He’s not much of a cook, but we enjoy sitting down for a meal together. And I get to clean out the fridge. What's in YOUR fridge that can become part of an "if it" dinner? Congrats on not eating out for a month. As someone who li

When I was a student and really strapped for cash, my roommate and I would do an “if it” dinner every two weeks as a way to clean out the fridge – which means, quite literally, “if it’s there, eat it”.

We’d take turns cooking up the “if it” meal. As we were both relatively decent cooks, we had a lot of fun trying to find creative ways to use up the left overs. Not every meal was a success, and sometimes we had some very odd combinations of food on the table (i.e. pizza on pita bread and scrambled eggs), but sometimes we ended up with a masterpiece. To this day, I swear, the best pasta sauce I have ever made, was created on an “if it” night.

Ultimately, tho, was a great way to eat up all the bits and pieces of what was left in the fridge before they went bad. It also became a catalyst for great conversation, and a cheap night in, as we’d sit at the table together and chat for hours.

While my roommate and I now live in two different parts of the world, I often continue the “if it” dinner practice at home with my boyfriend. He’s not much of a cook, but we enjoy sitting down for a meal together. And I get to clean out the fridge.

What’s in YOUR fridge that can become part of an “if it” dinner?

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]]> By: Loren http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-2/#comment-2927142 Loren Fri, 10 Aug 2012 15:28:57 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2927142 Hi - great article - this really resonates with me as my girlfriend and I have been doing the same thing the past 30 days. We were eating out ALMOST every day previous to this - after looking at my statements I saw how I was literally spending hundrends of dollars on food eating out every month - one month was over $600... OUCH! While still buying groceries... We are saving TONS of money not eating out and also losing a few pounds on the waistline.... Hi – great article – this really resonates with me as my girlfriend and I have been doing the same thing the past 30 days.

We were eating out ALMOST every day previous to this – after looking at my statements I saw how I was literally spending hundrends of dollars on food eating out every month – one month was over $600… OUCH! While still buying groceries…

We are saving TONS of money not eating out and also losing a few pounds on the waistline….

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]]> By: Holly http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-2/#comment-2513202 Holly Fri, 23 Mar 2012 02:45:58 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2513202 This is a great idea. I just found this site and am excited about all the good ideas I will receive from just reading everyone's comments. My husband and I are in year one of the "empty nest" and have gone out to eat more than ever. We just decided we would go out once halfway through the month...we found a little family run restaurant that serves homemade soup that is amazing. We can each have a cup of soup and share a sandwich for $10.00. We would always wind up taking leftovers home so we're going to stop that and just share. Then the last day of the month we go somewhere special, but still try and order smart, less money and forgo the leftovers. I can't believe how much money we've been spending on eating out. It's silly but knowing others are trying to cut back in this way helps. I commend everyone who can go for a whole month. Now that nice weather is upon us maybe next month we'll take a picnic lunch out to the park and forgo the mid month meal. This is a great idea. I just found this site and am excited about all the good ideas I will receive from just reading everyone’s comments. My husband and I are in year one of the “empty nest” and have gone out to eat more than ever. We just decided we would go out once halfway through the month…we found a little family run restaurant that serves homemade soup that is amazing. We can each have a cup of soup and share a sandwich for $10.00. We would always wind up taking leftovers home so we’re going to stop that and just share. Then the last day of the month we go somewhere special, but still try and order smart, less money and forgo the leftovers. I can’t believe how much money we’ve been spending on eating out. It’s silly but knowing others are trying to cut back in this way helps. I commend everyone who can go for a whole month. Now that nice weather is upon us maybe next month we’ll take a picnic lunch out to the park and forgo the mid month meal.

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]]> By: Nicole http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-2/#comment-2097952 Nicole Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:55:45 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2097952 I used to rely on canned foods and boxed dinners when I was younger and didn't know how to cook. I have since learned how to make a few recipies from scratch, such as tuna casserole. It's cheaper, healthier, and tastes a lot better. Recipies are common on the web and many websites are free. I used to rely on canned foods and boxed dinners when I was younger and didn’t know how to cook. I have since learned how to make a few recipies from scratch, such as tuna casserole. It’s cheaper, healthier, and tastes a lot better. Recipies are common on the web and many websites are free.

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]]> By: lisa http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-2/#comment-2097882 lisa Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:38:24 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2097882 We ate out way too much in the past, mostly for the convenience. Now we have 5 children and find it a chore to bring them all out to eat. We occasionally get a sitter and go out to eat for our date night but mostly I cook at home. I've figured out how to feed a family of 7 supper for less than $10 a meal. Good food, not junk. Tonite will be roasted chicken with carrots, potatoes and salad. Try feeding 7 people that in a restaurant for less than ten dollars! We ate out way too much in the past, mostly for the convenience. Now we have 5 children and find it a chore to bring them all out to eat. We occasionally get a sitter and go out to eat for our date night but mostly I cook at home. I’ve figured out how to feed a family of 7 supper for less than $10 a meal. Good food, not junk. Tonite will be roasted chicken with carrots, potatoes and salad. Try feeding 7 people that in a restaurant for less than ten dollars!

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]]> By: Trina http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-1/#comment-2021832 Trina Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:03:12 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2021832 Nope - completely disagree. Demanding that someone pay for an expensive dinner that is not in their budget is the equivalent of demanding expensive gifts. Nope – completely disagree. Demanding that someone pay for an expensive dinner that is not in their budget is the equivalent of demanding expensive gifts.

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]]> By: Cathy http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-2/#comment-2020642 Cathy Wed, 23 Nov 2011 04:04:36 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2020642 Cooking at home does not have to be hard. Several people have put forward lots of good ideas. Cooking in bulk, freezing, transforming leftovers, all work well. I have found that eating at home works best when combined with a menu plan for the week. This really doesn't take long. As part of the shopping I work out our meals for that week, then write them on a list and stick it on the fridge. Then hubby and I know what our 'menu' is to choose from that week, plus we have all the ingredients for those meals to hand. What is also important is making sure you always have some super quick and easy meal ingredients on hand. I keep bacon in the freezer for BLTs - great for dinner. Also toasted cheese and tomato. Baked beans on toast. Eggs on toast. Scrambled eggs. Roast veges - chuck them all in the oven (unpeeled) when you get home and 30 mins later they're ready. Skin comes off easy once it's cooked. Add a piece of chicken or steak. 2-minute quick cook rice and a tin of tuna. Flat bread pizza with tomato sauce, pineapple, mushroom and bacon. My favourite - pasta with a tub of pesto tossed through and cherry tomatoes. I buy risoni pasta that cooks in less than 10 mins. Homemade always seems to taste better and it's mostly quicker than getting in the car or waiting for delivery. Cooking at home does not have to be hard. Several people have put forward lots of good ideas. Cooking in bulk, freezing, transforming leftovers, all work well. I have found that eating at home works best when combined with a menu plan for the week. This really doesn’t take long. As part of the shopping I work out our meals for that week, then write them on a list and stick it on the fridge. Then hubby and I know what our ‘menu’ is to choose from that week, plus we have all the ingredients for those meals to hand.
What is also important is making sure you always have some super quick and easy meal ingredients on hand. I keep bacon in the freezer for BLTs – great for dinner. Also toasted cheese and tomato. Baked beans on toast. Eggs on toast. Scrambled eggs. Roast veges – chuck them all in the oven (unpeeled) when you get home and 30 mins later they’re ready. Skin comes off easy once it’s cooked. Add a piece of chicken or steak. 2-minute quick cook rice and a tin of tuna. Flat bread pizza with tomato sauce, pineapple, mushroom and bacon. My favourite – pasta with a tub of pesto tossed through and cherry tomatoes. I buy risoni pasta that cooks in less than 10 mins.
Homemade always seems to taste better and it’s mostly quicker than getting in the car or waiting for delivery.

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]]> By: Jan Foselli http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-2/#comment-2017882 Jan Foselli Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:43:15 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2017882 By not eating out, we save a significant amount of calories AND money. I have to live a gluten-free lifestyle, so it's difficult to find choices on menus sometimes for me. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find our favorite Italian restaurant started offering gluten=free pasta! By not eating out, we save a significant amount of calories AND money. I have to live a gluten-free lifestyle, so it’s difficult to find choices on menus sometimes for me. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find our favorite Italian restaurant started offering gluten=free pasta!

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]]> By: Dan http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-1/#comment-2017072 Dan Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:10:38 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2017072 I was single until my late 20's, and it took me a very long time to build up my kitchen. It seemed that every recipe was a new set of ingredients, and a simple meal would cost $20, especially if I had to buy dried herbs. Then, when I would make it, I'd have the same stuff for a week. Ugh. It was as cheap to go out as it was to cook in. When I got married, it wasn't much more expensive to cook for two of us. There's not much difference between making four servings and throwing half of them out, or making four servings and giving two to someone else :) I was single until my late 20′s, and it took me a very long time to build up my kitchen. It seemed that every recipe was a new set of ingredients, and a simple meal would cost $20, especially if I had to buy dried herbs. Then, when I would make it, I’d have the same stuff for a week. Ugh. It was as cheap to go out as it was to cook in.

When I got married, it wasn’t much more expensive to cook for two of us. There’s not much difference between making four servings and throwing half of them out, or making four servings and giving two to someone else :)

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]]> By: Dan http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-1/#comment-2017052 Dan Tue, 22 Nov 2011 01:06:05 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2017052 Yeah, I cook very well at home. My wife and I are starting to become very particular about where we go out. I can't stand spending $100 on a mediocre meal + bottle of wine + tax + tip. Groupon's been cool because I've picked up a ton of groupons for local restaurants. This helps get us exposure to places without paying retail. Yeah, I cook very well at home. My wife and I are starting to become very particular about where we go out. I can’t stand spending $100 on a mediocre meal + bottle of wine + tax + tip.

Groupon’s been cool because I’ve picked up a ton of groupons for local restaurants. This helps get us exposure to places without paying retail.

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]]> By: Samantha http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-1/#comment-2016362 Samantha Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:19:44 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2016362 I disagree. When did it become everyone else's responsibility to spend money on my special day? If I choose to hold a party at a restaurant, I'm picking up the tab. Its different to ask your spouse to take you to your favorite place for your birthday... everyone shouldn't be required to spend outside their comfort zone for you. At that point, its not about the birthday or spending time together. Its about being spoiled. I disagree. When did it become everyone else’s responsibility to spend money on my special day? If I choose to hold a party at a restaurant, I’m picking up the tab. Its different to ask your spouse to take you to your favorite place for your birthday… everyone shouldn’t be required to spend outside their comfort zone for you. At that point, its not about the birthday or spending time together. Its about being spoiled.

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]]> By: Stacey http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-2/#comment-2016352 Stacey Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:13:49 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2016352 My husband and I have also fallen in the "too tired to cook trap," which, as you point out, adds pounds on our waists and takes dollars out of our wallets. One thing we've done to help with this is (aside from purposely using the slow cooker on our busiest work days) is to pre-plan the entire week's menu. We realized that we spent too much time while hungry fighting over what to eat, and it's just so much easier to come home and cook when everything's already pre-thawed and out and ready to go! Moderation should be key- eat out if you enjoy eating out, but be mindful of how often (and how much) it costs... :) My husband and I have also fallen in the “too tired to cook trap,” which, as you point out, adds pounds on our waists and takes dollars out of our wallets. One thing we’ve done to help with this is (aside from purposely using the slow cooker on our busiest work days) is to pre-plan the entire week’s menu. We realized that we spent too much time while hungry fighting over what to eat, and it’s just so much easier to come home and cook when everything’s already pre-thawed and out and ready to go!

Moderation should be key- eat out if you enjoy eating out, but be mindful of how often (and how much) it costs…
:)

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]]> By: Suzanna http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-2/#comment-2016102 Suzanna Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:20:08 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2016102 Great blog Michelle! Our household is currently going through something similar, but along a slightly different route. I've been trying to make up a menu for about 4-6 meals (depending on how big they are) for each week, figuring out what I have on hand and what I need to buy, making a detailed shopping list and ONLY buying what is on the list. That way I have meal ideas all ready for each night (and if I don't feel like fixing meal A, I'll fix meal B or meal D), all the necessary ingredients on hand, and haven't over-bought or gotten unnecessary items on my shopping trips. It's been pretty amazing what a difference it's made. I spend less, we've eaten better (no having to wonder what I can throw together), and I don't have those necessary purchases of items that we just didn't need in my pantry-area. Great blog Michelle! Our household is currently going through something similar, but along a slightly different route. I’ve been trying to make up a menu for about 4-6 meals (depending on how big they are) for each week, figuring out what I have on hand and what I need to buy, making a detailed shopping list and ONLY buying what is on the list. That way I have meal ideas all ready for each night (and if I don’t feel like fixing meal A, I’ll fix meal B or meal D), all the necessary ingredients on hand, and haven’t over-bought or gotten unnecessary items on my shopping trips. It’s been pretty amazing what a difference it’s made. I spend less, we’ve eaten better (no having to wonder what I can throw together), and I don’t have those necessary purchases of items that we just didn’t need in my pantry-area.

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]]> By: Carla http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-1/#comment-2016042 Carla Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:56:33 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2016042 I may look into that! Now if I can find a way to have steamed milk...:) I may look into that! Now if I can find a way to have steamed milk…:)

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]]> By: Carla http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-1/#comment-2016032 Carla Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:55:41 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2016032 A casual place I like to go to is Dicks on SE Belmont. They are very sensitive to food intolerances (gluten, especially) and are very accommodating. Blossoming Lotus is another place. Bamboo Sushi has wheat free tamari on request. For the most part, I don't eat food what would have flour, etc in it in the first place. I guess I'm used to always asking. Hope this helps somewhat! A casual place I like to go to is Dicks on SE Belmont. They are very sensitive to food intolerances (gluten, especially) and are very accommodating.

Blossoming Lotus is another place. Bamboo Sushi has wheat free tamari on request. For the most part, I don’t eat food what would have flour, etc in it in the first place. I guess I’m used to always asking.

Hope this helps somewhat!

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]]> By: Laura http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-2/#comment-2015992 Laura Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:49:42 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2015992 How timely! In the past few, weeks, I have had a couple really disappointing meals at two local restaurants that I have frequented for years..with drinks and tips, I've blown around $100 total. I have been really doing some "soul searching" about how much money we are blowing on food away from home. My husband and I are good cooks, and with a little planning and careful shopping, we can always make great things at home for way less money. This article has really motivated me! How timely! In the past few, weeks, I have had a couple really disappointing meals at two local restaurants that I have frequented for years..with drinks and tips, I’ve blown around $100 total. I have been really doing some “soul searching” about how much money we are blowing on food away from home. My husband and I are good cooks, and with a little planning and careful shopping, we can always make great things at home for way less money. This article has really motivated me!

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]]> By: Samantha http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-1/#comment-2015922 Samantha Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:26:55 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2015922 I do the exact same thing. I love to browse the New Releases at the huge chain bookstores, and I keep track of what I'm reading, what I've read, and what I want to read on Goodreads. But nothing beats my public library for the awesome service, value (hah!), and amazing online request system. I 'order' books and movies online and they notify me via email when they come in. I don't have to stalk the shelves anymore looking for TR768.85! I do the exact same thing. I love to browse the New Releases at the huge chain bookstores, and I keep track of what I’m reading, what I’ve read, and what I want to read on Goodreads. But nothing beats my public library for the awesome service, value (hah!), and amazing online request system. I ‘order’ books and movies online and they notify me via email when they come in. I don’t have to stalk the shelves anymore looking for TR768.85!

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]]> By: Jo http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-1/#comment-2015902 Jo Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:25:26 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2015902 You can buy one of those "old fashioned" stove top espresso machines. They are super cheap and believe me...coffee will be amazing. I use mine every.single.day. You can buy one of those “old fashioned” stove top espresso machines. They are super cheap and believe me…coffee will be amazing. I use mine every.single.day.

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]]> By: Samantha http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-1/#comment-2015872 Samantha Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:13:43 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2015872 Paperbackswap is the place to be!!! It's not just paperbacks, it's hardbacks, audiobooks, everything. You get rid of all those books you're never going to read again and just pay for Media Mail shipping (currently about $2.40), and you get to order books from around the country for free. Its amazing. And its also "green". Paperbackswap is the place to be!!! It’s not just paperbacks, it’s hardbacks, audiobooks, everything. You get rid of all those books you’re never going to read again and just pay for Media Mail shipping (currently about $2.40), and you get to order books from around the country for free. Its amazing. And its also “green”.

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]]> By: Jasanna http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-2/#comment-2015832 Jasanna Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:56:06 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2015832 I'm there with you! Lunches are just plain tough, sometimes. What I've been trying to learn to do is make something that I can freeze in individual glass containers and bring to lunch. For example: stuffed pasta shells(you can bring several with you from the freezer), a fruit, a granola bar, and maybe a baggie of carrots. :) I try to keep fruits and vegetables as well as granola bars, nuts, V-8 fusion juice, and other healthy snacky things around the house so I can just grab what I feel like would be a good "filler." :) http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailconfirm?k=c0jUCFPglx1VAcSXSN37BIHBf_I I’m there with you! Lunches are just plain tough, sometimes. What I’ve been trying to learn to do is make something that I can freeze in individual glass containers and bring to lunch. For example: stuffed pasta shells(you can bring several with you from the freezer), a fruit, a granola bar, and maybe a baggie of carrots. :) I try to keep fruits and vegetables as well as granola bars, nuts, V-8 fusion juice, and other healthy snacky things around the house so I can just grab what I feel like would be a good “filler.” :)

http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailconfirm?k=c0jUCFPglx1VAcSXSN37BIHBf_I

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]]> By: Jasanna http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-2/#comment-2015822 Jasanna Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:53:24 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2015822 This is a fantastic idea and such a well-written article! I really want to try this with our family, and even though it's just my husband and I with no kids, we do spend too much on eating out. We don't even eat out a lot, but it's healthier to cook and hey, saving $30 a month would be awesome! http://munchtalk.blogspot.com/ This is a fantastic idea and such a well-written article! I really want to try this with our family, and even though it’s just my husband and I with no kids, we do spend too much on eating out. We don’t even eat out a lot, but it’s healthier to cook and hey, saving $30 a month would be awesome!

http://munchtalk.blogspot.com/

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]]> By: Andrew http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-1/#comment-2015802 Andrew Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:50:11 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2015802 Great link--thanks! I just saved it and will be using the recipe next weekend. Great link–thanks! I just saved it and will be using the recipe next weekend.

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]]> By: Nancy http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-1/#comment-2015682 Nancy Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:05:24 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2015682 Have you tried paperbackswap dot com? It's a wonderful free way to get books. I've been a member (free) for several years. Today alone I received 8 new to me books! Have you tried paperbackswap dot com? It’s a wonderful free way to get books. I’ve been a member (free) for several years. Today alone I received 8 new to me books!

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]]> By: kathleen http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-1/#comment-2015652 kathleen Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:55:33 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2015652 gosh Carla, I'm in Portland too, and I eat a similar diet to you -- where on earth are you finding places to go where you don't have to be "that person" that sends the waitress back to the kitchen to find out if there's flour in the steak sauce? gosh Carla, I’m in Portland too, and I eat a similar diet to you — where on earth are you finding places to go where you don’t have to be “that person” that sends the waitress back to the kitchen to find out if there’s flour in the steak sauce?

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]]> By: Bella http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-2/#comment-2015642 Bella Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:54:15 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2015642 We used to eat out every lunch and every weekend dinner AND lunch (and sometimes breakfast). Now, hubby still eats out every day at lunch - provides a break in his day and social time with coworkers, I eat out lunch most days. But we've really cut back on dinners out (or take out) to one night a week, and breakfast out about once a month. I'm trying to get my half of the restaurant bill down to $50 a week. Which means one dinner or two sit down lunches out a week for the two of us. We're not there yet, but working on it. The thing I struggle most with is lunches - I like sandwiches - but I've done the sandwich calculator - to make what I like - it's not worth doing it myself, leftovers are good if I only have one serving left, but if I have two I'd rather use it for dinner than eat the same thing 3x in a week. I have relied on frozen dinners for lunch - I figure it's about as nutritious as restaurant food but at least the calorie counts and amounts are reasonable, especially when paired with a huge serving of frozen veggies. Also cheaper dollars and time wise. We used to eat out every lunch and every weekend dinner AND lunch (and sometimes breakfast). Now, hubby still eats out every day at lunch – provides a break in his day and social time with coworkers, I eat out lunch most days. But we’ve really cut back on dinners out (or take out) to one night a week, and breakfast out about once a month. I’m trying to get my half of the restaurant bill down to $50 a week. Which means one dinner or two sit down lunches out a week for the two of us. We’re not there yet, but working on it.
The thing I struggle most with is lunches – I like sandwiches – but I’ve done the sandwich calculator – to make what I like – it’s not worth doing it myself, leftovers are good if I only have one serving left, but if I have two I’d rather use it for dinner than eat the same thing 3x in a week. I have relied on frozen dinners for lunch – I figure it’s about as nutritious as restaurant food but at least the calorie counts and amounts are reasonable, especially when paired with a huge serving of frozen veggies. Also cheaper dollars and time wise.

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]]> By: Bella http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-1/#comment-2015592 Bella Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:37:53 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2015592 And I can't stand cleaning in the evening after I've cooked. I'm so a morning dishes person - usually I like to get the kitchen ready before I leave the house though - because if I don't I have to clean before I cook when I get home - which I don't like either. And I can’t stand cleaning in the evening after I’ve cooked. I’m so a morning dishes person – usually I like to get the kitchen ready before I leave the house though – because if I don’t I have to clean before I cook when I get home – which I don’t like either.

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]]> By: Bella http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-1/#comment-2015572 Bella Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:31:21 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2015572 I am also working on the stockpiling thing. For some reason I will freeze something 'for later' but later never comes - then it gets thrown out. I am trying ot adjust my thinking that I freeze stuff so I don't have to eat it NOW, but that later could be as soon as next week. I am also working on the stockpiling thing. For some reason I will freeze something ‘for later’ but later never comes – then it gets thrown out. I am trying ot adjust my thinking that I freeze stuff so I don’t have to eat it NOW, but that later could be as soon as next week.

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]]> By: Bella http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-1/#comment-2015562 Bella Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:26:13 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2015562 our twist on this is to review the pantry - and donate donate donate. We used to get trick or treaters for the food pantry - they seem to have disappeared this year, however, a few years ago when we found out that while the food bank is only open on weekdays when I'm at work - our mission is open for donations ANY time, even on Sunday which is when I get around to cleaning out the pantry. our twist on this is to review the pantry – and donate donate donate. We used to get trick or treaters for the food pantry – they seem to have disappeared this year, however, a few years ago when we found out that while the food bank is only open on weekdays when I’m at work – our mission is open for donations ANY time, even on Sunday which is when I get around to cleaning out the pantry.

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]]> By: Colleen http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-2/#comment-2015382 Colleen Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:32:16 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2015382 Awesome! Eating out is hard on your wallet and also on your health! If people only knew what kind of crap (most) restaurants use...the cheapest of everything to maximize their profit. We eat out very rarely and then only places that use local, farm-raised foods not processed or contating pesticides, soy, GMOs, hormones, etc. It's amazing how good grass-fed and pasture-raised meat is! Awesome! Eating out is hard on your wallet and also on your health! If people only knew what kind of crap (most) restaurants use…the cheapest of everything to maximize their profit. We eat out very rarely and then only places that use local, farm-raised foods not processed or contating pesticides, soy, GMOs, hormones, etc. It’s amazing how good grass-fed and pasture-raised meat is!

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]]> By: Eliza http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2011/11/20/reader-story-the-30-day-no-restuarant-challenge/comment-page-2/#comment-2015342 Eliza Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:07:44 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/?p=111522#comment-2015342 Michelle, this was a great article -- thanks. I am not sure if anyone else mentioned this, but one thing that happened to me when I stopped eating out at restaurants and just ate my own food, was my persistent tummy troubles/indigestion (and worse) stopped happening. I ate at normal, regular chain restaurants (won't mention names but you know them) a few times a week. Then stopped to save money. I guess it was something in the food -- either an allergy, or frequent low level food poisoning. Whatever it was, it went away with the restaurant food. I think my own cooking tops any restaurant in quality and taste, but yes, it does take time and energy, which I don't always have (I'm a full-time employed single parent of 3 kids). When I don't have much energy -- spaghetti OR omelets OR leftovers. It doesn't always have to be gourmet. Michelle, this was a great article — thanks.

I am not sure if anyone else mentioned this, but one thing that happened to me when I stopped eating out at restaurants and just ate my own food, was my persistent tummy troubles/indigestion (and worse) stopped happening. I ate at normal, regular chain restaurants (won’t mention names but you know them) a few times a week. Then stopped to save money.

I guess it was something in the food — either an allergy, or frequent low level food poisoning. Whatever it was, it went away with the restaurant food.

I think my own cooking tops any restaurant in quality and taste, but yes, it does take time and energy, which I don’t always have (I’m a full-time employed single parent of 3 kids). When I don’t have much energy — spaghetti OR omelets OR leftovers. It doesn’t always have to be gourmet.

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