10 points to whoever can name that artist.
What I am really writing about in this post is the foods that occupy my life. Most days I really like it. Other days it is a complete hassle to make something, eat it, clean up from making something, etc. However, when I do bother to cook (or Ariana cooks – often) there are some go-to foods that we like to make that are both delicious and easy on the wallet.
Money is tight for everyone, but being a single mom with one income, not on SNAP, and a hungry -but picky- toddler can make grocery shopping a nightmare. I also like to eat healthy/organic when I am able to.
Our go-to dinners include:
Spaghetti (1lb. ground beef, spaghetti sauce of choice, noodles of choice -including spaghetti squash-, seasonings)
Kielbasa (1 package, usually paired with a vegetable and macaroni and cheese)
Taco Salad (lettuce, tomato, avocado, salsa, refried beans, -blue corn or sweet potato- tortilla chips, and we normally top it with leftover chicken or chili) 
Chili (1lb. ground beef, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, seasoning)
Baked chicken (Chicken breasts, seasoning, usually paired with a couple veggies)
Hamburger/Turkey burgers (1lb. ground beef or turkey, seasoning, cheese -for hamburger-, avocado -for turkey burger-, buns of choice, usually paired with veggie or tater tots.)
Breakfast (Eggs, bacon, biscuits or toast)
This feeds about 3-4 people. For snacks we like to try and keep it healthy too. Lots of fruits on hand, pretzels, baby carrots, etc. Everything we buy we try to get organic. Ariana and I like Simple Truth and Wild Oats Organic for a lot of the stuff we buy, but we always check the ingredients list. Their prices are pretty good too. We don’t only buy these brands. We also look for what’s on sale and whatever store brand we can get away with getting.
Feeding your family shouldn’t have to be stressful. As long as it is healthy and (most) everyone is happy than you’re good. I like chicken nuggets as much as the next adult. Trust me, my son and I can polish off a bag of chicken tenders together. That’s fine too, as long as he is healthy. Me? Well I’ll just work it off later chasing him! I’ll just have to remember to breathe because that kid wears me out!
PS: I am not compensated for mentioning/recommending Simple Truth or Wild Oats. I just like their stuff.
Free to Keep Breathing 