Sassy and Satisfying Simple Pleasures: Budget and Calorie Saving Fashion and Food Inspiration

Simple pleasures- that’s what people most often feel like they are missing when they are trying to save money or eat right. I will show you a few options to for saving money and eating healthier that will also allow you to look your best and enjoy flavorful, lightened up classic foods. The recipes will warm your heart and soothe your soul. The fashion tips will keep you slaying and keep money in the bank so you can finally plan that trip you’ve always wanted to go on or that home-remodeling job you have been thinking about. 

Let’s start with fashion. Think secondhand first. As the thredup.com motto states: “Save time, save money. Live consciously, live well. Look good, feel good.” I couldn’t have stated it better myself. It’s all true. 

Right now on the thredup.com site you will see winter layers up to 75% off, activewear starting at $3.00, and top kid’s brands for less than $10. I also saw Anthropology, J.crew, and Banana Republic suit separates for less than $30.00 each today while browsing on the thredup app. They have many items in perfect condition with tags still on! 

Did you just clean out your closet and want to earn credit at thredup.com or cash to pay off a bill? Order a free clean out bag here http://support.thredup.com/hc/en-us/articles/203414936-How-do-I-order-and-ship-a-Clean-Out-Bag-with-thredUP- You will be amazed at how easy it is. 

This Cache dress was less than $20.00 at thredup almost 2 years ago. I’m sure some of you are thinking “Oh,that dress again!” I’ve worn it so many times and posted it quite a few times as well. However, that brings me to another money-saving tip: Shop your closet, of course!! 

Find cute, trendy accessories at affordable prices at like these OTK boots and this faux fur vest at places such as burlingtoncoatfactory.com , marshalls.com and target.com.  Both my vest and boots are from BCF. I also visit http://www.polyvore.com and use the price filter to only look for the most affordable items. I found all of these faux fur vests and OTK boots today. They are all steals rather than splurges. 

You can find affordable, on-trend accessories many places, add them to your favorite pieces in your closet and you won’t have to wait for a sale or dig into your vacation fund to look amazing! 

See ? Sassy enough and you don’t have to feel sad about digging into any of your savings.

So, are you ready for flavorful, lightened up classics? Do not feel like you are missing out on simple pleasures when you are trying to eat right. That hearty pot roast and slice of chocolate cake can be all you crave when the wind starts whipping and faux fur weather begins. Luckily, these recipes all include the right blend of ingredients and a few lighter substitutions so you can still enjoy your all-time favorites in a healthier way. 


Maple Orange Pot Roast

You will need:

1 boneless beef rump roast 

1/2 cup orange juice 

1/4 cup sugar-free maple-flavored syrup

1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth 

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon grated orange peel 

1 bay leaf 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/4 teaspoon pepper 

1 1/2 pounds red potatoes, cut into large chunks 

5 medium carrots, cut into 2 inch pieces 

2 celery ribs 

2 medium onions, cut into wedges 

4 teaspoons cornstarch 

1/4 cup cold water

In a large skillet coated with nonstick cooking spray, brown roast on all sides; drain. Place in a roasting pan coated with the nonstick cooking spray. In the same skillet, combine the orange juice, syrup, wine or broth, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, orange peel, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently; pour over meat. Place the carrots, potatoes, celery and onions around the roast. Cover and bake at 325 degrees for 3 hours.

Remove meat and vegetables and keep warm. Pour pan juices into a measuring cup. Discard bay leaf and skim fat. Pour into a saucepan. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir into juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with pot roast and vegetables. 

8 servings 

1 serving = 335 calories/ 8 grams of fat 

Simplicity can also apply to a classic feel-good favorite like this, almost like a security blanket for the soul.

Chicken and Dumpling Soup

You will need:

3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper 

2 teaspoons olive oil

1/4 cup all-purpose flour 

4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided

1 cup water 

2 cups frozen French-cut green beans 

1 1/2 cups sliced onions

 1 cup coarsly chopped shredded carrots 

1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram 

2/3 cup reduced-fat biscuit/baking mix

1/3 cup cornmeal 

1/4 cup shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese

1/3 cup fat-free milk 

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. In a nonstick skillet, sauté chicken in oil until browned and juices run clear. 

In a large saucepan, combine flour and 1/2 cup broth until smooth. Stir in water and remaining broth. Add the beans, carrots, onions, marjoram, and chicken. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the biscuit mix, cornmeal and cheese. Stir in milk just until moistened. Drop batter in 12 mounds onto simmering soup. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a dumpling comes out clean. 

1 1/4 cups soup with 3 dumplings =353 calories and 8 g fat 

Do not skip dessert. No one will believe this but this ooey-gooey chocolate cake is actually light.

Caramel-Pecan Chocolate Cake 

You will need:

1 package (14 ounces) caramels 

1 can (14 ounces) fat- free sweetened condensed milk 

1/3 cup butter 

4 squares ( 1 ounce each) unsweetened chocolate, melted 

1/3 cup canola oil 

1 1/2 cups water 

1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce 

2 egg whites 

1 egg 

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour 

1 1/3 cups sugar 

1/3 cup sugar blend 

1 teaspoon baking soda 

1 teaspoon salt 

3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted 

1 teaspoon confectioners’ sugar 

In a small heavy saucepan, heat the caramels, milk and butter over low heat. Set aside and keep warm.

In a large mixing bowl, combine chocolate and oil. Beat in the water, applesauce, egg whites, egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, sugar, sugar blend, baking soda and salt; gradually add to chocolate mixture until blended. 

Pour half of batter into a 13 inch x 9 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 16 minutes. Spread caramel mixture evenly over cake; top with remaining batter. Sprinkle with pecans. 

Bake 18-23 minutes and then cook on a wire rack. Sprinkle with confectioners’ 

sugar. 

24 servings 

1 serving = 318 calories and 13 g fat 

This is a rather comforting little pleasure that can be served before or after dinner.

Hot Bourbon Orange Tea Toddy 

Your will need:

1  (3 inch ) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced 

1 lemon, cut into 8 wedges 

1/4 cup honey 

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes 

3 regular size orange pekoe tea bags

1/2 cup bourbon 

Bring first 4 ingredients and 1 quart of water to a boil. Remove pan from heat and add tea bags. Let steep 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove and discard solids. Whisk in bourbon and serve warm or hot. 

Thank you so much for visiting my blog today. I appreciate your time and attention and hope you found the post useful and enjoyable. 

What are your favorite ways to save money, stay stylish, and stay on track with your healthy lifestyle? 

I’d love to hear from you ! 

Yours truly,

Jennifer 

Xoxo