brown bag it

Ever since living abroad, I’ve become very conscious of my spending. I’m not complaining, of course, (as a poor student, I certainly can afford to save,) but it means that on most days at home, I pack my lunch for work, I often cook instead of eating out for breakfast and dinner, and I share non-organic produce with my family. Oh, and I eat a ton of leftovers! 

Yesterday I brought my mom’s potato soup with me. It was actually much better than expected with bits of celery and kale in it and spiced with red pepper, and filled me up faster than I thought. Alongside it I happily chomped on crudités and read a few pages of a pre-published book from the giveaway table. That’s the great thing about working at a healthy living magazine, the freebies are usually good for you ;).

As upsetting as it may be, for many eating healthfully is even too expensive. In my case, I focus on whole, unprocessed foods, bought in bulk, and only buy the other things (almond milk, Sunshine burgers, dark chocolate, etc) when they’re on sale or with coupons. Check brand websites, you can save a lot J. Still, there is definitely a problem within our country (the Dollar menu?) in which the, as much as I hate to use the world, bad food is “dirt cheap.”

Did you know that nearly 95% of U.S. health-care funds go towards treating illnesses, while only the remaining 5% is put towards prevention. Not even the (soon-to-be doctor) boy could argue that system reform is uncalled for. There are a countless number of problems with that figure, and it’s clear that our country could use a couple of  fund re-distribution right alongside more saving tips than I could ever begin to imagine.

Again on a lighter note: personal saving also usually means forgetting about happy hour… with the exception of tonight. I’m splurging with Steph! She’s a graduated friend of mine, we haven’t seen each other in almost 5 months, and some girlie conversation and drinks are well overdue. After we wrap-up our work days, we’re headed to Terroir for wine flights and small plates. I couldn’t be more excited :). Might be seeing you all later, we shall see! Have a great night!