Lunch for Under a Buck

My experiment with the $.99 store (http://www.99store.com/) continues. Several weeks ago I showed you how to plan delicious, healthy breakfasts for a week, for either $.50 per meal, or in a few cases, $1.00per meal. Now here are some lunch ideas. All ingredients were purchased at the $.99 store, including soft drinks, water drinks and tea.

My ingredients included the following items: bread, yogurt, jello, pudding, hot dogs, cheese, frozen burritos, tortilla chips, beans, canned vegetables, fresh fruits and vegetables, cookies, soft drinks, tea drinks, water.

1. Grilled cheese sandwich, 6oz yogurt, apple $.75per person
2. Home made bean and vegetable soup, tortillas, fresh strawberries .$75per person
3. Salad made with greens, variety of veggies, cheese and raisins, dinner rolls or crackers, pudding or jello $1.00per person
4. Cheese quesedilla with salsa, black beans, fresh strawberries $.75
5. Hot dog and bun with cheese or sauerkraut, tortilla chips, jello or pudding .$75per person
6. Home made bean and vegetable soup, 1/2 ham sandwich, yogurt $1.00per person
7. Chopped vegetable salad, rolls or tortillas, yogurt and cookies $1.00per person

I was playing bridge with my friend today, and she saw my bag of fresh vegetables, and said "Where did you buy those?" When I told her the $.99 store she couldn't believe it...When I showed her what I bought (strawberries, kiwis, asparagus, organic lettuce) she really couldn't believe it. Lunch for under $1.00 is doable (is that a word?) and can be done with good nutrition and great taste. Try it.

Relax, It's Almost Spa Week in San Diego

One of the best ways to get rid of stress and fatigue is to spend a half day at a spa. That can be quite pricey, but have no fear, Spa Week is almost here. From April 13-19, participating spas in the San Diego area, and all over the country for that matter, have special prices on various spa treatments, $50 for most massages and facials, greatly reduced from the regular price. One way to check all that's available in your area is go to http://www.spaweek.com/ and register. Once you have registered, spaweek will give you all the spas available in your area and what treatments they offer.

Several spas in North County San Diego that I like are Morgan Run (www.morganrun.com), Bella D'Ora (http://www.belladoraspa.com/) and Away Spa at the W Hotel in San Diego. Check each one, as they only offer a few treatments at the SpaWeek price of $50. Compare to their regular price to make sure you are really getting a deal. With a steam shower and jacuzzi, massage and time in the relaxation room, I promise you will come out feeling refreshed and ready to face the world.

Happy Hour Will Make Your Wallet Smile-Part 1

One of the easiest ways to save big bucks on dining out is to eat during happy hour. Happy hour is generally from 4:30-6:30. Often excellent restaurants have a special bar menu and specially price wine and beer. Here are a few of my favorites.


Bistro West (http://www.bistrowest.com/) is a great, upscale restaurant in Carlsbad. Go between 3:30-6:30 and sit in the bar area, and you can feast for a fraction of the cost of the dining room. Chicken lettuce wraps at $5.95, ahi tartare (delicious) at $6.95, roasted beet salad at $5.95, and 4 cheese pizza at $6.50 are just a few of your choices. Three dishes will feed two average eaters.


Claim Jumper (http://www.claimjumper.com/) is sometimes overlooked as a great happy hour because all people think of is the huge portions. From 3-7, Monday-Friday, in the saloon only, you can order some of the following items: buffalo wings, $4.75, calamari, $6.75, spinach artichoke dip, $7.25, 2 mini tri tip dips, $3.50, 2 fish tacos, $4.25, bruschetta, $3.25. Price on beer and ale is also reduced. Again, three dishes will satisfy two average eaters.


D Street Bar and Grill (http://www.dstreetbarandgrill.com/) in Encinitas is perfect for the sports fanatic. If your husband can't possibly miss the USC football game, this is the place to go. It is lively with fans who enjoy the many TV screens covering the walls. The food is really good, and from 4-7pm Monday-Friday they have $2 off all appetizers. This includes buffalo wings, sliders, onion rings, nachos, garlic bread, calamari and much more. They also have domestic pints at $2.50 and well drinks for $3.00. Check their website for more specials. Their regular menu is excellent too, but that's for another time.


I hope you get a chance to try some of these restaurants, and give me your feedback. Also, if you have a special happy hour to share, please leave a comment and I will try to write about it in another post. I will write some more about happy hour in the weeks to come. Happy dining.

A Night Out in Jamaica for Under $15

A Night in Jamaica for Under $15

Please check out the post for today, a few articles down, called A Night in Jamaica for Under $15...Just another example of my continuous learning. It is dated incorrectly, thus is out of order. Sorry about that.

Finally a Subscription Link

Ever since I started my blog I have been learning. Each day is frustrating, as things that should take me five minutes take me an hour. But I'm getting the hang of it, and enjoying it, and I want you to enjoy it too, so I have a Subscription Link on the left hand side. If you click it, put in your e-mail address, and fill in the box with the funny looking letters, you will be notified each time I post a new blog. So those of you who joined as followers, please fill in the subscription link. I'm still not sure of the purpose of Followers, and may remove it. If you know, please let me know. So for today, please read my last few blogs if you missed them, and I will be back tomorrow with something new and interesting.

Dine Out at Half Off

About six months ago I was driving around San Diego listening to radio station 96.5 (http://www.kyxy.com/) when something caught my attention. The DJ mentioned half off restaurant coupons, available on their website. I went home, checked it out, and was so happy to find my favorite sushi restaurant, Station Sushi in Solana Beach, on the list. I immediately ordered a few coupons, then let my sushi loving friends know about this great find. Over the months KYXY has expanded this promotion. It is now called San Diego Half Off, and you can find it on the left hand side of their home page. The list of monthly restaurants participating in the program has grown, and it now includes, spas, health clubs and other businesses as well. I'm sorry to say Station Sushi has not appeared on the list for quite awhile, but there are plenty of other great places that will help you dine out at a price that fits your budget.



I thought to myself that if KYXY was helping the community with restaurant coupons, perhaps other radio stations were too. I checked out every radio station in San Diego, both AM and FM, and could find no other station with this type of promotion. If I missed anyone, please let me know and I will mention them in another blog, but for now, 96.5 is the only one I know of. They are truly making a difference to those that still want to dine out, but want to keep the price within their budget.

A Night in Jamica for under $15

One of my favorite restaurants in Encinitas is Jamroc 101 (http://www.jamroc101.com/) This small restaurant right on Highway 101 just north of Encinitas will make you yearn to be back in the islands, or to go, if you have never been. The food is authentic, fresh, and plentiful. The price is right, too. Most entrees are under $10. Start out with a sampler appetizer plate, which includes fried plaintains, Jamaican patties stuffed with pork or curried goat, similar to an empanada, and hush puppies. Next, try the best fish and chips, or shrimp and chips you will ever eat. The chips are like thick potato chips and are stuffed into the basket with the fish. A side of creamy cole slaw with pineapple completes the meal. Another entree I love is the BBQ jerk pork ( shredded pork) plate with rice and beans and plaintains. Really delicious. Another specialty, which is only on the menu if the chef gets it fresh that day, is a whole fried red snapper served two different ways. It is beautiful and something you won't find anywhere else. Their sandwiches are also delicious, served on Jamaican coco bread, with chips and cole slaw. I have never had room for dessert, as the portions are large, but my guess is they're just as good as everything else. On Friday and Saturday night Jamroc has wonderful Jamaican music, starting at 7pm. I like Jamroc best in the summer, when the weather is warm and you can sit on the patio. You can almost feel the tropical breeze. With a cold Red Stripe (Jamaican beer) , wonderful Jamaican food, and good company Jamroc offers you a pleasant change of pace.

South Coast Plaza on a Budget

Here's a great idea for a little day trip this week. Drive up to South Coast Plaza (http://www.southcoastplaza.com/) for the day, or afternoon and evening, and enjoy either lunch or dinner at a gourmet restaurant at a fraction of the regular price. From March 20-29 the restaurants of South Coast Plaza present Fashion Plates. Four course dinner menus for $40 and three course lunch menus for $20. Participating restaurants include Marche Moderne, Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale's, Scott's Seafood Grill and Bar, Morton's the Steakhouse, Pinot Provence and many more. Go to the web site and click on Fashion Plates for more information and menus. While you're in the area be sure and stop by Rogers Gardens (http://www.rogersgardens.com/) for a real treat. It is one of the finest nurseries in Southern California. I will be dining at Charlie Palmer's at Bloomingdale's this week and will let you know how it is. Happy dining!

Seniors Line up for Freebies

Senior dogs were ready for their close up this morning. Dexter's Deli dextersdeli.com in Del Mar sponsored a photo shoot for senior dogs! In honor of the senior canine that just won best in show at the Westminster Dog Show, Dexter's Deli honored the areas senior dogs by offering each dog over 10 years old a free photo shoot. Barney was there, (see his picture on the left) and was the oldest dog they photographed this morning. Great pictures. If he was just a bit younger he might have a career in Hollywood.

The Sights and Tastes of Spring, Part 1

Several weeks ago my mom and I drove to Fresno to visit my niece. It's normally a boring drive, but springtime made it very special. The last 60 miles was one of the most beautiful spectacles I have ever seen. Almond trees in bloom as far as the eye could see. At first we didn't know what they were, and we were thinking they were cherry trees, but California does not grow that many cherries. I finally saw a small sign that said "almonds" and realized we were near Fresno, the largest almond producing area in the U.S. The pictures I have included is what we saw for close to an hour, white blossoms on some trees, pale pink on others. You might be wondering what those white boxes are. They are bees! The beest are kept in a cool dark place during the winter, then shipped to Caifornia when the almond trees bloom. Very interesting. Something I did not know. This beautiful visual made the trip to Fresno a winner, even if I hadn't been going to see my favorite niece.

Spring Salad with Almonds

salad greens, your choice
sliced tomatoes
dried cranberries
sliced fresh apple
sliced almonds (Marcona almonds are my favorite)
Trader Joes (http://www.traderjoes.com/) balsamic vinagrette dressing

Toss ingredients together and enjoy. Make it a complete meal by adding a piece of grilled fish or chicken. Even the meat and potatoes men will enjoy this one. Trust me, I've got one at home, and he loves this salad.

I Want to Hear from You!!!

I've been blogging now for about two weeks, but have heard very little from you, the reader. I need feedback, suggestions, what you like, what you don't like, etc. If you want to follow my blog please sign up on the left hand side under Followers. I'm still developing the blog, and learning all the ins and outs of blogging. Please leave comments so I know what's working, and what I need to change. I thank you in advance for following me and hope that the content of my blogs will entertain and inform you.

Fresh from the Field Dinner

One of my favorite healthy, fresh and easy meals is a chicken and veggie stir fry with brown rice. I always have a chicken breast in the freezer, so this is a great go to meal on a busy day. All I have to do is stop at a Farmer's Market, Henry's, Just Peachy (1354 N. Coast Highway, Leucadia), 99cent store http://www.99only.com/, or any supermarket, and pick up some fresh veggies. Here's my recipe.

Stir Fried Chicken and Vegetables (Asian style)

• 1/2c. uncooked chicken, cubed


• 1c. bean sprouts


• 1/2c. onion, chopped


• 1/2c. mushrooms, sliced


• 1c. chinese cabbage, chopped


• 1/2c. sliced zucchini


• Prepare above ingredients and set aside. Any vegetables you prefer can be substituted for those I used.


• 1T. vegetable oil+ 1tsp. sesame oil


• 2tsp. grated ginger


• 2cloves garlic, chopped

Heat wok or large pan, add oil, ginger and garlic and lightly brown. Add veggies and chicken in order of cooking time (longest cooking time items added first). Add soy sauce as needed, probably around 2T. At the very end, take a mixture of 1 1/2 tsp. corn starch, plus a little water, and add to mixture, to thicken the sauce. Serve over white or brown rice, and top with crunchy chow mein noodles. Enjoy.

Hotel Deals: San Franciso

While prices of most items we use every day continue go higher, hotel prices are actually up to 50% lower than they were six months ago. Everyone is running specials to help draw in travellers. Yesterday I gave you some great prices on airfare, so now I will give you some hotels that just might make that trip you were thinking about affordable. San Franciso has always been a favorite destination of mine for many reasons, most noteably the abundance of great food at any price and the ability to get around without a car. Here are some specials on smaller, boutique hotels, which I prefer because of the generally warmer, friendlier atmostphere.

The Clift Hotel http://www.clifthotel.com/ is one of my all time favorites. $270 including continental breakfast was the minimum when I checked. Well located, the Clift is a well priced deluxe hotel. Rooms have been upgraded, and the bar and restaurant are always hopping. The Argonaut http://www.argonauthotel.com/ is wonderful for those that want to be at Fisherman's Wharf. The hotel is housed in an old brick building, but inside the decor is very contemporary, very clean. Rooms at $161 plus $1 for breakfast. I don't think you can beat it. Park 55 http://www.park55hotel.com/ is a great, moderately priced hotel. It is just off Union Square, 1/2 block from the cable car stop. $119 gets you the basic room, including valet parking. The Handlery Hotel http://www.handlery.com/ is on Union Square, and at $115 offers value and location. Finally, Palomar Hotel http://www.hotelpalomar-sf.com/ is a tasteful boutique hotel from The Kimpton Group. The theme is "art in motion," with art seen everywhere, from the walls and tables, to the headboards and chairs. Their discounted rates are $260, but well worth the splurge. These rates were all available when I checked, but I can't guarantee anything. Things can change at a moment's notice. I hope with the low airfares and discounted hotel rooms I have suggested, a few days in the city by the bay is within your reach.

Travel Deals

Have you checked out the price of air travel recently? Flights haven't been this low in a very long time. Why? Who really cares why, but it's because the airlines will do anything to get you back in the air during these trying times. Southwest continues to have special one way fares from coast to coast that might be matched by other airlines, but can't be beat. Do you know you can fly from San Diego to Oakland for $49 each way, plus tax? San Diego to Seattle is $69 each way, and San Diego to New York (Islip) is $99 each way. Remember when you go to Travelocity or Expedia that they do not include Southwest in their search for the best flights for your itinerary. That's because Southwest does not pay to be included in their reservation system. You must check Southwest separately.

International flights through the summer are also drastically reduced. Don't give up on your dream of vacationing somewhere exotic this year. Air and hotel prices have dropped dramatically, and I will give you some great hotels in a future post.

A new web site to me that you may not have yet discovered is http://www.farecompare.com/. Put in your itinerary, and it will direct you to numerous sites so you can compare itineraries and prices. Just for fun, I selected San Diego to Orlando and discovered the lowest fare available can vary from site to site by as much as $120. You can fly coast to coast for around $200. So with some hotel ideas that I will suggest next week, perhaps you can put a summer trip together after all.

Breakfast on a Budget

Several months ago, when the stock market started to go south and unemployment headed north, I decided to try an experiment. We all use coupons and club cards at the market, but I thought there must be a way to save even more money. So, I shopped exclusively at the 99 cent store for one week, and prepared 21 meals using ingredients from that store. I wasn't sure it could be done, but I did prepare delicious and healthy meals at a fraction of what I had been spending. Here are the seven breakfasts I prepared and the cost of each per person.

1. corn flakes with sliced banana and milk, toast with margarine and jam, juice, $.50 per person

2. sausage and eggs, toast with margarine and jam, juice, $1.00 per person.

3. pancakes and syrup, sausage, sliced strawberries, $1.00 per person

4. shredded wheat and sliced strawberries, toast with margarine and jam, juice, $.50 per person.

5. cheese omelette, sliced tomatoes, toast with margarine and jam, juice, $1.00 per person.

6. french toast with syrup , pork sausage linkes, sliced fruit, $1.00 per person

7. bagels with peanut butter and raisins, sliced berries, juice, $.50 per person.

So for under $6.00 you can purchase and prepare everything you need for breakfast. Remember, that produce is seasonal at the 99 cent store. Check them out at www.99only.com. I'll have more on my 99 cent store experiment next week. I learned one thing for sure. This store is not just for movie candy!

What's New in Natural and Organics

Last weekend I attended ExpoWest in Anaheim, one of the largest trade shows for natural and organic food and beauty products in the country. Thousands of vendors exhibited their products to more than 60,000 visitors. I left the show late on Saturday afternoon, absolutely stuffed from eating dozens of samples, but excited by the creativity of so many new products and twists on old ones. Here's what I liked and didn't like.

My favorite new company is Greek Gods. They make the thickest, smoothest Greek yogurt I have ever tasted. I loved the honey flavor, but when I went to Ralph's, I was only able to buy the plain yogurt.

Another new company to Southern California is Just Desserts. They have retail stores in San Francisco, but are coming here and will soon be found in Whole Foods and Bristol Farms. Another dessert company, Three Senses Gourmet, is fantastic. They make a frozen chocolate souffle (gluten free) and a frozen chocolate chip brioche pudding that will surprise you. The pudding was so good I went back for seconds.

In the frozen entree sector, there are some wonderful new tastes. Tandoor Chef (Indian entrees found at Whole Foods), Phils Fresh Foods(nine varieties of frozen burritos found at Whole Foods and Sprouts), and Annie Chun (Asian rice and entrees prepared many different ways and found in most supermarkets) are three of my favorites.

The most unusual new product that just loved is Yanni Grilling Cheese. It is a Mediterranean type cheese similar to mozarella but saltier, that is sliced and grilled, then served with pita, cucumbers and tomatoes for a great alternative to a traditional salad...I really loved it, but it is hard to find, and right now only available in speciality markets.

Other products of interest...So many crackers, breads, and chips, but I really recommend Boulder Canyon Natural Foods, for their kettle cooked potato chips (thick, crisp and salty), and rice and adzuki bean dip chips. Quinoa is popping up on many menus these days, and the best I tasted was Eden Organics red quinoa salad. It was delicious, fresh, nutty and a good alternative to rice. I also liked the many new water, tea and juice options that are too numerous to mention and frankly there are so many, I don't know how they will all survive.

What I didn't like were most of the gluten free products. There were pancakes, bread, crackers, pizza, quiche, cookies and cakes, and I can honestly say I wouldn't eat any of them except the chocolate souffle (above). They have not yet been able to reproduce the taste and texture of the original products.

One final note on the show. The most unusual product was from Turkey, called Nival Garlic Shampoo. It is supposed to be good for thinning hair. It presumably stimulates the scalp for fuller growth. My mom said with the smell of the garlic no one will get close enough to you to see if you have thinning hair!

What's this blog all about?

I've been giving advice for many years, but only when I'm asked! So here I am, age 64, on my own blog, giving advice. Actually, the purpose of this blog is three fold. One, to inform my readers about new ways of spending, or should I say SAVING their money on shopping, dining out, entertainment and travel. In these difficult times there is no reason that we shouldn't be going to the movies, theatre, vacations, restaurants and eating just as we always did. But we have to be SMART. That's where I can help. I will be out and about everyday, to discover how and where we can save and I will pass that information on to you on a weekly basis. I am located in North San Diego County, so much of my information will focus on this area, especially restaurant deals. The second purpose of this blog is to allow you, the reader, to inform me! Yes, if you know of a great deal that I have not mentioned and you think would be of interest to this group, please let me know. Finally, I hope to give you a few laughs as I tell you about my experiences trying to find new ways in these challenging times to save a buck.