The Whole Enchilada

One of the hardest things about living on your own, at least for me, is cooking. Even living back home, the only thing I knew how to make were cookies, spaghetti, grilled cheese, soup, and potatoes  Oh, and I also knew how to brown meat. Although all these things are delicious, I need some variety in my life. Ya know...spice things up a bit. Which is why I've been all experimental up in the kitchen (and by experimental I mean following someone else's recipe word for word). I am not, and will never be, Martha Stewart in the kitchen.

So not only am I learning how to cook new things...but I'm doing it on a budget. This is no easy task. I've been hunting down recipes which are a) EASY and b) inexpensive, with not very many ingredients (or ingredients I know I can store, and use over and over again). I normally find all my recipes on Pinterest, and 'pin' them to my 'Yum' board. Unless it's a fall or winter/holiday food, then those go on their own board. What can I say, I'm verrryy seasonal :)

So far I've been pretty successful. This is not just success by my standards but the boys' taste buds approve too. He comes from a family of really good cooks, so I'll admit, I'm a bit intimidated!

Last night I attempted a very very veryyy simple enchilada dish. It's only four ingredients! YAY!
All you need is:

• Tortillas (the big ones!)
• Shredded Cheese (Mexican Style)
• Corn (in the freezer section)
• Chicken Boobies (or whatever part you prefer..maybe your a thigh guy. Whatever makes you happy)

I normally do all my shopping at Jewel because I'm a Preferred Card Member and its only about 1/4 mile away from the apartment (which in the city..is a HUGE bonus!) Sometimes we will partake in an occasional 'Costco Run' to stock up on chicken, ground beef, O.J, milk..and bacon. Not my favorite thing in the world as I find Costco extremely overwhelming. Anyways, I probably spent no more than $6.00 on this meal! Winner!

To start, cook your chicken boobs and corn (Embarrassing secret: I still have to ask Nathan if the chicken looks done.). Pre-heat your oven for 350. After, lay out your tortillas and fill them with a handful of shredded chicken, tablespoon-ish of corn, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Make as many of these wraps as you want, or however many fit in your baking dish (In my case, it was only two....I'm slacking on the nice big casserole dish). When you are laying them down in the dish, remember: seam side down!! After your dish is full, put as much shredded cheese as you please over the top. Stick em in , let em bake for about 25 to 30 mins (although I found for only those two, I only needed to bake for 15 mins).

 Serve warm. I personally added a little sour cream on my plate for dipping. nom nom nom.

Enjoy!

What am I even talking about?!

Growing up as an only child, I can't say that I was extremely spoiled. I say that I was blessed and comfortable. The only things I truly remember paying for were personal items, gifts, and gas for my car. Of course, my parents were wonderful and would surprise me with things (aka mom comes back from the mall with a new shirt, or the gas tank was 'magically' full one day). Alright, some of you may say Yes, this girl was extremely spoiled,  but in the small town I grew up in, I can name at least 20 people who had things just handed to them. They had no job, yet somehow they could still afford to drive around in their expensive car (that was bought for them), and go shopping every weekend (with their parents CC). And guess what? These same kids...are still living there now, going nowhere in this world.

I decided to take a different path in my life. Two and a half years ago, I transferred to Roosevelt University  where I truly experienced city living. Even at this time I still wasn't paying rent and my school loans were deferred. My money just went to groceries, clothes, savings....anddd for spending at the bars. When I graduated in May, I had the choice to go back home like every other kid in my high school, but I was determined to be that city girl (while keeping the country girl at heart.) Although I have two jobs, I would never be able to live this dream by myself. I'm lucky enough to be living with my boyfriend who has helped me out tremendously. I can't thank him enough. We sat down before finding an apartment, and made a budget for myself, and determined how much rent I was able to pay. Although its not much, I pitch in for rent and I pay for the groceries. The rest of my money goes to student loans and my CTA card. I can't remember the last time I even went out and bought a new shirt 'just because'. I don't have the money to do that.

So.... what am I writing about?

I used to be the girl that would by a new Victoria's Secret bra every month. Now I only go there because I have a Free Panty Coupon. Coming home with two handfuls of shopping bags would make me the happiest girl in the world. Now, being able to bring home two handfuls of grocery bags makes me happy. I've gone from using high-end salon hair care/make-up...to drugstore brands. I've sacrificed a few of the luxurious things, but I couldn't be happier than I am right now in my life. It's all because I'm doing this on my own (with some support), and using the money I worked for.

Here is where you will find my stories on how I'm living on my own with a small budget. This is where I'll show how I save money (and where!), how to have fun when cash is limited, and to still look/feel good without spending department store prices. I'm sure I'll also end up sharing the struggles...I mean success stories, of learning to survive on my own (eh hem... cooking, cleaning, working). It's all these little stories about growing up.

Basically, it will be my everyday adventures with a few tips, tricks, and laughs hidden in between the lines.