CUTTING COSTS WITHOUT CUTTING CORNERS

Since leaving the corporate world for a more creatively-fulfilling one, we have been finding new ways to build a healthy lifestyle that won't break the bank! Here is an example of a possible Monday for us now:

1) Wake up.
2) Make a breakfast of one big omelet to share, fixed with 2 eggs, turkey bacon, and tomatoes and basil from our potted, indoor garden by the window. With herbs and veggies growing right here, we've just saved around $1.30, plus the petrol to go to the grocery market!
3) Answer emails.
4) Begin making bread to use for sandwiches at lunch time... allow dough to rise at least 1 hour...
5) Perform at least a 20-minute workout with a DVD from the library. Saved on the cost of purchasing a DVD or online program subscription! Also, now pumped up to face the day!
6) We work. At least 8 hours, but usually closer to 11 hours a day. This is a freelancer's world! Gotta pay those bills!
7) In-between working, continue with bread recipe... divide dough into 2 pans and allow to rise another 30 minutes... then bake at 350F for 30 mintues...
8) Once bread cools, slice and make sandwiches for lunch! Just saved again by not eating out, and by not wasting time or fuel to leave the house! Also saved on bread for the next two weeks or more. One loaf at the grocery store is $2.99. With this recipe, you get 2 loaves for around $1.00!
9) Answer emails again.
10) After or in-between working, we go for walks, shop near our apartment, or ride our bicycles to the library for a re-stock of books, CDs, and DVDs! All of this means exercise, cleared minds, detoxed bodies, and- my personal favorite- MORE BOOKS. The whole trip will also make a minimal dent in our wallet!
11) Make dinner. Kei and I cook by color. Different colored foods contain different useful nutrients. So a common meal for us is Donburi (fish/meat and veggies over hot rice). Usually we toss together diced chicken breast, carrots, broccoli, red pepper, zucchini, corn, purple cabbage, and onion in a pan with cooking sake, soy sauce, and chicken broth. Once the chicken is browned and the carrots soft, we serve over hot rice! Very delicious and very healthful!
12) We relax in the evenings, which is a big relief at the end of a full day. Zzzzzz.....

* Amish Bread Recipe here: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/amish-white-bread/
* A good base recipe for Donburi: http://www.justonecookbook.com/recipes/beef-donburi-with-shiso-garlic-soy-sauce/