30 on $30 Days 17 & 18

Eventful is how my life rolls. Being wife, mom, student and full time employee has created some challenges during this journey. Mainly planning meals and prepping. Some days while we're out and the kids need to be fed, I've had to wait at a restaurant with my family before coming home to make something to eat. Other days aren't so bad and timing works out perfectly. Strangely enough I have not gotten tired of my meals. I am craving other foods, but the cravings are not as strong as I anticipated, praise God!

As I'm prepping my meals for the week, I'm noticing extra cans of tomato sauce that I have not been using much of. I'm thinking of adding it to my rice on the next batch while I cook it to give it some flavor. I could have definitely used that money for another item that I enjoyed more. As far as staples like rice and beans, pasta has not been prepared much either. I could have just bought 1 pack instead of two. Mental notes for next time (maybe).

Now for my favorite part of the blog. Meet Prabhavathi. She lives in India and is 11 years old. She enjoys group games and dancing. She's in 3rd grade and her favorite subjects are English and Telegu and is in need of a sponsor. Your sponsorship will cover all her nutritious meals, medical/dental care, and an education all in a loving family environment. 

Can you be her sponsor? http://www.peacegospel.org/detail/665/

DAY 17

Breakfast: This simple quick hard boiled egg was a life saver when I jet out the door in the morning! Costs .10 cents

Lunch: I had leftover soup from yesterday that I brought to work. Costs .30 cents

 Dinner: One of my favorite comfort foods, fried rice. 

Costs .25 cents

With a busy day at work and no time to go out for lunch, the typical $7 club sandwich from downstairs is my go-to. Dinner with the family would have been steak since I'm craving that tonight $15 for ingredients. Late night popcorn snack $3. Add my daily coffee for .55 and my total saved today is: $25.55. New donation total: $346.05

DAY 18

Breakfast: This yummy little number came through my little kitchen and fingers as a big WOW. French toast, mini crepe, and bananas. The kicker? This total meal costs about .20 cents!

Lunch: Leftovers from yesterday's comfort food fried rice. Costs .25 cents

Dinner: Changing it up a little. Egg drop soup with elbow macaroni accompanied with a bean and potato taco. Costs .40 cents

With all of today's events, my food total is $23.3. New donation total: $369.35

As I'm prepping my last 2 weeks I know I can split all my ingredients in half. The rationing looks promising and no ingredient looks like it's running lower than it should. I could really use more bananas, but being careful not to eat too much. The frozen bananas with cinnamon have been a great late night snack - tastes like icecream on my dulled taste palette. 

All in all, I'm feeling strong and confident that my journey of living 30 days on $30 worth of food will be complete. On the other hand, I'm not sure I will reach my goal of having 7 sponsors. Can you pray with me? Pray that hearts are stirred. That spirits are revived. And the right sponsors will come along and sponsor a child. It's a beautiful privilege to be a part of these children's lives. Please pray that sponsors will come forward. 

I want to thank everyone who has joined me on this journey. With either giving, praying, or following what I'm eating, it has all been very strengthening! I appreciate y'all so much!