$5.00...I mean CHEAP Dinners on Campus!

Here Late?
You gotta eat why not eat CHEAP?

In sticking with my $5.00 challenge last week I was supposed to cover dinners on campus. However in the course of the week I was super busy with assignments and other work and I wound up locked in my room eating copious amounts of multigrain cheerios and chugging coffee. I would not recommend this meal plan to anyone so please do not follow my example of poor eating!!

I take a lot of pride in this blog and so I didn't want to rush to write a blog just for the sake of writing a blog. So I hope that you can find a way to forgive me for not posting last week.

So Let's Talk about $5.00 Cheap Dinners on Campus:

DISCLAIMER: Finding $5.00 dinners on Keele campus was VERY difficult and I wasn't able to find a meal that stayed within my strict budget. Don't get me wrong you can for sure find food that is around 5 bucks and call it dinner, but is it really a dinner? Let's not get too existential with this discussion. In the effort to stick to the spirit of the challenge I decided to try my very best to keep my budget between $5-$8.00. So with this small caveat lets check out the options!!

Option 1: Jimmy The Greek
--Initially I  wasn't going to include this as an option since it is over budget a little bit, but since I opened up my budget it fits in nicely.

Veggie Plate
With SPICY Sauce

--- Vegetable Dinner Plate: $6.25
--- Gyro Pita: $6.25
--- Chicken Souvlaki Pita: $6.25

How did we do with regard to the rules?

Well we're well within our new budget of $5-$8.00. The dinner plate is quite large and so the value for money here is quite high. While there is no drink included with these options they do leave room in the budget for you to make a short walk to the Cigar Shop to pick up a pop or water for $1.00. It's a good option if you want to pick up something quick on your way to a night class or on your way back to residence or even to have something to eat on the bus.

Option2: Indian Flavour
--I wanted to included at least one restaurant from York Lanes, and since I have already profiled both Falafel Hut and Tastes in previous posts I decided to check out a NEW location!

Mixed Veggie Wrap!

--- Mixed Veggie Tandoori Warp: $6.00
--- Butter Chicken Tandoori Wrap: $7.00
--- Beef Boti Kebab Tandoori Wrap: $7.00

What do the rules say?
I had never had one of the wraps from Indian Flavour before and so when they were suggested I was a little dismissive since I didn't know how filling they would be. Let me just say. I WAS WRONG! These wraps are HUGE, they are made with Naan bread and so they are a lot more filling then a regular pita. Also they are STUFFED with filling, whether that be veggies, chicken or beef. Moral of the story you are NOT going to be hungry any time soon. Okay fine, it doesn't come with a drink, but the value for money with this option is very HIGH.

Option 3: Central Square Cafe

Pasta with Chicken!

-- In an effort to find a way to keep the Cafeteria's involved in this challenge, I decided to check out what options they had available now that my budget has increased! I am happy to report that they have a lot of really great options for students on a budget.

--- Pasta Station: $6.76 (Veggie)  or $7.67 (Meat)
--- 4oz Beef Hamburger Combo: $8.68

How well did we stick to the rules?
Trying to find meals at the Cafeteria that stick with the new budget was a little difficult. The pasta option is a very big meal so it'll fill you up meaning that the value for money is good. Also it does come in under budget so that's really good as well. In the case of the hamburger combo, this option comes with fries and a drink so although it is a little over budget you get a lot for your money. You can also get this option without the fries and drink to save yourself some money if you're not that hungry. Also it's a really quick to pick up and walk to class with.

So this brings me to the end of my Cheap Eats Challenge. I have to say it was actually really fun, I got to talk to and engage with a lot of students and staff members while doing the research that went into writing this blog series. As always please feel free to comment below if you have any additional options you want to share.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this series. I hope that you enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it! Check back next week as I promise to have another EXCITED blog up for your enjoyment!!

Remember to take it one day at a time and catch me in the Zone!

Nicole

$5 in your pocket...looking for a quick Snack?

In case you haven't noticed, February is my month of $5.00 meals. I have taken on the challenge to find meals on York's Keele Campus that are within $5 including a tax, the meal must also include a drink. Last week I covered Breakfasts and this week I'm tackling SNACKS!

Have you ever found yourself Running around campus, RAVENOUS? Looking for a quick snack that you can grab between classes?? Well I've got you covered!

Sooo....Let's Talk about where you can go to get a $5 snack on York's Keele Campus!!

Option 1: Central Square Cafeteria

Small Coffee and
Butter Croissant

--There are many snack options at the Cafeteria however trying to find an option that fits into my strict $5.00 budget that also includes a drink is not an easy task to accomplish. So remembering the rules, I came up with the following option:

---Small Coffee and Butter Croissant = $4.05
I am sad to say that the fact that the rules required a drink to be included in the budget kept sending my snack costs over $5. However this option did come with a drink and it came in under budget so this option fulfills the requirements of the rules. However when it comes to value for money this option suffers. I guess since this is a snack and not a full meal this option is alright, but I'll leave that judgement up to you.



Option 2: Falafel Hut
--Falfel Hut HAS LOTS OF OPTIONS for each meal option! Several people recommended their breakfast to me, and since I was unable to make it there for breakfast I decided to include it in my snack list. So here are your options for SNACKS:

Falafel In a Pita
and Can of Pop

---Falfel in a Pita with a Can of Pop = $4.50
***This is the SPECIAL on TUESDAY'S = $3.91.
--- Top Ten Value Menu with a Can of POP = $4.51
This menu includes: Middle East Potatoes, Rice in Pita, T.L.C in Pits, Cheese in Pita, B.L.T. in a Pita, Hummus in Pita, Tzatziri in Pita and Tuna in Pita. That's 8 different option!! Talk about Choice!!

When it comes to the rules, Falafel Hut gets a lot of points since all the options mention include food and a drink Also when it comes to value for money Falafel Hut does very well again since you actually get a fair amount of food for the price. Additionally it comes in UNDER budget. Also hidden benefit their service is very quick!!


Option 3: Berries and Blooms
--I am using Berries an Blooms as my HEALTHY OPTION for this round of the challenge. Berries and Bloom has a VERY interesting pricing structure when it comes to their menu options, so with that in mind here are your options:

Fresh Fruit
Smoothie

---Fresh Fruit Salad: You can pick and choose from a selection of fresh fruits = $??
---Salad Bar: You can make, mix and match different ingredients and prepared salads: $??
---Fresh Fruit Smoothie (with up to 3 fruits): $3.66
**Since Berries and Blooms sells the first two items by weight the price of your snack will vary from $1.00-8.00 depending on how much or how little you pick up.

So how did we do on the rules? Well if your fruit / salad bar options come in under $5 then you can get a beverage with your fruit or salad. However if your total comes to around the $5 mark then you won't be able to afford it so be sure to keep that in mind. Also if you're not really that hungry but you want a quick snack then the smoothie is a GREAT option. However since it is not actual food you might be hungry again quickly? Technically it does meet the requirement of the rules so be sure to check it out!

UNOFFICIAL Option 4: Cigar Shoppe:
--Since you cannot use your meal plan money at this location I decided to class it as an unofficial option. However it must be mentioned that this option has the GREATEST VALUE FOR MONEY!! They have MANY different "combo" options here and they are all within the $5 budget. So here are your options:

Can of Pop, Chips,
2 Granola Bars &
2 Fruit Snacks

---Can of pop and Bag of Chip: $1.75
---Various snacks (Granola Bars, Chocolate Bars, Fruit Snacks, Cookies and Protein bars) = $1.45-3.75
---Various Beverages (Pop, Water, Energy Drinks, Coffee drinks and Gatorade)= $1.00-3.75
---BIGGEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: Bag of Chips, Can of Pop, 2 granola bars, 2 fruit to go snacks $4.50

Honestly this location has the BEST VALUE FOR MONEY when it comes to snacks. It has the cheapest beverages, cheapest snack foods and super friendly staff members. When I was in my first year an upper year who lived on my floor in res recommended that I check it out since it had some "student priced items" I went their in my first year and now 6 years later I tell EVERYONE I know to check them out!

If you have NO IDEA where it is let me give you some directions: If you're walking from The Student Center toward York Lanes... it's the small connivence looking shop right next to the Student Centre, before you get to York Lanes. If you're on the fence about checking them out take it from me you won't be disappointed!

Well those are the snack options that I put forward for you to try. Feel free to ADD any additional snack options that you have come across that fit within our $5.00 budget. I'd love to hear what other places on campus that you folks like to eat at. So please add any options by commenting below!

Be on the LOOK OUT for my LUNCH Blog coming NEXT Week!!

Remember to take it one day at a time and catch me in the Zone!

Nicole

$5 Breakfast? You CAN have it at York!

So last week I announced that February would be my month of "Cheap Eats" on campus. And after I posted the blog the response I got on my twitter (if you're not following me you totes should *shameless self-promotion*) was INCREDIBLE!!

I'm happy to say that I am not alone...that is, I'm not the only one walking around Keele Campus trying to find a bite to eat that won't burst my budget!

So to everyone that tweeted me or came to visit me in the RED Zone booth with suggestions, comments and advice THANKS SO MUCH!! I hope that you have as much fun reading my "results" as I had finding them.

DISCLAIMER: I went to as many places as I could within the week, so if there are some places that you suggested that you don't see on the list, I didn't disregard your suggestions, I have stored them and will for sure try to visit them in the coming meal challenges. I tried my best to stay within the $5 budget. It was a little difficult and in some places I went over but you'll see what I mean below!

I had so much fun researching this blog and I really hope that you enjoy it!!

Sooo.... "Let's Talk" about where can you go on York's Keele Campus to get BREAKFAST for $5???

Option1: Cafeteria's

Central Square
Cafeteria
Big Breakfast

--There are several options at the York Cafeteria's that offer students breakfasts for around $5.  Here are your Options:
---Bagel with Butter and a Small Coffee and 2 Hashbrowns = $4.96
---Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich =$4.16
---Big Breakfast: 2 Eggs, 2 Hashbrowns and Bacon or Sausage = $5.20

How did we do on the RULES? Well as you can see only one of the options comes with a drink included, so the cafeteria's lose points on that count. Also when it comes to value for money the cafeteria won't be winning any major points for that either.





Option 2: Treat's Coffee Emporium
--This option is one of the HEALTHIER options on campus as well as one of the cheaper options!!
Options include:

Treat's Breakfast
Egg and Sausage
with Coffee

---Breakfast Bagel Sandwich: Egg, Cheese, Bacon or Sausage and a Medium Tea or Coffee = $5
---Breakfast Bagel Sandwiche: Egg, Cheese and Veggies with a Medium Tea or Coffee =$5

You might be thinking...how is this a healthier option? Well if you get the whole wheat bagel, with all the veggies you have gotten a serving of protein, dairy, grains and veggies. So you're hitting all your major food groups in this meal.

How did we do on the RULES? Both meals come with a drink, so points for that, both meals come in right ON BUDGET and this meal is sustaining so you get more value for money.

Option 3: Tastes
--This option is the BIGGEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!! YAY!!!

Breakfast Option1
With Tea

Options Include:
---Breakfast Option1: 2 Eggs, 2 pieces of Toast, Sausage or Bacon and a Small Tea or Coffee =$3.95
---Breakfast Omelete: 2 Eggs, w/cheese or veggies, 2 pieces of toast & a Small Tea or Coffee = $3.95

Judging based on the Rules? Tastes comes in WELL UNDER BUDGET! That's saving money for your next meal. Tastes has MANY inexpensive breakfast options that come with a drink included. They are all around the $3.50 - $4.50 mark (before taxes). I am happy to say that the quality of the food is VERY high and the value for money at Tastes can't be beat!

Unofficial Option 4: La Prep
--I attempted to visit La Prep as one of my healthier options however the cost of breakfast there broke the bank and the value for money was NOT high enough for my to include it as an official list of breakfast options.
Options include:

Parfait and Tea

---Breakfast English Muffin: Egg, Tomato and Cheese on English Muffin and a Tea = $6.16
---Breakfast Parfait: Granola, Fresh Fruit and Vanilla Yoghurt  and a Tea = $6.16

According to the Rules La Prep comes in way over budget, the food is not sustaining, that means that you'll be looking for your next meal in no time. Also value for money with their meals isn't very high if you're looking for a meal for $5. They have GREAT food if you don't mind spending $7-9 on breakfast.

Well those are the food options that I put forward for you to try next time you're on campus early looking for a cheap breakfast. I hope that you enjoy the options. Feel free to leave your comments below. If I left something out and you really want to share it with our fellow Yorkies feel free to comment!

Be on the look out for my SNACKS blog next week!

Remember to take it one day at a time and catch me in the Zone!

Nicole

Cheap Eats on Campus: Challenge Accepted!

I don't know about you guys but I am constantly finding myself on campus between classes broke and hungry. (I totally didn't mean for that to sound as pathetic as it did!) Knowing that I can't be the only one on campus that experiences this I thought I would dedicate the month of February to finding Cheap meals on campus!

I know that might sound impossible, but for you guys I'll take the challenge!

How am I going to do it?
-I will cover the following meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and Dinner

-Budget for each meal will be $5 (or as close to $5 as I can get!)

-I'll present you with at least 3 options for each meal
--I'll try to make sure that at least 1 meal is a "Healthy Option"

-Each meal MUST include a beverage

-I'll tell you where you can go to get each option

I know you might be thinking...that doesn't sound hard! Finding places to eat won't be difficult, finding meals for $5 will be a bit more challenging. I'll give it my best shot and hope not to let you guys down.

If you know of a GREAT place that fits the parameters mentioned above let me know about it in the comments section, I'd be more than happy to check it out and add it to the list of places to eat on campus!

Look out for my Breakfast and Snack blog next week!

As always, remember to take it one day at a time and catch me in the Zone!

Nicole

SHO' ME THE MONEY!!!

Higher education is expensive, university students constantly find themselves scraping to make ends meet. Many students they are living pay check to pay check, without much left over for personal use. For some this is the first time that you're living on your own, or managing your own finances. I know for me, it was really difficult to accept the fact that I'm an adult now have to take care of myself.

WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN?

When I came to York it was the first time I'd ever had to create or follow a budget. Soo I thought it might be a good idea to go over the BASICS of BUDGETING with you, so that you can benefit from my experiences. (Truth be told this is something that I'm still working on!)

Alright so what do you gatta do??

1. When starting out you want to figure out where all your money is coming from and how much you have coming in each month. Knowing how much money you have coming in will help you figure out how to divide up that money. 

2. Write down all of your expenses for each month. Any and everything that you spend money on should be written down. Things like RENT, FOOD, BUS FAIR, etc. Whatever you spend money on every month you should put down. I ALWAYS include "FUN" as an expense, since I like to go out with my friends, and I don't want to spend money that I don't have. 

3. After you have your list of expenses you should divide up your expenses into two sub categories. Category one : Expenses that will remain the same month to month. E.G. RENT, BUS FAIR

Category two: Expenses that will change from month to month. E.G. FOOD, FUN

4. After writing both these things down determine how much each one is going to cost you for a one month period. Then look at how much money you are bringing in for a one month period. If your income is more than your expenses GREAT! If your income is LESS than your expenses, then you'll need to figure out where you can cut back. For my I usually end up having to cut back on my FUN budget.

5. As time goes on you want to review your budget so that you can make adjustments. For example, if you get a raise at work, or you move to a cheaper place to live or your car payments go up whatever. You have to be able to adjust your budget according to your changing circumstances. 

I know it can be overwhelming to deal with making a budget. But don't worry York has got your back. York offers FREE Financial Advising for all students. You can make appointments with a Financial Aid Advisor to help you sort out your finances and make a budget or go to one of their events or workshops!  Check out the Financial Advising website! Also on financial advising website there are links to budgeting assistance websites run by the major Canadian Banks, find your bank and make use of their budgeting tips!

Let me know what works for you in the comments section below. 

Remember mo' Money doesn't HAVE to mean mo' Problems!

So GET out there and start the saving!

Nicole