Time for another featured blogger in my Healthy Living on the Cheap series!

I knew that if their tips would help me, they will probably help you, too! & that’s how this series was born!  If you are interested in being featured on my Healthy Living on the Cheap series, please email me at healthylifehappywifehlhw@gmail.com!

So without further ado…Meet Shannyn from Frugal Beautiful!

Healthy Living on the Cheap Spotlight #7

1.  What is your favorite budget-friendly meal?
I’ve been getting into smoothies after my morning workout or run.  I also love to make a quick egg and veggies scrambler in the morning.  I get all the veggies and fruits I need on sale and freeze them if they’re not able to be used before the expiration date-  often for 40-60% off the normal price of produce.   Eating “fresh” can be expensive, so if you can’t score a deal, try frozen and integrate as much healthy veggies in as you can and cook yourself to save money.

2.  What is your best suggestion for working out on the cheap?
I am a reformed couch potato, and when I started getting into shape i had nothing but a pair of yoga pants and old tennis shoes to start with.  Get the bare minimum of what you need- a good sports bra, dry wic workout gear and a good pair of shoes, then experiment as to what keeps you motivated.  If the gym bores you, run outside.  If competition excites you, try and snag a deal on a race or take up a local tennis class at the community center which is cheaper than the gym.

I save money on running races by “liking” pages on Facebook or following local event coordinators on Twitter- they often offer discounts if you book early, also- many yoga studios and gyms offer free weekends.

3.  What is your favorite budget-friendly way to relax?
NETFLIX!  I cancelled my cable and when I need to veg out, or tackle organization projects at home, for about $9 a month I get more than enough tv and all my fave movies.  I also love walking my dogs and find more than enough to do around the house when I have downtime.

4.  How often do you eat out?
I go out to eat perhaps once a week and try to make most of my meals at home. They’re often cheaper, healthier and I love entertaining.  When I do go out, I like to score unique food I can’t really cook myself (like ethnic foods or sushi that’s hard to make from scratch at home).

5.  If you have a favorite restaurant/fast food joint, what is your go-to meal that is healthy and (relatively) inexpensive?

I love getting a Seared Ahi Salad which is offered at a few of my favorite places.  Of course, my guilty pleasure involves hitting up Taco Bell with my boyfriend for a Crunch Wrap Supreme and big plain iced tea!

6.  What is your best suggestion for socializing without breaking the bank?
Communicate with your friends that you value time with them, but that $40-60 nights out every week would be better spent on paying down debts, saving for a big goal or vacations.  Many aren’t aware of how expensive it gets or don’t think about more frugal ways to socialize but offer to hostesses something at your home… a poker night, clothes swap, video game night, movie marathon or wine/cocktail tasting where it’s BYOB.  Some of these nights have been more fun than your typical bar!

7.  What is your one splurge that you just can’t give up?
I love, love, love clothes.  As hard as I try to go “minimalist” I do love to browse for new items and explore sales and deal sites!

8.  How do you keep track of your budget? (excel spreadsheet? smartphone app?  set aside cash for the month? notebook? none of the above?)
I used to track my budget on paper, but found that the last year has been so sporadic on spending/travel/goals that I set flexible budget with a “total” in mind instead of strict categories.  I watch my credit card purchases throughout the month online and adjust as needed.

9.  What are your top 3 best “Healthy Living on the Cheap” tips?
Running outside is free & a great way to explore,  Scope out social media and “daily deal” sites to find bargains on gear, healthy foods and events and it will save you a lot of money!  and finally, resist the urge to shop.  There is a lot of marketing out there that says you need supplements, powders, expensive gear, a home gym and really pricey food processors- not true.  Don’t buy anything until you’ve worn out what you have, can’t live without it, or can’t borrow it or buy it used.  The health and fitness industry is huge and many of us buy what we don’t need.

10.  Just for fun – What is the best deal you’ve ever gotten?!
I’ve gotten a few really expensive races 50-60% off simply by booking them 6 months in advance or getting on daily deal sites like Active.com that’s geared for fitness.   I also get to use my town’s all-women gym program for free because I help them run their website and social media.  It really cuts down costs!  Simply by being aware of what’s out there and networking you can have a blast and save a ton of money!

Blog:  Frugal Beautiful
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/frugalbeautiful/
Facebook:   http://www.facebook.com/frugalbeautiful/

For some other Healthy Living on the Cheap Spotlights:

Spotlight #1

Spotlight #2

Spotlight #3

Spotlight #4

Spotlight #5

Spotlight #6