tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24538876811392154842024-02-19T07:57:01.506-05:00R.O.R.RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-20702218266135554612013-04-01T08:56:00.000-04:002013-04-01T08:56:14.394-04:00Blog SabbaticalTurns out I <i>am </i>over-committed. Sigh.<div>
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Rather than live in this state of feeling overwhelmed and slightly guilty about not keeping up with all of my five million hobbies and interests, I've decided to cut back. I will post when I feel like it, keep up with all your blogs when I can, and of course, I'll still be making bentos, working in my garden, and cooking random stuff! I'm just going to release myself from the pressure of documenting all of it for the time being.<div>
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If I can ask a small favor of you, say a little prayer for me that God will give me some guidance. With the job hunt and this growing desire for an adventure, I have many many possibilities ahead of me. If I do anything rash (which I sincerely hope I do!) I'll be sure to let you know.</div>
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Take care!</div>
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RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-7007678482187503102013-03-20T10:57:00.000-04:002013-03-22T07:37:33.628-04:00"Are You Over-Committed Again?"Dear blogging friends, despite popular belief, I did not freeze to death on that last backpacking trip. Nor did I fall into an open manhole, get eaten by the mess in my room or sink into a Downton Abbey-induced coma. I simply got busy. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(In the literal sense, not the colloquial... anyway...)</span><br />
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In the last two months, I've started job hunting. I've decided it is <a href="http://rain-on-roses.blogspot.com/2012/12/time-to-be-bold-or-safe.html" target="_blank">not the time to be safe</a> but rather the time to kick myself out of the nest of my current position and pursue my real interests. On top of that, I've started moonlighting an internship with a tech marketing firm in the hopes of learning more about marketing strategy and growing my writing portfolio. All very time consuming!<br />
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Last month I also started fencing again (I was on the club team in college). Yes, that's right, +2 nerd factor! On top of that, I dance twice a week, Bible study on Wednesdays, Friday is Friday and the weekends are yard work, house work, adventure trips and family. Hence a good friend asking me last night, "Are you over-committed again?".<br />
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Do any of you have this same tendency? There are just so many things that I love doing and not nearly enough hours in the day or days in the week for me to fit them all in! And I miss blogging. I want to come back here and read all your great stuff, comment like a fiend and get up from my computer inspired. Trouble is inspired often leads to more stuff. How do you keep yourself from over-committing? What are the tools you use to keep it all straight?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2GSNxNsXDWm4VtpbaEmgb2aPCkQADwJJ2GaWCsbjx1qZdlLj2MiC6f9VKB9BtN2js9_KC9CNVlpkbryK-lDk7IYHUum2eCIQH6oibAJUsrjxQnY2YMK_5XxPfKxdfPNIl-fON7vQJfzB/s1600/davidallen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Are You Over-Committing Again? - ROR" border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2GSNxNsXDWm4VtpbaEmgb2aPCkQADwJJ2GaWCsbjx1qZdlLj2MiC6f9VKB9BtN2js9_KC9CNVlpkbryK-lDk7IYHUum2eCIQH6oibAJUsrjxQnY2YMK_5XxPfKxdfPNIl-fON7vQJfzB/s400/davidallen.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-76994324062393919922013-02-26T10:51:00.000-05:002013-03-04T09:57:19.000-05:00Spicy Spinach & Sausage PastaI saw this recipe on <a href="http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2013/01/creamy-spinach-sausage-pasta-591-recipe.html" target="_blank">Budget Bytes</a> (which is a favorite) who saw it on <a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/recipes/dinner/spicy-sausage-pasta.html" target="_blank">Kevin & Amanda</a> (which I can't wait to explore) who got it from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1933615591/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=auburntigers&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=1933615591&adid=0DT9SGZAA7E93R31J7ZF" target="_blank">The Best Simple Recipes</a>. Phew. I think that covers my earnest desire to give credit where credit is due. The creators of this recipe deserve all the homage I can muster because it's a win all around! Dirties one dish, cooks in 30 minutes, has kick and includes cheese. Mountain Man is an appreciative audience for my cooking endeavors but this was the first dish in a few months that made his eyes light up. Hence forth and thusly, we will be making this again very soon! Enjoy!<br />
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<b>Spicy Spinach & Sausage Pasta</b></div>
1 tbsp olive oil<br />
1 lb smoked sausage<br />
1 medium diced onion<br />
3 cups of fresh spinach<br />
2 cups chicken broth<br />
1 can Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chiles<br />
1/2 cup heavy cream<br />
8 oz bowtie pasta<br />
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded<br />
green onions<br />
salt and pepper<br />
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Tip: Choose a skillet that will comfortable hold the entire dish, but preferably not too wide and shallow. You need to be able to submerge the pasta in 2 cups of broth!<br />
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1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and add sliced up sausage. Cook until lightly browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Add onions and saute until softened, about another 5 minutes, then add the can of tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth and cream.<br />
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2. Add the pasta, making sure it is completely submerged in the liquids, and bring to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce heat and cover the skillet. Simmer until the pasta is tender, about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to unstick the bottom of the pan.<br />
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3. Add the fresh spinach one cup at a time, giving it time to wilt before adding the next bunch, about 3 minutes. If you aren't accustomed wilting spinach into pasta, don't worry, it will all fit just fine!<br />
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4. Stir in the cheese until melted (I liked a good layer on top as well) and salt and pepper to taste. Top with chopped green onions. Serve hot and dazzle your dinner guests.<br />
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Makes 4 servings.RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-19755861795401233672013-02-25T10:35:00.001-05:002013-02-25T10:35:44.064-05:00Mini FrittataIt's funny how I can get behind on blogging because I've taken too many cool pictures lately and I didn't know where to start! Well, that and a series of family birthdays and more skiing. It does tend to take up some time.<br />
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My return post of awesomeness today is about mini frittatas. These are perfect for the plan ahead types, small portion types, I like tiny cute food types, I love eggs types, I have a pulse types... have I covered everybody yet? A frittata is an Italian omelet made to be eaten room temperature, though I also enjoy them hot. The great thing about a frittata is that it can be made with whatever ingredients you have on hand. I've been known to dump in a leftover arugula salad, lonely cold cut shreds and party veggie tray remains.<br />
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My introduction to frittatas came from the movie "Morning Glory". I love me some grizzly old Harrison Ford, but put an apron on him and I'm a goner. How could I not want to experiment with frittatas after this?<br />
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Mini Frittatas</div>
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<i>(makes 4)</i><br />
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3 large eggs</div>
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1/4 cup half-and-half</div>
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salt and pepper to taste</div>
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seasoning of choice (I love sage or parsley)</div>
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mix-in items (here I used shredded cheese, spinach, chopped up ham cold cuts and green onion)</div>
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Break eggs into a mixing bowl with the half-and-half and seasonings. Beat well until frothy. </div>
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Pour the mixture into 4 sprayed muffin tin cups or silicone baking cups, then add your mix-ins. Keep in mind they will rise as they bake, but mine have also fallen afterwards so don't be afraid to fill them up. I'm VERY OPEN to ideas about keeping them from falling, ps! It may not be possible in the silicone cups since, according to Harrison, the key is a hot pan. I also tried a few of mine with the ham slice shell. It was pretty good, but I could go either way on these.</div>
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Bake at 350 F for 20 - 25 minutes and prepare to be impressed and suddenly very hungry.</div>
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Are you drooling yet?</div>
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From here you have options. You can either serve immediately and enjoy the fluffy warmth, or you can let cool and serve later (frittatas were intended for room temperature, after all). You can even let them cool and freeze them! It's true, I tried it. The chopped spinach in that batch dyed the whole thing a little green as it froze, but really, that only added interest, right?</div>
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If you're needing a new healthy breakfast running out the door for work, or perhaps your kids need a change from cereal, TRY THESE! You'll wonder why you never did this before, I promise.</div>
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RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-19923857844543764162013-02-12T07:35:00.001-05:002013-02-12T07:35:28.487-05:00Ski Trip BentoI caught on a few weeks ago that Mountain Man has been silently wishing I would make him a bento for lunch. Since we both leave for work very early and I'm not enough of a morning person to make a second lunch, drive it the mile over to his house AND make it to work on time, I've been trying to come up with a clever alternative. My perfect opportunity was our ski trip last weekend.<br />
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The ski trip bento had to be 1) substantial and energy packed 2) sit light on your stomach and 3) be sufficiently impressive to satisfy the honor of being his first. I would have loved to have included some broccoli florets to round out my colors, but unfortunately, Mountain Man doesn't care for that particular green and it was all I had in the fridge. Shame. Therefore, these were the result. The first bento is the main meal while the second was meant for a snack on our way off the slopes at the end of the day.<br />
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<b>Bento #1</b></div>
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<li>Top Tier</li>
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<li>Onigiri with simple canned tuna/salt/pepper filling and a sassy little skiing dude</li>
<li>Ham rolls - spread with cream cheese and basil</li>
<li>Kumquats</li>
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<li>Bottom Tier</li>
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<li>Norimaki chicken (see my recipe <a href="http://rain-on-roses.blogspot.com/2012/11/norimaki-chicken-cooking-at-630-am.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</li>
<li>More onigiri and kumquats</li>
<li>White sauce for dipping</li>
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A note about the onigiri - I'm not going to pretend I'm even proficient at making these and offer you a custom tutorial. There are many good resources out there to explain how these are made and filled, but my favorite is Maki at <a href="http://www.justhungry.com/2007/01/onigiri_omusubi_revisited_an_e.html" target="_blank">Just Bento</a>. Go straight to the expert, people.</div>
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<b>Bento #2</b></div>
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<li>Top Tier</li>
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<li>Pretzels</li>
<li>Kumquats</li>
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<li>Bottom Tier</li>
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<li>Strawberries</li>
<li>Hummus/olive oil/paprika</li>
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I know I'm just bursting with kumquats here, but as someone who doesn't like cherry tomatoes these are a great little space filler. Plus, Mountain Man really likes them and I had to throw him a bone since he doesn't care for strawberries and hummus isn't his favorite either. However, he was the envy of the lodge when he pulled this out for lunch! I was there, I saw that snow boarder's face.</div>
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What are your favorite skiing foods and how would you pack them into a bento? While you're pondering that and preparing to leave me comments, enjoy this picture of how to breath on a ski slope with a hacking cough. Or avoid the paparazzi.<br />
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RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-57383913558714978202013-02-07T23:16:00.000-05:002013-02-08T14:48:55.366-05:00#BlogHug Time!In the world of blogging, I'm a veteran reader and a newbie writer. ROR came into being in 2010 with fourteen disjointed posts, mostly about <a href="http://rain-on-roses.blogspot.com/2010/09/fall-is-coming.html" target="_blank">my love of fall</a> and some thoughts about the transition period my life was in (moving back from New Jersey to be near my family, <a href="http://rain-on-roses.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-think-human-beings-were-meant-to-be.html" target="_blank">new job</a>, discovering the brilliant <a href="http://www.youtube.com/charlie" target="_blank">Charlie McDonnell</a>). But through it all, I was reading and enjoying a whole mess of blogs.<br />
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Holly Becker of <a href="http://decor8blog.com/" target="_blank">decor8</a> has prompted me with her hashtag party <a href="http://decor8blog.com/2013/01/30/bloghug/" target="_blank">#bloghug</a> to recognize and thank all you bloggers out there that have made me laugh, cook, create, save, shop and think over the past few years. Here's a shout out to three of my all time favorite bloggers!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jentine @ <a href="http://myedit.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">myedit.</a></span></div>
This girl is sassy, fun, sincere and chic. Jentine, yours was the first blog I ever subscribed to and you have been my inspiration to keep writing. I live in entirely the wrong city to thift awesome pieces so instead I just enjoy yours. Thanks a million girl, YOU'RE THE BEST!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Kevin @ <a href="http://www.closetcooking.com/" target="_blank">Closet Cooking</a></span></div>
You taught me how to cook fish. You feed my sandwich obsession with relentless courage and creativity. Your <a href="http://www.closetcooking.com/2010/01/artichoke-bread.html" target="_blank">Artichoke Bread</a> strengthened my friendship with the sister of a special someone in my life (see Mountain Man...). Need I say more? You're the BOSS!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Georgia @ <a href="http://www.morelikehome.net/" target="_blank">More Like Home</a></span></div>
You're the most recent addition to my list of blogs I'm very faithful to, but my late arrival may be because I finally own a circular saw. I love your attitude, your beautiful young family and the idea of shopping yard sales with you! I have a massive car we could haul fun stuff in. THANK YOU for all the inspiration!<br />
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I literally took that picture for this post, just so you know... I had great plans for writing in the snow but that yielded less than fabulous results. Say hello to the Mountain Man everybody, it's his first appearance! And yes, I love my hat.<br />
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Who do you read faithfully? I love discovering new blogs!<br />
<br />RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-21346949068199392722013-02-06T10:38:00.000-05:002013-02-06T11:05:07.785-05:00Altoids Survival Tin - Update!I have so many good posts to share... but all the pictures are on someone else's camera!! Lesson learned. However, I don't need pictures to update you on my recent use of my <a href="http://rain-on-roses.blogspot.com/2013/01/altoids-survival-tin.html">Altoids Survival Tin</a>.<br />
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I think I had it in my head that I could only use it in survival situations, as though I'd 'break the seal' and something would suddenly become perishable and I wouldn't have it if I <i>really needed</i> it later. For example, I took it on a ski trip a month ago and after a day of royally thrashing myself on the slopes I was very sore and wishing I had some Advil. Only after I got home did I remember I had four in my pocket the whole time... <b>*face palm*</b>. In that moment I decided to shift my attitude and use this thing practically! Fortunately, I got another chance with this past weekend's ski trip.<br />
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Altoids Survival Tin Uses:<br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Advil</b> - I'm new to this skiing game, so yes, I hurt myself. But this time, I only have two golf ball sized bruises, not five softball sized ones like last time. <i>Improvement!</i></li>
<li><b>Nylon cord</b> - I sort of missed the fact that I was supposed to keep that piece of twine the rental place used to tie my boots together. But fortunately, I had a length of cord off the tin. In that awkward juggling moment when my hands were freezing and I was smacking people with my poles, this was a major win!</li>
<li><b>Safety pins</b> - The buckles on my brother's ski bib broke. Need I say more?</li>
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The moral of the story is these things are HANDY, but you don't need to wait for your plane to crash or a landslide to trap you on the side of a mountain to tap into its usefulness. Just don't forget to restock that Advil! There are more mountains to fall down.<br />
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RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-65660556630068410012013-02-04T09:16:00.001-05:002013-02-04T09:16:52.860-05:00Pretty much all I have to say<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has to be in my house or in my friend's car. It HAS to be... but this is day 4 and it hasn't turned up yet...RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-42261251801025646462013-01-30T09:25:00.000-05:002013-01-30T10:01:04.619-05:00Don't waste that bread!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hate wasting food. It's unnecessary, speaks of poor planning and galls my budget-conscious self. Additionally, I small part of me dies when I treat myself to a loaf of herb asiago cheesebread from The Fresh Market and I can only eat half of it before the rest goes dry and hard. It's not careless waste really, it's I'm-only-one-person-trying-not-to-over-indulge waste, but still! It's <i>cheesebread</i>!! It deserves better than to be cast aside, unsavored and unappreciated.</div>
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My younger sister and room mate, Crazy Cora, found me in the kitchen the other day mourning this very situation. A few nights earlier, we had shared several glasses of chianti and gotten sufficiently fussed over how the glorious stone-baked loaf crunched and how tearing off pieces and dipping them in a bowl of olive oil, salt and pepper was proof that God loves us. (what can I say? we're Italian Catholics, we know how it's done) But two days later, I was standing next to the trash can with the other half of the loaf in my hands, trying not to think about what a crying shame it was to toss it.</div>
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Fortunately, Crazy C is a smart cookie with cool toys.</div>
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When she moved in, our Mom got her a Cuisinart Hand Blender with all the cool little attachments like the immersion blender, whisk and chopper as a house warming gift. At Crazy C's brilliant suggestion, we cut the bread into chunks and popped them into the chopper bowl and BAM, we had bread crumbs! <i>Herb asiago cheesebread</i> bread crumbs! We toasted them in the oven for a bit, stuck them in a mason jar (of course) and popped them in the freezer to await their destiny as a companion to a lovely piece of tilapia. Happy sigh. I love my sister.</div>
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What creative ways do you save food about to go bad?</div>
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<br />RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-11387625388919536412013-01-28T08:18:00.000-05:002013-01-28T08:18:14.037-05:00Single Serving Baked Eggs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love eggs. A lot. I could literally eat them at every meal and be a happy camper. What's not to love? You can fry them, scramble them, poach them, boil them, use them to make omelettes, frittatas, eggs Benedict and toad in a hole. You can use them to top burgers and cap off a steaming <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/208573026464557649/" target="_blank">bibimbap</a>. They compliment my two favorite food items in the world, breads and cheeses, and get cozy with so many different herbs and seasonings, it embarrasses me. Best of all, they're inexpensive and quick. Pure magic.<br />
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I've been wanting to try a few one egg dishes in my silicone baking cups I got for Christmas figuring they would be wonderful quick breakfasts to stick in my bento. After crawling through Pinterest for <strike>3 hours</strike> a few minutes to gather <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/208573026464505013/" target="_blank">ideas</a>, I went to see what was in my fridge.<br />
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There really isn't much of a recipe for what followed. I lined a few cups with some prosciutto scraps and a few more with leftover mashed potatoes, squishing it against the walls to form a crust of sorts. (I did try pre-baking a few of the potato cups before adding the egg and preferred that version) I cracked an egg into each, sprinkled them with shredded parmesan cheese, salt and pepper and baked them on 375 F until the whites solidified, about 15 - 20 minutes. The yokes seem to cook faster than the whites, unfortunately, so I didn't get that lovely hot runny yoke I was hoping for. However, that just means I'll have to keep making these until I figure out the trick. Darn.<br />
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<br />RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-81822106016270216622013-01-24T07:57:00.000-05:002013-01-24T07:57:14.614-05:00Altoids Survival TinI never did show you what I made for my family for Christmas! But first, let's back up. Remember my <a href="http://rain-on-roses.blogspot.com/2012/12/preparing-for-end-of-world-122112.html" target="_blank">Preparing for the End of the World</a> post? I had a lot of fun putting together that Pinterest board, <a href="http://pinterest.com/tripp2x2x2/survival-gear/" target="_blank">Survival Gear</a>, and it has consistently been one of my most visited posts and repinned boards. Is it because the crazies spend the most time online or because there is real value here? Hmmm.... I'd say both.<br />
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Failed Mayan apocalypse aside, think about it this way. Ladies, what's in your purse? Guys, do you ever carry a pocket knife? Anybody keep sunglasses in their car? These are all examples of being prepared, just in case. Most of us have extremely urban needs and would find a portable cell phone charger much more valuable than a button compass, but at the end of the day, we all prepare for unforeseen difficulties.<br />
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My family enjoys camping, hiking, backpacking and all sorts of other outdoor sports. In general, we all enjoy differing degrees of preparedness as well. For Christmas this year, I wanted to bring these two elements together and create an Altoids Survival Tin for all our outdoor adventure needs.<br />
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Here's what we're dealing with:<br />
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<li>Survival Cheat Sheet borrowed from <a href="http://www.equipped.org/psp/psp_survival_instructions_0206.pdf" target="_blank">here</a></li>
<li>1 large black garbage bag</li>
<li>3 rubber bands</li>
<li>5 matches and striker</li>
<li>2 needles and thread</li>
<li>3 safety pins</li>
<li>1 fishing hook</li>
<li>1 water purification tablet, good for 1 liter of water</li>
<li>4 Advil</li>
<li>2 packets salt, 2 packets sugar</li>
<li>2 bandaids</li>
<li>1 square foot aluminum foil</li>
<li>1 stick of gum</li>
<li>1 sandwich bag</li>
<li>2 cotton balls</li>
<li>1 birthday candle wrapped in 5 feet of fishing line</li>
<li>1 small hobby saw blade</li>
<li>5 feet of duct tape</li>
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The orange strip of fabric didn't make it in to the final box. It was just a little chunky. The finishing touch was to wrap the closed box in about 8 feet of thin nylon cord. Some of the items may seem a little random, but everything in here including the tin itself has multiple uses. For example, the sugar can be either a quick burst of energy or can help stop bleeding for small cuts and work as a mild disinfectant.</div>
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I really enjoyed making these! So far I've taken mine skiing and will be taking it on a backpacking trip this coming weekend. It's cool to know that I have the potential for fire, shelter and clean water in my pack while out in the wilderness. Check out my various inspirations <a href="http://teotwawkiblog.blogspot.com/2010/12/altoid-survival-kit.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://lifehacker.com/196660/diy-make-an-altoids-tin-survival-kit" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Ultimate-Altoids-Tin-Survival-Kit/" target="_blank">here</a>. At the end of the day though, <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Ultimate-Altoid-survival-kit-4/" target="_blank">this</a> is where it's at. True story.<br />
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If you think of various survival uses for the things I've included in the tin, please leave them in the comments! I'd love to hear your creativity!</div>
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RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-16013954261239836302013-01-23T12:28:00.002-05:002013-01-24T09:17:37.018-05:00Southern Grammar #2I think this will have to be a randomly reoccurring post series, as long as nobody gets their feelings hurt. I enjoy words and languages and yes, I'm not Southern so the quirks amuse me. And the ladies at work are just are cute!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknN1AyoxH9uP95ZClz90a0Xow7QmNaAA0Crf7R7sAA8__OTJo5XPgQGh4pZy6g1_9xH_YWPU2HQL3t9UWGT-KhQ2r8geQNUXUO0p66_rRf-Y9pSd2wjBgQVCFNtyEKj3PZGhrTk29zObD/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknN1AyoxH9uP95ZClz90a0Xow7QmNaAA0Crf7R7sAA8__OTJo5XPgQGh4pZy6g1_9xH_YWPU2HQL3t9UWGT-KhQ2r8geQNUXUO0p66_rRf-Y9pSd2wjBgQVCFNtyEKj3PZGhrTk29zObD/s320/1.jpg" width="248" /></a>We'll call it "Southern Grammar", which ironically calls to mind Nelly's "Country Grammar" and thereby tips the hat to my home town of St. Louis, Missouri... anyway... :) We'll consider this Southern Grammar #2 since the post entitled <a href="http://rain-on-roses.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-conversation-regarding-christmas.html" target="_blank">A Conversation Regarding Christmas Cookies and Southern Grammar</a> was technically the first. Enjoy!<br />
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<b>Coworker 1:</b> "Are you going to resend that paperwork I asked you about?"<br />
<b>Coworker 2:</b> "I done did it."<br />
<b>Coworker 1:</b> "You what?"<br />
<b>Coworker 2:</b> "I done did it so's I wouldn't forgit it... hey that rhymes!"<br />
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<br />RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-71792418015698989752013-01-22T07:54:00.000-05:002013-01-22T07:54:41.547-05:00Oven Roasted Vegetables<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hope most people have somebody at their office that makes them smile. I have several but today I'm thinking of one in particular. She's just fun. I enjoy the fact that she smiles through pretty much anything from migraines to server crashes and has a quick and sassy wit. All around a first rate gal. Additionally, she roasts her vegetables, which makes her cool.</div>
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Inspired by her emphatic description of slightly blacked squash lightly brushed with olive oil and dusted with coarse salts, I made this for dinner. Unfortunately, my Mom called right at that critical moment of optimal blackening and I got distracted. By the time I realized what I had done, a few broccoli florets had turned to ash. Sigh. (Mom, I would reduce every broccoli floret in my fridge to cinders for a good convo with you, no hesitation!) However, there were plenty of good veggies left and even though they are a little dark, I REALLY enjoyed the meal, especially when paired with a glass of Malbec from The Fresh Market. YUM...</div>
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RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-39530863192538029422013-01-21T08:56:00.000-05:002013-01-21T20:24:59.036-05:00The Great Laundry Room Overhaul: Part 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
After weeks of alternating between biting cold and driving rains, I finally decided I didn't care that I couldn't take my shelf project out into the driveway. I may not have an indoor work space, doggonit, but I was going to build this sucker!! So I did the thing my mother would never have let me do - I pointed my drill toward my hardwood floors and prayed my hand didn't slip. I blame the inexcusable irony of my unbuilt shelf creating further clutter in my laundry room for my madness. Though I would never recommend this exactly, my living room rug turned out to be quite useful as a grid.</div>
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The starting point for my design was <a href="http://www.morelikehome.net/" target="_blank">More Like Home</a>'s <a href="http://www.morelikehome.net/2012/10/day-12-homestead-storage-shelves.html" target="_blank">Homestead Storage Shelves</a>. I altered it to fit my need for clothes hanging space and to fit storage tubs under the bottom shelf. I also cut the cost of a single 2x4 by leaving spaces between the boards of the shelves. And I learned the difference between buying 2x4s at Lowes (where I should have gone) and Home Depot (where the lengths are actually cut for framing and therefore not actually 8 feet long). That would have been good to know in advance.</div>
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Since this is essentially my first building project ever, I had no illusions it was going to be perfect. This shelf, though much needed, is my guinea pig. Over all I'm pleased with it, though the 2x4s themselves are definitely a little rough. I will have to wait for the weather to behave itself to sand it down and paint it! Before I paint, however, I still have to add the clothes hanging rod. My original plan had been to attach it to the extra shelf supports I added, but I'm beginning to wonder if I shouldn't be higher. Slowly but surely, we're making progress!</div>
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RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-77413831681110003892013-01-15T10:39:00.000-05:002013-01-15T11:16:16.923-05:00Soy Sauce Ice Packs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXXtf9LI6AK2DsKXstpE1AYLEDP8B5SomG1_YDZCBil7uhmteHTV7iOIC_JqI4DJXBbWHR0t7IgbSKHBdhUSjU_SySNc-Z2VKpCDmVE42v-_2oHVWvccAa_ANSf8Pz9VVH1UQhOu9E4r2/s1600/soy-sauce-8-gram-portion-control-packet-pc-500-cs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGXXtf9LI6AK2DsKXstpE1AYLEDP8B5SomG1_YDZCBil7uhmteHTV7iOIC_JqI4DJXBbWHR0t7IgbSKHBdhUSjU_SySNc-Z2VKpCDmVE42v-_2oHVWvccAa_ANSf8Pz9VVH1UQhOu9E4r2/s1600/soy-sauce-8-gram-portion-control-packet-pc-500-cs.jpg" /></a>Just a quicky post for you all today! I started looking around for ideas on small ice packs to keep parts of my bento chilled (such as my lovely mandarin oranges) without putting the whole thing in the fridge at work. I don't know why but chilled chex mix is weird to me.<br />
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I came across the idea of freezing small condiment packets, such as the abundant soy sauces I get every time I order take out. I find this brilliant! And not a bad upcycle either since I wasn't really planning on using all those hot mustards anyway.<br />
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I'll be dipping in to the massive stash in our break room that people only add to and never take from (literally, it's an entire drawer of soy sauce packets) and put ten or so in my freezer at home. Small, simple, reusable. Done.RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-12974705608815881422013-01-14T13:48:00.000-05:002013-01-14T14:39:27.757-05:003 Lessons from the Wedding Day - by the Maid of HonorThe wedding is done, my best friend is a MARRIED WOMAN! Ridiculous. Amazing. Hilarious. I hope it sinks in soon, I haven't been able to make myself change her name in my contacts list yet. Who cares about the marriage license and her social security card and passport?? It's not official until the best friend changes the name in the phone!<br />
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To wrap up my blogging on this fantastic wedding, I wanted to share with you three things I learned from the wedding day:<br />
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<b>#1 The Couple's Attitude Makes the Party -</b> We've probably all been to weddings where the groom is basically dragging his bride out the door or the bride is so detail obsessed and overwhelmed that her plastic Barbie smile is downright painful. My friends demonstrated that if the couple are having fun mingling, dancing, eating, drinking and enjoying the attention without feeling the pressure of a dozen traditional moments for the sake of a dozen traditional moments, EVERYBODY HAS FUN.<br />
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<b>#2 Parents Have Power, Especially Moms - </b>What is scarier than a mother on a rampage protecting its young? Nothing. Not even a dental hygienist with a drill and a grudge. Moms and Dads of the couple, use your power for good, not evil. I was with the bride's mom most of the day and she was the best. Calm and having fun with a big smile the whole day! That's how it's done.<br />
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<b>#3 A Snafu is the Better Story - </b>So relax. We had to stuff the bride (in her gown) into a child-sized bathroom stall. The wedding party's bus got stuck behind an accident for 20 minutes on our way to the reception. One of the little kids made loud awkward noises and gestures all throughout my toast (I'm very excited for the future blackmail material though). Unfortunate in the moment... best stories of the night!! Enjoy it all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gorgeous bride and her not-so-little boy</td></tr>
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<br />RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-45236856715643853812013-01-10T10:03:00.000-05:002013-01-14T08:48:03.285-05:00Preparing for My Vegetable GardenI know it's the middle of January, but thanks to Pinterest and the lovely little banana plant I've had in my room all winter, my spring planting fever is here early! Last year I did a few herbs and dreamt of rain driven irrigation systems, but this year, I'm going for it! This will be the year of my cunningly fashioned bamboo irrigation pipes and recycled material flower beds! Of simple and practical composting and my very own home grown vegetables! Since I now have two of my lovely sisters as room mates, I believe I can safely ask for a little help in this endeavor and perhaps between the three of us, we'll have a crop to show for our labors. I'm so ridiculously excited by the thought. :)<br />
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Quite by accident, I came across a fun little online tool for vegetable garden planning - <a href="http://sproutrobot.com/" target="_blank">Sprout Robot</a>! This site is a ton of fun... instructions drawn in comics style? With zip code specific planting lists? Yes please! And their logo is fun. I'm a sucker for a good logo.<br />
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I'll be starting my broccoli indoors the week of January 21st, so if you're hoping for a grocery-yielding garden this year, better start planning! I have a <a href="http://pinterest.com/tripp2x2x2/gardens-and-plants/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a> going (in its infancy at the moment) if you'd like to follow some of my inspirations and ideas!<br />
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Source: <a href="http://saidosdaconcha.blogspot.com/2010/12/2010.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">saidosdaconcha.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/tripp2x2x2/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Sarah</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-83725466275823492062013-01-09T08:24:00.000-05:002013-01-09T08:24:08.958-05:00Feeling Much Better BentoFortunately, the Gatorade offerings seem to be working and the stomach gods have relented! Well, nearly... I say that and then I feel a slight cramp as my first breakfast burrito hits. We're getting there.<br />
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This is my first bento packed in my <a href="http://en.monbento.com/bento-original-blue.html" target="_blank">Monbento Original</a>, another Christmas gift! I didn't pack this one especially tight since it's *gulp* 1,000 ml! Bulky items seemed the best idea since I really don't need that much food at the moment.<br />
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Egg, mushroom and sausage breakfast burritos<br />
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Roast beef sandwich, Mandarin oranges and a leftover Gingerbread cookieRORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-1093819654290020692013-01-08T13:02:00.001-05:002013-01-08T13:02:12.099-05:00Bento: Gentle on a Sick TummyI find it delightfully ironic when dreadful things push me back to things I love. I admit I have recently gotten lazy and irresponsible in my eating habits. Why I thought I could keep that up without violent retaliation from Herman (my hiatal hernia) I'm not sure, but this past Sunday, I spent several hours... being rather ill, shall we say. Monday was a sick day spent in bed trying to placate the angry stomach gods with offerings of Gatorade and chocolate pudding and promises of renewed devotion. Today is back to work with this bento in hand:<br />
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Bear in mind this is my "I haven't had solid foods in 48 hours" bento. Fluffy and lightly salt and peppered scrambled eggs, a mini cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese and a helping of chocolate pudding. A lot of food for a weak stomach you say? Hardly. This is probably all I will eat today.<br />
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How do you like the bento box itself? I love it... a Christmas gift from my mommy! My first real bento box. :) The silicone baking cup is from a set from one of my sisters, also a Christmas gift. If you want a closer look, check it out on <a href="https://theshiksa.com/market/kitchenware/kitchen-fun/kotobuki-2-tiered-bento-box-woodgraincherry-sakura-blossom/" target="_blank">The Shiksa Market</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxpIP9Iqx37mcVfAb7y6m3Zcim1-X8MMO161QA8PXWGRbhv4h_wBjsVysR2hRmOQEt4kD3bqYSLh-WVUr8hcUdlXkKsr7V5TN2qQCYItf-kptwdVHihpTbNG7aL2aDB5mXEl-_DHQIuhX/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxpIP9Iqx37mcVfAb7y6m3Zcim1-X8MMO161QA8PXWGRbhv4h_wBjsVysR2hRmOQEt4kD3bqYSLh-WVUr8hcUdlXkKsr7V5TN2qQCYItf-kptwdVHihpTbNG7aL2aDB5mXEl-_DHQIuhX/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 Tiered Bento Box, Wood grain and Sakura (Cherry) Blossoms</td></tr>
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<br />RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-88748487962502794232013-01-02T14:22:00.002-05:002013-01-02T14:24:52.158-05:00Steep and Cheap<div style="text-align: left;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZpK2dkLuZbFgTuYxlSRqbDrEwwWU5EdDXfHf63u2xouV4m8LBqFd3DWbk7RNEl1I8U3YFXGwaKfmaGaajUkYKcMYBd9TcrtyQ2Z75ZbsrU104MjZ6SPXmO7p-kXCgWlqVdRzANdzfkGn/s400/photo.PNG" width="265" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steep and Cheap App</td></tr>
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Over Christmas, my little brother introduced me to <a href="http://www.steepandcheap.com/" target="_blank">Steep and Cheap</a>. If you like, use or want outdoor gear of any kind and enjoy an ODAT site (One Deal At a Time), you'll love this one. I just watched a $300 women's snowboarding jacket reduced to $20 sell out before my brain caught up with my need to own one. (literal need... I don't have an outdoor coat... remember the budget, people!) On the other hand, folks seem to be giving due consideration before snatching these knee high SmartWool socks priced at $13.<br />
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The Steep and Cheap site designers have done an excellent job delivering a clean interface and I admit to downloading the Google Chrome extension as well. Very clever, SAC, very clever. Between that and my app, I'm pretty well plugged in and prepared to snag the next reasonable women's small 60 liter backpacking pack I see!<br />
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RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-7619570223132542382012-12-31T16:24:00.001-05:002012-12-31T16:24:46.446-05:00New Years: Budgeting for 2013Let's get serious for a moment and talk money. The New Year is hours away and listed among the resolutions of many of us are financial goals, especially maintaining a reasonable budget. I've come to believe that knowing how to budget well is a modern survival skill, like building a fire or knowing where to find water. Without it, we either cruise along unaware of how much we spend (and therefore how much we could save!) or we fret over our expenses, not sure what we can afford. Armed with a thorough budget and a good attitude, however, all that can change.<br />
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<b>1) I've never budgeted / had a budget that works before... where do I start?</b><br />
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Three words: <u>Zero</u> <u>Balance</u> <u>Budget</u>, meaning Total Income - Total Expenses = $0. I've tried many different methods and this type of budget is the one that paid off my student loans. I consider those excellent credentials! If you're hourly like me, your income may be a moving target, so plan for your average low and adjust every paycheck.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsE4EZAij98q_4buvFm2TQYlBEJNxtqcQY0RUqLTUheBp7yYFsl02sElZXIoweZu-A3nRVKXRpf8iqBQT2bl6X4n_Fee7znQcA1IDbQoQr1J2fXBioyF7I0MZZwDK8wpknLgKmaZZJTvC/s1600/1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsE4EZAij98q_4buvFm2TQYlBEJNxtqcQY0RUqLTUheBp7yYFsl02sElZXIoweZu-A3nRVKXRpf8iqBQT2bl6X4n_Fee7znQcA1IDbQoQr1J2fXBioyF7I0MZZwDK8wpknLgKmaZZJTvC/s320/1.bmp" width="320" /></a>Here is an example based off my own budget (not my real numbers). Note that it is for a <u>two week pay period</u>. I took my regular monthly expenses and divided them in half in order to budget for two week spans.<br />
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Pay day, I sit down and put my actual income in the box up top and I fill in each 'envelope' until my expenses EQUAL my income. I can shift everything but the red amounts however I need to (e.g. I'm hosting a New Year's party so less 'Eating Out', more 'Groceries'). And yes, I budget specifically for dancing. :)<br />
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<b>2) But how do I make myself stick to this?</b><br />
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That is the ultimate question. The answer to me is two fold: the right <b>attitude </b>and the right <b>tools</b>.<br />
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Let's talk <b>attitude </b>first. Sometimes you won't be able to stick to your budget. Your car will break down and everybody will expect you to go out for your mom's birthday when you only have $5 left in the 'Eating Out' envelope. It's going to happen.<br />
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But understand the difference between these things and "oh my gosh, those $200 heels are marked down to $80!" or "Steep and Cheap has a Mountain Hardwear Phantom Sleeping Bag for $150!" ... these are both good deals, but babe, if you ain't got it, DON'T SPEND IT. The end. No credit cards unless you're paying it off <i>that same paycheck</i>. If you want something, wait and save. You can do it, I believe in you.<br />
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Now <b>tools</b>. You've already heard me <a href="http://rain-on-roses.blogspot.com/2012/10/budgeting-with-eeba.html" target="_blank">sing the praises of EEBA</a> and I'll do it again because it's my personal favorite. If you find a better option for mobile expense recording with an online option, flexible envelope amounts, envelope transfers and transaction history, please, show me. EEBA is as easy as texting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_jLfUzE9hsF7Yi55eEB-vnued4t0CFLFCs5GEjfnKSUENaoUSXtmr8Ubo24z_SsrX8ksHfZ2Ur01j55og2GM_5-0ExlSH9KXCrSx1Y2JdTZBbjWAA6uHYij9uh4c_9fBWbqEwDOZzcpi/s1600/photo3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_jLfUzE9hsF7Yi55eEB-vnued4t0CFLFCs5GEjfnKSUENaoUSXtmr8Ubo24z_SsrX8ksHfZ2Ur01j55og2GM_5-0ExlSH9KXCrSx1Y2JdTZBbjWAA6uHYij9uh4c_9fBWbqEwDOZzcpi/s640/photo3.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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But whether you use EEBA or some other tool, find something that works for you. Use it. Let it show you how well you're doing and where you need to tighten up.<br />
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<b>3) Yeah... your take is ok, but where can I look for more ideas, information and tools?</b><br />
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There are many good free resources online, but to save you the trouble of digging, here are some of my favorites:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Dave Ramsey - He's the budgeting ninja. I recommend his <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/tools/budget-lite/" target="_blank">Gazelle Budget Lite</a> tool for getting started on your zero balance budget. Also check out his <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/new/baby-steps/" target="_blank">Seven Baby Steps</a> and some free downloadable <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/tools/budget-forms/" target="_blank">Budgeting Forms</a>.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.gettingfinancesdone.com/blog/archives/2006/08/how-to-create-a-zero-based-budget/" target="_blank">How to Create a Zero-Based Budget</a> by Sam - Good article, but nothing else is listed about the author. Good job Sam, whoever you are!</li>
<li><a href="http://credit.org/blog/best-budget-tracking-apps-for-your-smartphone/" target="_blank">Best Budget Tracking Apps for Your Smartphone</a> by a guest author on Credit.org (oh looky there, EEBA is on the top of the list... whatdya know!)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/1011/how-to-make-yourself-stick-to-your-budget.aspx#axzz2Ge0t5T4S" target="_blank">Top 8 Ways To Stick To Your Budget</a> on Investopedia is a nice little pep talk for cultivating that good attitude in practical ways</li>
<li><a href="http://www.doughroller.net/tools-resources/10-online-budget-tools/" target="_blank">10 Online Budget Tools</a> by Rob Berger - Nice selection of alternative tools if you aren't the app sort</li>
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Whatever your approach, make 2013 the year you experience confidence in your spending and celebrate accomplishment in your savings. Happy New Year!</div>
RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-73564828818554508762012-12-24T09:02:00.001-05:002012-12-24T09:02:22.241-05:00And God Bless Us, Each And Everyone!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLw2oDzEQDWc5Zzk1y26QrqHMPWxnq7V3vHLLypOd_RkKuggur8eoMMoyAlOZceotbu6dHD1WeHrh2MHFVA2aB-HkEbq0C8t_cnrqrwybUnMqbhmdFu-GNVJ7Lecw_DsKKNDBS-WYxVpo/s1600/12.2012+014+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtLw2oDzEQDWc5Zzk1y26QrqHMPWxnq7V3vHLLypOd_RkKuggur8eoMMoyAlOZceotbu6dHD1WeHrh2MHFVA2aB-HkEbq0C8t_cnrqrwybUnMqbhmdFu-GNVJ7Lecw_DsKKNDBS-WYxVpo/s320/12.2012+014+(Medium).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas self-portrait (look really hard, I'm there)</td></tr>
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Well, we're all still here. Good one, Mayans. Though I'm quite pleased since that means I'll now be able to see Hugh Jackman in <i>Les Misérables</i> after Christmas. There are other reasons I'm glad too but that one is quite compelling... ::dreamy sigh::.<br />
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I hope you all are finished with holiday preparations and can spend your Christmas Eve relaxing at home in front of a nice fire, maybe have a special somebody rub your feet and bring you a hot beverage or two... no? Wait, you still have presents to buy? Cookies to bake? Gifts to wrap!? SLACKER!! Oh hang on... I'm not done either... that's right. :) But for all you OCD holiday preppers out there, I hope you recognize that it's really ok. Not everything has to be perfect! My house sure isn't. As always, I encourage you to look past the trappings of the Christmas season and remember the wise words of Dr. Seuss: "What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?”<br />
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Please remember the families from Sandy Hook this Christmas in your prayers and take time to let go of any grudges, hurtful competitiveness and jealousy you may have, especially toward family. You have no guarantee you'll get another chance. I encourage you to give the gift of yourselves this Christmas, just like the little Christ child:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. (Gospel of Luke, 2:1-14)</b></blockquote>
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Merry Christmas everyone!<br />
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<br />RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-53675728339950044182012-12-20T08:09:00.002-05:002013-01-02T14:27:49.595-05:00Preparing For The End of The World - 12.21.12Because being prepared for anything never hurts, I've put together a Pinterest board for you entitled <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/tripp2x2x2/survival-gear/" target="_blank">Survival Gear</a></span> with some of what I consider to be essential skills in a post-apocalyptic (or just post-EMP attack) America. The planets are about to line up and the Mayan calendar is running out... who knows what will happen??<br />
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If the sun is sheered in half by gravitational forces and we all go up in a fireball, I won't be offended if you don't bother to check out the board, but I did go to some trouble to help you prepare, so read up now before the power grid goes dead. See you in the Rockies!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTYjr9UMXZ5tbHu0Wkcq4JFCiXzPrDp-Iu9j-zOrAxub7KfBh_-Q6tgnq5QaS6EhvWWTTtyLurPK3kSrCyeXZNPlWKqWeJYYfsvqDO_lQs5aactQWwd5iEeqljQJ5aagrVv6COuZKgwGp/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTYjr9UMXZ5tbHu0Wkcq4JFCiXzPrDp-Iu9j-zOrAxub7KfBh_-Q6tgnq5QaS6EhvWWTTtyLurPK3kSrCyeXZNPlWKqWeJYYfsvqDO_lQs5aactQWwd5iEeqljQJ5aagrVv6COuZKgwGp/s320/5.jpg" width="290" /></a><br />
<i>Board Preview:</i><br />
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<ul>
<li>Food/non food items to stockpile</li>
<li>Building shelter</li>
<li>Medicinal plants and trees</li>
<li>Knots to know</li>
<li>Fire starting</li>
<li>Water gathering/purification</li>
<li>Emergency kits</li>
<li>DIY survival gear</li>
<li>Staying warm and dry</li>
</ul>
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<br />RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-11032916159263075772012-12-19T00:11:00.000-05:002012-12-19T00:11:03.106-05:00Ryobi: Say Hello to My Little FriendsAs my Twitter bio says, I have WAY too many interests. Most of the time, I have to settle for admiring my interests from afar. World travel and high-end amateur astronomy, for example, are just too pricey for me to really get into. HOWEVER, I have discovered to my delight that my interest in wood working is not as far out of my reach as I once thought. Some of the tools needed to begin can be super affordable and even a few of the basic power tools don't have to break the bank. Check out Pretty Handy Girl's <a href="http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/my-toolbox" target="_blank">Toolbox</a> for an excellent overview.<br />
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I've had my hand tools for awhile, I've been very fond of my hand-me-down power drill and my recent power sander is simply lovely... but seriously, I'm so stinkin' excited for these guys:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0ybt-XbBm0caeA92FISXFfm20mJN7YAOyXajyeQgqLpaGyDwsHqfo3tHdA8wuN87o2BjomoLG50Qhddoc4DkzXsc5qrikNK2lECDZX_9xzgiPwOp7QyWAQ4aXHRIYKoFdXY3gdeO4b5u/s1600/12.2012+034+(Medium).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0ybt-XbBm0caeA92FISXFfm20mJN7YAOyXajyeQgqLpaGyDwsHqfo3tHdA8wuN87o2BjomoLG50Qhddoc4DkzXsc5qrikNK2lECDZX_9xzgiPwOp7QyWAQ4aXHRIYKoFdXY3gdeO4b5u/s640/12.2012+034+(Medium).jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Did I just do glamour shots of a circular saw and a jigsaw? Why yes I did. :) Oh, and because I grouch about my lousy camera phone so much, can we just observe the beauty of what I can do when I <strike>sneak</strike> borrow <strike>with every intention of returning</strike> my sister's nice camera? But back to the topic at hand... we have here: </span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Ryobi 7 1/4" Laser Circular Saw, reconditioned, $25</span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Ryobi VS Orbital Jigsaw with Laser, reconditioned, $31</span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Needless to say, I'm rather pleased. See? Good tools don't HAVE to be outrageous! I'll probably upgrade the circular saw blade and I need to purchase blades for the other as well, but really that's still an awesome price for both. Moral of the story: manufacturer's reconditioned tool sales = win.</span><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><i><u>THE LAUNDRY ROOM MAY NOW COMMENCE!!</u></i></span></div>
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RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2453887681139215484.post-48650785901939542552012-12-17T12:31:00.001-05:002012-12-17T12:31:48.891-05:00In Loving Remembrance<br />
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I'm not a parent, so I can't begin to imagine what a mother or father feels in a moment like this. Your sorrow isn't just a news story to me; I have a loved one who is a survivor of the shooting at VT. I will hold him tight as we sit down to pray for you tonight. God bless you and keep you close to His heart.<br />
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Today is dedicated to these children, teachers and their families:<br />
<br />
- Charlotte Bacon, 2/22/06<br />
- Daniel Barden, 9/25/05<br />
- Rachel Davino, 7/17/83<br />
- Olivia Engel, 7/18/06<br />
- Josephine Gay, 12/11/05<br />
- Ana M. Marquez-Greene, 04/04/06<br />
- Dylan Hockley, 3/8/06<br />
- Dawn Hochsprung, 06/28/65<br />
- Madeleine F. Hsu, 7/10/06<br />
- Catherine V. Hubbard, 6/08/06<br />
- Chase Kowalski, 10/31/05<br />
- Jesse Lewis, 6/30/06<br />
- James Mattioli , 3/22/06<br />
- Grace McDonnell, 12/04/05<br />
- Anne Marie Murphy, 07/25/60<br />
- Emilie Parker, 5/12/06<br />
- Jack Pinto, 5/06/06<br />
- Noah Pozner, 11/20/06<br />
- Caroline Previdi, 9/07/06<br />
- Jessica Rekos, 5/10/06<br />
- Avielle Richman, 10/17/06<br />
- Lauren Rousseau, 6/1982<br />
- Mary Sherlach, 2/11/56<br />
- Victoria Soto, 11/04/85<br />
- Benjamin Wheeler, 9/12/06<br />
- Allison N. Wyatt, 7/03/06<br />
RORhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11932614371151154734noreply@blogger.com1