I've been thinking about ice cream lately. I stumbled across this post, and I thought I'd share in case anyone else is thinking similar thoughts.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Give Away
As posted recently, I purchased one. It's super easy to easy, and the result is fantastic. All you need is a little patience, since it does take at least a day from start to finish (mostly chilling time, not actual work). And there's nothing nicer than knowing what you're eating and feeding your family.
Showing posts with label household. Show all posts
Showing posts with label household. Show all posts
Friday, June 4, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Motrin "Phantom Recall"
I haven't been able to find Motrin at any of my usual stores. Finally, I asked the pharmacist at Target, and she said it was recalled, but there's plenty of generic (i.e., ibuprofen).
A quick Google search later yielded McNiel Consumer Healthcare's attempt at a "phantom recall."
Washington Post article: Maker of children's drugs accused of hiding Motrin recall from public
A quick Google search later yielded McNiel Consumer Healthcare's attempt at a "phantom recall."
"The company at the center of a massive recall of children's Tylenol and other popular over-the-counter products tried to perform a "phantom recall" of defective Motrin by sending contractors around the country to buy up the medicine from stores without alerting regulators or the public, according to the chairman of a Congressional committee investigating the company."Pathetic.
Washington Post article: Maker of children's drugs accused of hiding Motrin recall from public
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Striving for Success and Relief in the Kitchen
Food makes me feel better. It's not just the eating or talking about food, it's the making it. I'm not talking anything gourmet, I just like trying new recipes, new ingredients, new techniques. The fact that you can make something from start to finish with a tangible end product is really gratifying. So while I've always been inclined towards baking cookies, cakes, muffins, etc., I've recently been branching out. It seems to help me regain a bit of myself when I'm lost in the throws on toddler tantrums.
These past couple of weeks have been particularly trying. MetaDaddy has been traveling for work, so he's been gone for 10 of the past 14 days. And when he gets back, I can't expect much because of jet lag. As usual, the kids got sick the minute he stepped foot on the airport. Why, why why!?! MetaBoy started it, and MetaGirl was lucky enough to get a mild version of whatever he had. Then she caught something somewhere else, and now he's sick. Tomorrow is two weeks with one stomach flu or another.
So, I'm having a pity party, and everyone's invited!! Except you probably don't want to come over because you might get sick ;-)
And what's a party without presents? I "happened" to find something on sale that I've been eyeing for a while. I figured it's time to indulge.
Sur La Table is having a sale on Cuisinart ice cream makers (well reviewed by Amazon users). Supposedly, they retail for $90, but they seem to be $50 everywhere. You could get it at Bed Bath and Beyond with one of your million 20% off coupons, though I couldn't seem to find it on their website. The Sur La Table deal, available thru May 31, 2010, offers a $15 gift card with your purchase, which works out to for $50 plus tax, less $15 for a future purchase. Amazon's best offer, if you're willing to take the white machine instead of selecting one of the 5 other colors, is pretty comparable (currently $41.48).
No, I didn't need it. But we all like ice cream. And MetaBoy loves to help me in the kitchen, so I'm excited at the prospect of showing him how to make ice cream. I think it's incredibly valuable that he knows that foods he loves like bread, cake, or ice cream are easily made from scratch at home, even though we can also buy them at the store. As a kid, I didn't know that pancakes could be make without a mix. Or that butter is so incredibly easy to make!! Heck, I didn't know a lot of stuff about food until well into adulthood. We've learned to take basic stuff for granted, and it's a real shame. How can we know how to eat well if we don't know what we're eating?
Anyway, I haven't made anything with the machine yet because everyone's still recovering. But once we're ready, I've been eyeing a decadent mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe from Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc at Home. I love that book. Some recipes are a little tedious or labor intensive, but there are several great, easy ones, like the amazing cauliflower soup that I could eat for days, or the chocolate shortbread cookies. Best of all, whatever recipe you make, you're guaranteed something delicious. There's comfort (food) in that.
These past couple of weeks have been particularly trying. MetaDaddy has been traveling for work, so he's been gone for 10 of the past 14 days. And when he gets back, I can't expect much because of jet lag. As usual, the kids got sick the minute he stepped foot on the airport. Why, why why!?! MetaBoy started it, and MetaGirl was lucky enough to get a mild version of whatever he had. Then she caught something somewhere else, and now he's sick. Tomorrow is two weeks with one stomach flu or another.
So, I'm having a pity party, and everyone's invited!! Except you probably don't want to come over because you might get sick ;-)
And what's a party without presents? I "happened" to find something on sale that I've been eyeing for a while. I figured it's time to indulge.
Sur La Table is having a sale on Cuisinart ice cream makers (well reviewed by Amazon users). Supposedly, they retail for $90, but they seem to be $50 everywhere. You could get it at Bed Bath and Beyond with one of your million 20% off coupons, though I couldn't seem to find it on their website. The Sur La Table deal, available thru May 31, 2010, offers a $15 gift card with your purchase, which works out to for $50 plus tax, less $15 for a future purchase. Amazon's best offer, if you're willing to take the white machine instead of selecting one of the 5 other colors, is pretty comparable (currently $41.48).
No, I didn't need it. But we all like ice cream. And MetaBoy loves to help me in the kitchen, so I'm excited at the prospect of showing him how to make ice cream. I think it's incredibly valuable that he knows that foods he loves like bread, cake, or ice cream are easily made from scratch at home, even though we can also buy them at the store. As a kid, I didn't know that pancakes could be make without a mix. Or that butter is so incredibly easy to make!! Heck, I didn't know a lot of stuff about food until well into adulthood. We've learned to take basic stuff for granted, and it's a real shame. How can we know how to eat well if we don't know what we're eating?
Anyway, I haven't made anything with the machine yet because everyone's still recovering. But once we're ready, I've been eyeing a decadent mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe from Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc at Home. I love that book. Some recipes are a little tedious or labor intensive, but there are several great, easy ones, like the amazing cauliflower soup that I could eat for days, or the chocolate shortbread cookies. Best of all, whatever recipe you make, you're guaranteed something delicious. There's comfort (food) in that.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
I Never Trust My Oven's Temperature
When I used to pre-heat my oven to 350F, I couldn't help but wonder if the temperature was as promised when the oven beeped. To quell my fears, I bought a thermometer and placed it on a rack inside my oven oven (on the outermost bar, near the door). I felt pretty smart when I found out that it took 10-15 minutes longer after the oven beeped to hit the target temperature. That's why I was having so many problems!!
We since moved, and I brought my thermometer. I put it in the oven here, and as I learned its quirks, I realized it similarly took longer to heat up than promised by the oven's thermostat. But I was having other trouble with the oven, that involved heat, smoke, and char everywhere (food and oven walls). On a whim, I put the thermometer further into the oven (now hanging on a rack in the very center of the oven), and I find out that the oven is hitting then exceeding the target temperature by 25, 50 or more degrees!! My 400 oven hit 500 (and beyond?)!
Now, I'm not sure where I'm going from here, but knowing is the first step. I've been much more cautious with high temperature cooking, which can lead to burning, smoking, and splats (aka dirty oven). I've considered looking into getting it repaired, but we're thinking of moving soon, so it might not be worth the expense.
Whatever I do now, the take away lesson: Never take the temperature of your oven for granted. Whether too high or too low, it can affect your cooking, and in turn, your confidence in cooking.
We since moved, and I brought my thermometer. I put it in the oven here, and as I learned its quirks, I realized it similarly took longer to heat up than promised by the oven's thermostat. But I was having other trouble with the oven, that involved heat, smoke, and char everywhere (food and oven walls). On a whim, I put the thermometer further into the oven (now hanging on a rack in the very center of the oven), and I find out that the oven is hitting then exceeding the target temperature by 25, 50 or more degrees!! My 400 oven hit 500 (and beyond?)!
Now, I'm not sure where I'm going from here, but knowing is the first step. I've been much more cautious with high temperature cooking, which can lead to burning, smoking, and splats (aka dirty oven). I've considered looking into getting it repaired, but we're thinking of moving soon, so it might not be worth the expense.
Whatever I do now, the take away lesson: Never take the temperature of your oven for granted. Whether too high or too low, it can affect your cooking, and in turn, your confidence in cooking.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Around the Internet
New fad in baked treats: Cake Balls
New fad in healthy eating: The Nordic Diet
New explanations for old conundrums: Why Does Time Fly By As You Get Older?
New (to me) kitchen toys that I want: Amish Double Pie Carrier Basket With Tray And Lid
And finally...
A good reason to avoid quizzes and such on Facebook: Is Your Facebook Profile As Private As You Think?
New fad in healthy eating: The Nordic Diet
New explanations for old conundrums: Why Does Time Fly By As You Get Older?
New (to me) kitchen toys that I want: Amish Double Pie Carrier Basket With Tray And Lid
And finally...
A good reason to avoid quizzes and such on Facebook: Is Your Facebook Profile As Private As You Think?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Fruit Tree Giveaway from LACMA
LACMA giveaway
Artist collective Fallen Fruit kicks off a yearlong project, EATLACMA, with a fruit tree giveaway. Come pick up a free fruit tree along with planting instructions for your garden. This is the first in a series of events, which will include an exhibition, opening in June, and a series of food-related events throughout the year. EATLACMA is a year-long investigation into food, art, culture and politics. EATLACMA's projects consider food as a common ground that explores the social role of art and ritual in community and human relationships.
EATLACMA unfolds seasonally, with artist's gardens planted and harvested on the museum campus, hands-on public events, and a concurrent exhibition, Fallen Fruit Presents The Fruit of LACMA (June 27-November 7, 2010). EATLACMA is curated by Fallen Fruit—David Burns, Matias Viegener and Austin Young-and LACMA curator Michele Urton.
Artist collective Fallen Fruit kicks off a yearlong project, EATLACMA, with a fruit tree giveaway. Come pick up a free fruit tree along with planting instructions for your garden. This is the first in a series of events, which will include an exhibition, opening in June, and a series of food-related events throughout the year. EATLACMA is a year-long investigation into food, art, culture and politics. EATLACMA's projects consider food as a common ground that explores the social role of art and ritual in community and human relationships.
EATLACMA unfolds seasonally, with artist's gardens planted and harvested on the museum campus, hands-on public events, and a concurrent exhibition, Fallen Fruit Presents The Fruit of LACMA (June 27-November 7, 2010). EATLACMA is curated by Fallen Fruit—David Burns, Matias Viegener and Austin Young-and LACMA curator Michele Urton.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Avoiding Food Spoilage
My recent method for attempting to avoid having food spoil:
Keep a brief list of foods that are ripe or near expiring in the kitchen (e.g., on the counter or fridge).
For example, I have a lot of ripe pears lying around, but I keep forgetting to use them. I put "pears" on my list, and I'm reminded to have a pear as a snack instead of an orange or crackers. I'm also encouraged to use them in breakfast or a dessert. This worked with my abundance of apples, which turned into a tasty cranberry apple pie, and blueberries, which made their way into my yogurt and the kids' snacks.
Keep a brief list of foods that are ripe or near expiring in the kitchen (e.g., on the counter or fridge).
For example, I have a lot of ripe pears lying around, but I keep forgetting to use them. I put "pears" on my list, and I'm reminded to have a pear as a snack instead of an orange or crackers. I'm also encouraged to use them in breakfast or a dessert. This worked with my abundance of apples, which turned into a tasty cranberry apple pie, and blueberries, which made their way into my yogurt and the kids' snacks.
Friday, September 4, 2009
A New Dryer?
We have an old clothes dryer. That is, it was here and well-loved when MetaDaddy bought the place over 10 years ago. It's basic, but it works. It doesn't have any bells and whistles; you turn it on for a set amount of time, and it dries the clothes.
I've recently started looking longingly at the bells and whistles on newer dryers, though. I know, blasphemy! But the thought of a dryer that can sense if the clothes require further drying is so...hot! No more overdrying clothes, which means savings in terms of energy usage and clothes (clothes that spend less time in the dryer last longer). That's green, right!?! Further amenities that I covet: drying racks that allow a user to dry clothes flat, a low heat setting, a wrinkle reduction cycle.
I was further compelled to research new dryer options when our dryer started to take longer to dry clothes. I always put it on for the same amount of time, but recently, it doesn't always dry the load of clothes, despite a clean lint trap and a hot drum (i.e., the dryer is transmitting heat). I'm starting to wonder how much more life it has in it and whether or not it's worth investing in to repair.
As I started researching, I found a few models that I liked. The problem is that the very few user reviews that I found on Sears and elsewhere weren't generally positive. None of them. And I began to remember a good rule of thumb: the more bells and whistles, the more that can go wrong. If one component doesn't work, either your unable to dry your clothes, or best case, you've just paid for a feature that doesn't work. What do you do? Do you bring someone in to fix or replace it, potentially leaving you without a dryer for a period of time? I do a LOT of laundry with my two messy little monsters; I can't afford to be without a dryer for very long. And I was further discouraged by Dooce's account of her non-working washing machine woes.
Oh, one more thing. A rebate program for appliances is scheduled for the fall, which means our dryer purchase might be subsidized. More details here. Hopefully, Sears will still have some good deals then. Currently, they have deals that end every few days, but start up again the next day.
While the rebate might be an incentive, I'm still on the fence. Do we get rid of old reliable? It's seen us through many, many...many disasters. MetaGirl is a messy eater, but that pales in comparison to the messes MetaBoy challenged his onesies to.
Flashback: Ewwwww.
I've recently started looking longingly at the bells and whistles on newer dryers, though. I know, blasphemy! But the thought of a dryer that can sense if the clothes require further drying is so...hot! No more overdrying clothes, which means savings in terms of energy usage and clothes (clothes that spend less time in the dryer last longer). That's green, right!?! Further amenities that I covet: drying racks that allow a user to dry clothes flat, a low heat setting, a wrinkle reduction cycle.
I was further compelled to research new dryer options when our dryer started to take longer to dry clothes. I always put it on for the same amount of time, but recently, it doesn't always dry the load of clothes, despite a clean lint trap and a hot drum (i.e., the dryer is transmitting heat). I'm starting to wonder how much more life it has in it and whether or not it's worth investing in to repair.
As I started researching, I found a few models that I liked. The problem is that the very few user reviews that I found on Sears and elsewhere weren't generally positive. None of them. And I began to remember a good rule of thumb: the more bells and whistles, the more that can go wrong. If one component doesn't work, either your unable to dry your clothes, or best case, you've just paid for a feature that doesn't work. What do you do? Do you bring someone in to fix or replace it, potentially leaving you without a dryer for a period of time? I do a LOT of laundry with my two messy little monsters; I can't afford to be without a dryer for very long. And I was further discouraged by Dooce's account of her non-working washing machine woes.
Oh, one more thing. A rebate program for appliances is scheduled for the fall, which means our dryer purchase might be subsidized. More details here. Hopefully, Sears will still have some good deals then. Currently, they have deals that end every few days, but start up again the next day.
While the rebate might be an incentive, I'm still on the fence. Do we get rid of old reliable? It's seen us through many, many...many disasters. MetaGirl is a messy eater, but that pales in comparison to the messes MetaBoy challenged his onesies to.
Flashback: Ewwwww.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Recipe: $10 Meals for 4 via NPR
How Low Can You Go? $10 Meals for 4 on NPR - Four recipes submitted by professionals, all ringing in under $10. Personally, I love Jose Andres (a charming Spaniard, though aren't they all ;-), but all of the recipes look good!
From Chef Jose Andres, A Family Favorite For $10
Navy Chef Gets Creative With A $10 Skate Meal
Chef Ming Tsai Makes $10 Dish His Kids Love
The Neelys Get Playful With A $9 Mac 'N' Cheese
And if you continue on to the comments, you'll find hundreds of recipes submitted by readers.
From Chef Jose Andres, A Family Favorite For $10
Navy Chef Gets Creative With A $10 Skate Meal
Chef Ming Tsai Makes $10 Dish His Kids Love
The Neelys Get Playful With A $9 Mac 'N' Cheese
And if you continue on to the comments, you'll find hundreds of recipes submitted by readers.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Los Angeles vs My Mood
Ya see, I want to be in a good mood. I really do! And today, I have no serious symptoms of the bug that MetaBoy oh so graciously passed on to me. There's a bit of a sore throat, but no fever, no chills, no headache...two miserable days, and I'm feeling good again. And I got a lot of rest, since I had little energy to do anything other than watch TV with the kids.
But I digress. I woke up smiling with energy to spare. Had a busy day making up for the big load of nothing that I've done all week, including grocery shopping. It's amazing how quickly you can run out of food when you don't buy more. As I said in a recent tweet, we haven't relied on take-out this much since MetaGirl was born. In driving around and getting things done with my positive attitude, it occurred to me: it's hard to stay in a good mood in this city.
Trader Joe's - It's a small store with narrow aisles and a lot of shoppers. Why do people leave their carts in the middle of an aisle, blocking other shoppers, and walk off as if enchanted by elves? Or perhaps they insist on "gently" pushing you as they walk past, despite the fact that you're carrying a baby and you're hardly in anyone's way. Maybe, if you're lucky, that pushy older lady who just had to get in the store right NOW might say "thanks" as she sees the pile of rubble left in her wake. Slight exaggeration? Perhaps. But only slight. This is the last time I go to Trader Joe's in a good mood. I need to be crabby to go there if I'm going to defend us.
Traffic - People don't know / understand / respect traffic laws. I understand getting distracted by a "shiny" and not noticing the light has changed. We've all been there. But don't make a left from the right lane...while crossing 2 lanes of traffic. That is NOT OK.
Home Maintenance - Someone turned the ringer off on the phone. I don't know who did it, and I don't really care. I didn't notice for days since we don't get many calls at home. We only realized it when the answering machine came on this morning despite the lack of rings. I was going to check it, but I forgot. So when the lady called with the estimate I had been expecting for several days, I missed the call. In her message, she said something to the effect of *gee, you're phone and fax machine are the same number. I'm leaving for the day, so I guess I'll have to call you tomorrow to fax you the estimate.*
My reaction:
But I digress. I woke up smiling with energy to spare. Had a busy day making up for the big load of nothing that I've done all week, including grocery shopping. It's amazing how quickly you can run out of food when you don't buy more. As I said in a recent tweet, we haven't relied on take-out this much since MetaGirl was born. In driving around and getting things done with my positive attitude, it occurred to me: it's hard to stay in a good mood in this city.
Trader Joe's - It's a small store with narrow aisles and a lot of shoppers. Why do people leave their carts in the middle of an aisle, blocking other shoppers, and walk off as if enchanted by elves? Or perhaps they insist on "gently" pushing you as they walk past, despite the fact that you're carrying a baby and you're hardly in anyone's way. Maybe, if you're lucky, that pushy older lady who just had to get in the store right NOW might say "thanks" as she sees the pile of rubble left in her wake. Slight exaggeration? Perhaps. But only slight. This is the last time I go to Trader Joe's in a good mood. I need to be crabby to go there if I'm going to defend us.
Traffic - People don't know / understand / respect traffic laws. I understand getting distracted by a "shiny" and not noticing the light has changed. We've all been there. But don't make a left from the right lane...while crossing 2 lanes of traffic. That is NOT OK.
Home Maintenance - Someone turned the ringer off on the phone. I don't know who did it, and I don't really care. I didn't notice for days since we don't get many calls at home. We only realized it when the answering machine came on this morning despite the lack of rings. I was going to check it, but I forgot. So when the lady called with the estimate I had been expecting for several days, I missed the call. In her message, she said something to the effect of *gee, you're phone and fax machine are the same number. I'm leaving for the day, so I guess I'll have to call you tomorrow to fax you the estimate.*
My reaction:
- If you can print out an estimate, you have a computer. Get an email account. Use it.
- If you have an estimate, you have a dollar figure. Don't hang up without giving me some information.
- If you're calling me to tell me essentially...nothing...don't call me.
- When you give me a time frame for service, honor it. If you don't, don't start calling me a week before the bill is "due" to "remind" me.
- Be thorough. Don't change shower handles without suggesting it might be a good time to change washers. As far as I'm concerned, if that unchanged washer is the cause of a leak, it's you're fault.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Costco Proposed Settlement of Class Action
Just a little FYI...
Costco - Notice of Pendency and Proposed Settlement of Class Action ("Notice") - If you're a member of Costco, this might benefit you.
Here are some broad strokes:
Costco - Notice of Pendency and Proposed Settlement of Class Action ("Notice") - If you're a member of Costco, this might benefit you.
Here are some broad strokes:
- "If you have been a Costco member at any time since March 1, 2001, you may be entitled to benefits from a class action settlement."
- "The Complaint alleges that Costco members who pay an annual membership fee to renew their Costco memberships after their expiration date has passed received a renewal membership term of 12 months beginning from the previous expiration date, instead of the date on which they paid their renewal fee. For example, if a Costco membership expired on January 31, 2008, and the Costco member renewed the membership 2 months later on March 31, 2008, the members renewal membership would expire on January 31, 2009, not March 31, 2009."
- "Costco members who renewed their memberships 3 months or more after their previous expiration date will receive 3 months of free membership. The value of this benefit is $12.50 or $25.00, depending on the type of membership."
Monday, May 18, 2009
How to Freeze Everything
I've been reading a lot of random things about food lately. Mark Bittman, NY Times columnist and author of How to Cook Everything, has some tips on saving money in the kitchen. Here's how he puts it:
Here's an accompanying video of him on the Today Show. It's short, amusing, and informative. But you'll get a lot more information from the article.
"If I tried to sell you a new appliance that could help you save money, reduce food waste and get meals on the table faster, the only thing you’d ask would be 'How much?'"Ah, how we take our freezers for granted. Well, his article has some great tips on what foods to freeze and how. Best tip I took away from this: since food doesn't get "better" in the freezer, it should be used in weeks or months, not years.
Here's an accompanying video of him on the Today Show. It's short, amusing, and informative. But you'll get a lot more information from the article.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Friday, May 15, 2009
Photostory Friday: Dining Express
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek
So, with MetaGirl rolling everywhere, putting everything in her mouth, and generally taking all sorts of liberties with MetaBoy's toys, MetaBoy's trains are often banned from the living room. I feel bad, but those little magnets are like some tasty little treats to her...how do you say no to a tempted infant? You don't. Eliminate the temptation.
Poor MetaBoy :-(
But he found the fix. The trains, tracks, and all related paraphernalia, are now dining room accessories.
Oh bother.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Post Office Update: 2009
So, a friend of mine thought that my post about the post office increasing the price of stamps again was an old post coming back to life.
Nope. In case you thought the same, here goes.
May 11, 2009 - Postage will increase by 2 cents from 42c to 44c. If you're going to buy stamps, make them forever stamps. If you prefer rolls of stamps, then you might already know that the post office doesn't sell them. What's that all about?!? But I hear Costco does sell rolls of forever stamps, though I couldn't find them online.
And don't forget to buy some extra non-perishable groceries this week to donate on Saturday, May 9, 2009 for the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.
Nope. In case you thought the same, here goes.
May 11, 2009 - Postage will increase by 2 cents from 42c to 44c. If you're going to buy stamps, make them forever stamps. If you prefer rolls of stamps, then you might already know that the post office doesn't sell them. What's that all about?!? But I hear Costco does sell rolls of forever stamps, though I couldn't find them online.
And don't forget to buy some extra non-perishable groceries this week to donate on Saturday, May 9, 2009 for the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Getting Sick, Getting Better
Feeling lousy. MetaBoy caught a bug and got sick on Saturday, and every two days, it's been passed on to another family member. I'm the last one to get it. It's like a 24-48 hour stomach flu; bad for a day and unpleasant for a day. All things told, not that bad. But when you can't eat anything for a full day, it feels bad.
So, as of this morning, I'm eating again. I was starving at first, but I'm being pretty cautious with the type of food I eat, as well as the quantities. Bananas are my friend!!
Thinking longingly of tasty breakfast options like this super easy muesli...mmm...
So, as of this morning, I'm eating again. I was starving at first, but I'm being pretty cautious with the type of food I eat, as well as the quantities. Bananas are my friend!!
Thinking longingly of tasty breakfast options like this super easy muesli...mmm...
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Post Office: Stamp Out Hunger Donation & Postage Increases
Saturday, May 9, 2009 is the post office's annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Fun! Time to clean out the pantry of food you won't be using and donate it to those in need. As long as it's non-perishable, not in a glass jar and hasn't expired, it's suitable to include in your donation. If you're feeling generous, buy a little extra when your at the store and toss it in with your donation. Personally, I like to add a few basic staples like sugar, powdered milk, flour, and beans. And remember, if you get a separate receipt (i.e., just food to donate), save your receipt to write off your food donation at tax time.
Every little bit helps.
And of course, what's a year without a rate increase on postage? As of May 11, 2009, postage will be increasing from $0.42 to $0.44. Here are the details.
Sometimes I just wish they'd raise it by 10 or 15 cents and be done with these penny increases. Mail, even at 50+ cents, is still cheap. But hey, that's just me.
Every little bit helps.
And of course, what's a year without a rate increase on postage? As of May 11, 2009, postage will be increasing from $0.42 to $0.44. Here are the details.
Sometimes I just wish they'd raise it by 10 or 15 cents and be done with these penny increases. Mail, even at 50+ cents, is still cheap. But hey, that's just me.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Spring Cleaning at the MetaHome
I've been doing a bit of spring cleaning lately. Purging the old and unused from closets, cupboards, and bins. I guess you could say it's time to finish the nesting that I didn't have time for before MetaGirl came along.
Here's my basic to do list, but use your own judgment for your list:
Food:
Toiletries:
Update: More tips on Spring Cleaning from AP: A spring guide to help you clean out the clutter
Here's my basic to do list, but use your own judgment for your list:
Food:
- Toss all old unused dry goods that are rarely used like certain flours and corn meal. As far as I'm concerned, food like dried pasta and beans have an infinite shelf life.
- Check old nuts, which can get stale, and and dried fruit, which can lose freshness.
- Toss anything that has expired or just plain looks funny.
- As for replenishing, I won't bother getting more until I need it.
- Pick out everything that's looking old and sad and either (1) toss or (2) save for messy jobs (e.g., painting or spring cleaning ;-)
- Pick out clothes that don't get worn. We all have those things that we thought we'd wear, but never do. Why fool yourself? It's time to pass it on to someone who might actually get to use it.
- The kids have clothes that no longer fit them. They went into one of 4 piles:
- Pass on to someone who can use it
- Hold on for sentimental value (I really want to make something like this blanket one day)
- Hold on for MetaGirl
- Toss - too worn or stained to pass on
- Pass on to someone who can use it
Toiletries:
- Anything unopened can be donated to pretty much any shelter (e.g., homeless, domestic violence, teen shelter for runaways).
- Opened products are much harder to find a home for. MetaDaddy says it's tacky, but if I have shampoo or lotion that I will never finish, I feel guilty throwing it away. It seems so wasteful! But if I could donate it, I would clear it out, thus leaving us with less chaos in our bathrooms. I called around, and domestic violence shelters seem to only accept unopened items (including sample and hotel sizes). However, homeless shelters are willing to take either (they really seemed to want lotion). Call first to be sure the shelter accepts your donation.
Update: More tips on Spring Cleaning from AP: A spring guide to help you clean out the clutter
Monday, March 9, 2009
Humidifier Options
I'm looking for a good method to reduce the dry air in our bedroom. I keep waking up feeling like I swallowed sand. And MetaGirl, who sleeps in our room, has been waking up congested. It's time to just bite the bullet and get one.
Ahhh...but which one? The research begins. I found this comment jammed with great information.
Does anyone out there have any good experiences with humidifiers?
Ahhh...but which one? The research begins. I found this comment jammed with great information.
Does anyone out there have any good experiences with humidifiers?
Friday, January 23, 2009
Great Price on Enameled Cast Iron Pot in Blue
The color isn't very traditional, but Macy's has a Martha Stewart Collection blue enameled cast iron pot (5.5 quarts) for $33.74 (usually retails for $99.99). That price is fabulous!
I haven't actually seen this collection, so I can't speak for the the quality. However, I have a 5.5 quart Le Creuset enameled cast iron pot, and I love it. I use it several times a week for everything from sautees, to stir frys, to braises...it's my go to pot.
I'm just saying.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Plastic Free Toddler Dishes
After spending so much time looking for dishes and cups for MetaBoy that are not made of plastic, I ended up settling on bone china. It's strong and considered chip resistant. I don't know if this is true, but we tried it anyway. We have a couple of flat-bottom bowls, plates, and a couple of mugs. And so far, MetaBoy has been great. Nothing thrown, chipped, or broken (at least not yet). Mind you, we didn't offer the dishes to him during his "throwing" phase. Back then, we would hold the dish and feed him. We then let him feed himself, and we haven't had any incidents. He bangs his silverware on the rim of the bowl, but eh...he's two.
I was worried that the mug would be too difficult for his little hands to handle, but he was a pro the first time he used it (at around 2 years). I'm annoyed I didn't introduce it earlier! We have have a single handle mug, and a double handle mug, and he can use both without a problem. So we don't have any kiddie plastic dishes or cups, and I'm glad we're at a comfortable place with that considering the talk about BPA has only gotten more serious (see the EWG for more info). I will get a few sippy cups for MetaGirl once she's ready for them, but she won't spend much time using them if I can avoid it.
If I was still on the hunt for a plastic-free alternative for mealtime, I would seriously consider a stainless steel set like this one. It's nice to see that more options are slowly becoming available to consumers.
Boo to plastic!!
I was worried that the mug would be too difficult for his little hands to handle, but he was a pro the first time he used it (at around 2 years). I'm annoyed I didn't introduce it earlier! We have have a single handle mug, and a double handle mug, and he can use both without a problem. So we don't have any kiddie plastic dishes or cups, and I'm glad we're at a comfortable place with that considering the talk about BPA has only gotten more serious (see the EWG for more info). I will get a few sippy cups for MetaGirl once she's ready for them, but she won't spend much time using them if I can avoid it.
If I was still on the hunt for a plastic-free alternative for mealtime, I would seriously consider a stainless steel set like this one. It's nice to see that more options are slowly becoming available to consumers.
Boo to plastic!!
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