I'm sick today. It's a chronic intestinal thing that is the main reason I'm applying for disability. I can't work when I never know when I'll be stuck at home, and one really can't work from the restroom in most offices. My Aunt Suzi sent me some money, so I was able to cover another couple of bills and put gas in my car.
Yesterday, Haley and I spent three hours mucking out the little closet under the stairs in the living room. Yes, it was THAT packed to the gills. I gave away a bunch of stuff to her, and even more was left on the curb. We were both sweaty and bedraggled when we were done, and I treated us both to McDonald's. Which isn't the source of my current illness, but it probably didn't help.
I also discovered that Malachi, in a fit of temper over what, I do not know, did something unspeakable on my basket of clean laundry. So as soon as I can get more than a few steps from a bathroom, I'm going to have to drag my weary self to the laundromat on this humid, sticky, cloudy day, and wash things up before the smell settles into my only summer clothing. Blech indeed.
I was intending this to be a post on zucchini, as I ended up digging up my zucchini recipes for someone with whom I was discussing them on Threshold. But the thought of food right now is so revolting, I'll save it for my next post.
I have no suggestions for today, other than to eat lots of yogurt, and pray your intestines continue to behave themselves. Though you could always send me a get-well gift from my Amazon wish list.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Food groups and Sweet Potatoes
Just a quick update. The heat and my swollen throat and uvula have kept me from getting much done. Thankfully my doctor appointment is right after therapy tomorrow morning. I did get a single load of laundry done at the laundromat. I know it hasn't been as hot today as it has been, but still too hot for me to be outside. I could barely breathe dragging the basket into and out of the house.
Anyway, we're having a playful argument on Threshold about food groups. My personal choices are bacon, cheese, onions, fried, carbs, and caffeine. A friend of mine claims there are only two: cheese and beer. Sweet Potato Queen Jill Connor Browne says the food groups are: “sweet, salty, fried and au gratin”. So I suppose mine are fairly similar. She does include, I think, alcohol as a sub-group at times. I'm not much of a drinker unless campfires, singing, and flirting are involved.
Bacon, on the other hand, I have loved all my life. I'm not very good at cooking it, and that is one of the very few reasons I miss The Hemorrhoid, my erstwhile spouse. He was good at cooking bacon. I do find it amusing that it's suddenly trendy to be a bacon fan, but who am I to quibble? (Dawn says he's a hemorrhoid because a$$holes at least have uses)
Today's book suggestion: The Sweet Potato Queens Book of Love by Jill Connor Browne. Who wrote the Book of Love? They did! A group of southern women who 30 years ago now proclaimed themselves Queens and continue to do so. The author is the Boss Queen, and this book may very well change your life. If I could overcome my own inertia and develop some gumption, it might well change mine someday. Funny and very real, you'll either love it or hate it. I've purchased at least half a dozen copies of this book to give away to people I think need it.
Anyway, we're having a playful argument on Threshold about food groups. My personal choices are bacon, cheese, onions, fried, carbs, and caffeine. A friend of mine claims there are only two: cheese and beer. Sweet Potato Queen Jill Connor Browne says the food groups are: “sweet, salty, fried and au gratin”. So I suppose mine are fairly similar. She does include, I think, alcohol as a sub-group at times. I'm not much of a drinker unless campfires, singing, and flirting are involved.
Bacon, on the other hand, I have loved all my life. I'm not very good at cooking it, and that is one of the very few reasons I miss The Hemorrhoid, my erstwhile spouse. He was good at cooking bacon. I do find it amusing that it's suddenly trendy to be a bacon fan, but who am I to quibble? (Dawn says he's a hemorrhoid because a$$holes at least have uses)
Today's book suggestion: The Sweet Potato Queens Book of Love by Jill Connor Browne. Who wrote the Book of Love? They did! A group of southern women who 30 years ago now proclaimed themselves Queens and continue to do so. The author is the Boss Queen, and this book may very well change your life. If I could overcome my own inertia and develop some gumption, it might well change mine someday. Funny and very real, you'll either love it or hate it. I've purchased at least half a dozen copies of this book to give away to people I think need it.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Green bean bonanza!
Yesterday I bought some fresh green beans at the store, and that started me thinking about the different ways I like them. Every since I was a child I've loved green beans in almost every possible way. They are a comfort food for me, despite being a vegetable. At Chinese buffets, I always fill my plate with the sauteed green beans they have there first. I'll start you off with a link I found when looking for basic information on them.
Green beans are an excellent source of fiber and a lot of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, and many antioxidants. According to this site, they are also very easy to grow. They can be preserved by pickling, canning, or simply blanching them for 30 seconds, then freezing them. It's usually best to break off the woody ends before doing anything to them. For the less intrepid, you can buy green beans freeze-dried, and the uber-delicious green bean chips.
I asked some friends for their thoughts on green beans. One friend's daughter gave me this wonderful quote.
Perhaps she'd like my canned green bean recipes. I know I've already offered one for an easy salad containing green beans in a previous post. My other is just as easy, but it's a hot dish. A tin of green beans, a pinch of beef bouillon, (I never use any soup base other than Better than Bouillon) and a good pinch of dried minced onions. Heat it well, and it's an excellent side dish.
As far as fresh green beans, what I did today was not quite what I'd intended, but it turned out well anyway. I may blanch them first next time. I minced up a sweet onion into very tiny bits, and did the same thing with a few cloves of garlic. I started those sizzling in melted butter, then threw in the green beans and a bit of extra water. I stuck a lid on it so they'd steam a tiny bit, and did something else for a few minutes. I came back, and they were still pretty soupy, so I added a bit more butter, turned the heat to medium, and left them alone for ten minutes. They were softer than I'd planned, but both the green beans and the onions were lightly caramelized. I ended up using an entire stick of butter, but that's because the leftover onion/garlic butter will be used for steamed asparagus. You'll probably want to stick with half a stick.
My favourite way is of course the old fashioned way with bacon. Get your beans washed and trimmed into short lengths. Cut up a lot of bacon, and cook it till it's mostly done, but not crispy. Snack on some of the bacon. Cook a sliced onion or two in the drippings, then add the green beans, the bacon you didn't eat, and some water or chicken stock. At least a couple of cups of liquid. Then turn it down to low and let it cook for an hour or so so the green beans get mushy and filled with the flavour of bacon and onion. Pure comfort food. Even more so than green bean casserole, which I have to make with cream of celery, since I'm allergic to mushrooms. I also use extra onions, a few splooshes of worcestershire, and extra french onions.
The last way to fix green beans, is another easy summer style. I got this from today's suggested book, The Complete I Hate to Cook Book, which is both hilarious and useful.
Green beans are an excellent source of fiber and a lot of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, and many antioxidants. According to this site, they are also very easy to grow. They can be preserved by pickling, canning, or simply blanching them for 30 seconds, then freezing them. It's usually best to break off the woody ends before doing anything to them. For the less intrepid, you can buy green beans freeze-dried, and the uber-delicious green bean chips.
I asked some friends for their thoughts on green beans. One friend's daughter gave me this wonderful quote.
"Mommy, they shouldn't advertise that they're having green beans if it's canned green beans because those are just disgusting. REAL green beans are yummy."
As far as fresh green beans, what I did today was not quite what I'd intended, but it turned out well anyway. I may blanch them first next time. I minced up a sweet onion into very tiny bits, and did the same thing with a few cloves of garlic. I started those sizzling in melted butter, then threw in the green beans and a bit of extra water. I stuck a lid on it so they'd steam a tiny bit, and did something else for a few minutes. I came back, and they were still pretty soupy, so I added a bit more butter, turned the heat to medium, and left them alone for ten minutes. They were softer than I'd planned, but both the green beans and the onions were lightly caramelized. I ended up using an entire stick of butter, but that's because the leftover onion/garlic butter will be used for steamed asparagus. You'll probably want to stick with half a stick.
My favourite way is of course the old fashioned way with bacon. Get your beans washed and trimmed into short lengths. Cut up a lot of bacon, and cook it till it's mostly done, but not crispy. Snack on some of the bacon. Cook a sliced onion or two in the drippings, then add the green beans, the bacon you didn't eat, and some water or chicken stock. At least a couple of cups of liquid. Then turn it down to low and let it cook for an hour or so so the green beans get mushy and filled with the flavour of bacon and onion. Pure comfort food. Even more so than green bean casserole, which I have to make with cream of celery, since I'm allergic to mushrooms. I also use extra onions, a few splooshes of worcestershire, and extra french onions.
The last way to fix green beans, is another easy summer style. I got this from today's suggested book, The Complete I Hate to Cook Book, which is both hilarious and useful.
Bail Bond Beans
Cook more french-cut green beans than you need for supper till they are barely tender. Then mix them with the following, let it heat through, and serve.
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil (It's olive oil, not bloody EVOO. I hate cutesy acronyms)
1/4 cup black olives (I always skip the black olives)
Garlic salt and oregano
After supper, put the leftover beans in the fridge and use them in a salad the next night.
If any of you have suggestions for what to do with green beans, feel free to share.
Today's book suggestion: I Hate to Cook Book, by Peg Bracken. It's a funny look at those who hate to cook but were forced to do so anyway. She wrote it long before Women's Lib. The first printing date in my copy is 1960. But a lot of the recipes are great, and easy, and it really is an entertaining read.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Small steps. Very small steps
I had my first evaluation in physical therapy today. The good news is that I have made some progress! Go me! And my therapist is amazed at how flexible I am. I'm not ready to abandon therapy, and she says it will be a long haul, but once I can walk far enough to start working out in the water, I think it will help a lot. I'm hoping I can get a scholarship to the Y, so I can go for free. I prefer the pool at Four Seasons, but they don't have any sort of scholarship program, and it's around $500/year. So NOT an option.
After therapy, I went to Kroger and picked up some food. I love one particular Kroger in Normal, because it has a fantastic produce department, and the prices are good. They also have a store brand of ready-to-eat veggies that they put on clearance a few days before the sell-by date, which is a tremendous bargain. You can either eat them raw, or cook them in the little plastic bags. Baby asparagus, all ready to steam, for $1.99! And yes, I picked up extra garlic to make garlic butter. Butter is good for you, people! Much better than fake fats and too many empty carbs. Auntie Kate is wise, and knows how she is supposed to eat, even if she isn't very good at taking her own advice. So if you have a local Kroger/Hilander/whatever it is in your area, make sure you check out the Private Selection produce. They put it on clearance while it's still in great shape, and those bags are great for steaming.
However, what you do NOT want to do is buy the Kroger Value brand yogurt. I picked it up because it was cheaper than the regular Kroger brand, which is actually good. The strawberry was a shade of pink similar to pepto bismal, but more lurid, and it contained no fruit, but plenty of high fructose corn syrup, which is really, really, REALLY bad for you, and therefore should be saved only for foods you adore. Pay the extra seven cents and get the regular Kroger brand. Trust me on this one.
My Aunt Maria is going to try to help me a bit. And that's Maria as in Mariah, not Mareeea. It's an old family name going back hundreds of years. She was very nice and supportive and kind, which made me cry a bit, because we've had our conflicts in the past. Leah, her daughter, is not only my cousin, but one of my best friends in the world, and someone I love a great deal. In other family news, Ysaeran is very displeased with me because I won't let him go outside and get shot by the neighbour on the east, or eaten by Dawn's dogs. I know. I'm just that cruel.
In other good news, I'm applying for a freelance writing gig at Bright Hub. I don't know if I'll get it, or how much I'll get to write, but if I do, I'll probably link to my posts there. I have an idea for a project on eating better on a budget, and trying to stick to it. But not doing it in an onerous fashion. I wouldn't get paid very much, but it might lead to something else. I also may be doing some game designing work, as well as volunteering for Sterile Feral.
Today's suggestion: Release your inner swordjock and play Threshold RPG! It's a roleplay MUD, which means you have to stay in character, and there aren't pictures. It's like a book you write with people all over the world. I've always preferred books to films, which is why I prefer Threshold to World of Warcrack and the like. Tell them Ysadri sent you.
After therapy, I went to Kroger and picked up some food. I love one particular Kroger in Normal, because it has a fantastic produce department, and the prices are good. They also have a store brand of ready-to-eat veggies that they put on clearance a few days before the sell-by date, which is a tremendous bargain. You can either eat them raw, or cook them in the little plastic bags. Baby asparagus, all ready to steam, for $1.99! And yes, I picked up extra garlic to make garlic butter. Butter is good for you, people! Much better than fake fats and too many empty carbs. Auntie Kate is wise, and knows how she is supposed to eat, even if she isn't very good at taking her own advice. So if you have a local Kroger/Hilander/whatever it is in your area, make sure you check out the Private Selection produce. They put it on clearance while it's still in great shape, and those bags are great for steaming.
However, what you do NOT want to do is buy the Kroger Value brand yogurt. I picked it up because it was cheaper than the regular Kroger brand, which is actually good. The strawberry was a shade of pink similar to pepto bismal, but more lurid, and it contained no fruit, but plenty of high fructose corn syrup, which is really, really, REALLY bad for you, and therefore should be saved only for foods you adore. Pay the extra seven cents and get the regular Kroger brand. Trust me on this one.
My Aunt Maria is going to try to help me a bit. And that's Maria as in Mariah, not Mareeea. It's an old family name going back hundreds of years. She was very nice and supportive and kind, which made me cry a bit, because we've had our conflicts in the past. Leah, her daughter, is not only my cousin, but one of my best friends in the world, and someone I love a great deal. In other family news, Ysaeran is very displeased with me because I won't let him go outside and get shot by the neighbour on the east, or eaten by Dawn's dogs. I know. I'm just that cruel.
In other good news, I'm applying for a freelance writing gig at Bright Hub. I don't know if I'll get it, or how much I'll get to write, but if I do, I'll probably link to my posts there. I have an idea for a project on eating better on a budget, and trying to stick to it. But not doing it in an onerous fashion. I wouldn't get paid very much, but it might lead to something else. I also may be doing some game designing work, as well as volunteering for Sterile Feral.
Today's suggestion: Release your inner swordjock and play Threshold RPG! It's a roleplay MUD, which means you have to stay in character, and there aren't pictures. It's like a book you write with people all over the world. I've always preferred books to films, which is why I prefer Threshold to World of Warcrack and the like. Tell them Ysadri sent you.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Mmmmmmm
I had physical therapy today, and on Thursday I get evaluated again, so that my doctor has the information for my appointment next Tuesday. I'm fairly sure that they're not going to stop my therapy, which is a good thing. I'm going to try and pack a few more things today, though unless I can scrounge up storage space rent, I'm not sure where I'll put the stuff. Keep your fingers cross that God provides.
I'm taking advantage of the fact that it isn't beastly hot today, but instead relatively cool due to the rain and cooking. I roasted a red bell pepper, and I wasn't entirely sure what I was going to do with it. However, I picked up a tiny bit of really good hamburger, and I'm browning it with onions, garlic, and the roasted pepper chopped for tacos! I know you can rinse the fat from the cheap stuff to make it low-fat, but since I can only stand for so long, it's easier to buy smaller amounts of the ground sirloin for the same price when it's on sale and add more onions. That way I don't have to drain it at all. I also have some salsa, whole-wheat tortillas, and romaine lettuce, and some sharp cheddar.
If I could have afforded it, I'd have purchased more and frozen some of it. Having browned hamburger in the freezer is like having money in the bank. It's so convenient, and it's great knowing you have the basics of a meal just sitting there. I always brown mine with at least onions and garlic, if not more.
Cooking gadget of the day: Everyday pan from Cuisinart. It's good for baking, browning, stir-frying, and a lot of other things. It's non-stick, and will work on the stovetop or oven. It also comes with a nice glass lid.
I'm taking advantage of the fact that it isn't beastly hot today, but instead relatively cool due to the rain and cooking. I roasted a red bell pepper, and I wasn't entirely sure what I was going to do with it. However, I picked up a tiny bit of really good hamburger, and I'm browning it with onions, garlic, and the roasted pepper chopped for tacos! I know you can rinse the fat from the cheap stuff to make it low-fat, but since I can only stand for so long, it's easier to buy smaller amounts of the ground sirloin for the same price when it's on sale and add more onions. That way I don't have to drain it at all. I also have some salsa, whole-wheat tortillas, and romaine lettuce, and some sharp cheddar.
If I could have afforded it, I'd have purchased more and frozen some of it. Having browned hamburger in the freezer is like having money in the bank. It's so convenient, and it's great knowing you have the basics of a meal just sitting there. I always brown mine with at least onions and garlic, if not more.
Cooking gadget of the day: Everyday pan from Cuisinart. It's good for baking, browning, stir-frying, and a lot of other things. It's non-stick, and will work on the stovetop or oven. It also comes with a nice glass lid.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Sleeeeeeep.... not
I'm having dreadful trouble sleeping. I'll manage it for a few hours, and then wake up and be too worried about things to fall back to sleep. I don't have the attention span to watch dvds, and the computer makes my bedroom too hot fairly quickly, so I can't spend hours online to forget my troubles. I'm too fatigued to get anything accomplished, which of course just makes me more stressed and afraid, so it's a vicious circle. I'm keeping the cat boxes cleaned, and my dishes washed, and that's about it. Car insurance and my electric bill are due today, but I honestly have no money. I have a handful of quarters I found on my bedroom floor last time I cleaned, and that's it. So all I can offer today are a few bits of advice I'm struggling with myself, remember to breathe, and trust God. Also, an old proverb: Let your words be soft and sweet. You may have to eat them later.
Today's book suggestion: Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters. If you like mysteries, adventure, romance, Victoriana, and Egyptology, you'll love Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody books. Each can stand alone, but they do build on one another. A perfect novel for light summer reading at the pool or in a shady tree.
Today's book suggestion: Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters. If you like mysteries, adventure, romance, Victoriana, and Egyptology, you'll love Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody books. Each can stand alone, but they do build on one another. A perfect novel for light summer reading at the pool or in a shady tree.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
An easy beat-the-heat salad idea
I have NO tolerance for heat at all. I start to wilt when it hits 80, and it's all downhill from there. Which means no cooking, and that's not easy on a tight budget. However, I came up with this easy salad that can be used to top lettuce, or you can add extra veggies and cheese to it for a full meal. It is very cheap, and uses items you probably have in your cupboards. I know that I consider balsamic vinegar a staple because it's so versatile, and you might want to think about keeping it around as well. As far as I can tell, a bottle lasts forever.
1 can of red kidney beans (I prefer dark red, but it's a taste preference)
1 can of cut green beans (You could use french cut, or low sodium)
1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar.
Drain the beans, and rinse the kidney beans. Combine the two cans, add the balsamic vinegar, let it sit so the flavours can meld. That's it!
Of course, you can jazz it up if you wish. You might want to consider:
Minced onions, or green onions
Bell peppers
Summer squash
Diced tomatoes
Fresh basil
Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Hot peppers or hot sauce
Cooked barley, small pasta al dente, or softened bulgur wheat
It's incredibly versatile, and with some sort of grain it is a complete protein.
You might want to consider having fresh tomatoes and basil all summer long. Last summer I had a 12-inch pot that contained one grape tomato plant and three basil plants. It kept me in tomatoes and basil, and that was despite the neighbour kids helping themselves to my tomatoes. I still have some basil in the freezer that I add to pasta sauces. One decent-sized window box would produce enough tomatoes, basil, and lettuce for one person, and almost everyone has that much space.
One last hot weather tip, if you have trouble drinking enough water, buy the generic brand of "light" lemonade tubs, which are usually less than $2 for six tubs in a plastic tube. Put one tub in a gallon of cold water and shake well. It gives the water a bit of flavour, just enough to encourage you to drink it, without too much fake sugar aftertaste. The lemonade is the strongest flavour I've tried, and so it works best diluted. If you have the individual drink mix packets, three of the Wal-Mart brand will make a gallon of water tasty.
Today's movie pick: Twister on dvd. It's a good, silly summer film. We watched it at the Harvest Moon Drive-in in Gibson City the summer it came out, which made it even more fun. The two-disc version has lots of extras, and I love dvd extra features. Enjoy!
All posts copyright 2010 by me. I take no responsibility for anything that results from any links clicked. They were all fine and sfw when I checked them before posting.
Easy Bean Salad
1 can of red kidney beans (I prefer dark red, but it's a taste preference)
1 can of cut green beans (You could use french cut, or low sodium)
1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar.
Drain the beans, and rinse the kidney beans. Combine the two cans, add the balsamic vinegar, let it sit so the flavours can meld. That's it!
Of course, you can jazz it up if you wish. You might want to consider:
Minced onions, or green onions
Bell peppers
Summer squash
Diced tomatoes
Fresh basil
Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Hot peppers or hot sauce
Cooked barley, small pasta al dente, or softened bulgur wheat
It's incredibly versatile, and with some sort of grain it is a complete protein.
You might want to consider having fresh tomatoes and basil all summer long. Last summer I had a 12-inch pot that contained one grape tomato plant and three basil plants. It kept me in tomatoes and basil, and that was despite the neighbour kids helping themselves to my tomatoes. I still have some basil in the freezer that I add to pasta sauces. One decent-sized window box would produce enough tomatoes, basil, and lettuce for one person, and almost everyone has that much space.
One last hot weather tip, if you have trouble drinking enough water, buy the generic brand of "light" lemonade tubs, which are usually less than $2 for six tubs in a plastic tube. Put one tub in a gallon of cold water and shake well. It gives the water a bit of flavour, just enough to encourage you to drink it, without too much fake sugar aftertaste. The lemonade is the strongest flavour I've tried, and so it works best diluted. If you have the individual drink mix packets, three of the Wal-Mart brand will make a gallon of water tasty.
Today's movie pick: Twister on dvd. It's a good, silly summer film. We watched it at the Harvest Moon Drive-in in Gibson City the summer it came out, which made it even more fun. The two-disc version has lots of extras, and I love dvd extra features. Enjoy!
All posts copyright 2010 by me. I take no responsibility for anything that results from any links clicked. They were all fine and sfw when I checked them before posting.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Today's useful information
While I do hope everyone washes their produce before eating it, since one never knows who has been handling it in the store before you, some things need extra attention. Unless you're absolutely certain it's clean, and no chemicals have been used on it, never eat the top part of the apple where the stem is. Chemicals and pesticides collect there, and washing often will not get rid of them.
A lot of fruits and veggies really are just fine purchased from the store, but some should be organic. I'll admit I can't afford to buy all these from organic sources, but you can be sure I'll start growing them as soon as I can. This list was culled from, and more information is available here. I don't sponsor this site, and don't know anything about it other than that one list, so let the reader beware.
Top 10 Fruits and Vegetables to Purchase Organic:
- Peaches
- Apples
- Nectarines
- Strawberries (The forced red colour can be due to fungicides)
- Pears
- Sweet Bell Peppers
- Celery
- Imported Grapes (But I'm none too sure about domestic ones either)
- Spinach (Which is easy to grow in a yard or window box)
- Potatoes
I hope this list is useful.
Today's book suggestion: Stalking the Wild Asparagus by Euell Gibbons - It's a good book on basic foraging, which would be a fun and frugal family activity. Take yourself and your kids on a walk and try to forage a bit of dinner. Just remember, don't over forage, and don't take plants from by the road, because they've been contaminated with exhaust and other nasties.
Buy shares in me!
This was originally going to be a place where I'd dispense random bits of advice and suggestion on frugal living, natural things, and whatever else useful popped into my trivia-laden brain. However, in light of the current homelessness situation facing me, and the difficulty of blogging from my car with a desktop, rather than a laptop, I'm going to start selling shares of me. My estimates indicate that I will need a minimum of $300/month to cover basics for the cats and I, so if I can find 30 people willing to purchase a share of me for $10 for the next year, it should give me time to get things settled.
Therefore, if you'd like to be a philanthropist, and can't afford to pay millions to get a building named after you, you can in fact pay $10 a month for the next year and get a post named after you. Or perhaps a guppy if I can afford a fishtank.
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