One Frugal Foodie

I sacraficed the annual list of New Year’s resolutions long ago, but this year I am very excited about restarting the tradition. Only this time, January 1 isn’t my celebratory day, but rather April 22nd, Earth Day.  As I jotted down my goals for a greener earth, I noticed that my Earth Day Resolutions were reading more and more like a “how to save money” list … hmmm, interesting coincidence don’t you think?  Let’s see, simplifying, reusing, recycling … a recipe for a healthier environment and bank account!  Read my resolutions here on Go Dairy Free for the full list, and let me know your favorite Earth Day ideas!

Two of my favorite blogs are up for nomination, if you get the chance go over and give a quick vote.  No sign-up is required, just a click.  These are my picks:

Best Food Blog - Writing - Bittersweet Blog (Hannah is only 18!)- http://wellfed.net/2007/12/10/vote-best-food-blog-writing/

Best Food Blog - Theme - Fat Free Vegan (Susan’s vegan recipes are awesome, tested & approved!) - http://wellfed.net/2007/12/10/vote-best-fod-blog-theme/

Yeah, it’s my birthday!  Or should I say birthday week? 

Saturday, my husband and I went for a great hike with lots of fun rock scrambling just a few miles from our house.  Sunday, we met up with family and friends for dinner and to see a singer my parents know perfrom at a bistro off-strip.  She is the star of the show Menopause (I haven’t seen it yet) here in Vegas, but it seems many of the live performers sing at local establishments for fun and practice.  There were actually dozens of other performers from the Vegas shows sitting and dining in the audience, and each was passed the mic at random times to sing.  So much talent in that room it was amazing!  [Side note: feel free to ask me anytime on cool places to go if you are visiting Vegas.  There is more than I ever imagined]

Yesterday, my dad stopped by to wish me a happy birthday and drop off some cool presents that my stepmom picked out.  It is still fun to get presents : ) 

Today, hmmm, well there will definitely be some time off the computer to do things I enjoy.  That must include baking!  I am not a cake fan, so I am leaning toward perhaps some birthday cookies or birthday crisp, whatever it is, it will have some crystalized ginger in it.  I have a craving, and some of these awesome organic ginger bits from the Ginger People on hand.  Anywho, I shall report back with the dessert of choice and any other birthday ventures!

Feeling overwhelmed with to do’s this past week, I finally realized that my surroundings may be the culprit rather than the tasks at hand.  So… I squeezed in some time this weekend to organize a bit.  Starting with the long neglected cupboards and fridge, I got to work (now what to do with the stuff left on the counter?!).  Just a little preface, since I can’t consume any milk products, I really got into baking a few years ago (many bread products contain dairy).  In keeping with my Frugal Food self, I took up shopping in the bulk foods department for flours, sugars, grains, etc.  Hence, the array of labeled tubs:

However, I had a few bulk baggies of grains that had not yet made it into a nicely labeled container.  Feeling like a complete idiot, I have no idea what these grains are now.  I think one is cracked wheat or wheat berries, but really, I am not sure.  Any guesses?  I could use some help here!

Just a few weeks into my first “real” blog, and I already have two meme’s on my to do list!  I am so honored.  I actually received two tags for the same meme, one from AllergicGirl and one from No Whey Mama. 

Here are the rules:

1. Let others know who tagged you.
2. Players start with 8 random facts about themselves.
3. Those who are tagged should post these rules and their 8 random facts.
4. Players should tag 8 other people and notify them they have been tagged.

Okay, onto my facts…

1. I don’t have a TV, cell phone, or any other electronic gadgets beyond my computer and a few small kitchen appliances…. oh yes, and a $25 digital camera.   We had a cell phone for six months many years ago, and quite frankly didn’t like anyone being able to reach us at any time.  That old cell phone is deactivated in the car in case of a 911 emergency of course. 
2. I am a Smallville addict.  I agreed to sacrafice the TV three years ago if my husband would find a way for me to watch Smallville, and he does.  I haven’t missed an episode yet!
3. My husband and I have worked together for almost exactly ten years.  The longest we have ever been apart is two days.
4. I met most of my closest friends in Lake Tahoe by having knee surgery.  It seems you aren’t truly a local until you have had some sort of orthopedic surgery.  That explains why my surgeon had an entire basketball court in his living room. Nice place.
5. I grew up hating hot dogs, potato chips, bologna, and mac & cheese (for obvious reasons of course), but loved broccoli, oranges, kiwis, spinach, carrots, and any other fruit or vegetable served to me.  Seriously.
6. My day jobs are as an editor and a financial analyst.  I like to be diversified.
7. My husband and I adhere to a 1.5 mile rule.  If the restaurant, grocer, or mail drop-off is within 1.5 miles of our home, then we go by foot.  The only time we compromise the rule and head for the car, is when a shipment weighs over 20 lbs (those books can get heavy) or it is over 90º out, and it can’t wait until dark or the next morning.
8. I have been to Europe twice, for a total of six months, but can’t get my husband to go, even though his parents are now living in England!  (a little venting on that one)

Well that part wasn’t too painful.  Now, finding eight other people who haven’t already been tagged, that is the real challenge.  I will just take my chances:

• Brownbag Blues
• Cookies Etc.
• VeggieGirl
• The Non-Dairy Queen
• Domestic Affair
• Pig in the Kitchen

Oh goodness, I will have to stop there for now, as the ones that come to mind I know have done this meme…