2009 Greatest Hits

Books
In Defense of Food
by Michael Pollan

There were a lot of food-related books and movies that came out this year and In Defense of Food definitely changed the way I think, shop, and eat. Other books were interesting but this one really brought it home for me.

The Help
by Kathryn Stockett
Hands-down, the best novel I've read in ages. I listened to it on CD from the library, and hearing this book (the accents, the voices) added to my enjoyment.



L'Amour
More of my girlfriends got engaged this year (including my BFF) and I hear wedding bells for 2010.

Oh, Baby!
My Heart's Desire's best friend's wife had twins in the fall - one boy, one girl. I had never met anyone on their birth day before, and I got to hold them and adore them mere hours after they came into the world.

Healthy Days
One of my healthy and fit girlfriends and I committed to being each other's virtual weight loss pals. We connect with each other regularly and provide support. It's made a huge difference for me and helped me lose weight.

Family Traditions
Creating traditions with My Heart's Desire. This summer we held our 3rd annual July 4th BBQ with plenty of food and fun for all. It's such a fun holiday!

Guilty Pleasure
Reading trashy magazines. Maybe I even subscribe to one.

Used Bookstore
Albuquerque Public Library Book Sale. This used book sale has bargains aplenty and books I actually want to read. I picked up several review copies of books for $2 and $3.

Local Getaway/Family Visit
Trip to New York, stayed with My Heart's Desire's cousin and her boyfriend at their lovely place in Brooklyn. I took the train up for a bridal shower in New Jersey, walked around NYC, hit Strand Books, ate yummy Thai food and hung out with family.

Show
In Las Vegas with my family, we saw the Cirque du Soliel show Love. It was amazing - so many things happening on stage at the same time I didn't know where to look.

Bed & Breakfast
The Fleur-de-Lys Mansion in St. Louis, Missouri. The baked eggs were so good! And I've made the proprietor's pumpkin bread (the orange cream cheese makes it special) and it disappears fast.

Today I am grateful for holiday cheer that is being spread far and wide, heating pads and packs (two hours of snow shoveling = very sore back), remembering that being nice takes practice (see commandment #2), holiday shopping is totally done, and spending this holiday with family.

I'm ready for holiday fun!

Snowy Day Part 2

I'm still wearing flannel pants and fleece-lined sweatshirt from LL Bean. I had some hot cocoa by the fire (it's been going strong all day).


We have made many trips downstairs for firewood. My Heart's Desire and I watched movies on demand. We also made popcorn on the stove.


And look at all that snow! We've gotten a good 14" since last night and it's still coming down pretty hard. The cars parked on the street just look like white blobs with side mirrors.

This snowy day has been very enjoyable because we don't have to go anywhere or do anything. My Sunday School class has been cancelled for tomorrow. I very well may not go anywhere until Monday, when it's likely the roads will be clear. I'm not a great driver in all this snow so staying put sounds good to me.

And now, perhaps a little Scrabble?

Snowy Day

We're expecting anywhere from 10"-20" of snow today. I'm so glad My Heart's Desire and I don't have to leave the house today!

Here's how the snow looked at 11am:


I already had breakfast and read magazines. Now that My Heart's Desire is up and at them, it's fire time!

Will post more photos today.

Today I worked, met a friend for lunch, finally threw away a bunch of old files, decided to hit the gym since I probably won't leave the house tomorrow, went to Trader Joe's for meals and bread (the pickings were slim), picked up a nummy stocking stuffer, came home and watched Me, Myself and Irene on demand (gas in that movie is $1.13), hung out with My Heart's Desire, and prepared for a snowy day tomorrow!

Today I am grateful for new running shoes (my feet are smiling), buying a plant to cheer up my desk, cheap and yummy supermarket sushi, listening to my ’09 holiday mix (finally finished), having dinner tonight with My Heart's Desire (vegetarian tacos) and being 80% done with holiday gifting.

Today I woke up when the Pepco guy called at 7:40am to say he was on his way, 20 minutes later My Heart's Desire and I learned the 19-year-old furnace is too old to get a programmable thermostat (and subsequent Pepco discount), got back in bed and read book for an hour, went to the gym and walk/jog/walked 3+ miles, bought apples and fresh bread at the farmer's market, picked up books on hold at the library, came home, took a quick shower and put on my velour lounge outfit, made brunch (fruit salad and pancakes) for a friend, chatted her up in front of the fire My Heart's Desire made, worked for a little bit, hung out in front of the fire (I'm loving it!) listened to holiday music, had a nice, long chat with a healthy friend, watched last week's CSI, thawed some homemade marinara (Bronx recipe), and am going to a holiday party for My Heart's Desire's friend.

Today I am grateful for: really warm gloves, holiday music, being almost all done with shopping, my electric blanket (oh, so warm!), having a flexible plan, and a close relationship with my mentor.

My Favorite Holiday Movies

Christmas Vacation
Classic. One funny part after another. Especially like the Sassy magazine poster in Audrey's room. I usually watch this at my Dad's house since he has it on DVD.

Love Actually
Sweet, sad, and funny this is a perfect holiday movie! I saw this movie twice in the theater. If you don't cry (or at least get verklempt) you are a robot.

Last year this film inspired me to make Christmas lobster cookies.
I also love the soundtrack!

'Tis the season...

My holiday blues came a little early this year.

I took my honorary, Jewish Grandmother to the movies today. She gives terrific advice. My favorite is simple, straightforward, and reminds me to let go sometimes.

You don't have to go to the mattresses for everything.

Today I went to Sunday School, hit the gym for a quick workout (too cold and icy to be outside, which I prefer), came home and put on my holiday sweater (OF COURSE I have a holiday sweater), went to My Heart's Desire's friend's holiday open house, got a chance to see some people I haven't seen in a while and snuggle with some really cute babies, went out and met a mentee, came home and had dinner (leftover Pad Thai, just as good the second day), did laundry, packed a bag for tomorrow, and decided to read for a bit.

Today I went for a 3 mile walk/jog/walk, worked, went to my favorite Indian restaurant for lunch with a colleague, made plans to take my honorary, Jewish Grandma to see Precious, met my mentor across town, had dinner and talked about her spiritual retreat, came home, hung out with My Heart's Desire, watched some TV, and will read for a bit.

November Writing Report

In November I set the goal of writing for 15 minutes every day. It was a good challenge for me to focus on daily writing. I also like that it got me in the habit of putting pencil to paper regularly. I was able to write for at least 15 minutes at least 18 times in the month - short of my goal but a whole lot more than in October.

Today I am grateful for: getting plenty of sleep, online holiday bargains, my new super-cozy fleece-lined sweatshirt, The Help by Kathryn Stockett (listening to it), having a car, watching The Wrestler with My Heart’s Desire, the quality of my problems, yummy pumpkin bread recipe (with orange cream cheese frosting), spell check, Real Simple magazine, being prepared,and long walks outside.

Old-Fashioned Popcorn

Last night My Heart’s Desire and I made popcorn the old-fashioned way. With corn and oil on the stove. I have never made popcorn this way before – just air popped and microwave.

Someone gave him this popcorn pot (has a lid and an arm that sweeps the kernels around so they don’t burn) when he was a bachelor. It’s been in our kitchen for years and it just seemed like too much trouble.

Well, last night we were out of microwave popcorn. So we broke out the pot, oil and corn!

It was 1/3 cup kernels and 1 tbsp of oil over medium heat and it didn’t take long before the kernels were popping away. It was more trouble than microwave popcorn but it only took about 5 minutes. We added a little butter and some salt and enjoyed.

The main difference? The taste. Wow! It was good! I actually said to My Heart’s Desire, “I didn’t know this was how popcorn was supposed to taste.”

Even the cheap microwave popcorn (which you know this thrifty girl buys) is nowhere near as inexpensive as this. We’ll be popping on the stove a lot more often.

Pile on the Miles

This November I participated in a Pile on the Miles Challenge – a pre-Thanksgiving fitness challenge to pile on the miles instead of the pounds in November.

I kept track of how many miles I ran and walked for fitness from November 1 – Thanksgiving. I walked and ran 20.57 miles in those 26 days! I even got in 5 out of town miles.

I found out about the Pile on the Miles Challenge at Healthy Tipping Point.

And, in addition to the 20.57 miles, I was also the randomly selected winner of the General Entry prize! Yay!

I will definitely be participating in the Pile on the Miles Holiday Edition – feet, don’t fail me now!

Today I slept in a little, got up and went for a good, long walk (it was chilly!), had Fage + granola for breakfast (my fave), went with My Heart's Desire and his family to his cousin's house for yummy lunch (yes, I asked for the recipes so I could steal), we were 17 adults, 6 kids, 4 dogs, countless hugs, and had post-Thanksgiving fun.

Thanksgiving Gratitude

This Thanksgiving I’m really grateful. Most of all, for the fantastic people in my life.

I usually don't get to see my immediate family members very often. This year, I’ve seen everyone at least twice. This is a challenge for us because we live in 3 different states and 1 foreign country.

This spring I went to California for work and I was able to stay a few extra days and see friends and family. It was great! I was able to hug, hang out, and eat yummy meals with people I haven’t seen in ages. My mom hosted a brunch at her place for me and three of my Aunts, where we were able to catch up with each other. And I also got to meet my BFF’s then-boyfriend, now fiancé.

One of my good friends from college came out to DC and we got to chat it up over fish tacos. It was fantastic to see her! I also saw my college roommate when I was in Vegas, who I hadn't seen in ages. So good to catch up!

In addition to all of this great fun, there were some more formal occasions as well. I showered some friends with bridal love. I witnessed and danced at a good friend's wedding. I met My Heart's Desire's best friend's twins (one girl, one boy) on the day they were born. Even on the few sad occasions, I was able to appreciate the covenant of family.

I have been able to work with my mentor regularly, and she gives me the skills I need to work with my mentees. It really is amazing to watch my mentees change and grow!

I've also created some traditions with friends, like a monthly brunch, which I enjoy and allows other people to join our group for friendship. I also see a few close friends regularly, and we've played hooky and gone to the movies (always a favorite of mine), and have an annual lunch and cookie decorating date to kick off the holidays. This year we threw in an inexpensive pedicure too!

This year, more and more I have been appreciating the wonderful people in my life.

Getting Ready For Thanksgiving

Yesterday my Sunday School class, My Heart's Desire, and I volunteered to make grocery bags to provide Thanksgiving food for local families.

We worked sorting food, creating bags with good stuff, and making sure the bags had the right contents. When we left, there were more than 450 bags!

It was great to work with the youth (from other churches as well). One said, "My families are going to be so happy, I made them great bags!"

It's easy for me to get wrapped up in the minutiae of the holidays - family stuff and chores and food and shopping and parties. I love starting the holiday season off by being of service.

Today I got up early, read for a bit, bought apples and potatoes at the local Amish market, went to a craft bazaar at my old middle school, went to the gym, came home and had lunch with My Heart's Desire (PB&J and apple slices), ran errands together (every place we went was slammed and the traffic was horrendous, people preparing for the holidays?), came home and made dinner together, colored my own hair to remove my "natural highlights", finished my book - The Night Listener by Armistead Maupin (meh), and am going to watch CSI On Demand.

Thrifty Girl Report - November

Can I live without it?
There are a lot of things I would like (or love) to have but when I ask myself, "Can I live without it?" I can differentiate between a want and a need.

Mail-In Rebates
Oh, I'll mail it in. Last month I bought a new phone for $129 and they offered a $100 rebate. I mailed that in quick, fast, and in a hurry. I don't even care that it takes 10-14 weeks for the rebate, money's coming!

Brown Bag Lunch
I usually go out to lunch about once a week with a friend or coworker. But I've also been having brown bag lunches with coworkers, where we get to chat and catch up over our sammies and salads. It's no additional expense and lots of fun.

Matinee, please
My Heart's Desire and I go through phases where we go to the movies a lot. And that gets expensive. I have a rewards card with one theater we go to a lot and use it on every purchase. Going to the early show for the matinee saves us $.

Coupons and deals
I regularly check websites like Retail Me Not and The Consumerist for information on deals.

Today I got up early (this is becoming a habit!), went to the gym, picked up my dry cleaning, filled up the gas tank, bought used books at the friends of the library book sale, came home and made pancakes and turkey bacon with My Heart's Desire, hung out for a bit, had a lovely afternoon snooze, went to Target, picked up kabobs for dinner from My Heart's Desire's second favorite kabob place, came home and did even more laundry, and now am going to read under the heated covers.

Today I got up early, did AM Yoga while trying to turn my brain off, crawled back in bed (am so in love with the electric blanket!), wrote for 15 minutes, read a bit of Fodor’s Hawaii 2010, remembered to put on makeup, went to work, was glad I have umbrellas everywhere, dropped off dry cleaning, perused used books at local used book store, bought The Inheritance of Loss for $3, met a mentee, tried to return a timer to Crate & Barrel at 8:07 when they closed at 8:00, had a yummy dinner at home, enchiladas (I assembled them a month ago and froze) with rice My Heart’s Desire made, watched some TV, and am calling it a night!

10 for 10

So far I am 10 for 10 on my November Writing goal! I have managed to write (for me, not for work) for 15 minutes every day. And the two days I didn't write, I doubled up the following day and wrote for a half hour. Right now it's kind of a mishmash of ideas, lines, essay, notes, and fiction. The content matters much less than the process for this experiment!

Today I am grateful for: seeing all the birds (and the aptly named Fat Squirrel) that visit our feeders, reading library books and magazines, green tea (yes, this thrifty girl re-uses teabags), healthy living blogs, orange bubbly, and a nice chat with Mom.

World News & Sparkly Thongs

Newsweek is like the Victoria's Secret catalog. It doesn't stop coming!

In late spring I started getting notices from Newsweek magazine asking me to renew my subscription. Even though it's only $20 for the year, a thrifty girl has to save money. As my late, honorary Grandmother would say, "Pennies make dollars." In this case, $20's make hundies.

My subscription ended in early August. And yet, Newsweek still keeps coming. I called to make sure they weren't going to renew and charge me. I was told it's normal to get issues for an additional few weeks. It's been more than two months!

It's just like the Victoria's Secret catalog. Every week, another copy.

Bread and cheese

For some reason (sickie, perhaps?) all I've wanted to eat today is bread and cheese. I had a cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese for breakfast, and cheesy toast for lunch.



I took the photo above in Little Italy, Manhattan. In summer 2006 I went up to the City solo for a few days. One morning I woke up really early (before it was super-extra-hot with a side of hot) and walked to Little Italy and saw the local baker making fresh bread deliveries.

Cough, sneeze, :(

Despite my earlier post and gallons of tea guzzled, I must admit I actually do have a cold. It is suspiciously similar to the one that’s kept My Heart’s Desire home from work for three days this week.

I have been getting lots of sleep, taking vitamins, avoiding caffeine, and washing my hands often. Alas, this cold won’t be beat. It’s time to whip out the big guns!

Mom’s Cold/Flu Remedy Drink

Orange Bubbly

½ serving orange juice w/pulp
½ serving Sprite or 7up
Pour over crushed ice.
Drink through straw.

November Writing

I semi-seriously considered participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), where writers pen a novel in one month.

The idea is interesting but speed writing doesn’t appeal to me that much. I’m more of a muller. I have to have various ideas kick around for a bit before I put pencil to paper.

NaNoWriMo did bring to my attention that I haven’t been very consistent with my 2009 Commandment #4: Write three times a week, even if it’s only a little.

I decided to be inspired by the event (even though I’m not participating in it). This month is busy – but so are all of the other months.

My November Goal is to write for 15 minutes every day.

On Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday I wrote in the morning when the house was still quiet. I’m just writing down whatever comes out – not trying to stick to a theme or any specific idea. Just letting my pencil move across the paper.

Sniffle, drink tea, cough…

I am not getting the cold that’s going around!

Must. drink. more. tea.

Today I woke up early, read a bit of a terrible book by a local author then gave up, watched last week's Mad Men, got ready for Sunday School tomorrow, read the new Consumer Reports, did laundry, went to Costco with My Heart's Desire, came home and put everything away, washed new Pyrex set (have been making lots of casseroles and freeze-ahead meals), filled the candy bowl, watched Hamlet 2 (a great, campy movie!), answered the door and gave away candy to kids of all ages, watched part of the World Series (My Heart's Desire is a Yankee fan), then remembered to set back the clocks.

Relationships

My mentor gave me the following relationship advice:

Relationships are 50/50

That does not mean that you put in half the effort.

You have to put in 100% of your 50%.

Pennies From Heaven

I recently received a check for $78.27 from the health insurance provider I had in 2004. I was not reimbursed properly for some physician co-pays 5 years ago. And my gym sent me a check for $96.75.

How, oh how, to spend this unexpected money?

• $34.34 on a new, cute wallet – mine has bitten the dust (zipper broke on coin pocket, sends change flying everywhere)
• $21.58 on Q-Tips (seriously), buy 2 big honking packages, get 1 big honking package free. How could I resist? Each Q-Tip is only $.0041!
• $9.04 on mascaras (2), one for home, one for gym bag
• $24.99 on pedometer (Consumer Reports recommended)
= $89.95 on fun, necessities, and fitness

Which leaves $85.07 as a bonus credit card payment. Yay!

Grateful

I am grateful for: having created a healthy workout routine, green tea, Trader Joe’s A Midsummer Night’s Cream, French toast made out of cinnamon raisin bread, flannel jammies, library books (I would go broke fast paying for all the books I read), spell check, Halloween is this weekend (yes, we have decorated, including a creepy fake rat in the window!), and not having to have the last word.

Splurge

That's right. I had to cut a few coupons to save up.

A few weeks ago at the Farmer's Market I bought some handmade hippie soap - it smells so good! And, yes, I bought it from a real, live hippie. The soap is grainy, which I like. It's almost too grainy, which I didn't think was possible. It has a good, clean smell (rosemary and peppermint) and as I've been using it the smell has gotten stronger, not fading, which is what usually happens.

Usually when I want a pick-me-up I buy flowers, which are cheerful. I also love to have flowers at work because I love color. Also, my office is windowless and I love to stare at something alive. The flowers only last a week, max.

I didn't realize how much I would enjoy the hippie soap - not to say that I enjoy it more than the flowers (I'm a fool for blooms) but I'm enjoying it for a lot longer.

Autumn leaves

One of my favorite things about living in this area is having four seasons of just the right length.

I love fall.

The beautiful leaves, the crisp air, the chilly mornings and evenings, the digging out of sweaters and jackets. This weekend My Heart’s Desire and I saw so many leaves falling it was raining leaves.

I see beautiful foliage almost everywhere I go.

When I go for walks in the mornings, it’s dark and chilly now, and the leaves crunch under my sneakers.

Today I woke up at 6am, read cookbooks, watched the sky get light, ordered a pair of jeans online for under $40, went to Sunday School, came home and had lunch with My Heart's Desire, debated going to Costco, decided to go another day, enjoyed the sunshine, went to the gym, picked up a foam roller and Fage at Target, came home, read the paper, went out to meet a mentee, came home and had dinner, a local green salad (lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes from the Amish market) and veggie sloppy joe, watched an episode of Friends, gave My Heart's Desire Eat This Not That, did laundry, and decided to watch tonight's Dexter on demand tomorrow.

Today I got up early, went to the organic Amish market for produce (their tomatoes and honey crisp apples are so good!), met a friend and saw Bright Star, then we chatted and shared a Mediterranean appetizer sampler over a long, leisurely lunch, picked up Alice Hoffman's Story Sisters book on CD from the library, came home and did chores with My Heart's Desire, including bringing in wood from the shed (it's almost fire time!) and taking down the Happy Birthday sign that's been up in the dining room since Aug, watched Charlie Bartlett (meh), had dinner separately but together, then read. Good night!

Just me or wildly inappropriate?

I recently went shopping at Macy’s. I parked by the children’s section and when I came out these caught my eye:


Apple Bottom Jeans. For little girls sized 7-16.

This message is too sexy for little girls, as the phrase “Apple Bottom” is used to describe a type of butt. A round "juicy booty" as found on a grown woman.

And the slogan:



Picked fresh daily (sorry the photos aren’t the greatest, was using camera phone) is none too subtle either.

Can’t we let little girls be, well, children? And way past size child 7-16? Society’s ever-increasing sexualizing of little girls is very disturbing. My Heart's Desire asked, "What's next? Apple Bottom Pampers?"

Drive, Park, Walk, Metro, Walk, Repeat

This week I worked downtown for a few days, which made me really appreciate my usual commute, which is around 12 minutes.

To get downtown, I drove for 25 minutes, parked, walked for 5 minutes, took the Metro for half an hour, and walked for 15 minutes. Just one way was about 75 minutes – more than a week of my usual! I really am spoiled that my regular commute is such a breeze.

I’ve never lived farther than about 30 minutes from work. How people do those long commutes I have no idea. Taking ages getting to and from work is not how I want to spend my time.

Short commute = happy me :)

In which I go to Wal-Mart (despite my 20-year girlcott)

Yesterday I did something I thought I would never do. I went to Wal-Mart.

I'd been staying with my Mom and was bitten or stung by something repeatedly and was having an allergic reaction. I needed Benadryl and I needed it bad. I had already taken my emergency tablet that I keep in my cosmetic bag last month when I got stung by a bee picking raspberries.

Where oh where was I to get Benadryl, the magical elixir? Only one place in town carries it: Wal-Mart.

So off I went, to the unhappiest place on Earth. Wal-Mart, which not only carried Benadryl, also was big and clean and well-stocked and sold it to me cheap. Blessed relief from swelling, stinging, and sneezing!

Here's hoping I can go another 20 years before setting foot in a Wal-Mart again. And I already replaced my Benadryl spare.

Grateful

Today I am grateful for: fresh, local produce, my Bose earphones that My Heart's Desire fixed, reading lots of magazines and books, cleansing rain, having four seasons of approximately equal length, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (I'd never seen it and splurged and spent $5 at Best Buy), making conscious decisions, and being able to make myself useful.

My BFF is Getting Married!

My BFF got engaged in August and has already planned her wedding! Let me give you a hint:

That's right, Hawaii!

She will be a spring bride with her toes in the sand at sunset when she weds. It could not be anything but spectacular. Her wedding (I guess I should say their wedding) is really small, only about 20 people. So it'll be really intimate and special.

I am so excited for her!

And My Heart's Desire and I are thrilled that we're going to be going to Hawaii! I've been to Maui and the Big Island before, but My Heart's Desire has never been.

Hawaii really is paradise on Earth. I really can't wait for this:


Of course, we're going to really have to step up the thriftiness between now and then to afford this trip. One of my girlfriends works for a hotel with a destination in Hawaii so hopefully they'll have a friend price. I'll also be seeing what I can work out with travel miles. And I'm already on the list for the Fodor Guide from the library.

Thrifty Girl Report

Curl up and dye
So in the late spring I started coloring my own hair once a month for about $10 instead of spending $65 + tip for one color at the salon. Doesn't last as long and sometimes doesn't come out as good, but I'm basically just coloring the roots and grown out highlights so it's all right. Last month I braved an inexpensive haircut by a hairdresser recommended by the local magazine and spent $21 + tip on my new 'do. I didn't like it that much at first, but a few weeks later I was loving it.

Coupons
Even though it takes some time to cut out and organize, then actually use coupons, I've been doing it. The grocery stores I like double coupons and I usually end up saving more than $10.

Ca$h
Instead of charging, I've been taking out cash and spending it. This is something I have definitely not been in the habit of, until recently. It's interesting how I see things as either/or instead of both.

Holiday
Yes, it's really early! I've already made my shopping list and checked it once for what I'm going to do for holiday gifts. This way I can have a few more months to buy. I also love, love, love holiday music and make a CD to share with friends. I've already started this as well.

One expression that I love is: It all turns out okay in the end.

So if it's not okay, it's not the end.

Favorite Things

This month, my favorite things are:

1. Fage. This Greek Yogurt is so good, it's become my standard breakfast. It's not at all sweet like regular yogurt but is full of creamy deliciousness.

2. Used bookstore. The friends of the county library offer steals and deals. I recently found Never Let Me Go book on CD for $8 in great shape. I go to the library at least twice weekly, but when I'm traveling I like to pick up cheap books I don't have to bring back.

3. Gratitude. I joined a group of women where we each send out 5 things to be grateful for each day. At first, it was hard to think of 5 things to be grateful for. Now I'm looking for things. It's also served as a slow but sure and steady attitude adjustment.

4. Gym. I've been going more often and doing weights and strength training, as well as using different cardio machines (I'm looking at you, StairMaster) to ramp up my cardio. This month I've gotten a big push out of my comfort zone -- ow ow ow, in the best way.

5. So much to do, so little time. I have standing commitments and often want to do other stuff, for fun or education or socialize or whatever. What I've realized is that I really need to look ahead when I'm scheduling because otherwise I end up busy and overwhelmed. Commandment #8: Create a schedule that works for me is really something I've been working on lately. I've decided not to add anything regular to my schedule for a while.

Commandment #9: Complain less, compliment more

This commandment is something that I've been working on for a while. It's definitely a challenge for me to let go of stuff that's bugging me and not complain to everyone who will listen - especially when I feel like I've been wronged.

Here's the thing that I've realized (and hence created the commandment): it doesn't matter. And nobody cares. In the long run, will I remember the details of feeling annoyed? Nope. And complaining is not how I want to spend time with my friends and family.

It's hard not to complain to My Heart's Desire though because we are around he each other so much. But he's a great example of how to act - he lets 99% of annoyances roll off his back. "Ah, what are you gonna do?" is something I hear from him a lot.

I've been consciously trying to complain less - not always succeeding but being mindful about it. Also, when I feel like complaining, I make sure to really listen to the person I'm talking to and asking follow-up questions and just forget about the whatever it was.

Compliments cost me nothing to give and can really let someone else know the good things I think about them. I think nice things about people all the time but it's taking the additional step to tell them that makes the difference.

Finally, a wonderful book!

Best book I've read all summer.
Get your hands on it. It comes out September 29, 2009.

Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.

My inner hippie loved this book by Michael Pollan. Some of the stuff I already knew, but I learned a lot from listening to this book. It's got me thinking about how what I eat makes a difference.

I also really liked this New York Times article Out of the Kitchen, Onto the Couch.

Bon Appetit!

Yummy trip to San Antonio

Fresh, hot chips with cool, spicy salsa


Grilled tilapia fish tacos with cabbage lime slaw and a little chipotle mayo. And a big iced tea.

Area Book Lover Disappointed

Local woman and voracious reader Amina Hafiz has been sorely disappointed with her latest reads.


The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder was just "too fluffy" according to Hafiz, who claims to enjoy a beach read now and then.

She wanted to like The Pretend Wife, but the plot was so thin it was not enjoyable. "I can't believe I finished that book," she stated.

Hafiz's highest hopes were on Best Friends Forever, and while it had some endearing qualities, it was merely the story of a caper. Of course the formerly overweight heroine (all of Weiner's heroines struggle with weight in some way) ends up happily ever after in a nontraditional way. Sigh.

Commencement got great reviews, but Hafiz found the characters stereotypical and flat. And the role of extreme feminism seemed to be a morality tale, a warning post-college grads. "I found the message of this book to be that paths for women after college graduation are slim, feminism is dangerous and that The Gray Lady can make an overly-sentimental, poorly written book a bestseller," Hafiz said.

Thrifty Girl Report – June

Local Produce
I bought a half share of a local community supported agriculture and pick up a box of farm-fresh produce every week. The local produce is good and I love summer fruits, so I’ve been happy with it so far. The half share is the right size for My Heart’s Desire. This week I got sweet corn, peaches, blackberries, tomatoes, and sugar snap peas.

Cards & Coupons
I’ve been using shopper’s cards without exception. They really do help me save money! And at the lunch place near my office, I picked up the buy 10 get 1 free lunch card (7 to go!). I also signed up for deals for restaurants I frequent and use the coupons they send.

Let’s Meet For Coffee
I’ve been suggesting meeting friends for coffee instead of meals to save a little money. Instead of buying a meal, I get an iced tea and still have a good time.

What does Consumer Reports Say?
My Heart’s Desire and I both like Consumer Reports. Because of it, we have changed our toothpaste, laundry soap, and more. It’s a great resource for helping us save.

Operation Beautiful

I love the idea of Operation Beautiful, a grassroots effort to encourage women to feel better about themselves via notes. It also can change the way we talk to ourselves.

More articles about Operation Beautiful are in the Orlando Sentinel and on Slate.

A few days ago, I left the note below in a Starbucks ladies room.
And it's true.

Perfect summer dinner!

Fresh bread and super-sweet cherries from the market, St. Andre cheese (if blue cheese and brie had a baby, it would be St. Andre), NY cheddar, just-picked-that-day New Jersey strawberries, and Nutella.

Thrifty Girl Report - May

Where Thrifty Girl Meets Hippie Girl

On the screened-in porch I have a laundry line, where I can dry clothes for free and also avoid the pollen of hanging them up outside. The room gets sunshine most of the day and I love the way the clothes, towels, and sheets feel when they air-dry.

Laundry line savings: At least $20/month savings on the electricity bill

Farewell, Netflix!

We spend a lot on cable (My Heart's Desire loves television) and have several movie channels, can watch content OnDemand for free (love this!). So I decided that May was going to be my last month of Netflix. I liked it, but I don't think I was getting $18.01/month worth of enjoyment.

Netflix savings: $108.06 (June - December 2009)

Everything's Negotiable

I have a credit card that gave me a 0% offer on purchases and transfer balances. The period ended and my interest rate went up to 17.99%, which is not a great rate. I called and asked for the interest rate (for purchases, at least) to be lowered. And I ended up with 1.9% interest on purchases for the rest of the year. Thank you very much!

Credit card interest savings: 16.09%

Commandment #2: Be kind

When I was making my 2009 commandments, I knew I wanted to include this. Being kind is hard to quantify - I'm just trying to do my best.

For me, this means letting things go, not rising to baited conversation, and trying to consider other people's perspectives.

When I feel like I want to say something that may not be kind, I ask myself these questions that my mentor suggested:
• Does this need to be said?
• Does this need to be said by me?
• Does this need to be said by me, now?

If the answer to these questions is not: "YES!!!" then I hold my tongue.

I've also found that the more I practice kindness, the more naturally it comes. Just like the more I'm grateful for the big and little things, the easier it is for me to think of things to be grateful for and to appreciate the good things.

Sweet Dreams

In which Charlie sleeps on his head.

I am grateful for: spring and summer fruits and veggies (went to farmer's market today and got beautiful produce, fresh bread, jam, and cheese, yum!), staying organized with my PDA, getting able to see and hug a lot of my favorite people this week, weather staying dry until I finished the 5K this morning, a not-too-long nap, going with the flow, a day without loads of chores, the arrival of Ghost World, and hanging out with My Heart's Desire.

Today I went to work, had a quick lunch with a friend, went to the dentist (ow ow ow!), returned to work, wish I had scheduled the appointment later in the day so I could have just gone home after, picked up bib for 5K tomorrow, went shopping for _________'s surprise _________, found what I was looking for, met My Heart's Desire at home, had soft foods for dinner, a PB & J sandwich and roasted cauliflower (my new favorite veggie, LOVE it!) for dinner, he surprised me with Jell-O, we watched some TV, and I'm going to bed early so I can make it to the 5K bright and early.

Thrifty Girl Report - April

I really needed to get my hair done in April. I usually pay $156 (including tip) for cut and color.

I decided to color my own hair for $10. I was a bit skeptical but it turned out all right. Basically I color it dark brown (the color it pretty much already is) and hide last year's highlights. It won't last as long as salon color, but that's okay.

My Heart's Desire has a cousin who is a hairdresser that we saw recently. She gave me a haircut gratis, though I insisted on giving her $40. It's a great cut. She even swept up the hair! And she caught me up on family gossip.

Hair cost savings: $106

While I was in Los Angeles, my BFF took me to get our nails done at a shop in Santa Monica that does cute mani-pedis for $20. I splurged and got a French manicure for an extra $5. Including tip, it was $30. At the place I go to here, it's $84 (including tip) on Bargain Mondays. Suffice it to say I don't get my nails done a lot.

Gorgeous mani-pedi savings: $54

I also bought six months of O magazine for $1. A year is $18. I love to read magazines when I go to the gym. I don't let myself read them any other time (except for Newsweek, which I have to stay on top of because it's a weekly and I'm always a week or two behind and Real Simple, 'cuz it's my favorite).

Magazine savings: $9

I use the grocery store savings card every time I shop, which saves me around 25% off the bill. I read in Consumer Reports that the store brand is usually the best deal, so I go with that a lot. My Heart's Desire prefers the "real" brand but I'm the one who usually goes to the market.

Grocery store savings: A lot, need to use coupons more for bigger $$

Commandment #8: Create a schedule that works for me

This commandment has the potential to impact my daily life for the better. I really like having a schedule, knowing what I have to do and that it's going to get done.

I love routine and "the usual" but feel stuck in my schedule right now, which is why I'm going to take some action to improve it. Some of it works quite well, like scheduling time for myself every so often (yes, in Outlook, just like all the other events I schedule).

I'm prioritizing all of the things that I need and want to do -- including working out, writing, spending time with My Heart's Desire, seeing my mentees and mentor, family events, cultivating friendships, spiritual activities, chores, and all the other stuff that goes on.

I'm working on creating a schedule that allows me the time, physical and mental energy to do the things mentioned above, as well as give me some flexibility, which my current schedule does not have.

Any suggestions on how to balance work, life, and everything else?

Ever wondered what the Louisville Slugger factory looks like?

Louisville, KY
Aug 2007

Today I am grateful for: sunshine, hot tea and plenty of it, doing the financially responsible thing (despite it not being the fun thing!), magazines, being able to sleep until I wake up, cheap books from the library book sale, and spending the day with My Heart's Desire.

California Girl

Today I got up early, did a little laundry, appreciated the sunshine, hung out with my BFF, drove to Silver Lake to visit a friend whose house is like an art museum where you can eat and say whatever you want, picked up another friend to have breakfast with us, we went to a fabulous, authentic Mexican restaurant in East LA, had amazing huevos rancheros, enjoyed the food and company, ran errands, returned the rental car, lay down for a psuedo-nap, had an early dinner at a fancy-pants restaurant with another friend, we chatted up the proverbial storm on the patio where we were enchanted by the night-blooming jasmine, it was first Friday where lots of stores, art galleries and restaurants are open and have live music, we walked around, people-watched, perused the items, got free gerber daisies, and remembered why I love LA.

Today I got up in the middle of the night (4:45 am), picked up a friend at 5:45, drove to Old Town, met another friend, walked a 5K in glorious weather, went to breakfast, went home and took a huge nap, woke up slightly disoriented, hung out with My Heart's Desire, had dinner, visited mentee, went to the market for produce (yes, more cauliflower), got ready for tomorrow, and continued reading Laura Rider's Masterpiece (is okay, am not loving it so far).

Today I worked, had yummy roasted cauliflower (my new favorite food - I've made it three times in a week!), ran errands, did laundry, hung out with My Heart's Desire, and finished Secrets to Happiness: A Novel by Sarah Dunn (B, get it from the library).