Yesterday I ran to Stop & Shop for a few groceries and noticed that a lot of items have yellow 50% tags on them because they are being discontinued — a lot of first aid and health & bath goods in particular. I know they do this a couple times during the year to make way for new merchandise, or as packaging changes. It is a super great way to pick up some deals, especially if you have coupons for the items. So if you have a store nearby, it might be worth your while to see if your location also has these mark-downs.
Month: January 2008
And Now You Know
A lot of people resolve to really get their acts together once the new year arrives. It’s important to have everything in order because… well… you just never know do you? One of the things that I’ve found confusing is life insurance: permanent vs. term, specifically. There are a lot of places online that you can visit for term life insurance quotes, and permanent life insurance quotes as well. But what does it all mean? In a nutshell:
Term Life Insurance: These policies offer death benefits only, so if you die you win (so to speak). If you live past the length of the policy, you (or, more specifically, your family members) get no money back. They are, however, generally less expensive.
Permanent Life Insurance: Permanent life policies offer death benefits and a “savings account” (also called “cash value”) so that if you live, you get back at least some of, and often much more than, the amount you spent on your premium. You get this money back either by cashing in the policy or by borrowing against it. These policies are more expensive.
Of course, that is an oversimplified explanation. Each type of policy has its nuances and you really need to examine which kind is right for you. But just in case you were as confused as I was, hopefully it makes at least a little more sense now.
To Days of Inspiration
While driving to work this morning I heard on the news that Rent is going to close on June 1st. For some reason it caught me by surprise. I guess because every time we wanted to see a show we’d consider Rent for a moment and then choose something else, figuring Rent would always be there next time. Well, I guess it won’t be. I’m hopeful that we’ll find the time to see it before the curtain falls for the final time.
The music from Rent was a hugely important part of my senior year in college. My friend Justin and I listened to it constantly (or else it seems that way in my memory). We tried to see it in Boston in December 1997, but didn’t have any luck getting tickets. I also remember the Rent sound checks that following summer at the Dorset Theatre Festival and every time I hear “Out Tonight” I can’t help but think of one particular acting intern who I could not stand, walking up and down the theatre singing along. (If you were there, you know exactly who I’m talking about.) But it makes me laugh anyway.
Sad, but all things come to an end, don’t they?
This Week’s Eats
On Saturday I got the latest issue of Kraft Food & Family magazine in the mail, plus I picked up the Jan/Feb issue of Everyday Food, so I have quite a few new recipes that I plan on trying over the next couple of weeks. I also have a decent stockpile of leftovers between the fridge and the freezer that I need to use up, so I’ll be doing that as well. Here’s what’s on this week’s menu:
Sunday: Zesty Chicken & Pasta (p. 53, Winter Kraft Food & Family) – This was a big hit with everyone. I used whole wheat pasta and left out the onions. Quick, easy, and enjoyed by all except our 2-year-old.
Monday: Leftover pasta from Sunday
Tuesday: Tacos
Wednesday: Leftovers (taco salad, chili from freezer, sandwiches, etc.)
Thursday: Turkey Super Melts/Grilled Cheese, oven fries, tomato soup
Friday: English Muffin (or mini-bagel) Pizzas, salad
Saturday: Country Salisbury Steak OR Italian Meatloaf (recipes in Winter Kraft Food & Family)
Keeping it pretty simple this week!
You do the math
(1) 5 year old + (1) 2 year old = 2 bowls of oatmeal + 2[2 bananas] + 2[3 bowls of Cheerios] + 1 lb. strawberries + 2 hot dogs on buns
And I haven’t made dinner yet (which will be bagel pizzas — no, not frozen). How much are these kids going to consume when they are teenagers? Yikes!
Oh, CES… You and Your Crazy Electronics
Someday I really want to go to CES. I think it would be so fun to see all of the cool (and crazy) electronic devices that companies are putting out. Check out the article in the Detroit Free Press discussing some of the, uh, more interesting ones. I think the product that cracks me up the most is one from Taser (they are one of the many companies out there that make self defense products). At CES they were pushing a Taser weapon that apparently has the same power as the ones cops use. Only these are intended for women, being sold in pink and leopard print patterns. Because, you know, when you’re shocking that jerk who attacked you, it’s important to make a fashion statement at the same time.
Rainy Friday
What a cold, rainy morning today! But it happens to be one of those days where I’m actually in the mood for this weather. I have a lot to do today, but I’m hoping to tackle most of it this morning and have a cozy afternoon. Here are some random Friday bullets for you!
— Don’t forget that registration for the Winter Doldrums Dishcloth Exchange is now open! This will be a really fun swap, so if you enjoy knitting or crocheting washcloths and dishcloths, be sure to check it out!
— Today I am determined to take down our Christmas decorations. We’ll have to wait until Sunday to do the tree (we all take down the ornaments together), but I should be able to pack up everything else. I’m looking forward to having a fresh, clean look in the house and maybe doing some Valentine’s decorating as well.
— I absoultely have to remember to put our health insurance cards and our dental insurance cards in our wallets today. The envelopes are sitting in my mail folder (which I seriously need to go through as well!)
— We have no weekend plans! Ahh… The rush is over. Tomorrow night Drew wants to get Chinese food so we’ll do that and I think we’re going to have the BEX reisling with it. Looking forward to that.
Oh, and apparently it’s Delurker Day today! Wahoo! Don’t be shy… say hi. That’s pretty much it! Nothing really planned for today except for drinking coffee, cleaning, and probably starting Vino Italiano for the Wine Bloggers Book Club. (And you don’t have to have a designated wine blog to take part in this — anyone who is interested in wine should feel free to pick up a copy of the book and join in the discussion in February!) Hope you all have a cozy Friday!
Oh, and one last thing — just want to send my congrats to my little brother. Today is the last day at his current job and in three weeks he is starting a brand-new job that he is super excited about. Yay, Mike! I hope the change brings you much happiness and success.
Winter Doldrums Swap Questionnaire
1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both? Knit.
2. What types of needles do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Whatever I can find, though I prefer aluminum – the cotton slips easier.
3. What types of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Is there any that you’ve been wanting to try? I just use Sugar & Cream or Peaches & Cream. One reason I like knitting dishcloths is because they don’t require expensive yarn.
4. What color(s) are your kitchen and bath decorated in (if any)? Our kitchen has a lot of burgundy, dark purple, forest green, and mustard yellow shades. One bath is sage green and white, one bath is blue, white, and yellow, and one is sage and purple.
5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? Least favorite? I like earth tones and jewel tones the best. I’m not fond of terribly bright colors.
6. Do you like Winter, or do you count the days until it ends? Let’s just say that I tolerate winter because I have to. I am already counting the days until spring, though.
7. What’s your favorite way to brighten your day when you’re down in the dumps? Fresh flowers!
8. What is your favorite treat to indulge in when your down in the dumps? Chocolate always helps.
9. Do you drink coffee? Tea? Cocoa? Coffee and tea. I don’t like flavored coffees, though.
10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do? I would go on a cruise somewhere warm!
11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of? Not really!
Lack of Motivation
What is it about this time of year that just makes it so hard to get motivated? The cold is back and my energy levels are dropping with the mercury. I should be getting my butt on the recumbant bike, but no… the exercise equipment is just sitting there, empty. At least my eating habits aren’t suffering. I’ve recovered from CarbFest 2007 (that would be all the holiday cooking), but I know I need to exercise more. I feel like I’ve dropped as much “easy” weight as I’m going to, and by that I mean I don’t think I’m going to lose much more by calorie counting alone. I just need someone to kick my rear into gear, I guess!
Chicken & Eggplant Casserole
Looking for a delicious, but healthy alternative to chicken parmesan? Give this chicken and eggplant casserole a shot. I adapted the recipe from one in The South Beach Cookbook. It offers lots of Italian flavor, and also lots of veggies! Actually, it’s very similar to a dish I often order at Four Brothers Restaurant. It’s perfect for a chilly afternoon when you just want to sit back in your home theater chairs (well, or more likey curl up on your couch) and watch a marathon of all the “Godfather” movies.
Chicken & Eggplant Casserole
1 boneless chicken breast (2 breast halves), chopped into .5-inch pieces
seasoned breadcrumbs
olive oil
1 14-oz can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup diced onions (I cheated and used frozen)
1 medium green bell pepper, diced
1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
1 eggplant
garlic powder
Parmesan cheese
non-stick cooking spray
mozzarella cheese
Slice eggplant into 12 rounds and arrange on non-stick baking sheet. Spray with non-stick spray, sprinkle with garlic powder, and broil for 2 min. or until golden. Turn rounds over, spray with non-stick spray and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Broil addition 1-2 minutes and set aside. Meanwhile, coat chicken pieces with breadcrumbs and saute in olive oil until cooked through. Add can of diced tomatoes (including liquid), mushrooms, onions, green peppers, and Italian seasoning. Bring to boil and simmer for 5 min.
Arrange 6 slices of eggplant on the bottom of an 8×8 baking dish. (I chose a small Italian eggplant, so I had a few more slices. Also, since it was only me eating this last night I made myself a small dish and then made one to freeze)
Top with half of chicken mixture. Layer the other 6 slices of eggplant and the rest of the chicken mixture. Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 30 minutes at 350-degrees until heated through and cheese is bubbly. (To heat frozen casserole, cook for 50 minutes at 375-degrees.)
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