I'm one tired chick, but it's my own fault. I've been staying up way too late reading. In preparation for the new season of True Blood, I decided to start the series by Charlaine Harris that the TV show is based on. 

 

In the past two weeks I've read through the first three books (Dead Until Dark, Living Dead in Dallas and Club Dead). I checked out the fourth, Dead to the World, yesterday and I think I'll be finished with it tonight. The fifth, Dead as a Doornail, is reserved at the library and I should have it in a few days. I've heard the books and the series referred to as Twilight for grown ups. Since I didn't read the Twilight series, I can't confirm, but based on what Twilight haters have said, the comparison makes me laugh. 

While I was waiting for book four, I read the new one from Carl Hiaasen, Star Island. A former co-worker turned me on to his books and I've really enjoyed going through his body of work. If you saw the Demi Moore move Strip Tease, it's based off his book (which I have a feeling is way better than the movie). I like that he has the same character pop up in different books. Hiassen also writes young adult books. I've read both Hoot (which was a movie, too) and Flush. They're cute. Tyler didn't get through Hoot, but I think if he tried again and saw the movie he'd like it. 

I've already read the June book for my book club (Something Borrowed, loved it) and I have Breathing Lessons in my library queue (Anne Tyler, I really enjoy her work). 

Whew!

What's on your nightstand?

Put Your Library on Your Smartphone | Works For Me Wednesday

Hello, my name is Melanie and I'm an addict. A book addict. I know, I know. You're probably thinking there are worse things to be addicted to. I wholeheartedly agree. The problem is, I tend to buy the same book multiple times.

My library has a used book store. They're my dealers. I stop in every time I'm in the area. OK, sometimes when I'm not, too. I can get trade sized paperbacks for $2.50 at the most but I generally stick the $1 cart. How can I pass that up? I can't, that's how. But, I get so excited I can't remember if I have a title at home or not. I've probably spent about $15 buying repeat titles. $15 isn't alot in the grand scheme of things, but that's 15 books I haven't read, wasted.

When I came home with my second copy of Women on the Edge of a Nervous Breakthrough, I got so mad at myself I knew I had to figure out something. I was going to write all my 'To Be Read' titles in the notebook I carry in purse, but this 2011. It took me a minute to figure out a solution, but I'm pleased with the results. 

There are 14 photos total

I took pictures of my book stash, put them in a folder on my computer and uploaded them into the photos section of my iPod. If I had a smartphone it would be a little easier, especially when I bring new books home. But, since I always have my iPod with me, for now the system is working. I scrolled through the pics the other day and they saved me from bringing home See Jane Date. Again.

I hope this Works For Me Wednesday trick helps my fellow 
literary addicts!

Mom, You Sure Do Love Coupons

I assumed Tyler has been absorbing the importance of coupons because of how often he sees me clipping, getting inserts from the neighbors and using them at stores. But, every now and then I see the opportunity to have a teachable moment and reinforce the lessons I'm trying to teach him.

When we were checking out after my awesome Albertson's trip yesterday, he made the statement about my coupons and I said, "absolutely, I love my coupons. Did you hear the cashier tell me what my savings were?" I had him look at the receipt and do a little math.

I've told Tyler before that part of my job is to take care of him, his dad and our house; and I include making sure we're using money wisely and saving wherever we can as part of taking care of everyone. I said he should start thinking of coupons the way I do: as another type of money and not just pieces of paper. Those pieces of paper save us money we're using for other things, like the breakfast we had yesterday at Mimi's Cafe with some of his hockey teammates.

Some of my big fears for Tyler is that he will leave home not knowing when to match his shoes with his belt, not knowing how to do laundry and iron, make a few basic recipes and not knowing how to manage money.

When I talk about things like that with him, I get eye rolls and impatience (please tell me I'm not alone!). I try to explain things in terms he relates to. Sometimes I think I'm getting through. Like the time we found a boxed set of a series he's reading for $3 at the library book store and he was just as excited over the deal as I was. But other times, I wonder if he's only hearing and not listening.

I've been using coupons for awhile, but not as seriously as I have in the past few years. My mom uses them too and I grew up watching her. But, she doesn't do it to the level that I do and she didn't really explain what it was about, why she used them and how much she saved. I really hope it sinks in with Tyler. Financial savvy-ness is one of the best things I can have him absorb (but I'll be working on the shoes and belt thing, too.)

Just in case you're curious (and so I can toot my horn a little)

1 trail mix

1 box Albertson's brand oatmeal

2 Ronzoni Garden 

2 Ronzoni Smart Taste

2 Ronzoni Healthy Harvest

10 Knorr Rice sides (4 of the taco flavor from the Mexican Lasagne)

4 Ragu pasta sauce

2 gallons of milk

1 multi pack of baby carrots

1 rotisserie chicken

Before coupons: $70.53 

Actual spent: $20.33

Cheap End of Year Teacher Gift | Frugal Friday

I posted this on Facebook a few days ago, but now that my order arrived I wanted to share it here. I bought the book, Things Cooks Love: Implements, Ingredients, Recipes off Amazon because it was so cheap I couldn't pass it up. I'm so glad I did! The book is gorgeous. It's a hardcover from Sur la Table. It has 330 pages. It's all about different kitchen gadgets like cast iron skillets, tagines, braisers, dutch ovens, mattones and a whole bunch of other things I've never heard of but now want to own. 

Pardon my sub-par photography

The book is broken down by Asian, Mexican, French, Indian, Italian, Iberian and Moroccan cuisines. Each section has recipes with what to make with the various cooking tools. I'll definitely be copying a few things before I give it to her! The price has already gone up since I bought it, but having it in front of me I can definitely say it's worth the current $4.09. I had something else to buy so it shipped free. Even with the free Super Saver shipping, I ordered it Wednesday and it was delivered today. It was such a bargain, I feel I can even splurge on a cute apron or something similar.

*Affiliate link

Shop the Bulk Bins and Be Green | Frugal Friday

I know that shopping from the Bulk bins is a money saver. The bins are one of the things I like most about shopping places like Henry's. I get a lot of things pretty regularly: Phil's sunflower seeds, granola for Tyler, a variety of trail mixes, pretzels and some dried fruits. The savings buying in bulk as opposed to traditional packaging is noticeable. But I started to feel guilty about all the plastic bags I was bringing home so I cut back a little. Luckily I subscribe to every daily deal site out there and a few weeks ago I took advantage of one from Deal Pulp for two sets of reusable produce bags. I love them! I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to invest in them.

I bought 2 sets of 6

They are from Esse and so far are holding up perfectly. I haven't had to wash them yet. If they fall apart I'll let you know. I get compliments and questions every time I use them. While I'm no where near the family who generates almost zero consumer waste, we are trying to be more mindful and those plastic bags were a real sore spot with me. I have my own reusable bags for grocery's and have almost completely cut out bringing plastic bags home from store. Now I can continue to save at the bulk bins and feel that I'm still doing my part for the environment.

Do you have any more green grocery tips for me?

UPDATE: Score! There's another daily deal site I just read about, SaveMore, that is offering a $10 credit for new sign ups. They have Esse bags $20 for $8! These could be free with your credit depending on what you order (just pay $3.95 shipping). Fantastic! I bought two of the Produce 6 Packs at $11.95 ea. So, for just under $8 you can get two great teacher gifts. Buy two $10 grocery cards and you have two gifts for $14 each!

Thanks, My Frugal Adventures!

*Not a sponsored post. I think the bags are great. If you plan to order your own bags from Esse try code DEALPULP25 for 25% off. I don't know how many people can use it, but it was printed on my receipt to share.

Questions Kids Ask

This morning Tyler asked me, "Mom, is Zoe a mammal?" I wasn't even out of bed yet, let alone fueled with my first cup of coffee. I had to reach way back and try to remember the technical definition of a mammal before I could respond. 

Our Fur Baby

Of course, after I dropped him off at school I turned to Google to make sure I'd given him the right answer. 

What out of the blue questions have you gotten lately?

Mexican Lasagne (or Burrito Casserole) | A Crockpot Win

Because of Tyler's hockey schedule, I have no choice but to dust off the crockpot and get organized with meal planning. We're out until odd hours and when we get back home everyone is starving, especially Tyler.

Last night I decided to try a recipe on Stephanie's A Year of Slow Cooking. I like Mexican food and I was able to do this almost entirely with things I had on hand. I modified Stephanie's recipe because I wanted it to be even more of a one pot meal. I also cut the recipe about in half. We're not that good with leftovers and so many crockpot recipes make huge portions. Phil re-named my version Mexican Lasagna. Below is Stephanie's recipe with my notations after.

Bean and Cheese Burrito Casserole

Ingredients

1 small onion, peeled and diced

1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (4-ounce) can roasted green chiles, undrained

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

8 flour or brown rice tortillas (brown rice tortillas are GF; read packing carefully)

4 cups cooked pinto beans (three 15-ounce cans, drained)

4 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

Optional garnishes: sour cream, sliced avocado, etc.

Directions

Use a 4-quart slow cooker. If you only have a large one, that's okay--but reduce cooking time a few hours.

In a mixing bowl, stir together the onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, chiles, and spices.

Put a layer of tortillas into the bottom of your cooker---you may need to tear them a bit to get good coverage. Add a scoop of the onion/tomato mixture and layer on a healthy spoonful of beans and then a layer of cheese. Repeat layers until you've run out of ingredients. Top with a healthy dose of cheese.

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours (if using a 6-quart, do 3 to 4 hours on low, then let it click over to warm--there's nothing really to cook--you're just heating thoroughly and getting the cheese to get that yummy crust).

My Changes

I did not use an onion, pepper or green chilies. I only used one can of tomatoes (because all of us don't care for whole tomato). They were Mexican style with onions and chiles, the store brand equivalent of Rotel. 

I used two 15 ounce cans of beans and partially drained one (to make up for the missing liquid from the second can of tomatoes). I only used 4 tortillas. My crockpot is just the size for Mission's medium soft taco size tortillas. The tortillas were just barely too big. I did use a lot of cheese, but maybe only three cups of shredded taco seasoned cheese. 

Now for my biggest changes: I bought one 6 ounce package of Tyson grilled chicken strips and two packages of Lipton Fiesta Sides Taco Rice. I made both packets according to directions but cut the water to 3 cups. I diced the chicken into pretty small pieces.

I layered the ingredients: tomato, rice, beans, chicken, cheese. The top was tortilla to keep the moisture in. Since the rice and chicken were already cooked, I only had this in the crockpot on low for an hour just to warm it through. I didn't use all the prepared rice in my dish. There's about 1 1/2 cups leftover. I still think I'd make two packages; using only one would make the meal skimpy unless I doubled the chicken.

Please excuse my lack of food photography skills

The results: we loved it. I cut it into four really good sized triangles and served everyone a wedge. Tyler could barely finish. This is very filling! The only change I'll make when I prepare this again is to add some salt. The brand of tomatoes I used made the dish sweeter than I like Mexican food to be.

If you're in need of crockpot inspiration, definitely take a look at Stephanie's site. I've had good luck with her recipes. Which food site do you have good luck with?