Weekly Roundup: Happy St. Patrick's Day! + State Financial Aid and Things Making Me Happy

We've entered the time of year when the temperature and weather change a lot. In the last couple of weeks, it's been around 80 and also in the 40's, and it's been sunny and it's poured. The ambiguity feels like a reflection of my life, what with the whirlwind travel to check out colleges right now and the various decisions to be made in the coming months. I hope you're feeling a bit more stable than I am, but if you're not, know that you're not alone. (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

Happy St. Patrick's Day! If you need some celebration ideas, check out my St. Patrick's Day Pinterest board, where you'll find recipes and crafts.

My husband got me a new bluetooth mouse* and I love it! It feels good, and the purple, green and yellow colors make me happy 😊 (My last mouse was boring black 😂)

If you're a California resident and are or have a student in college, be sure to check the California Student Aid Commission to see if you're eligible for any state financial aid.

I use parchment paper all the time, but even I learned something new about parchment vs foil vs wax paper.

If you've been wanting to make money from a hobby, Sidehusl has some suggestions on how to do so.

MENU PLAN - March 17, 2025

My son in college will be coming home sometime this week, so I'm planning a menu but will be very flexible to accommodate whatever he wants. 😊

Monday - Corned Beef (from ButcherBox*), Cabbage, Nigella's Chocolate Guinness Cake

Tuesday - Roasted Chicken with Fish Sauce Butter

Wednesday - Takeout from our favorite Japanese restaurant

Thursday - Chicken Piccata Orzo

Friday -  Enfrijoladas

Saturday - Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura

Sunday - Steak, Mushrooms, Yorkshire Pudding (I always use the recipe in The Joy of Cooking*)

(For locals: To access NYT recipes through the library, go here.)

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my monthly periodic email newsletter!

Weekly Roundup: A Book Roundup + This Week's (All Too Familiar) Menu Plan

It's almost mid-March, which means my son's admitted student days are ramping up. It's a busy time for seniors trying to decide where to go to college. Fortunately, my son has crossed a few schools off his list, but we've still got a quite a few to check out. Here's hoping for some warm weather, and a great week for everyone! (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

Last week, I mentioned a couple of audiobooks I've listened to recently, but here's a more comprehensive book roundup:

Mrs. Jeffries Mysteries* by Emily Brightwell - Set in Victorian England, this cozy mystery series is my favorite source of comfort right now (well, after chocolate chip cookies). I've been flying through the series, so it's a good thing there are 41 books!

Lord Julian Mysteries* by Grace Burrowes - I mentioned this series in my end-of-year roundup, but it truly is one of my favorite series of all time and the latest installment* came out a few weeks ago.

The Bletchley Riddle* by Ruta Septys and Steve Sheinkin - This is a YA novel that was fun, and also incredibly educational. It's set me on a path to learn more about Bletchley Park, where the British broke enemy codes during World War II.

The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race* by Walter Isaacson (audio) - I enjoyed listening to this book about a Nobel winning scientist who helped develop the technology that resulted in the first Covid vaccines.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks* by Rebecca Skloot (audio) - I remember hearing about this book when it was published 15 years ago, but I only recently got around to reading/listening to it. It's about the woman whose cells became an important tool in medicine, but it's also about scientific ethics, racism, and so much more.

My aunt recently fell and broke her pelvis, so she's laid up. I sent her the first book* in the Mrs. Murphy Mysteries,* which I hope she enjoys. (I've taken to sending books as a get-well gift, with or without flowers 😄)

MENU PLAN - March 10, 2025

This week's menu plan looks an awful lot like last week's because ... I'm not sure what happened, but I just didn't stick to it. 🤣

Monday - Zhang Spam Musubi from The Book of Sichuan Chili Crisp*

Tuesday - Some kind of fish from the farmers market

Wednesday - Quick Jambalaya

Thursday - Quick Asian Caramelised Beef Ramen Noodles

Friday -  Jacques Pepin's Easy "Soufflan"

Saturday - Instant Pot Birria Tacos

Sunday - Charcuterie Board

(For locals: To access NYT recipes through the library, go here.)

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my monthly periodic email newsletter!

Weekly Roundup: Outback Meal Deal, Audiobook Recs + Weekly Menu Plan

It's March, which means that by the end of the month, one of my kids will no longer be a teenager! I don't know how that has happened, but I realized I need to start thinking seriously about what project I will take on in the fall to occupy my mind and my time when my second child goes off to college. For obvious reasons, I'm leaning toward a college counseling career but I'm definitely open to suggestions. Have a great week! (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

You can get a pretty decent three-course meal for just $14.99 at Outback right now.

I had no idea you could make a living as a background actor in Los Angeles.

Rachel Macy Stafford's suggestion to "plant a pause" has resonated with me (like most of what she writes).

Recently, I've listened to some audiobooks that I want to recommend: Be Ready When the Luck Happens* by Ina Garten and Brooke Shields is Not Allowed to Get Old* by Brooke Shields. Both are compelling memoirs that make me want to live my best life.

MENU PLAN - March 3, 2025

Monday - Salted Salmon or something else from the Japanese market (I'm going to be near it so I'll pick up something for dinner)

Tuesday - Some kind of fish from the farmers market

Wednesday - Quick Jambalaya

Thursday - Quick Asian Caramelised Beef Ramen Noodles (using ground turkey)

Friday -  Jacques Pepin's Easy "Soufflan"

Saturday - Instant Pot Birria Tacos

Sunday - Charcuterie Board

(For locals: To access NYT recipes through the library, go here.)

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my monthly periodic email newsletter!

Weekly Roundup: Recent Recipe Reviews + This Week's Menu Plan

I feel like I've finally recovered from the trip up to Portland - I forgot to mention last week that in addition to the stress of driving around in snow, there was the stress of a canceled flight, the cancelation of the first admitted student day event (at least the second one went on as planned), and the hotel that had our reservation but no room for us (someone had accidentally put a guest in the room designated for us, which had two beds, and apparently there was no other room with two beds available). Everything worked out fine in the end, but I feel like it took me the whole week to finally feel back to normal. 😂 (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

I've tried some new (or at least, new-to-me) recipes lately and these were the keepers:

Lentils with Burrata and Breadcrumbs (What's Gaby Cooking) - This was a huge hit with my husband but not my teenager. I used a package of pre-cooked, vacuum-packed lentils from Trader Joe's and basically started with step 2 of the recipe.

Anchovy, Mozzarella + Pesto Grilled Cheese (Fishwife) - I used sourdough, whole milk mozzarella from Trader Joe's that I grated myself, and Bear Pond Farm pesto* which is nut-free and on sale right now. I will definitely make this again. Three anchovies was just right for me, and I recommend brushing the olive oil on the bread as a first step and using medium to medium-low  heat.

Five-Ingredient Creamy Miso Pasta (NYT) - This was good, and the leftovers reheated nicely. But it's even better with some heat, so I recommend adding some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper when you add the miso and butter.

Tofu and Green Beans with Chili Crisp (NYT) - My husband, who loves chili crisp, liked this. Our son and I did not. It was just way too spicy for me. However, I did love the sheet pan concept. And I think that if I increased the honey content and/or decreased the quantity of chili crisp, this could end up becoming a favorite.

MENU PLAN - February 24, 2025

Monday - Carrot Risotto with Chile Crisp

Tuesday - Some kind of fish from the farmers market

Wednesday - Baked French Toast, Sausage, Fruit

Thursday - Ramen with Ramen Eggs (I like this miso ramen* but my family prefers the same brand's char siu ramen)

Friday - Chili Lime Fish

Saturday - Creamed Beef (I always serve this over rice instead of toast)

Sunday - Chicken Pasta Salad

(For locals: To access NYT recipes through the library, go here.)

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my monthly periodic email newsletter!

Weekly Roundup: Appealing Financial Aid Awards, Jen Hatmaker's Take on Empathy, Getting a KitchenAid Stand Mixer Serviced

After spending my entire adult life avoiding having to drive on snow, I found myself doing exactly that up in Portland when I took my son to another admitted student event. I was so happy to be back in Southern California, where the only snow is on the mountains. Hopefully your weekend was a little less stressful than mine! (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

It's that time of year when financial aid awards arrive, and you stare at them wondering how you can possibly afford to send your kid to college. Did you know that you can appeal the award? Here are some tips on how to do so.

This Jen Hatmaker post about getting along with folks you have fundamental differences in philosophy with provides some real food for thought.

David Lebovitz offers some suggestions for egg substitutes.

If you have a KitchenAid stand mixer, Kitchn has an adjustment tip for you. If you've ever thought about getting your stand mixer serviced, you can pay $35-$45 for a shipping kit to send your mixer to them for servicing (which is an additional cost, usually $75 to $225). Some of this info is here, and some is from an email I got when I inquired about servicing. My 4.5-quart mixer* was a wedding present and has been well-used - now that it's over 20 years old and sounds just a little funny, I've been thinking it's time to have it looked at or replace it with a larger one.* I'm torn since I'm wondering if I'll do less baking when both kids are off to college. 😢

MENU PLAN - February 17, 2025

Monday - Dinner out

Tuesday - Some kind of fish from the farmers market

Wednesday - Stuffed Manicotti (I didn't get to it last week)

Thursday - Anchovy, Mozzarella and Pesto Grilled Cheese

Friday - Chicken with Mushroom Gravy

Saturday - Crispy Black Bean Tacos

Sunday - Five-Ingredient Creamy Miso Pasta

(For locals: To access NYT recipes through the library, go here.)

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my monthly periodic email newsletter!

Weekly Roundup: Post-Super Bowl Freebies, Avocado Tip, Freezer Meals + Menu Plan

I went skiing yesterday for the first time since I was in college, so I'm aching all over today (but especially in the calves). At the same time, I'm so proud of myself for going outside of my comfort zone and doing something I wasn't sure I could do and that I was a little scared to do ... and I'm reminded of how important it is to keep pushing our comfort boundaries. And I was thinking that we ask our kids to do it all the time - at the start of each new school year, trying out for a sports team, and especially for my kids right now, going off to college. But as adults, we need to do it too! (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

Today at Starbucks, you can get a free tall hot or iced coffee if you're a Rewards member. Note that the offer might not be available at all stores, like those inside supermarkets.

Also today only at Carl's Jr., you can get a free Alix Earle Hangover Burger if you're a My Rewards member.

Too late for the Super Bowl, but if you're local, you can always get avocados so here's a Kitchn tip: use a potato masher to make your guacamole.

I consider myself reasonably well-educated when it comes to food allergy safety, but I was surprised (and horrified) to learn that at least in Italy, cross-contact due to pasta cooking water is possible if not common.

Last week, I made a triple batch of meatballs so I now have some meatballs in the freezer. But I realized that I haven't been stocking my freezer much, and I miss the ease of being able to easily produce a meal. So that'll be something I'll be looking to do more of in the next few weeks.

MENU PLAN - February 10, 2025

Monday -  Tofu and Green Beans with Chili Crisp (didn't get to this last week)

Tuesday - Salmon Chirashizushi

Wednesday - Stuffed Manicotti (using this RTE recipe as a guide, but I'm skipping the beef; I'll make two pans and freeze one)

Thursday-Sunday - Dinner out (we have plans for the long weekend!)

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my monthly periodic email newsletter!

Weekly Roundup: Free Money, LAUSD Choices, Best Tote? + Weekly Menu Plan

I've been having fun with my family the last couple of days because the basketball trades have been surprisingly wild. It's not that I love the NBA but my kids do and I'm always interested in what they're interested in. I was thinking this morning as I passed a truck with a forklift about how excited my kids would have been to see it when they were toddlers, and how I developed an interest in heavy machines back then. So times change but they also stay the same! (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

Just like 2023, my biggest shopping app earner in 2024 was Ibotta*, and right now they're offering a free $5 to new users. (That might be an ongoing offer, but they just promoted it so I'm not sure.)

In terms of ease of use, I like Microsoft Rewards because you can earn totally free money just by clicking a lot.

If you're local and missed LAUSD's Choices application deadline, their late application is now open. You can apply to up to six programs, and if you apply to a program that's already full, you'll be added to the wait list. Depending on your goals, consider calling a school's magnet coordinator to ask the likelihood that you'll get called off the wait list. For more info about the Choices program, check out my other site, LAUSD Magnets.

The LA Times addresses whether your garden is safe if it was contaminated by ash from the fires.

The Kitchn explains how to tell if your container is microwave-safe.

This tote* is the first product I've fallen in love with on TikTok, and I'm so bummed that it's a "frequently returned" item. What do you think?

MENU PLAN - February 3, 2025

Monday - The Most Amazing Canned Tuna Pasta

Tuesday - Salmon Chirashizushi

Wednesday - Tofu and Green Beans with Chili Crisp

Thursday - Enfrijoladas

Friday - Meatball Heroes

Saturday - Salmon Takikomi Gohan

Sunday - Dinner out

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my monthly periodic email newsletter!