Summer Squash

Matt and I are about 6 weeks into our farm co-op program and we are slowly getting the hang of everything... for the first few weeks we were overwhelmed with large amounts of random produce. We get our deliveries on Wednesdays, so I'll explain more then.



Last week, we received some summer squash, aka: zuchinni. It looks like a cucumber but when you hold it, you can tell it's not as dense. Having never even purchased a zuchinni before, I didn't have a clue what I was going to do with it. Luckily, our co-op has a recipe site:

Golden Earthworm Recipes



Here is the recipe I used last night for our summer squash and Matt LOVED it. While I was preparing it, I was bit neverous... oil spattered everywhere and I was convinced I had somehow messed up this seemingly easy recipe. But, apparently it worked! Matt said he has several dishes like this before and this one was done perfectly.

Zucchini with Garlic and Dried Crushed Red Pepper



Enjoy!

I'm Baaaack and CVS

I have no idea what I was doing for 2 months, but I'm back!! I've been couponing and saving, but my house is embarassingly messy and I can't remember the last time I tried a new recipe (except for a braised fennel one that made me gag two nights ago). But, here goes to a summer of house-wife goodness!

I heart school supplies. In "You've Got Mail", Tom Hanks says to Meg Ryan (via email, no less), "Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address". A man after my own heart...

I digress. CVS is starting to have great deals on school supplies, and I was the first one through the doors this morning to get my fill! Here's how I did (reminder: ECBs is a CVS store credit):

Portfolio Folders: Usually $0.59 each, on sale for $0.05
No Coupon --> Total Price: 10 for $0.50

Bic Pens: Uusually $1.99, on sale for $0.99
No Coupon --> Total Price: 3 for $2.97
Earned $2.97 in ECBs --> Free!

Rulers: Usually $1.19, on sale for $0.99
No Coupon --> Total Price: 2 for $1.98
Earned $1.98 in ECBs --> Free!

Scissors: $2.99 each
No Coupon --> Total Price: 2 for $5.98
Earned $5.98 in ECBs --> Free!

Notebooks: Usually $2.29, on sale for $0.99
No Coupon --> Total Price: 2 for $1.98
Earned $1.98 in ECBs --> Free!

Glue: $0.99 each
No Coupon --> Total Price: 2 for $1.98
Earned $1.98 in ECBs --> Free!

8-Hour Tylenol: Usually $5.99, on sale for $3.99
Used $2 Coupon --> New Price: $1.99
Earned $3 ECBs --> -$1.01 (aka: Money Maker)


Gillete Fusion Razor: Usually $9.99, on sale for $7.99
Used $4 Coupon --> New Price: $3.99 Earned $4 ECBs --> Free!

Total for items without sale prices/coupons= $44.06
Total for items using sale prices and coupons= $22.66 (incl tax)
Used $9.93 in ECBs from last week
Final Price= $12.73
Total ECBs Earned= $21.89 ($9 more than I spent!)


So, what am I going to do with this stuff?? We will definitely use some of it and the rest is marked for donation!

Super Yummy Brownies

We hosted our Bible study last night and I finally got a chance to make these cheesecake brownies.  I printed the recipe about a year ago but somehow, I never made it.  These are really good and really easy.  I like them best straight out of the fridge.

Cheesecake Topped Brownies

Stamp Out Hunger

Since I've been collecting canned goods on super-sale for the past few months, I have lots to give away to those in need!  The US Postal Service (whom I love... getting mail is one of the highlights of my life- seriously) will be collecting non-perishables on their mail-routes tomorrow and delivering the goods to local food banks.  You can bet that I plan on cleaning out our basement pantry!!  The great thing is that you just have to pack up the goods- your mail carrier takes care of everything else- easy peasy.  Learn more: http://www.helpstampouthunger.com/.

Baking Day

Today is baking day!!  Tomorrow we are going to Disney World, and I thought we'd bring along some homemade treats for snacks and breakfasts.  It's more economical and healthier... and I get a good excuse to spend a day in the kitchen :)  Here's what we're making today:

Sour Cream Banana Bread (2 loaves)

Apple Bread (2 loaves)

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Snickerdoodles

Right now the banana bread is in the oven and I'm going and I'm going to do some laundry.

My (imaginary) Cutting Garden

When I grow up, I want a great cutting garden surrounding my home. I love the idea of planting and tending, so that when the time is right, I can go outside with a wide-brimmed hat and clippers, and cut beautiful bouquets right from my yard at a moment's notice. Until then, the local Stop-n-Shop flower department will suffice... I picked up these flowers for our bathroom this week. They didn't translate well on my camera phone (my camera needs to be fixed... again...) but I'm really happy with my selection. I have no idea what they're called, but I think of them as my "Dr. Seuss" flowers.

Hopefully, Matt and I can start some container gardens this month... I don't have much experience gardening- anyone have any ideas or advice?

Favorite New Top

Let's face it: I love to be comfortable. Seriously. Love. The Comfort.

And, I also love to look pulled together and cute, which can be difficult for a stay-at-home-wife because most of my day is spent, well, in the home. I can (and have) gone the entire day in my sweats, only to change just minutes before Matt gets home.

So, when I find a piece that is (a) soft and comfy; (b) cute and stylish, I nearly keel over in excitement. I purchased this Ella Moss top while in Seattle a few weeks ago. It looks great on and it's soft as can be. I know I will wear this all spring and summer, and therefore didn't mind the absurd price tag :)

I have no idea who this girl is...