"Lose It!"
* Ellie's Krieger's Healthy Appetite cookbook -- beautiful cookbook, recipes sound great, but I know I'll never make one of them.
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 16 down/37 to go
* light blue cargo pants from 2004 -- they are too short for me and also too tight, have shed illogical thought that if I lost "five or ten pounds" the pants would then be long enough
* eight empty baby wash bottles -- the boys enjoy playing with them in the tub, but I'm tired of pouring stagnant water from them before the next evening's bath. Also, Little Bit has been trying to drink out of them. Gross.
* some more stuff that I can't remember . . .
Confession:
I went to Dollar Tree today, defying (and not for the first time) my 2009 vow to stop bringing crap into my house. I got some stuff to do some crafts around here. Not horrible, but still, crap.
Request:
Give me some inspiration. I'm in the mood to rid of big stuff. You know, to make it look as if I'm really losing it around here. Tell me what to get rid of.
Okay, I'm going to recommit to this blog and this project.
Showing posts with label Cookbook Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cookbook Challenge. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
"You've made better."
"Use It!"
*Cook Yourself Thin Cookbook -- followed recipe for Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna which was, well, just okay. I think I can do better with my own improvisational lasagna recipe. Also, I feel like I need to note that I did not have this cookbook when 2009 began, but that I gave away a cookbook when I bought it to preserve stats for the Cookbook Challenge.
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 14 down/39 to go
*Cook Yourself Thin Cookbook -- followed recipe for Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna which was, well, just okay. I think I can do better with my own improvisational lasagna recipe. Also, I feel like I need to note that I did not have this cookbook when 2009 began, but that I gave away a cookbook when I bought it to preserve stats for the Cookbook Challenge.
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 14 down/39 to go
Monday, June 29, 2009
How could it not be good?
"Use It!"
* two of the eight packages of organic basil purchased for a $1 (total for all packages, not each individual one) when my Jewel closed last week.
* food processor -- worth noting because I keep forgetting I know how to use it now and store it in a hard-to-access place, making it even less likely to get used
* cookbook entitled Joy in Simplicity: Creative Cooking with Artist Nancy Noel -- made Basil Butter (see above). The verdict: see title.
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 13 down/40 to go
* two of the eight packages of organic basil purchased for a $1 (total for all packages, not each individual one) when my Jewel closed last week.
* food processor -- worth noting because I keep forgetting I know how to use it now and store it in a hard-to-access place, making it even less likely to get used
* cookbook entitled Joy in Simplicity: Creative Cooking with Artist Nancy Noel -- made Basil Butter (see above). The verdict: see title.
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 13 down/40 to go
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Eat Clean Plate Club
"Use It!"
* Tosca Reno's Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook -- not sure why I purchased this cookbook, a woman who drinks a minimum of three Diet Cokes a day is not really a clean eater . . . but I used the cookbook to make Herbed Spinach Yogurt Cheese Dip. The end result was pretty tasty, though next time I will learn how to read so that I use lowfat yogurt (as called for) instead of nonfat (what was I thinking? I was thinking that the recipe called for nonfat yogurt).
* cheesecloth, fresh basil, a tub of plain nonfat yogurt, defrosted package of frozen spinach -- these are items I obtained with this recipe in mind, and I am pleased that I actually followed through and used them.
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 12 down/41 to go
* Tosca Reno's Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook -- not sure why I purchased this cookbook, a woman who drinks a minimum of three Diet Cokes a day is not really a clean eater . . . but I used the cookbook to make Herbed Spinach Yogurt Cheese Dip. The end result was pretty tasty, though next time I will learn how to read so that I use lowfat yogurt (as called for) instead of nonfat (what was I thinking? I was thinking that the recipe called for nonfat yogurt).
* cheesecloth, fresh basil, a tub of plain nonfat yogurt, defrosted package of frozen spinach -- these are items I obtained with this recipe in mind, and I am pleased that I actually followed through and used them.
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 12 down/41 to go
Friday, May 15, 2009
Rainy Day Calories
"Use It!"
* Betty Crocker Cookbook, Bridal Edition -- used to make Chocolate Chip Cookies (actually, used the alternative directions for cookie bars).
Cookbook Challenge: 11 down/42 to go
* Betty Crocker Cookbook, Bridal Edition -- used to make Chocolate Chip Cookies (actually, used the alternative directions for cookie bars).
Cookbook Challenge: 11 down/42 to go
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Receipts, Y'all
"Use It!"
I used my Charleston Party Receipts cookbook to make a Pineapple Pecan cheese ball. I can't give a verdict on it because I was too busy to really dig in. I will say that the two bricks of cream cheese called for made for quite a large ball of cheese, perhaps a bit too large to be aesthetically pleasing.
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 10 down/43 to go
I used my Charleston Party Receipts cookbook to make a Pineapple Pecan cheese ball. I can't give a verdict on it because I was too busy to really dig in. I will say that the two bricks of cream cheese called for made for quite a large ball of cheese, perhaps a bit too large to be aesthetically pleasing.
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 10 down/43 to go
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Oxymoronic Mac
"Use It!"
* cookbook entitled Super-Fast Slow Cooking -- was short on oven space for our Easter meal so I tried a recipe for mac and cheese using the crock pot, not as good as the oven baked recipe (my mom's) I usually use, but good enough . . . when butter, cheese, and pasta are involved, it is difficult to go too, too wrong
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 9 down/44 to go
* cookbook entitled Super-Fast Slow Cooking -- was short on oven space for our Easter meal so I tried a recipe for mac and cheese using the crock pot, not as good as the oven baked recipe (my mom's) I usually use, but good enough . . . when butter, cheese, and pasta are involved, it is difficult to go too, too wrong
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 9 down/44 to go
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tollhouse in the House
"Use It!"
* cookbook entitled Nestle Toll House Best-Ever Cookies -- We made the original Nestle Toll House chocolate chip cookies. I was satisfied with the taste and texture (though they are a teensy bit more crumbly than I fancy). Hubby's first assessment was "excellent," but that was in the context of praising Bub for being such a good helper in the kitchen. He later clarified that the cookies were "very good, not quite excellent status, but better than the others you have made lately." Wow, my heart is full. To be fair, I would not call the cookies "excellent" either, but my main complaint is with appearance not flavor. I just don't think they look that pretty, not even on the front of the cookbook.
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 8 down / 45 to go
"Lose It!"
* melamine (maybe?) bowl, second biggest in set of five -- the edge of this bowl cracked and broke off a couple of months ago, but I had soldiered on in the spirit of "using it," but I noticed today, when combining the dry ingredients for the cookie dough, that the crack had caused a fissure (?) all the way down the side of the bowl. And so, I lost it, which is too bad because it was my favorite "just right," go-to bowl for mixing things.
* cookbook entitled Nestle Toll House Best-Ever Cookies -- We made the original Nestle Toll House chocolate chip cookies. I was satisfied with the taste and texture (though they are a teensy bit more crumbly than I fancy). Hubby's first assessment was "excellent," but that was in the context of praising Bub for being such a good helper in the kitchen. He later clarified that the cookies were "very good, not quite excellent status, but better than the others you have made lately." Wow, my heart is full. To be fair, I would not call the cookies "excellent" either, but my main complaint is with appearance not flavor. I just don't think they look that pretty, not even on the front of the cookbook.
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 8 down / 45 to go
"Lose It!"
* melamine (maybe?) bowl, second biggest in set of five -- the edge of this bowl cracked and broke off a couple of months ago, but I had soldiered on in the spirit of "using it," but I noticed today, when combining the dry ingredients for the cookie dough, that the crack had caused a fissure (?) all the way down the side of the bowl. And so, I lost it, which is too bad because it was my favorite "just right," go-to bowl for mixing things.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Win? Lose? Draw?
When I was in Ohio, my mom had a box of a dozen or so cookbooks that she was "losing." You know where this is heading, right? I wanted some (all?) of them. Now, the old MEP might have thrown them all into her messy car to take back to Chicago (provided hubby was not riding along--if so, she would have taken some of them, but hidden them in her bag or something). New MEP settled for two that looked really intriguing and took up next-to-no room in her newly cleaned car. But, when she got home, she "lost" two of her cookbooks to make up for it. So there. The Cookbook Challenge remains on.
I think I mentioned already that a few weeks ago, my friend E... did this cool thing on facebook where she posted a note listing all the books she wanted to give away. I "called" three of them, which she gave to me last week when I saw her. To atone for bringing more books into the house (even free ones), I added five more to my book giveaway box. That box is getting mighty heavy and soon, very soon, I do plan to work on my own book giveaway for friends and readers.
I think I mentioned already that a few weeks ago, my friend E... did this cool thing on facebook where she posted a note listing all the books she wanted to give away. I "called" three of them, which she gave to me last week when I saw her. To atone for bringing more books into the house (even free ones), I added five more to my book giveaway box. That box is getting mighty heavy and soon, very soon, I do plan to work on my own book giveaway for friends and readers.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Bar None
"Use It!"
I needed to make some baked goods for a school event and turned to an old favorite cookbook, The Cake Mix Doctor by Anne Byrn, and decided to try some bar recipes. Neither "Chocolate-Almond-Coconut Bars" or "Candy Bars" were slam dunks, but they were easy to make and acceptable contributions. Though I wasn't thrilled with the bars, I do want to say that every cake I have made from this cookbook has been fantastic and Byrn provides really thorough directions, which is nice.
Cookbook Challenge: 7 down/46 to go
"Lose It!"
* box of candy canes -- neither Bub nor I needs any more candy canes, not going to hold on to them for Christmas in July.
* 4 boxes of expired tea -- sad for me that I didn't take the tea time for myself before the expiration date, but ah well . . .
I needed to make some baked goods for a school event and turned to an old favorite cookbook, The Cake Mix Doctor by Anne Byrn, and decided to try some bar recipes. Neither "Chocolate-Almond-Coconut Bars" or "Candy Bars" were slam dunks, but they were easy to make and acceptable contributions. Though I wasn't thrilled with the bars, I do want to say that every cake I have made from this cookbook has been fantastic and Byrn provides really thorough directions, which is nice.
Cookbook Challenge: 7 down/46 to go
"Lose It!"
* box of candy canes -- neither Bub nor I needs any more candy canes, not going to hold on to them for Christmas in July.
* 4 boxes of expired tea -- sad for me that I didn't take the tea time for myself before the expiration date, but ah well . . .
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
"Scale" Back Sister*
"Use It!"
* Busy Woman's Cookbook: 3 and 4 Ingredient Recipes -- this cookbook was a wedding gift, and I used it this evening to make "Tasty Pork Chops" (that's the actual, non-descriptive name of the dish) that indeed called for only four ingredients: pork chops, onion, brown sugar, cider vinegar
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 8 down/47 to go
* food scale -- I asked for a food scale for Christmas and received one from my awesome sister-in-law, this is the kind of item that comes into the house with the best of intentions, but I am proud to have now used it for the first but not the last time
Inspirational Story
Took the boys to Staples to spend my $15.89 Staples Reward certificate before it expired. Left Staples without having spent a penny of "real money" in the store, only the reward money (with 23 cents to spare, not to brag) and without having bought a bunch of crap I don't need.
*What if I were to form a band of fellow de-clutterers/recovering stuff addicts like me and we called ourselves Scale Back Sister, kind of like Fall Out Boy?
* Busy Woman's Cookbook: 3 and 4 Ingredient Recipes -- this cookbook was a wedding gift, and I used it this evening to make "Tasty Pork Chops" (that's the actual, non-descriptive name of the dish) that indeed called for only four ingredients: pork chops, onion, brown sugar, cider vinegar
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 8 down/47 to go
* food scale -- I asked for a food scale for Christmas and received one from my awesome sister-in-law, this is the kind of item that comes into the house with the best of intentions, but I am proud to have now used it for the first but not the last time
Inspirational Story
Took the boys to Staples to spend my $15.89 Staples Reward certificate before it expired. Left Staples without having spent a penny of "real money" in the store, only the reward money (with 23 cents to spare, not to brag) and without having bought a bunch of crap I don't need.
*What if I were to form a band of fellow de-clutterers/recovering stuff addicts like me and we called ourselves Scale Back Sister, kind of like Fall Out Boy?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Double Feature
No time for a post yesterday. After a few delays, we arrived home from Florida late last night. We walked in our front door about 10:40, and both sleeping boys were awake by 10:45.
"Lose It!"
* Belkin ipod charger purchased at O'Hare on way to Florida -- both hubby and I were sure we would be walking so much during our trip that our respective ipods would need to be re-charged while we were there. We took a few walks in attempts to get one or the other boys to nap, but nothing that I would characterize at exercise. Is it exercise if the walk ends at Dairy Queen or with the purchase and consumption of a huge caramel apple? So anyway, last night when we passed Brookstone on our way to baggage claim, I returned the charger. Not a big thing, but something that the old MEP would not have bothered to do (would have rationalized that I could use the charger sometime and it's only $25 and blah, blah, blah).
"Use It!"
* In part because, in the spirit of vacation, I ate more than I exercised last week, I made a new recipe today out of the Weight Watchers Turn Around Program Cookbook: Broccoli Waldorf Salad. Great texture, great flavor, and very easy to prepare, especially if you use broccoli slaw instead of chopping broccoli.
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 7 down, 48 to go
"Lose It!"
* Belkin ipod charger purchased at O'Hare on way to Florida -- both hubby and I were sure we would be walking so much during our trip that our respective ipods would need to be re-charged while we were there. We took a few walks in attempts to get one or the other boys to nap, but nothing that I would characterize at exercise. Is it exercise if the walk ends at Dairy Queen or with the purchase and consumption of a huge caramel apple? So anyway, last night when we passed Brookstone on our way to baggage claim, I returned the charger. Not a big thing, but something that the old MEP would not have bothered to do (would have rationalized that I could use the charger sometime and it's only $25 and blah, blah, blah).
"Use It!"
* In part because, in the spirit of vacation, I ate more than I exercised last week, I made a new recipe today out of the Weight Watchers Turn Around Program Cookbook: Broccoli Waldorf Salad. Great texture, great flavor, and very easy to prepare, especially if you use broccoli slaw instead of chopping broccoli.
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 7 down, 48 to go
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Not the "other one."
"Use It!"
* I used Anne Byrn's What Can I Bring Cookbook and made "Tex-Mex Chicken Spaghetti." I found it quite tasty and asked my hubby to give his review, "It was good, but I think I like the other one better." I asked some follow-up questions and determined that "the other one" is Chicken Tetrazzini, a casserole I have only made once, at least as far as I can recall. All the same, "good" is a very strong review.
* three pounds of chicken -- only noting this because any time I can use proteins (do you like my Top Chef-speak?) before they need to go in the freezer, I am pleased with myself . . . once items enter the freezer, there are no guarantees they'll make it on to a dinner plate -- also, I ended up with eight pounds of chicken, due to a sale at Jewel and now it's (almost) all been used
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 6 down / 49 to go
* I used Anne Byrn's What Can I Bring Cookbook and made "Tex-Mex Chicken Spaghetti." I found it quite tasty and asked my hubby to give his review, "It was good, but I think I like the other one better." I asked some follow-up questions and determined that "the other one" is Chicken Tetrazzini, a casserole I have only made once, at least as far as I can recall. All the same, "good" is a very strong review.
* three pounds of chicken -- only noting this because any time I can use proteins (do you like my Top Chef-speak?) before they need to go in the freezer, I am pleased with myself . . . once items enter the freezer, there are no guarantees they'll make it on to a dinner plate -- also, I ended up with eight pounds of chicken, due to a sale at Jewel and now it's (almost) all been used
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 6 down / 49 to go
Sunday, February 1, 2009
(Re)Discovering Dayton
I'm not a Junior Leaguer, but I do have two Junior League cookbooks, both of which I really like and use. Every recipe I've tried from the Cincinnati one -- I'll Cook When Pigs Fly . . . and they do in Cincinnati! -- has been fairly successful, especially the Hot Bacon and Swiss Dip (which I affectionately refer to as "Fat Dip"), oh so easy and cheesy. Causing a Stir, from the Junior League of Dayton, has also served me well, most notably for its Proscuitto Pinwheel recipe, a great success at a wine-tasting party in 2005.
Causing a Stir also includes favorite recipes from Discover Dayton, an earlier JL cookbook that my mom used quite a bit when I was growing up.
I was in the mood for chocolate chip cookies this weekend and happened upon a recipe in Causing a Stir. "Best Chocolate Chip Cookies" were soft, which is how I like my cookies, but not crumbly or insubstantial. I liked them enough to eat at least a dozen myself, and my husband dubbed them "fine" (fairly high praise around here).* I gave half the batch to our nephew, who was sweet enough to babysit for us last night.
The special ingredient in this cookie recipe is a 1.7 ounce package of instant vanilla pudding. I had pudding on hand, but only in 3.4 ounce packages. Do they even make 1.7 ounce packages? The 3.4 ounce box yields 4 servings of a .5 cup each, which is really not a lot of pudding. Would one really buy a box of pudding that makes 1 cup of pudding? I'm not buying that.
Do you have a favorite chocolate chip cookie? Which of your cookbooks have you used lately?
Cookbook Challenge Stats for anyone keeping track: 5 down / 50 to go.
I have the rest of 2009 to try one new recipe in each of the cookbooks I don't want to "lose."
Causing a Stir also includes favorite recipes from Discover Dayton, an earlier JL cookbook that my mom used quite a bit when I was growing up.
I was in the mood for chocolate chip cookies this weekend and happened upon a recipe in Causing a Stir. "Best Chocolate Chip Cookies" were soft, which is how I like my cookies, but not crumbly or insubstantial. I liked them enough to eat at least a dozen myself, and my husband dubbed them "fine" (fairly high praise around here).* I gave half the batch to our nephew, who was sweet enough to babysit for us last night.
The special ingredient in this cookie recipe is a 1.7 ounce package of instant vanilla pudding. I had pudding on hand, but only in 3.4 ounce packages. Do they even make 1.7 ounce packages? The 3.4 ounce box yields 4 servings of a .5 cup each, which is really not a lot of pudding. Would one really buy a box of pudding that makes 1 cup of pudding? I'm not buying that.
Do you have a favorite chocolate chip cookie? Which of your cookbooks have you used lately?
Cookbook Challenge Stats for anyone keeping track: 5 down / 50 to go.
I have the rest of 2009 to try one new recipe in each of the cookbooks I don't want to "lose."
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Up Tempo
"Use It!" -- The Cookbook Challenge is heating up . . .
* I made Easy Banana Bread from Masterpieces from our Kitchen, published by the Fairfield (OH) Tempo Club -- twas easy and tasty, if a bit overdone (blame user-error, not the Tempo Clubbers)
* I also used the old crock pot for Holiday Meatballs from Fix-It and Forget-It Recipes for Entertaining by Phyllis Pellman Good and Dawn J. Ranck -- I sampled a meatball and found it to my liking, but on this day when I prepared two different things in my own kitchen . . . I went out to dinner, which is why this post is so brief.
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 4 down / 51 to go.
* I made Easy Banana Bread from Masterpieces from our Kitchen, published by the Fairfield (OH) Tempo Club -- twas easy and tasty, if a bit overdone (blame user-error, not the Tempo Clubbers)
* I also used the old crock pot for Holiday Meatballs from Fix-It and Forget-It Recipes for Entertaining by Phyllis Pellman Good and Dawn J. Ranck -- I sampled a meatball and found it to my liking, but on this day when I prepared two different things in my own kitchen . . . I went out to dinner, which is why this post is so brief.
Cookbook Challenge Stats: 4 down / 51 to go.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Urn, possibly Grecian?
"Lose It!"
* large decorative urn that has been hiding in front closet for four years -- was I going to put flowers in it? umbrellas? ashes? I can't say so I think it shall go
* bag of whole wheat flour labeled "better by August 2008" as have been advised by a wise reader (thank you, cake) that the stuff goes bad quickly and can make one ill.
"Use It!"
* 1 can from my 12 pack of tomato paste from Costco (10 to go -- to be clear, 10 cans not 12 packs, I'm not completely nuts)
* Said tomato paste was a required ingredient in the Barbecued Turkey Sloppy Joes I made in my slow cooker today, recipe courtesy of Natalie Haughton's The Best Slow Cooker Cookbook Ever. These were not the best slow cooked sloppy joes I have ever eaten, but I did neglect to add the "liquid smoke" and perhaps it would have made all the difference. I didn't have any liquid smoke (the name freaks me out a little), and I consider it progress that I did not run out to secure an item that might have become another potential "Lose It!" down the line. For those of you paying attention to my Cookbook Challenge, I have now made new recipes from 2 of my cookbooks so 2 down, 53 to go.
* large decorative urn that has been hiding in front closet for four years -- was I going to put flowers in it? umbrellas? ashes? I can't say so I think it shall go
* bag of whole wheat flour labeled "better by August 2008" as have been advised by a wise reader (thank you, cake) that the stuff goes bad quickly and can make one ill.
"Use It!"
* 1 can from my 12 pack of tomato paste from Costco (10 to go -- to be clear, 10 cans not 12 packs, I'm not completely nuts)
* Said tomato paste was a required ingredient in the Barbecued Turkey Sloppy Joes I made in my slow cooker today, recipe courtesy of Natalie Haughton's The Best Slow Cooker Cookbook Ever. These were not the best slow cooked sloppy joes I have ever eaten, but I did neglect to add the "liquid smoke" and perhaps it would have made all the difference. I didn't have any liquid smoke (the name freaks me out a little), and I consider it progress that I did not run out to secure an item that might have become another potential "Lose It!" down the line. For those of you paying attention to my Cookbook Challenge, I have now made new recipes from 2 of my cookbooks so 2 down, 53 to go.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Wine box, not Franzia.
Today's "Lose It!" List:
* a beautiful red blanket -- have held on to it for years because it is from Pottery Barn and was a gift, but the fact is we don't use the blanket because it leaves red fuzzies all over our clothes and traps lint and dust bunnies like you wouldn't believe
* a size 8 black cocktail dress -- was purchased on a whim at TJ Maxx I believe (probably for about $29.99, possibly less), but except for 12 minutes in 1999 and 5 minutes in early 2007, I am not a size eight . . . if I am ever a size 8 and have occasion to wear a dress, you better believe I will be out shopping for a special one
* a cardboard box with three styrofoam inserts perfect for mailing wine (wine was delivered to us in this very box) -- gone with this box is the delusion is that I might need it to mail wine to someone; I haven't ever mailed wine to anyone and don't foresee doing so in the future
I cleaned out our pantry today, and am now aware of an abundance of the following ingredients: pudding mix, light Karo syrup, mini marshmallows, crisco sticks, food coloring, flour, sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar . . . looks like I am all set for all those bake sales (?) in which I participate. When attempting to make a new recipe out of each of my 55 (just counted them today) cookbooks this year (or give away those that get ignored), I will be on the lookout for recipes utilizing some of the above ingredients. Cookbook Challenge stats to date: 1 down, 54 to go.
* a beautiful red blanket -- have held on to it for years because it is from Pottery Barn and was a gift, but the fact is we don't use the blanket because it leaves red fuzzies all over our clothes and traps lint and dust bunnies like you wouldn't believe
* a size 8 black cocktail dress -- was purchased on a whim at TJ Maxx I believe (probably for about $29.99, possibly less), but except for 12 minutes in 1999 and 5 minutes in early 2007, I am not a size eight . . . if I am ever a size 8 and have occasion to wear a dress, you better believe I will be out shopping for a special one
* a cardboard box with three styrofoam inserts perfect for mailing wine (wine was delivered to us in this very box) -- gone with this box is the delusion is that I might need it to mail wine to someone; I haven't ever mailed wine to anyone and don't foresee doing so in the future
I cleaned out our pantry today, and am now aware of an abundance of the following ingredients: pudding mix, light Karo syrup, mini marshmallows, crisco sticks, food coloring, flour, sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar . . . looks like I am all set for all those bake sales (?) in which I participate. When attempting to make a new recipe out of each of my 55 (just counted them today) cookbooks this year (or give away those that get ignored), I will be on the lookout for recipes utilizing some of the above ingredients. Cookbook Challenge stats to date: 1 down, 54 to go.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Treading Water in the Sea of Good Intentions
I’m in danger of drowning in the sea of my own good intentions, and let’s face it, none of the following items could serve as a life preserver: scrapbooking supplies, unread bargain books, specialty Bundt pans, the response cards from my 2003 wedding, a 12-pack of organic tomato paste from Costco, a pillow case full of the notes I received in high school, the Dancing With the Stars workout DVD, an impressive collection of miniature hotel toiletries, or more pairs of running shoes and flip-flops than someone who rarely works out and does not live anywhere near the beach ought to own.
To be clear, I am not an obsessive hoarder (like those featured on Oprah). I don’t even consider myself a hardcore packrat. Thankfully I have not filled our house with expensive things we cannot afford, but I have filled it with many things that we don’t need, use, or enjoy.
When I choose to buy or save something, I have the best intentions. I buy workout DVDs because I intend to workout. I save my high school notes, eighth grade autograph book, and almost every post card I have ever been sent because I intend to look at them again and, I don’t know . . . discover the secret of who I am? share them with my kids someday? donate them to the Smithsonian? remind myself to “stay cool and have a great summer”? I overstock my pantry with ingredients (but usually not all the ones required) for various healthy or interesting recipes I intend to make. I save my college t-shirts (and my husband’s) in a bin because I intend to use the sewing machine I do not know how to use (or even thread) to turn them into a t-shirt quilt. Seriously. Some of my good intentions do produce good results, but not often enough to justify all the stuff and I'm getting weary of shuffling the stuff around waiting for “someday” when I will use, need, or enjoy it.
So, here’s the plan. Almost every day in 2009, I will report to you on an item I have decided to use or lose. The items I “lose” will be donated, pitched, or otherwise removed from my life and home. The items I choose to “use” will be ones that are currently taking up space until, you know, “someday.” So, for example, eating a Lean Cuisine will not count as a "Use it!" but finding something to do with the half gallon of half and half in my fridge (that seems destined to be pitched, mostly untouched, when it expires) would count. My posts will be on the brief side (they’ll have to be or I won’t be able to keep up). I hope that those of you who also struggle with stuff might be entertained (I will not go so far as to say inspired) by them. I will do my best to be creative in my losing and using.
A few guidelines: I do not want my “stuff” to become someone else’s burden. Therefore, I will not be donating items that I cannot in good conscience see someone else using/appreciating. I will not take advantage of other good-intentioned souls who might be susceptible to taking items off my hands that they are not likely to use or enjoy. If someone is interested in an item, I will happily hand it over. However, I will passing off my undervalued, underused items as gifts for others. I will be throwing away some things that may have some use value to someone somewhere or in some situation. There will be some waste. For that I am sorry, but I will do my best to make up for it by trying to end (or at least stem) the cycle of waste this year, to stop buying crap I don’t need, use, or enjoy (broken record, sorry). I’m not sure about blogging about this effort (“I was at Target and tempted to buy a vanilla candle but then didn’t . . .”) would make for riveting reading, but I am committed to this change even if I am not documenting it. My new mantra: I have everything I need.
Finally, I suspect that “Just use it or lose it” is not an ideal title for this project. There are, after all, items that I do not “use” but that I am also unwilling to lose. There are some items for which I think a “someday” may really come. Perhaps once I get into the use it or lose it habit, I will get a perspective on that "someday" though.
I'm going to see where each day takes me in terms of losing and using, but I do have three specific challenges in the “Use it!” category.
1. Try one new recipe from every cookbook I own. If I haven’t made something out of the cookbook by the end of the year, I have to lose it.
2. Learn to thread my sewing machine.
3. Make a list of “the lingerers,” the 8-10 books I have never been able to give away but also have never read. Many of these books have moved with me three or more times. As with the cookbooks, these lingerers need to get read in 2009 or find a new home.
4. Deal with the items on my hubby’s “(S)Hit List” (currently being formulated) at my own pace. These are the items whose purpose he questions.
If you’re at all interested, intrigued, or inspired, I would love for you to join me. Comments of support and encouragement are always welcome, but I would also like for readers to use the comments section of each post to report on their own efforts to use it or lose it each day.
Please join me as I lose (and use) my stuff before I lose my mind.
And, just to get the ball rolling, today’s report is a “Use It!”: I am making Chocolate Chips Cookies from The Magnolia Bakery Cookbook. I received the book for Christmas last year. I made my first recipe--some very tasty dreamsicle-type cookies that also required my zester (Use It!)--three weeks ago. I am hoping to get 2009 off to a sweet start by trying another new recipe from this cookbook.
To be clear, I am not an obsessive hoarder (like those featured on Oprah). I don’t even consider myself a hardcore packrat. Thankfully I have not filled our house with expensive things we cannot afford, but I have filled it with many things that we don’t need, use, or enjoy.
When I choose to buy or save something, I have the best intentions. I buy workout DVDs because I intend to workout. I save my high school notes, eighth grade autograph book, and almost every post card I have ever been sent because I intend to look at them again and, I don’t know . . . discover the secret of who I am? share them with my kids someday? donate them to the Smithsonian? remind myself to “stay cool and have a great summer”? I overstock my pantry with ingredients (but usually not all the ones required) for various healthy or interesting recipes I intend to make. I save my college t-shirts (and my husband’s) in a bin because I intend to use the sewing machine I do not know how to use (or even thread) to turn them into a t-shirt quilt. Seriously. Some of my good intentions do produce good results, but not often enough to justify all the stuff and I'm getting weary of shuffling the stuff around waiting for “someday” when I will use, need, or enjoy it.
So, here’s the plan. Almost every day in 2009, I will report to you on an item I have decided to use or lose. The items I “lose” will be donated, pitched, or otherwise removed from my life and home. The items I choose to “use” will be ones that are currently taking up space until, you know, “someday.” So, for example, eating a Lean Cuisine will not count as a "Use it!" but finding something to do with the half gallon of half and half in my fridge (that seems destined to be pitched, mostly untouched, when it expires) would count. My posts will be on the brief side (they’ll have to be or I won’t be able to keep up). I hope that those of you who also struggle with stuff might be entertained (I will not go so far as to say inspired) by them. I will do my best to be creative in my losing and using.
A few guidelines: I do not want my “stuff” to become someone else’s burden. Therefore, I will not be donating items that I cannot in good conscience see someone else using/appreciating. I will not take advantage of other good-intentioned souls who might be susceptible to taking items off my hands that they are not likely to use or enjoy. If someone is interested in an item, I will happily hand it over. However, I will passing off my undervalued, underused items as gifts for others. I will be throwing away some things that may have some use value to someone somewhere or in some situation. There will be some waste. For that I am sorry, but I will do my best to make up for it by trying to end (or at least stem) the cycle of waste this year, to stop buying crap I don’t need, use, or enjoy (broken record, sorry). I’m not sure about blogging about this effort (“I was at Target and tempted to buy a vanilla candle but then didn’t . . .”) would make for riveting reading, but I am committed to this change even if I am not documenting it. My new mantra: I have everything I need.
Finally, I suspect that “Just use it or lose it” is not an ideal title for this project. There are, after all, items that I do not “use” but that I am also unwilling to lose. There are some items for which I think a “someday” may really come. Perhaps once I get into the use it or lose it habit, I will get a perspective on that "someday" though.
I'm going to see where each day takes me in terms of losing and using, but I do have three specific challenges in the “Use it!” category.
1. Try one new recipe from every cookbook I own. If I haven’t made something out of the cookbook by the end of the year, I have to lose it.
2. Learn to thread my sewing machine.
3. Make a list of “the lingerers,” the 8-10 books I have never been able to give away but also have never read. Many of these books have moved with me three or more times. As with the cookbooks, these lingerers need to get read in 2009 or find a new home.
4. Deal with the items on my hubby’s “(S)Hit List” (currently being formulated) at my own pace. These are the items whose purpose he questions.
If you’re at all interested, intrigued, or inspired, I would love for you to join me. Comments of support and encouragement are always welcome, but I would also like for readers to use the comments section of each post to report on their own efforts to use it or lose it each day.
Please join me as I lose (and use) my stuff before I lose my mind.
And, just to get the ball rolling, today’s report is a “Use It!”: I am making Chocolate Chips Cookies from The Magnolia Bakery Cookbook. I received the book for Christmas last year. I made my first recipe--some very tasty dreamsicle-type cookies that also required my zester (Use It!)--three weeks ago. I am hoping to get 2009 off to a sweet start by trying another new recipe from this cookbook.
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