Thinking about a name change

I've been a pretty absent blogger lately, partly because I don't feel inspired, partly because I'm trying to avoid the computer, and partly because I'm overworked at work (we're down two people and we could barely keep up when they were there). Sooo, in the past, when I've needed a change or some inspiration, I've been pretty drastic about it. Like quitting college. Or breaking up. Or changing jobs. Or moving. Or going back to college. Since I don't plan on doing any of these, what can I do?

I feel that I outgrew the title of this blog a long time ago. When I changed to Look.cook.scrapbook, I was bit more into posting photos and recipes and was trying to spread my creative wings. But now I feel stifled by the title. I need another direction. I'm not sure what it will be, but I'm feeling more introspective, more frustrated with life. Just wanted to forewarn you that change might be coming. I'll still be here, just not sure what I'll look like.

Back to crafting

Work has been hectic since we're down a person and up unscheduled projects. But I managed to put a tiny bit of crafty time to make this card...for another coworker who left. Ironic that having more stress in my life drove me to crafting, isn't it?

I was proudest of the inside because I finally managed to use a journaling card and it was perfect for adding the sentiment. I love journaling cards and hoard 'em, but just don't know how to use them.

I was embarrassed because I had four coworkers tell me how much they liked it, but I think it is rather plain. I didn't have much time to put it together. Plus, I made it out of scraps, out of old, old paper from companies that have gone out of business. But, I should just be gracious and accept the compliments, right?

Thank you Paper Crafts Magazine!

I follow a lot of craft blogs, some are commercial (manufacturers, publishers, designers) and some are personal. Often, the commercial blogs will have giveaways and usually all you need to do is leave a comment on a post. Once in a while, you have to "work" for it. In this case, Paper Crafts asked for a limerick and I quickly posted five lines over my lunch break. I'm sure I didn't win based on talent, lol. It was more likely our old friend, Random Number Generator, helped me win. Anywho, here's a look at my goodies. I especially love the Studio Calico veneers and the Paper Smooches stamp. (Susan, Miwa, there's a set of baseball stamps. Who wants them?)


I included a bit of the box in the photo. Someone took the time to decorate the box with colorful paper scraps. I'd like that job! Work has been super busy and stressful and there were a couple of days this week that were especially bad (when you walk into your boss' office and declare that you'd like to wring someone's neck, he know you're not a happy camper). When I got home to this lovely surprise, I had a complete turnaround in my mood and I ended the week on a great note. Thank you so much Paper Crafts and SB manufacturers!

If you'd like to win a box of your own, they're giving away another box for June.

Treat time

Yay! Time for Starbucks Frappy hour and my first frappuccino of the year! We walked to SB and I opted for no whipped cream in an effort to save a few calories. I still find the frappuccinos too sweet, but I can't resist treating myself when they're half price. They are half price 3 to 5 pm through May 13, if you'd like to indulge.

Week in the Life

Did you participate in project Week in the Life ? I managed to take a few photos every day, but other than that, I haven't done anything, not even post any photos here. I had grand plans to do a little mini book, but I don't really feel like editing/printing my photos. Maybe I'll do something digital, but my digital skills are lacking. Did you participate?

Happy Earth Day!

We spent our Earth Day morning at the chic French store, Tar-jay, where we picked up this adorable little tote for free. Mr. Fix-it was disappointed in the size of the bag (9.5 x 10.5 x 6.5), but I like the small size and think it will be useful. I also like all the samples that were included since some are items I'm considering buying.

If you hurry over to Target, they still might have some bags. The giveaway was posted on every deal/frugal site I subscribe to so I expect the stores to run out of bags quickly.

$3.99

I'm thrilled to see gas under $4/gallon again!

$4.09

just another gas price update (posted late)

Scrapbooking shouldn't be stressful

I usually get together with some girlfriends once a year to scrapbook at a B&B. I didn't participate last year, so I signed up for two weekends this year. Since I have to travel to the site, it involves a bit of juggling of time and planning. Work is extra stressful right now with lots of projects. I thought I might look forward to the break from work, but the reality is, I'm stressed about not being able to get everything done that needs to get done.

Unfortunately, I didn't buy my airline ticket at rock bottom prices so that was an extra hundred or so. Good thing I'm frugal in other areas. And I'm still trying to figure out transportation. I'll probably just rent a car unless I can find a ride from my mom's to the B&B (hope I don't get lost driving there).

I haven't organized a single page, printed out any photos. As I was looking through my stash, I wondered if I should just get rid of it all. The hobby doesn't bring me pleasure any more (although I still enjoy shopping and buying). If I got rid of it all, would I miss it?

No more CSA

Last year, the company facilities manager arranged to have our workplace become a CSA dropoff spot. Since I had always wanted to join a CSA, I was one of the first to sign up. At first, I was a little disappointed in the amount of produce for the price and it wasn't all organic. But, as it turns out, the produce really was fresher, tasted better than what I got at the grocery store or farmer's market, and lasted longer.

So every other Monday, like today, I would go down to the mailroom and pick up a box of produce. Usually, there were carrots and I'd cut the tops off for my coworker's rabbit. And there would be a small crowd as we played "guess the vegetable."

Unfortunately, the schedule was inconvenient for me. We do most of our grocery shopping on the weekend and I plan our meals for the week. It just didn't work out to have a full fridge on Sunday and then more produce on Monday. We never knew what would come in the CSA box so sometimes, we'd end up three heads of lettuce or five pounds of apples or more than we could use of some other fruit or vegetable or herb. Plus, the cost ($23) was a significant portion of our grocery budget every other week and I had trouble adjusting the budget. I felt bad cancelling the CSA since I want to support local farmers, but it just didn't work out.

With spring coming, I hope that produce will come down in price, plus I hope to eat from my garden all summer. It was a good experiment while it lasted.

Guess I'll be going to work on Monday

This was not the winning ticket. We got nothing, nada, zip. Oh well.

$4.19

Prices dropped, yah!

Apple cake

I made this apple cake and I guess it was a hit since it is half gone. I modified it slightly by using two apples instead of one and half and half instead of milk. Since there were so many apple slices, I placed some of the apple on top because I was afraid they wouldn't all cook if placed in the middle. Also, as noted in the recipe comments, the cake was pretty sweet. I think if I had just sprinkled the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top without the apples, the cake would have been too sweet. In any case, I still had leftover sugar, which I saved for future cinnamon toast.

ETA: I made this again, but with yogurt since I rarely have milk in the house, and I used the leftover sugar/cinnamon from the previous cake. The texture was better when I used milk, but cake was still tasty. I think the recipe is a keeper.

A full fridge

We made a turkey for dinner tonight. Yes, just for the two of us, 13.7 pounds. It was on sale before Christmas for 59 cents a pound, plus I got $3 off so I couldn't resist. Can't imagine getting meat for any cheaper than that. It wasn't too difficult finding room in the freezer at first, but it was difficult to not have the room for a couple months. We finally took it out to defrost last week and the empty space as already been filled with frozen veggies and gelato.

Now we have a full fridge.Mr. Fix-it can have turkey sandwiches the rest of the week and I'll figure out something to do with the rest. Some will get frozen and of course, I'll have to make some turkey stock (not that I have time to cook during the week).

Living without modern appliances

Our microwave died a few weeks ago. It sounded like it was working, but it wasn't heating. We didn't bother trying to fix it. It wasn't my favorite appliance (I thought it took up too much space) and I occasionally wondered if the microwaves are harmful rather than helpful.

It didn't take long for the empty spot on the counter top to fill with...stuff.
I didn't think we used the microwave that often, but as it turns out, we use it multiple times a day. Sometimes I need to reheat my coffee in the morning if I don't get to it soon enough. And you know I'm the leftover queen so we've had to be creative in reheating.

We've been dirtying a lot more dishes and using more pots and pans. Leftover rice is steamed. Most other dishes are reheated on the stove, though some are reheated in the toaster oven. Mr. Fix-it thought it was all too much trouble, but I didn't mind. I thought we were eating less since we were portioning out what we wanted to eat. And I thought the texture of some of the reheated foods was better. No microwave took some getting used to, but then, I still could heat up my lunch in the microwave at work.

But, as it turns out, Mr. Fix-it really missed the microwave. And he couldn't wait for a sale (sigh). So now we have this sleek beauty:

ETA: The microwave went on sale and we went back to the store for a $10 credit, woo hoo! As it turns out, this microwave doesn't have all the bells and whistles that our previous microwave had, but since it was so much less $ and it is red!, I don't mind.

On my day off

I took the day off yesterday. No special reason other than I had a vacation day to use up. I had grandiose plans to clean the whole house (or at least a couple of rooms) or the more realistic plans of vegging in front of the computer and TV. There wasn't as much as I would have liked of any of that. I did manage to cook up a several quarts of spaghetti sauce and prep a couple of lunches for the week, plus pick/wash some Swiss chard so we're set food-wise for a few days.No, that large container on the right is not my lunch. That's the leftover spaghetti from dinner. I have a hearty appetite, but not that large. That's another dinner and a couple lunches for us. My lunch is the smaller container with the black lid in the back.

$4.27

Woo hoo! Prices have stabilized!

$4.27

Still ouch!

100 things challenge, day 100 update

Sorry about the lack of updates. These long work days are taking a lot out of me. I just want to veg in front of the TV, even the computer takes too much effort. But, I have good news to report.

We sold four items on ebay (for less than we hoped, but at least they sold) so that's a few more pennies our pocket. And this challenge forced us to make a donation trip. Otherwise, the boxes of to-be-donated stuff would still be sitting in the garage. That trip got 27 items out of the house. Actually, it was more than 27 since I counted the box of office supplies as one and the box of Christmas decorations as one.

office supplies, Christmas decorations, clothes, kitchen stuff = 27 items
ebay (3 mugs, cookie press) = 4 items

total gone 80/100

Eh, a little short of 100 (since I didn't count every little item). And you still can't tell we got rid of stuff. Maybe I'll hit 100 at the next challenge. Ever the optimist, lol. I hope you'll join me when I start the next challenge. I might be more motivated if you play along.

$4.29

This price has held steady for a week.