Soul Pancake

Must say I really enjoy the idea and execution of www.soulpancake.com. Interesting and incredibly civil conversation about important stuff, big and small.

Why is Bargain Shopping a Thrill?

Perhaps it's because I feel like an organized super mama - but I left Target feeling so delighted when I got two boxes of Snickers Ice Cream Bars and two T-shirts for my daughter for 5 bucks and change. I can't help but wonder why!

What is the thrill of the bargain hunt all about? Let me know what you think.

Making Dinner When You Really Don't Feel Like It

After a long day of work, I often find myself standing in the kitchen at about 5:30 with a darling toddler at my feet, thinking, Oy.

I know, I know, make a meal plan, have something in the freezer, I know. There are so many great sites and resources and plans out there for this. But when I haven't gotten it together, and I haven't got a plan, my husband and I usually share a knowing glance to admit defeat and start discussing carry-out options.

Now, carry-out is great! I can't imagine life without pizza and other good dinners cooked for me by a professional. But after 3, 4, 5 nights in a row, it starts to get old and we start to not feel good from eating less than healthy food. And even fast food can quickly add up to a major monthly expense if you're eating it every night.

So what to do? When I can, when I can muster the physical and emotional strength, I borrow the old Nike phrase and just fricking do it. Even though I don't feel like it, even though nothing sounds good and the kitchen is likely a mess, I just take a deep breath and dive in. I move dirty dishes to the side or out of the way, wash out my favorite saute pan, take out any wilted vegetables that need to be used and grab something--anything--from the freezer, and maybe some pasta or grains from the pantry and then start hacking away at putting SOMETHING on the table.

Nine times out of ten, within 30 minutes we've eaten something (protein, starch, veg, dessert) and have moved on. We've saved $20, a bunch of calories, and used something that needed to be used. It feels great!

And yes, sometimes, it doesn't really come together. A sandwich plan can fall through if we don't have bread. A breakfast-for-dinner plan can quickly become toast and pototoes if I find we're out of eggs once the hash browns are already frying. But it's easy enough to laugh and head out after giving it the old college try, right?

My new motto: Dive into Dinner!

Reader's Digest Condensed Haterade

I find that happy dancing white people wedding video truly delightful. I really do. But I knew the haters would be out there and I was interested to see what they would find to diss. Here are a few select comments from a Minnesota newspaper web site:

Juvenile,immature, typical 21st century brats who have watched too much "American Idol" The world revolves around them.

[Ed. note: Which century would you prefer our young people to have been born in?]

Nice way to act in a Church!
What are they going to do next in a Church? Simulate sex?

[Ed: Can I get you some more punch, Temperance? Or do you want your buggy brought round now...]

Wedding Industrial Complex
The whole wedding thing ("My Big Daaaaayyyy") is such a waste of money - for everyone involved.

[Ed: You made the list for your comment title alone.]

I NEED ATTENTION REALLY BAD
The funny part will be when this video comes back up after they divorce.

[Ed: Someone might need a hug. And that someone might be you.]

I'll leave you with someone's even-handed approach which sums up why I really love the thing:

Even though they do look dumb, mainly being that they really can't dance, at least they had fun.

Amen to that. Write that on my gravestone, people!

I just love the web site Hey It's Free! Otherwise, how would I know about cool stuff like this free sample of Gain with Febreeze. Dudes over there keep me in the KNOW.

Choking Hazard I Hadn't Thought Of

After my daughter got hold of a cassette tape and pulled out enough tape that I decided to throw it away rather than spend the time rewinding it, I briefly paused over the trash can to see if there was any earthly use for the materials I could come up with before pitching it. Because I'm Collier crazy like that.

That's when I realized, wow. Cassette tape is strong. And long. I wrapped it around my own neck and pulled... and the result wasn't pretty. Hopefully my neighbor didn't catch a glimpse of that interesting sight through the kitchen window.

So in the event that you have both small children and cassette tapes, take note! (I realize I may very well be the last one on earth!)

Mars Free Chocolate Fridays Continue

Why is this promotion able to make me so happy? When you sign up they send you a postcard good for a free candy bar. What's the big deal? If someone handed me 50 cents, would I be as delighted? I doubt it. There's just something fun about getting a little sweet something for free.