Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Typical Groceries List

Even though I don't go "Back to School" right now, September still serves as a time to reset and prioritize. Goal setting in January when it's a balmy 28 F outside and a frugal 62 F inside, never works. 

One thing I'm focused on is ever conserving food an minimizing food waste. We've developed food patterns for shopping and eating. Here's a working  list of food and cooking supplies. Let's see how this changes over the year. Each dated edit should reflect shifting needs and improvements.

Here are a few templates for grocery lists,

TJ's
1 pt Half n Half
6 Eggs
Frozen Artichokes
Frozen Strawberries
Frozen Blueberries
Jam
Peanut Butter
Almonds
Butter
Coffee
Rice Mix
Quinoa
Arborio Rice
Goat Cheese
Chocolate
Cocoa Powder
Cheddar/Swiss Cheese

Pathmark
Paper towels
White vinegar
baking soda
lemon juice
Carrots for Horses
Veg Bouillon
Soap
Shampoo
Toilet paper,
Tissues
Toothpaste

Amazon
Vega Powder
Rishi Golden Yunnan Tea

St.Peter's Farm
Veggies
Herbs

Best Yet
Bananas
Apples
Strawberries,   (too expensive) 1/14/14
Blueberries  (too expensive) 1/14/14
Onions
Garlic
Potatoes

H&Y or other Asian Market
Sesame Oil
Soy Sauce
Noodles
Rice
Rice Wine
Scallions
Dumpling Skins
Chopsticks

Sherry's
Quinoa
Arborio Rice
Dried Cranberries
Semolina Flour
Chick Pea flour
Dried beans and lentils

Stronger than the Storm, Emergency Preparedness

October 28, 2013 UPDATE - Complacency! Well folks, guess how much of this we've done here at home -- Zero! The closest we've come to preparations was, getting rid of some under used items like outdoor furniture and household items but we've got a long way to go. 

A year ago today, we were listening to freight train sounding winds roar through the atmosphere. The most damage in this area came from the tidal surge, most specifically from the breach of the inter-coastal beaches better known as Gilgo. So much sand and debri moved around, it was as if Long Island's south shore was in a hit and run car accident and left with serious cuts and bruises. 

Today, media outlets ask people to reflect on what still reminds you of the storm. How could we forget?

September is Emergency Preparedness Month. 

Sure we did OK with 6 inches of water in the kitchen and garage from "SS Sandy" but heck--the days following were an overwhelming fog. Communication and recovery savvy caused unnecessary stress. One of my preparedness goals is smarter and smoother recovery time. For example, not standing on line for gas in the dark and knowing who's assigned help needs in a local network. 

We're taking time to consider some preparation that I hope to never need. More than bottled water and waterproof matches, 

***Participate in the "30 Day, 30 Ways" Challenge***
Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency
VancouverWashington
Each day in September, a new emergency preparedness theme and task are posted to the website.  Participants post responses that describe how they carried out the task, and there are daily winners! By the end of 30 days, you will be better prepared!

***National Preparedness Month Community and Toolkit***
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has created a website with resources for members, groups, and communities of practice to use to share information on preparedness. Take a look at the Toolkit for ideas you can use at your workplace to spread the word.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Impulsive Tatziki!

Shame on me for this crude photo but I literally had to take something before it all went in my mouth! 

Quarter and slice a cucumber, leave the skin on if you can, seed it if you'd like. Toss with chopped mint.

Whisk together a cup of ideally Greek yogurt, 1 tbs olive oil, 1 squeezed lemon wedge, a clove of garlic, salt and pepper.

Toss the dressing with the cucumber, and eat. 

Tatziki traditionally has dill but the bright mint makes a good alternative.

This recipe is a personal serving but scale it up w 8oz of yogurt, 4 tbs of olive oil, 2 tbs of lemon, 2 cloves of garlic.