Drinks, anyone?

Unfortunately I am going to have to miss the Alameda Flea Market yet again for the month of October.  I am for sure going in November, so if you would like to join, please let me know!  I think finding a chic beverage cart would be a wonderful goal for the flea market.  I love the vintage look of these beverage carts (not to mention easy access to the booze).

 

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My favorite look is the middle photo with the matching glass/crystal decanters. Typically these beverage carts are upwards of $150, so I am hoping to find one for around $50.

Blueberry yum yum

Over the weekend, I made the following delicious treat and I have to share the recipe.  It is seriously so easy to make, and the bars turned out delicious.  It is the perfect recipe to make over the weekend and keep on eating during the rest of the week.  Get the recipe here.

Farm Fresh to You

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Farm Fresh To You is a wonderful resource that brings you fresh, organic, local produce straight to your door.  My bf calls it the "lazy man's farmer's market," but I think it's genius! Get organic produce delivered to your home or office weekly, every other week, or every fourth week.  It's easy to customize your order with various fruits and veggies, and everything is fresh and in-season.  Prices range from $25-$110 depending on the amount of produce.  Unfortunately, the farm is located in Sacramento, and thus is only available to folks living in the Bay Area.  I'm going to be signing up promptly with my roomie and enjoy some fresh goodies in the next couple of weeks!  Here's to healthier meals...

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drink me

Apparently people are experiencing extreme heat EVERYWHERE except the SF Bay.  Boo.  But, it's FRIDAY!  And in honor of the end of the work week, here are some delicious summer drinks that are sure to cool you off, or at least help you unwind.  Who am I kidding, I want to try all of these this weekend...

1. Watermelon Martini- Recipe here
2. Mojito- 
1. Add mint leaves, 2oz of lime juice, 1 teaspoon of powdered sugar to the bottom of your glass (it's ok to do this in a separate bowl first, and then transfer contents to a glass)
2. Gently mash it up
3. Add ice
4. Add half part white rum, half part club soda
5. Garnish with mint leaf
3. Champagne- always good with a splash of fruit juice
4. Sangria- Super easy recipe here
5. Vodka soda with a splash of fresh squeezed fruit

Happy Friday!

Wino

I'm not a big wine drinker, but something about summertime and picnics gets me in the mood for some vino.  Just in time to "quench my thirst," Brutocao Cellars is offering some fantastic summer deals right now...

2008 Bliss Chardonnay-$6/bottle when purchasing 6 bottles at their online store.  (6 bottle minimum, offer lasts until May 31st). "With a nose of fresh peaches and pears, this rich wine welcomes you with flavors of baked apple pie and cream with a touch of vanilla leading to a long pleasing finish. Sip this satisfying Chardonnay as a refreshing aperitif or paired with your favorite summer meal."

Schoolhouse Red- $7.50/bottle (offer lasts until May 31st) "Your old favorite Schoolhouse Red now has a new label. Same satisfying layers of ripe fruit flavor, a rich mouthfeel and smoky oak accents. An excellent value for a tasty red wine!"

Sensational Summer 6 pack- $90 (includes two 2006 Zinfandel, two 2006 Merlot, two 2006 Syrah)

All items can be purchased here

So, snag these deals while you can!

Weekend!

It's almost the weekend and I am so excited to enjoy this beautiful weather in lovely Napa with my even more lovely bf.  Trying to tackle Napa on a budget is tricky, but I think we will do a pretty good job.  Here are some ways we plan on saving this weekend:

Bring a picnic- Packing turkey sandwiches, crackers, brie, and of course grapes!

Touring 1 or 2 wineries- Checking out some wineries with tasting fees of only $5/each...plus a shout out to Brutocao Wineries...hoping to make it up to Hopland as well!

Window shop- I'm excited to check out the new downtown area at the river

Cheap and Tasty Dinner-Napa is known for its exquisite cuisine, but I don't plan on paying an arm and a leg to experience it.  Maybe we will try ZuZu for some tapas!

Lunch

I am really trying to do my best to bring my lunch everyday to work.  When I wander across the street and get a sandwich and a drink, it amounts to around $10.  And $10 quickly turns into an additional $50/week I really don't need to spend. 

Another thing that keeps me motivated to bring my lunch are these darling lunch sacks

$20.00 via Etsy

$4.00 via Etsy

$21.00 via (you guessed it...) Etsy

Happy Tuesday!

Home again, home again.

I just returned Sunday night after a whirlwind tour in Portland seeing friends.  

It was so wonderful to be back in the Pacific Northwest, I really miss so many things about Portland.  

While I was there, I did some shopping and picked up 6 of these plates on sale at Anthropologie.

Anthropologie is not known for their cheap decor, however these plates where only $7.95 each, 

sturdy, microwave and dishwasher safe.  Plus, they were on my list for 30 days.  I am trying a new 

technique to save money, where if I want something, I write it down, and if after 30 days, I still want it, 

then I go and buy it.  So far, many items have not made it to the 30 day mark, and I have saved loads of money.  It's a simple trick, but it works for me.

Here is what is currently on my 30 day list:

I cannot wait to read this book cover to cover.  It has so many beautiful and inspiring ideas.

I have been dying to get a French Oven from Le Creuset

And this oven-proof skillet also from Le Creuset.  All items can be purchased in almost any bright color imaginable!

That's all for now, we'll see what new items make it on my list next!  

Do you have any helpful tricks to cut down spending?

Happy Savings!

I take it back

I take back what I said in my last post. Granted, eating in WILL save money in the long run, and it's kind of fun to cook a delicious meal, but now I won't feel guilty going out to grab dinner with friends on the weekend.

Presenting... www.restaurant.com

I can't take full credit for this find, my friend Jenna introduced it to me last week, but I HAD to share this wonderful website.

I will NEVER pay full price for a meal out ever again!

Food Savings

So, I'm pretty new to this whole cooking thing. Just ask my college roommates, and they will tell you I used our kitchen maybe twice over the course of 2 years. But, now that I'm on a tight budget, I can't afford to eat out every meal (even though I might like to).

Solution?

Cookbooks! Here is my old standby:



For you foodies out there, I suggest this cookbook by Thomas Keller, owner of the world famous restaurant French Laundry located in Napa, CA:



I also use this cookbook for great vegan recipes:



When I don't feel like looking up recipes in a book, or I just don't have any idea what to cook for dinner, the Real Simple website has some tasty and easy recipes. Check it out here

Bon Appetit!