[I bought fresh green beans at a produce stand - now what?]

Sorry, I went right into recipe mode before reading your entire post. I am sure they will freeze just fine. :tongue_smilie:

[I bought fresh green beans at a produce stand - now what?]

Trim them up, toss them in a large bowl with thinly sliced red peppers, olive oil, salt, pepper, thinly sliced shallots, and garlic. Roast on a baking sheet at about 350-375. Watch them...maybe flipping and moving them about once. About 25 minutes. This brings out all the summery sweetness and is just lovely.

[So, do you believe all the recent "we are on our way to recovery" talk?]

NO, I think that most of this much deeper than any of us really want to believe. Unemployment is increasing, people are taking pay and hour cuts, people are still tightening the belt...as they should. I am gearing up to weather much worse in the future...however I am a bit of a pessimist when it comes to matters like this.

[Long Sleeved Tees]

Old Navy, Gap, Lands End...they all have deals currently for long sleeved basic tees for boys and girls. Most in the 2 for $20 range. I just bought a few (from Old Navy) in white and navy for my little brother who is ten and attending private school, those colors fit into his uniform requirements...which is why I think they are having the sale.

[Nontoxic bug repellent.]

I poked around a little and found this site.

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/natural-insect-repellents-460608

[Which saying about life fits you?]

I think both sayings are true for me (and probably my DH). I think there is little substitute for hard work and dedication, however there are certain things that I know I can't have right away. I am okay with working towards a higher standard of living.

[How much are you saving with your garden?]

I don't have the space for anything substantial, however we have saved a bundle just by growing fresh herbs. Anytime I needed cilantro, basil, dill, or flat leaf parsley I was spending about $3.00 a bunch/package. Now I just go out to the deck! :)

[A morning laugh and link...]

Good morning all, I was just browsing the web looking for a fun, yet practical gift for an upcoming baby shower....I found this on one of my favorite websites. The Pee-Pee TeePee! So funny. :D

http://www.uncommongoods.com/item/item.jsp?source=family&itemId=17912

 

[LibraryThing.com is so much better than GoodReads or Shelfari]

Thanks for sharing. I did GoodReads for a while, but now I check out librarything.com :)

[Does a lot of books make you a packrat?]

One can never have too many books! It is my ONLY extravagance. I feel comfortable around them, I am always reading one (or many) of them, and when I look at my collection I can see my entire life defined. I have some of the very first books I ever read, to books that blew my mind in school, to books I discovered in dusty bookshops and stayed up all night to read. To get rid of them would be like getting rid of photographs. In other words, don't listen to her!:lol:

[Laptop or desktop]

I have a laptop and love it. However it NEVER leaves my desk station! Yes, I do have the option of mobility but I rarely utilize it. You can definitely get so much more computer for your money if you get a desktop, so with that in mind only get the laptop if you REALLY need to compute on the go. Good luck.:)

[Netflix tv SERIES suggestions?]

Mad Men!!!! Also I love the Poirot series...but they are more like mini movies. House is fantastic and The Long Way Round and The Long Way Down were both amazing. Also any of the nature programs like Planet Earth, Life of Mammals, Life of Birds, Blue Planet, Etc. I loved Rome as well...although not for everyone if you have issues with nudity or language.

[Game: No matter how poor I get, I will never . . . (fill in the blank)]

I need good coffee, good books (even if I get them for next to nothing at our library book sale), and good music. I will not go with out my stimulants or the arts!

[Odd question: What do you do with your dirty mop water?]

I just use vinegar and water...so I just dump it outside over the compost pile.

[Favorite Sad Songs]

Tonight Will Be Fine by Leonard Cohen (but performed by Teddy Thompson)

Goodnight Elisabeth by the Counting Crows

You Had Time by Ani Difranco

Master of War by Dylan (always bums me out and fires me up)

Between the Bars by Elliot Smith

Cath...by Death Cab for Cutie

Come Pick Me Up by Ryan Adams (sad and kind of funny)

There are loads of sad songs. :sad:

[Post here if you love tattoos]

I love tattoos! I can't wait to get one. The only thing that is stopping me is the cost. I feel that this is something that you have to really spend some money on, so I am saving a little at a time...I am really looking forward to it though.:)

[Pesticide free wasp trap?]

They make beautiful ones at Garret Wade. Just look up wasp traps. They are not only lovely but they are functional and pesticide free.

[hummingbirds Is this normal?]

Do you live in an area where there is little green space? I would assume this to be normal if there were very few natural food sources. However, in the meantime keep your camera near.:)

["Different" boy names?]

Have you thought of family last names as a first or middle. Not only is this a great way to pay your respects to the various family names, but you also get a different sound when using it as a first or middle. My step-brother's middle name for instance is Parks (his mother's maiden name) ....I love it! :)

[Where to buy area rugs?]

I must second the idea of using the FLOR products, but also consider Ikea, Lowe's and Pier One. All of these have great sales if you keep checking.

[Need ITouch/IPhone app recommendations]

My Dh has an ipod touch. We both love it.

Word Warp

Mancala

Chess

Checkers

Tetris

Compass

Pandora

Paper Toss

Reversi

Unit Conversion

Big Oven

Most of these are free and so fun.

[Is there a site to help me remodel a kitchen?]

Several of the appliance providers such as GE and Sub Zero/Wolf provide interactive design applications on the website. I just did a quick search online and found those. I would imagine that Lowe's and Home Depot also have something similar. I would even look into countertop suppliers like Dupont (Corian) for a similar app. Good luck.:)

[I need some recipes featuring eggs]

Brioche? I love this bread and like most bread I am such you could freeze a couple of loaves.

[Is there a nontoxic way to clean stainless steel?]

I agree with Newbie. Baking soda and vin. cleans EVERYTHING and if you use a soft cloth it will be just abrasive enough to clean but not scratch. I use it to clean the counters, stovetop, and all bathroom surfaces. I use just vin. and water for the hardwood floors. My DH hates the smell, but agrees that it is a small price to pay for keeping it natural, clean, and cheap!

[Learning to sew for mom]

Have you thought about taking a sewing class? Local fabric stores or large chain craft stores offer them. I too would like to learn to sew/quilt and have really considered taking a class. Or you could go to your local senior center and find the knitters/quilters/sewing club and ask if they would teach you. :)