tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post4536160368113289658..comments2024-03-22T05:18:29.555-04:00Comments on Romance Bandits: Financial WHOAs!Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217492654108300014noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-56942890909926141042009-04-06T13:18:00.000-04:002009-04-06T13:18:00.000-04:00Caren dear, you're my bff. What a fabulously easy ...Caren dear, you're my bff. What a fabulously easy and tasty recipe. Thanks!!!Keira Soleorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14440213826734580889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-88734122875163682422009-04-05T21:59:00.000-04:002009-04-05T21:59:00.000-04:00Caren, I'm so glad you'll be at conference (in fac...Caren, I'm so glad you'll be at conference (in fact, the alternative is so unthinkable I didn't even doubt you'd be there until you just said that. Yikes!) Glad you worked it into the budget!<BR/><BR/>Yes, Wicked Little Game is out on July 7 so I'll be signing it at National. Aren't you lovely to mention it?<BR/><BR/>Kate Carlisle's Homicide in Hardcover has just arrived, so I'm looking forward to curling up with that tonight!Christine Wellshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14260589566405262159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-49214362364703185492009-04-05T21:41:00.000-04:002009-04-05T21:41:00.000-04:00I'm heading off to bed, guys. Thanks to all of you...I'm heading off to bed, guys. Thanks to all of you for sharing and commiserating. Be sure to post hot coupon tips! *g*Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-11372802417337078702009-04-05T21:39:00.000-04:002009-04-05T21:39:00.000-04:00Jo, I've been known to clamp binder clips onto a t...Jo, I've been known to clamp binder clips onto a tube of toothpaste and take a Q-tip to the inside of a bottle of expensive facial lotion. My husband thinks I'm a loon because I want to use things <B>completely</B> before opening a new one. You'd think his last name was Rothschild! *g*Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-13624252538904645142009-04-05T21:37:00.000-04:002009-04-05T21:37:00.000-04:00"Accidental" tipping? Does the actor/magician/perf..."Accidental" tipping? Does the actor/magician/performer make house calls? Methinks he might...if the price were right. You'd better stick to tipping with ones, Bandita! *g*Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-22905168777269044072009-04-05T21:35:00.001-04:002009-04-05T21:35:00.001-04:00Wait a minute. REAL cabana boys? Like, cute boys i...Wait a minute. REAL cabana boys? Like, cute boys in swin trunks at your beck and call? I haven't seen those since we were in Cancun! Enjoy every spare moment you can steal down there, Kirsten!Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-46773681293560372122009-04-05T21:35:00.000-04:002009-04-05T21:35:00.000-04:00Kirsten, I've been thinking about this, too. My ki...Kirsten, I've been thinking about this, too. My kids thought "normal" was having gaming systems, going to movies, going on vacation and staying at a nice condo rather than the KOA. *g* <BR/><BR/>Since we've made them aware not only of cost issues, but also conservation issues, they reuse EVERYTHING. I bought a flat of bottled water about 6 or 7 months ago and we still have half of it. the girls reuse their water bottles until they crack or otherwise become unusable. It makes me so proud!Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-78631817979542644872009-04-05T21:21:00.000-04:002009-04-05T21:21:00.000-04:00Great memories of the drive-in movies, Caren. I o...Great memories of the drive-in movies, Caren. I only went to make out with my latest boyfriend of course. Just kidding!<BR/><BR/>I am one of those who turns the lotion bottle upside down to get every last drop out. But that's probably cussedness rather than frugality!jo robertsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16824237193217632098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-9429483603483151042009-04-05T21:17:00.000-04:002009-04-05T21:17:00.000-04:00Oh, and one more thing -- if you want LOTS of atte...Oh, and one more thing -- if you want LOTS of attention from the cabana boys, it works to accidentally tip them with a $20 instead of a $1. <BR/><BR/>Then they really love you. They love you so much, they give you their card (business card). Seriously, no lie. I got a business card today from the "actor, magician, performer," who parked my car. <BR/><BR/>He called me sweetie AND told me I was beautiful. :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-42794321843283228062009-04-05T21:14:00.000-04:002009-04-05T21:14:00.000-04:00Hey, by the way, you know what they have here in S...Hey, by the way, you know what they have here in South Beach Miami? <BR/><BR/>REAL LIVE CABANA BOYS! I mean, they're men. And they aren't from Sweden. But they are cute! And they call me sweetie. Not honey or darling, but sweetie. I find this so endearing. <BR/><BR/>I mean, endearing in a -- oh my goodness you're hot -- kind of way. ;-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-55892584786560994042009-04-05T21:12:00.000-04:002009-04-05T21:12:00.000-04:00Hey everyone -- I finally got some internet access...Hey everyone -- I finally got some internet access here in Miami! I stayed at El Cheapo hotel last night because the conference hadn't started yet (so work wasn't picking up the tab!) and the promised internet DID NOT WORK. WAAAH!!! <BR/><BR/>Anyway, great post Caren! As you may remember from a month or so ago, I've definitely been pinching pennies (microwaved coffee anyone?) lately. Not because my circumstances have changed, but it was just such a reality check, to know how vulnerable we all are, and to realize how much we have that we don't need. <BR/><BR/>I think one thing I'm really struck by is how much my kids take for granted that we never did when I was a kid. We didn't travel by plane, we didn't eat out, we didn't WASTE the way we do now. I remember being shocked as a teenager when a friend of mine bought a bottle of water at a gas station. It seemed so wasteful to spend money on water -- when you could just bring your own! Now, I hardly notice when I buy a bottle of water. So, it's a good thing, in a way, that we've had a reality check. Not good for all the suffering for people who have lost jobs and homes, but good for all of us to sit back and think about what really matters.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-69459423745152943782009-04-05T19:07:00.000-04:002009-04-05T19:07:00.000-04:00Suz, making pizza was our Friday night tradition i...Suz, making pizza was our Friday night tradition in my family. I took over when I was about 11 or 12 and was the pizza chef from then on. We did that until I was a junior in high school and we moved to Texas. Sorry to say, it was a terrible year when we lived there! <BR/><BR/>After we moved to Charlotte, we just never got back in the habit. I have started making it again and forgot how much I enjoyed it. My favorite is green olives and mushrooms with a little bit of pepperoni, cut fine. <BR/><BR/>They used to sell this "ham sausage" in TN that looked pink after you cooked it and tasted more like ham than sausage. We used to love that on pizza! <BR/><BR/>I am also fond of making a margherita type pizza, where you just brush the crust with olive oil, then lay fresh mozzarella slices on it, some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red bell pepper and some fresh basil. Yummo!Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-65083937198835983942009-04-05T19:02:00.000-04:002009-04-05T19:02:00.000-04:00Oh, Keira, your poor hair!! I had a terrible trage...Oh, Keira, your poor hair!! I had a terrible tragedy that may turn out to be a blessing. After conference last year, I found out my darling Jesus had abandoned me and moved to LA after nine years. (Please do not confuse Jesus the hairdresser with the Messiah as they are not, despite rumors to the contrary, one and the same!)<BR/><BR/>I have been in search of a replacement since he left. I like the girl who is cutting my hair now and she charges less than HALF of what Jesus did. Less than half! She is also fast, which can be a mixed blessing. I currently am segueing back to a more dramatic bob, but I'm scared to have her cut it the way I want. <BR/><BR/>She is good, but the forward-angled bob is a really precision haircut. If she doesn't take her time and do it just right, it could have tragic results. Plus, Jesus went to all sorts of shows and continually updated his skills. Not so sure about my new girl. She is not at a boutique-type salon where they require that sort of thing. *sigh* <BR/><BR/>My hair is fine for now, but come summer I will want something a bit different. Can she deliver? Bah-bum-bah...only time and conference will tell!Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-69656303638800081422009-04-05T18:59:00.000-04:002009-04-05T18:59:00.000-04:00Caren, I make homemade pizzas, too. I make my own ...Caren, I make homemade pizzas, too. I make my own marinara sauce or alfredo sauce depending on who's coming over for dinner. Hubby likes cheeseburger pizza, the kids like a white chicken pizza.Suzanne Ferrellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05761579189372602292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-73731404219324449122009-04-05T18:57:00.000-04:002009-04-05T18:57:00.000-04:00You know, Suz, I keep looking at that combined cab...You know, Suz, I keep looking at that combined cable bill and saying, "There MUST be a cheaper way to have cable and phone and high-speed internet!" I have no idea what that would be, but I feel it's out there and just beyond my grasp. *g* We have "standard" cable, which is basic plus stuff like the Discovery Channel and whatever. No premiums at all!<BR/><BR/>I hadn't thought about contests, but I follow your philosophy. I only enter if I am trying to get my work in front of someone's eyeballs. *sigh* I keep hoping and writing and submitting. Someday it must happen!Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-806143583524137662009-04-05T18:54:00.000-04:002009-04-05T18:54:00.000-04:00Keira, I also love to make pizza! I prefer whole w...Keira, I also love to make pizza! I prefer whole wheat crust and I like to make pizza dough in my breadmaker. It's almost too much machine for the job *g*, but it makes lovely dough! The only thing is, it's SO elastic you have to work it like a pizza chef in a restaurant to get it to retain its shape. The last time I made pizza, I was flinging dough in the air like my name was Guiseppe. Enjoy your pizza!Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-73205109456797398872009-04-05T18:51:00.000-04:002009-04-05T18:51:00.000-04:00Keira, if your chicken is small enough to fit in y...Keira, if your chicken is small enough to fit in your Dutch oven and be covered with water, that's great to use. For this honking roaster I had, I had to break out my smallest stock pot (about 8 quarts). <BR/><BR/>Okay, here's the chicken enchilada recipe. I like this one because it's easy.<BR/><BR/>Cooked chicken, diced (about 2 c.)<BR/>12 flour tortillas (I like whole wheat)<BR/>2 c. grated Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese<BR/>3/4 c. chopped onion<BR/>1/4 c. butter<BR/>1/4 c. flour<BR/>2 c. chicken broth (reserved from cooking chicken)<BR/>1 c. sour cream (I use fat free)<BR/>1 can green chilis or Ro-tel tomatoes and chilis (which I prefer)<BR/><BR/>Place 2 tbsp. cheese, 1-1/2 tbsp. chicken and 1 tbsp. onion in each tortilla. Roll up tightly. Place seam side down in a 9 x 13 casserole. Repeat until all are rolled and in pan.<BR/><BR/>Melt butter in saucepan on medium-low heat; blend in flour, stirring constantly. Slowly add chicken broth, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until mixture thickens and bubbles.<BR/><BR/>Stir in sour cream and peppers or Ro-tel. Cook until heated through, but do not boil. Pour sauce over tortillas.<BR/><BR/>Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Sprinkle remaining cheese over enchiladas and bake for 5 more minutes or until cheese melts. <BR/><BR/>Enjoy!Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-61975991825733747352009-04-05T18:47:00.000-04:002009-04-05T18:47:00.000-04:00Good afternoon, y'all!Caren, what a thoughtful and...Good afternoon, y'all!<BR/><BR/>Caren, what a thoughtful and timely post. We've been figuring out this financial stuff for quite some time. My husband works by commission only, so when home repairs, (roofs) are not a priority we feel the belt tigtening around here. We're consolidated computer/phone/tv into one bill and saved about $65/month...and sadly we only get one premium channel and that's sports. <BR/><BR/>I, too, have limited my book purchases. Okay, I only buy two at a time, instead of four. He and I eat in every meal, and I've cut back ordering out with the girls at work to once a week, and taking a salad the other 2 or 3.<BR/><BR/>With writing, I'm very picky about which contests I enter. The final judge HAS to be one I'd hope to get my work in front of OR it has to be one with come weight behind it, like the Golden Heart.Suzanne Ferrellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05761579189372602292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-16582539622676167332009-04-05T17:28:00.000-04:002009-04-05T17:28:00.000-04:00Caren, please, oh, please share your chicken enchi...Caren, please, oh, please share your chicken enchiladas recipe. <BR/><BR/>By stewing, did you put it in a dutch oven on the stove? <BR/><BR/>Chicken's so versatile, particularly, the well-flavored and well-cooked kind.<BR/><BR/>I've been to a couple Harris Teeters in Charlotte. Gosh, I loved their ambience. All those glowing (sigh, waxed) veggies and fruits. My mouth's watering just thinking of them.<BR/><BR/>And yes, on coupons, but you knew that.<BR/><BR/>Today, we're having semi-homemade pizza, dough from the grocery store, toppings from home.Keira Soleorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14440213826734580889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-62863425027470471972009-04-05T17:09:00.000-04:002009-04-05T17:09:00.000-04:00To those who like to cook, I'm proud to say I boug...To those who like to cook, I'm proud to say I bought a big roasting chicken on sale last week. I stewed it last night with celery, onions, carrots, salt and pepper. This afternoon, I strained the broth and picked the meat off the chicken.<BR/><BR/>I made chicken, lentil and brown rice soup first. I plan to make a big container of chicken salad and to make chicken enchiladas as well. I also still have some broth left that I will use when cooking wild rice tomorrow night. Thrift can be fun!Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-22418502656029851262009-04-05T17:06:00.000-04:002009-04-05T17:06:00.000-04:00Helen, aren't pot lucks great? We are all rediscov...Helen, aren't pot lucks great? We are all rediscovering the fun and economy of the potluck dinner in my area. Except for the time and effort to try to get my house in order for company (*g*), I love having people over!<BR/><BR/>I think one reason I can't give up books (and apparently my darling Keira can't either!) is because is IS such an escape. After clipping coupons, checking all the sales flyers and creating six grocery lists every week, I need a little escape!Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-40458631165685321502009-04-05T17:05:00.000-04:002009-04-05T17:05:00.000-04:00Of course, using the lower-priced hairdresser is a...<I>Of course, using the lower-priced hairdresser is a whole other blog post...</I><BR/><BR/>Well, now, see. That's where I got into trouble this past week. I thought I'm not going where it matters what I look like, so I walked into one of those Super Cuts. Woe is me, indeedy! My hair's uneven in the back, still piecy on the sides, sticks out in a clump on the left. Fifteen more bucks with my regular hair stylist, and I wouldn't have to look the comical <I>me</I> in the mirror. I've figured that I'll cut my hair less frequently, but I'll always go to Kathy. Why bother messing up with a sure bet?Keira Soleorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14440213826734580889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-45194482276018851432009-04-05T17:02:00.000-04:002009-04-05T17:02:00.000-04:00Christine, I've heard others say that as well, tha...Christine, I've heard others say that as well, that promotion can really get away from you. You'll have to let us know how it goes sticking to a promotion budget. It should be easier to work one out now that you know what's involved, since you've done it a couple of times now and have a good handle on what costs how much. <BR/><BR/>I badly want another Christine Wells book. When is the next one out, in July? Ooh, I can get it at conference! Yes, friends, I AM going to conference. I worked it into the annual budget!Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-87235630384711560532009-04-05T16:59:00.000-04:002009-04-05T16:59:00.000-04:00Aunty Cindy, I've scaled back on the lunching with...Aunty Cindy, I've scaled back on the lunching with friends, too. It's so sad! I'm considering quitting the book club at work, because they tend to pick pricier lunch places for our book discussions. Since none of us at the Bank are getting raises this year, though, I'm waiting to see if we start frequenting cheaper venues. <BR/><BR/>If not, I may just go every other time!<BR/><BR/>Oh, if you need Aunty's website, it's http://www.loucindamcgary.com!Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-28048740581894150822009-04-05T16:57:00.000-04:002009-04-05T16:57:00.000-04:00In times like these I love the support and friends...In times like these I love the support and friendship that is shown we all need people to lean on at times even if it is someone just to listen to you often helps. Getting together with friends for a BBQ can be cheap and lots of fun and for me reading takes my mind of things and the blogs are always great for getting new recomendations and a chance to discuss books and get things of our chests.<BR/><BR/>Have Fun<BR/>HelenHelenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03984438742736003285noreply@blogger.com