What a Tart

I promise this really isn't a cooking blog. Because honestly--there are a ton of those out there that are Way better than this! But since meal planning and cooking is a Huge part of everyday domestic life (and this is a blog about domesticity, after all), and I'm a bit camera happy when I cook, I thought I'd share about last night's dinner.

The meal: veggie & sausage tart with salad greens
The recipe: modified from September 09's issue of Real Simple magazine (I'd share the link but they don't have it up yet...)

I saw this dish over the weekend and knew immediately that I wanted to try it out. The basic filler consisted of zucchini (which we've been getting weekly from our local CSA), red potatoes and leeks (I substituted shallots) sauteed in olive oil.

Then I modified this meatless dish by adding one link of very tasty chicken sausage. It definitely boosted the flavor up a notch! I also substituted crumbled goat's cheese for the original feta the recipe called for, and loved the mild, salty flavor.

Then I made the pie crust using my handy dandy food processor.

Here's the tart before the oven...

And after... Ummm...look at that golden brown goodness.

I dished it up in wedges...

And served it with salad greens with vinaigrette.

It was a perfect summery dinner, and considerably healthier than the weekend's peach cobbler binge...

Have you tried any good recipes lately? Share them by posting your comment here!

Previous Related Posts:
Peach Cobbler
Feeding the Naysayers
Summer Weekends: Smores

Barter Bonanza

I thought that it was coincidental when I opened up last month’s Real Simple and saw their article on swap meets. Of course I had to write a post about how the meets were a great example of relational currency in action.

And then, when this month’s issue (June) came in the mail featuring an article about bartering, I started getting suspicious. Were people from the Real Simple staff secretly hiding in my office, peeking over my shoulder as I brainstormed and wrote? I mean, had I not mentioned in this very series how bartering was a good example of relational currency as well?

The New Popular Trend
Of course I know that Real Simple writer’s aren’t stealing from me. Given the necessary lead time in printed publications, I’m sure their articles were written long before mine. So, since I’ve ruled out stealing, I’ve instead come to the conclusion that relational currency is the new popular thing. At least for us ladies.

The article in Real Simple mentioned that bartering has increased exponentially since the recession started, as evidenced by higher volume on online sites like Craigslist.com. And just like I’ve written about in previous posts, people are offering up their skills, talents and belongings for trade.

Two Things I Like
I specifically like two things about this trend. The first, of course, is that it places emphasis on community relationships rather than merely cash. I may sound like a broken record, but I can’t resist saying again that sometimes the best resources we have are among our friends, family and neighbors. And also within our own homes and personal talents. Real currency may fluctuate depending on the daily moods of speculators and hedge fund managers. But relational currency is far less susceptible to those shifts because it is based on more than just money.

The second thing I like is, naturally, the informal entrepreneurial opportunities afforded by bartering. It gives us a chance to share our creative talents with others in a way that is mutually beneficial. And because bartering is informal, it is also a less intimidating way to dip your toes into the market. No need for a business license to trade piano lessons for laundry service. No need to deduct or pay taxes on swapping garden grown basil for free advertising in a friend’s social newsletter.

Endless Possibilities
The possibilities for bartering are endless. And yes--setting up a bartering arrangement is far less convenient than the tidy aisles of Target. But the benefits far outweigh convenience.

Are you currently bartering anything? Or have you in the past? Or maybe would like to now? Share your thoughts on relational currency by posting your comments here!

Previous Related Posts:
A Wallet Full of Friends
Swap Meet Style
The Recessionista Brand

Swap Meet Style

According to the Oxford Dictionary, a swap meet is “a gathering in which enthusiasts or collectors trade or exchange items of common interest.” According to the Stephanie Hillberry Dictionary (to be published soon, no doubt), a swap meet is “a good way to hang out with friends and snag cool stuff.”

I confess that I hadn’t considered the potential of swap meets until I received this April’s copy of Real Simple magazine (my replacement subscription for Domino..sniff, sniff) and read their article on hosting one. What a brilliant, Recessionista thing to do! I immediately thought.

Brilliant!
Brilliant because it is a perfect example of “relational currency” in action. Remember how I wrote a few weeks ago that sometimes our greatest resource isn’t in our wallets, but in our friends? Well, enter the swap meet.

Imagine, for instance, that you are in desperate need of a new summer dress (I mean, who isn’t?), but can’t justify the cost during this penny-pinching season. Apart from whipping one up on your sewing machine (a feat I certainly am not capable of pulling off well), you’re out of luck. Unless of course your friend’s friend just happens to be your size and has a few dresses she is willing to part with. Part with for...say...a charming set of curtains that another friend is tired of.

Bingo! You have the makings of a swap meet.

I Like It!
Yes, it is true that Macy’s wouldn’t very much like this idea (or the larger one about relational currency, for that matter), and neither would the politicians encouraging us to spend, spend, spend right now. But I like it because:
* it preserves our well-honed inclination to enjoy new things, especially when we’re feeling stressed, but...
* ...preserves it while protecting our dollars, and...
* ...does it all by connecting us to the people that we already know and love.

Cash In
Now of course I’m not suggesting that we all start exploiting our friends so that we can “cash in” on cool stuff, but I am suggesting that perhaps that thing you’ve been looking for might just be in someone else’s home and not in the store.

Of course you won’t know unless you host (or attend) a swap meet of your own.

Previous Recessionista posts:
A Wallet Full of Friends
In the Land of Small
At Least a Lighter Wallet Weighs Less

Saturday Sussie: Real Simple Christmas Gift Ideas

So I know that I've been pumping up the Handmade Holiday theme for a few weeks, and obviously I'm a big fan Etsy and shopping locally.  But....I realize that making all holiday gifts from scratch, or finding used items to repurpose or give as is, can be a little unrealistic sometimes.  The reason, after all, that big retail chains are so popular is because they are so convenient, and convenience--during a busy holiday season--can be priceless.  Far be it for me to judge people for choosing mental sanity over handmade shopping convictions!

In lieu of that, then, I was genuinely pleased with Real Simple's Christmas gift edition this year, and recommend it as this week's sussie if you haven't already thumbed through a copy.  Their pages of gift ideas are unique and fun, and I got all kinds of good ideas for family members (and myself).  A lot of things can be ordered online (less driving and errands!  yay!), and probably gift wrapped too--although the magazine does have a great "gift wrapping party" idea...  

My favorites included the iron-on images from Sukie.  I'm definitely getting some of those!  And of course the any-surface air hockey set--how fun!  And I loved the pop-up book, perfect for a certain little nephew I have in mind.  

My not-so-favorite: the "Any Name" in History book.  The claim is that you can order these books using your family name, and it will come complete with the history of your family name, demographics of your ancestors, etc.  But after reading the reviews of the book, I've determined that it is not all it's cracked up to be, and my money would be better spent on...well, anything else.  Bummer because it seemed like great gift for my hard-to-shop-for father-in-law.

Happy browsing!  And see you next week for more Handmade Holidays and another great Marketplace Maven!

note: Saturday Sussies are small finds I discover during the week that I like to share with you.  I call them "sussies" because it is a Texas term I learned from my family.  I swear I didn't make it up.

Previous Saturday Sussies:

Victoria's Secret Finds

Handmade Journals

Satin Pillowcases

A Plan to Plan

As I launch into this week of "domestic challenges," I can't help but think about my first year of marriage.  Up until that point I hadn't really had full domestic reign, and I therefore had no idea how I'd do at managing my own household (I know...I married young).  Incidentally, right around that time Real Simple started becoming a popular magazine, and I snagged a two-year subscription.

If ever there was a bible for home organization, it would be Real Simple.  I distinctly remember creating some kind of over-the-top flow chart detailing my daily, weekly and monthly cleaning activities based on the advice of the Real Simple gurus.  Of course I never actually implemented the plan, but it made me feel good having it.

The magazine just made everything look so simple.  Sure I could set aside an afternoon and photo copy the contents of my wallet in case it ever gets stolen (six years later I still haven't done it).  Sure I could plan out my meals for a month, complete with a laminated pantry checklist and a perfectly aligned tupperware system (do lime Tostidos count as dinner?).  Sure I could set aside a small box with party supplies in case I unexpectedly need to throw a part (which has never happened, by the way).  It all seemed so reasonable, so doable.

Since then I've decided that reality lies somewhere between the enchantment that is Real Simple and the disaster that is the back of my pantry.  My goal is to find that reality this fall.

I have a two-part strategy.  Part on is to spend some time planning.  Meal planning, most specifically, but also planning ahead for the holidays and parties and emergencies.  Part two is to actually follow up on my plans.  Obviously this is the more difficult step.  I'll let you know how it goes.

For those of you who are glutton for organizational punishment, Real Simple is still faithfully churning out lists.  Here's the link to their "worksheets and checklists," where you'll find everything you need to eat seafood, plan a wedding, prep for Thanksgiving, and grocery shop like a pro.  Just beware of the flow charts in "everyday cleaning."  They can be tricky...