Apparently, what I mostly do is ramble.

According to the newly added category cloud in the side bar.  I put it there because I like to trawl through the different categories on other people's sites, depending on my particular mood that day, and thought it was time enough to have one of my own.  I didn't really assign categories before the end of last year, so it's not comprehensive, but never mind because, really, I think  it's rather safe to say that it's all pretty much just one big ramble.

 

I can't remember any longer how I found my way to this mujadara recipe, and even less why I tried it (just lentils, rice, and onions?  how good could that be?) but I thank all things foodie that I did.  It's my new favourite lunch. Truly delicious (though you really do have to heed her instructions re. cooking the onions long and slow, it's absolutely crucial).  You can see what I thought of it by the empty plate above -  I had made two servings, one for that day, one for the next.  Hah, yeah, good joke. 

I also thought an email I received today was a bit of a good joke the first time I read it, which brings me nicely to explaining the other new (and rather premature, but I've told you before how hopeless I am at waiting) addition to the sidebar.  If you've lived on planet blogland for more than a few seconds, you'll no doubt know of the Julie/Julia project that Julie Powell started nearly 7 years ago.  Then came the book, and now the movie.  The movie website is featuring a 'blog of the day' each day until the movie's release on August 7th, and the scent of water will be there in all its foodie-wanna-be glory on July 8th (why me?  I have absolutely no idea.  I figure if we all keep quiet, no-one will realise I'm a total fraud.  So ssssshhhh.) 

I think it probably makes me and Ms. Streep practically best friends, wouldn't you say? I have mentioned before the way I feel about her.  Check out the movie trailer on the website, it looks like a great one.

As obsessed as I am with food (and I am, very), it doesn't show up on this site as much as it does in real life, but I did have one idea a few months ago that I have never gotten around to doing, and now seems like the perfect time to give it a go. 

According to a national paper, it should cost somewhere around NZ$350/week to feed a family my size on an average food budget.  If I shopped at an organic store instead of the supermarket, I wondered, and left out all of the processed gloop I lazily shove into my trolley far too often, could I still keep it to this average budget?  I'd like to try. 

On Monday I will take out $350 in cash and see what it will get me for the week.  I'll catalogue what I make and what it cost me, etc., and so forth. I have both Julie's and Julia's memoir on my bedside table to read as encouragement when I can't be bothered to pull together yet another meal, and a ridiculously large number of cookbooks to look through for inspiration.  Rock on.

(In other news, I bought an older style second hand Bernina today for almost half what it would have cost me to repair my newish flash computerised one.  It'll arrive in a couple of days, and I've already decided on my first project: produce bags like these.  Everything's coming full circle, baby.  And I'm still rambling.)

Comments

[theresa/t does wool]

I for one enjoy your ramblings...$350 you say...hmmm.yes...lets see what you get ;)

[LeeAnn]

That so exciting about the feature! Go you!

I started a cash budget a few months ago for groceries and the like. I am liking it very much. Not only am I having to be more deliberate with my purchases but I found out I need to stop relying on my memory and right a list of needed groceries and plan my meals more. I would suggest getting a coupon holder and using one part for the cash, another for your list, another for coupons, and another to keep your receipts in. The receipts are a good way to keep you accountable and remind you where the money was spent so you don't 'forget' about the $30 spent at the farmers market. Plus they have been good to refer back to when comparing prices at different stores. I still need to get better though. The end of the month is still a little tight. But then again, maybe it's a good diet plan to get skinny? :P

[Kate Bruning]

Hmmph to the editor saying only famous people write books- you should send her your invitation to be a famous blogger!!!! Can't wait to see how the budget goes - will accept any tips gratefully!

[oldyarns]

Yay! Good one - just watched the trailer (hadn't previously heard of this so I guess that makes me a little 'slow'), looks like a nice one. Meryl Streep rocks.

ps - I have a Bernina older than me, she works a treat so long as she takes a mental health day every now and then...

[katiecrackernuts]

Sorry, I got lost somewhere in the ramble - all good - something about food, a movie, shopping budgets. Ai yi, I'm not a good listener of late. Head feels like cottonwool and overwhelmed with stuff. Just wanted to stop by and say hi, and give a cheer for all things foodie-esk.

[Catherine]

$350 for the week? You should eat like a queen! I eagerly await what you will get!
Catherine, who has recently reduced the amount of organic food she buys but hopes to increase it again soon.

[georgia]

i found your wonderful blog through sweet myrtle. so glad i did! your photos are so crisp, clear and colorful. i love the artful crops you create and the subjects of your photos.