Housekeeping

I have some professors who ask at the start of class if we have any housekeeping to tend to, so I thought that was a good title for this post, which as a little bit of everything.

Tomorrow is August 1, which is the start the Question of the Day month-long marathon. I hope you participate by visiting the hosts each day and leaving your answer!

College Student Financials is hosting the 2nd Festival of U30 with part 1 (the questions) and part 2 (festival submissions). Join the next festival here.

I want to thank all of those who stopped by on the blog tour of homes. I'm sure your legs were tired after walking through the spaciousness of my place ;) As much as I tease, I really cannot imagine myself living in a large, airy place. The bigger the place, the more likely I am to collect stuff, which will need to be organized and have to be cleaned around or weeded at some point. Not to mention after spending a couple of weekends painting rooms with 9- and 10-foot ceilings, it gets really old teetering on a ladder with a paint roller. Anyway, I am still working my way through the tour and hope to finish by Thanksgiving, when I am not so busy with final papers, work, packing, moving, working some more, catching up on the blogosphere...

What's in your fridge?!

On the tour of my home post, Frugal Homemaker asked if I eat out all the time or store food elsewhere. I work out of town on the weekends and am planning for a move so I've been using up what's in my fridge, freeze and pantry (aka a crate sitting on the floor).

Since I never did the Capital One "What's in Your Wallet" post, here's what's in my fridge:

• Plastic ware
• A pitcher of water
• milk
• apple juice
• 1 can of Miller Lite
• yogurt
• cheese
  
• bread
• peaches
• apples
• carrots
• 1 egg
• honey mustard dressing
• yellow mustard
• salsa
• butter
• tomato sauce

Can I raid your fridge?! If so, use Mr. Linky to make a link to your direct post and let me know what's in it!

Sunday's Target Ad - July 30

In terms of size of the work surface, it is no Madison Trestle desk, but the Independent Studies Sawhorse-styled Desk could be a promising desk depending on its construction and $15 gift card with the purchase is a nice bonus!

Blog Tour of Homes

Front Door
Originally uploaded by udandi.

I love looking at people's homes, how they use a space and how it is decorated. I frequent the MLS web site, not to search for a home, but to check out the photos. When I saw BooMama was hosting a Blog Tour of Homes, I was excited and can't wait to visit others' homes!

Since this is my soon-to-be-former residence, my mom doesn't have to worry about "strangers" seeing where and how I live :)

I picked this place based on the floorplan and the fact that it was the best place close to work and class that money could rent: it is furnished, has two spacious closets, utilities (electric, cable, Internet) are included and seriously who does not love some being enveloped by wood paneling, which Jane Dough says it's very retro-chic!

It doesn't have much in the way of cabinets (I store plastic containers in the fridge) or counter space, but it accomodates my smoothie maker, toaster oven and microwave. The living room doubles as bedroom, workout room, dance floor and guest quarters. Sometimes I crack myself up when I announce (to no one, obviously) that I'm entering the study, proceed to take three steps from the living room and sit at my desk *cue the laugh track*

Due to picking a furnished place (so I would not have to move big stuff twice within a year), I do not have all my worldy possessions here. I have a small bin to satisfy my craft fix and used the top of the dresser behind my desk for creating. I have family photos (which I removed for the photo shoot), but otherwise I am not a fan of dust collectors and clutter (although there is some unexplained "stuff" in front of my TV).

Now that I have talked it up, click on the door, enter my lair, see where I blog and if you can pick out my Target purchases (sneak preview below)!

The Main Living Area

Thirteen for Thursday: random

Since I haven't been on top of my blogging this week due to boring circumstances that need not be repeated here, I'm taking the lazy way and doing a link dump.

Ready, set, click!

Seth Godin gives great pointers on how to give feedback.

A nifty extension for Firefox and Verizon users, which tells them the minutes they have used.

Moving on to recipes, home improvement and crafts...

The other week I was telling my mom about all the food that Vegan Diva makes and how I really like that her food looks great in the photos. Plus, she posts her garage sale finds!

Heather's DIY Life includes two new projects, Croq Zine #5 (includes an item on intellectual property and MySpace) and her son, Lewis (his photo is too sweet!).

ljc saved a tiered end table from the trash and snazzed it up some festive lime paint to create a mail center. Then, she posted the unique table she picked up at a yard sale for 3 bucks!

Super Eggplant has been sewing up some dresses and tops, while helping her husband demolish a wall in their kitchen and painting their bathrooms and previously they re-did their drive. She's another that can do anything and do it well, so it is worth a trip through her blog or at least her June and July archives to see their recent projects.

LR Johnson makes great re-use of various containers, which she calls her happy bins!

Light decoration from CDs, miniature foods from liquid sculpey and a nice, but not frilly bridal shower invite caught my eye on craftgrrl.

Public Performance Rights

Boston Gal's Open Wallet posted an article about a guy who uses a building to project a movie for his friends who set up lawn chairs in his yard.

*cue the Debbie Downer theme song*

Another commenter brought up the same issue I would have, which is does this guy secure public performance rights? My guess is probably not because he is not aware such a thing exists, not that it excludes him from the law.

Two common misconceptions regarding this topic are:

1. If admission is not charged for the public performance of a video/DVD, then you have not infringed the copyright nor do you need to request permission from the copyright owner.
   
2. XYZ has been doing and has not be caught, so it is okay.
   

I find the area of copyright law and intellectual freedom fascinating and if you are interested in learning more about copyright law and public performance rights, visit the Movie Licensing USA web site*. It is geared toward public libraries, but copyright compliance also applies to schools, daycare facilities, churches, businesses, prisons, parks & recreation departments, summer camps and a few more.

*from Librarian.net

Library Blogs

Dedicated to Claire at Tired but Happy who asked me what Library and Information Science (LIS) blogs I read and because she is probably the only reader who cares what I'm reading from the biblioblogosphere (I would not be a librarian-to-be without the use of library jargon).

Let's see if I can embed a script from Bloglines here. If so, you will see my Library Blogroll below and if not, I'll have to come back and add them manually.

Under 30 Honor Roll

The Under 30 Honor Roll web site is up and a blogroll powered by Blogrolling was started.

As a Bloglines reader, I use it to create my blogroll and the Blogrolling list did not integrate well with my site. Since some of the U30HR web sites were duplicates of those listed in my personal finance blogroll, I have combined all personal finance-related blogs. Those that are part of the U30HR have a (30) after their name.

The sites that are newly updated should appear at the top of the blogroll (this applies to both the craft and personal finance blogrolls), which I hope allows my readers to know which blogs have hot new content for their reading enjoyment!

ETA: I returned to the U30HR powered by Blogrolling since it has an option to rotate the sites and feature 10 at a time. The PF sites I read regularly and enjoy are in the PF Blogroll and those that overlap with the U30HR are still indicated with a (30).

Tip: Shop the Perimeter at the Grocery

My very, very best money saving tip:
When it comes time to do the grocery shopping, stick to those items (produce, meat, diary) that are traditionally located on the perimeter of the store. It keeps you from wandering down the aisles that are filled with pre-packaged meals or cookies, which can add to both bottom lines!

My bonus tip is to do "make ahead meals." When you get home from your grocery trip, prepare and freeze meals for lunches and/or dinners.

Head over to No Credit Needed to read other personal finance bloggers' very, very best money saving tips.

Sunday's Target Ad - July 23

Because it was a back to school advert in July(!), I almost boycotted this week's Target ad, but then I saw $15 sheet sets, any size.

If you are on the hunt for a covelet (as Candice Olson of Divine Design says), you could take two flat sheets and whip a custom duvet cover (as Andi of udandi & the craft of money says). As for the fitted sheets, you could use one traditionally on the mattress and the other could be put on the box spring (assuming you do not use a dust ruffle or have a platform bed) or used as a spare.

The college back to school items (Independent Studies) will probably be marked down in about 6 weeks, just after kids who attend colleges on semesters have gone back and prior to Labor Day.

Make It: CD Case

I do not think I will ever tire of making CD cases for mixed CDs. My super-stamping sister taught me how to do a pop-up case (where you pulled the ribbon and out pops the gift) for hot cocoa packs, but I decided to use this method for a CD case.

I was excited to give this CD as a thanks to my coworkers, but it was a total flop. They un-tied the ribbon instead of just pulling it up. I guess next time I'll include how to open instructions.

My battery is dying on my laptop and I forgot the power cord so I'll post instructions when I can power up again!

ETA:
I looked on Splitcoaststampers to see if there are visual instructions on how to make this, but I couldn't find them. For the one in this photo, I had a piece of 11x5" kraft paper that I scored and folded in two places so it would be 5 inches wide, then afixed at the seam so it made a sleeve. The inside piece was 5x5" and I slid it inside the kraft sleeve and punched a hole at the top. Next, pull out the inside piece out and rotate it 180 degrees and line up those punch holes, thread a 15" ribbon. Make an envelope on the inside sheet, drop in the CD, drop it in and tie the ribbon.

Stress-free, Migraine-Free

Thank you to all who replied with your headache remedies! I have suffered from migraines for about fifteen years and know my triggers, but sometimes it is a trigger I forget about: stress.

Yesterday, I completed a paper (for a required class) that focused on ineffective managers, a therapy paper as dubbed by students who previously completed it. Today, I am happy to report I feel so much better! It wasn't just that the migraine faded, my jaw doesn't hurt from grinding my teeth and my appetite is back. It finally dawned on me that rehashing the two years I spent working under the most incompetent managers I ever had, at the most poorly led organization I ever worked, bought back a cloud of negativity and subconsciously was stressing me out.

Between the time of quitting and moving for grad school, I planned to detox from the experience but despite my best efforts as a planner, unexpected activity took over. The start date of my assistantship was miscommunicated to me and because I could not move into my new apartment until the day before classes started, I was left commuting 2 hours each way, for two weeks. I figured it wasn't that big of a deal and I would manage. Then, my paternal grandfather died unexpectedly and sent our family into a tailspin.

Before I knew it, work and classes started and I was thrust into this new opportunity (which I was thrilled to have) and I shoved the past as far away as I could in order to fully enjoy and appreciate this new chapter (pun intended) in my life. In turn, I did not deal with the anger, frustration and stress of that job experience in the way I had hoped to. That paper forced me back, I have dealt with it and I am okay. I truly try not to seek stress, but sometimes it finds me and so I am reminded of a Mother Teresa quote my mom often says,

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.

By the way, it wasn't all gloom and doom, the best thing that came from that experience is the support and encouragment from five former coworkers who I am very lucky to still call friends a year later!

Three for Thursday: Personal Finance

Penny Foolish burst onto the personal finance blogging scene with gusto, establishing the Under 30 Honor (blog) Roll, Festival of Under 30 Finances and getting a related web site up. I might give hosting a carnival a whirl - might.

In August, All Financial Matters is hosting a Question of the Day Marathon. I will be hosting August 25. You can call me Joanie Joiner ;)

Boston Gal's Open Wallet posted about Money Camp (it isn't just for kids), but check out the scary stats. I keep thinking that finance-related programming for teens might be something public libraries could offer their community. If you know of a library that offers similar programming, can you please let me know?

WFMW: Sample Shampoo Holder

Someone asked me what I do with the shampoo packet samples that I get. I use them!

Actually, she wanted to know how I keep them from spilling out and making a mess in the shower.

I keep them upright in a plastic juice container that is on the tub, outside the shower curtain so they do not get wet or watered down and the container does not collect water and get funky inside.

I do not have pets or children so this is not the safest option for those households, but this works for me!

Drop by Rocks in My Dryer to link off to the other Works for Me Wednesday participants. If you are participating, please take note of the new guidelines, which requests a short description of your post (very cool idea). I re-read the original guidelines and realized I have probably been in violation:

Each week I'll post a little time-saving tip I've stumbled upon.

Mine may not be time savers at first glance, but in this case, I will not have to clean up spilled shampoo because my loyal readers know I don't really clean my shower Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner does!

Slightly unrelated, I am still accepting non-prescription remedies for migraines (ugh), see next post.

Two for Tuesday: Craft Related

Over at craftgrrl, I saw a picture-heavy post for a baby felt book and a Mr. T-styled Sock Monkey that are not only awesomely creative in concept, but well crafted!

Sorry for the short post so late in the day, but I've got a terrible migraine. If you have any non-prescription advice for treating them, please let me know.

New Informatics Program at NKU

According to the Cincinnati Business Courier, Northern Kentucky University will begin offering an undergraduate degree in media informatics in the Spring of 2007

Required courses in the media informatics program will include programming, Web design and development, media production, telecommunications networks, organizational communication, project management, writing for digital media and social informatics. Electives will range from courses in wireless commerce and database management to photojournalism and electronic public relations.

This sounds like an interesting program and one that could lend well to someone seeking a library science degree.

A&E TV Show: Big Spender

Last Sunday because it changed time slots, I missed Find & Design a show where people hit the flea markets and garage sales to shop for their room makeove. Instead I saw something like Oprah's Great American Debt Diet shows where a couple was sitting with a bald-headed, bejeweled fella, Larry Winget, discussing their extreme debt.

I looked online and saw it is called, Big Spender, and PF Advice was the only other blog who wrote about this debt reduction reality TV show. I agree with what he says, that these are extreme cases of debt and not for people who are looking for tips on improving their finances. For those who are working through a smaller amount of debt, they might take comfort that they haven't gotten themselves in as deep as those featured on this show.

Without a doubt, one of the first things Larry told this couple was
live within your means also known as spend less than you earn. He told the newlyweds(she: mortgage broker; him: bankruptcy law firm employee) with the second mortgage they have taken to cover their debt, they will make the last payment on their 30th wedding anniversay - yikes! Today, my parents celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary and I cannot imagine them just paying off wedding debt from 30 years earlier!

Tip: Measure Twice, Cut Once

For those that have attempted a recipe or project and short-cut a few steps, you quickly know the importance of measuring twice, then cutting so as to not waste materials or time.

The Readymade blog's entry entitled Calculate It links to project estimate calculators to help do-it-yourselfers estimate the appropriate amount of project materials.

Good luck to all the weekend warriors and their DIY projects!

Free Stuff: Maggie Moos - July 22 only

For the all list makers and shakers, mark your calendar for Saturday, July 22. Receive a free scoop of 2oz Twizzlers Ice Cream at participating Maggie Moo locations. See web site for all the details.

Tips: From Grandpa

Today marks the 30th anniversary of my maternal grandfather's passing. I never had the chance to meet him, but I am lucky to have my mom's memories of him, many of which show his resourcefulness and practicality.

When we were discussing why I keep a separate stick of deodorant to swipe on my arches before slipping on sandals so my feet do not get sweaty (or stinky). She replied my dad used to apply it to his forehead to keep the sweat from his eyes when he was working in the heat.

The other week when we were painting and I asked why on the DIY shows that people aren't speckled with paint? She said, my dad liked to paint and he never got splatters on himself.

She told me how in his workshop, he created hanging jars of nuts, bolts, nails, etc by nailing the lids of jars to the underneath of a shelf so that each jar could just be screwed in for storage.

Another time, I reached into a nearly empty bag of chips and stopped, took scissors and cut off the top part of the bag so the next time I reached in, the back of my hand wasn't covered in oily potato chip grease (yes, I know a better solution would be to not eat them!). She told me her dad did the same thing.

My mom is a smart cookie, too! She uses an extra mouse pad under her coffee bean grinder so it doesn’t reverberate on the counter as loudly.

Three for Thursday: Library Related

A few library-related news nuggets:

The Ubiquitous Librarian shared how the ATL announces the library's closing [MP3] - so fresh!

Yesterday when Don't Try This At Home posted about Udell's Library Lookup, I was reminded that some people who would really benefit from it, might not be using it (and if you're a fellow LIS-er, get with the L2.0 program!). The Library Lookup allows you to install a bookmarklet for your library of choice on your browser's toolbar. Then, as you're browsing a book store web site like Amazon or BN, you can click your library's bookmarklet and see if your library has it in its collection. Chilihead provides nice installation instructions.

Lastly, I have a photo post from Tame the Web saved in Bloglines (again, LIS-ers if you are not using an aggregator to keep up on library blogs or blogs in general, get with the program!) so I can read the comments. I enjoy the convenience cell phones as much as the next technophile, but what does it say about our libraries and our society that we are posting these negative cell phone signs? Respect and moderation are key when using a cell phone in a public space and I don't just mean the library :)

As for the photos, my coworkers know how much signs #4 and #9 would annoy me regardless of what they say since I am not a fan of the Comic Sans font, but #5 cracks me up because I read it as "no cell phone eating or drinking" CRUNCH!

DIY Animals: A Shopping Penguin!

I love this video of a backpack-wearing penguin that does grocery shopping! I wonder if he clips coupons, too?! At the end of the clip, the announcer says something about "sometimes animals just like to do-it-themselves."

WFMW: Duplicate Favorite Jeans

When it comes to certain articles of clothing, if I find an item that meets my criteria (quality vs price vs anticipated wear), I buy two. I'm sure the people who see me think I wear the same jeans repeatedly, but it is because I have identical pairs and never face the my-favorite-jeans-are-dirty dilemmia.

If your favorite jeans are American Eagle, visit their web site to find a participating store to score a free movie pass when your try on their jeans [source Boston Gal's Open Wallet]

Welcome back and thank you to all the visitors of last week's WFMW post and welcome, new visitors! Visit the links at the top of this blog to learn more about me and what makes me tick or take a cruise through my blog, you should be able to do it on your lunch hour since I make short posts, most of which include a photo!

Works for Me Wednesday is hosted by Rocks in My Dryer, visit her blog and all the participants!

Make It: Ladybug Cake

If you are a DIY/crafter and have not visited ljc's blog, you're missing out! This girl can do anything and do it well! She made a ladybug cake that is completely professional looking as well as took a few photos during the making of the cake.

Now she posts all her projects at KodakEasyShare, but prior to that she had photos organized on her web site. Take a little time and explore her projects, you will not be disappointed.

Speaking of cake goodness, Buzzville posted her lastest in the Martha Cake o' the Month: a 4th of July-themed cake.

And speaking of Martha, a glitter member linked to Shim & Sons Martha-esque birthday party. I especially like the colors of this birthday party because I dream of my kitchen being decorated in red and white, accented with light blue or turquoise.

Above, is a photo of Cath Kidston's kitchen, which I love for all its red, white and blue glory!

Helicopter Parents

There was once a freshman college student who could not find her classroom. So she fired up her cell phone and called her mom. Mom, miles away, called the college, retrieved the necessary information, then rang her daughter. Classroom found, problem solved.

Wow, just wow!

I remember the day before classes began my freshman year, I walked through campus making sure I knew the exact location of each of my classes. In hindsight, I sound like a total geek but I cannot imagine calling my parents (on my long-distance calling card, no less) with that question. Of course, their reply would have been along the lines of "did it not occur to you to ask another person on campus for help?!" ha!

Working on a college campus, I have seen plenty of students that I suspect are the product of Helicopter Parents. I wonder at what point these (what I hope is a small percentage of) students will be less dependent on their parents and more confident in their own abilities to complete tasks and problem solve before calling their parents? I know parents want what they believe is best for their children, but could all this hand-holding be a dis-service when 'copter kids enter the workforce either as college interns or graduates? How about when it is time to manage their own finances?

And if you are raising a 'copter kid at least tell him not to admit to the college librarian that his mom did his high school term paper and that is why he is unable to do his own this time!

BostonGal links to a Boston Globe article, Life-Away-from-Home 101, which addresses the detailed orientations colleges are offering their students, who are used to much hand-holding.

So even though I do not have helicopter parents, I was a boomerang kid and that carries an equally negative stigma :shrug:

Sunday's Target Ad - July 9

Most of the coupons from the flip book of savings could be used this week, but I am most interested in this paper shredder. Mine broke shortly after tax season and I've been on the lookout for another. This one looks like you can shred credit cards, which my last one could not.

Various sizes of Sterilite containers are on sale and the 18-gallon Rubbermaid Roughneck tote is $5. I use both of these products for organizing the craft supplies that do not fit within my craft supply center!

Target $ Spot = DUNZO?

Say it ain't so! Unless the 4th comment from a Target employee is correct.

I work at Target. What I've been told is that they're keeping the 1 spot. 75% of the 1 spot will be $1. 25% will be 2/$5. Apparently there will be better quality items in the 2/$5 area.

I love the Dollar Spot because I can find useful items to incorporate into little gifts for friends. The other day, I gave my version of the altered lunchbox, which is a Target $ Spot CD box and big magnetic clip to a friend.

Favorite items I've picked up from the Dollar Spot:

• Jumbo light blue and brown magnetic clips -- works as photo Stand on end on a table with clippy side up to serve as photo holders
• Magnetic solid and mesh tins with plastic see-through lids -- for postage stamps, paper clips, push pins and other small office supplies
• 10 sheets of 12x12 Valentine-themed patterned paper -- for making Valentines, a mini scrapbook and themed gifts
• 4-pack of gel pens -- again for the cards and scrapbook
  
• 5-yard spools of ribbon
• Little silicone potholders
• Deck of music and America trivia cards

Coupon: Walgreens Photo Center

Visit the Walgreens Photo Center to get four 5x7 prints for $5 when you use the coupon code FLAG. Pick up prints from a Walgreens store in one hour (depending on system capacity).

I posted about my positive experience with Walgreens and I would take them up on this offer if my photos of last weekend weren't blurry due to a dying camera battery.

FLAG coupon code good through July 9, 2006. Limit one coupon per customer. Does not apply to tax and shipping charges. Order must be placed by 11:59 C.T. on final day of promotion to qualify. Timing will be determined by Walgreens server clock.

The Backpack Index?

I guess since it is after the 4th of July, the back-to-school campaigns are kicking into high gear, which makes me sad. Let's enjoy summer while it is here!

In any care, the Cincinnati Business Courier ran "Huntington launches 'backpack index' for back-to-school costs."

Huntington Bancshares Inc. has developed a "backpack index" for parents to plan upcoming school expenses. The index projects parents will spend about $307 in supplies for elementary school-aged kids, $438 for middle school children and $669 for high school students.

The index includes $228 representing fees for extracurricular activities and $39.99 for a cell phone for middle school and high school students.

I guess when you add up new clothes, supplies, activities and gadgets it is pretty easy to rack up 300 bucks or more per student! Hopefully as the start of school draws closer, the PF blogging parents will share about how much they spend on their children and/or how they do it econmically!

Works for Me Wednesday: Neck Cooler

Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer hosts Works for Me Wednesday and I always forget, but after this weekend I had something to share, though it is not new or inventive.

When working outside or in hot weather, roll a bandana, wet and tie it loosely around your neck. As it dries out or becomes warm, wet it again. If you don't mind your t-shirt being damp, this is a quick and easy solution. If you search the Internet you can find directions on how to make a neck cooler that is a bandana filled with polymer crystals.

In previous posts, I alluded to heading home for family fun and not putting my paint brush down for a Target run. In this case, I meant priming and painting the interior of a house that is still under construction and without AC during 90 degree weather.

I can handle sitting around in the heat since my apartment has a non-functioning AC (total bummer since electric is included in the rent) and my parents and sister have whole house fans, but actually working all day in the heat is something else.

To combat the heat, my mom, sister and I wore wet bandanas around our necks while my dad shunned it. One of the crewman had a wet bandana on his head under his ball cap, which I probably should have done, too, since I'm still picking paint specks out of my hair!

Visit Rocks in My Dryer for the other Works for Me Wednesday entries.

Make It: It's a Grand Old Flag Cake

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

This is a very easy cake to make if you're skilled with lifting the stencil up after sprinkling the colored sugars!

Maybe I should have called this post Yankee Doodle udandi?! ;)

Make It: Quick Ice Cream Sundaes

We used to have a pool and every summer the whole family (we're talking grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins) would come out for 4th of July swim party.

My mom decided the easiest way to serve up a relatively non-messy (no cake/brownie crumbs on the porch and patio) treat was to get plastic wine cups for sundaes. We would make up the sundaes prior to guests arriving, stick the tray of ice cream with fudge topping back in the freezer and pull them out a few minutes prior to serving. This way, we could set out the tray and dash away while the hordes of people sweep in for their treat. You think I'm kidding, but swimming and splashing about creates massive appetites!

Since our family had a chore that lasted the weekend and then some, we made up these sundaes in advance so we could enjoy a quick treat after dinner!

Sunday's Target Ad - July 2

This week's advert was a little better than the last couple of weeks, but nothing too stunning that I dropped my paint brush and rushed to the store.

If I didn't already have an Aerobed, I might check out the terms of this buy one, get one airline ticket when you buy an Aerobed for $85.

Speaking of rushing to Target each Sunday, my mom and sister suspect that the reason Target sends me coupon flip books (my previous post) is because I shop there so often using a credit card (although not a Target credit card) and they have my mailing address. If that were the case, you would think my sister, who carries a Target credit card, would get the booklets as a perk of the card. I said she should contact Target and inquire since I don't have a clue and I know the Target Team Members don't since a few have asked me how to get them.

To keep everyone happy, I let my sister take any coupons she wanted and my mom is going to look at the Dollar Week advert July 9 to "clean up on more savings," which is the theme of this flip book!

I'm off to see if Cap of Stop Buying Crap got the flip book like last time!

Eat It: Cincinnati Foods

Continuing with my crash course in Cincinnati, here are some foods unique to the city.

Cincinnati-styled chili
I love, love, love Skyline Chili so much so that I have a low tolerance for "non natives" talking negatively about it. Seriously, if you have nothing nice to say about Skyline, please don't say it to me!

One of my favorite Skyline stories is a conversation I had with a my cousin's 4-year-old son. As we walked out of Cincinnati Museum Center, which faces the city skyline, I said look at the skyline and he said, I see the buildings, but I don't see Skyline! ah kids!

Graeter's Ice Cream
My favorite flavor is Toffee Chip, but Black Raspberry Chip is the signature flavor for this Cincinnati-based ice cream shop, which hand packs each pint. Visit the web site and learn and see photos of the French pot process of making this ice cream that is has the biggest chips!

Goetta
Both my mom and grandma make these little loaves of pork and oats. Goettafest is the opportunity to get goetta in all sorts of products (see the menu in the photo) and where I spied the largest frying pan ever!

Montgomery Inn Barbeque Sauce
The other day, I posted about this tasty sauce and I'm looking forward to enjoying some pulled pork bbq sandwiches with my family this weekend. I highly recommend dining at Montgomery Inn at the Boathouse, which is just east of Sawyer Point (yesterday's post) and offers a great view of the Ohio River and Cincinnati's skyline and landscape.

United Dairy Farmers
There's nothing like getting a tank of gas and an ice cream cone! UDF is my go-to place when I want a scoop of ice cream and can't spring for Graeters because UDF is everywhere in Cincinnati!

LaRosa's Pizzeria
Although known for its pizza, I'm a bigger fan of being able to purchase their sauce at local stores for use in pasta dishes.

Frisch's Big Boy
Even though stores carry Frisch's tartar sauce in the stores, it doesn't compare to going to Frisch's and ordering a Big Boy Hamburger.

If you find yourself in Cincinnati over Memorial Day, Taste of Cincinnati, which is the nation's longest running culinary arts festival having started in 1979.

A quick history of Cincinnati's breweries and a timeline.