St. Patrick's Mash-Up

 

We were invited to a St. Patrick's Day event on Sunday, and after it all I was too tired to post! I did have a little bit of productivity -- I baked bread to bring along, plus a loaf for us.  I have been neglecting my starter and had to work with it, which yielded quite a bit of dough (which I am loath to discard).

I baked focaccia for the party -- some with green olives and capers, another plain.  Tommy also picked up a bottle of well-rated Irish whiskey.  We are being very choosey where we buy our bourbon and whiskey from and avoiding red state products.  The exception is Kentucky, because they have a Democratic governor.  We are basically honoring the Canadian boycott. Things have gotten so out of control; we have to have control over our choices in order to take a stand.

In addition to dressing green, I tried to wear my green jewelry too.  The necklace is green aventurine. My ring is emerald and diamond (the earrings match) and are two of my favorite anniversary gifts.  I wore the shirt combo again today since it is the actual holiday.

 

I had a much-needed chiropractor appointment this morning. I had been in pain from a disk in my upper back for a week, and Tommy insisted I get an adjustment.  In the past, I ran a lot and needed help with back issues. But now that I don't run, not so much -- I hadn't been in four years!

My drive was on the way to a Tops and Dollar Tree, so I made the most of that.  My stop into DT was made to buy a squirt bottle and retirement card.  While I was there, I found my favorite lip balm solution.  Whenever I see either the nipple or belly balm made by B-Pure, I buy.  The quantity is what has me sold -- they work just as well as lip balm but are three times the size. That's a good buy.  The apple sauce is for Frankie because we are taking a trip later this week.  These are good puppy snacks.  I also needed flossers and wanted moisturizer for my trip bag.  DT uses paper bags, and I use them in my recycling bin. I don't see the point in putting your recycling in a plastic bag that is not recyclable.

As for Flashfood, I wanted the guac -- each tube is equivalent to four avocadoes. These are a good buy. We opened one to top chili tonight, and the other went into the freezer.  The yogurt is for Frankie too. Baby yogurt has less sugar, better ingredients, and will also be part of the food we stock for her on our short trip.  I can also mix some in oatmeal -- which I will probably make with some of the carrots.

I was so excited to find the bracelet above on sale. It's a retirement present.  DT sells economical cards, and I had purchased the gift box on a holiday clearance a while back.  Just look at how much Kay sells a similar piece for.  The sale was so good ($20), I got one for myself.  That is just the type of thing I look for when it comes to buying a gift. I would rather save a lot of money and give a good gift, than just go to a store to buy something.

As for the holiday, our friend made the best corned beef I have ever had. It had a brown-sugar crust on top and was tender and flavorful. Best of all, I got to meet his beautiful beagle. She's a few months older than Frankie and now they can be friends.  Did you celebrate the holiday?

Around the house, I drained a lavender infusion.  I'd cut a good amount a month ago and put it in a big jar, covered in white vinegar. The herbs are pressed below the liquid with a big rock, encased in a vacuum sealed bag.  Infused vinegar is part of my cleaning routine. The lavender is for spraying the shower -- Tommy hates the smell of vinegar and won't spray it unless I scent it.  The problem with the infusion, is it's colored. So I mix it with equal parts of white vinegar. The jug sits in the bathroom, and I mix it with equal parts water for a shower spray. I also mop the floor and wipe down the wall tiles with it.  Another jug is for the kitchen and is lavender and mint. I do also use essential oil, but I like making use of the stuff in my garden.  Do you make vinegar infusions too?

Oh and another thing I did! I signed us up for Spotify because I ditched Amazon (boycotting Bezos). Tommy had Sirius. Now we have a duo plan, and we are saving a lot of money. Politics aside, I had wanted to consolidate our music streaming, but the solution/provider solved an ethical dilemma too.

I try to be thrifty, generous, nicely dressed, and civically responsible.  That's just me!