Aug 25, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, My Dear . . . : My Favorite Cookbooks
Pretend this is real paper and you’re reading my scribble: As I’m prepping this blog post, my Mississippi Bestie Cara Pearson called and gushed about the great cookbooks she picked up at a used bookstore for about five cents each. And then she has the nerve to ask if I’ve ever seen the movie Julie & Julia. Please, girl. You know that’s what started me on my blog journey. Now I love her and all, but that’s just rubbing it in, dontcha think? Rub. Dry rub. That’s right! We’re talking about cookbooks today. Grab your go-juice and read on:
Hey, y’all. I’m so excited to be planning a big shopping trip to WinCo. Just another joy I have when cooking, baking, and blogging. But dangnabbit, it always makes me hungry! (Note to self: Eat before shopping. And bring your coffee tumbler.)
This trip will be a dash different than the norm. I’m starting a new job career [insert happy dance here, y’all!] next week and since I don’t know what the break room or lunch schedule is like yet, and because it’s just plain high time I did so, I’m changing up my dietary habits to include more health-friendly grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches, along with prep-easy, autumn-friendly dinners, and of course, snackage. I’m gonna learn and relearn great protein smoothies, bento lunches, and one-pot dinners.
Mmm. I can hardly wait: I’m also gonna try my hand at a red lentil soup, reminiscent of my trip to Seattle and lunch at Mamnoon’s.
Oh, sorry. I drifted into food memories for a moment. What were we talking about? Ah, yes. Food. Glorious food.
Y’all are familiar with my Stock That PDF List, yes? Of course that’s coming to the store with me. Now, like oh-so-many people I don’t have an endless budget when it comes to food buying. That’s one of the reasons I love WinCo. I can take my food allowance and make it stretch. And this time, I’m allowing myself a tiny (and by tiny I mean one meal’s worth) of funds for food experimenting. I want to develop my palate, y’all! But how can I do that if I keep buying the same foods?
So, in search of some new flavors, I looked at my cookbook shelf and, well, you guessed it. Say hello to this week’s #FiveThingsFriday.
- The Unemployment Cookbook.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : The Unemployment Cookbook
Like sweet tea, this is a given, so let’s just get it out of the way. A labor of love and hard work, I created and/or compiled these family favorite recipes when Dot was in grade school. She wanted to have friends over, and I didn’t want to say she couldn’t, so I had to come up with some recipes that were affordable and delicious. And get this: Her friends’ parents were asking me for the recipes. Me! I couldn’t believe it. I had something to offer society after all. Naturally, I ran with it and the Cookbook idea was born. My Slow Cooker Pork & ‘Kraut recipe was the start of it all, and it’s been so long since I’ve made it. Thanks. Y’all just helped me decide what’s on my plate next week! [Feel free to click on the photo above to order your copy.]
- My Happy Planner Recipe Book and Meal Planner.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : My Happy Planner Recipe Book and Meal Planner
Don’t get your fireflies in a trap, this definitely counts as a cookbook. Like my Unemployment Cookbook, my Recipe/Meal Planner holds great hand-crafted recipes, cooking tips, meal plans, and coordinating grocery lists. Thanks, Hobbes, for the meatloaf inspiration. Plus, it’s like scrapbooking! Stickers, colored pens, washi tape. How could this amazing tool not be in my top five?
- Jessica Seinfeld’s Deceptively Delicious.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Deceptively Delicious Cookbook
I picked this up on the discount shelf of a local book store when I moved into Bedford Manor. Folks, can I just say, ain’t no way this book is geared just to kids! With some amazing recipes and helpful hints (like how to equip your kitchen and making coffee cake with butternut squash), this is a great do-to idea guide when you’re not sure what to do with what’s in your pantry or fridge.
- KitchenAid Recipe Collection.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : KitchenAid Recipe Collection
Who can forget the day I ordered my beautiful Isabella? [Oh, please. Like you don’t name your inanimate objects. So just, shush, my brother.] The special collection included a few attachments, the warranty, and this beauty. Chock full of cooking tips, detailed recipes and coordinating photographs, I recommend this book like I recommend blackened seasonings. It’s that good, girlfriend!
- Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook
I think everyone has some version of this cookbook on their shelf. That familiar pattern, the familiar title. It’s comfort cooking at its best. This was the first cookbook that was my own, a gift from my Momma (hi, Momma! Thank you!) when I moved into my first apartment. My first recipe used? The sugar cookies cut-outs (Page 200, if you have your own cookbook).
I don’t know ’bout all of you, but I’m ready for some home cooking and baking.
What are some of your favorite cookbook recipes?
TWEET THIS: What are some of your favorite #cookbook recipes? @RealMojo68 #FiveThingsFriday #amcooking @WinCoFoods
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With a wooden spoon and hungry eyes,
Happy cooking!
~Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear . . . : That’s all she wrote!
Aug 7, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, My Dear. . . The Best of Funds for Writers, C. Hope Clark
Disclaimer: I’m friends with C. Hope Clark on Facebook so when she offered a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review, I jumped. Y’all know I love sharing what I know. And what I know is she knows her stuff. Read on . . .
“This book is a motivational, go-to, elementary reminder that if you desire to be a writer, you deserve to be respected for it.” ~ C. Hope Clark, The Best of Funds for Writers.
I’m gonna tell y’all upfront that if I hadn’t received this book from her (autographed, too. Thanks, Hope!) I would have bought my own. I’ve subscribed to her newsletter in the past, but thinking I was receiving too many emails, hers was in the batch I unsubscribed to. Thanks to this handy-dandy guide, I’ve resubscribed, and it’s reignited my passion.
I love books. Of course I do. I’m figuring most of you do too. Or else you’re just here to read my sweet Southern drawl, am I right or am I right? Anyway, I love books that are small and light and fit in my bag. You never know how long the line at the post office or bank will take, or where lunch will be. It’s good to have a book for a quick grab-and-go.
This book is so good I want to trash it.
Now, hold on. I’m not talking about trash-trashing a book. My good sweet tea, honey, NO. That’s sacrilege. I’m saying, I may get myself a second one so I can cut it into Happy Planner pieces for inspirational bookmarks, that’s how good this book is. Can you imagine all these quotes washi-taped and colorized and highlighted? Mm-hmm. I guess we know what my next Happy Planner will be, don’t we?
But we’re talking about this book. And this book book is so much more. It’s not just a one-time read-through experience. This is a great reference book, a must have for any serious writer. And let’s just resurface that new argument, You can’t write in a Kindle. I imagine by my second read through, this book will have even more notes in the margins.
It’s broken into bite-size chapters (the longest is under four pages long) and easy-to-read formatting. Important, pay-attention-to-this items are bolded. Each chapter includes quotes from deliciously wonderful books and authors, the first being Anne of Avonlea. Hulloh! You think that didn’t endear this book to my nobody-touches-it-but-me stack?! That’s right, it did.
Part One covers topics written by Hope, Part Two is written by her guests. We’re talking easy-peasy advice like
- To Website or Not to Website
- The Zillion Little Pieces of Our Writing
- Write Daily or Not
- The Importance of Writer Self-Education
- Tactics & Tips Selling Your Books on Consignment
- On Being a Travel Writer for AAA
As with her website and newsletter, this little book is like a foil-wrapped Wonka bar (and we all know how I feel about Willy Wonka!) – so full of good little treats you just don’t know what you’ll get bite after bite. But you want more so you buy another bar. Side Note: Did you know Wonka candies are no longer available? I didn’t. *insert sad face here* Luckily, you don’t have to buy another book, or go without. You can just keep reading this one.
Frankly, My Dear . . . She said “Frankly!”
With practical advice on how to reach for your dreams, Hope’s book is a great reference, and Hope is a great encourager.
What are some of your favorite books on writing?
TWEET THIS: Want to earn money as a writer? There’s Hope! @RealMojo68 @hopeclark #fundsforwriters #amwriting
With Hope, a pen, and never-ending chocolate bar,
Happy writing,
~Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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Jul 14, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday
Okay. So, I guess we knew this post had to happen sooner or later, right? Y’all know my love for Happy Planning. I mean, from the day I brought my first one home I started telling you about it. Remember 2017 Prep: My Happy Planner? And Hobbes’ Mexican Chicken Meatloaf?
I laughed at the groups on Facebook. I saw ridiculous posts of women with four and five planners and entire shelves devoted to the art of the plan.
“No,” I told myself. “I will not be one of those. I will not be a ‘Planner Babe’ who can’t function without a big book at my side. No.”
And then the Universe laughed.
Because the more I used my first planner, the more I fell in love with it. That’s right. Two key words in that sentence: “first” and “more.” Mm-hmm. You already know where this is going, am I right?
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s Happy Planners
I suppose I should explain myself . . .
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s First Planner
- This is my first planner. I purchased it to help keep track of all my social media work. Then I bought some expansion packs like the menu planner and home planner sets. Little did I know how it would change my life. Creativity brings peace, so whether I’m planning a meal or working out the budget, using my Planner makes me, well, Happy. I think that’s the whole point.
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s Second Planner: Blessings Abound.
2. Realizing what a blessing my Happy Planner is, I picked up a second one. I don’t remember to write every day, but when I do, I’m astounded by the little “pennies” I keep track of. From a friendly client to a free Starbucks to a bill that was paid, all the little “Thank You’s” the Universe blesses me with go into this book. The year’s only half over, and already I’m overwhelmed with seeing how it’s a wonderful life.
Frankly, My Dear . . .: MoJo’s Recipe Planner
3. Of course, after I used a few of the menu pages, I realized I had to get a separate book for all my recipes. I can plan party menus, holiday delights, and keep tracking of my grocery lists all in one great location. It’s complete with great foodie quotes, and kitchen measurements. How sweet is that?!
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s Blue Ridge Planner
4. Ah, Blue Ridge. That wonderful writers conference that beckons me each May. Of course this year I put together my own binder. Class list? Check. Appointments list? Check. To Do With Friends list? Check. Plenty of blank paper for note taking and idea making. A calendar I could fill, or not, as I chose. And that ever-inspiring dashboard. [Click here to read about my Blue Ridge Happy Planner.]
Frankly, My Dear . . . : MoJo’s Blogging Planner
5. My Blogging Planner. I just picked this one up this month. With my new website and the forthcoming redesign for Frankly, My Dear . . . and all the blog traffic coming and going, I wanted one special place to note my online presence and to track contributors for Frankly, My Dear. And let’s be real. That awesome Peacock Pen from Paige needed a home.
What’s that? You saw more Planner covers in the top photo? Aww, I can’t get nothin’ by you, can I?
Frankly, My Dear . . .: MoJo’s Extra Planners
Additional Planner covers come in sets of three. So when I created-from-scratch started my Blue Ridge Conference Planner, I had two cover sets left over. The one on the left above is now used as a “memory” planner. As each month passes, I take the pages from my main planner and transfer to this one. It serves as a great record keeper, and I don’t have to search far to find notes. On the right is an as yet unpurposed cover set. I’m thinking I may turn it into my Holiday Planner. I can picture it now: recipes, gift guides, short stories, shopping lists. Yes. Yes, that’s what I’ll do. Thanks for helping me figure that out.
Soon I’ll have Planner Lucky Number 8: I’m going to start a novel bible for CENTRAL. I didn’t do so with NOLA and I wish I had. [Read: #AmWriting: Using a Calendar to Storyboard Your Novel.] As soon as I start CENTRAL, I’ll track character notes, backstory, magazine clippings, thoughts, and of course, the dreaded rough draft.
Yikes. I mean, yea.
Happy Planning with BEE the Zebra
Tell me, how do you stay organized? And, can you overdo it?
TWEET THIS: Frankly, My Dear: Five Things Friday: My Happy Planners @RealMojo68 #happyplanner #franklymydear #FiveThingsFriday
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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Jul 7, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Five Things Friday
You know, we’re halfway through the year and I still haven’t reached all my goals. That private jet? In someone else’s name. Book deal? Workin’ on it. Owning a writers’ cafe? Yah. That’s on the back burner for a while longer. [See what I did there? Cafe? Burner? Sigh . . . ]
So, I’m sitting here thinking, egads! [True story. I actually said “Egads!” out loud. To no one except the fur family. Some days I’m glad they can’t talk English.] But back to it. I’m sitting here thinking, egads! I’ve been so busy I forgot to write Friday’s blog post.
And then I thought to myself, “Self! It’s a Five Things Friday post. You’d best come up with something good!” And my self answered, “Oh, Girl. Don’t bother us. We’re working on the budget.” Okay, it wasn’t all as Sybil-esque as all that, but, yes. Yes I did have a conversation with myself about the budget and paydays and where to find extra cash.
In fact, as I was writing this month’s budget, a nagging thought distracted me until I wrote it out:
Five Things Friday: Pocket Change – Money Comes From Unexpected Sources
That photo above is just a little snippet of my Happy Planner budget sheets. Y’all know my affinity for Happy Planning, yes? Well, maybe that will be next week’s FTF post. Today, we’re about saving pennies. And more.
But it got me thinking. I know I’m not the only who could use a few extra greenbacks. Or a means to accomplish that which must be, well, accomplished. Am I right? Oh, come on folks, I ain’t making this up!
So, in keeping with my striving for a better credit rating and a little fun money [or just a better bag of cat food now and then], here are five easy changes you can make to help save a little dough.
- The Penny Jar. It sounds old fashioned, and even I was skeptical about its profitability at first. But when I cashed out my pennies at the end of six months, I was pleasantly surprised to find enough for a trip to the grocery store and gas station. Now, I’m not saying I bought enough for the month with a cross-country drive, but it did get me through the week and with a little sumthin-sumthin to enjoy Friday night. Which, coincidentally, is now my new penny jar.
Southern Roasted Pecan Gelato. Frankly, My Dear . . . Did someone say, “Yummm.”?
- Talk. Chat. Discuss. However you want to word it, word it. Communicate. Got bills you can’t pay? Let the payee know ahead of time. Most times, companies are willing to work with you if you ask. Now, you can’t be all i-just-bought-a-car-and-quit-my-job-but-i’m-keeping-it on them. I mean, you do have to maintain some responsibility. But take it from me. You know. You’ve read about it here. When you’re in a bind, explain it. Late fees get waived, due dates get pushed. It’s worth a little time to save a little money.
- Sort it all out. Take inventory of what you have, materially, and ask yourself if you really need it. Start small: Take one shelf, one drawer, or one cabinet, and sort it into three piles: Keep. Throw Away. Sell. If it’s in good condition but you don’t need it, consider putting it on LetGo or a local Facebook Yard Sale group. Ebay’s a great source, too. There’s tons of them out there. And if after a decent amount of weeks go by and no one’s bought, donate. Sure, it may not put money in your pocket, but your house will be less cluttered. Clean house, clear mind. Isn’t that a thing?
- Explore your talents. Now, I know you’re good at stuff. And some stuff, you’re really good at. And I know it doesn’t always seem like it, but trust me on this: You have something to offer others. So get creative! Whether it’s a service or goods, take time to develop it. Freelance. It doesn’t take much for word to get out if you’re good at what you do. Babysitting, baking, tree trimming, yard care, dog walking. Are you good as socializing? Love to connect with people? Try something like DoTerra or Jamberry nail wraps. You not only get great discounts for yourself on products you love and use, but if you turn it into a business, you’ll get a nice little income, too!
Frankly, My Dear . . . Jam With Mojo
- Give it up. There are just some things y’all don’t need. When the decision is between milk or bread, it’s time to stop the Netflix. Now, treating yourself is a must, so get that Redbox DVD once in a while. Splurge for that Starbucks every three weeks. But when you start cutting corners and realize how easy it is to roll that savings into paying off another bill and that snowball keeps rolling downhill . . . pretty soon you’re king of your mountain and those are wildflowers springing up to make things beautiful.
Hyacinth for the Soul.
BONUS TIP: Pay attention to your spending. Don’t just write it in your checkbook or look at your smart phone now and then. Make a budget journal. Keep your receipts. Figure out where and how things can change. Grab a small drink instead of large, especially when the refills are free.
BONUS BONUS TIP: On the morning of each payday, whatever money you have left in your bank account that’s unallocated, transfer it to your savings or emergency fund.
BONUS BONUS BONUS TIP: Barter. You can’t afford everything you need and want. Neither can everyone else in your world. But you may be able to work out a trade. You can wash a car in exchange for yard cleaning. Tired of your DVDs? Trade them with a friend for some new but free entertainment. Money is a means, not an end. When you remove money from the equation, you may find a different solution.
BONUS BONUS BONUS BONUS TIP: Don’t be afraid to ask when you need help. It’s okay to admit you can’t handle everything on your own all the time. No one can. If we could, we wouldn’t need each other, would be?
BONUS BONUS BONUS BONUS BONUS TIP (So really this should be a Five Things PLUS Five Things Friday): Take it all to the Great Provider. I find that when I earnestly ask God to bless my budget, I’m more aware of my frivolous spending habits, and more attentive to being a good steward of what He has blessed me with.
Frankly, My Dear . . . Happy Planner Budget Dashboard
Remember, the little things really do add up.
TWEET THIS: Frankly, My Dear . . .: Five Things Friday: Pocket Changes. @RealMojo68 #penny #saving
TWEET THIS: Frankly, My Dear . . . Five Things Friday: Pocket Changes. Ways to count pennies without feeling broke. @RealMojo68
With a blingy wallet and a small sweet tea,
~Molly Jo
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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Jul 3, 2017 |
by Molly Jo Realy @RealMojo68
Some years ago I shared a few posts on stocking up your pantry and cabinets for those moments when a storm hits or unexpected company arrives.
In keeping with my July theme of “Everything Old is New Again,” I recently found my old files, and combined my checklist into a single PDF download. How happy are we right now?! You can download your copy by clicking STOCK THAT.
I also themed out this month’s Meal Plan, thanks to my Happy Planner Menu Planner and some great washi tape and stickers.
MoJo’s July Happy Menu
I love meals that offer two rounds, whether a second dinner or lunch the next day. Salads are a breeze to change up with a different dressing and add-ins like tomatoes and mushrooms. Rice? Well, that’s a staple here at Bedford Manor. I keep not less than four varieties on hand.
Comparing what’s already available to me and what I know I’ll be buying, this menu plan was a cinch to put together. My STOCK THAT checklist and Happy Planner Menu Planner are keeping me on track for healthy eating on a budget.
But before you give me too many pats on the back, I confess ice cream and chocolate snacks did make the grocery list this month. And I’m so okay with that.
MENU TIP: Writing it out is an idea, not a commitment. Can’t make dinner one day? Too busy or didn’t get to the store? Allow a few “open” days on the calendar. You can switch the plan around.
PRINTER TIP: If you want the PDF to fit in your classic size Planner, when you print, select “custom scale” to 84%, and that should give you a readable printout with enough white space border to trim and punch without losing any content. You’re welcome. :)
Do you plan your meals by the month?
CLICK TO TWEET: Frankly, My Dear . . . New Again: Stock That. A checklist and a menu plan. @realmojo68 #ameating #mealplanner
Molly’s Kitchen: Steamed Salmon on Rice and Spinach
And Frankly, My Dear . . . That’s all she wrote!
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