- The perfect escape from frozen Iowa
We’ve just returned from a fantastic and exciting 18 days in Mexico, and now that it’s 2009, we’ve vowed–along with our friends, the Martins, who went to Mexico with us–to live the month of January on a food-stamp budget. It’s a contest that we did last year, too, and last year, they stomped us. This year, however, we are newly motivated, so I’ll be keeping track of what we spend and what we eat this year.
The rules:
We can spend only $147 per week for a family of four. This is for food and any other household expenses. Regular bills that are already set up don’t count, and neither do medical expenses. Everything else does. No cheating! Nick Martin will also be keeping a blog of how they are doing, so we can keep an eye on each other. We also have to save all receipts.
Today is our first day back so the bet officially starts now. I’ve planned my menu for the week and I think we can get by this week, using food we already have sitting around in the pantry and freezer, just buying milk, salad greens, and eggs. So far so good! But of course it’s just the first morning. Wish us luck! I’ll keep you posted about what we have for dinner.
I am just putting the finishing touches on four books I have been writing this year–two about animals and two about people. It’s been busy, needless to say, and I will make announcements about the specific books as publication dates are finalized. In the meantime, keep an eye out.
We are getting ready to head to Oaxaca for the holidays, so if anybody has any comments about what we shouldn’t miss in Oaxaca City, Puerto Escondido, and Puerto Angel, please let me know.
Finally, check out my new blog, Vegan Serendipity. I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time. I always keep track of the amazing recipes without animal products that I find buried within the pages of gourmet cooking magazines, newspapers, and other unexpected places. In this blog, I share my finds with you. Even if you aren’t veg, check it out. You might find some new favorites.
That’s all for now. Thanks for visiting!
Please consider supporting my friend Elizabeth Cummings, who has been involved in the efforts to rescue many of the pigs caught in the Iowa flood this summer. She spent a lot of time in New York, at Farm Sanctuary, which spearheaded the efforts to save the pigs, and now she is raising money to support them. I just donated. At least check out her site and see if you aren’t inspired to send in a few bucks: http://www.firstgiving.com/elizabethcummings1
Welcome to my website. Visit often to keep track of the latest travel, food, and yoga blog posts, recent book publication news and article highlights, and also where and when I will be singing with my dad’s jazz group or appearing in a theatrical production. Thanks for visiting!
