OWR: Books, Uniforms, Saving

Happy Friday! If you find yourself with a desire to read about something less controversial than politics or what members of large TV families have done, or gender changes (none of which I'm touching with a 10 foot pole), welcome, friend! And hey, if you've found something interesting you think I should know about - leave a link in the comments!

Although we developed some serious discipline in order to pay off our house in 2012, Hubs and I have let things slip over the last 3 years - but not any longer! We're back on the budget bandwagon and Jessica @ Life as MOM has a great article about ways to cut your grocery budget: http://lifeasmom.com/2014/06/5-small-ways-to-save-on-food-costs.html

• Favorite Takeaway: "Beans and rice make a great meal. [On this, we totally agree!] Cooking beans from dried instead of buying cans is much cheaper." [Jessica shares how she cooks dried beans at her other blog, Good Cheap Eats]

I've written before about my habit of wearing a uniform [HERE and HERE], and since writing those posts my summer "uniform" has evolved yet again. Still, the idea is one that I can embrace and now, so is Modern Mrs. Darcy: http://modernmrsdarcy.com/2015/06/my-summer-uniform/

• Favorite Takeaway: "This look is easy to put on, easy to wear, and easy to dress up (nicer pants, blazer) or dress down (tank, necklace, sandals). Everything goes with everything else; I could get dressed in the dark." [NOTE: Our tastes are different - the idea is the same.]

Speaking of Modern Mrs. Darcy - Anne recently returned from BookExpo America, which is now on my "Tentative Calendar" for next year, when it's hosted in Chicago. As a blogger, bookworm, and professional book promoter (yeah, the paid job), this looks like something right up my alley. In case there's anyone else out there who might be interested, I thought I'd share: http://www.bookexpoamerica.com/Home/

• Favorite Takeaway: Well, Anne got me with "free books" [Read about her experience], but I like the idea of learning more - not only as a professional promoter, but also as a self-published author; "BEA Content & Digital Conference featuring fresh sessions where you’ll learn about the latest book trends, developments, and technologies affecting the publishing industry."

While I'm mentioning the whole "self-published" thing, it's been a while since I've done any kind of self-promotion for the book we wrote in 2010. This week a friend from junior high posted a lovely review on her personal Facebook page that reminded me that I should tell you all: Hey, we wrote a book for kids! http://amzn.to/1APkX6L

• Favorite Takeaway: A picture is worth a thousand words, and I hope she doesn't mind that I'm sharing. I did remove last names and full names of her kids "to protect the innocent", but it meant a lot that our book is teaching her boys to read. That's music to my bookworm ears!

If you happen to have a garden (we don't), or you're thinking about starting one (we might be) and aren't sure which tomato plants to select, this article will help you - but only if you plan to make homemade salsa. And if you do, and you don't have ripe tomatoes yet, bookmark this Bon Appétit link and thank me at the end of tomato season! http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/common-mistakes/article/homemade-salsa

• Favorite Takeaway: "Oregano is optional; cilantro is a must (unless you’re one of those folks whose taste buds identify cilantro as soapy tasting [I don't understand you - if this is you!]. In that case, science gives you a pass). But please promise us this: You’ll use fresh, never dried, herbs. Save the jar of dried, flaked herbs for your next soup or stew."

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What are YOU reading online that I should know about?