Chief Family Officer

NYT Recipe Roundup: Mostly but not all meatless

2026-09-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

What I serve for dinner changes dramatically when the kids are home, with their different likes and dislikes. It's frustratingly difficult to come up with meals that all four of us will enjoy, but when the kids are at school, my husband and I have gone mostly meatless, with a lot of tofu and beans in the rotation. So you'll see a lot of those below. This is an NYT roundup because my husband regularly sends me New York Times Cooking* recipes so I make a lot of them. My dad shared his NYT subscription with me so I don't have to keep logging in, but you can likely access NYT recipes for free through your library (Angelenos can go here). (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

Chickpeas al Limone with Burrata - This was super easy using mostly pantry ingredients. The directions are a little vague on when the chickpeas are done simmering, so I let them go until the beans started popping (there was still some liquid in the pan - I used a 3-quart cast iron braiser*). By itself, the chickpeas are just okay, but with the burrata, they were delicious.

Spicy Green Curry Steak - I use Mae Ploy Green Curry Paste,* which is fantastic - spicy but also tangy, and my older son calls this the best steak I make (which is saying something, if I do say so myself).

Seared Tofu with Kimchi - I really like this dish because it's so easy. It's great with rice, but for a truly low carb meal, you can serve it with tofu shirataki noodles.*

Turkey-Ricotta Meatballs - These meatballs are perfect for people who don't like tomato sauce, because they have a lot of flavor from the herb butter.

Refried White Beans with Chile-Fried Eggs - Protein lovers will want two eggs, otherwise this dish is perfect (and perfectly easy).

Sheet-Pan Bibimbap - I made this on repeat for a while, until we'd had it so often that we got sick of it. This is my favorite gochujang paste.

Cheesy, Spicy Black Bean Bake - This is another super easy recipe made from pantry ingredients.

Sheet-Pan Ratatouille with Goat Cheese and Olives - I make this every three to four weeks, because it's not just delicious, it's an excellent way of eating lots of vegetables. For me, the olives aren't necessary, but the goat cheese definitely is.

Tofu Scramble - Another super easy tofu dish that three out of the four of us really like.

Oven-Roasted Chicken Shawarma - I can't begin to count the number of times I've made this recipe. It's so good and the leftovers are great too.

Brussels Sprouts Buried in Cream - The recipe name says it all.

Eleven Madison Park Granola - I have to confess that I've never made this recipe exactly because I don't bake with nuts and I strongly dislike coconut. I've subbed in some ground flaxseed and hemp seeds, and tripled the pumpkin seeds. It's the best granola I've ever made (but it's probably also the highest in sugar and fat).

Brownies - My younger son wanted to make brownies so I decided to try this recipe. It was amazing warm, but I have to confess that my favorite brownie mix* is better, especially at room temp.

Roundup: Young Adults in Hotels, Local News, Mistplay Update and More

2026-08-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm an empty nester again, since both boys have now returned to college. The house is a little too quiet and my heart aches noticeably, but I also feel energized to do the things that I put off or aside while the house was full and there were more demands on my time. (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

Stella misses her brother!

- One of the things I had to do in getting the kids ready to head off again was set my 19-year-old up with a night in a hotel the day before dorms opened. He could have flown in on the day of, but logistically, flying in the day before made more sense. Most hotels have a minimum check-in age, and at a lot of them the minimum age is 21. For large chains, each hotel should list the minimum age on their details page, but I called the hotel I booked for him out of an abundance of caution and was told the minimum age is 21 even though the website said 18. Because the hotel is located within walking distance of his school, they immediately made an exception and said he'd have no problem checking in (and he didn't). So I'm sharing my story in case it's relevant for someone else.

- Speaking of college: Do you have or are you a student thinking about transferring colleges? Here's a great guide to transferring you should read before acting.

- For locals: Have you heard of LA Material?* They're a new-ish local news site that does fantastic work, and we need this kind of news to hold our leaders accountable.

- Update on Mistplay,* which I mentioned last week: I had a game fail to credit me points, so I contacted customer service and they credited the points manually. That was great. But then it happened again in another game and this time I didn't hear back, so I'm not sure I'm going to keep using them. (Missing game points has happened to me multiple times in Fetch, the other app I mentioned, and I've never had trouble getting those credited by customer service.)

- One of my favorite authors, Grace Burrowes, blogged about accomplishing something that makes a tangible visible difference as way to re-set and comfort herself when she feels overwhelmed. I've used the "just do something" strategy, but haven't thought about focusing on something that make a difference for a while, which I will do next time. The insight into her cavernous purse was fascinating too. (Ever since my kids were born and I had to lug a diaper bag everywhere, I rarely carry a purse - usually I just tuck my wallet, phone and keys into pockets.)

- Scripts are always helpful. Here are some possible calm responses when your teen is being difficult.

Finally, if you've driven down Beretania Street in Honolulu and wondered about the restaurant 8 Fat Fat 8, Onolicious has a review so I finally got to satisfy my curiosity. (I cannot tell you how many times I've driven past and wondered what it's like.)

Getting Ready to Apply to College 2026

2026-08-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Students are heading back to school, and a certain group of students known as high school seniors are about to enter an incredibly busy season. Not only do they have difficult classes (AP Calc kicked my butt back in the day), but it's also time to start applying to college. So here are a few tips for seniors that they might hear repeatedly or that might be new to them. And I've got some tips for parents too.

Check in with your counselor. It might be the college counselor or your guidance counselor, depending on your school's staff, but someone is going to be writing you a recommendation. It can be brief and superficial, or it can be in-depth and personalized. It's in your best interest to make sure your counselor knows you. Your counselor might even offer to let you have input on the recommendation they write for you. And do everything you can to make it easier for them, like completing a brag sheet.
Ditto regarding the teacher you asked for a recommendation. Unless none of the schools you apply to require a teacher recommendation (for example, you're only applying to public colleges in California), you'll need at least one (some colleges require two or even three). Hopefully you asked a teacher before junior year ended but if you didn't, now's the time! And if you did, now's the time to check in with that teacher. Ask what they want from you. If they are vague, you can offer to complete the Common App's brag sheet.
Apply to a range of schools. Apply to your dream school for sure - but if it's an Ivy or other super selective school, be realistic about your chances of getting in (for every 100 kids who apply - and almost all of them will have equally competitive applications - less than 10 will be admitted). So make sure you also apply to schools that are likely to let you in (which is actually most of the colleges in the U.S.).
The range concept also applies to affordability. Apply to USC, where the cost of attendance is over $100,000. But run their net price calculator so you know what to expect in terms of a financial aid package. And apply to other schools that you know your family can afford. (I have an upcoming post on that topic.) The key, however, is to make sure that every school that you apply to is one you'd be happy to attend if it's the only one that admits you.
Know your deadlines. Every college has its own application deadline, and you absolutely need to get your application in on (and preferably before) that date. But the financial aid application probably has a separate deadline and you don't want to miss that one either. (Also, it's best to get the FAFSA done earlier rather than later in case you're applying to a college that doles out aid on a rolling basis.) There may be other deadlines too - for scholarship applications, audition-based majors and more. Make sure you know when things are due.
Some of my favorite FREE resources where they've probably answered any question you might have:

- Getting In: A College Coach Conversation podcast: I've been a listener for years, and the experienced college admissions professionals on this podcast offer a wealth of information on just about any college-related topic you can think of.

- College Essay Guy: While CEG's greatest area of expertise is the essay, you'll find free resources related to the entire application.

- uAspire: They nail down the basics of financial aid, including a helpful checklist and links.

- California Student Aid Commission (CSAC): For California residents, CSAC is crucial. They have all the info on California's state aid, such as the Cal Grant and Middle Class Scholarship. Most of the top in-state private schools are participating institutions, so eligibility isn't limited to those attending a UC, CSU or community college.
Tips for parents:

- Let your student lead. We are not applying to college, they are. While you are a huge part of it, especially when it comes to money, it's their life. Ask them what they want from you. Something that works for many families is scheduling a weekly conversation about college applications, and avoiding the topic the rest of the week.

- Speaking of money, have "the conversation" early. Now is the time to let them know what you can afford, what you are willing to pay, and how much you expect them to contribute. Don't find yourself in late April breaking your child's heart by telling them that you can't afford their first choice school. Make them aware of that possibility now, and let them know that they need a scholarship to make it affordable.

- Also related to money: Prepare to file the FAFSA and, if necessary, the CSS Profile. Know what information you'll need to fill out the forms, such as which account balances you'll need to report (but you'll want to check those balances on the day that you're completing the FAFSA, not today). If you have a business that you'll need to include as an asset, make sure you know the valuation or get one now. Get your FSA ID now if you don't already have one (you'll need it to log in to complete and sign the FAFSA). Help your student get theirs because they'll need their own FSA ID.

- Make sure your student knows how proud you are of them, that you understand how stressful the application process can be, and that you're there for them. The best thing one of my kids said to me when I mentioned how scary heading off to college can be and that it's ok to struggle was But I know I have you and Dad always. That sense of security and love will get them through anything.

Do you have any college application-related questions that you want me to address?

Weekly Roundup: Tips for Humans, Sports Fans and Free Money Fans

2026-08-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here in Los Angeles, public schools have started so I pass lots of parents and kids walking to the local elementary school when I walk Stella in the morning - it really takes me back in time. I feel so bad for the kids that they have to go back when it's still so hot! I have a few tips below for inexpensive ways to keep your house from heating up but they wouldn't really work for classrooms. One of my boys is already back at college and the other heads back this weekend. As Gretchen Rubin says (and I've oft quoted), the days are long but the years are short. And that will never change. (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!):

This new post from Rachel Macy Stafford about offering yourself the same compassion you offer to others - and how hard and un-instinctive it is - really hit home for me.

If you have an iOS device and like sports, give the Apple Sports app a try. It's a quick way to find out when your favorite events are happening. For the Dodgers, it tells me when games are, who's pitching and what network the broadcast is on. It even gives me an alert when the game is about to start or something exciting is happening (e.g., Ohtani up with the bases loaded). It's not great for full rosters or stats though - for that I still use the ESPN app.

FREE MONEY alert: I've discovered that you can play games on your phone and make money. It sounds like a scam, but I started with an app I was already using and one I've talked about before here, Fetch. I've been using the Fetch app for years to earn points on receipts and things I buy, and as I've mentioned previously, one thing that's great about Fetch is that you can scan almost any receipt and get points - you don't need a specific offer to earn. That said, we're not talking a lot of money, though it does add up. But you can earn points by playing games and that can add up fast. There are quite a few different kinds of games, so pick what you enjoy (and don't spend a lot, if any, money on in-app purchases since that negates the free part of earning free money). If you're new to Fetch, you can read my original review and sign up for it here - if you use referral code R4NDF, we'll both get bonus points so thank you if you do!

Bonus FREE MONEY alert: I was doing well with Fetch games but after a while, I wasn't into the games they had so I decided to give Mistplay* a try. They have surveys as well as games, and I earn points faster in their games than I do on Fetch. The key is to meet the bonus goals within the short deadline provided, which is sometimes more work than it's worth. When a game becomes too demanding that way, I just delete it and download a new one.

Two low cost ways to cool your house: Our biggest complaint about our townhouse is that it's oriented to get full sun in the summer and not much direct sun in the winter. And since we're in Southern California, the summer sun is quite devastating. One thing we've done is install some removable paper blackout shades.* They come with a sticky edge you can use to hang them, but we just hang them over our vertical blinds using clips. (If you need more clips than they come with, binder clips work well.) They block the sun so that the room doesn't get so hot but they're easy to take down.

The second thing we've done is put up a patio umbrella* outside the sliding glass door to our patio and angled it to block the sun coming in through the windows. I've been shocked at how well it works.

One thing we've done that is more expensive and doesn't work as well is have the windows tinted. It doesn't work nearly as well as we'd hoped, which perhaps is because we couldn't go too dark due to our homeowners' association rules. But in any event, if you're thinking of going that route but are operating under similar constraints, try the other methods first and save your money.

Finally, if you (or your kid) like stuffed crust pizza but don't want to shell out for delivery, I discovered that Screamin' Sicilian makes a frozen one* that's quite good. It seems to be $8.99 but I found it on sale last week at Ralphs for $6.99, and it completely satisfied my son's craving. So I'll always have a box in the freezer when he's home from now on.

Book Roundup: The Best of What I've Read Lately

2026-08-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

I read a lot, and one of my rules is that I don't finish a book I'm not enjoying. I also don't recommend everything I do finish, usually because it was just okay. So every book you see here is one that I either loved reading or taught me a lot even if it made me uncomfortable, and I hope you'll find them enjoyable and/or valuable too. Most of these books I borrowed from the Los Angeles Public Library via the Libby app, which I highly recommend. (I've marked affiliate links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!):

Awake* by Jen Hatmaker - This is one of my favorite memoirs ever. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it, but I thought it was an amazingly honest and vulnerable work about a devastating time that somehow manages to be hopeful and loving and positive. I also found it inspiring, and I'm working to be more vulnerable and true to myself now.

Love is the Way* by Bishop Michael Curry - After I finished Awake, I listened to a bunch of Jen's podcasts. One of them was from the end of 2021, when her guest was Episcopal Bishop Michael Curry. I loved his message, so I then listened to his book. It may have changed my life. The message wasn't new - of course love is the way - but there was a practical aspect to the message that worked for me. I'm now trying to "sow seeds" everywhere. That's all. And that's everything.

Village Library cozy mysteries* by Elizabeth Spann Craig - I love when I read the first book in a series and enjoy it so much that I just keep going with the rest of the series. That's what happened with these books.

Somehow* by Anne Lamott - I've seen Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird* recommended by every writer, but I've never read it. (I think I tried it once but didn't get very far.) So I'm not sure what I expected when I listened to this book, but I ended up delighted - not just by the uplifting message that somehow life is good, but by her absolute deadpan delivery of absurd events and sentiments.

Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men* by Caroline Criado Perez - I've learned so much about gender disparities in the last five to ten years, but this book was the first to explain the subtle but real harms in a way that I understand. Just one example that resonated was the prioritization of snow plowing: For years in one city, the first streets plowed were the routes from residential areas to downtown, i.e., commuter routes for cars (driven mostly by men, who established the priority of plowing). And emergency room visits from people injured while walking escalated during this time. When the streets were plowed in different order with walkers in mind (who tended to be women running errands, walking kids to school, etc.), the emergency room visits plummeted.

Domestic Diva Mysteries* by Krista Davis - This is a delightful cozy mystery series with a fun cast of characters. The protagonist is someone I'd like to be friends with and aspire to be more like (she's an entertaining diva), plus she's got a great dog, good friends and a real frenemy.

Paws & Claws Mysteries* by Krista Davis - I actually read this series first, and enjoyed it so much that I found the Diva series. The true stars of this series are the animals - they solve the mysteries - and I absolutely love it!

Amelia Peabody series* by Elizabeth Peters - Set in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, this series is about English Egyptologists and stars a ridiculously independent and self-confident woman and her family and friends. There are history lessons in it too, and not just archaeological. I loved this series so much that I was devastated when I got to the last book and discovered that the co-author was a friend who finished it for the author because she had died. I would have loved more stories in the series.

City of Promises* by Victoria Thompson and Ellen Thompson - I just read this book and since I borrowed the digital version from the library, I barely glanced at the cover and didn't realize until the afterword that there was a co-author. I loved both of Victoria Thompson's Counterfeit Lady* and Gaslight Mysteries* series, and I was delighted at the crossover in City of Promises. So I was crushed in the afterword when again, I discovered that there was a co-author because the author had died. But at least this book felt like a finale.

Legends and Lattes series* by Travis Baldree - The first book in this series was recommended by a friend, and it's the first fantasy series I've enjoyed in a long time. The characters and stories are hilarious, and since there are only three novels, I really hope there are more to come.

The Art of Gathering* by Priya Parker - I wish I had read (or rather, listened to) this book years ago, when I was running PTA meetings and even before I started meeting with high school students over Zoom. It's full of practical advice on making meetings actually useful and parties more meaningful.

Maisie Dobbs series* by Jacqueline Winspear - Set in early to mid 20th-century England (mostly), this series taught me a lot about pre- and post-war life and politics in a way I'd never thought about (perhaps because I'm so American). The protagonist of this series is so unique and so very likeable yet also enigmatic. I was very sad when the author made it clear that Book 18 was the final book in the series.

Ruth Galloway mystery series* by Elly Griffiths - The characters are so marvelously flawed and human, but also still good people, and the mysteries are solid puzzles. I'm enjoying these books very much (currently on The Man in Black,* which is an interlude between books 12 and 13).

Last but definitely not least, Probable Caws* by Donna Andrews - I will be absolutely devastated when Donna Andrews stops writing the Meg Langslow* series. It's my favorite series of all time, I re-read the books all the time, and I can't wait for the next story.*

Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day! An Update + Roundup

2026-08-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello! It's been a while, and I appreciate you sticking around. (And yes, it really is Black Cat Appreciation Day - everything has a day now, doesn't it? At least this one is cute!) As I continue to navigate life's transitions - how do I have two adult children in college?! - I want to be more present here, and I'll be posting more from now on. In the meantime, a quick update is that the kids have been home for the summer and I love having my nest full. I'm a little surprised to admit that I actually won't mind when they're both off to school, though - it's easier to focus on "me, myself and I" when there's only two of us in the house! And I do want to focus on myself - physically (I've been having hip pains that won't go away completely), professionally (currently looking for a job) and spiritually/mentally (I've been reading some great books and listening to some great podcasts, which I'll share with you, if not below, then very soon). So let's get to that roundup (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!):

This Rachel Macy Stafford article from June on parenting grown children really hit home for me. It's something I've been thinking a lot about, especially since my oldest graduates from college next year. How do I let go yet still hold on as he enters true independence? Rachel's article resonated with me because she's going through it right now. I've also been remembering Gretchen Rubin's father's advice about switching from being an advisor to being a cheerleader. And wondering, when do you make that switch? Is now the time? I think it might be, and I've been trying to wrap my brain around what that looks like.

It's not that I've been much of a helicopter parent, especially since the kids started college. They've chosen their own courses and activities, and even their own living situations. If they've asked for advice, we've given it, but otherwise the only say we've had has been financial (e.g., "that apartment would be too expensive"). But reading about Rachel's daughter graduating from college and now living on her own in a city where she doesn't know anyone scares me a little. I'm hoping that the more I work things out in my head now, the less tightly I'll need to hold on when my son graduates.
I love Rachel so much that I pay to be a part of her Treehouse group on Substack, and in addition to helping me with her own work, she's introduced me to other teachers. One is psychiatrist Phil Stutz (his name might be familiar from a Netflix documentary about him, although I haven't watched it). Brene Brown also mentions him in her book Strong Ground,* so I went looking for podcasts with him. I listened to this Compassion in Action episode and it has spurred me into action (hence me writing - and publishing - this post). If you need a kick in the butt, maybe it'll help you too.
I finally got around to watching The Sheep Detectives* on Amazon Prime and loved it. I did a quick no-spoilers review for a friend with an 8-year-old, which was, "You have to be ok with murder as the main storyline and one sheep dying to protect other sheep (but there's zero goriness), otherwise it's great for kids." When I told my husband, he recommended Kids in Mind as a site that provides extremely detailed reviews for parents.
If you're local, you can find volunteer opportunities via L.A. Works. During the World Cup, I volunteered at a watch party sponsored by the city. Right now, opportunities include food distribution, home building, gardening and much more.
I've been doing a fair amount of traveling since last year, and decided that I love traveling when I can at least get premium economy. 😂 Since I used to be a deal blogger, I've always done ok with finding affordable trips, but I'm looking to elevate my game and learning a lot from The Daily Drop, whose "mission is to help new and seasoned travelers maximize credit card rewards, use miles and points smarter, and explore the world for cheap."
I've also discovered that needy dogs and traveling don't go well together. One option is to bring Stella along, which means finding pet-friendly places to stay and if flying is involved, then figuring that part out. She's small, which is good because I fly a lot on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, which have the smallest carrier limits I've seen - this is our carrier,* which has held up well and has some great features like an extra compartment that pops out, two ways to access from above, and a travel strap on the side for attaching to a suitcase handle.

The other option is leaving her at home, but she's a very attached dog who gets depressed when she's alone or even just not with her people. That makes traveling with my family but without her difficult. I've put the word out that I'm looking for a dog sitter who will let Stella come to them, so she at least she doesn't have to be alone, so 🤞. (I have sitters who would visit and feed her, but that wouldn't be enough for her.)
I guess this would be a good time for a Stella update, which is that she's great and a much loved family member. I wouldn't trade her for the world, but I did not anticipate having a dog who's super chill in most ways but hates being left alone. Her favorite thing is hanging out on the couch with her loved ones ... and treats. Lots and lots of treats. Apparently she has what's called velcro syndrome and possibly separation anxiety (not uncommon in rescues and lap dogs, which is quite the double whammy). I'm working on reducing both, although I don't think we'll ever be able to completely eliminate them. I have no idea what her first six years were like - I don't think she was abused, but she wasn't super well-cared for either, based on her health - so I'll always just be happy that she's settled in so well with our family.

We used the classic IKEA FRAKTA bags* to transport stuff home from college - but Stella thought they were for her! 😂😂
As for me, I've been applying for jobs, taking care of my family, and decluttering the house. I've been selling on Poshmark and Vinted, in addition to donating to Goodwill and the local animal shelter (I'm delighted the shelter will take old towels and linens). This is my Poshmark referral code, which gets you a $10 credit when you sign up. This is my Vinted referral code, which gets you up to a $15 credit ($5 for listing 3 items and $10 when you make your first sale). I'll get the same amounts when you use my code, so thank you if you do! And just let me know if you want me to share more about my selling experiences. (FYI, I've been a Poshmark seller for a while, but am quite new to Vinted.)

Finally, important news: the Pumpkin Spice Latte returns to Starbucks on August 25. In anticipation - and in the hope of enjoying PSL flavors without all of the calories and sugar - I bought the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte* creamer but it's nothing like the actual PSL. So I'm counting down until the 25th!

FAFSA and CSS Profile Roundup + another Menu Plan for Two

2025-10-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

How is it already the end of October?! I'm torn between wanting the time to fly by so my kids come home for Thanksgiving break, and wanting the time to slow down so they don't keep growing up so fast. But I guess parenting is always paradoxical, witness my favorite Gretchen Rubin quote, The days are long but the years are short. If you celebrate, I hope you have a great Halloween! Check out my Halloween Pinterest board for craft, food and costume ideas. (No, we haven't gotten Stella a costume, but she did have to wear her raincoat recently!)

It's that time of year again, so here's a roundup of FAFSA and CSS Profile-related links:

Top 10 Financial Aid Application Pitfalls: Don’t Lose Out on BIG SAVINGS!

Understanding IDOC: How to Upload and Track Your Documents

Verification Explained: What to Do if You're Selected

Decoding the CSS Profile

FAFSA and Divorce: Which parent holds financial aid responsibility?

3 Big 26/27 FAFSA mistakes that can cost you thousands of dollars

9 Things You Should Know About the CSS Profile

And a bonus pro tip from yours truly: Consider timing your FAFSA submission with when your bank account balances are at their lowest. For example, if you're a homeowner in Los Angeles County, you might submit the FAFSA right after you pay your monthly bills and your property taxes. You can even pay your property taxes in full, instead of the two installments. This can be particularly valuable if you're on the threshold of qualifying for certain forms of aid, e.g., California's Middle Class Scholarship, which has a cut-off of $250,000 for income and assets.

MENU PLAN FOR TWO - Oct. 27 - Nov. 2, 2025

Monday - Vegetable Beef Soup

Tuesday - Pili Pili Shrimp with Braised Cannellini Beans

Wednesday - Slow Roasted Miso Salmon

Thursday - Cheesy Gnocchi with Corn and Pesto

Friday - Pan Bagnat

Saturday - Sunday - dinner out

If you don't have a New York Times subscription to access their recipes, you might be able to get one through your local library - Angelenos can go here.

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my ~~monthly~~ periodic email newsletter!

Book Recommendations + A Pescatarian Menu Plan

2025-10-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

Partly because I've been traveling a fair amount, and partly because books are a form of escape for me to stop dwelling on how much I miss my kids, I've been reading a lot. So here's a roundup of books I've recently read/listened to and enjoyed (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!):

Stella didn't love this little dog park - she looked at me like "can we go now?" 😂😂

Maisie Dobbs* - I was enjoying this series anyway, but it's earned a special place in my heart like all books that give me an insight into me that I can't stop thinking about.

Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success* - I haven't finished this yet but I already love it for the insight it's given me about myself (hmm, do I sense a theme to this post?) and for the positive view it provides of the universe.

A Gentleman in Possession of Secrets* - The Lord Julian books* are one of my favorite series of all time, and the most recent installment just made me eager to read the next one.

Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries* - I enjoyed Maddie Day's Country Store mysteries*, and her Cozy Capers series is similarly pleasant.

Aunties series* - I love Jessie Q. Sutanto's quirky Vera Wong series*, and her 3-book Aunties series is delightful in its complete absurdity (not unlike the uncomfortably hilarious Finlay Donovan series*).

The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance* - I love watching sports so it was fascinating to explore just how much of athletic excellence is genetic.

Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space* - I was in elementary school when the Challenger blew up and I remember my dad telling me about it when I woke up. We had been so excited to see Christa McAuliffe in space, plus Ellison Onizuka was a Hawaii boy, so the mission felt special to us and its loss was devastating. Even though I was so young, I remember the villainizing of the O-rings and the disgust at the failures throughout what was supposed to be a multi-step safety check. It was good to replace the blurry info from my childhood with a clear understanding of why it went so wrong. (It's also helping me understand the challenges that SpaceX faces right now, since I recently read that they were experimenting with different tiles.)

Sealed with a Hiss* - I enjoyed the latest book in Rita Mae Brown's Mrs. Murphy series* as much as the first.

What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures* - This was a book on climate change that sought to be positive, which I appreciated, and it gave me a new perspective on climate change and possible solutions that I haven't gotten from other sources. I learned about Earthjustice, whose motto is "Because the earth needs a good lawyer." Through them, I've already sent a dozen emails to various government authorities urging them to do what's right instead of what's profitable.

Disasterology: Dispatches from the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis* - From What If We Get It Right?, I learned the term "disasterology" and listened to the audiobook by that name. Disasterology is a branch of emergency management, and this was a pragmatic, informative view of what actually happens after a disaster (and how they can be prevented in the first place).

MENU PLAN FOR TWO - Oct. 13 - 19, 2025

Monday - Leftovers

Tuesday - Hoisin Glazed Salmon

Wednesday - Anchovy Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese

Thursday - Sheet Pan Ratatouille with Crispy Chickpeas (still getting around to this)

Friday - Lentils with Burrata and Breadcrumbs

Saturday - Sushi Bake

Sunday - Baked Polenta Squares (maybe this week 😂)

If you don't have a New York Times subscription to access their recipes, you might be able to get one through your local library - Angelenos can go here.

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my ~~monthly~~ periodic email newsletter!

Link Roundup + A Menu Plan That's Mostly Vegetarian

2025-10-06T22:23:00.000-07:00

I'm finally at the point where I'm still missing the kids but I can also appreciate how nice it is that it's just two of us and Stella. Meals are a lot easier, and I'm doing a lot less marketing. However, I'd like to get more projects done (like steam cleaning the carpets), so I'd better get going - after all, it's already October! Have a wonderful week 😊(I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!):

I put boots on Stella in the hope that she wouldn't get so sandy at the park ...
she didn't love it! 😂

Tips for successfully completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

Dan Pink's summary of the best productivity advice.

Get a FREE Nestle Toll House Cookie Taco kit on 10/7, 11/6 and 12/4.

If you have a second grader in California, CalKIDS might have at least $500 in FREE scholarship money for them.

My new favorite phone game is Travel Town* - it's a matching game that I find very satisfying, and a fabulous distraction from missing my kids.

MENU PLAN FOR TWO - Oct. 6 - 12, 2025

Monday 10/6 - Leftovers

Tuesday 10/7 - Gochujang Potato Stew (been meaning to make this for a while)

Wednesday 10/8 - Sheet Pan Ratatouille with Crispy Chickpeas (didn't get to this last week either)

Thursday 10/9 - Crispy Black Bean Tacos

Friday 10/10 - Tuna Noodle Casserole

Saturday 10/11 - Dinner out

Sunday 10/12 - Baked Polenta Squares (not sure what I'm going to serve them with yet, probably veggies and a runny egg)

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my ~~monthly~~ periodic email newsletter!

Link Roundup, Financial Aid and Another Menu Plan for Two

2025-09-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm gradually catching up on all the things I put off while the kids were home, including going through my saved links, so below you'll find a roundup from the last couple of months. Have a fabulous week!

This is my favorite thing that Stella does!

I enjoyed this post about why your teen still needs you to "tuck them in" at night.

Some advice on dealing with negative self-talk at work.

How AI might be affecting your banking.

It might be good to join multiple, varied social groups.

Why you should have a trust even if estate taxes won't apply.

I'm not sure how I feel about the 6-to-1 grocery shopping method.

What "natural flavors" really means.

What it's like to work on Tasktabbit.

How to warm corn tortillas so they don't break (I needed this last week!).

Your library card might give you free access to state parks.

It's that time of year - to file the FAFSA and apply for financial aid. Here is some helpful info:

Understanding the Student Aid Index (College Financial Aid Advisors)

The Documents You'll Need for Financial Aid (College Financial Aid Advisors)

Assets on the FAFSA (The College Financial Lady)

Building Your College List: Key Financial Questions to Ask (Capstone Wealth Partners)

MENU PLAN FOR TWO - Sept. 29 - Oct. 5, 2025

Monday 9/29 - Garlic Alfredo Spaghetti Squash (didn't get to this last week)

Tuesday 9/30 - Salmon Chirashizushi

Wednesday 10/1 - Sheet Pan Ratatouille with Crispy Chickpeas

Thursday-Sunday 10/2-10/5 - Dinner out

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my ~~monthly~~ periodic email newsletter!

Recipe Roundup + Menu Plan for Two

2025-09-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm overdue for this recipe roundup, which covers new recipes I tried over the last few months (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!):

Crispy Tofu Tacos (NYT) - This was unusual but also easy and very much something I will make again. The recipe says it makes 8-10 tacos, which is accurate - what it doesn't say is that 2 tacos makes a nice serving, so the recipes serves 4-5. Next time I will go with street taco tortillas and double them, or use flour tortillas (regular taco-sized corn tortillas just fell apart).
Epic Chunky Beef and Mushroom Pie (RTE) - I would make this again, although I thought it needed more salt than the recipe called for (or maybe I didn't season the beef enough before I browned it). As the recipe suggested in an aside, I made the stew the night before, and I think the wait time deepened the flavor considerably.
Copycat Raising Canes (TikTok) - I made this with my son and it was fantastic, although we ended up with at least twice as much sauce as we needed.
Gochujang Potato Stew (NYT) - I would totally make this again, and highly recommend doubling the amount of beans for extra protein and body.
Chicken Mushroom Pie with Duchess Potatoes (RTE) - This was a time-consuming, high-effort recipe, and I didn't even bother piping the potatoes! It was delicious, but I don't think it's worth the effort to make again.
Lemon Chicken with Potatoes and Chickpeas (Smitten Kitchen) - This was kind of the opposite of the chicken pie, i.e., easy and low-effort. And my kids liked it so I'm definitely making it again.
Quick Asian Caramelised Beef Noodles (RTE) - I like how easy this dish is, although it takes longer for me than the recipe says (maybe because I use these delicious ramen noodles*).

If you don't have a New York Times subscription to access their recipes, you might be able to get one through your local library - Angelenos can go here.

MENU PLAN FOR TWO - Sept. 22 - 28, 2025

I'm making the adjustment to cooking for two, and while I miss my boys, I have to admit dinner time is easier now. 😝 I might decide to take off a night or two, but having a plan makes it less likely that I will.

Monday 9/22 - Baked French Toast (we have a loaf of challah that needs to be used up), bacon, eggs, fruit

Tuesday 9/23 - Sticky Miso Salmon Bowl

Wednesday 9/24 - Baked Polenta with Mushrooms

Thursday 9/25 - Garlic Alfredo Spaghetti Squash

Friday 9/26 - Gochujang Potato Stew

Saturday 9/27 - Curry Rice (didn't get to this last week)

Sunday 9/28 - Penne with Brussels Sprouts, Chile and Pancetta

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my ~~monthly~~ periodic email newsletter!

A Big Transition, Link Roundup & A Week Menu Plan for 2

2025-09-16T15:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry to disappear for a month but it's been ... hard. Last month, we delivered our younger son to his college, and a few days ago, we dropped our older son off at his off-campus apartment so our nest is now truly empty. It's weird how empty the house feels, and I'm so glad that Stella is a part of our lives now. Her arrival allowed me to spend extra time with both kids, and she's good company, not to mention a good reason to get out of bed early every day. (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

I found myself crying a little bit while reading Jen Hatmaker's First Day of School PSA: College Version. I loved the little anecdote of the college moms sitting next to each other on the plane with wine and napkins. 😂 I needed the reminder that my kids will be fine. My job is to be there to cheer them on, and to take care of myself - not to confuse their lives with my life. I've always tried to do that, but there's less separation when they're living under your roof. It's going to be bizarre not taking into account what they want for dinner, or their schedule, and so on.

But we'll adjust, all of us. I just realized that for the last month, I've been re-reading my favorite series, Donna Andrews' Meg Langslow cozy mysteries,* because it's so comforting. I could do with a little cosseting. I've been splurging on Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and going for long(ish) walks with Stella (her legs are short - we can't walk that much, although I now have a pet sling* so I can "wear" her when she gets tired). And I'll be cooking more meatless meals (the boys love their meat).

I wish I had some words of wisdom for all of us about transitions and phases of life, but all I have is a roundup of links below 😂:

An article about why we spiral - "Big responses to small experiences can help us see what lies beneath the surface."

Everything you ever wanted to know about jellyroll pans.

The new best way to wash produce.

Good tips for buying frozen shrimp - I didn't know about the origin/processing thing.

If you want to make tofu from scratch, Just One Cookbook has you covered.

Ever heard of junk journaling? Apparently there are lots of meet ups.

I love oysters but have always been afraid of shucking them myself. I'm still afraid, but this LAT article makes it sound doable.

I'm about halfway through Tamsen Fadel's excellent How to Menopause* - I wish I'd had it in my late 30's. I wouldn't have had symptoms but it would have been useful to know all the info that she shares before they started.

MENU PLAN FOR TWO - Sept. 15 - 21, 2025

It's weird just cooking for two. The first couple of days, I didn't cook at all. We ate leftovers and stuff from the freezer. In fact, I predict that at least one of the meals below won't get made because we're having leftovers (or better yet, a spontaneous date night), and that's more than ok with me. You might notice a lot more tofu and a lot less meat ... because I can! Also, I'm reverting back to one-week menus til I get the hang of cooking for two.

Monday 9/15 - Breakfast for dinner

Tuesday 9/16 - Salmon Chirashizushi

Wednesday 9/17 - Beef and Mushroom Pie

Thursday 9/18 - Crispy Tofu Tacos

Friday 9/19 - Gochujang Potato Stew

Saturday 9/20 - Curry Rice (Japanese style)

Sunday 9/21 - Dinner out

(For locals: To access NYT recipes through the library, go here.)

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my ~~monthly~~ periodic email newsletter!

Roundup: Zojirushi Rice Cooker for $67, How to Use Your 529 & FREE Chipotle

2025-08-05T10:44:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's August and that my son leaves for college in just a few weeks! In the meantime, I'm trying to enjoy every moment I get of my full house. It helps that the boys both love Stella, who has been the perfect addition to our family and lures them away from their video games. She's even improved my social life, because I've been walking with friends almost every morning. 😊 I hope you have a great fortnight! (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

This is my favorite pose of Stella's - when she puts her nose down between her paws! 😆

Target shoppers* can get a Zojirushi Fuzzy Logic 5.5 Cup Rice Cooker for just $88.19 (40% off) - or get it for as low as $67.02 if you're a verified student (20% off with Target Circle* offer) and Target Circle Card* holder (an extra 5% off). My family has had Zojirushi rice cookers my entire life, and I use mine all the time (which is very similar to the one currently on sale).

With all of the wildfires here in California, it's a good idea to know how to protect yourself from the smoke. FWIW, we have a couple of these Coway Air Purifiers,* which we got after a wildfire some years back. And these are my favorite masks* (I still wear them on airplanes when going to visit my parents), and these are the masks my kids prefer* (I make them wear them too 😂).

The College Financial Lady explains all the things you can use a 529 account to pay for.

If you're a Chipotle Rewards member, you should check your account - you might have an offer for a FREE item every day through August 11.

Believe it or not, a lot of schools are starting soon (my cousins went back today!), but there's still a month left for teens to take advantage of Planet Fitness's FREE Summer Pass for 14-19 year olds.

TWO WEEK MENU PLAN - Aug 4 - 17, 2025

Monday 8/4 - Miso Soba Salad (delayed a day after I found 50% off chicken thighs at Whole Foods on Sunday morning 😂)

Tuesday 8/5 - Crispy Rice with Spicy Salmon

Wednesday 8/6 - Copycat Raising Cane's

Thursday 8/7 - Gochujang Potato Stew (didn't get to this last week)

Friday 8/8 - Spinach Artichoke Dip

Saturday 8/9 - Breakfast for Dinner: French toast, Sausage, Eggs, Fruit

Sunday 8/10 - Duchess Potato Chicken Mushroom Pie

Monday 8/11 - Sliders

Tuesday 8/12 - Parmesan Crusted Salmon

Wednesday 8/13 - Tempura

Thursday 8/14 - Calamari

Friday 8/15 - Meatball Heroes

Saturday 8/16 - Mac & Cheese

Sunday 8/17 - Dinner out

(For locals: To access NYT recipes through the library, go here.)

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my ~~monthly~~ periodic email newsletter!

Roundup: Stella Update, Student Loans (this year and next), Books + 2-Week Menu Plan

2025-07-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

Our rescue dog Stella is settling in nicely, and she's the best thing that could have happened to our family. My boys are spending more time out of their rooms (and away from their gaming computers) so they can spend time with her, which means I'm getting more time with them. Everyone loves her and she's as adorable as can be, with the perfect personality for me. (Truth: I didn't want to rescue a dog just to save one; I also wanted to avoid getting a puppy because I wanted to skip that incredibly cute but very demanding stage.) Have a great fortnight! (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

If you're a parent of young adults, make sure your children give you the authority to act on their behalf should an emergency arise. I used Mama Bear Legal Forms* and their young adult package for both of my kids. It includes a Medical Power of Attorney, a Financial Power of Attorney, and a HIPAA release form. Once your child signs the forms (which you might want to get notarized), you just hold onto them and hope you'll never need them. But if, say, your child was in the hospital and unconscious, you'd be able to show the hospital staff the medical power of attorney and they could tell you about your child's condition. If your child is in college, have them also sign a FERPA waiver so the college can give you information about your student.

If you're a parent or student who needs loans to pay for college, now is the time of year to sign those promissory notes. Students should take out the Federal Direct Loan first - it will have the lowest interest rate of any student loan available. New borrowers will have to go through student loan entrance counseling so they understand the consequences of taking out loans. Anyone intending to take out a private loan should check with the college's financial aid office to see if they recommend any lenders, and definitely shop around for the lowest interest rate.

Joe Messinger has an update on the impact of the Big Beautiful Bill on federal financial aid.

Last month, author Dan Pink shared 21 books that have changed his life. I've only read two of them - Grit* by Angela Duckworth and Mindset* by Carol Dweck. Some of them I'd heard of, some of them I'd never heard of, and a few of them I'd even tried reading before but never finished. I'll be giving all of them a try, because I trust Dan Pink's advice that much (and I totally agree that Grit and Mindset were terrific).

Author Joanna Campbell Slan, who writes the Kiki Lowenstein cozy mystery series*, is giving away two FREE full-length books - a prequel to the Kiki series and the fourth book in her Cara Mia Delgatto cozy mystery series.* I read both series a couple of years ago and enjoyed them.

Through July 27, Costco members can get $3 off a 2-pack of Rao's marinara in-store only. Rao's is my favorite jarred sauce (it's also Whole 30 compliant) and this is the best price I can find.

I'm all about whole foods, but I have to admit to skepticism over 100 Days of Real Food's Bone Broth Hot Chocolate. I might give it a try just out of curiosity (and the recommended Kettle and Fire* bone broth is my go-to brand.)

TWO WEEK MENU PLAN - July 21 - Aug 3, 2025

Monday 7/21 - Cauliflower Parm (didn't get to this last week)

Tuesday 7/22 - Crispy Rice with Spicy Salmon (this was sooo good, we're having it again already)

Wednesday 7/23 - Cheesy Chickpea Melts

Thursday 7/24 - Slow Cooker Carnitas Tacos

Friday 7/25 - Lentils with Burrata and Breadcrumbs

Saturday 7/26 - Sheet Pan Bibimbap

Sunday 7/27 - Crispy Tofu Tacos

Monday 7/28 - Baked Ziti (using some of that Rao's sauce)

Tuesday 7/29 - Gochujang Potato Stew

Wednesday - Saturday 7/30 - 8/2 - Dinner out

Sunday 8/3 - Miso Soba Salad

(For locals: To access NYT recipes through the library, go here.)

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my ~~monthly~~ periodic email newsletter!

Roundup: Meet Stella! Plus Shutterfly Freebies, Dog Training Videos & a 2-Week Menu Plan

2025-07-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

Things have been changing around my home, and it started with my decision to post roundups every other week with a 2-week menu plan. And then we got a dog! Meet Stella:

She's a six-year-old Maltese that we rescued, and she's as sweet and chill as can be. The 4th of July fireworks didn't bother her, and as long as she's with someone, she's happy. My kids are both over the moon to have a dog, and I'm glad I'll have a companion when they're both off at college. So we're all adjusting to Stella's needs and creating a new routine, while I try not to think too much about how my nest will be empty in a couple of months.

If you have any advice for adapting to life with a dog, please share! And have a great week 😄(I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

I feel a little foolish admitting this, but it wasn't until recently that I finally got a pair of gardening shears* for when I get flowers. They make cutting stems so easy that I can't believe I didn't think to get a pair earlier!

Through tomorrow (7/8), get a FREE mug, cotton tote bag, set of playing cards, and/or set of coasters with code 4FREE at Shutterfly.* And if you purchase any products that aren't free, go through Mr. Rebates* to get a 1% rebate.

I now get served all kinds of dog training videos on TikTok, but my favorite is Jamie Diaz.

TWO WEEK MENU PLAN - July 7 - 20, 2025

Monday 7/7 - Enfrijoladas (although my shortcut is to use a can of Herdez Salsa Verde-* instead of making it from scratch)

Tuesday 7/8 - Crispy Rice with Spicy Salmon

Wednesday 7/9 - Quick Asian Caramelised Beef Ramen Noodles

Thursday 7/10 - Baked French Toast (I have some brioche rolls in the freezer I'd like to use up), Sausage, Eggs, Fruit

Friday 7/11 - Miso Chicken with Rice

Saturday 7/12 - Roasted Cauliflower and Sardine Pasta

Sunday & Tuesday 7/13-15 - Dinner out

Wednesday 7/16 - Lemon Chicken with Potatoes and Chickpeas

Thursday 7/17 - Tortitas de Espinaca

Friday 7/18 - Chicken Tinga Tacos

Saturday 7/19 - Anchovy Mozzarella + Pesto Melts

Sunday 7/20 - Cauliflower Parm

(For locals: To access NYT recipes through the library, go here.)

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my ~~monthly~~ periodic email newsletter!

Roundup: Sandwich for a group, FREE gym pass, facial care and camps + Updates on federal student loan changes and rates

2025-06-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hello! Apologies that my one-week break turned into a three-week break! When I came home from my trip, I got Covid and it knocked me for a loop for a while. But I'm finally feeling close to normal and able to do all my usual things ... including applying for jobs and looking for a dog to rescue. My nest will start emptying in less than two months, and I start to cry if I think about it too much. Rachel Macy Stafford's honesty about her trepidation about her own empty nest has been a huge comfort, and I definitely need to find something to distract me since another home reno is not an option. 😂😂 I hope you have a great week!

Here's a great sandwich to make for a group - I have subbed chiffonaded spinach for the lettuce and it's been delicious.

Students aged 14-19 can get a FREE High School Summer Pass at Planet Fitness.

Consulting firm McKinsey has a list of skills citizens will need in the future world of work.

Joe Messinger has an update on the proposed changes to federal student aid.

Slickdeals has details on how to get two FREE L'Oreal facial care at CVS.

Money Saving Mom has details on FREE Apple Store camps this summer.

The College Financial Lady reports on the new federal student loan interest rates. I particularly appreciate her explanation for why it almost always makes the most sense for students to borrow the direct loans available to them each year before any other loans.

WEEKLY MENU PLAN - June 23, 2025

After a few weeks of winging it, depending on how I was feeling, I'm excited to get back to planning out my menus. But I'm going to stick to mostly tried-and-true recipes to make things easy on myself as I get back into the swing of things.

Monday - Breakfast (Sausage, Eggs, Pancakes)

Tuesday - Chirashizushi with salmon

Wednesday - Chilaquiles Brunch Casserole

Thursday - Ramen* with Ajitsuke Tamago

Friday - Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Ragu

Saturday - Baked Sushi

Sunday - Charcuterie Board

(For locals: To access NYT recipes through the library, go here.)

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my ~~monthly~~ periodic email newsletter!

Weekly Roundup: FREE Meat from ButcherBox + No Menu Plan

2025-05-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

I'm headed out of town for the longest trip I've taken alone since before my kids were born, so I have no menu plan for this week, and there won't be a post next week. I'll be back in two weeks, which somehow will be June. 😱 Be well! (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

New ButcherBox members get a FREE box ($169 value) when you use my referral code* plus FREE ground beef for life. I've been a ButcherBox member since the beginning of the pandemic, and even though I go to the grocery store all the time, I still get regular deliveries because the prices are reasonable and the meat is high quality.

Dan Pink shared about the Pottery Class Paradox.

A professional organizer's advice for efficiently stocking a side-by-side fridge.

My favorite chocolate maker is trying to navigate the tariffs.

As a college counselor, I'm obviously a huge proponent of going to college. But it's not for everyone, so here's some advice on how to get paid to learn a trade.

Joe Messinger reports on proposed massive changes to federal student financial aid.

For those (with students) who are thinking of transferring colleges, here's a guide.

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my ~~monthly~~ periodic email newsletter!

Weekly Roundup: Colleges still accepting applications, Grace Burrowes & her latest book + Avoiding decision fatigue

2025-05-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

There's less than a month until my son graduates from high school and I no longer have "school-age children." The time has truly flown by, although as Gretchen Rubin says, The days are long but the years are short. I hope you have a great week! (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

Do you know a student who wants to go to college next year but didn't apply during the fall/winter or is unsatisfied with their current options? NACAC (the National Association for College Admission Counseling) has a list of schools that are still taking applications.

Grace Burrowes, one of my favorite authors, wrote about hearing loss and its impact on mental acuity.

And speaking of Grace Burrowes, her latest Lord Julian book* is now available (in print at least) and since it's my current favorite series, I'm super excited.

WEEKLY MENU PLAN - May 12, 2025

I realized this past week that one thing my menu plan saves me from is decision fatigue. I can change my mind and often do, but somehow knowing that there's already a plan prevents that heavy feeling of "ugh, what's for dinner?"

Monday - Spinach Artichoke Dip (didn't get to this last week)

Tuesday - Maple and Miso Sheet-Pan Salmon with Green Beans

Wednesday - Roast Chicken (also didn't get to this last week)

Thursday - Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake (I'll double this recipe and stick a pan in the freezer)

Friday - Turkey Ricotta Meatballs

Saturday - Enfrijoladas

Sunday - Slow Cooked Shredded Beef Ragu Pasta

(For locals: To access NYT recipes through the library, go here.)

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my ~~monthly~~ periodic email newsletter!

Weekly Roundup: Happy Mother's Day! + Paying for College & This Week's Menu Plan

2025-05-05T08:30:00.000-07:00

Apologies for disappearing for two weeks! I was running late with a post and then I rushed out of town to handle a family emergency (everything is fine now). I ended up being out of town every weekend in April, which is kind of crazy because I haven't been much of a traveler since I was much younger. But my younger son has committed to a college in the Pacific Northwest, so there will be more travel in my future. 😊 And I'm getting ready to work with another group of students on their college applications!

Sunday is Mother's Day, so Happy Mother's Day to all the moms! 💐 But I know this can be a hard day, if not always, then some years. So if that's you this year, please know that you are not alone.

(I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

Different factors and strategies to consider if you're trying to figure out how you'll pay for college this fall.

Do you have misconceptions about liberal arts colleges? (Full disclosure: I'm a huge fan of them.)

Lemon Elderflower Cordial Slices are one of those things I'm glad exist but that I won't make.

Maybe I'll make a cheesecake board for Mother's Day.

WEEKLY MENU PLAN - May 5, 2025

Monday - Ramen*

Tuesday - Salmon Chirashizushi

Wednesday - Roast Chicken (I use my air fryer* for this so it's super easy)

Thursday - Salmon Takikomi Gohan

Friday - Spinach Artichoke Dip

Saturday - Baked Beef Tacos

Sunday - Dinner out

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my ~~monthly~~ periodic email newsletter!

Tips for Saving Money by Cooking and Eating at Home + Weekly Menu Plan

2025-04-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I'm a little freaked out by what's going on with the national economy right now. I've been thinking a lot about saving money, and how the best way to do it, at least for us, is to cook and eat at home. We do it a lot anyway, but there are ways to do it more cheaply than I usually do. Read on for my best tips, and have a great week! (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

SAVING MONEY BY COOKING AND EATING AT HOME

- MENU PLAN. It's my hands-down, #1 tip for saving money by cooking and eating at home. It's why I've been posting a weekly menu plan at the bottom of my weekly posts here. Here are some of my best tips for menu planning.

- Prep for some easy meals. This could be in the form of freezer meals, pantry meals, or meal prep (where you prep a week's worth of meals after doing your grocery shopping).

- Shop the sales. Stock up when your tried-and-true favorites are discounted so you're never paying full price. (For example, I like Rao's marinara, which is on sale at Costco right now so I just bought half a dozen jars. It's easily the lowest price for Rao's that I'll find.) Better yet, plan your menu around sales for perishable items. If ground beef is on sale, have beef tacos. If the sale is on chuck roast, pop a roast in the slow cooker. If you have the freezer space, buy enough for multiple meals and prep your meals before freezing. The Family Freezer has tips on freezing meals for the slow cooker.

- Keep a price book. I'm not sure how well this will work if prices keep going up, but a price book helps you keep track of how much you spend on something so you know when something is a stock up price. I've written more about price books (with a free template).

- Be realistic about your adjustments. If you hardly ever cook, then commit to cooking three times a week. If paying extra for pre-cut vegetables means you'll actually cook and eat them, then go ahead and do it. It'll still be cheaper than eating out (or even take-out).

- Plan for meals out. You don't have to cook every meal for yourself. And knowing that you can eat out can help you stick to your cooking goals.

What's your best tip?

WEEKLY MENU PLAN - April 14, 2025

Monday - Chili (although I will use ground turkey and add some ground chipotle)

Tuesday - Poke Bowls

Wednesday - Breakfast (blueberry muffins, eggs, spam)

Thursday - Chicken Alfredo Bake (making a double batch so I can freeze a pan)

Friday - Dinner out

Saturday - Crispy Gnocchi with Sausage and Broccoli

Sunday - Slow Cooker Pot Roast

(For locals: To access NYT recipes through the library, go here.)

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my ~~monthly~~ periodic email newsletter!

Weekly Roundup: Food Allergy Research, Saving Leftover Tomato Paste, ROI on College

2025-04-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

Happy April! I'm taking my son on several admitted student visits this month, which is exciting and overwhelming at the same time. And that's just me, so I imagine it's even more so for him 😂 With that in mind, I'm trying not to pressure him in any way. (But it's hard.) (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

A conversation with the founder/CEO of the nonprofit that provides the most funds for food allergy research (and I'd never even heard of them until reading this).

A clever way to save leftover tomato paste. (For years, I've flattened the leftover paste in a zip top baggie and frozen it so I can break off pieces, but the premeasurement is a great idea.)

There are many things I will just admire and never make myself, even though I could, and these Delft sugar cookies (that look so much like the iconic china) are at the top of that list.

One way of looking at ROI (Return on Investment) when it comes to paying for college.

WEEKLY MENU PLAN - April 7, 2025

I'm clearing out my pantry, so I'm still focusing on using ingredients I already have this week. What's your favorite pantry meal?

Monday - The Most Amazing Canned Tuna Pasta (that's really what the recipe is called 😂)

Tuesday - Poke Bowls

Wednesday - Creamy Asparagus Pasta with Peas and Mint

Thursday - Meatball Heroes

Friday-Sunday - Dinner out

(For locals: To access NYT recipes through the library, go here.)

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my ~~monthly~~ periodic email newsletter! (I sent one out last week and one lucky reader received a $50 restaurant gift card 😄)

Recipe Reviews + Weekly Menu Plan

2025-03-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

It's time for another recipe roundup, in which I review new-to-me recipes that I've made recently. Let me know if there's a recipe I need to try! (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake - This was fine, but it wasn't my favorite salmon dish and I don't think I'll make it again. I love the tray bake concept though.

Broccolini, Sausage and Orzo Skillet - I thought I had orzo but didn't, so it was a good thing some of the comments mentioned subbing rice for the orzo. I used basmati and diced (rather than sliced) the sausage, and it came out great.

Carrot Risotto with Chile Crisp - I found this too spicy, but my husband loved it. If you can stand the heat, it's a great meatless main.

Nigella's Chocolate Guinness Cake - The cake was oddly flavorless, although the texture was nice. The cream cheese frosting made the cake pleasant, but I won't be making this again. I prefer Hummingbird High's Chocolate Stout Cake.

Lemon Tiramisu - If you buy lemon curd instead of making it from scratch, this recipe would be super easy. I did make the curd from scratch, and it was still easy, but I used a lot of dishes. It's a very lemony dessert, but delicious if you like lemon (one of my kids said it was too lemony for him and only ate a bite). I used three boxes of Natural Nectar ladyfingers* for one recipe.

Hot Butterscotch Cake with Butterscotch Sauce from Nagi Maehashi's Delicious Tonight* - I thought this was good but not great, so next time I'll try her Self Saucing Butterscotch Pudding instead.

WEEKLY MENU PLAN - March 31, 2025

I want to clear out my pantry some, so I'm focusing on using ingredients I already have this week. What's your favorite pantry meal?

Monday - Tuna Zucchini Casserole

Tuesday - Salmon Chirashizushi

Wednesday - Quick Asian Caramelised Beef Ramen Noodles

Thursday - Slow Cooker BBQ Brisket

Friday - Vegetarian Skillet Chili

Saturday - Dinner out

Sunday - Dinner out

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my ~~monthly~~ periodic email newsletter! (I'm sending one out today!)

College Admissions: Perspectives for Parents from a Parent-Counselor

2025-03-29T16:00:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year when high school seniors have been notified whether they've been admitted to a college and now they have to decide where they're going to attend. It's my second time sitting in the parent chair (my first as a certified college counselor) and I have thoughts:

1) Early admission is awesome if your student is a strong candidate. I knew my younger son was a great candidate for merit scholarships because he had excellent grades and high test scores, and I was right. He got into many schools and received fantastic merit scholarship offers that are, frankly, necessary for us to be able to afford these schools. These early notifications of admission helped all of us breathe a little easier.

However, there are good reasons not to apply early. These include wanting senior year's first semester grades to be considered as part of the application, and not submitting rushed essays.

2) Not getting in is frustrating. It's baffling who gets in and who doesn't, even to college counselors. Students (including my own children) who I thought were shoe-ins have been waitlisted or even denied admission.

One California student is suing the UC system alleging that the only reason he didn't get in was race. I don't see how he can prevail, though. He was denied admission at the five most competitive campuses, and they all review applications holistically. The lawyer in me says there's no way he can prove that the admissions committees had no reason other than race for not offering admission. Off the top of my head, I'd speculate that his essays were less than compelling and/or his activities were limited (the article mentions he founded a software company while still in high school, but doesn't mention anything else). Plus, the student's major, computer science, is consistently one of the most competitive majors to get in to.

There is no transparency in the college admissions process, so students never know why they weren't admitted. The article says the student's attorneys want to force the UCs into transparency. (So does the federal government.) I think transparency would be great, but even if they get it, I don't think they're going to find what they're looking for. Admissions officers constantly disagree about who to admit, and race doesn't have to come into it.

While I'd love to know why my kids and the students I've worked with weren't admitted to certain schools where I know they were strong candidates, I have to accept that I never will. And I can live with that, because they all got into other excellent schools and will thrive where they eventually end up.

3) You probably won't have to pay the full cost of attendance. This is almost certainly true if the cost of attendance is significantly more than your SAI (formerly known as the EFC). Even colleges that don't meet a student's full need will usually offer some need-based aid. And those merit scholarships I mentioned? They can make private schools cost less than state schools.

However, the changing DOE landscape and possible changes to federal aid availability will likely change things at the institutional level. There is a lot of uncertainty because of this. That means it's extra important to not only choose an affordable college but to make sure you understand your financial aid package and its components. This includes knowing what is required to maintain merit scholarships, how much of your package is need-based aid that might not be available in the future (contact the college's financial aid office), and what loans you might need to take out in order to graduate. (See Joe Messinger's thoughts about this too.)

4) There just isn't enough information about how to pay for college. The only reason I was prepared when my older child went to college was that I'd been educating myself for years. Affordability is as important a consideration in deciding where to apply for college as academic and social fit.

Families need to use net price calculators, take a good hard look at their finances, and have honest conversations about what's affordable. They also need to file the FAFSA in a timely manner, find out if there's any state aid available, and plan for how they're going to pay for college before their student commits to a school. Do some research - I just talked to a parent of a senior who had never heard of California's Middle Class Scholarship.

Admittedly, most people won't find this fun (I do, but I'm nerdy that way). But it's how families can make sure they can afford colleges that are a good fit for their student.

5) Make sure you understand what you're getting into if you take out student/family loans. The standard advice is to limit the total amount borrowed to what the student expects to earn in their first year after college. For example, if the student plans to be a teacher earning $60,000 right after graduation, they shouldn't borrow more than $60,000 during college. That's a total of $60,000, or $15,000 per year.

If parents are going to borrow money, they should make sure they're not sacrificing their own financial well-being to do so. You won't be able to borrow money to pay for your retirement, and you'll be paying back loans.

If you do decide to borrow money, be aware of the different types of loans available. In general, loans from the federal government will have the lowest interest rates. Direct subsidized loans will be interest-free while the student is still in college, so those should always be the first loans taken out.

With the changing economic and educational climate, I think it's worth considering taking out any subsidized loan while it's available if you think there's any chance you'll need to borrow money to pay for college. Hopefully, you'll be able to pay the loan back immediately upon graduation, so it won't have cost you anything and you'll have some extra breathing room in your finances.

6) Preparation for paying for college should start well before senior year of high school. In fact, I want to get elementary and middle school parents thinking about it, because they can open 529 accounts and save, if nothing else. (California's 529 program has offered free money for opening an account around May 29 in past years.)

Once a student enters high school, parents can start to estimate how much they can pay every month or year for college. This can help narrow choices - for instance, it might become clear that most out-of-state public colleges will be too expensive (those schools usually don't provide a lot of aid to out-of-state students). Or families might realize that a student isn't going to get a big enough scholarship at, say, USC (where the cost of attendance for 2025-26 is over $99,000 😮).

And as a student approaches senior year, families can make good use of net price calculators to guesstimate how much a particular college might cost their family. The more info a calculator asks for - such as GPA and test scores - the more accurate it's likely to be. As a student figures out which colleges are appealing, families can use net price calculators to refine their college list.

7) Some colleges understand how to use their portal better than others. If a college sends a student an email after they apply with instructions on how to create a portal account to check on the status of their application, the student should absolutely do so as it's the best way to ensure that all application materials have been received and to see the admission decision when it's available.

But there was one college my son decided not to attend, and he couldn't submit his decision in that original portal - they wanted him to create a university portal using a university email account, and that required multi-factor authentication ... in other words, a lot of effort just to say "no thank you." Needless to say, I could easily understand why students don't tell colleges they're not coming even when it's the right thing to do. (My son sent an email to the admissions office, asking them to withdraw his application. They haven't confirmed receipt, but I consider his responsibilities fulfilled.)

8) Colleges send a lot of emails. Email is the primary way colleges contact students, and they send important emails like requests for additional documents, decision notifications, financial aid award notifications, scholarship info and even info like reimbursement of travel expenses if you visit the college.

But colleges also send lots of emails that say "check this out" and "about our ___" and "did you know?" All of these emails go to the same email account that the important emails get sent to. One of the colleges my son got into in November sent a dozen emails that said "haven't heard from you yet, are you coming, not coming or do you need more info?" What he needed was time, to decide which of the schools that admitted him is the best fit.

Understandably, it's hard for a student to keep track of all these emails. So I highly recommend not just creating a free email account that's used just for college, but also forwarding those emails to a parent's account so the parent can help make sure students catch all the important emails.

9) It's hard to let the student drive the college decision process, but it's important to do so. I'll admit, I've struggled from the beginning with striking a balance between telling and listening. I have a lot of information to share, but he doesn't necessarily want to hear it. In all honesty, I'm still not quite sure how we came up with the list of colleges he ended up applying to, but I think it was a good mix of me saying "consider these schools" and him coming back with "I like these two but not the rest." At least, I hope that's how he remembers it, too.

Now I'm struggling not to pressure my son to tell me what he's thinking. He has over a month to make up his mind, and we still have three schools to visit. So I have to keep reminding myself that he can't make up his mind yet, and he doesn't have to tell me what he's thought so far.

Just as important, I keep reminding myself not to tell him what I'm thinking. We discuss facts, which is how we've eliminated several schools from his list - their cost of attendance (to us) is significantly higher that of other colleges he's gotten into. But my husband and I are both refraining from expressing opinions. Our son is the one who will be spending the next four years in college, and where he goes needs to be his choice.

Do you have questions or advice about college admissions?

Weekly Roundup: Financial Aid Considerations, Crescent Roll Nests + Weekly Menu Plan

2025-03-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

Happy spring! I feel like this week's roundup is extra random and wide-ranging, but I think you could say that about my whole life right now. 😂 I just finished an audio book about language* and started a new one about trees,* I'm working on a financial aid presentation for parents of elementary school students, baseball season starts this week, I'm trying to find a new foundation, and I just asked my eye doctor to squeeze me in because I think my vision has changed again. Whew! I think I'm going to go make some crescent roll nests and have some fun. Have a great week! (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

Things to consider for parents and students as the Department of Education is dismantled.

Some things to know if your child is Asian-American and wants to attend a competitive college.

Be careful when you renew your California driver's license if you want to have a Real ID.

Practical reasons not to get an EV. (I'd get range anxiety for sure.)

How to make crescent roll nests.

I just learned that most can lights are adjustable so you can make the light warmer or cooler.

MENU PLAN - March 17, 2025

My son in college is home this week (yay!), so I'm planning a menu but again will be very flexible to accommodate whatever he wants. 😊

Monday - Baked Pasta + Garlic Bread

Tuesday - Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake

Wednesday - Steak, Mushrooms, Yorkshire Pudding (I always use the recipe in The Joy of Cooking* and we didn't get to this last week)

Thursday - Broccolini, Sausage and Orzo Skillet

Friday - Ramen*

Saturday - Charcuterie Board

Sunday - Dinner out

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my ~~monthly~~ periodic email newsletter! (I'm sending one out before the end of this month!)

Weekly Roundup: Happy St. Patrick's Day! + State Financial Aid and Things Making Me Happy

2025-03-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

We've entered the time of year when the temperature and weather change a lot. In the last couple of weeks, it's been around 80 and also in the 40's, and it's been sunny and it's poured. The ambiguity feels like a reflection of my life, what with the whirlwind travel to check out colleges right now and the various decisions to be made in the coming months. I hope you're feeling a bit more stable than I am, but if you're not, know that you're not alone. (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!)

Happy St. Patrick's Day! If you need some celebration ideas, check out my St. Patrick's Day Pinterest board, where you'll find recipes and crafts.

My husband got me a new bluetooth mouse* and I love it! It feels good, and the purple, green and yellow colors make me happy 😊 (My last mouse was boring black 😂)

If you're a California resident and are or have a student in college, be sure to check the California Student Aid Commission to see if you're eligible for any state financial aid.

I use parchment paper all the time, but even I learned something new about parchment vs foil vs wax paper.

If you've been wanting to make money from a hobby, Sidehusl has some suggestions on how to do so.

MENU PLAN - March 17, 2025

My son in college will be coming home sometime this week, so I'm planning a menu but will be very flexible to accommodate whatever he wants. 😊

Monday - Corned Beef (from ButcherBox*), Cabbage, Nigella's Chocolate Guinness Cake

Tuesday - Roasted Chicken with Fish Sauce Butter

Wednesday - Takeout from our favorite Japanese restaurant

Thursday - Chicken Piccata Orzo

Friday - Enfrijoladas

Saturday - Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura

Sunday - Steak, Mushrooms, Yorkshire Pudding (I always use the recipe in The Joy of Cooking*)

(For locals: To access NYT recipes through the library, go here.)

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my ~~monthly~~ periodic email newsletter!