A cool and free weekend destination

An economic Depression sounds too pessimistic? I hope it does not ever come to that point. But anything can happen under the sun. Dow closed at  419 points down today. Not good. In this shaky economy, it is smart to keep what you have intact. To wear a tight belt is necessary, making sure that when ALL things go wrong...you got enough to pack your bags and maybe start a new life, with whatever you have somewhere..maybe in an island LOL. Or stay here and be okay with what you have saved up.  One of my friends has made his giant leap, and is now enjoying blue warm waters, managing his online business, and putting up another one in the tropics where he now calls his home.

Here in pricey Silicon Valley, it's great to hear  that a cool place is still open for free. A penny saved is a penny earned. So why not?! America has many great things to see. Big land area, and years ago, had more than sufficient cash flow,  good thing the government invested a lot on infrastructure . Because of this, there are beautiful places to visit that the whole family can enjoy at no cost. Some museums, parks, beautiful piers, well maintained beaches, etc. And  places like NASA too.   A part of the NASA Ames Research Center is a great family destination and is open to the general public.

We enjoyed our visit, and although the place is small, it's  great for the curious little minds. My little one had fun exploring what they have on exhibit. I did too.

If you find something beautiful, take it before it is gone :)

I like driving around and do some shopping on weekends, I find it entertaining and I see a lot of things on the way. One Sunday, I found this beautiful coffee set.  I've always wanted one. It was something that was not planned to be bought, but  I know is a great deal and probably won't ever find again.  $24.99  for the whole 15 pc. set of porcelain beauty. Got it from an estate sale. Sealed, unopened, unused.

I think that if you find something beautiful, take it before it's gone..but only if it is a good deal!
I love and  live by this saying always, not just for goods and services. :)

 I saw this set at an online auction site after I bought my set:

It is for sale for $450.00  here. 

Now look at my find for $24.99......

Is that a FGAP (feel great after purchase) or what?!

So it must be true, daughters will become their mothers.
My mom is a collector. I try not to be. (Peace,  Ma LOL)
I couldn't stop smiling at myself when I realized that my mom has a very similar set.
I wonder what my little girl's FGAP for her own place in maybe 13 years :)
But before and after that happens, the three ladies and a gentleman and their friends and families will enjoy many cups of coffees and teas  for many years using this fabulous find.

A great snack for $3.50 worth of ingredients

"Oh, do you have crackers?"

"Oh yeah, wait, I have a log brie cheese too"

"Hmm,  let me grab 1 tomato"

"Oh, and mushrooms, I have to eat them before they go bad"

"Wait, do you have Basil?..perfect...can you slice and sauté 3 mushrooms  please?"

"Huh? For?"

"Just do it "(LOL)

It's always good to step away from your kitchen and let a master take over

The results? A snack that tasted so fresh and delicious I did not add any sauce or seasoning!

Ingredients:

Sliced Mushrooms

Very thinly sliced Log Brie Cheese (1/2 log)

Kellogg's Special K crackers -Savory Herb flavor

Fresh Basil leaves

Sliced Tomato

2 Large Live Dungeness Crabs for $17.27 - How I cooked and enjoyed it

There are many ways to cook a crab. I usually do it by boiling (cause it's fast and easy), and then season with salt and pepper. But as much as I like being in the kitchen, I like to make quick meals for lunch and dinner. Because I'm always hungry while cooking!
But this time I decided to munch on chips while thinking about what else to make, amazing how 5 pieces of tortilla chips gave me one hour of patience while experimenting with the crabs! LOL
Some barbecue crabs, some I heard bake them? I don't know about that haha, I wonder what the kitchen will smell like after.

I always start cooking crabs by adding some crushed garlic  to the water  and then let it boil.

 I love anything with mild  tart or sour flavor, esp with seafood...

so I added a tamarind soup mix to cook the crabs

Crabs done, now what ? :)

Time to break the shell and take the delicious  meat out

I wanted something spicy, bursting with exotic flavors to go with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc..

In a pan, I sautéed garlic in olive oil, big slices of onions, then let it cook

 And then I added the crab meat. 

 I poured 1 cup of the water that I cooked the crabs in, then let boil

I lowered the heat and then added a $2.49 Red Thai Curry Sauce - 1/2 of the 11 oz. bottle 

 Added Okra - I love Okra! I simmered it for 10 minutes.

I used frozen because I had no fresh ones available, it turned out great.

I think Green Beans or Squash and some bell peppers will also be good addition to the dish

Or replacement to the Okra. 

Sprinkled dill, and dried basil leaves

Added salt and pepper to taste.

I enjoyed it with Basmati Rice.  (' ',)

Cooking is self- expression, definitely should not be viewed as a task.

If I mess up with my cooking, seafood or not, I don't stress out! 

That's where the fun is, messing it up and learning from experience

If the dish is impossible to save, grab a bowl of cereal and then call it a night

I've had those days... Luckily now my dishes turns out yummy :)

Share your delicious crab dish!

One simple act of kindness= the third reward

Over 8 pounds of strawberry for $5

I took it off a tired woman's hands,

and for that I got pleasure in many ways in exchange :)

The third reward:

I wanted to make something really sweet that I can enjoy creating and eating with my loved ones

Something with heavenly deliciousness and close to my heart..CHOCOLATES!

Thanks again to Trader Joe's, I did not have to spend a lot on a pound of

 my favorite dark ones and some white ones too...

This is so fun to make

My assistant :) dipped some in white chocolate, and drizzled some on top of the brown ones :)

what a fun project from start to finish

I colored the sugar red and coated some of them

Here are the ones we enjoyed with champagne :)

They were heavenly..

So they sell it for $7 a piece at the Godiva store in Valley Fair? That's expensive

I spent less than $6 for all the chocolates (dark and white)

Everybody had fun :)

The second sweet reward

From this,

to a pot...

What is it?

Delicious Strawberry Jam!

No need to pick up a jar from the grocery store :)

Here is a quick recipe from allrecipes.com :

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled

4 cups white sugar

1/4 cup lemon juice

Directions:

In a heavy bottomed saucepan, mix together the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved. Increase heat to high, and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil, stirring often, until the mixture reaches 220 degrees F (105 degrees C). Using a potato masher, crush the strawberries. Careful with the mixture, it is hot. Transfer to hot sterile jars, leaving 1/4 to 1/2 inch headspace, and seal. Process in a water bath. If the jam is going to be eaten right away, don't bother with processing, and just refrigerate.

One simple act of kindness = 3 sweet rewards

I never buy strawberries from street vendors, but one evening, a lady with a box full of plump strawberries approached me outside of Walmart and asked me to take the last box for $5. She wanted to go home to her children after a long day's work. I took it and talked to her a little bit about her day and where she puts her strawberry stand, etc. I felt happy to take the box off her hands. But lol, too many strawberries for a non-fruit loving household!

I already gave away half of the box...yes, that many! A really good deal!

And this box gave me three sweet rewards <3

The sweet reward number one:

Home made strawberry yogurt

Chopped the strawberries,

then grabbed a light sour cream

Not too bad :)

Ahh I love the colors!

Now a pink yogurt :)

Add with some sugar for that extra sweetness

Yummy strawberry yogurt

Two more sweet rewards coming soon!

Free Books and Movies.

One of the many things that I love here in America is the availability of beautiful public libraries. It's free to all. Here in San Jose, all of the libraries look modern and are well-equipped. With a lot of activities for all ages to choose from, it's a great place for children to learn, read and practice self discipline. For mommies like me, a place to relax :) And best of all, there is a great selection of books and movies I can bring home. I can take out up to 100 items and keep all items at home for 3 weeks. I go with my daughter very frequently, and every time, we both enjoy an hour or two of silence and reading. A few hours of peace and happiness at no cost.

Signing her San Jose City Library Card

Family Story time

My little one and other's little ones enjoying a magic show

This little bottle saves me at least $600 a year

Rouge. Sexy Nails.

I think a nice manicure on a woman's fingernails makes her look polished. Don't we women  like to achieve that? And it always make us feel good about being in style and beautiful. Remember the hours spent in front of the mirror and staring at your closet? I know, I do it sometimes.. it takes time to achieve that look. LOL. Physical appearance, whether we like it or not, is very important in this day and age. I do take care of myself very well, in my own frugal ways. A manicure and pedicure for me are a must. It's nice to get it from the professional nail salon. Nothing wrong with pampering yourself. I use to get it, but I decided to just do it myself. I learned from the lady who did my nails. I experimented with so many bottles and brands. But OPI, Lippman and China Glaze are my favorites.

This one particularly is my latest most favorite:

China glaze  $4.99 

with patience and persistence, saves me 2 trips to the salon every month. $600 atleast a year :)