Archive for October, 2009

Blessings on this “holiday” from our family to yours!Silly photo effects done at Picnik!

Wondering what to make tonight?
Try this EASY croc pot recipe (I got it from my friend Rachael). It is delicious! It’s really more of a stew than a soup. It’s thick so it can stand on it’s own for an easy meal.

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Makes 6-8 servings:
4 chicken breast halves (option to cube)
2 15-oz cans black beans, undrained
2 15-oz cans Mex stewed tomatoes
1 cup salsa
4-oz can chopped green chilies
14.5-oz can tomato sauce
tortilla chips
2 c grated cheese

1. Combine all ingredients (except chips and cheese) – I only use 2 chicken breasts for two adults, two toddlers, and there are still some leftovers.
2. Cover – cook on Low for 7-8 hours (or on med-high for 4-6 hours)
3. Just before serving, remove chicken and cut up (I cube the chicken so I don’t have to do this step) and then mix back in
4. To serve, put a handful of chips in each soup bowl. Ladle soup over chips. Top with cheese, sour cream, Tabasco, avocado, etc.
5. Enjoy! Super easy!

How much do you think all this produce cost?
$30?
$40?
$50?
$10!!!
The box on the left was $3 the box on the right was $7.
I’m a Swapper produce veteran now… but let me tell you about my first time…
Circa October 2008 I heard through the grapevine that the OC Marketplace had great deals on produce. The one tip I got was to get there near closing time (4pm).
I arrived at 3:45pm.
There was a huge crowd of people around the produce.
Right after I joined the gaggle a seasoned veteran took me under her wing (I must have been an obvious swapper virgin). I reached for a basket. She touched my arm and said, “Wait honey.”
“OK”
The seller yelled, “Bag of grapes, $1.” The bags were huge!
I looked at my mentor
She shook her head, “Not yet.”
A few minutes later “3 bags of grapes, $1!!”
Surely it can’t get any better than that!
I was itching to start loading my basket.
“Wait” my mentor said
About 5 minutes later “5 bags of grapes, $1″
“NOW!”
It was a free for all. It was about 4:30 and the deals were crazy!!!

Moral of the Story:
Get to The Swapper at 4pm (it’s free that late in the day) and wait till the deals are crazy. Though the longer you wait the less the pickings!
I’m talking basket of strawberries for .50 cents. Bag of artichokes $1. You name it!! They want to get rid of everything because they can’t keep it for the next weekend.

There is a short list of some of the greatness of the OC Marketplace.
Or as we call it around here “The Swapper.”
1. More people drink beer at 9am than you think.
2. While you are setting up don’t tell the umbrella sales men next to your space that you sell umbrellas too, but for $5 cheaper. (They won’t talk to you for the rest of the day.) 3. Old men in designer jeans look stupid.
4. The Chocolate dipped ice cream is delish. 5. If you put trick-or-treating candy out parents will grab and go without making eye contact.
6. Very few parents enforce manners. 7. If you were looking for a place to wear your umbrella hat, you’ve found it… 8. Jack in the Crack at 5am is heaven in a bun. 9. If you look at any clothes long enough you consider buying. 10. You might meet a delightful pirate named Captain Edward James Teague. He is awesome! Check out his info here.11. I love my husband. 12. Eli’s Lids ROCKS… …and I’m thinking of some new styles inspired of The Swapper.

The Last Winners of the Birthday Bash!!
Wow that was one amazing Whirlwind of giveaways!!

In alphabetical order a review of all the great stuff…
Blah Blah Blah Blogger – Free photo session!!