My son’s truck landed in the pile of clean diapers yesterday as he was playing at my feet. I snapped a mental picture and then thought, “Why not run for the camera (again)?” One day my boys will be grown and I’ll be doing laundry without trucks, without diapers, and without play clothes. The thought makes me sad so I try to relish the simple, every day life now. It goes by way too fast, they say.
I’ve discovered something delightful — Indian Fare from Trader Joe’s! The small little box contains a pouch of Indian food, in this case Punjab Choley, that serves two. You drop the foil pack into boiling water for 3 minutes, take it out, rip off the top and then dump it into a bowl. Punjab choley is well spiced with ginger, garlic, cardamom, and cloves to name just a few. A serving is 210 calories, 8g of fat (0 sat fat & 0 trans fat), 6g of dietary fiber, 0 sugar, and 7g protein and the cost per box is $2.19. For that price, great taste, and good nutritional choice, I’m sold!
Now, you’ll notice that another brand is featured in the photo. It’s Truly Indian. Our grocery store (Safeway) sells it and it is the TJ’s equivalent of Punjab choley. It, too, is tasty, but is a degree hotter and costs significantly more. Truly Indian was on sale for $3.49.
Having a newborn at home and not getting out much for some tasty treats, this is a great addition to my afternoon chicken caesar salad. On other occasions, I’ve added sauteed zucchini, tomatoes, and chicken to it for a complete meal. No matter how you prefer it, give Indian Fare a try if you have a Trader Joe’s nearby. Mmm!
Okay, so the recycling part is easy. Reducing isn’t too hard either. It’s the reusing that has some “at a loss.” Here are just a few ways we reuse:
* Reuse spice containers. They make great treat holders for the diaper bag, car, or purse. The contents won’t get smooshed, either. In this photo, the crisps are stored in an old spice container. If they were still in the original bag, they’d be pulverized at the bottom of the diaper bag.
* Store used ziplocs under the sink. Then, reuse them when appropriate. They are perfect for the banana bread that is already wrapped in wax paper or when you need something to contain the stench of the chicken fat you just trimmed while it sits in the garbage can for a few days.
* Save cardboard cracker & cookie boxes. Cut open the box and use the blank, brown side for kids’ projects.
* Keep egg cartons. Cut off the top and use the bottom for different colored finger or tempera paints. Your little artist can simply throw away the carton when she’s done.
Please, tell us how you reduce or reuse!
