Author Topic: Cheap Things That Make You Happy  (Read 939091 times)

Hula Hoop

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2150 on: June 10, 2020, 02:35:36 PM »
My 11 year old daughter's absolutely delicious home made bagels.  They brought a tear to this transplanted New Yorker's eye.

chaskavitch

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2151 on: June 11, 2020, 01:46:12 PM »
My 11 year old daughter's absolutely delicious home made bagels.  They brought a tear to this transplanted New Yorker's eye.

Any chance of a recipe, @Hula Hoop ?

Hula Hoop

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2152 on: June 11, 2020, 02:27:35 PM »
My 11 year old daughter's absolutely delicious home made bagels.  They brought a tear to this transplanted New Yorker's eye.

Any chance of a recipe, @Hula Hoop ?

Here you go:

https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/bagels-366757

chaskavitch

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2153 on: June 11, 2020, 02:50:11 PM »
My 11 year old daughter's absolutely delicious home made bagels.  They brought a tear to this transplanted New Yorker's eye.

Any chance of a recipe, @Hula Hoop ?

Here you go:

https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/bagels-366757

Thanks!

chaskavitch

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2154 on: June 13, 2020, 09:45:20 AM »
My 11 year old daughter's absolutely delicious home made bagels.  They brought a tear to this transplanted New Yorker's eye.

Any chance of a recipe, @Hula Hoop ?

Here you go:

https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/bagels-366757

Thanks!

@Hula Hoop These bagels are SO GOOD.  And super easy!  Thanks again for the recipe!

okisok

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2155 on: June 13, 2020, 09:58:58 AM »
Keto pancakes in my new-to-me-free cast iron skillet.

RetiredAt63

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2156 on: June 13, 2020, 10:18:52 AM »
Keto pancakes in my new-to-me-free cast iron skillet.

Recipe please?

Freedomin5

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2157 on: June 13, 2020, 02:38:05 PM »
Fruits are in season and instead of paying $4/125g box of blueberries, they are now $1/box. I’m buying several boxes and freezing the fruit for smoothies. So refreshing when it’s 32C/92F and humid!

okisok

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2158 on: June 13, 2020, 11:56:18 PM »
Keto pancakes in my new-to-me-free cast iron skillet.

Recipe please?

4 eggs
1/2 block of cream cheese, softened
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 c almond flour
(I added a tsp of vanilla on the second batch)

Blend up together, then cook in a hot skillet with melted butter. They are the fluffiest keto pancakes I've found yet. Very close to regular pancakes!
« Last Edit: June 15, 2020, 11:46:46 AM by okcisok »

zolotiyeruki

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2159 on: June 14, 2020, 07:54:57 AM »
Fruits are in season and instead of paying $4/125g box of blueberries, they are now $1/box. I’m buying several boxes and freezing the fruit for smoothies. So refreshing when it’s 32C/92F and humid!
Our service berry bush/tree is heavily-laden with fruit, as is our mulberry tree.  A few more days and we can start harvesting!

Weisass

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2160 on: June 14, 2020, 07:56:43 AM »
Our service berry bush/tree is heavily-laden with fruit, as is our mulberry tree.  A few more days and we can start harvesting!

On a similar note... we planted Nanking Bush Cherries when we moved into our house a few years ago. THis year was their first really good year of production. we have had delightful cherries all week, and the raspberries are almost ready to replace them.

RetiredAt63

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2161 on: June 14, 2020, 09:14:40 AM »
Keto pancakes in my new-to-me-free cast iron skillet.

Recipe please?

4 eggs
1/2 block of cream cheese
1 tsp baking powder, softened
1/2 c almond flour
(I added a tsp of vanilla on the second batch)

Blend up together, then cook in a hot skillet with melted butter. They are the fluffiest keto pancakes I've found yet. Very close to regular pancakes!

Thanks.  I'll have to remember to buy cream cheese next time I shop.  What is the weight/volume of your cream cheese blocks?

Trifle

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2162 on: June 14, 2020, 09:29:22 AM »
Keto pancakes in my new-to-me-free cast iron skillet.

Recipe please?

4 eggs
1/2 block of cream cheese
1 tsp baking powder, softened
1/2 c almond flour
(I added a tsp of vanilla on the second batch)

Blend up together, then cook in a hot skillet with melted butter. They are the fluffiest keto pancakes I've found yet. Very close to regular pancakes!

@okcisok -- have you by any chance made this with other flour substitutes like coconut or sunflower seed flour?  Do those work as well?

AnnaGrowsAMustache

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2163 on: June 14, 2020, 12:44:20 PM »
It's persimmon season. I LOVE persimmons.

lemanfan

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2164 on: June 14, 2020, 11:39:22 PM »
When you can't travel, look at forgotten pics from previous trips.  This was found in a snap from a TV at a bar in Canada:



I guess that I should... stay away from Oklahoma?  :)

okisok

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2165 on: June 15, 2020, 11:48:51 AM »
@okcisok -- have you by any chance made this with other flour substitutes like coconut or sunflower seed flour?  Do those work as well?
[/quote]

Not yet. I just happened to have almond flour on hand, and that's what they called for.

okisok

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2166 on: June 15, 2020, 11:50:34 AM »


Thanks.  I'll have to remember to buy cream cheese next time I shop.  What is the weight/volume of your cream cheese blocks?
[/quote]

8 oz blocks, so 4 oz for the recipe.

Just Joe

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2167 on: June 15, 2020, 03:05:00 PM »
Since earlier in the year I've been waking up earlier and feeling better because of it. Was once a 10AM kind of person if left to my own devices. Now its 6-something.

Am enjoying sitting on the front porch, reading, starting the morning with a tall ice water and watching our dog inspect the front yard. Don't worry, dog is not in danger. Big front yard. Won't got the road without me.

Frugal Lizard

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2168 on: June 16, 2020, 05:43:28 AM »
the smells from the flowering trees and shrubs in our neighbourhood have been fantastic this year.  Right now it is late lilacs and black locust and wild roses and peonies.  The peonies are out of this world.

Fishindude

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2169 on: June 16, 2020, 06:57:51 AM »
I get a kick out of growing things, especially if it's free.   Vegetables from seed, fruit trees from seed, ornamental bushes from cuttings, etc.
Planting a tree from a tiny seedling and watching it grow to maturity knowing it will long outlive you is also satisfying.

Just Joe

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2170 on: June 16, 2020, 09:33:35 AM »
Laughing at our dog and cats.

Dog will lay on the front porch in the morning and when a tractor appears in the field 3/4 of a mile away our "vicious guard dog" will bark at it.

Then the tractor will disappear behind the hill or the trees and dog is content. Then the tractor makes another pass - and the dog has to announce it.

And then the tractor disappears again - dog happy again. Eventually she'll give up and accept that the tractor will come and go as it cuts the hay.

Animals can be so entertaining. Also - the cats ambushing each other as they move around the house.

Serendip

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2171 on: June 16, 2020, 09:47:43 AM »
Harvesting salad greens from the patio

Rain, rain, rain

MudPuppy

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2172 on: June 16, 2020, 10:12:10 AM »

Just Joe

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2173 on: June 16, 2020, 04:40:08 PM »
Love the cartoon!

Frugal Lizard

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2174 on: June 18, 2020, 09:55:41 AM »
A good sharp kitchen knife.

I am making dinner and chopping away, often with a dull knife.  I have really good knives, and when they are sharp, dinner prep is SO MUCH easier. 

lemanfan

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2175 on: June 18, 2020, 02:02:58 PM »
A good sharp kitchen knife.

I am making dinner and chopping away, often with a dull knife.  I have really good knives, and when they are sharp, dinner prep is SO MUCH easier.

For me, sharpening the knives is a happy process in itself.  Meditative, zen-like, and with a good result if you do it right. :)

okisok

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2176 on: June 21, 2020, 12:37:25 AM »
Chasing my dog around the dog park while making kissy noises in a game of "If I catch you, I'll kiss you". I'm super dignified that way.

Yesterday, we played a variation of this game at home. I curled my hands into monster claws and pretend stomped around while yelling "IMA!! GONNA!! KISS!! YOUR!! TOEBEANS!!" while my dog danced around ecstatically, daring me to catch her.
No toebeans were harmed in the playing of this game. (Or actually kissed, either). Also quite dignified, as I always am at home.

RetiredAt63

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2177 on: June 21, 2020, 07:33:04 AM »
I love this community. Whether it's people sharing stories about their furry comic relief, or LindaNorway sharing details of her idyllic life hand-feeding squirrels or skiing to work, I feel like we understand and appreciate one another, and that makes me happy.

Happiness is finding your communities.  When I go to the community garden plots and look at all the asparagus and rhubarb and masses of vegetable goodness, I feel like I am surrounded by my tribe.  Even though I have actually met only 8 of them.  Same feeling at my choir, or my fibre group.

iris lily

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2178 on: June 21, 2020, 11:29:03 AM »
Chasing my dog around the dog park while making kissy noises in a game of "If I catch you, I'll kiss you". I'm super dignified that way.
this is so cute! Love it.

John Galt incarnate!

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2179 on: June 21, 2020, 12:01:09 PM »
A good sharp kitchen knife.

I am making dinner and chopping away, often with a dull knife.  I have really good knives, and when they are sharp, dinner prep is SO MUCH easier.

For me, sharpening the knives is a happy process in itself.  Meditative, zen-like, and with a good result if you do it right. :)

I collect pocket knives so I've taught myself how to sharpen them (and my kitchen knives too).

I have a flat steel with rounded edges, a rounded, tapered  steel, and a ceramic rod.

Sharpening my knives is relaxing and satisfying.

I enjoy it and am  pretty good at it.

John Galt incarnate!

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2180 on: June 21, 2020, 12:07:50 PM »
It's persimmon season. I LOVE persimmons.

I've eaten them a few times when picked right off the tree.

My friend's aunt  grew them  in her side yard.

AnnaGrowsAMustache

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2181 on: June 22, 2020, 07:59:02 AM »
Chasing my dog around the dog park while making kissy noises in a game of "If I catch you, I'll kiss you". I'm super dignified that way.

I do the same thing with neighbour's husky, yelling "catch that butt, ima catch that butt!". She'll finally let me catch her great big hairy husky butt for a full on butt scratch. It's a totally mutual chase game where she's just pretending to not let me get her butt, because any other time she'll actually back up to me for butt scratches. Husky butts are hilarious, great fuzzy, floofy, waggy things!

AnnaGrowsAMustache

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2182 on: June 22, 2020, 08:02:10 AM »
It's persimmon season. I LOVE persimmons.

I've eaten them a few times when picked right off the tree.

My friend's aunt  grew them  in her side yard.
.

People who don't eat them regularly get them wrong. They should not be even slightly soft. Soft persimmons are horribly slimy. They need to be a deep orange and very firm. They will be kind of crunchy and very sweet, with a melon-y/pumpkin-y flavour.

sui generis

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2183 on: June 22, 2020, 08:19:16 AM »
The smell of jasmine on an evening walk. Jasmine is a smell that I feel like I would hate if it were in a perfume or other products, maybe even indoors at all. But when you just get a couple big nosefuls of it in passing while on a walk, it is a strange combination of stimulating and ethereal.

MudPuppy

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2184 on: June 22, 2020, 08:32:35 AM »
Chasing my dog around the dog park while making kissy noises in a game of "If I catch you, I'll kiss you". I'm super dignified that way.

I do the same thing with neighbour's husky, yelling "catch that butt, ima catch that butt!". She'll finally let me catch her great big hairy husky butt for a full on butt scratch. It's a totally mutual chase game where she's just pretending to not let me get her butt, because any other time she'll actually back up to me for butt scratches. Husky butts are hilarious, great fuzzy, floofy, waggy things!

I just love playing with dogs. We don’t deserve them and their purity.

martyconlonontherun

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2185 on: June 23, 2020, 10:48:40 AM »
Cheap golf courses. There is a county course that is $10 full length 9 hole course with no carts. It is a little rough but right on Lake Michigan. If you go to a nice course, its $75+ for 18 and a cart, it is usually packed, judgmental people on the course and clubhouse. At this course and similar county courses, it is definitely more laid back and relaxing. Wearing gym shorts and a running shirt, no one blinks an eye.

dignam

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2186 on: June 23, 2020, 11:16:08 AM »
I recently taught my 1 year old goldendoodle to play hide and seek.  Well, I hide and she seeks, for now.  We'll work on the reverse.

I tell her to sit and stay, then I leave the room and go hide somewhere.  She waits until I yell "come find me!", sometimes up to a minute.  Watching her search every room and closet and behind every door is awesome.  She gets so happy when she finds me.

Side effect that she now first looks behind doors if she's searching for something (a toy or a human).

Dancin'Dog

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2187 on: June 23, 2020, 05:23:25 PM »
We enjoyed a bit of bird watching today.  We were out on the lake and saw about 8 Osprey soaring around & one swooped down close enough to see that he caught a nice Catfish.  Later, back at the pier we were watching a nest of Blue Heron with 3 large chicks.  They are almost ready to fly.  They actually have more than one nest because the 5 of them won't fit in a single nest.  And finally, our 3 ducklings are grown and swimming around the cove.  They followed a Mallard around for a little while and explored farther from our pier than they had yet. 


Oh, and last week we saw a Bald Eagle.  :)  I've only ever seen one here before, which was about 10 years ago.  We saw this Eagle 2 days in a row, in the same exact place, perched up on top of a tall power tower. 


C-19 seems to be good for bird watching...

okisok

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2188 on: June 23, 2020, 08:41:52 PM »
Chasing my dog around the dog park while making kissy noises in a game of "If I catch you, I'll kiss you". I'm super dignified that way.

Yesterday, we played a variation of this game at home. I curled my hands into monster claws and pretend stomped around while yelling "IMA!! GONNA!! KISS!! YOUR!! TOEBEANS!!" while my dog danced around ecstatically, daring me to catch her.
No toebeans were harmed in the playing of this game. (Or actually kissed, either). Also quite dignified, as I always am at home.

Sadly, a toebean was harmed in yesterday's home nail trimming. I made it all the way to the last nail and cut too short, resulting in blood and an entire day of reproachful looks from her while curled up in a tiny, insulted ball on the couch.
Cheap things that make you unhappy..?

okisok

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2189 on: June 23, 2020, 08:45:41 PM »
The smell of jasmine on an evening walk. Jasmine is a smell that I feel like I would hate if it were in a perfume or other products, maybe even indoors at all. But when you just get a couple big nosefuls of it in passing while on a walk, it is a strange combination of stimulating and ethereal.

I feel the same way about magnolias. I can smell them from a long way off, and just adore their sweet smoky scent. I've never found a manufactured form of the smell that's true. I always look for a low-hanging blossom that I can bury my nose in to enjoy while they last. They fall apart in no-time if you cut them and try to bring them indoors, so I just enjoy them on the tree.

mspym

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2190 on: June 23, 2020, 10:05:06 PM »
Mmmm jasmine. I love the smell of jasmine, rose, and gardenia flowers and cannot bear them as perfumes. And in the case of rose-perfume will break out in hives. Daphne is another one they just can't capture.

Freedomin5

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2191 on: June 24, 2020, 03:19:11 AM »
The fresh smell of the earth after a good rain.

Linea_Norway

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2192 on: June 24, 2020, 05:52:23 AM »
The sound of young birds around the house, asking their parents for food.

RetiredAt63

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2193 on: June 24, 2020, 06:56:30 AM »
Sadly, a toebean was harmed in yesterday's home nail trimming. I made it all the way to the last nail and cut too short, resulting in blood and an entire day of reproachful looks from her while curled up in a tiny, insulted ball on the couch.
Cheap things that make you unhappy..?

Oh no! I know that heart-achy feeling all too well. It seems that no matter how many times that you try to kiss the injured toebean better, the reproach remains. Since a similar accident in February, my dog turns into a thrashing giant squid whenever I get the clippers or dremel out. I wonder how many games of chase, kisses and butt-scratches it takes to earn forgiveness.

I collected rose petals and made rose water. It smells heavenly but I'm not decided on how to use it. Any suggestions?

Rose water used to be used for baking the way vanilla extract is now.

Just Joe

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2194 on: June 24, 2020, 11:12:53 AM »
The smell of jasmine on an evening walk. Jasmine is a smell that I feel like I would hate if it were in a perfume or other products, maybe even indoors at all. But when you just get a couple big nosefuls of it in passing while on a walk, it is a strange combination of stimulating and ethereal.

Honeysuckle too. Especially when bicycling. Slower speeds so the scent lasts a few more moments.

Just Joe

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2195 on: June 24, 2020, 11:14:35 AM »
Also, a clean floor.

Luke Warm

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2196 on: June 25, 2020, 06:34:03 AM »
finding things on the road while out for a bike ride. tools, money...

Fish Sweet

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2197 on: June 25, 2020, 04:19:55 PM »
Soliciting cat pictures from my friends and family (for I, alas, am catless.)

lemanfan

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2198 on: June 25, 2020, 11:57:51 PM »
The first cup of coffee on a sunny morning.
 
Also, having gotten my sewing machine back from service.  Bought a classic model for cheap on the local auction site and after a trip to a store for service, it sews like new.  "You probably need another service in ten years or so", the clerk told me.  Worth it.  :)

Freedomin5

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Re: Cheap Things That Make You Happy
« Reply #2199 on: June 26, 2020, 02:56:16 AM »
Grilled cheese sandwiches made from freshly baked bread.