Friday, May 22, 2009

Some web finds

If you're like me, you have a bunch of stuff in the fridge, but when you open it, you say, "There's nothing for dinner!" There's a website to help us! It's called SuperCook, and all you have to do is enter in all the stuff you have on hand, and then it will generate a list of recipes you can make right now! Of course, if all you have is ketchup and Diet Coke, you're out of luck, but even seemingly random ingredients can come together and make a yummy meal. If you sign up for a free account, it will remember your list of foods so all you have to do is update it (out of carrots, but bought oranges, etc.). According to the site, I can make almost 800 recipes right now, including Chicken Cacciatore, Asparagus Risotto, and Breakfast Tortilla Strata. Of course, all I did was boil some ravioli, but it's nice to know I have options.

Just One Club Card is a website for those of us with a multitude of plastic "loyalty" cards. All you do is enter the barcode numbers from the back of the cards and choose the store names from drop-down boxes. The site then generates a credit card-sized image with up to 8 barcodes on it, which you can print out and even laminate if you wish. Not only does it save room on your wallet or keychain, but it makes it much easier to find the card you need. Mine has Kroger, CVS, Food Lion, Borders, Lowes Foods, PetSmart, Hallmark, and Dick's Sporting Goods. You can also do library cards via the "Advanced" tool.

And finally, if you like kaleidoscopes, you will like Repper. You can do stuff with the images that result if you want, but I just think it's fun to play with.

4 comments:

  1. Melissa,
    I was so happy to find your blog! I'm a So. Cal. native who is seriously considering packing up leaving all behind and starting anew in NC. Probably Fletcher or Arden (near Asheville).
    My question is about the cost of living in NC. Is it really cheaper than So Cal? And how hard do you think finding a $!5 an hour job would be for someone without a degree? Oh and yes, I'm slightly over 40 years old, like by 15 years! I'm wondering if I'll have just as difficult of a time finding a job there as I am here.
    OK, I've asked enough questions. Again, I really do enjoy your blog, keep it up for all of us would/should be transplants.
    Thanks,
    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Judy,

    I hope you get this message. I don't have any other way to contact you. I'm glad you have found my blog useful! The cost of living here in NC is not all that much cheaper than CA, with one major exception: housing. You can find a nice 2 BR apartment for about $600/month in the Raleigh area. I'm not familiar with Fletcher or Arden, but generally, the farther away from a big city you are, the cheaper the rent and housing prices. Groceries, restaurants, clothes, etc. are pretty much the same prices. Gas is definitely cheaper. We are at about $2.50/gallon right now. It was much lower not too long ago but from what I've heard the prices have shot up everywhere recently. Going to the movies is a bit cheaper too, by a couple bucks.

    As far as finding a $15/hr job, it depends on what your skills are. Here in the Raleigh/Durham area, that wage is definitely possible but I don't know how the job market would be since I'm not currently looking. In a smaller town, it would be harder to find that wage though. You'd definitely be commuting to Asheville.

    I hope that helps!

    Melissa

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks so much Melissa for getting back to me. I had my suspicions about the cost of living estimates. The figures I've found on the internet put the average well below the national average, but I don't know how they get their numbers.
    I'm glad the move was right for you. You sound truly happy. I hope I'll find the right place for me too some day soon!
    Thanks again,
    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ooops, I mean to forward my email address:
    fotogo3@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete