Born Free In The TC

As free as the wind blows, and all that.

Tip Of The Day:  Now that the snow has (mostly) melted, Minnesotans are out of hibernation, out of doors, and out-n-about.  What does that mean?  It means start your calendars, folks, there are fun-n-free things to do aplenty, beginning this Saturday.

Also?  The easiest recipe in my repertoire of easy recipes.  Also again?  A reminder from a bloggy friend of mine to do good for others in a down economy.  Also one more time?  An apology to massage therapists in the Twin Cities.

Tip For Tomorrow:  Yet another reminder from yet another bloggy friend.  Guess when the best time to buy a winter coat might be?  You’re looking at it.  Or living during it.  Or whatever – you should buy a winter coat NOW.

Further Elucidation Of My Cheap Deal:  This Saturday kicks off the 2009 season for the Wench Posse.  We plan to rock out with our frocks out at the New Ulm Renaissance Faire, and we’d love to see any and all CBNE readers there.  Here are the deets:

New Ulm Renaissance Faire, brought to you by Martin Luther College

Location – German Park, New Ulm

Date/Times – May 2nd, 10 AM to 5 PM

Admission – FREE!

Website – http://www.newulm.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=58  (there’s an official one, too, but it contains literally NO information, thus rendering it useless).

If you’d like to hang out with my buddy, Potter, and her crafty compatriots, head on over to the State Fair Grounds in St. Paul for the 4^th Annual Craftstravaganza.  It also known as the “rogue arts and crafts sale” so please note – this ain’t yo mamma’s craft sale:

Location – State Fair Grounds on Snelling Ave

Date/Times – May 2nd, 9 AM to 5 PM

Admission and Parking – FREE!

Website – http://www.craftstravaganza.com/

Giveaway – the first 100 shoppers will receive swag bags at the door

If you’d rather whoop it up at home (I’m doing that Friday night.  Stop by if you’re in the ‘hood), you’ll need party munchies to serve your guests.  One of my favorite things to feed people – besides Tator Tots, The Official Food of the Wench Posse – is veggies and dip.  However, most dips are so fattening, they undo the good of the vegetables.  Therefore, I created this dead simple recipe:

1 small carton of fat free sour cream (cheapest at Cub Foods)

1 packet of Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk Dressing Mix (cheapest at Super Target.  Sigh)

Mix half the packet of dressing mix with the container of sour cream, right there in the carton.  Presto!  Fat-free ranch dip in its own handy-dandy serving dish.  Am I fancy or what?

Last but not least, while you’re enjoying yourselves this weekend, remember that not everyone in the world is having a good time.  I was reminded to give back to those less fortunate than me via this lovely blog post , written by my lovely bloggy friend, Melissa.

It’s hard to give money when your own purse strings are so tight they might snap.  So if charitable donations aren’t feasible for your budget, consider other ways to give.  Donations of clothing and food are always welcome, as are donations of your time.  I won’t beat you over the head with this, I just wanted to give you a gentle nudge – don’t forget to donate.  That’s all.  You may now go back to planning your weekend.

Speaking of giving, I need to give a heartfelt apology.  Apparently, you should not tip your masseuse 15 to 20% of the bill, rather more like 30%.  Although my research (and yes, I do research my Fox 9 segments as well as my blog posts) clearly stated 15 to 20% for spa treatments, massage therapists shouldn’t be lumped into that category, thus, should be tipped more.  Mea culpa.