Read it, toss it, eat it, record it . . .

Read it: I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley
The title itself is enough to make you want to buy and love this book, and the title is just, pardon the pun, the icing on the cake. Crosley's wit is sharp, and this collection of personal essays hits the spot. I think part of me did not want to like it because looking at her picture on the back cover, she looks about 26 and already has this smoking career as a published writer. I think I expected to read the ramblings of a young, sarcastic hipster who sometimes tries too hard. But no, I read the genuinely humorous, well-written, honest, thoughtful, and engaging work of a smart woman with whom I would totally want to hang out (though I would try to be on my best behavior as she does not hesitate to skewer those friends and acquaintances who deserve it). The essays include--just to whet your appetite--an account of a crazy boss, a bridesmaid gig for a high school "friend," and an investigation into who might have pooped on her bathroom rug . . . start reading.

Toss it: Organic Quinoa
Although I cannot consistently spell or pronounce quinoa (keen-wah) correctly, I have been intrigued with these little grains for a while now. Tonight, I made a batch in my rice cooker as the side of the Trader Joe's package indicated I could do. It looked to be cooked perfectly, but glancing on the box, I realized I had neglected to "Always rinse and drain thoroughly in cold water before cooking." What the hell I would drain it in without losing it all is a mystery (no, of course I don't have a sieve). Anyway, with being pregnant and all, I didn't want to risk harming myself and the child by eating dirty quinoa. I also did not want the hubby to close his mind to quinoa forever after eating one (potentially) bad batch.

Eat it: Trader Joe's Multigrain Pilaf
I purchased this plastic package at TJ's a few weeks back, drawn in by the promise on the front that it is microwavable and ready in 2 minutes. The description promises "A new twist on a classic American dish, with whole grains, soybeans, tomatoes, onions and flavorful herbs and spices." I popped the sucker in the microwave to replace the dirty quinoa, and I was delighted with the results. Great texture, great flavor, and ridiculously easy to prepare. Also, very filling -- 4g fiber per serving and 9g protein. I can't wait to get back to TJ's to get more and to see if there are any other microwavable grains befriending the pilaf on the shelf.

Record it: Well, you tell me . . .
Due to a power outage on Thursday evening, my DVR did not capture all of Bravo's A-List Awards (that, or the hubby messed with my timers and isn't fessing up). I only discovered the mishap yesterday and was sorely disappointed. Sadly, Bravo is apparently not replaying these awards again and again as they do with all other programming. Ah well. I don't have too many television commitments for the summer, and with Bub 2.0 coming, I won't have much free time in the evenings, but I do want to have some good stuff saved up for the rare occasions when I will be nursing the baby, sans Bubby and thus sans the accompaniment of Caillou or Super Why. To try to fill the void left by Top Chef (Hooray for Stephanie, by the way, and Richard, I still love you too), I am recording The Next Food Network Star. I am also all set with the new season of Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List. On a whim this evening, I set a new timer for Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood, but I feel ashamed and may delete it. For the record, I never watched Tori and Dean: Inn Love.


Comment challenge: Give me your own read it, toss it, eat it, record it list!