It's snowing. It's snowing a lot. <div><br /></div><div>I don't get out much on snowy days, mostly because of crazy drivers and the high deductible on my car insurance. Also, because I tend to use this time to make giant vats of chicken stock and cookie dough. Mmm - chicken cookies. </div><div><br /></div><div>These snowy days are also good for link dumping. I know a lot of people don't like them so much, but I love link dumps. They give me a chance to add yet more blog subscriptions to my mailbox, and I usually learn something. I like learning. That is, unless it's about Calculus II. Calculus II has defeated me, and it gloats, which is a sin. At the end of its life, Calculus II will have to answer for what it's done. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't think anyone is going to challenge me on that point. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some fun and interesting things I found this week: </div><div><br /></div><div>Local blogger <a href="http://mariawj.blogspot.com/">Maria at A Piece of My Mind</a> wrote about <a href="http://mariawj.blogspot.com/2009/03/commercialism-its-not-just-secular.html">the battle against consumerism in her home</a>, saying that commercialism is not just a secular issue. I loved what she had to say about the marketing of Christian products. Maria's honestly is refreshing, not just in this post, but in all of her blogging. It's rich. I like rich. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.batesline.com/">Michael Bates of Batesline.com</a> has been <a href="http://www.batesline.com/archives/2009/03/good-tulsa-eats.html">munching his way through indie Tulsa</a>. He gave a great explanation of value, something to keep in mind as we ration our dollars in the face of this downer of an economy:</div><div><blockquote>We're all trying to spend less these days. Instead of settling for expensive mediocrity, why not find the best food you can find for the money, encourage small business owners who sell a high-quality product, and keep money circulating in the community?</blockquote></div><div><a href="http://bootstrapfarm.blogspot.com/2009/03/three-local-food-groups.html">Behold the spinach salmon bacon pizza</a> by the kids at the new <a href="http://bootstrapfarm.blogspot.com/">Bootstrap Farm</a>. If that isn't the perfect snow-day food, I don't know what is. Also, read what Don writes about the three food groups on which to center a localized diet:</div><div><blockquote>We have decided that the three food groups of seasonal eating are tacos, stir-fry, and pizza. You can basically make them out of any seasonal vegetable or fruit with basic kitchen staples and few exotic spices. Take tacos for example, all you need to have in your kitchen is corn tortillas and refried beans. When it comes to squash and sweet potato season, you will certainly hear more about tacos. Stir-fry is another good one because all you need is rice, vegetables, some meat if you like, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic and ginger. </blockquote></div><div>So true, and yet I hadn't heard it said that way before. I'll be keeping this mantra in mind as I plan my menus around my outings to the farmers' markets next month. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ah. Farmers' market season is almost here (squeee! yay! yahoo!). I'm attempting to wait patiently, but only because people might stare if I let my true emotions show. Today's weather sure doesn't make strolls through the stands packed with local vegetables and herbs and friendly farmers and food people seem any closer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sigh. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh! While you're in the kitchen, <a href="http://havesporkwilltravel.blogspot.com/2009/03/no-knead-bread.html">get some of this started</a>. Don't cry; it's okay for bread to be that delicious. Thanks, <a href="http://havesporkwilltravel.blogspot.com/">Amanda</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div>Know what else April is good for? Learning the basics of personal finance. Hey, hey, I hear you groaning - cut that out. Put on a happy face and celebrate <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_Literacy_Month">Financial Literacy Month</a> by heading to one of my new favorite blogs, <a href="http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/03/27/what-do-you-want-to-learn-during-financial-literacy-month/">Get Rich Slowly</a>, for everything they didn't teach you in public school about how to manage that green stuff in your wallet. Hey, you might save something - or, a lot. </div><div><br /></div><div>For a localized dose of how-tos on how to stretch a dollar, check out <a href="http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A26678">my new column in Urban Tulsa Weekly, Consumer Watchdog</a>. Everyone has their own little tricks for pinching pennies, so get to sharin'! Leave your tips and tricks in the comments, or e-mail me at <a href="mailto:%20nball@urbantulsa.com">nball@urbantulsa.com</a>. And don't forget to pick up a copy of Spring Thing, UTW's annual spring-and-summer guide to Tulsa. It hit stands Thursday, so ya'll had better get one while the gettin' is good.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last but not least: <a href="http://redforkhippie.wordpress.com/2009/03/24/chooks-and-smoothies/">Baby chickens</a>!! At least, I think that's what they are. Also, smoothies. Thanks for those, <a href="http://redforkhippie.wordpress.com/">Red Fork Hippie Chick</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>What have you been reading this week? </div><div><br /></div>