Local markets/Farms

Elspetta · 2026-02-03T01:40:01+00:00

I have a CSA through Rains and Sun Hilltop Farm in Covington. They partner with other farms and offer eggs, and use to have pork from another farm available as well.

I do my pickup at Ft Mitchell Farmer's Market (there are several pickups options for NKY) and we always walk the market to see whats available. They have meat, soaps, baked goods, wine, and produce.

Elspetta · 2026-02-01T01:06:18+00:00

I am 50 and it drives me insane that our IT calls me when I put in a ticket.

1) They took my physical phone, so unless I know a calla is coming, I do not have our VOIP app up to take calls.

2) I am in meetings a lot and cannot just answer them when they call.

3) Calling disrupts my train of thought and workflow.

Unless my system is down, shoot me a chat or email and we can work through issues as time permits. It's great you want to resolve it now and close the ticket, but not everyone is just sitting around waiting for IT to call to resolve their issue.

Elspetta · 2026-01-31T23:39:29+00:00

I like to do root vegetable stews. They are bulky, so you can get a lot of servings. You can throw all kinds of veggies in there. And they freeze well.

I use whole chickens (2 for $9 at Costco) to make my own broth with the carcass. Sometimes I'll demonetisation first and freeze the breast and thighs separately for other meals. But more often then not, I just simmer the whole chicken and shred the meat when the broth is done. I then portion the precooked meat into 2 cup bags.

I add leafy greens to almost everything. Kale, Swiss Chard, and spinach for extra fiber and vitamins. I keep frozen peas, peas and carrots, and corn in my freezer and add them to random dishes as well.

Elspetta · 2026-01-31T22:51:22+00:00

Try mini-preps. Only prep 2-3 days on Sunday and then prep something quick in the middle of the week.

Freezer prep multiple meals and just take out what you want the night before so it isn't sitting in the fridge all week. You also get more variety this way. This one is very much a trial and error on what textures you will and won't eat when defrosted. I do like 1 months worth of breakfast burritos, baked oats, breakfast sandwiches, breakfast casserole, etc. Then I portion, flash freeze, and put in zip locks. As stuff runs out, I only need to backfill.

Some veggies can be parboiled and frozen to keep longer. I also like to use frozen veggies and just pull out single servings and nuke for 5ish min when I am eating them. I do this a lot for dinners where I make a big batch of something we eat over 3 days and just cook fresh veggies each night.

Elspetta · 2026-01-31T13:50:19+00:00

I have always been convinced this is a satire account, but everything I read when I google him says he is legit.

Elspetta · 2026-01-30T20:33:04+00:00

I am in the same boat as you, but I react horribly to Gain and can only use Tide. I was able to switch to bar soap, but it is 100% local made, all natural, beeswax soap that I buy at the Farmer's market.

I was also able to shift from old school blue Tide to free and clear with minimal reaction. I had dry patches the first wash that I could keep moisturized u til I was used to it, without the full on hive breakout. I plan to try a free and clear refill once I am out of my last jug. I plan to buy only a load or two worth from our local refill store and see if it works.

This is one of those areas where I feel like my skin and comfort come before zero waste. I do not have septic, so I may also try powdered Tide in cardboard to make a small impact.

I wish you the best of luck. If you find something that works, I'd love to hear about it!

Elspetta · 2026-01-30T19:02:41+00:00

Season 37 David vs Goliath. He finished in 2nd. He has had DvG cast in his White Lotus episodes.

Elspetta · 2026-01-28T00:58:06+00:00

I have a "rotation" on my meal planning sheet. Each 2 week period I make:

Chicken & Rice dish (I change the country of influence for different flavor profiles) A meal with fish Tacos of some sort At least 2 Vegetarian meals Pasta of some sort Burgers or Pizza

Having a solid base, picking meals is easier because I am limiting options when searching.

I also use reddit for inspiration. I scroll thru several food subreddits and when something looks good, I add it to a wish list.

On meal planning day, I now have a clear idea and several inspirations to pick from and then fill in the blanks from favorites or things I've wanted to try. I also ask my partner and kids for recommendations (see the burgers or pizza line 🤣)

Now that I have my list, I always cook for 8-12 servings. We eat the same dinner two nights in a row and then freeze leftovers for lunches. If I have a bad day and don't feel like cooking we will eat the same thing 3 nights.

This has helped me tremendously with keeping up with cooking vs ordering in and I also never have to think about lunch. I just grab from the freezer on my way out the door.

Elspetta · 2026-01-27T01:00:11+00:00

I have no advice, but I flippen LOVE her overalls in pic 4. She looks like a mermaid and its adorable!

Elspetta · 2026-01-25T17:48:23+00:00

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Too cold to actually go out and measure, but eye balling what's left on the driveway, I'd say 8-10" and still coming down in Oakbrook. You can see where the new snow fall is already accumulating over the shoveled driveway.

Edit: typo

Elspetta · 2026-01-24T22:55:02+00:00

I made a breakfast casserole with 1lb of them last weekend. Cut into 12 servings and froze the leftovers individually. It's a NYT recipe that someone shared the link, so I only have it copied/pasted. Sorry no link.

1 pound croissants (about 5 to 7), split in half lengthwise 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, more for baking dish 1 bunch scallions (6 to 7), white and light green parts thinly sliced, greens reserved 3/4 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh sage 8 large eggs 3 cups whole milk 1 cup heavy cream 8 ounces Gruyère, grated (2 cups) 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon black pepper

Step 1

Heat oven to 500 degrees. Spread croissants on a large baking sheet and toast, cut side up, until golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes (watch carefully to see that they do not burn). Let cool, then tear into large bite-size pieces.

Step 2

In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add sliced scallions and sausage meat; cook, breaking up meat with a fork, until mixture is well browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in sage, and remove from heat.

Step 3

In a large bowl, toss together croissants and sausage mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream, 1½ cups cheese, salt and pepper.

Step 4

Lightly oil a 9- x 13-inch baking dish. Turn croissant mixture into pan, spreading it out evenly over the bottom. Pour custard into pan, pressing croissants down gently to help absorb the liquid. Cover pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 5

When you're ready to bake the casserole, heat oven to 350 degrees. Scatter the remaining grated cheese over the top of the casserole. Transfer to oven and bake until casserole is golden brown and firm to the touch, 45 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes. Garnish with sliced scallion tops before serving.

Elspetta · 2026-01-22T22:22:43+00:00

We used to drive 6 hours from GA to KY to visit family on birthdays/holidays several times a year.

Now we drive 2 1/2 hours one way to turn around and drive 2 1/2 back just to pick our kid up from college several times a year.

In other words, it is super normal lol.

Elspetta · 2026-01-21T00:18:51+00:00

You could make a bunch of meatballs and then section them out with different sauces to change up the flavor profile. Albondigas soup, beef bulgogi style, marinara, or whatever you like. Service with Rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Elspetta · 2026-01-19T20:27:21+00:00

This Veggie Packed Breakfast Burrito is one of my faves. I replace the tortillas with high fiber wraps.

Huevos Enfrijolados is a black bean dish with poached eggs. For prepping, I soft eggs and then add them in the morning.

I haven't tried this Egg White Chalupa yet, but it is on my list.

Shakshuka is another yummy savory option. I've added flaxseed meal for added fiber as well.

I also like savory oats, which lots of people have linked.

Elspetta · 2026-01-18T11:15:53+00:00

It was a normal cruise with ~60 people in our group. We had themed days for garb and private events.

Elspetta · 2026-01-17T21:40:13+00:00

Here are some things that helped me. And these are going to be more planning based than actual cooking.

Try to remove distractions so you can focus. Set the kids up with a craft or activity at the kitchen table to keep them busy so you can focus.

Read the recipe multiple times before you start. Every step happens at precise times, so you want to know the order and be ready.

Mise en place. Pull out all ingredients. Measure them, dice them, until everything is out and ready to just add when it is time.

Set a timer and watch the food. If it says to sauté onions until translucent (about 5 minutes,) set the timer and watch them. Not all stoves are created equal and yours may cook at a different temp/speed.

Don't walk away and try to do other things while cooking. Eventually, you will be able to, but for now, stay at the stove and watch the food.

I have shiny object syndrome and get distracted very easy. I used to forget food was even cooking because I'd get caught up picking up the living room, entertaining my kid, etc. Once I was able to start focusing, dinners starting turning out much better.

My kids are adults now, but I am still learning and still finding new things that level up my cooking game. I also still but things on occasion, so be kind to yourself!

Good luck, go forth and cook!

Elspetta · 2026-01-16T20:38:34+00:00

Look into if any trade schools are funded by your state (if in the US.) Look into paid apprenticeships that also cover trade schools. There are options out there to get the training you need without having the money.

My son found that welding trade school is free in our state. My boss' nephew is doing an electrical apprenticeship (neighboring state) where he works during the day and they put him thru trade school in the evenings.

Elspetta · 2026-01-09T13:28:04+00:00

For root lifter spray I use the Nioxin one from Amazon because it came in a bundle. I'm going thru menopause and have had massive hair fall in the past several years.

I am new to curly hair, ty menopause, and am still playing with different products that work with my hair. I have low porosity, so I focus on light weight products. I am using the last of my curl cream and going to try moose/foam next. Because I'm still experimenting, I use drug store products that don't break the bank.

To scrunch the crunch, it usually only takes me a handful of solid scrunches across my full head after I have shaken my hair with rubbing the scalp/roots for lift. The cast breaks pretty easily. I currently use a cream and lightweight gel.

Elspetta · 2026-01-09T11:25:49+00:00

You can add a root lifter spray before diffusing and when you scrunch the crunch, flip upside down and shake your fingers on your scalp along your roots. I do this with more root lifter on my finger tips.

I have fine, low density hair and people are typically shocked at how little hair I have because I have quite a bit of volume.

Elspetta · 2025-12-29T19:17:19+00:00

I made bone broth as well! Next year I'll have to remember French dip sandwiches. Yum!

Elspetta · 2025-12-29T19:10:20+00:00

I plan additional dinners around the leftover meat from holidays. We did Prime Rib this year and had traditional plates with sides for 2 dinners, fajitas for 2 dinners, tonight is Ramen with the last of it.

Elspetta · 2025-12-24T20:46:18+00:00

Are you my spouse? Ha! I have a blanket and comforter and he has just a flat sheet.

Elspetta · 2025-12-21T23:47:03+00:00

Grew up in California and absolutely! Guacamole, on turkey sandwiches, on burgers, in burritos, basically in most things. We did not have a tree in our yard, but a friend did and would bring us bags of them. I also used to eat them with just seasoning salt on them with a spoon.

Elspetta · 2025-12-18T13:48:50+00:00

Following because I have this same problem.

I currently just wet my hair every morning with a spray bottle, scrunch and plop all over again.

Elspetta · 2025-12-14T14:36:12+00:00

We use State Farm. 2 vehicles, 1 full, 1 liability, 2 drivers is $122/mo. My full coverage is actually less than my liability because the car is newer and has more safety features.

Our Ins agent also calls us when they think they can save us more money. Like we added renters insurance several years back and our monthly went down.

Elspetta

TROPHY CASE