Deliciousness on a Dime

I am a big budgeter and try to stick to my budget guns, even if there's a week left and seemingly nothing to eat in my house.  Tonight though, I stunned myself even, by creating a really yummy meal out of the very literal odds and ends in the cupboard and fridge.

I had a box of mac and cheese - pretty standard, frozen peas and a can of tuna.  Ok, tuna noodle casserole, nothing new, but not delicious.  I upped the yum factor by mixing a handful of oyster crackers with a couple table spoons of left over feta chese and Gillmates roasted garlic and herb chicken seasoning.  Spread that crumbly goodness over the tuna/peas/mac&cheese and bake for 10 minutes at 350 and voila! Much more upscale deliciousness! 
My challenge this week is to see what other gourmet dishes I can come up with without going to the store.  I'll be working mostly with canned, frozen, boxed, and condiments.  The challenge is on!

The Water Is Wide

Last weekend, my boyfriend and I went to Steamboat and had a fabulous time despite the weather.  The rivers were raging and had overflown in many places, washing away footbridges in along the trail in a couple spots.  We took in the farmer's market, the rodeo, and Strawberry Hot Springs (our favorite part!).  Unfortunately on Sunday, the weather wasn't cooperating for the balloon launch, so we got to see a few go up, and then had to take a nap for lack of other indoor options, (another one of my favorite parts!).  We hiked down to Fish Creek Falls, (next time we'll try to make it to the mythical lake up top,) and to the botanic gardens on our way out of town.   We had a great time and we're already planning for our return trip next summer.  That, and moving there in 20-30 years. 

Scrambling and Gathering

You know it was a good day when the next morning you can hardly move.  That was how I felt after last Sunday's Denver Scramble.  The Scramble is a scavenger hunt around downtown that was absolutely a blast!  Some of the clues led us to 'event' stations, where we had to do things like build a Denver icon out of marshmallows and toothpicks, do some field day events like a water balloon toss, sing along with a piano man on 16th, etc.  The registration fee was split between two organizations - mine being one of them - so it was truly all for a good cause, and I have the blisters to prove it!
The next day, I was so achy, sore, and done with walking...except I had to go to a site tour at The Gathering Place.  I got over myself toot-sweet when I saw how amazing this place is! It is not a shelter, but a safe place and resource center for homeless women, children and trans-gender people to go to during the day.  From showers, lockers, laundry facilities, mental and physical health resources, a food pantry and dining room, to GED classes, daycare and an art program called The Card Project, this place blew my socks off!  This is truly one of those programs that not only do I feel proud that Denver can claim, but also that I get to interact with through my new job.  Take a look at The Gathering Place and feel free to pitch in, whether it's donating used books for their quiet room/library, gently used clothing for their 'closet' or volunteering on a larger scale.