Women Don't Ask

Decided to use my time when I take a bath to read Money magazine instead of People.  Money magazine's March issue highlighted 100 things a person can do for their finances.  One of the references was a book called Women Don't Ask.  I checked it out from the library and it is eye opening in that men negotiate much more than women, whether it is salaries, cars, or housework.  Women often do not negotiate their salaries and therefore, make less money than men do.  Women take the first offer where men often ask for more money.  I spoke to some women at work about this and they said females are not raised to do this and do not even know they can/should ask for more.  Apparently, this applies to buying cars too!  Women are quoted a higher cost for a car than men.  Luckily Mark was with me to negotiate the lease.

Leased a Honda CRV Today

Brought home a 2013 Honda CRV today from Honda Zimbrick.  I was a little nervous about leasing a car (never have done this) but they did stick with the pricing they had quoted.  The only thing I didn't like was when we went in on Saturday and filled out the form to check our credit, they also had us sign an agreement form.  The form was not explained to us.  Later, I realized we committed to buy the car and if we rescinded, then we owed 5% of the car.  Luckily, all the numbers were what they quoted.

I am most excited about the heated seats and having a car that doesn't smoke and has an speedometer that works.

The Right Things to Do to Be Healthy

Words of wisdom from my chiropractor David Heitmann's bathroom wall: 
Think Right, Eat Right, Drink Right, Move Right, Talk Right, Poop Right, Sleep Right

4 Ingredient Chicken Chili Gluten-Free Crockpot Dish

I found this recipe for Mexican Chicken Chili on the food network website.  It only takes four ingredients: chicken, can of black beans, frozen corn, and jar of salsa.  I think the secret is using a really good salsa.  I used Trader Joe's Cowboy Caviar Salsa.  In addition to the recipe, I heated up some brown rice and topped the dish off with avocado and sour cream.  I love the brown rice in a bag because it is already cooked, so you just heat it on the stove for five minutes or in the microwave.

Car Hunting: To Lease or Buy? Toyota Rav4 or Honda CRV?

My husband and I have been looking for a new car.  Our 2000 Suburu Legacy is on its last leg.  Going between the Honda CRV and the Toyota Rav4.  We want an all-wheel drive SUV.  I have never leased before but I have read that the lease deals are better now as long as you get ALL the information.

Toyota Rav4

Honda CRV

Great Massage at East-West Healing Arts

I had a student massage from East-West Massage school on the westside.  After my concussion, I have been sore in places that usually I am not sore--like my elbows.  Alex, the student, did a wonderful job.  He mixed accupressure, Swedish massage, and Chinese massage.  I plan to make another appointment with him and it only costs $35.00.

Favorite Things Lately...

Here are some things I have been liking lately.  I'm sure I will have new likes once spring comes to Wisconsin..we may just skip spring and go from winter to summer (at this rate)!

"Good Food" food cart near capitol is
healthy and delicious!

William and Sonoma gadgets: double peeler, zester, soup
ladle, electronic temp gauge, and rubber oven mitt

They are about to start the battle rounds

B-cycle community bikes

Talalay Natural Foam Latex Topper Arrived!

Our natural foam topper arrived today from Amazon.  Yeah!  Laid on it and feels very comfy.  Two inches really does seem to make a difference in comfort.  Hopefully it is worth the $300.  Maybe I will I get a good night sleet tonight.

Mattress Hunting is a Pain

My husband and I purchased two twin Verlo mattresses in June and spent about $250 each on them.  We liked that Verlo makes the mattresses in-house and does not use chemicals.  However, the beds starting sinking (due to the springs) about a month ago but not enough to use the warranty.
So we went to Sears since we have a Sears card and bought a Serta Perfect Sleeper Karlie mattress.

Tried it for a week and put different toppers on it but it was not comfortable.  Wanted to try NOT buying a pillowtop because our last pillowtop only lasted 3 years and we spent $1700 on it.  A website I found (http://www.sleeplikethedead.com) says this is common for pillowtops and now that we cannot flip the mattresses, they last half as long.  (This is one of my major pet peeves!)  We have ordered a natural latex topper but it has not arrived yet.  We returned the bed today and ordered the Serta Perfect Sleeper Metallic pillowtop mattress--yes, it is a pillowtop, but not has high so hopefully it won't sag.  My next bed may be a natural latex mattress which are pricey but have good reviews...this will probably be in three years!

Pamela's Pancake Mix is Excellent

Family Tradition was to make pancakes on Sunday.  My dad would use Aunt Jemima Pancake mix and add wheat germ to make it healthier.  Now I use Pamela's GF Pancake mix and add ground flaxseed.

Easter Dinner

Easter Dinner was a gluten-free meal: Chicken Curry with Beans


3 Belle and Evans chicken breasts
Frozen pkg of green beans
1-15oz can of garbanzo beans
1 jar of Trader Joe's Curry Simmer Sauce
Seasoning

Put it all in a crockpot on low for 6 hours.



Dessert was a healthy version of fruit cobbler.

Filling
6 apples (Granny Smith and Gala)
2 bags of frozen mixed berries
1/4 c aguave
2 T GF flour
cinnamon
lemon juice
Topping
1/2 cup GF flour (I use Red Bobs)
1 c McCann oats
3 T Butter
4 T olive oil
1 c chopped walnuts
3 T aguave
cinnamon

Fruit: Take off apples skins and cut in medium size pieces.  Add to a 2 1/2 qt pan.  Mix in the frozen berries and the rest of the ingredients.
Topping: Toast the oats and walnuts in the oven at 400 degrees for 5 min.  Meanwhile, cut the butter into the flour (with two knifes).  Mix in the oats and walnuts and the rest of the ingredients.  Sprinkle the topping on the fruit, cover, and bake for 40 min. on 350 degrees.