cynzylla's Profile

Miss Pink, I too add coffee concentrate to my protein shakes. I also add ripe, frozen banana pieces. The coffee/banana combination is so tasty.

In fact back in the late 90s/early 00s Trader Joe's used to sell coffee flavored soy milk which was perfect for cold drink applications. Since they stopped making it (huge bummer) I've been using coffee brewed in my Bialetti, but it can be a little bitter in the shake. Definitely will try the cold water steep/filter method.

I include post-cooking clean-up time in my overall meal prep time....so I basically can never complete a meal in under 30 minutes.

@leapkate: I couldn't agree more. Prepping the ingredients should be part of the directions.

Does the rental come with air conditioning? If you live where it gets hot and/or humid in summer, and you are viewing a rental in the winter one could easily forget to check for that.

Turn shopping into a race against the clock. Make your list, walk through the door and go! See how fast you can get your shopping done and out the door. When you are concentrating on the efficiency of your shopping you don't have time to browse. If you are at all competitive you will find this shopping style addicting.

Xarcady -

Seems like the solution to all your problems is a new housemate ;)

cmmarie -

Perhaps a bench with storage would fit where the backpacks, purses and bags end up. They could go inside the bench and keep it all out of sight.

The myriad of answers should tell all that you need to know your audience and send cards accordingly. If people know only you, send a picture of only you, entire family to relatives, pets to dog-sitter, etc. Holiday cards are little gifts for people. Just as you think about what the person likes when you buy them a gift, do the same for the card/photo.

Both a pre-pack pile in the luggage I intend to pack it in and detailed lists are what helps me get as close to my perfect pack goal as possible (yes, I'm an efficiency geek).

All my packing lists are on their own spreadsheet in a single workbook. The name and date of the trip is on the spreadsheet tab. When I repeat a trip, which happens regularly for me, I copy the spreadsheet from the most recent prior trip, remove all the "done" check-marks, review the contents for any changes/additions, and start packing. I find that each trip has it's own unique contents, and reviewing prior, similar trips helps me remember to pack items I may not need anywhere else.

Superb layout, location and quiet? You've scored a hat trick, city-living style. Well done!