A few favorite finds/discoveries from this week:

SCSN Earthquake Commentary– We may have abandoned the snow last week bound for Sunny California.  There were some rather warm days, then the temperature dropped, and the earthquakes hit.  7 earthquakes while we were visiting my parents.  No, nothing disastrous, but as my beautiful friend Laura explains, “everything is more vivid with little ones.”  The largest of the quakes measured a 4.0, but all I could think about was whether my loved ones were safe.  🙂

   groups on mormon mommy blogs– Have you checked out mmb?  Lots of great blogs to enjoy…this past week it became an online community.  I began a healthy cookin’ group where we have begun to share ideas, recipes, discuss, and answer group member questions.  Check out the new mmb, and come join our healthy cookin’ mommas group!

   domino, the book of decorating – Not too long ago, I mentioned my love affair withDomino Magazine and the sadness that they are no longer.  My brilliant sister Reesa gave me their decorating book for my birthday, and I am soo loving it!  A wonderful resource, beautiful ideas, and a process to help decide what you really want. 

   Bombay Bazzar – So when was the last time you bought a spice jar from the grocery store?  Around here, a small 1.6 oz. jar of turmeric cost just over $4.  I have found spices a bit cheaper at World Market, and even less at Costco, though the selection is limited.  As we were driving through Vegas, I spotted Bombay Bazzar(an Indian supermarket).  Ohhh, was I in heaven: an entire aisle dedicated to spices!  I bought a 14 oz. package of turmeric for $1.99.  I also stocked up on cumin powder, cumin seed, a mild curry powder, fennel powder, coriander, dhana jeera (coriander and cumin mix) and a 5 lb bag of garam masala (my favorite Indian spice blend).  Despite my going buck-wild on spices, the bill came to just over $30!  When times get rough around here, at least we know we’ll have savory food!  🙂  For those of you in Las Vegas, Bombay Bazzar is located in the Northwest corner of Maryland Pkwy and Flamingo (in the Targetshopping center).  I was not able to find a website for them, but it appears to be another Bombay Bazzar in San Francisco, in the Mission Neighborhood.  Not near either of these?  Check out the nearest ethnic market for bulk spices.  And let me know…oh, how I adore spices!

MSG: Is This Silent Killer Lurking in Your Kitchen Cabinets?– A fabulous article on msg awareness.  I’ve heard great advice that if you don’t know what an ingredient is, chances are its not good for you.  Dr. Mercola explains, “it’s required by the FDA that food manufacturers list the ingredient “monosodium glutamate” on food labels, but they do not have to label ingredients that contain free glutamic acid, even though it’s the main component of MSG.There are over 40 labeled ingredients that contain glutamic acid,[9] but you’d never know it just from their names alone. Further, in some foods glutamic acid is formed during processing and, again, food labels give you no way of knowing for sure.” I did not know there was msg in the following:

• Autolyzed Yeast
• Calcium Caseinate
• Gelatin Glutamate
• Glutamic Acid
• Hydrolyzed Protein
• Monopotassium Glutamate
• Monosodium Glutamate
• Sodium Caseinate
• Textured Protein
• Yeast Extract
• Yeast Food
• Yeast Nutrient

Unfortunately, there are many familiar ingredients that “often” have msg in them. Read the entire article to see the entire list.

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling inspired to use these bargain spices that have no msg!  🙂  Have a wonderful weekend.