Weekly Roundup: Tips for Humans, Sports Fans and Free Money Fans

Here in Los Angeles, public schools have started so I pass lots of parents and kids walking to the local elementary school when I walk Stella in the morning - it really takes me back in time. I feel so bad for the kids that they have to go back when it's still so hot! I have a few tips below for inexpensive ways to keep your house from heating up but they wouldn't really work for classrooms. One of my boys is already back at college and the other heads back this weekend. As Gretchen Rubin says (and I've oft quoted), the days are long but the years are short. And that will never change. (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!):

This new post from Rachel Macy Stafford about offering yourself the same compassion you offer to others - and how hard and un-instinctive it is - really hit home for me.

If you have an iOS device and like sports, give the Apple Sports app a try. It's a quick way to find out when your favorite events are happening. For the Dodgers, it tells me when games are, who's pitching and what network the broadcast is on. It even gives me an alert when the game is about to start or something exciting is happening (e.g., Ohtani up with the bases loaded). It's not great for full rosters or stats though - for that I still use the ESPN app.

FREE MONEY alert: I've discovered that you can play games on your phone and make money. It sounds like a scam, but I started with an app I was already using and one I've talked about before here, Fetch. I've been using the Fetch app for years to earn points on receipts and things I buy, and as I've mentioned previously, one thing that's great about Fetch is that you can scan almost any receipt and get points - you don't need a specific offer to earn. That said, we're not talking a lot of money, though it does add up. But you can earn points by playing games and that can add up fast. There are quite a few different kinds of games, so pick what you enjoy (and don't spend a lot, if any, money on in-app purchases since that negates the free part of earning free money). If you're new to Fetch, you can read my original review and sign up for it here - if you use referral code R4NDF, we'll both get bonus points so thank you if you do!

Bonus FREE MONEY alert: I was doing well with Fetch games but after a while, I wasn't into the games they had so I decided to give Mistplay* a try. They have surveys as well as games, and I earn points faster in their games than I do on Fetch. The key is to meet the bonus goals within the short deadline provided, which is sometimes more work than it's worth. When a game becomes too demanding that way, I just delete it and download a new one.

Two low cost ways to cool your house: Our biggest complaint about our townhouse is that it's oriented to get full sun in the summer and not much direct sun in the winter. And since we're in Southern California, the summer sun is quite devastating. One thing we've done is install some removable paper blackout shades.* They come with a sticky edge you can use to hang them, but we just hang them over our vertical blinds using clips. (If you need more clips than they come with, binder clips work well.) They block the sun so that the room doesn't get so hot but they're easy to take down.

The second thing we've done is put up a patio umbrella* outside the sliding glass door to our patio and angled it to block the sun coming in through the windows. I've been shocked at how well it works.

One thing we've done that is more expensive and doesn't work as well is have the windows tinted. It doesn't work nearly as well as we'd hoped, which perhaps is because we couldn't go too dark due to our homeowners' association rules. But in any event, if you're thinking of going that route but are operating under similar constraints, try the other methods first and save your money.

Finally, if you (or your kid) like stuffed crust pizza but don't want to shell out for delivery, I discovered that Screamin' Sicilian makes a frozen one* that's quite good. It seems to be $8.99 but I found it on sale last week at Ralphs for $6.99, and it completely satisfied my son's craving. So I'll always have a box in the freezer when he's home from now on.

Book Roundup: The Best of What I've Read Lately

I read a lot, and one of my rules is that I don't finish a book I'm not enjoying. I also don't recommend everything I do finish, usually because it was just okay. So every book you see here is one that I either loved reading or taught me a lot even if it made me uncomfortable, and I hope you'll find them enjoyable and/or valuable too. Most of these books I borrowed from the Los Angeles Public Library via the Libby app, which I highly recommend. (I've marked affiliate links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!):

Awake* by Jen Hatmaker - This is one of my favorite memoirs ever. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it, but I thought it was an amazingly honest and vulnerable work about a devastating time that somehow manages to be hopeful and loving and positive. I also found it inspiring, and I'm working to be more vulnerable and true to myself now.

Love is the Way* by Bishop Michael Curry - After I finished Awake, I listened to a bunch of Jen's podcasts. One of them was from the end of 2021, when her guest was Episcopal Bishop Michael Curry. I loved his message, so I then listened to his book. It may have changed my life. The message wasn't new - of course love is the way - but there was a practical aspect to the message that worked for me. I'm now trying to "sow seeds" everywhere. That's all. And that's everything.

Village Library cozy mysteries* by Elizabeth Spann Craig - I love when I read the first book in a series and enjoy it so much that I just keep going with the rest of the series. That's what happened with these books.

Somehow* by Anne Lamott - I've seen Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird* recommended by every writer, but I've never read it. (I think I tried it once but didn't get very far.) So I'm not sure what I expected when I listened to this book, but I ended up delighted - not just by the uplifting message that somehow life is good, but by her absolute deadpan delivery of absurd events and sentiments. 

Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men* by Caroline Criado Perez - I've learned so much about gender disparities in the last five to ten years, but this book was the first to explain the subtle but real harms in a way that I understand. Just one example that resonated was the prioritization of snow plowing: For years in one city, the first streets plowed were the routes from residential areas to downtown, i.e., commuter routes for cars (driven mostly by men, who established the priority of plowing). And emergency room visits from people injured while walking escalated during this time. When the streets were plowed in different order with walkers in mind (who tended to be women running errands, walking kids to school, etc.), the emergency room visits plummeted.

Domestic Diva Mysteries* by Krista Davis - This is a delightful cozy mystery series with a fun cast of characters. The protagonist is someone I'd like to be friends with and aspire to be more like (she's an entertaining diva), plus she's got a great dog, good friends and a real frenemy.

Paws & Claws Mysteries* by Krista Davis - I actually read this series first, and enjoyed it so much that I found the Diva series. The true stars of this series are the animals - they solve the mysteries - and I absolutely love it!

Amelia Peabody series* by Elizabeth Peters - Set in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, this series is about English Egyptologists and stars a ridiculously independent and self-confident woman and her family and friends. There are history lessons in it too, and not just archaeological. I loved this series so much that I was devastated when I got to the last book and discovered that the co-author was a friend who finished it for the author because she had died. I would have loved more stories in the series.

City of Promises* by Victoria Thompson and Ellen Thompson - I just read this book and since I borrowed the digital version from the library, I barely glanced at the cover and didn't realize until the afterword that there was a co-author. I loved both of Victoria Thompson's Counterfeit Lady* and Gaslight Mysteries* series, and I was delighted at the crossover in City of Promises. So I was crushed in the afterword when again, I discovered that there was a co-author because the author had died. But at least this book felt like a finale.

Legends and Lattes series* by Travis Baldree - The first book in this series was recommended by a friend, and it's the first fantasy series I've enjoyed in a long time. The characters and stories are hilarious, and since there are only three novels, I really hope there are more to come.

The Art of Gathering* by Priya Parker - I wish I had read (or rather, listened to) this book years ago, when I was running PTA meetings and even before I started meeting with high school students over Zoom. It's full of practical advice on making meetings actually useful and parties more meaningful.

Maisie Dobbs series* by Jacqueline Winspear - Set in early to mid 20th-century England (mostly), this series taught me a lot about pre- and post-war life and politics in a way I'd never thought about (perhaps because I'm so American). The protagonist of this series is so unique and so very likeable yet also enigmatic. I was very sad when the author made it clear that Book 18 was the final book in the series.

Ruth Galloway mystery series* by Elly Griffiths - The characters are so marvelously flawed and human, but also still good people, and the mysteries are solid puzzles. I'm enjoying these books very much (currently on The Man in Black,* which is an interlude between books 12 and 13).

Last but definitely not least, Probable Caws* by Donna Andrews - I will be absolutely devastated when Donna Andrews stops writing the Meg Langslow* series. It's my favorite series of all time, I re-read the books all the time, and I can't wait for the next story.*

Happy Black Cat Appreciation Day! An Update + Roundup

Hello! It's been a while, and I appreciate you sticking around. (And yes, it really is Black Cat Appreciation Day - everything has a day now, doesn't it? At least this one is cute!) As I continue to navigate life's transitions - how do I have two adult children in college?! - I want to be more present here, and I'll be posting more from now on. In the meantime, a quick update is that the kids have been home for the summer and I love having my nest full. I'm a little surprised to admit that I actually won't mind when they're both off to school, though - it's easier to focus on "me, myself and I" when there's only two of us in the house! And I do want to focus on myself - physically (I've been having hip pains that won't go away completely), professionally (currently looking for a job) and spiritually/mentally (I've been reading some great books and listening to some great podcasts, which I'll share with you, if not below, then very soon). So let's get to that roundup (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!):

• This Rachel Macy Stafford article from June on parenting grown children really hit home for me. It's something I've been thinking a lot about, especially since my oldest graduates from college next year. How do I let go yet still hold on as he enters true independence? Rachel's article resonated with me because she's going through it right now. I've also been remembering Gretchen Rubin's father's advice about switching from being an advisor to being a cheerleader. And wondering, when do you make that switch? Is now the time? I think it might be, and I've been trying to wrap my brain around what that looks like.
  
  It's not that I've been much of a helicopter parent, especially since the kids started college. They've chosen their own courses and activities, and even their own living situations. If they've asked for advice, we've given it, but otherwise the only say we've had has been financial (e.g., "that apartment would be too expensive"). But reading about Rachel's daughter graduating from college and now living on her own in a city where she doesn't know anyone scares me a little. I'm hoping that the more I work things out in my head now, the less tightly I'll need to hold on when my son graduates.
  
  
• I love Rachel so much that I pay to be a part of her Treehouse group on Substack, and in addition to helping me with her own work, she's introduced me to other teachers. One is psychiatrist Phil Stutz (his name might be familiar from a Netflix documentary about him, although I haven't watched it). Brene Brown also mentions him in her book Strong Ground,* so I went looking for podcasts with him. I listened to this Compassion in Action episode and it has spurred me into action (hence me writing - and publishing - this post). If you need a kick in the butt, maybe it'll help you too.
  
  
• I finally got around to watching The Sheep Detectives* on Amazon Prime and loved it. I did a quick no-spoilers review for a friend with an 8-year-old, which was, "You have to be ok with murder as the main storyline and one sheep dying to protect other sheep (but there's zero goriness), otherwise it's great for kids." When I told my husband, he recommended Kids in Mind as a site that provides extremely detailed reviews for parents.
  
  
• If you're local, you can find volunteer opportunities via L.A. Works. During the World Cup, I volunteered at a watch party sponsored by the city. Right now, opportunities include food distribution, home building, gardening and much more.
  
  
• I've been doing a fair amount of traveling since last year, and decided that I love traveling when I can at least get premium economy. 😂 Since I used to be a deal blogger, I've always done ok with finding affordable trips, but I'm looking to elevate my game and learning a lot from The Daily Drop, whose "mission is to help new and seasoned travelers maximize credit card rewards, use miles and points smarter, and explore the world for cheap." 
  
  
• I've also discovered that needy dogs and traveling don't go well together. One option is to bring Stella along, which means finding pet-friendly places to stay and if flying is involved, then figuring that part out. She's small, which is good because I fly a lot on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, which have the smallest carrier limits I've seen - this is our carrier,* which has held up well and has some great features like an extra compartment that pops out, two ways to access from above, and a travel strap on the side for attaching to a suitcase handle.
  
  The other option is leaving her at home, but she's a very attached dog who gets depressed when she's alone or even just not with her people. That makes traveling with my family but without her difficult. I've put the word out that I'm looking for a dog sitter who will let Stella come to them, so she at least she doesn't have to be alone, so 🤞. (I have sitters who would visit and feed her, but that wouldn't be enough for her.)
  
  
• I guess this would be a good time for a Stella update, which is that she's great and a much loved family member. I wouldn't trade her for the world, but I did not anticipate having a dog who's super chill in most ways but hates being left alone. Her favorite thing is hanging out on the couch with her loved ones ... and treats. Lots and lots of treats. Apparently she has what's called velcro syndrome and possibly separation anxiety (not uncommon in rescues and lap dogs, which is quite the double whammy). I'm working on reducing both, although I don't think we'll ever be able to completely eliminate them. I have no idea what her first six years were like - I don't think she was abused, but she wasn't super well-cared for either, based on her health - so I'll always just be happy that she's settled in so well with our family.
  
  
  
  We used the classic IKEA FRAKTA bags* to transport stuff home from college - but Stella thought they were for her! 😂😂 
  
  
• As for me, I've been applying for jobs, taking care of my family, and decluttering the house. I've been selling on Poshmark and Vinted, in addition to donating to Goodwill and the local animal shelter (I'm delighted the shelter will take old towels and linens). This is my Poshmark referral code, which gets you a $10 credit when you sign up. This is my Vinted referral code, which gets you up to a $15 credit ($5 for listing 3 items and $10 when you make your first sale). I'll get the same amounts when you use my code, so thank you if you do! And just let me know if you want me to share more about my selling experiences. (FYI, I've been a Poshmark seller for a while, but am quite new to Vinted.)

Finally, important news: the Pumpkin Spice Latte returns to Starbucks on August 25. In anticipation - and in the hope of enjoying PSL flavors without all of the calories and sugar - I bought the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte* creamer but it's nothing like the actual PSL. So I'm counting down until the 25th!

FAFSA and CSS Profile Roundup + another Menu Plan for Two

How is it already the end of October?! I'm torn between wanting the time to fly by so my kids come home for Thanksgiving break, and wanting the time to slow down so they don't keep growing up so fast. But I guess parenting is always paradoxical, witness my favorite Gretchen Rubin quote, The days are long but the years are short. If you celebrate, I hope you have a great Halloween! Check out my Halloween Pinterest board for craft, food and costume ideas. (No, we haven't gotten Stella a costume, but she did have to wear her raincoat recently!)

It's that time of year again, so here's a roundup of FAFSA and CSS Profile-related links:

Top 10 Financial Aid Application Pitfalls: Don’t Lose Out on BIG SAVINGS!

Understanding IDOC: How to Upload and Track Your Documents

Verification Explained: What to Do if You're Selected

Decoding the CSS Profile

FAFSA and Divorce: Which parent holds financial aid responsibility?

3 Big 26/27 FAFSA mistakes that can cost you thousands of dollars

9 Things You Should Know About the CSS Profile

And a bonus pro tip from yours truly: Consider timing your FAFSA submission with when your bank account balances are at their lowest. For example, if you're a homeowner in Los Angeles County, you might submit the FAFSA right after you pay your monthly bills and your property taxes. You can even pay your property taxes in full, instead of the two installments. This can be particularly valuable if you're on the threshold of qualifying for certain forms of aid, e.g., California's Middle Class Scholarship, which has a cut-off of $250,000 for income and assets.

MENU PLAN FOR TWO - Oct. 27 - Nov. 2, 2025

Monday -  Vegetable Beef Soup

Tuesday - Pili Pili Shrimp with Braised Cannellini Beans

Wednesday - Slow Roasted Miso Salmon

Thursday - Cheesy Gnocchi with Corn and Pesto

Friday - Pan Bagnat

Saturday - Sunday - dinner out

If you don't have a New York Times subscription to access their recipes, you might be able to get one through your local library - Angelenos can go here.

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my monthly periodic email newsletter! 

Book Recommendations + A Pescatarian Menu Plan

Partly because I've been traveling a fair amount, and partly because books are a form of escape for me to stop dwelling on how much I miss my kids, I've been reading a lot. So here's a roundup of books I've recently read/listened to and enjoyed (I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!):

Stella didn't love this little dog park - she looked at me like "can we go now?" 😂😂

Maisie Dobbs* - I was enjoying this series anyway, but it's earned a special place in my heart like all books that give me an insight into me that I can't stop thinking about.

Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success* - I haven't finished this yet but I already love it for the insight it's given me about myself (hmm, do I sense a theme to this post?) and for the positive view it provides of the universe.

A Gentleman in Possession of Secrets* - The Lord Julian books* are one of my favorite series of all time, and the most recent installment just made me eager to read the next one.

Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries* - I enjoyed Maddie Day's Country Store mysteries*, and her Cozy Capers series is similarly pleasant. 

Aunties series* - I love Jessie Q. Sutanto's quirky Vera Wong series*, and her 3-book Aunties series is delightful in its complete absurdity (not unlike the uncomfortably hilarious Finlay Donovan series*).

The Sports Gene: Inside the Science of Extraordinary Athletic Performance* - I love watching sports so it was fascinating to explore just how much of athletic excellence is genetic.

Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space* - I was in elementary school when the Challenger blew up and I remember my dad telling me about it when I woke up. We had been so excited to see Christa McAuliffe in space, plus Ellison Onizuka was a Hawaii boy, so the mission felt special to us and its loss was devastating. Even though I was so young, I remember the villainizing of the O-rings and the disgust at the failures throughout what was supposed to be a multi-step safety check. It was good to replace the blurry info from my childhood with a clear understanding of why it went so wrong. (It's also helping me understand the challenges that SpaceX faces right now, since I recently read that they were experimenting with different tiles.)

Sealed with a Hiss* - I enjoyed the latest book in Rita Mae Brown's Mrs. Murphy series* as much as the first.

What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures* - This was a book on climate change that sought to be positive, which I appreciated, and it gave me a new perspective on climate change and possible solutions that I haven't gotten from other sources. I learned about Earthjustice, whose motto is "Because the earth needs a good lawyer." Through them, I've already sent a dozen emails to various government authorities urging them to do what's right instead of what's profitable.

Disasterology: Dispatches from the Frontlines of the Climate Crisis* - From What If We Get It Right?, I learned the term "disasterology" and listened to the audiobook by that name. Disasterology is a branch of emergency management, and this was a pragmatic, informative view of what actually happens after a disaster (and how they can be prevented in the first place).

MENU PLAN FOR TWO - Oct. 13 - 19, 2025

Monday -  Leftovers

Tuesday - Hoisin Glazed Salmon

Wednesday - Anchovy Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese

Thursday - Sheet Pan Ratatouille with Crispy Chickpeas (still getting around to this)

Friday - Lentils with Burrata and Breadcrumbs

Saturday - Sushi Bake

Sunday - Baked Polenta Squares (maybe this week 😂)

If you don't have a New York Times subscription to access their recipes, you might be able to get one through your local library - Angelenos can go here.

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my monthly periodic email newsletter! 

Link Roundup + A Menu Plan That's Mostly Vegetarian

I'm finally at the point where I'm still missing the kids but I can also appreciate how nice it is that it's just two of us and Stella. Meals are a lot easier, and I'm doing a lot less marketing. However, I'd like to get more projects done (like steam cleaning the carpets), so I'd better get going - after all, it's already October! Have a wonderful week 😊(I've marked affiliate/referral links with a *, which means I may make a little bit of money if you make a purchase or sign up using that link - thank you!):

I put boots on Stella in the hope that she wouldn't get so sandy at the park ...
she didn't love it! 😂

Tips for successfully completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

Dan Pink's summary of the best productivity advice.

Get a FREE Nestle Toll House Cookie Taco kit on 10/7, 11/6 and 12/4.

If you have a second grader in California, CalKIDS might have at least $500 in FREE scholarship money for them.

My new favorite phone game is Travel Town* - it's a matching game that I find very satisfying, and a fabulous distraction from missing my kids.

MENU PLAN FOR TWO - Oct. 6 - 12, 2025

Monday 10/6 -  Leftovers

Tuesday 10/7 - Gochujang Potato Stew (been meaning to make this for a while)

Wednesday 10/8 - Sheet Pan Ratatouille with Crispy Chickpeas (didn't get to this last week either)

Thursday 10/9 - Crispy Black Bean Tacos

Friday 10/10 - Tuna Noodle Casserole

Saturday 10/11 - Dinner out

Sunday 10/12 - Baked Polenta Squares (not sure what I'm going to serve them with yet, probably veggies and a runny egg)

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my monthly periodic email newsletter! 

Link Roundup, Financial Aid and Another Menu Plan for Two

I'm gradually catching up on all the things I put off while the kids were home, including going through my saved links, so below you'll find a roundup from the last couple of months. Have a fabulous week!

This is my favorite thing that Stella does!

I enjoyed this post about why your teen still needs you to "tuck them in" at night.

Some advice on dealing with negative self-talk at work.

How AI might be affecting your banking.

It might be good to join multiple, varied social groups.

Why you should have a trust even if estate taxes won't apply.

I'm not sure how I feel about the 6-to-1 grocery shopping method.

What "natural flavors" really means.

What it's like to work on Tasktabbit.

How to warm corn tortillas so they don't break (I needed this last week!).

Your library card might give you free access to state parks.

It's that time of year - to file the FAFSA and apply for financial aid. Here is some helpful info:

Understanding the Student Aid Index (College Financial Aid Advisors)

The Documents You'll Need for Financial Aid (College Financial Aid Advisors)

Assets on the FAFSA (The College Financial Lady)

Building Your College List: Key Financial Questions to Ask (Capstone Wealth Partners)

MENU PLAN FOR TWO - Sept. 29 - Oct. 5, 2025

Monday 9/29 -  Garlic Alfredo Spaghetti Squash (didn't get to this last week)

Tuesday 9/30 - Salmon Chirashizushi

Wednesday 10/1 - Sheet Pan Ratatouille with Crispy Chickpeas

Thursday-Sunday 10/2-10/5 - Dinner out

Please let me know if there's something you'd like to see in the roundup. And don't forget to sign up for my monthly periodic email newsletter!