Our rescue dog Stella is settling in nicely, and she's the best thing that could have happened to our family. My boys are spending more time out of their rooms (and away from their gaming computers) so they can spend time with her, which means I'm getting more time with them. Everyone loves her and she's as adorable as can be, with the perfect personality for me. (Truth: I didn't want to rescue a dog just to save one; I also wanted to avoid getting a puppy because I wanted to skip that incredibly cute but very demanding stage.) Have a great fortnight! (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!)
If you're a parent of young adults, make sure your children give you the authority to act on their behalf should an emergency arise. I used Mama Bear Legal Forms* and their young adult package for both of my kids. It includes a Medical Power of Attorney, a Financial Power of Attorney, and a HIPAA release form. Once your child signs the forms (which you might want to get notarized), you just hold onto them and hope you'll never need them. But if, say, your child was in the hospital and unconscious, you'd be able to show the hospital staff the medical power of attorney and they could tell you about your child's condition. If your child is in college, have them also sign a FERPA waiver so the college can give you information about your student.
If you're a parent or student who needs loans to pay for college, now is the time of year to sign those promissory notes. Students should take out the Federal Direct Loan first - it will have the lowest interest rate of any student loan available. New borrowers will have to go through student loan entrance counseling so they understand the consequences of taking out loans. Anyone intending to take out a private loan should check with the college's financial aid office to see if they recommend any lenders, and definitely shop around for the lowest interest rate.
Joe Messinger has an update on the impact of the Big Beautiful Bill on federal financial aid.
Last month, author Dan Pink shared 21 books that have changed his life. I've only read two of them - Grit* by Angela Duckworth and Mindset* by Carol Dweck. Some of them I'd heard of, some of them I'd never heard of, and a few of them I'd even tried reading before but never finished. I'll be giving all of them a try, because I trust Dan Pink's advice that much (and I totally agree that Grit and Mindset were terrific).
Author Joanna Campbell Slan, who writes the Kiki Lowenstein cozy mystery series*, is giving away two FREE full-length books - a prequel to the Kiki series and the fourth book in her Cara Mia Delgatto cozy mystery series.* I read both series a couple of years ago and enjoyed them.
Through July 27, Costco members can get $3 off a 2-pack of Rao's marinara in-store only. Rao's is my favorite jarred sauce (it's also Whole 30 compliant) and this is the best price I can find.
I'm all about whole foods, but I have to admit to skepticism over 100 Days of Real Food's Bone Broth Hot Chocolate. I might give it a try just out of curiosity (and the recommended Kettle and Fire* bone broth is my go-to brand.)
TWO WEEK MENU PLAN - July 21 - Aug 3, 2025
Monday 7/21 - Cauliflower Parm (didn't get to this last week)
Tuesday 7/22 - Crispy Rice with Spicy Salmon (this was sooo good, we're having it again already)
Wednesday 7/23 - Cheesy Chickpea Melts
Thursday 7/24 - Slow Cooker Carnitas Tacos
Friday 7/25 - Lentils with Burrata and Breadcrumbs
Saturday 7/26 - Sheet Pan Bibimbap
Sunday 7/27 - Crispy Tofu Tacos
Monday 7/28 - Baked Ziti (using some of that Rao's sauce)
Tuesday 7/29 - Gochujang Potato Stew
Wednesday - Saturday 7/30 - 8/2 - Dinner out
Sunday 8/3 - Miso Soba Salad
(For locals: To access NYT recipes through the library, 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!
