E-books and self publishing

I've been reading Joe Konrath's blog A newbies Guide to Publishing for forever (it seems) because it's fascinating to read about his process of writing, publishing and promoting. And because he's open and honest about what works and what hasn't (and he includes $$ amounts for reference).

Todays entry was about ebooks leveling the playing field for authors. And the comments...oh my goodness. It seems like "published authors" fear ebooks because it makes self-publishing easier and then their world will come crumbling down because any old person can publish a book.

To which I say good on them! Because the majority of books I've read in the last year have been crap. And these are from big name, big back list authors. And it wouldn't be so bad if I didn't have to pay $11.99 for the e-book of the garbage.

As a consumer I love that authors can publish their work on Amazon for what they think is a fair price. Just like I love buying music from itunes. No more shelling out a ton of money for a disc that has one (maybe two) good songs. I just pay my 4 bits for the good stuff.

And yes, with the increase of self-published authors it will mean that I have to be more diligent in what I buy, but if the last year is any indication I have to be more picky with the established authors as well.

[/rant]

Crockpot Wednesday - Chili

I don't usually use the crockpot during the week because we're gone for at least 10 hours and my crock doesn't have a timer. Maybe I'll splurge one day and get a "fancy" one.

Tomorrow is Kick-Off for football and we're having a few friends over, what better to have then Chili and home made buns?

So, here's the most difficult, sodium laden Chili recipe evah. Seriously.

1 package ground beef, cooked and drained

2 19 oz cans Aylmer Tomatoes (Chili seasoning Accents)

2 14 oz cans Heinz Chili Style Red Kidney Beans

2 14 oz cans Heinz Chili Style Pinto and Red Kidney Beans

1 tsp Chili powder

1 tsp Chipotle Chili powder (I use the Epicure Selection ones for both)

Toss everything in a crock pot, give it a stir, cook for a while.

I have no idea why people like it but they do. I like it 'cause it's simple :)

Buns are from Tasty Kitchen using the bread maker.

Menu Plan Monday

Happy Labour Day! We're celebrating by watching an Original Series Star Trek marathon (currently Amok Time is on). And I'm knitting a bit while watching so maybe by the time the colder weather comes around I'll have a blanket done.

I didn't do a menu plan last week which turned out good because I didn't really cook alot, not sure what we ate actually :)

So for this week,

Monday: Tacos with homemade Guac and Pico de Gallo

Tuesday: Chicken Roll ups (flattened chicken breast, spinach and swiss cheese on top. Roll up and bake in the oven. Recipe is from my moms Herbal Magic cookbook)

Wednesday: Quasidillas using leftovers from Monday

Thursday: Chili for football kickoff, with home made buns

Friday: Leftovers

Celebration!

Congratulations to our softball team for winning the 'A' division final this year. For winning we got a cooler full of beer. I wish there were any left, but there's not because we had a great time.

But oh what a long weekend.

Six games in two days. Eight games in the last 5 days. That's a lot of ball.

My house is a filthy mess, I have less than half my laundry done from last week; I hope that we all have clean clothes for tomorrow. I don't have a menu plan, but I did get groceries on Friday. I need to hose the boy off soon because he's filthy. And my tomato plant needs some water.

Bed is calling.

Everything can wait until tomorrow.

Mostly.

Menu Plan Monday - Phoning it in

I'm really taking the easy way out this week, phoning it in so to speak :) I didn't make it to the frugal grocery store on the weekend and I couldn't justify buying the same thing for dollars more at Safeway so it's a kind of eat out of the pantry and freezer week.

I did, however, do a mini review of last week since there were so many new things that I tried.

Monday: Leftovers. I'm going to toast the remaining baguette and put warmed up risotto on it. I'm going to make Adam and Jet fend for themselves.

Tuesday: Ham and Cheese Quiche. Need a quick dinner than can be reheated when we get home.

Wednesday: Steak and Potatoes. Because it's EASY.

Thursday: Pizza or maybe take-out because it's our last ball game.

Friday: Fish for friday. Chili Lime Orange Roughy, and rice or noodles.

Saturday and Sunday we're playing ball. Which will probably include drive-thru.