good food, good company, and extraordinary living...all on a thirty thousand dollar budget.these ideas will improve your social life and your bank account.
The Indianapolis Museum of Art has released it's summer movie night schedule for 2010! It's another reminder that summer fun is around the corner, and this line-up looks pretty sweet. Starting in June 4th, don't be surprised to see the 30k crew milling around the amphitheater!
Looking for a quick and easy dish to help you hang on to the last few weeks of summer? Try this quinoa recipe!
You might be asking, "What the hell is quinoa to begin with?". Well, since you asked- Quinoa (Kee-no-uh) originated in South America back around some odd 6,000 years ago. The Incas actually believed the crops to be sacred, calling them "chisaya mama" or for those of us that don't speak Incan, "Mother of al Grains". They treated it so much like a diety, that when the Spanish Conquistadors showed up they actually forbid the indigenous people to grow quinoa and switch their crops to corn instead. Talk about being a little xenophobic. I mean, who is afraid of a type of grain? Really? Anyways, quinoa is chuck full of protein (12-18%) and unlike wheat or rice it contains a balanced amount of amino acids.
Now that you know all you ever wanted to know about quinoa and more, here's a way to fix it for all your fabulous 30km friends!
Ingredients:
1 Cup quinoa (Good Earth has the best price in their bulk section, remember to buy local!)
1 1/2 Cups water
2 Tbsp Olive oil
1/2 herb of your choice (I like to use basil or cilantro)
Any assortment of fresh or frozen veggies of your choice ( Usually throw in a cup of corn, red onion, peas, carrotts and tomatoes)
Directions:
Throw your quinoa and water into a covered pot and bring to a boil. As soon as the water starts boiling, turn your heat to low for 20 minutes. Don't take the lid off until its done (I always have a hard time with this step, but it's worth it). Your quinoa will end up the consistency of couscous.
Put your quinoa in a plastic bowl and put it in the fridge until it cools (or freezer for a quick chill). Once it has cooled down, add the veggies, herbs, seasonings, salt, and pepper. Stir. Done.
So this is definitely one of my favorite fests held in Indianapolis during the summer. Every year, the Holy Rosary Church downtown (close to Mass Ave)- hosts the Italian Festival. If you know me, you know that I am 100% in love with Italy. This is the real deal. Homemade meatballs, manicotti, cannolis, italian ice, gelato and more. If the system is the same as last year- tickets are purchased and act as cash at the stands. I highly recommend the meatball sandwiches and the manicotti. Nothing beats homemade rustic Italian cuisine. The fest starts tomorrow- June 12 and ends Saturday night- June 13. I think this is definitely worth the trip. Parking can be a drag- I would definitely recommend riding bikes, or parking far away and walking so you don't have to pay an attendant. Plan on leaving completely stuffed with goodness.
Last night, I visited the Corner Wine Bar, located in the heart of Broad Ripple Village. What an awesome place for a low key yet high class evening. We selected a bottle of wine off of the "managers bin special." The manager selects a couple of different wines and prices them at $20/bottle. Super affordable if you're into trying new wines. Our waiter suggested a Pinot, which was stellar. The women next to us were digging into the fruit and cheese plate ...which looked so fresh and scrumptious. I would highly recommend the Corner Wine Bar for a chill night with friends. Their summer menu looked incredible. Oh, and they have an awesome outdoor patio for those moonlight summer nights. I can't wait to head back and dig into their summer menu!
I made roughly $190 in two months by cleaning out my closet and taking my unwanted goods into The Toggery. (a resale boutique) in Broad Ripple! They also take "non" clothing items (you can find the list of what they accept on their website.)
Make sure you schedule an appointment (they usually have same day appointments if you need one). You can find their policies here. You will receive 50% of the selling price which is awesome because they usually price their items at a decent amount. They cut checks on the 10th of every month...sooo get selling!
Get some extra cash for summer! What an easy way .....
If you're looking for something to do this weekend, stop ny the Broad Ripple Art fair. This annual festival features more than 225 artists from the U.S. and Canada, booths from local cultural organizations, a children’s creative area, gourmet food courts, a beer and wine garden and live entertainment on four stages and the Frank M. Basile Auditorium. Tell me this doesn't sound like a good time- I dare you. Local culture, gourmet food, beer and wine...this is the ultimate Thirtythou scene!
The Art Fair takes place in ARTSPARK on the grounds of the Indianapolis Art Center annually each May. All proceeds from the Art Fair directly benefit Art Center programs. The 39th Broad Ripple Art Fair will take place this weekend May 16 and 17, 2009.
Tickets are $15 bucks which isn't super cheap in a 30Kmil way, but think of it this way: you are making a contribution to a charity (how honorable, swanky and chic of you!) and get a great excursion out of it (bonus!).
Enjoy a Taste of Summer throughout The Fresh Market on Saturday, May 16th from 10am - 6pm. Outside we'll kick off the grilling season as we sample and sell Gourmet Burgers and Kabobs. Inside the store sample salmon, rotisserie chicken salad, Virginia ham, Fruit Tarts, as well as The Fresh Market's new Deli Salads. Summer fares with special pricing will be featured throughout the various departments. TFM's Taste of Summer - Great Food, Great Fun!