Feeling super organized again 🙂 I spent some time organizing a few trouble areas in my house today: the laundry equipment shelf, the chocolate drawer (which is now a box), the LID OF THE TRASHCAN, which I scrubbed, ewwww!!, some carpet spots. This house has never been so de-cluttered!
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to store/organize placemats? I have so many and they are all folded in half and stuffed into the drawers of a console.
At 11:30 I left for the gym on my bike. It’s such a great release to go from house to the fresh outdoors on my back everyday. Biking to the gym has really changed my attitude about my workouts!
Whilst there I had a great workout – 26 minutes on the ET, 6:26 on a treadmill finishing up my magazine (yes, I do plan these times 🙂 ) and then a few rounds of upper body weights until my muscles were exhausted.
I read SELF while I was at the gym and was excited to see a bunch of my friends smiling back at me!!!!
You know, I was interviewed for an article too and when I inquired as to whether or not this was the article I had interviewed for, I was told I was cut out because I am a direct competitor with the SELF bloggers. WHA!? Where’s the camaraderie and support in this industry people! I write about reading SELF all the time on KERF and have been a subscriber since I was about 16! Now that I know how they feel about me…
[ yes, I am bitter
]
What to have for lunch was an easy decision: Peas Please!
And a Raisin Bran muffin top from Great Harvest!
I feel like muffins have gotten such a bad rap in recent years as being huge calorie bombs of sugar and fat. But these muffins are 100% wholesome! It’s fun that I know the person who baked the from scratch and that he can rattle off the ingredients – all read foods. Wheat bran, oat bran, whole wheat flour, eggs, raisins, sugar, etc. I could make that myself.
POM Spritzer
Going to finish my Community project and then spend the night in with the husband <3
amanda says
haha about self! I found out about your blog actually from commenters on a self blog. (between u and me I like ur blog wayyyyyy better)
Whitney @ Lettuce Love says
I would be bitter too! The muffin top looks yum!
Lindsey @ Sound Eats says
Um, yes, your blog is way better than the SELF blogs. I still read yours! 😀
Can’t wait to see any suggestions about placemat storage. I have all mine stored the same as you, and just yesterday I was thinking how I did a better method of storing them.
Krissy (Single Serving) says
My favorite number is 22. I ran for 22 minutes on the treadmill today.
I completely get where you are coming from!!!
Amanda@lessonsinmoderation says
I can’t believe Self. I am a huge fan and I read many of the Self blogs AND KERF and a lot of other healthy living blogs. Do self staffers really think their readers limit themselves to ONE blog? Ridic! Anyways…Kath your organizational skills blow my mind. I am a semi-slob/pack rat married to a neat freak so reading about your mad organizing skills deffo inspires me to abandon my slob-like tendencies 🙂
Kim says
Could you roll the placemats (identical ones bundled together) and put them in a cute basket?
Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl says
Gosh, Kath. That’s sad and way cool at the same time, to be viewed in that way by Self. Actually, it’s quite the honor for you!!
But I do remember reading (only like a gazillion times??!!!) you mentioning Self magazine.
Take it as a compliment and don’t let it bother you – you’re the bestest!!!! 😀
Hugs,
Michele
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) says
i love muffins (esp. pumpkin chocoalte chip)! any idea how the great harvest muffins stack up nutritionally?
Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion says
WHAT!? Wow that is jerky of them! I am sure your contribution was fantastic too!
Laine says
I wondered why you weren’t in there! Sounds like they don’t get what blogging is about, if they think there are “competitors.” One of the great things about blogs is that you find out about other blogs and add those to your RSS. It’s not like a magazine where you have a limited budget and will only buy one or 2. I added you to that page in my mind when I read it anyway, so take that, Self! And make up for it by doing a whole article on KERF.
amber says
wow how rude of SELF!! OK i love soups and you have me crazing split pea now. I am meeting Jenna at the Pant Cafe tonight!! Jealous?? 😉 I am debating on the hummus plate and the lentil beet burger!
Vanessa (Last Night's Leftovers) says
Not cool that they didn’t include you for such a stupid reason! Jerks.
MelissaNibbles says
I lost so much respect for Self after the Kelly Clarkson thing and just feel like their magazine is the same thing month after month. Your blog has much better content and promotes positive body images. They should be asking you to feature them on KERF not the other way around 🙂
brandi says
that’s crazy that they didn’t use you because of that!
either way, your lunch looks great. Leftover soup is always the best!
Diana says
That muffin looks so good!
That’s a bit weird, why would they interview you in the first place? Hm.
Allison says
Placemats… I roll them and keep them in a wine rack. Wine never lasts long enough to make it to the rack. The basket idea is good too. I’m sorry to hear about Self… being Self-ish.
Julie says
White it is rude of SELF, maybe you should be flattered by what they said! They think your blog is the big cometition to their magazine! Obviously they fear you and your awesomeness.
Julie says
While it is rude of SELF, maybe you should be flattered by what they said! They think your blog is the big cometition to their magazine! Obviously they fear you and your awesomeness.
Lauren @ Eater not a runner says
I totally agree about muffins, they can be super healthy (and obviously delicious)!
And that is so weird about Self, I was reading that same issue at the gym today and thought you might be in there!
Kelly from Bridges and Bites says
Um, yes, I’m definitely shaking my head at SELF right now. You’re awesome! Bad move on their part!
Kate says
Ha if anyone has read the blog on SELF that is a food blog it doesn’t even compare to KERF! I <3 KERF more 🙂
That muffin top looks so good! Have a nice weekend!
Janie says
I agree with the commenter above who mentioned the Kelly Clarkson incident. That made me never want to read the magazine again, and I had a subscription for a long time! I don’t read the magazine or their blogs anymore, but I still read yours every day:)
D says
I think SELF is going to regret what they said! 🙂
Hallie (Healthy Twists) says
You know now that I think about it, it’s pretty funny that you are seen as a competitor…I mean, who on earth just reads one blog, if they read blogs? But I guess, being devil’s advocate, they are just doing whatever they think they need to in order to survive, with so many magazines folding these days. Still though…it’s silly…but further evidence that you are a major player at the top of this field. So, congrats!
Mary says
Try hanging your placemats & stashing them in a closet somewhere close. Use the hangers with built-in clothespins, then organize by style/color. You can clip an entire set of placemats together on one hanger so you’ll always know where the matching ones are.
Food Makes Fun Fuel says
That soup looks so nice and thick, yum
Meg says
I too found your blog through a Self blog, and unlike theirs, I continue to read yours! Yours is a lot better…they should HIRE you…then you wouldn’t be competition anymore 🙂 It is a shame that it still comes down to the almighty dollar (because, you know, promoting you would probably bring down the entire magazine) UGH…I understand your frustration! As a fellow aspiring RD in school, though, thank you for your daily inspiration…we all still think you are awesome!
megan says
i also found you through a self blog. although i really like that blog too. why do people feel the need to put down the self food blog? the individual blogger didn’t choose to leave you out of the article. anyway i agree with what others are saying – it’s a compliment! 🙂
Kara says
I was going to suggest Allison’s idea too — rolling up the placemats and storing them in a wine rack! Cute, colorful, AND you can see all your options at once! 🙂
Man, you’re reminding me I’m overdue for an apartment clean/reorg!
Karissa says
I’m ashamed of SELF, that’s a low-blow. I thought they would want to highlight success. Well know that I enjoy reading KERF regardless of what SELF thinks!!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
I’m going to organize right now – I feel so much better when I do!
Maria says
That’s a bummer about SELF.
I like your blog better, anyways. You’re more real, and I feel like your posts, tips, recipes, etc. are more valid for that reason.
christie @ honoring health says
Man, that wasn’t very nice of SELF but, I would take it as a compliment and roll on.
Sara says
That is ridiculous. What makes you any more of a competitor with their blog(s) than those bloggers whom that they featured? Perhaps if their blog’s format wasn’t very user-unfriendly, photographs weren’t tiny, and writing mundane, they would be less concerned. But, as a (longtime) subscriber, especially, you should be outraged.
The lunch looks so warm and comforting. Enjoy your Friday.
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
What I’m guessing is that Self knows your blog is better then theirs… and they don’t want to drive readership away from theirs… which is exactly what’s happening….
That’s my 2 cents 🙂
ToKissTheCook says
Ok, that but about competitors is ridiculous. As in SUPREMELY ridiculous. I’m bitter now too. I mean, Yay for Jenna and Angela (seriously, big YAY!) but giving you that as the reason for exclusion is holistically silly and terribly inconsistent.
Kasey (Fit For Wellness) says
I love the placemat rolled into the wine rack idea!!!
Mama Pea says
I was going to say…you can get a cute little picnic basket and then roll the placemats and arrange them decoratively inside. Then you just have to find somewhere to sit the basket. Crap.
Naomi (onefitfoodie) says
i feel like self has the same stuff every month…now I dont even buy it…i may browse it in the supermarket or pharmacy but I find it is usually a waste of money!. There is not one good reason why you shouldn’t have been featured in that magazine
you can roll up thte placemats and tie them with a pretty ribbon and keep them in a flower vase or other pretty vase like tin/jar/glass 🙂
Diana says
hoorah for healthy muffins! i love muffins but dont eat them very much. maybe i will stop by GH tomorrow…or cash in on my b-day card!? 😉
Erin says
Life is so much better when it’s organized. 😀
Joelle (The Pancake Girl) says
Muffins do get a bad rap which is sad bc they’re delish!! I love that you have a connection to a wholesome, healthy bakery- I want to open one and eat fresh baked good round the clock.. sounds pretty nice!
Sandy says
I have a Self subscription but I think maybe all of your readers should boycott and not renew! I always read your blog but often just click next when one of their blogs comes up. Anyone else ready to boycott?
Wendy says
Soooo, why did they even interview you if they were just going to cut your comments out anyway? I agree with some of your other readers – I don’t get how you are in “competition” with their blogs. You know, I was a SELF subscriber for a long time, but I got sick of all the fear-mongering and one-sidedness in their feature articles (i.e. featuring some extremely rare but really scary disease with no cure). I dropped my subscription a couple years ago. Then, after hearing about the Kelly Clarkson air-brushing incident, I was glad I did. I no longer have any respect for that magazine. I much prefer Shape and Runner’s World anyway!
On another topic…I’m curious about what you are learning about in your Community Nutrition class. Would you mind sharing more about it?
kath says
Perhaps you weren’t in the Self article b/c your blog is a virtual treasure trove for name brand products, including your own impending GH business. I find it slightly ironic that you can claim “no bias” when reviewing such products, when you’ve received these products for free. You would have to perceive these products as having a “halo effect” by virtue of the fact that you paid nothing for them. It ensures that you cannot in fact be entirely bias free when reviewing them. Furthermore, you consciously or not, are soliciting new, different samples of products with each review, and just by discussing the products (positively or negatively) you are giving each company free advertising. I’m fairly certain that the food blogger from Self doesn’t do that, or if she does, it is not to the extent that you do. If Self did in fact use the word competition, it is what it is. You are competitive, no? Aren’t we all on some level? You will face lots of competition with your new business venture, especially at a time when customers feel forced to make choices with their food dollars. You like GH products, but again, you don’t pay for them. I wonder if you’d be allocating as much of your money toward these products, if you had to buy them.
emmy - eatventures says
My suggestion for the placemats would be to store them flat somewhere – like a kitchen drawer or linen closet. Rolling them up will make them ‘rolled’ and bumpy when it’s time to put them on the table.
K says
Direct competitor!? Well, if it came down to it, I’d pick KERF – just sayin’ 😉
stephanie @ foodie mcfood says
I would be bitter also! Your site is a nice compliment to the SELF blogs and, frankly, your site doesn’t crash my computer like SELF’s website does. Weird.
Jelli says
Store the placemats in empty suitcase inside the netted zipper section. I can’t imagine you have that many placemats. After all, why keep more than 2 sets?
Light Delight with TouTou says
I think fold them in half is not such a good idea….maybe you should try to roll them up and with a ring, and put them in a cute vase?
AnnQ says
Poop on Self. 😉 (just kidding)
But seriously…the muffin looks delish! 🙂
Chelsea says
I miss references to “the husband”. And WTF Shape?
Carolyn says
Love POM spritzers! Had to drag myself away from the 60 oz. bottle @ Costco. 🙂
Marisa (vinyasa mama) says
I used to read the self blog and although the writer is very sweet and seems great, it’s literally the same thing every meal, every day. I’ll check in on her blog every once and awhile and it’s like nothing ever changes. I really enjoy how you mix it up and also give us some insight into your life. It makes it so much more personable and shows how much you love it!! Thanks for your inspiration!!!
Elina says
That’s so silly about SELF magazine. People can and do read more than one blog. What’s up with interviewing you and then cutting it out?!! I like yours better anyway 😉
Shannon (The Daily Balance) says
love that muffin top — looks amazing!
Have a wonderful night with your husband!
happyshoes says
This isn’t placemat-related but it does have to do with organization and I’ve been wondering what your suggestions are with respect to dealing with paperwork. What do you do with receipts, random papers that come through the door, magazines that you might want to refer to later but are done reading for now, etc.? I’d love to hear suggestions from someone who dislikes clutter!
Jenna says
that muffin looks great with the soup!
jenna
Kelly says
To the person above that calls herself Kath-
I am hesitant to leave a comment that veers away from the positve and pleasant tone that Kath shares with us through her blog, but I find your comment to be downright offensive. Blogging, by nature, is a virtual conversation with others. Kath is basically allowed to review whatever product she wants to, and frankly, I find the reviews of another healthy, active woman like myself to be incredibly informative and fun to read. I don’t know if Kath gets paid to review products but if she does, good for her! She is a food blogger and she is good at it. It seems to be that you are jealous of her ambition and creativity…for crying out loud you even stole her name! (lol). I have been reading kath’s blog for a couple of years now and I get so many great ideas from her. Shame on you for leaving such a nasty comment.
Love your blog Kath…it shouldn’t be compared to anyone elses because it is personal and heartfelt and therefore totally unique. Keep it up girl 😉
Chelsea says
Make that Self.
Aaron says
Well you can put me down on the list of people who found your Blog through SELF as well!
I used to read the self blog, but then I read about yours in the comments and haven’t looked back. I haven’t been back to self!
Keep up the good work, and like everyone else is saying, you should feel happy they see you as a threat!
candice says
Sorry you got cut out of the article because SELF sees you as a “threat” to their bloggers… a bit narrow-minded, isn’t it? On the other hand, that GH muffin top looks absolutely fabulous 😀
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
I have to agree with you on the SELF magazine! I think we are all UNITED in food bloggers. I definitely don’t see and competition between blogs… one of the best parts of blogging is being able to read other blogs, share our thoughts and opinions, meet others with similar interests, make wonderful friends from all over the world, and share our best (and worst!) food moments. You definitely have the right mind-set in writing this blog Kath, and you deserve any and all publicity you might get. 🙂
Camille says
Today’s muffin looks deeeelish! I am a huge muffin fan, but lots of people either assume that:
a. They are way healthier than a doughnut, so you should go crazy on them
or
b. They are too calorie-ladden and should be avoided at any cost.
Made the right way they are a million times healthier than a doughnut and not loaded down with unnecessary calories! Props GH!
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) says
Meh, they’re just threatened by your “Best Food Blog” title from Foodbuzz. I’d take it as a compliment!
That muffin is so gorgeous and sounds delightfully filling.
Jenn (www. j3nn.net ) says
😯 That muffin looks amaaaaaaaazing!! WANT! 😀
Jenn
Cynthia (It All Changes) says
I love SELF but have never read the blogs over there. I didn’t start reading blogs until this year and I’ve never wandered over there. No need with great bloggers like you 🙂
Meg says
That pea soup looks amazing….wish I had some now.
I didn’t know GH had muffins tops!
Meredith (Pursuing Balance) says
Your lunch looks so hearty and fabulous!
SweetiePotato says
relaxing on friday nights is the best! such a great reward for the long work week 🙂
M says
The Self blog is a total joke compared to yours. Seriously, that blog has zero personality. The only adjective that blogger ever uses is “nice”, and lately it’s been little more than venting about how! hard! life! is! with a baby.
I’m sure Self stalks your blog for ideas. They should be so lucky to have you featured! And why aren’t Jenna or Angela considered competition? Their blogs are a billion times better than the Self blog.
Shannon says
I just have to say, I enjoy your blog so much more than any of Self’s, though I am a loyal Self reader, too. Funny, I just completed a survey of theirs and sited your blog as my favorite wellness site. I bet they *loved* that. Anyway, thank you for what you do–you inspire me daily.
Katie says
Self doesn’t know what they are missing out on! The best of zee best according to Foodbuzz!
And I don’t like Self’s blogs, but I’m not a fan of those magazines too much airbrushing!
Tieghan says
Hey KAth!
I was wondering if there is a different veggie I could use for the split pea soup? My family does not like peas, but I like every other veggie! I was also wondering if you think the soup would still taste good without the bacon? I am a vegetarian. Oh and self stinks for not putting you in their mag! It is their loss!
Thanks!
Tieghan
skinnyrunner says
what?!?!? i want to know more about why and how self thinks you compete with their bloggers????
Jacqueline says
I just wanted to take a moment and tell you how classy I think you really are!
That particular issue of Self has been out for almost a month now and you let the girls that made it in the magazine relish the opportunity and enjoy the spotlight, as they should!
You waited for the dust to settle and then you enlightened us.
You didn’t pull a Kanye! lol!
I’ve been a reader of Cristins blog at Self since she started and I can tell you that you are far more passionate about blogging than she ever thought of. She get’s paid to do a job and it shows. You on the other hand are passionate about blogging, you would do it without pay, and the pay you do get is just an added bonus!
Your right, the food blogging community is all about working together, not against each other.
You are an amazing person!
Jacqueline
Brittany says
The Raisin Bran muffin top from Great Harvest looks amazing. I hope the bakery you all open in Charlottesville will have those babies!
Hillary - Nutrition Nut on the Run says
I would have loooved to have seen you in SELF amongst the others. Ugh, they’re crazy. You deserve to be a cover girl =)
Rob says
I understand your bitterness towards Self but you know writing this would stir up negative comments regarding Kristin. That’s disappointing and unfortunate.
Tuesday says
Did you already post the recipe for that soup/note where you got it from? It looks so tasty!
Kayla says
Wouldn’t all of those bloggers be competitors with Self? And I like your blog much more!
Eileen says
As a veteran of magazine journalism, I’m not surprised that your comments got cut. I *am* surprised you received the explanation you did — I guess you should appreciate their blunt honesty!
I disappointed more than one source whose quote got cut due to space restrictions, wordiness, or because their message didn’t fit the final tone of the story. Don’t know if it helps you feel any better, but I assure you I felt HORRIBLE any time I’d taken a person’s time, and they wound up with nothing to show for it.
*Andrea* says
your blog is 1003492384284 % better than EATLIKEME on self… just sayin’ 😉
Caitlin says
I am wondering what the difference is between your health blog and the other health blogs that were mentioned in the article?! oh well!
that muffin looks yummy!
Kath says
You guys are too kind 🙂 I’m not tryin’ to cause drama or create competition though!
Love the idea to roll the placemats and put them in a basket!!
Megan,
You can find some of the nutritional info on the Great Harvest website. They are a bit high in calories, but they are also hugeeee. I’d say half of one is probably a normal muffin portion and is probably about 200 calories?
Wendy,
I actually find it quite boring! But that’s just me. We’re learning about grant writing, Medicare, all of the government programs like WIC (which is one thing that I do find really interesting), the School Lunch Program, Aging Adults program, health insurance, and stuff.
Jelli,
When you’re a food blogger, you have more than 2 sets! I probably have at least 20 different kinds.
happyshoes,
I recycle as much as I possibly can. I have a file for receipts, although I only keep the ones that are tied to something material that I might return, and I have a filing cabinet for all of our bills and stuff. As for magazines that I might read later – I’ve learned I WON”T read them later! But I do have a notebook where I clip recipes and house decor stuff. So I don’t keep the whole magazine – just the sheet with the info. In the past I have saved so much stuff “just in case” and I’ve learned that I rarely, rarely ever refer back to it, so I’m trying to be more minimalistic.
Kelly,
Thanks 🙂 And FYI, I don’t get paid for product reviews.
Tieghan,
I don’t think you could make Split Pea Soup without split peas, but you could use lentils or make a different kind of soup?
Tuesday,
It’s on the recipe page and I linked over when I posted it at last night’s dinner too.
Eileen,
Oh yes, I totally understand things get cut – but it was more the reason that surprised me.
Kath
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i have no idea what a good way to store placemats would be – i’ve always just seen them stacked in piles. you could put them in an “in” box (like on a desk)
Lora says
The Container Store has a way-cool under shelf wire rack for placemat storage for less than $10 . . . it makes use of the dead space between shelves: http://www.containerstore.com/shop/kitchen/pantryOrganizers/shelfOrganizers?productId=10000701. We love ours; it stores way more than I thought it would.
Stacey says
I subscribed to SELF over a year ago, but once my subscription ran out, I never renewed. That magazine was a great start-point in leading me to a healthy life, but it kind of got old. I feel like all of their topics never change! It’s always: Look great, tone up! or Shape a great Bum before summer lol. Fitness Rx is my new love, because they actually have science and nutrition mixed in with great moves 😀
Oh and YUCK! I LOATHE cleaning the top of the trash can lid, but it’s something that must be done! It does get quite gross, especially if you throw food into it like my honey does lol. (You can imagine the splatter!)
Christina says
So funny about the Self article. I think you’d only be competition if their blogs were interesting and readable.
Marcia says
That is pretty weird that they’d put Angela and Jenna in there but not you…
Tina says
I got nixed from that article too! Boo!
Shane says
I would also take the Self thing as a compliment! I stopped reading issue awhile ago, but the Kelly Clarkson issue was the final blow/reason I am boycotting it indefinitely. I feel that there are A LOT of omissions in that magazine.
Shane says
meant to say “it” in place of first “issue” – pressed submit too soon!