Super exciting purchase of the day!
This laptop has been a long time coming.
I needed something lightweight, long battery life, Windows 7, and high memory for blog traveling. I’m a Windows + HP girl all the way (this is my 5th HP in my lifetime) and love them. My last laptop (the one that is failing) lasted me 4 happy years, but the battery life was terrible, it was really heavy and we’ve been saying for a year now that at the first sign of failure I’d get a new one. A new one went from want to need quickly this week – especially with 4 weeks of travel ahead of me! I had the whole computer set up just how I like in less than 10 minutes – thanks to Google Chrome sync!!
[And because I know you guys are going to comment, I would never go Mac because of blogging and Windows Live Writer – despite parallels. I worked on a Mac for a year and really didn’t like it. I don’t get all the hype. Windows 7 suits me juuuust fine]
I did a bunch of research last night on HP.com, Best Buy and Consumer Reports (my dad has a membership access to the ratings) and decided on the Best Buy version of the HP Pavilion dm4. It cost me $713 with local sales tax, which hopefully considering the use I’ll get out of it and the happiness of blogging when traveling, I felt was a great price for what it has. I can’t believe how much the price of computers has come down since the year I went to college. The Best Buy version is just how I would have designed it myself with upgrades in memory at HP.com: 8GB of memory and 600+ GB hard drive, Windows 7, webcam and sleekness.
I went to Best Buy after cycle class this morning and needed a snack to tide me to lunch (cycle wipes me out!) Grapes, dry cereal, cheddar to take in the car!
When I got to Great Harvest for my lunch date, I found the mailman here with a surprise big box of fruit – a baby bump gift from KERF reader Xiomara who works at Parkesdale Farm Market in Plant City, FL!
Thanks so much Xiomara, baby loves fruit!!!
[I shared and gave each of our staff members a tangerine for snack time!]
My lunch date with none other than the famous Diner of Cville!
Jenée writes about all things food, from restaurants to foodie podcasts. Her writing is witty and clever. She’s a local celebrity, so I was thrilled to finally get to meet her! She actually did a podcast about KERF just a few weeks ago : )
We chatted for two hours over GH sandwiches over food, blogging, Cville restaurants and more food.
Curried Tuna for me and the babe
Pickle on the side!
And tangerine that I’m saving for snack hour
We have a meeting with our bakery accountant next, and then I’m going to take a shift bagging granola!
Cville Cluster sale going on today! The granola is being bagged every afternoon for the next 3 weeks, so there is lots to do (and we’re shipping it out in 3 stages so shipments will be staggered based on purchase date, FYI)
Happy Afternoon!
Krissy @ Shiawase Life says
Congrats on the new computer! 🙂
Cait's Plate says
Oooh new technology purchases as so fun! I’m going to be needing to do the same myself but I really need a desktop – and I’m definitely going PC (even though I’m a MAC girl, I want WLW!!).
Looks like such a fun lunch – glad you two gals had a good time 🙂
Stephanie @ Legally Blinde says
Your new laptop look great, and that’s such a good price! It really is amazing how much computer prices have come down in the past few years.
Sana says
That is a great price for a laptop. I would never go mac, WLW rules!
Kinley @ Better Off Barefoot says
Yeah for new computers!!! I love, love, love Windows 7! So much better than XP. (in my untechsavy opinion, anyways!)
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Although I’m now a converted Mac fan and would never go back, congratulations on a successful shopping trip! Glad to hear it went smoothly and that you found one that you love. (I’ll admit I do have an HP device in my house – my printer – and it does its job just fine!) Have a good afternoon of bagging granola!
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
Congrats on the new computer! I am a MAC person myself but I did have an HP laptop that I loved at one point.
That tuna salad looks yummy! I haven’t had tuna in such a long time.
Christine says
You look so pretty in this picture! I think I see a tiny bump a growin’! Congrats!!
KathEats says
Thanks 🙂
Caroline says
Yay for a new laptop – always super exciting! I’m a diehard Mac fan, but I haven’t blogged for long so maybe Windows is better for blogging.
Anjali @ The Picky Eater says
It’s funny – I used to be a diehard Windows fan for the LONGEST time, and then I moved everything into the cloud and switched to a MacBook Air and I love it. I’ve found that photo editing/etc on the Mac is just as easy as my PC – so no issues with it for blogging so far! But totally understand the love for Windows, I was there last year!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
love the new laptop! i’m a PC girl all the way too. and you’re lookin super cute!
Angel7 says
How lucky you are to get you and baby fresh fruit straight from FL 🙂
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Congrats on your new computer!!! There is nothing like a new computer and getting it all set up..in 10 mins no less! (Google Chrome sync – didn’t know about that one, thanks for the tip!)
I know you love your Windows and WLW and using WLW on Parallels for me was not faster than blogging from the WordPress platform so I blog that way, from a Mac. If you’re going to go Mac, and still want to run Parallels, the speed and memory-hog factor is just so intense that it wasn’t worth it to me. Point being, I know you love your WLW and you have the perfect machine, for you. Congrats!
kathleen @ the daily crumb says
love the new computer. i’m thinking of switching back to windows for blogging purposes.. have heard WLW is heaven and earth of a difference.
i see a little bump poking out! so cute 🙂
JessicaE says
I’m jealous of your tuna! I have heard to have only one can a week while pregnant, some say one can a month… but my midwife said its so high in mercury that’s its better to abstain completely. 🙁 I have bites now and then but I miss huge tuna sandwiches.
ash says
I was told to abstain, too, or to limit to once a month. Certain fish contain more mercury than others. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/fishmercury.htm
KathEats says
Chunk Light is lower in mercury than albacore, and it’s fine to have once a week (I’ve heard 2x a week for chunk light and once for albacore)
JessicaE says
Man, I wish that’s what my midwife would say. 🙂
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
Ohhhhh! That’s one pretty laptop!
[email protected] says
are you in your 2nd trimester???? we need BERF!!!
KathEats says
Almost!! It’s coming on Friday. We have an ultrasound tomorrow and if everything looks oK, you can expect it on Friday!
JosieT says
Why the u/s? Are things ok? I’ve only ever had the 20 week scan with all my pregnancies. I’ve got 6 more weeks until mine.
[email protected] says
yay!!!! good luck!!!! enjoy the ultrasound!
Emilie @ Emilie's Enjoyables says
Those oranges are THE BEST. My grandmother sends me them every winter and I fight my boyfriend for every.last.one.
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh says
Amen on the no Mac! I loathe that company not just because I don’t like their products but their business practices. I refuse to give my money to a company who consistently releases the same products, purposely leaving out key things like SD card readers or making incompatible chargers with each release so you’re forced to buy new ones each time…meh. No thanks. Sorry, rant over!
Congrats on the new laptop and I’m going to check out your model since I know in the next year or so I’m going to have to think about getting rid of mine. It’s starting to chug. 🙁
Emily says
Incompatible chargers? I have never had this issue and I’ve had more apple products than chargers! HA!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
My sony vaio’s battery is starting to die down, although last time, with my Dell, I bought a new battery, so I will probably look into that since I hope to not buy a new computer until I graduate law school and have a job to pay for it!
Grace @ Healthy Dreaming says
Food looks so delicious and healthy! The new laptop looks good 🙂
Emily says
i bought some cville cluster AS SOON as i woke up this morning (around 8:30am) without even taking a second guess. i cant wait to enjoy it in all its KERF-raved-about glory (this will be my first time having some!). the three bags may not last too long….
Kathy K says
I also bought some first thing this morning. My second time ordering. It is the BEST granola. You won’t be disappointed!
Lisa (bakebikeblog) says
yay for a new computer!!!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I bought a personal laptop last month after solely using my work computer for the past 7 years and it amazed me how much cheaper they are now than when I was in college! I remember getting a latop that cost almost $2000 my junior year for studying abroad…this one was 1/4 of the cost! And I’m with ya, I just don’t really “get” the Mac hype either.
Maria@ Sinfully Nutritious says
Congrats on the new computer. I love my ipad, but couldn’t live without Windows Live Writer on my office computer.
Your lunch is making me crave grapes. I won’t eat them unless they are organic, and there are still no organic grapes at any of the place I shop. I guess they are not in season yet. When they are, I eat too many! Love them. I can’t wait until summer.
KathEats says
I normally won’t buy them except organic too – but our grocery store has been on an organic grape shortage for months!! I finally caved and am trying to wash them extra well.
Maria@ Sinfully Nutritious says
Our store have been out since October too. I am just happy to see organic blueberries and strawberries at decent prices now. If the grapes were just for me, I would not mind so much, cause I only eat a few. My daughter on the other hand will eat the whole bunch!
I was not organic 10 years ago when I was pregnant. I ate a ton of fruit a the end of my pregnancy. My daughter turned 9 this past Monday, and I was just telling her how much fruit she made me crave. I remember one time I went to the store and bought every variety of fruit they had and made a HUGE catering size bowl of fruit salad. I ate the entire bowl over three days. The body wants what ti wants when you are pregnant. Organic or not, eat your fruit! 🙂
KathEats says
🙂 I am LOVING fruit right now!
Heather @ Get Healthy with Heather says
I switched over to a Mac a little while back and I sure do miss live writer! But there’s no much other stuff I love about my Mac so it’s a toss up.
Curried tuna sounds delish!!
Catalina @ Cake with Love says
Congrats on your new laptop, it is a good one!!! 🙂 p.s. love the cheese and grapes snack!
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
Yum..Curried Tuna Sandwich! Love snacking on mandarins…fresh from Florida…lucky baby and you!
Kristen @ Change of Pace says
I recently switched to a mac and hated it at first. Now I love it. Especially with my iPhone and iPad. It only made sense to get a mac. You are so cute in the picture. You are going to be the cutest pregnant lady ever 🙂
ASecretLoginName says
Kath, what were you told about tuna? I’ve heard conflicting things. My OB told me to lay off it but my RD friend told me it’s fine once a week or so. I don’t know what to do, since it’s one of like 3 fish I actually like.
KathEats says
Once a week should be fine – the link Ash posted above has a chart. Chunk light can be up to 6x per month, but ahi and yellowfin are much higher and should be avoided
ASecretLoginName says
Thanks! And sorry for my annoying login name. I will revert to my real self once my husband’s family/rest of internet knows I’m pg.
seana says
Hi Kath,
Do you have nutitional info on the c’ville granola? I couldn’t find it on Open Sky. Just curious about serving size, calories, sugar, fat, sodium, etc. I was set to buy but wanted to check first. Thank you.
KathEats says
I thought they had it posted in the Details section of the sales page?
But here’s the label in this post: https://www.katheats.com/wanderer
seana says
It’s now in the details. It wasn’t before. Thanks so much.
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
YAH for a new laptop! I am a MAC girl through and through–but a new laptop is a new laptop= awesome!! To each her own 😉
Love me some cheddar + grapes–great combo!
Bridget says
you look beautiful, kath! as always, but felt like I should post!
KathEats says
Thanks for taking the time to say so 🙂
Jill says
New computers are fun. Of course I have to cheer for Apple because I live in The Valley and my Husband works for the company. I have an open heart for all electronics that make our jobs easier. Who cares about brands anyway!
–Typed on my MacBook whilst listening to my iPod and calling my Mom with my iPhone. Ha! 😛
KathEats says
hahaha
RunEatRepeat says
My laptop freaked out today! I think it’s about that time for me 🙁
Agree about WLW <3
Jasper Naomi @ crunchylittlebites says
three years ago did you ever imagine you’d be prepping granola like crazy?!? isn’t life funny? the twists and turns?
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Glad to see I’m not the only pc girl left in this country. haha.
Congrats on the new lappy! I need one badly. I’ve also been using my Dell laptop since January 2008. Still going strong though.
Can’t wait for berf!!
Christine @ Oatmeal Bowl says
Congrats on the new purchase. Gotta love Google Chrome! And glad you had a productive and exciting lunch date. I imagine the conversation was wonderful. And yay for citrus! I found out why I was craving so much of it: either I was having a girl or it aids in my workout recovery.
Couldn’t be the first one for me… so #2 it is. 😉
Kerry @ Totes My Oats says
Congrats on your new laptop! So fun getting something new and exciting. That granola looks great 🙂
Tea says
How is the C-ville cluster? I am so tempted to buy it but I’m curious what other readers think!
Whitney says
Amazing!! Third time purchaser 🙂
Christin@christinjoyful says
I’m with you…i’m a PC fo sho! 🙂 Congrats!
Laura says
I LOVE my hp pavillion dm4. I got mine over the summer and it has been working amazingly ever since. As a college student it’s pretty much on alllll day and there hasnt been a single hiccup with it. The battery life is great, and you really can’t beat how light it is.
On an unrelated note, I think it’s adorable how you’re talking about your meals that are for you and the baby. Can’t wait until I’m at that stage in life. Also can’t wait to read BERF 🙂
KathEats says
So glad to hear that!!
I’m thinking of myself as two people now 😉
seana says
I’m sorry to bother you again. I looked at the nutritional values of the granola. The fat content is more than 50% of the calories of a serving. Not daily allowance. Fiber is great as is sugar. Is this a good balance with the fat content? I don’t plan on a bag a day haha. But I’m a bit confused. If you could help I’d appreciate it.
KathEats says
Hey Seana,
It’s made with nuts and seeds, so that’s why it’s higher in fat. Think of it like a trail mix that you’d garnish – not a cereal! Hope that helps.
Bron says
Oh no! I havent been to your site in so long (Bad Bron! I should really subscribe to your RSS feed) So long that I didn’t know about baby until you mentioned the BUMP! Congratulations!!!!!!! I have some catching up to to!
I am also considering a new laptop soon, but had forgetton all about HP (I have been through a Dell, Compaq and Toshiba in the last 4 years!!) So not only are you inspiring my eats, but my computer life 🙂
Jules @ La Petite Maison Verte says
Pregnancy looks great on you!
Also, did you see you were on The Map? The Map of the Online Food World, that is! Haha – check out the URL below 🙂
http://saydaily.com/2012/02/an-irreverent-and-delicious-map-of-the-online-food-world.html
KathEats says
SAY just sent it to me, and it’s coming in my evening post!! Thanks for letting me know.
J3nn(Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Congrats on your new blogging beast!!! Two new babies… Weeeeeee! 🙂
Whitney says
Ohhhh my goodness… You made my day with the granola sale!! I bought some right away. I think that’s the best I’ve ever had! You’re awesome! 🙂
Kristin says
i love parkesville farms! I live about 1.5 hs away 🙂 u really need to have her send you some famous strawberry shortcake! 😉
Xiomara says
Trust me, I’ve contemplated how to send her our strawberries many times!
Kristin says
opps I meant parkesdale!!! haha
Kelly @ Vegolosophy says
Oh WOW that curry sandwich looks so good!!!!
Sunya says
I love Parkesdale Farms! I lived in Plant City for 10 years. I miss the produce and their yummy shakes!!
Enjoy!
Laura Jane @ Recovering Chocoholic says
The computer looks great! I’m sure you’ll love it. I, too, wouldn’t go with a MAC because of Windows Live Writer.
Michelle (Better with Berries) says
Even though I’m a Mac girl, new computers are always exciting! It feels so clean and fresh!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
I am an Apple girl all the way (I mean, I DO work there!) 😉 But if you found a computer that works for you, then that’s what counts in my opinion! Congrats!
Dena @ 40 Fit in the Mitt says
Those oats look delicious this morning!
Jenee Libby says
Thanks so much for the food and conversation today! Plus all the goodies……Bruce loved the chocolate bliss cookies, and I’m saving the blondie for tomorrow’s coffee :):) Had SO much fun! Cheers!
KathEats says
I had a blast – can’t wait for our round table!
KathEats says
PS. Matt has a beer for you – so please let me know the day before you’re stopping by the bakery next time!
Elisabeth says
Congrats on the new laptop – I just bought an HP dv7 last month & I love it! I love Apple products, but not for my computers 😉
Jayce says
Parkesdale Farms! You are being spoiled! Best produce, BEST strawberries! My HUGE pregnancy craving has been strawberries, and I have already been to Parkesdale twice this year for the famous strawberry shortcake (without the soggy cake lol). Yum!
khushboo says
I bought my new computer out of sheer desperation and couldn’t understand why I waited so long…love the speed of new computers!
Xiomara says
I’m so glad you liked the oranges. I wanted to send enough so you could charge with your employees at the Bakery. Enjoy being pregnant. It goes by so fast.
KathEats says
I shared!! 🙂 Thanks so much!
Xiomara says
Yes! Shared is what I meant. 🙂
KD says
Did anyone else think for a brief moment that Jenée was holding a gun?! I was rather relieved to figure out that it was just chair legs!
KathEats says
My mom thought the same thing!!!!!! Hah
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
I’m a PC girl too. It’s what I’ve always known, and I like that I’m so familiar with it, so I doubt I’ll ever switch to a Mac. 😛
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count says
Good luck with the new computer. Needing a new one always scares me. Glad I have a techie in the family to help!
Hannah @ Eat, Drink and Save Money says
I live near Plant City and I love that most of the produce in our supermarket is local. They have the BEST strawberries! I only buy from Plant City.
~Christy @ wonderofallthings says
Congrats on the new computer! Thanks for all the specs — fun to know what other bloggers are using. I admit to liking my mac but have used both…and have both…so I can see your love of the HP. For your bakery pics, do you lug a big camera around or do you use something smaller for walking around town? Just curious 🙂
KathEats says
It depends. Sometimes I use my phone. Other times I take my point and shoot (if I’m walking). Sometimes I need my big camera.
Maureen says
My husband & I just bought that same laptop a month ago!! We are in our younger 30’s and neither of us has ever had a laptop before, so it made us super excited {mostly him…we bought it since he is going back to college}! 🙂