Continuing today’s adventure, I drove a car!
All the way to Short Pump.
Fact: Thanks to our trip in Montana that took up a lot of January, today was the FIRST TIME THIS YEAR I PUT GAS IN MY CAR! And it’s March!
Less driving = less fuel. More biking for all!
[I do realize these were extreme conditions with our trip and all, but still a fun fact!]
I drove to Short Pump [outside of Richmond] to meet my blogging friend Chelsea for dinner!
But first, a few stops. [Oh, and continuing the Pump theme – I ate pumpkin today and went to BodyPump!]
Crate + Barrel and Pottery Barn side-by-side! I had a lot of fun oogling over items, but I surprisingly didn’t buy anything. I have a two-item rule at stores. If I see on thing I like, it’s not worth the effort of waiting to checkout and making a transaction. If I see two items, I buy them. Kind of a dumb rationalization, but my psyche is not normal!
I also stumbled into LOFT since I have two giftcards from Christmas!
I tried on these cute dresses. I liked both, but they did not fit like gloves. Or rather, they fit too much like gloves so I did not buy them.
Of course I can’t go to Richmond without stocking up…
Tiger – be scared. Be very scared.
I got my usual staples: smoked herring, bananas, nuts, and some smoked salmon, hummus and goat cheese that I put in my lunchbox filled with ice packs.
Chelsea and I met at Café Caturra, a cozy café with good salads and a wine list. All I need! I ordered a Sonoma red –
To eat [the lighting was REALLY dark!!] I had a cup of soup – A Potato + Corn Chowder with bread
And the…
S a v o r y Go a t C h e e s e S a l a d | fresh cut romaine tossed with balsamic vinaigrette, sundried tomatoes & toasted almonds topped with a warm goat cheese medallion encrusted with sundried tomatoes
Both were good, but not outstanding.
The desserts – which came in mini portions – were outstanding! We shared the Chocolate Torte, which was warm and topped with a heavenly marshmallow whipped cream
And a mini crème brulee – with a super crunchy sugar crust!
Over our wonderful conversation, we both agreed that the live music was fabulous. This guy placed all the great soft rock classes – from Carolina In My Mind to Homeward Bound.
Seeing Chelsea was a ton of fun. We go way back to 2006 as Calorie King friends and despite living East Coast / West Coast, we’ve managed to see each other every year!
The road trip to and from Short Pump is really not that bad – about an hour each way. Remember when I used to drive that DAILY during my internship a year ago!? Having my mom to chat with on my phone (with a headset!) always makes the time fly. She’s sending me a bunch of food appropriate linens for mealtime design!
I’m back at home – but Matt is still out at the Cville Homebrewers Meeting. This could be a late night…!
Kristen, Sweetly says
An hour to a Trader Joe’s alond would be worth it for me! Haha.
Kristen, Sweetly says
*alone, alond… you know…
Hilary says
Those desserts look DIVINE! And what do you do with smoked herring?!?
KathEats says
The same as sardines
JenATX says
what’s a Calorie King? is it sort of like a Burger King? haha jk
KathEats says
A weight loss website
Lee says
I do that same thing when it comes to trying on clothes.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Sounds like an awesome Fat Tuesday! Holy dessert. 🙂
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, and Trader Joe’s in one day? *faints* Wish I had easy access to that trifecta. 😀
OMG, first time you put gas in your car this year? LOL That’s hilarious! Our tank needs gas 2 x a week sometimes and it’s around $55 per fill-up. Gas is going to be $4/gallon and probably much, much higher sooner. Time to get the sneakers and bike pedals going.
Julie @ Lettuce Choose Healthy says
wow first time getting gas! saving the enviornment and money!
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
a heavenly marshmallow whipped cream
and a heavily sugar topped creme brulee…
oh can i please come with on your next dinner outing???
that’s my kinda meetup 🙂
two-item rule..agreed! why stand in line for 1 measly thing unless it’s just outta this world amazing. Which most things, are not.
🙂
Amy at TheSceneFromMe says
Marshmallow whipped cream sounds so yummy!
Props to you for having such willpower to not buy anything in those stores today 🙂
Stephanie says
Its so awesome that you guys have been able to meet up once a year! I work only a few blocks away from my job and once it warms up I’m going to start walking the kiddos to school and to work!
kate@ahealthypassion says
Those desserts look so delicious I love the mini dessert idea such a great way to try new things with out feeling totally guilty!
Alaina says
Those two stores side by side would be so dangerous for me. And a Trader Joe’s? A strip mall made in heaven. 🙂
Hannah says
That is so impressive, not having driven your car until March! I live in a spread-out city with terrible public transport, so not driving a car is pretty much impossible 🙁
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
Haha this post made me chuckle! The other day I bought 1 set of measuring spoons from C&B (on clearance, mind you) and the lady gave me the stink eye. I often buy only 1 thing so if I were you I’d have nothing…maybe that would be a good thing.
I know the GLOVE fit feeling all too well these days…espesh after birthday cake :). Missing CVILLE lots lately!
staceyhealthylife says
How fun. Pottery barn, crate and barrel, trader joe’s, and lunch with a friend, what a great day.
Jenn says
I grew up in C’ville but my mom moved to Richmond after I left for college. I live in PA now but when I visit her I love going to Short Pump. Especially in the summer when there’s live music, it’s a great atmosphere.
On a side note, I love seeing all the pics of C’ville in your blog. I haven’t been back in years and it’s neat seeing it through your eyes. Lots has changed that’s for sure. We didn’t have a Target when I grew up there! 😉 Though I do love and miss the Whole Foods.
Marie@feedingfive says
So important to cultivate and keep great friendships going. It gets tougher as life gets busier. Good for you for saving gas. I drive way too much but you do inspire me.
Christina says
When I read that you had a two item rule, I almost yelled out loud “ME TOO”.
I just did this yesterday in Target, and couldn’t rationalize standing in line to buy a note pad that goes on the fridge. They always have them in the dollar section, so might as well wait until I really need something and get it then.
Stacy @ LoveDiscoveryGratitude says
NIIIICE! I can’t wait to move back home (seattle) where we have trader joe’s! It will be radical.
Laura says
Those desserts… *stare* 🙂
Is Chelsea’s daughter as cute as she looks?
Chelsea says
She’s cuter 🙂
KathEats says
Yes 🙂
Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing says
Mini desserts are pretty much one of the best inventions of all time. So wish we had a Trader Joe’s here in Colorado! I always ogle the bounty on others’ blogs 🙂
Chelsea says
It was so good to see you! It’s the one thing I look forward to when I have to come out here for work 🙂
KathEats says
So glad I could come!
Marie@feedingfive says
Ok, I am pretty new to commenting so I hope it’s allowed to comment twice in one post. I just read your lunch post and had to tell you what a great storyteller you are. I remember you saying your mom wrote a book so I guess it’s in your genes. It’s so enjoyable for me to read your posts everyday, kind of a fun timeout for myself. I so appreciate all the clever thought that goes into these “stories” you weave so well.
KathEats says
Thank you Marie!
Mom says
Yep. Thanks!
Stacie @ Imperfectly Healthy says
I think the crunchy sugar crust is by far the best part about creme brulee! Yum!
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
Ohh I’m drooling over those mini desserts! 🙂
Lee @ Fit Foodie Finds says
Wow that is so awesome that you conserve so much gas! If it wasn’t so cold I would bike but I think my face would freeze off! haha.
Sasha says
Looks like a great day. The desserts look yummy. Glad you had fun. I need an outing like that:)
britt will be fit says
Living is so calif all I do is DRIVE!
Sarah says
Have you been to Carytown here in Richmond yet? You might enjoy Ellwood Thompsons and checking out Montana Gold Bread Company.
KathEats says
Not yet! I think Montana Gold is a GH knockoff ! Guess I need to visit.
Brittany (Eating Bird Food) says
I live in Carytown – come visit. 🙂
Sarah says
It might be. It looks like Great Harvest was established first…but the bread is still good and Carytown is very cute.
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
whoa I like your dessert choices! And that salad does look really tasty…too bad it wasn’t??? 🙁
Sarah @ OneLoveSarah says
sounds like a great day! mini desserts = awesome
Michelle | gold-hearted girl says
Are you kidding?! Over 2 months without gas?? Quite the accomplishment!
Valerie @ City|Life|Eats says
That salad looks amazing. So glad you got to see your friend 🙂
Camille says
The desserts definitely look like the winners of the meal!
Lindsay says
I think it is great that you and your husband dont need to drive your cars, but some of us dont live in areas where this is possible. I went to fill up my gas tank last night and I have a small car and let me tell you, I was pissed. I spend 47$ at the pump and I wanted to be sick. I know you dont have a political blog, but sometimes it feels like it. So I am going to put my two cents out there, we need to get Obama out of the Presidency and then start drilling for oil again. This is crazy that we are paying so much at the pump!
Marieke says
UK is even worse for gas. I have a small car (Skoda Fabia, I don’t even know if they sell them in America) and we pay about 70 dollars for a full tank. It’s outrageous. There is 4,5 litres in a gallon and we pay an average of £1.32 per litre; in gallons that is 9.63 dollars per gallon. I just checked average USA prices; we pay about 3x as much as you do! Not fair!
katy says
Yum!!! That goat cheese salad looks soo good! Bummer that it wasn’t as amazing as it looks!
Christin@purplebirdblog says
Oh TJ’s, how I long for one within at least 5 hours of here… seriously, I’d drive that far.
lynn @ the actor's diet says
yay chelsea. i get to see her soon too i hope!!!
Jumanah says
I have been reading your blog for quite some time now but never commented. I just wanted to let you know that I think your blog is fabulous! Your blog has motivated in many ways- I just started my own blog on healthy living in the middle east ( I live in the Galilee of Israel in a small town near Nazareth)- Im only blogging once or twice a day, and its really time consuming! I really admire your ability to blog everything you eat, and do all the other fun and work related things you seem to fit in the day!
It amazes me that this is the first time you have filled your car with gas. Wow! I wish I could use my car less. Gas is ridiculousy expensive here- I pay almost $8 a gallon! So to fill our tank full its over $80! Its crazy! And I have to fill the car up once every 1.5 weeks!
KathEats says
Thanks for commenting from around the world!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
I miss having a car but I don’t miss paying for gas! Looks like a fun outing with shopping and good food. I end up being the same way and less often buy clothes, etc. more often buy food!
Lauren says
Wow, that’s incredible that you’ve gone that long without getting gas. Thank you for contributing to a healthy environment! 🙂 You are certainly doing your part.
Maria says
Happy Registered Dietitian’s Day! Congrats on all of your hard work achieving your degree. Hope you relax and enjoy your day 🙂
Katie says
U are so lucky you have not had to get gas in that long! I wish I could manage that too! Gas prices right now especially are HIGH!
The goat cheese salad looks amazing and of course the desserts do as well ; )
Glad you had a fun night and got to met up with a good friend!
Sarah (Running To Slow Things Down) says
Trader Joes is my favorite store. I always stock up on almonds and cashews and almond butter (ah-mazing.) 😀
Glad you had a fun time out! And kudos to you for not buying anything at crate and barrel…that takes willpower. 😉
Jessica says
I think I’ve gotten gas in my car twice so far this year! It sucks that I have to ride my bike to work in the winter even though its a mile away, but it’s so snowy in MI and if I showed up at work all slushy I’d be dead.
It’s almost time to break out the commuter bike again though! Spring is almost here 🙂
Christie {Nourishing Eats} says
Wow, very impressive about the gas!!
Since I work from home (and starbucks :D) I put a lot less gas in my car but it is at least once a month! I used to communte 36 miles each way (all the way to short pump!) and I had to fill up twice a week and I drive a Prius!!
Simply Life says
oh that dinner looks absolutely perfect!
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
Trader Joe’s and Crate n Barrell > Wegmans. For serious, we need one around here!
Jess (Sweet Potato) says
I love goat cheese on salads, too bad that one wasnt that great! Driving an hour for TJs is definitely worth it!
Stephanie @cookinfanatic says
ahhh okay you were literally right next door to our house out here in short pump… next time you venture out here let me know, i’d love to meet up and do some shopping! p.s. isn’t it nice having everything right near each other out here, we are so fortunate 🙂 love cafe caturra too – next time you’re here you need to try The Wine Loft. they have some stellar wines and their food is great!
KathEats says
Sorry to not give you a head’s up! I need to do another casual Richmond dinner soon. I keep coming down for specific reasons!
Baking 'n' Books says
Love Goat cheese.
I’ve never had Smoked Fish. I thought it was higher in salt for some reason? Does it taste good?
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
I’m very impressed that this was your first time having to fill up on gas!! That’s great that you guys are able to do so much biking. I would have totally been all over Crate & Barrel – I’m such a sucker for bowls and placemats and am feeling the need to buy some more now that spring is coming! 🙂
Hannah @ Healthy Whip says
I would LOVE to live in a place where I could cycle more! Unfortunately, I live in such a car focused place. Fuel is so expensive here too- about £45 at the moment for me to fill up my little car!
kim says
i love cafe caturra! i always get the raspberry walnut salad and its delicious. i used to live around the corner from one of the first ones and it was baaad news!
Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me says
1. That is amazing you have put gas in your car once this year!
2. What if there are no lines and you only have one item? Or does that never happen?
3. That side-by-side combo is dangerous! I would spend my entire day shopping there!
4. Ann Taylor Loft has amazing clothes. I’m currently in that bizarre stage where juniors clothes look ridiculous on me but I don’t want to wear old-lady looking clothes either….so basically I need to buy new clothes.
5. Food looks scrumptious!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
Happy RD day!
Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete says
Looks like a fun day! I don’t even want to tell you how many times I have filled up with gas this year — it has definitely been more than 1 🙂
Hope says
What a fun night! Those mini desserts look amazing! I love the color of your sweater too! So pretty! 🙂 You are lucky that you haven’t filled up your tank! I have to fill mine up at least 2 times a week because I live so far from work. 🙁 Boo to high gas prices!
Lori says
I love to shop at Short Pump – wish I was closer. It’s about 3 hours for me.
So lucky to not have to buy gas! I would love to be able to bike to work and the store, but not possible from where I live and work:( Sometimes the gas thing is frustrating when you see all the rules that go on about drilling in the US.
brandi@BranAppetit says
I love Short Pump! All the girls in my family do weekend trips there once a year for shopping without the boys 🙂
Green Dog Wine says
OMG Kath – that. is. insane. (and totally totally totally awesome at the same time!) I wish so badly we lived in closer proximity to things so we could be a 1 car family/bike places! Nicely done!
Krissy - Shiawase Life says
We are going down to one car next month and I am really looking forward to it – as it is, I probably drive my car 1-2 times a week (groceries, etc) since hubs and I carpool it in to work. I think I’ve only filled my car up once too, thank goodness, since the gas prices are so ridic.
jenna says
Oh short pump is so much fun! i love it there…when it’s not insanely busy! I need to get over to richmond sometime for some trader joe action! I’m glad you got to see your CK friend again! 🙂 looks like you all had a fun dinner!
Karen says
This chemo is so bad that seeing those beautiful pictures of food makes me nauseous. 🙁
KathEats says
<3
Emily G. says
Karen, will be keeping you in my prayers!!
Mary Frances says
I pray your ‘successful’ treatment will soon be complete, and will be just a distant unpleasant memory. As a wise friend of mine told me today… “Keep positive thoughts, and positive things will come my way”.
Meg says
You’re so pretty, Kath! 🙂
I can imagine how much $$ you save from biking! Ah, and the exercise = the best!
Melissa @ HerGreenLife says
Good time not to be visiting the gas pump much! Before I took my current job (a bit over a year ago), my husband and I both used our bikes to commute to work, and we may have gone just about as long w/o a fill-up. Usually it was once a month or so. I’m searching for a job within biking distance so I can return to those days! Have fun on a bike, get exercise, and save money — what’s not to love? 🙂
Donna says
Kath did you see the great news that hit today here in Cville??
http://www.readthehook.com/89233/trader-joes-coming-town
There has been so much rumor and speculation about Trader Joes coming here but it’s finally coming true. Cville may be complete after that happens….and after your bakery opens!
KathEats says
JUST DID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joanne says
My favorite salads are always topped with goat cheese. I love the stuff. Goat cheese and FETA, also a big favorite.
The desserts looks sooooo good!
Melissa says
I live in Midlothian and I love seeing pictures of a place I’m so familiar with! So fun! I need to make a trip up to TJ’s soon, but I usually end up going on the weekends when the place is crazy packed!
Cafe Caturra’s veggie panini is where it’s at! Try that next time! Their cookies are TDF, too!
Lindsay says
Big props to you for not buying anything! I have been trying to budget lately, but the Loft did me in on Saturday where I found a $9 sweater, a steal…it had to come. My rationale is sales, if it is on sale, I’m more likely to splurge. And as far as live music goes, you are lucky! I love a nice meal with some cozy tunes, and those desserts looked to die for!
Jo @ Jo In the Kitchen says
The only store in this post I’ve ever been to is a Trader Joe’s in Seattle. (It was fabulous) I live in Montana, so to see those places in person we get to travel. Mountains, or Crate & Barrel? It’s a toss up sometimes 🙂
Brittany (Eating Bird Food) says
I’m doing pretty well on the gas front as well. Living across the street from my office helps tremendously.
Glad you fun in my neck of the woods! Come back and I’ll give you a tour of Carytown. 🙂
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I think it’s awesome you haven’t driven a car since the beginning of the year! That’s awesome!
Allison @ Happy Tales says
I must say, it is a WONDERFUL feeling to only have to fill up my tank once every month and a half.
I did AmeriCorps for a year and was commuting to Rock Hill, SC (actually… my agency, Catawba Care was right on Camden Avenue! Suuuuper close to Winthrop…isn’t that where you went to school to become an RD?) every.single.day! (And this was back when gas prices were hovering at 4$/gallon…) I was SO broke I had to work 3 jobs on top of my AmeriCorps job just to pay my rent! Thank goodness for foodstamps, that’s all I can say.
Carolyn @ Lovin' Losing says
I was just in Short Pump a couple of weekends ago while in town for the Virginia Wine Expo. I was more excited about Whole Foods, though. We don’t have one here. Just got a Trader Joes in Virginia Beach, though. 🙂
Kiran says
It’s great that you both have kept in touch all these years. Great friendships are hard to come by sometimes. I love the small desserts portions. I love ordering desserts but often skip due to portion. Le sigh 🙂