I’m so relieved to have a few days off , but I have GOT to get my act together and finish ALL of my projects this weekend (including another chem test 😥 ) because I don’t know what’s in store for 4th of July weekend yet – we may be going out of town and I don’t want to have to write papers. I’ve got a To-Do list a mile long to check off.
Today’s breakfast had a little bit of everything:
- 1 container Fage
- 1/3 can pumpkin (I’ve missed it!!)
- Pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 cup Organic Morning Lite
- 1/4 cup Artisan Inspiration Granola
- Walnuts
- Flax
- Drizzle maple syrup
I received this granola as a sample, and it’s quite good. I liked the hidden nuts + seeds !
This bowl should keep me going until lunch! Poor little lone raisin in there –
And OMG, check out the size of the foot-long zucchini we harvested this morning!!! It might be hard to tell from the angle, but it’s huuuuge! Hope it still tastes good because I’ve heard the bigger veggies get the starchier they are (and we actually just confirm-learned that in Food Comp as well).
Heather says
The name of that granola is cracking me up: “Artisan Inspiration”… it sounds so dramatic!
Good luck on the to-do list- you’re so organized!
Suzanne says
That zucchini looks mighty tasty. What are your plans for it? Salad? Grill?
I have an odd question about zucchini. Sometimes when we get zucchini and cook it, it tastes weird and very bitter. We usually end up not eating it, because it just tastes bad.
What does this mean? Is it not ripe? over-ripe? Rotten?
Is there anything we can do to ‘correct’ it? Or is it just a dud?
Thanks, Kath. Good luck with your list – hope you can get everything done. 🙂
Tina says
Happy Friday, Kath (and Matt)!
I hope that yesterday’s drama didn’t get you down too much. (I just caught up this morning.) You are one strong lady to deal with all of that!
Hope you have a lovely and relaxing weekend! 🙂
the husband says
Hmmm, I’ve never had a bitter zucchini. The worst thing I’ve had with one of those gourd-type plants is eating an overly ripe one, and they’re kinda woody and crunchy… hope we didn’t let this huge one go too far.
So I have no clue what to tell you!
Fitzalan says
I am so jealous of your garden and that zuc!! I adore all types of squash. And when you harvest it from your own garden you have a little sense of pride when eating it.
Have a great day and good luck on the to-do list!
Suzanne says
thanks anyways! I guess we just have bad luck with the zucchini sometimes. You’re lucky you haven’t had a bad one – I literally have to spit it out. yucky!
Lindsey says
I love slicing a nice zucchini into matchsticks and lightly sauteeing it with some garlic and serving it with farfalle pasta.
I noticed that kale chips haven’t made an appearance in awhile. I seriously don’t know how I lived before I found the kale chips recipe on this blog. The BF LOVES them too, which can be a problem when I have a fresh plate and his giant man-paws are immediately hovering over it and 2/3 of the kale is gone before I can even blink.
Sami says
Kath, ohh my goodness!
I can’t believe all of those unwarrented comments yesterday.
I didn’t see them till this morning.
Because, I was in the hospital with a consussion!
I tripped while running with my dog and was sent to the UK hospital.
I am feeling better now and I hope you are to.
The adults that leave comments here can be so childish!
I understand your curiosity.
Thank you for you honesty.
CourtneyS says
Mmmmmm, I love zucchini with garlic. For a simple side dish, I liked to saute it with some shallot and garlic, deglaze with a splash of white wine, and top with a few shreds of parmesan. Kath, you guys are quite the gardeners!
I am in the same boat with grad school, work, and trying to have a life this summer, too. Good luck!
JD says
Husband- eat a burger.
Good job on the garden!
Justy2003 says
Glad the deer didn’t get that zucchini!
Happy Friday! 🙂
BethT says
Suzanne, I have the same issues with zucchini. Sometimes bitter, sometimes sandy/gritty tasting even when I rinse it like crazy. Maybe it just depends on your taste buds, because my husband never tastes these weird things and I always do!
Jo says
Kath, I’m hope you don’t take any of the comments personally (whether it be about your views, weight, exercise regime, eating habits or anything) – you have to do what is right for you and what makes you happy. People will judge you by their own standards and for reasons know only to themselves – when people make critical comments, its generally not really about you but more about them and their hang ups. I used to really care what other people thought of me but as I’ve grown up I really care less and less. I only care about those that I love, such as my family and close friends. Others can think what they want! I now do what I want and live my life the way I want to. Obviously within reason – ie without hurting/upsetting others (which wouldn’t make me happy anyway, as I would hate myself for upsetting someone else). For example, alcohol really doesn’t agree with me so I don’t drink very much, just the occasional glass of wine. People are always trying to make me drink more and criticise me for being restrained etc… but I now know to stick to my guns – its me who has to deal with the effects of it, not them.
Unfortunately, blogging has the same problem as texting and emailing in that people will read things and sometimes misread the tone of what is being said. I am not siding one way or the other but I do feel a lot of people are extremely judgmental. I’m not perfect, Kath’s not perfect and none of you are perfect.
Kath, I am a big fan of the blog and hope the aggressive judgments of some readers does not put you off. Its must be difficult for you to be open and expose yourself and then be attacked so viciously. I really hope it doesn’t prevent you from continuing to post your feelings and thoughts.
On another note – can you take a photo of what the canned pumpkin looks like? I can’t find it in the UK (any Brits out there know where I can find it?) – would cooked fresh pumpkin work as well?
Thanks! and chin up…!!!
pepper says
Suzanne – Did you salt the zucchini enough? I know it sounds like a lame question, but without salt, vegetables often taste bitter/weird.
Suzanne says
pepper-
yes, I love salt (i know -so bad!) so I am pretty sure I salt it enough. I usually cook zucchini the same way each time (sauteed with a bit of garlic and olive oil) – so I know it’s definitely the zucchini itself.
Thanks for your help! 🙂
BethT –
I have the same problem. My husband doesn’t always taste it either. But other times he does – so I’m definitely not crazy. haha…
JW says
Hey Kath. Hope you enjoy your days off! You deserve some R & R!
londonwee says
Kath, i don’t want you to stop blogging. I read your blog every day & even if i dont comment much, it’s so super helpful. And i think your comments were completely cool, and not what others made them out to be. I’d have thought the same way.
but i have a question. i’m going to costa rica for the entire july, so i was wondering if you have any tips on how to eat healthy abroad? i’m not sure if i’ll be able to really understand their food labels, and my host family will be cooking for me most of the time, since i’m going as a volunteer there. so i probably won’t be able to be super picky about what i eat, but do you have any suggestions on how to at least not gain weight, or any tips?
Amy A. says
Hi Kath!
Funny story — I was having a conversation with a Davidson alum at a happy hour last night (in Wash dc), and I think he graduated your year or within a year or two. As he discussed Davidson and how he enjoyed the intimacy of a smaller class size, all I could think was, he probably knows Kath! Despite my excitement at the connection, I resisted the urge to confirm it, realizing that I may not want to tell a new friend just yet that I read food blogs (even though yours is the best one, in my humble opinion!!) In due time, I may ask him about you, but until then, keep up the good work!
veggiegirl says
Just wanting to see if I get deleted again. Maybe I am banned form this website or something?
adria says
I’d love to say that that zucchini looks yummy, but I’m more of a cucumber fan myself 🙂
alo says
Why would veggie girl be banned?!?
Kate says
veggiegirl, why did you keep getting deleted?
Tina O. says
Last night, thought I was banned, too. I posted 2 comments and they didn’t come up. Then I tried with a different name and they did. I found that odd. And veggiegirl, I read your comment and then, poof, it was gone-never to return!
veggiegirl says
I am not sure either. A couple of times it has happened. I submitted them, and they actually came up, so not sure? I think I might have offended Kath somehow with my comments. I once said that she seemed too uptight and needed to relax, or something to that effect. I also once said that I wish I had more money, so I could go out to eat more and buy more organic and healthy foods from more expensive grocery stores like her. Maybe she took that the wrong way. I thought this was a blog, you know, to post our opinions. I did not realize they all had to be the same as hers. Maybe after being criticized so much last night, she will loosen up a bit about people giving their opinions. Let’s see what happens!
Justy2003 says
It could also be that your name is veggiegirl and there’s a VeggieGirl that’s pretty well known in this little community…I don’t believe the two are the same since VeggieGirl links her name to her site (and makes only nice, upbeat comments). Maybe try changing your name…it’s a little confusing if there are two veggiegirls (and one of them is making “offending” comments).
Stacy says
I’m planning to make Kath’s Mexican Polenta casserole. Could anybody offer some advice on where to find polenta in the grocery store
Sidi says
Don’t worry, it’s not that big, it will taste great. I would slice it and fry it in flour and egg, a sort of pane and eat it with fresh tomatoes… Mmmm, great taste, a lot of fat, though… Sometimes the taste beats the fat, so, I would give it a try…
lexi says
kath, you are doing an AMAZING job, i know how hard it must be to have a *few* people complain but remember for every 1 person that doesnt like the blog, there 1,000 people that do! :oD (yes i just made that up) but there are lots of people that DO like your blog!
Clara says
Oooh, that granola looks really good. I like how you ‘samples’ of so many things in the mail! Are you on some list? I’m gonna go google this ’cause I wanna find out how I can get samples of stuff 😀
veggiegirl, that’s really weird! but everyone I don’t think this is the same VeggieGirl (whose site is Veggie Girl Vegan).
Julie says
Stacy, a lot of times the Polenta is near the soups, rices and pastas. It almost looks like a big cheese sausage if it is the premade kind.
Kath, I just want to say that I love the way that you eat. I used to eat really unhealthy as a kid, but of course that was before we had nutritional facts on packages and I knew nothing about serving sizes. Then I went in the completely opposite direction and was really limiting my calorie and fat intake. The food I ate was really processed, so-called “diet foods”. In the past 1 1/2 I’ve really adapted a middle of the road daily menu, meaning I don’t go overboard either way. This is why I like what you eat as an example. Keep it up and thank you for actually posting the recipes for the food that you post. I’m a great fan of food texture, so I’m really loving having oatmeal with wheatberries now…thanks for the suggestion.
Amy says
Kath,
Love the blog, love your honesty, love the foot-long zucchini–enjoy it!
A.Cook (formerly Ashliqua) says
Suzanne,
Thanks for the info about Honest Foods yesterday…definitely let us know when you get that email back!
Thanks 🙂
Ashley
smilesara says
hi kath (and blog readers)
i just read the posts from yesterday —
without getting the debate about kath’s actions herself going again (i do have an opinion but that’s not important), i for one actually hope that the conversation about the nexus of nutrition and socio-economic class continue into the future.
whether kath meant to intentionally raise these issues in that particular post, i don’t know, but they are extremely important and i don’t see many good forums to discuss these concerns. kath has raised some controversial issues on her blog before, and i hope she will continue to ask provocative questions about food and society on this blog and provide a space for these issues to be challenged.
one commenter made the comment that nutrition is only a “yuppie” concern (the same is often said of eating disorders) — this is an important point and we should continue to explore and rethink its relationship to affluent america.
i also wanted to call on blog readers to check out some data about so-called “food deserts” in poor, predominately african-american communities, where there are few “oases” of normal grocery stores. i have seen this in chicago and think it does help to explain some of the obesity epidemic in this city.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST, A STORY AND CHALLENGE FOR BLOG READERS:
li wanted to share a personal story that really concerns me about what is happening in America and a call to action. once and while, i pass by my local trader joe’s (i’m a grad student, so i can’t afford to do my real shopping there, but once and while i do enjoy buying a one or two treats). i always try to give a few bucks to the homeless man who panhandles outside the store on my way out and we usually chat. i was shocked when he told me that this is actually one of his worst “sites” and goes hours even days without getting a donation there. it BREAKS MY HEART to know that (some) people who can afford to shop at trader joe’s and who embrace the progressive, earth-friendly “lifestyle” that the chain seemingly promotes don’t give back. if you can afford to spend X$$$ on organic, designer food inside, please consider spending X+1 to give a buck to the homeless.
so please, if you are listening, i’m not saying to give up on YOUR lifestyle, but can i challenge blog readers to maybe put one item back on the shelf and give that money to the homeless man outside or send an equivalent amount of the cost of that item to your favorite charity the next time you shop?
my apologies for the long post –
tfh says
Wow! Looks like next year you and the husband are going to have to start your own CSA. I’ll send you some hair in exchange for an organic zucchini.
Good luck with all your busy-ness.
p.s. Cute picture of the husband with the fruits of his (and your) labor.
veggiegirl says
Oh, I guess I did not realize that there are two of us veggiegirls. But just because of that, it does not seem like I should be erased. Maybe it was by accident or something? I will give Kath the benefit of the doubt on that one, unless she comments flat out that she erased me. Either way it would be nice to know. Next time I comment, I will change my name.
Suzanne says
Ashley – no problem! I’m still waiting for that email. I will call again next week if I don’t hear back.
Stacy –
Are you talking about the polenta in a tube? or the polenta that you add water too? I have found both near the pasta and rice sections.
If you want to try a recipe for the polenta you add water to, let me know. It’s very yummy and very easy to make! 🙂
Clara says
Smilesara – I agree that when these interesting, thought-provoking and very important issues are raised it is good that we discuss our different views – hopefully next time with some more maturity and kindness to Kath.
But I have to say in some defense to those who do not donate to the homeless. while it is a totally honorable intention to give $5 to a panhandler, and I’ve often myself because my heart aches when I see them, many people choose not to give money directly to these homeless people because there are many who will simply spend the money on drugs and alcohol.
Many choose to give their charity donations to rehabilitation programs, programs that help the homeless “help themselves” by getting work, shelters, soup kitchens, etc. This way they have a greater assurance that their money will actually go to helping the needy in the long run in a constructive way (contributing to free meals being served out, contributing to shelters).
Deb says
Hey everyone, since yesterday’s topic is still on the minds of many, I’m going to risk being redundant and copy and paste my response from the last thread…see below…it’s simply my take on things…
“I believe that while everyone has their valid points in this whole thread. However, I want to remind everyone that this is a blog about one woman’s weight loss/maintenance journey and her daily activities to strive for a healthy and balanced lifestyle regarding NUTRTITION and EXERCISE! I don’t believe that her website is here to take on the very real social inequalities of the world…it is here to give some ideas about good healthy recipes and achieving balance regarding food issues. Anyone who wants something much deeper than that should simply find another blog that is more suited to that sort of discussion.”
LolaFunk says
The husband-
Untuck your shirt! hahaha
Phoebe says
Clara and smilesara — I don’t give money to panhandlers for that reason. Although, like almost everyone else I certainly don’t engage all of my potential to help other who are less well off than I am, I do donate to charitable organizations, donate food and clothing, occasionally make and bring food to distribution centers etc. (plus other “charitable” gifts like to int’l foundations etc.) Not to explain anyone’s behavior but my own, but I think it is possible that those who are well off enough to shop at high end grocery stores (especially stores that are a marker for liberal thinking) also have that rationalization for not giving money out on the street, that they donate in other ways. (The relative effectiveness of institutionalized charity is another issue!)
Also, living in Chicago I have been scammed out of money a couple times due to naievete so from that I have a bit of a bias against giving money out to those asking for it on the street.
smilesara says
yes, agreed, there is much ambivalence about giving to the homeless directly, and i understand that. i have some of the same concerns myself, although to clarify, the guy standing outside of my trader joes’s in downtown chicago is a member of the “streetwise” vendors, basically “sell” a daily magazine written by homeless folks and give part of their proceeds back to the organization. (check it out and support it online!!!)
in general, i agree that it often involves giving people the benefit of the doubt which not everyone is comfortable with, so because of these concerns, i also suggested that people make a donation to their favorite (reputable) charity instead.
i guess what i’m trying to say is FIND SOME SMALL WAY TO GIVE BACK, WHATEVER IT IS.
leslie says
Smilesara- um, I live in Chicago and I shop at Trader Joe’s because it’s actually an *affordable* store- cheaper than Jewel for most things! They don’t have sales, they have everyday low prices: 19 cents per banana (79/lb at Jewel = 31 cents per banana!), everyday price on Kashi cereal is 2.59 ($4+ elsewhere!), organic frozen spinach $1.99, quart of organic natural yogurt 2.29, pack of 12cups of chicken stock $3.99 ($4 for 4cups box at Jewel!), so much more. Stop being so afraid and walk in- you’ll find you reduce your grocery bill.
Lauren says
Kath that wrap in foil is a good idea. How did you roll the wrap and foil- did you do it at the same time?
Also, what is CSA. I have seen the website, but why do you use CSA versus going to an organic grocery or farmer’s market. I really have learned so much from your site and I didn’t even read the posts yesterday. Whenever I see that many tags to one post- I know it’s negative and not what this blog is about.
Suzanne says
Smilesara –
That’s weird. I shop at Trader Joe’s – and it’s actually the MOST affordable grocery place I know. Have you ever gone in? I bet you will be pleasantly surprised. I do the bulk of my grocery shopping there each week – and stop by some other stores to pick up things Trader Joe’s does not have (A&P, our local farm, Whole Foods, etc.)
I’ll come out with bags (reusable bags of course!) of groceries for under $40. It’s amazing. And they have the best stuff there – their Greek yogurt if fantastic and half the price as Fage. Their frozen foods selection is amazing. I wish I had a Trader Joe’s around when I was a student!
Follow leslie’s advice – just go on in! 🙂
Justy2003 says
Tried the wrap in foil today for lunch and it was so much easier to eat and not nearly as messy! Also made the baked oatmeal bars last night and had one for a snack earlier…pretty tasty! It’s cheaper than buying a box of granola bars and I can put whatever I want in it!
ps says
Clara & Phoebe, I agree with you. In fact, I work in a downtown office, and the panhandling down here has become a big problem. The city and our homeless coalition have printed out flyers that say, “Want to help the homeless? Give a hand up, not a hand out”. They encourage everyone to give directly to local agencies that are working to feed and shelter homeless people, and that our money is better served going directly to those agencies.
Now, having said that, I have plenty of times given in and gave money to those who ask, but I do agree that it would be better to support or volunteer for the social service agencies instead.
smilesara says
look follks, i didn’t mean to trigger a referendum on whether it is good to give to homeless directly or not — that’s a personal choice.
what i’m trying to say is find a way that YOU feel comfortable giving back. i hope that concept isn’t something we need to debate the value of?
-S
julie says
I wanted to mention something about all of the comments yesterday. It’s funny that some of these judgemental people put Kath down for having money, yet they are typing these messages on a computer-which would also be considered a major luxury.
Also, I know one person said that she should have taken a homeless person to Earthfare with her- why? to point out the food that they can’t afford? To me that is the equivalent of when Maury Povich used to do makeovers for homeless people. He’d be like “and you get to keep this evening gown”…wow, he was really helpful to them wasn’t he?
As far as panhandlers, we have one or two at every off ramp, on ramp and downtown street block, I know I couldn’t afford giving handouts- especially in this economy. I agree that people should donate to the actual charities that make sure the money it put to good use. A side reason that I don’t approach the people on the street is safety concerns. I was really young, but still remember this time when a guy came up to my family and asked my dad for money…he looked harmless and old…my dad always kept his change in his front pocket and so went to grab it and the guy started to reach for a knife. We were able to get away unharmed, but you just never know. Especially when I’m a woman walking or driving by myself, or especially when I have my son in the car- I’m like a mother protecting her cub- don’t come near me!
I know that got a little further into the topic, but people did mention people asking for money on the streets.
soupie says
yes, I agree this is a food blog. Her personal life spills over. I personally don’t care anymore what she does, but her post on the soup kitchen experience and what could be construed by some (more than some based on the volume of folks who had strong reactions) as an insensitive, mocking tone to her clients demonstrated poor judgement. And her responses afterwards were extremely defensive so I think it hit a nerve. Not mean, just a little clueless. I agree with Julia, Kelly T. et al. I’m moderated since I’ve been obnoxious out here before. Clearly she’s a bright, energetic girl. If she did care to take on more involvement with community activities, I wouldn’t fret how big the size of a kitchen is to be a regular volunteer or mabye take the money spent on designer salads to do a charity run or to. Food for thought.
ps says
Excuse me, smilesara, I thought we were allowed to comment on our personal feelings about the subject. I especially wanted to add the part about our city and homeless coalition’s stance on giving to the homeless.
I’ll go back to lurking.
JessieP says
This discussion on panhandlers reminds me of an article i recently read about larger cities puting in homeless meters, like the kind you plug with quarters to park for an hour. They encourage you to use the meters instead of giving the cash to the homeless people directly. The money in the meters goes toward food banks and rehab centers ensuring that the money does not get used for drugs or alcohol. Anyone else read this article? They even had a statistic about the crime rates in these areas going down as the panhandling decreased.
Interesting no?
JessieP says
p.s. i love the fact that a blog that is centered around often organic and expensive foods is having a discussion about homelessness and social issues. It brings a touch of realty and awareness here.
Christin says
Suzanne,
I totally joined this set of posts late today, but I saw your question about the zucchini being bitter, and that you sautee it with garlic and olive oil…I instantly remember Giada Delaurentes (Everyday Italian, Food Network) saying that if you don’t take the garlic out before it cooks too long, it will make your veggies bitter…maybe that’s what is going on with your zucchini…just a thought, maybe try it out? Good luck!
ps says
I know I said I was going back to lurking, but I had to comment…JessieP that sounds very interesting. Was the article online?
emily says
Yesterday’s post and now throughout this one – what is with the animosity people!?!?
To everyone offering (“constructive” or not) criticism, I give you this quote from Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” If Kath’s innocuous comments struck such a cord with you, use the anger as a motivation to make a change. Go to a soup kitchen! Donate money to a charity! Volunteer some time with children from underprivileged areas!
If you are so upset that you must ban Kath from your googlefeed (and seriously people this is 2008, do you not get the irony in comments that are twinged with “let’s stone/ban the harlot!”?) use those strong feelings as a catalyst for positive change.
JessieP says
I believe it was on CNN’s site, let me do some looking ill see if i can scrounge up a link for ya, check back a little later!
JessieP says
homeless meter articles: couldn’t find the exact one i read, but a google search turned up a few others with the same basic idea:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/05/13/MNR110L13S.DTL
or
http://www.madison.com/tct/news/CTstaging/289539
Clara says
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I love that quote too, thanks emily! 😀
yaz says
Wow Matt, I love your guns and your zucchini. It looks delicious!
BethT says
The above comment is the. best. ever.
JessieP says
HAHAHAHAHAHA BethT i love people with dirty minds like my own…PRICELESS!
Kath might be a bit upset that your checking out the hubs guns…and zucchini Yaz….to good, to good!
Alex says
This question is for everyone.
I am going on a week long camping trip with my boyfriend and I have no clue what the meals are going to be like?
Any suggestions/ideas?
Thanks!!!
Kath says
Suzanne ,
I’ve had metallic tasting zucchini before. Maybe we’re tasting the vitamins and minerals. I swear I can taste iron in raw broccoli too. It’s like I inhaled a cigarette sometimes after I eat it raw.
Lindsey ,
We’ve had so many greens from the CSA that I haven’t bought any kale lately – but I miss it!! We didn’t get as many this week, so maybe I’ll get some on Sunday. Glad you like it!
Sami ,
A concussion!! Hope you’re feeling better 🙂
londonwee ,
Darn – I know we’ve had a discussion about eating healthy in other countries before but I can’t find it. I think the #1 thing to remember is portion control. You want to be able to try all the unique foods native to the culture, but try to eat the same portion sizes as you would if you’re cooking dinner for yourself here in the U.S. Costa Rica is bound to have tons of great fresh produce. Don’t worry about not being able to read product labels – things without labels are generally healthier to begin with. Have a great time!!
Amy A.,
Email me!! Maybe I know him!
Julie ,
Thanks for the feedback! My whole weight loss philosophy was “eat real food” (obviously) and I love to see it working for others as well. Diet foods are so unfulfilling.
tfh ,
Hahhaha – you can keep your hair! I just hope the deer stay away….
veggiegirl ,
I apologize for moderating your comments. I normally don’t moderate anything unless the person is downright mean with nothing to contribute (well, with the exception of yesterday’s fiasco I suppose..) and I thought you were mocking VeggieGirl (she’s with a capital V) since some of your comments were a little negative from the start. One time someone posted as “the husband” (which we thought was rather brilliant) and I removed that one as well to avoid confusion.
Lauren ,
For the wrap I roll the tortilla up tightly without tucking in the ends (that’s how I always screw up wraps) and then roll the foil tightly around that – tucking in one end. Then I can just unravel from the untucked foil end. Hope that made sense.
I guess the main advantage of a CSA is the food is local and organic and guaranteed each week and perhaps a little less expensive (although I haven’t really tallied to know if it is). Farmer’s markets are great- but we don’t have many good ones here in Charlotte and you can’t always get there by 7am on Saturday. The grocery stores aren’t always local and tend to be pricey for organic things (the majority of stuff I buy at the grocery store is not organic). So I guess the local part is the biggest plus.
Justy2003 ,
Awesome and awesome!
Alex ,
Can you ask someone about the meals or offer to contribute some groceries? I would make sure I had plenty of snacks packed – trial mix (!!), LaraBars, maybe some carrot sticks, raisins, etc. to snack on and just hope you’re able to eat what is served. Im not a huge camper, but my sense is that camp food isn’t usually that unhealthy, if that’s what you’re worried about. Except if you eat 10 s’mores!
Kath
Camille says
WOW KATH!
I just read the comments from yesterday and just have to congratulate you for taking in those unecessary and ridiculous comments and replying to all those remarks. Yet, they even criticized your reply? I’m sorry, but i guess you have to be SUPER careful of every single word you post so that those psycho hypercritically analyzing wacks don’t get the wrong message and put ridiculous words into your mouth! ugh, i hope i don’t get bashed for writing this, but those people who take the time to just criticize others on every single little detail seriously have too much time on their hands and feel like they need to bash someone to the most miniscule detail..or they’re just plain NUTS! just not worth the trouble in responding to…since they are so arrogant and stubborn!!
Thanks Kath for continuing to blog and I will continue to read as long as you keep it and laugh at all those silly comments.!!! =)
Kath says
Thanks Camille ,
You made me laugh 🙂
K
Phoebe says
smilesara and leslie — hey Chicago girls! I live in Hyde Park and we have StreetWise sellers here too. Also, we have a Night Ministry van that gives out food and medical care at pre-arranged locations throughout the city (I think it’s the whole city not just the South Side but not sure),
and various groups can volunteer to make bagged dinners to bring to the van and hand out. I’ve done that a few times.
On grocery prices, I agree that a lot of things at Trader Joe’s are really cheap and in fact way cheaper than here in Hyde Park because we have some randomly huge markup at our Treasure Island. A lot of products I like are cheaper at TJ’s or Whole Foods because they have their own line of it and a more constant relationship with sources, I think. I haven’t fully explored all the Trader Joe’s-es of the city though.
Alex says
Thanks Kath!
smilesara says
hey phoebe –
actually, i live in hyde park too. i agree that prices are absolutely outrageous at the treasure island (why is it that the SAME EXACT product costs a dollar less at village foods?). i do most of my produce shopping at hyde park produce and then fill in with a few things at TI or Village Foods. i’ve noticed that trader joe’s does have some good sales and cheaper prices on certain items, but since i live in HP it is only the kind of place where i would pop in to buy a speciality item if i’m already in the loop…
anyhow, the ACTUAL point of my comment to all the blog readers after yesterday’s controversy, was regardless of where you shop and how you choose to give back, DO A LITTLE SOMETHING.
p.s.:i’ve always thought about helping out with the night ministry van, thanks for the inspiration/reminder to check it out while i have more free time over the summer.
Seriously? says
Wow, just got back from vacation and read your post about the soup kitchen and i gotta say….
you are a bratt!
Phoebe says
smilesara — Oh too weird, do you go to school at University of Chicago? I basically do the same thing that you do w/ getting groceries. Better Treasure Island than no grocery store though.
I’ve only done the making food for the night ministry van thing a couple times but it has been totally a great experience, both the people who work in the van and the people to whom you are giving the food are very friendly, I think it’s really a great thing to actually be able to hand somebody the bag of sandwiches that you yourself have made instead of donating to a foundation or something.
Mel says
I agree with Emily. Nice post !
Kath’s blog is really popular, so of course there will always be people that will take pleasure in putting somoene down as soon as they have the opportunity to do so. What made me mad is that some people assumed that they really know Kath when it fact we don’t personnaly know her. We don’t know what she and her husband discussed when she got home from that event, and what she personnaly thought or felt about her experience. She doesn’t have to share every personnal detail with everyone.
I for one didn’t feel offended by the comments she made. I’ve worked with poor famillies for over 6 years and I saw everything from the ones who really need the food and clothes to the ones who take advantage of everything you give.
Keep up the great blog Kath! Don’t let comments like this bring you down.
Melanie says
Oops! I put Mel as my name, I know there is another Mel on here somewhere…sorry!
Molly says
Doesnt guns = arms?