Today was filled up with outings – tomorrow is going to be more computer-heavy. Boo!
First I went grocery shopping. To Whole Foods. It’s a rare occasion that I don’t go when
1) I’m hungry
2) We’re on the way back from vacation
3) I have to get in and out as fast as possible for some other obligation
It’s so fun to browse the store! I mostly stuck to my list though, and put back smoked salmon, sharp cheddar cheese, tortilla chips and an herby salad in an effort to keep my bill a little lower. Maybe next week!
But I DID come home with something fancy – I was looking at this grass-fed yogurt when Steve, an employee, asked me if he could help me with anything. I told him I was just browsing and he asked me about the yogurt, which I had put back on the shelf. I told him I was intrigued and he said I could take it home to sample and stuck a coupon tag on the front!! It must have been my lucky day 🙂
So when I got home, sample is what I did! I poured some over Lynda’s Granola. It was DEElicious. Not too sweet, and just the kind of pourable yogurt I love. Also from a small organic grass-fed farm! Also, not cheap!
After snacktime and a bit of ingredient prep, Matt and I biked over to Karen’s to take her dinner. She just finished round 4 of 6 chemo treatments and the first week is always the worst. Although they did switcher to a different drug last time that seems to have helped her symptoms a lot. Just a few treatments to go and hopefully she will get back to normal soon!
I poured a POM seltzer and helped her fix her anti-virus software. I am her personal computer assistant!
She had put out some cheese that we snacked on with a piece of bread
Matt finished up dinner and then we feasted
We had local lamb from the Organic Butcher (shoulder I think?) that Matt seared and baked on the grill in a nice spice rub.
I worked on the side dish – a kale + greens mixture sautéed with those sprouted beans I’ve been eating all week and a sprinkle of sunflower seeds, plus a drizzle of honey. The sprouted beans were MUCH better cooked!!! They lost their earthy taste.
Lastly, GH Pesto Parmesan Swirl!
For dessert, I enjoyed two mango pits when Matt sliced them up for Karen’s breakfast
If you want to know what I look like eating a mango pit in real life, go watch the MANGO video!
We made it home on our bikes just before dark. I can’t tell you how many bugs hit my face when I biked!!
GOSSIP GIRL IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
londyn says
I continue to LOVE your site!! That dinner looks divine 🙂
sarah says
trader’s point creamery is right near my home in indianapolis. if you’re ever here you should go to The Loft restaurant- so good!
Maria @ The Fitted Apron says
I live in Indy too! I Had know idea Traders Point Creamery shipped to other states. It is a it pricey but if you buy there milk you can reuse the glass bottles for a small discount. Not sure how that works in c-vill? I love to sample the cheeses and yogurts at the local farmers markets.
natalie says
Hey, Im in Indy too 🙂
Liz says
Another Indy person. Mmm, I love Traders Point. I get mine delivered through Green Bean.
Kate says
Me too! I love Tradees Point Creamery! Who knew there were so many Indy folks on here.
Hillary says
My parents live in Indy, too. And the yogurt is always in their fridge when I go home. YUM!
Jaimie says
Another Indy reader here.
The guy that started the yogurt production at Trader’s Point recently left to start another yogurt and cheese farm in Illinois (but obviously TP will keep making the yogurt) – my uncle takes care of the cows at the farm and I’m super stoked to see what this guy comes up with next.
Shaina says
Ha … I was just going to leave a reply and say I’m in Bloomington, and Traderspoint is at our farmer’s market every week! But it looks like you girls have the Hoosier readership covered!
Lynette Voss says
Ugh…this made me miss trader’s point SO MUCH.
they definitely haven’t started shipping it to northwest arkansas where we live now.
the glass jars also make great vases/avenues for decorating 🙂
Sandy says
A Franklin girl here. We can get Trader’s Point yogurt at our local Marsh.
Abby says
I love kind little surprises like that! 🙂
Lauren says
That Yogurt looks amazing, you are so lucky. Gossip Girl is the best!
Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing says
Ha, I accidentally sprouted my lentils this week! I cooked them in the crockpot, as I often do, but it must have been lower than normal or something, because when I checked on them they had grown tails! 🙂 A pleasant and healthy surprise. We love mango pits, too. All the flavor without the commitment 😉 Hehe.
Stacey (The Home-Cooked Vegan) says
That parmesan swirl bread sounds to die for! What a great combination!
And that was really nice of Steve to let you try out the yogurt, you don’t see that kind of customer service much anymore 😉
Enjoy Gossip Girl!
And boo! for bugs in the face lol..when I go running on a hot day in the summer, it seems like all of the gnats that are out flock to my forehead to die…yuck
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
That yogurt is so cool – Ive never had any pourable yogurt before!
Yi says
I love Whole Foods: their foods and their employees, I’m always impressed with how nice and friendly they are 🙂
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
Banana mango yogurt sounds delicious — and WF employees are always so helpful/nice!
The dinner looks perfect: the lamb, salad, bread, everything!
I”m definitely thinking of Karen today — I hope she feels better this week!
Cindy says
Pesto Parmesan bread sounds divine!
Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food says
mmm that dinner looks delish! I also love that yogurt we have it here at the Whole Foods in Illinois.
I hope Karen is feeling well. Tell her she has lots of people thinking of her and sending healing vibes 🙂
Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama says
I love Traderspoint Creamery yogurt. I’ve only tried the plain, but I love how creamy it is. You’re right though–not cheap! I don’t get it often.
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Dinner looks amazing!! Isn’t Whole Foods great about samples? I had a similar situation where once I asked for orzo, but they were out of it so the guy there asked if I’d be interested in trying farro instead. I said sure so he slapped a sample sticker on a big bag and gave it to me for free. AWESOME! 🙂
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
It really was your lucky day – so nice of the employee to let you sample the yogurt for free!! Yogurt + granola is one of my favorite snacks!
Jessica R says
So excited!! watching gg now!! 🙂
Molly says
That pourable yogurt sounds delicious! And lamb? Oh no. I grew up with a sheep farm! They were my pets! hahah
lynn @ the actor's diet says
ha ha i love how excited you get about gossip girl. what’s going on on that show these days (i haven’t watched in a few seasons it feels like!!!)
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
Good for you: “put back smoked salmon, sharp cheddar cheese, tortilla chips and an herby salad in an effort to keep my bill a little lower.”
I walk in, walk out, do not stop and look left or look right. I just go there for Vegenaise and get everything else at reg groc store, TJs or farmers market. I love WFs just not the prices.
And a coupon/sample option on the yogurt…it WAS your lucky day…how cool!
Many healing vibes to Karen. My heart goes out to her. 🙂
Stacy @ Every Little Thing says
I saw your tweet about the yogurt – thanks for posting a photo! I’m going to look for it (or something like it). It sounds awesome but I’m sure it’s super expensive. Worth it though!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
That bread! Mmmmm.
Kristi @ KristiAteIt says
That Great Harvest bread looks amazing. Wish I could try some of that!
Kim @ Spoonful of Sass says
Your dinners always look so high class. I’m impressed. And motivated to work on presenting, sitting, and enjoying my dinner!
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
I LOVE browsing at Whole Foods! I think I find something new every time I go there! Awesome dinner and have fun catching up on Gossip Girl!
Lyn says
I had a similar free sticker experience at Whole Foods about 2 weeks ago. I was asking about dates and didn’t want to buy a large container for $6 without ever trying them. I’ve since seen employees doing that with the stickers 3 times.
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
Your dinner looks a-mazing. It is too hard for me to leave Whole Foods without grabbing something to eat right there!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Oh Kath, my thoughts are with Karen. You all are so lucky to have each other! Enjoy your night.
Elise Anderson says
Traderspoint is great. They’re based about 50 miles from where I live (Bloomington, Indiana), and they have a booth at our farmer’s market every week. Good to see Traderspoint love ’round the country!
Cassie @ Back to Her Roots says
Hello fellow B-towner!
Baking Books says
I want WF’s. And that yogurt.
And your table. It looks pretty 🙂
Kate says
When I always go to Whole Foods, I forget what I came in there for and start buying things I don’t particularly need. They have so many interesting products to try! But the employees at all the WFS I’ve been to are super nice. It is just their prices I don’t like, especially with the salad bars…
Jenn says
I totally wore that same sweater today! I love it.
Kellie says
I am loving that sweater! I want it! Any chance you can tell me where u got it? Thanks!
Jenn says
Thanks! It is from American Eagle… I think I got it in December though.
Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out says
Aww, that was sweet of you guys. That yogurt looks yum. And do people just randomly give you stuff? Geez 😉
staceyhealthylife says
That’s so nice that you guys make such a lovely dinner for Karen and that you guys are there to support her.
Angel7 says
That was so sweet of you both to show kindness by making her dinner! I want my family and I to do more kind gestures like that, because that is what really brings true happiness!
The lamb looks mouth-watering!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Salah@myhealthiestlifestyle says
that dinner looks absolutely amazing!!! That dessert looks wonderful too! 🙂
J3nn(Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
That was cool getting a free sample on the spot!
Pesto swirl bread looks amazing!
Brittany says
The GH Pesto Parmesan Swirl looks amazing!!
Liv says
The best part of cutting the mango is sucking on the pit! It even makes flossing afterwards worth it.
And I’m definitely grabbing some of that Pesto Parmesan Bread when you guys open 🙂
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
Love love love your sweater!! I remember that mango pit video bahaha. Also, how jealous am I of your encounter with the WFs man? I wanna sample!
Jen S says
Love your blog!
My kids took a field trip to Trader’s Point last year and it was a lot of fun. Great little farm, if you are ever in Indy, you should visit!
Lauren @ MRS says
That was superb customer service at work! Great luck on taking it home as a free sample. I hope your friend attains remission fast, our family had our fair share of dealing with cancer with my mom, it can be the most trying time, especially for the patients. Ooooh, thanks for reminding me, I can’t wait to find out if they are going en route to dare to DAIR.hee
Char says
Sample yogurt?!? I had no idea they could do that. Next time, slowly walk every aisle!!!
JenATX says
Gossip Girl!!!! I hope Lily doesn’t go to jail… well, it could make for an interesting story line.
Kathleen @ KatsHealthCorner says
I absolutely LOVE YOUR BLOG!!! 😀 What a great example you are.
You are so photogenic girl!!! 😀
I’ve never been to Whole Foods. Just Sun Harvest for me! 🙂
KathEats says
Ha – thanks!
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
Whoa that yogurt looks awesome.gReat choice 🙂
MonsteRawr says
*sigh*…so many yummy foods, so many wholesome origins, so much shit I can’t afford. Someday we’ll be rich enough to shop organic…
Namaste Gurl says
That bread looks amazing– pesto and pimento YUM 🙂 If only I could eat gluten….
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
I need to start talking to the workers at Whole Foods… I want a free sample, haha!
Brittany says
I have that sweater too and I love it! This dinner looks so delicious. Your meals always inspire me to eat healthier and take time for a nice meal 🙂
Hannah says
You remind me of my dad – he would always bend over the sink eating the mango pit after making the rest of us fruit salad 🙂
Khushboo says
What a sweet employee- random acts of kindness go a long way!
Elisabeth says
Sending healing thoughts Karen’s way! Hope she does well this week, and with the last 2 chemo treatments 🙂
Cassie @ Back to Her Roots says
Trader’s Point Creamery is an Indiana company! I was so confused seeing it on KERF because I thought it was only locally distributed. They have an amazing booth at our farmer’s market. So awesome to know it has made it out of the Hoosier state.
Sarah (Running To Slow Things Down) says
Mmm…the yogurt looks fabulous! That’s so cool that you were given it for free. What a special treat. 😀
Lauren says
I’ve seen that yogurt many times but always pass. I think I will have to try it next time.
mel says
http://photos.fitnessmagazine.com/category/vote/photo/798762
Please go to this link on Fitness Magazine’s website and vote for me to be the face of fitness. I’m a newlywed and law student in the middle of final exams and could really use the winning prize-a vacation!! Please vote if you can. Thank you!!
Melissa
Simply Life says
that’s so fun that you were able to take it home to sample!
Jess (Sweet Potato) says
Pesto Parmesan Swirl?! I’m sitting here at work drooling. My coworkers think I’m crazy, but I dont care! That bread looks too good!
Chad says
I’m betting the kale and the lamb complimented each other really well. What kind of wine did you have? I like the bright red color!
KathEats says
Sadly no alcohol was present to consume with the meal
Karen says
Yes, I find showing some friendliness to WF employees can be rewarding – samples, special orders, etc. I tell ya, I never tire of perusing those aisles. Permitting myself to buying an unintended product or two just for fun is my guilty pleasure for sure.
I am so relieved to hear that Karen is in the home stretch of her treatment. I’ve been thinking of her. But, I’m jealous that she has a personal computer assistant…I want one!
Atsuko says
Pesto Parmesan Swirl looks so delicious! GH I used to go did not have it. Does every GH serve different flavors at some points to make each unique?
Question- Do you think your GH will have online order for those who don’t live by GH? My new place doesn’t have GH…
KathEats says
There are a lot of flavors that are used in many locations, but lots of owners to create their own recipes.
I think we will have the option to order online at some point, but probably not at first
Jessica @ Dishin' About Nutrition says
Pretty pics! That din looks fab!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
I wish I had your strength to resist unnecessary purchases at WF! And I wish I had your luck when it comes to scoring free goods! 😉
Hannah (Balancing on Two Feet) says
It is so much fun getting free stuff at WF! That happened to me the other day. I was so surprised!
Dalai Lina says
Don’t you just love it when the mango hairs get caught in your teeth…I’m picking them out for hours 🙂
Suzanne @ continuing my education says
What out for the bees!!!! I am now paranoid when I bike, perhaps we could make big money by creating a mouth sheild
KathEats says
HA!
Kay @ ditch lazy; get crazy! says
I am always curious as to where you find all your great groceries. I went to Earth Fare in search of smoked paprika to no avail. I would love it if you did a grocery post! Especially with your cheapest, best finds because I’m on a college budget! 🙂 🙂
Anne says
I LOVE Trader’s Point Creamery! I even had my wedding there 3 years ago in their one barn! They are a great local farm. They have a ton of products that are all great and they have a resturant that serves local and organic food! http://www.tpforganics.com/ So fun to see their stuff on your blog!
Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf says
That yogurt looks so good!
By the way, you look particularly gorgeous with your hair pulled back like that! :]
Amy at TheSceneFromMe says
Traders Point Creamery is in my hometown!
They have a restaurant called The Loft and it is super delicious, just like their products are. I am glad to know they are sold in stores where you live too!
Lisa says
I had Kale for the first time this weekend! It was really tasty. Of course, it had lardons (bacon) in it. 😀
Melissa @ Journey to Marvelous says
Haha, I’m glad I wasn’t the only one looking forward to Gossip Girl last night! I stayed up late to watch it on my DVR.
Krissy @ Shiawase Life says
OMG I love mango pits. Almost was late to work this morning because I was savoring one after cutting up a bunch of fruit for our lunches!!
Kim says
Everything I’ve had from Traders Point Creamery has been delicious! They have a spreadable cheese that is to die for!
Elizabeth says
We love that yogurt! It’s my 2 year-old’s favorite snack – well one of them, he loves to eat 🙂
Last night he chowed down on some KERF style kale chips!
Holly says
oh my gosh! i totally have the sweater you were wearing in these photos, except with teal stripes 🙂 i love mine! and your lamb dinner looked amazing!