Another great day at the bakery!! Holidays = bread sales. Woo hoo!! We sold out of almost everything and pleased many hungry customers 🙂
We also had a box of Carpe Donuts appear. I’ve had enough sweets this week, but I am so guilty of taking a nice hunk out of one. Sorry, I’m one of those types.
I also went on a little excursion
First to Shenandoah Joe’s to cash in a Cville Savor coupon I had! Got my two favorites.
And then to BB&Beyond to stock up on toiletries. In an effort to 1) go more natural and 2) enjoy the horrid process of showering a bit more, I splurged on my new favorite brand: Alba. I purchased this Sea Mineral Cleansing Gel back in April and absolutely LOVEEEEEE the smell!!! Every single day I enjoy the scent, and I figure that is well worth the $7 or so for the bottle that lasts me a quarter of a year. I also bought a new shampoo of theirs today because it smells just like a pina colada! [I recently bought one of Whole Foods’ brand shampoos and hated it with a passion – no suds, dirty hair] Lastly, I did try Alba’s Vanilla Aloe face sunscreen, but it was too greasy for everyday-under-makeup wear, so I defaulted back to my favorite one: Aveeno Face. I wear this daily in the summer under make up and it’s not greasy at all.
ALSO in my basket – my favorite dish scrubbie and favorite toothpaste! [I also tried TOM’s toothpaste last month and didn’t hate it but also didn’t like much about it either. Love the company, but not the flavor..]
Another impulse buy: an electronic mosquito repellant. I don’t really like the thought of eating dinner inside in the summer, bug bites on my legs, OR having to put chemicals on my body before dinner every day. I thought I’d give this a try. Two employees said it worked.
The result: When normally I would be attacked by mosquitos, I only left dinner with 2 bites. I give it a B-. Going to try it one more dinner before deciding if I should return it or not. Also bought EcoLife Organic bug repellant – hopefully that works!
I poked my head into LOFT to see if they had replenished their size-that-must-not-be-named shorts. No luck 🙁
Poked into Banana too but just left with a squirt of perfume.
I went back to work and wrapped up another smashing day of sales!!! Biked home in the heat to find Karen on our porch ready to make dinner!
On Thursday another delivery from the Copper River salmon marketing association. Wild Alaskan salmon is my favorite fish (no offense sardines!) and I was thrilled to receive these fish to help create excitement about the Copper River season. I would love to travel to Alaska someday! Last month they sent King salmon, which is in season in the spring, and Sockeye rules the summer season. In the past I have struggled to find the type of salmon I like the best. Sockeye is tougher, and I’ve had it frozen a handful of times where it was so tough it was almost rubbery – despite being barely cooked. I had no idea how this version would taste, but I was prepared for toughness.
But much to my surprise, it was fantastic!! Crusty on the outside, perfectly cooked on the inside. And while it didn’t taste quite as fatty as King, it wasn’t the least bit tough. Go Sockeye!
Oven-Finished Salt-Kissed Salmon
- Preheat oven to 425*
- The result was utter perfection. Part of that must be the fish, and the other part is that we have mastered salmon cooking technique!
- Rub fish with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt (like really generously! I used a black truffle salt from Foodzie) and black pepper
- Heat an oven-safe stainless steel (or perhaps cast iron) skillet pretty hot and drizzle with olive oil
- Place fish flesh-side down (skin side up) into the skillet and let cook until you see the fish has cooked 1/3 of the way up from the bottom.
- Flip fish and place entire skillet in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until fish is no longer hot pink on the middle edge.
The result is a crusty, salty outside and a perfectly succulent inside!
We also grilled a ton of veggies – eggplant, zucchini, asparagus, mushrooms and corn!! All generously rubbed in olive oil, salt, pepper and smoked paprika. SUCH a delicious dinner!!!
Life lesson I’ve learned in my older age: olive oil makes all food taste better
Karen concurs!!
For dessert, we cut open a big cantaloupe!
Kath stole the cookie from the cookie jar…
“Who me?”
“Yeah you!”
“Couldn’t be”
“Then who!?”
Lynn + Mary Beth make awesome cookies!!!
Nite!
Baking 'n' Books says
Karen looks too cute!
This is a text-worthy post! Where do you have the energy after a long day? 🙂
Yes, olive oil – definitely…but also cheese. I just can’t break it 😉
E says
Yeah – love the pic of Karen eating corn on the cob (I also had for dinner tonight from the farm market – yum!) 🙂
Cait's Plate says
Haha – I do the SAME exact thing with doughnuts. Those looks especially wonderful – I’d probably have to steal a couple of fresh hunks 😉
That salmon looks amazing – i definitely want to try preparing it this way one time.
Yay for holidays equalling bread sales!! 🙂
Sara says
Those grilled veggies look awesome!
I enjoyed a few cookies today, too…
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) says
I would go back to Alaska to eat. Every single meal I ate during my week there was extraordinary, from the copious amounts of fresh seafood to simple omelets. So much amazing food.
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
Kath this post ROCKS!
That salmon is cooked to perfection. Not overdone which is what most people tend to do I think and also the corn and other veggies..nice.
Love the donuts and cookies too 🙂
And Alba, yes, great stuff; smells great and WORKS. Nothing like natural cleaning products or bath/shower products that don’t work, i.e. dirty hair or grimy showers. I am all about natural but they have to WORK. I have posted about this before. I feel un-green buying conventional on certain things but it’s b/c I dont love the natural products ive tried. But I loooove Alba!
Katie says
That dinner looks amazing!!! Mmmm…
And you’ve reminded me that I’m almost out of coffee!! MUST.STOCK.UP!
Katherine says
Cutting the cantaloupe open FTW!!!
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I cannot wait to have grilled corn on the cob on the 4th — I just love it so much.
I wasn’t a fan of Tom’s toothpaste either — I really like Jason’s toothpaste — the flavor is good and it doesn’t have crazy ingredients. And (my) Jason likes that his name is on the toothpaste.
Jillian says
I agree- Jason’s Power Smile toothpaste is great! Extremely minty and no artificial junk 🙂
Emmalinda says
I love Jason’s toothpaste, too!
charyll ruggeroli says
I gotta say….
Karen IS the mother-in-law I wish to be.
I know that your know just how blessed you are.
She is a true treasure. 🙂
KathEats says
So sweet of you to say 🙂
lynn @ the actor's diet says
i love tom’s too. but not their actual products 🙁
Pat says
Tom’s has been acquired by Colgate. My husband can’t stand minty toothpaste, and used to be able to use Tom’s. All the non-mint flavors (except bubble gum for kids – yuck) have been discontinued. Booo.
gloria schiralli says
Your dinnner looks absolutely perfect to me! I love love love grilled veggies, all kinds!
Who doesn’t take a little chunk out of the donut box 😉 I always do! Lol
Bee Goes Bananas says
Mmm what a perfect summer afternoon dinner! I love corn on the cob. It’s probably one of my favourite foods next to peanut butter!
[email protected] says
What a perfect summer meal! Makes me hungry just looking at it. 🙂 I absolutely adore salmon. My husband often drizzles a little balsamic glaze on it when he makes it – gives it a little tangy-sweetness. Yum!
Hillary says
Two things:
1. I am also that person who steals a hunk of donut (so much so that when coworkers bring in donuts and see a hunk missing, they no longer ask who it was. They just accept that “that guy” is always, always me).
2. Have you tried the Loft website for the shorts? I’ve had great success with that! You could also have someone at your store call in and order a pair from a neighboring store. Just a thought!
KathEats says
I did try the website – all out!
MaryMac says
I’ve always wondered…(as I daydream about having my own GH bakery one day)….do you have to ring up any of the bread, muffins, or cookies that you want to eat personally? In other words- obviously you are the owners, so you get whatever you want, but are they removed out of inventory? I can’t own a bakery…..I’d weigh 300 pounds!! 🙂
Lorin says
You’d actually be suprised. I was in a chocolate making class at my university last quarter, where I am around chocolate for 6 hours and after awhile you get used to it. Of course, I would be eating more chocolate that day, but once you get exposed to something so much, it’s easier to turn it down. Although, I do think that a bakery would be more tempting with all the different varieties and I like baked goods a little better than chocolate..maybe equally?
KathEats says
We’re trying to ring them up for accountability, but we don’t have to pay for them as the owners. And since we have a whole sample board, we can take from that whenever we wish! I’m good at taking tiny pieces, but I’m bad with the frequency of that!
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
Haha me and my sisters loved singing the cookie jar song, and still do when there are none left!! The things I learned from Barney the dinosaur haha 🙂 And I definetly agree, olive oil makes life wayyyy better.
julie says
What’s with the size that must not be named? I must have missed a post on that one.
KathEats says
I got “in trouble” in this post for explaining my dilemma in real sizes: https://www.katheats.com/shrink-or-stretch
Amanda says
I love this! I didn’t mind the use of sizes to illustrate the difference in clothing! I struggle with this myself! Now, If you wrote that you were 5’3 wearing a size 10, you would have probably lost quite a few readers of your healthy living/eating blog! People need to chill!
Hannah says
What a perfect, perfect summer meal!
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) says
If you ever come to Alaska, I’d be happy to be your personal tour guide! 😉
Thanks for sharing which products work (and which ones don’t). I always get to the natural hygiene products aisle and immediately become overwhelmed that I never end up buying anything.
Pat says
I would as well. Copper River salmon is the best.
Kristin @ eat healthy. be happy. live well. says
Seriously those donuts look absolutely amazing!!!
That’s sad they didn’t have your shorts at LOFT! Did you look at the dresses?? At Leesburg outlets yesterday they had a ton of brand new dresses! I got two that are similar to your Five Bamboo one!
Katelyn @ Chef Katelyn says
Omg. Love. I want that salmonnnn
Slash giiiiirl no shame! I lahve donuts so much, I would have done the same thing 😉
Alice says
I have scoured the DC metro area for more shorts from Ann Taylor Loft and it was a complete fail. They told me that the new inventory coming will be for FALL! So sad 🙁
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I definitely thought you named the size in the original post. Was there fall out from that or something?
I’m usually not a sockeye fan either. King all the way 🙂
KathEats says
Yes, a fall out in the comments. Rolling eyes.
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
I went to Bed, Bath and Beyond today too! I was surprised by how cheap some of the sundries were, even compared to Target 🙂
Rachel says
KY, I adore you, and I read your site 2-3 times per day. But what’s the deal?! Why do you act weird about posting your size?! You mentioned it before, then you got weird about posting your shirt size as being a small, etc, with the work shirts. Girl, if you don’t wanna post it, ok! You work hard for your body and you eat right and help us all believe in a great diet and taking care of ourselves, so I guess I just don’t get this weird size issue you have going?!
KathEats says
I’m using extreme sarcasm due to the comments in this post: https://www.katheats.com/shrink-or-stretch
Maria @ Beautiful Busy Bee says
Older age? Oh pish!!! You were in the 30 under 30 thing!!!! You’re right about the olive oil, though. Especially if it’s raw!!! Mmmm!! 🙂
Namaste Gurl says
Yum- I love having BBQ, in my opinion anything grilled tastes *that* much better 🙂 Yay for summer 🙂
Stephanie @ Love Life Project says
That grilled eggplant looks delicious! And Karen’s shirt made me laugh…
Katherine says
That salmon looks delicious!
Margaret @ The Urban Hiker says
I am in Alaska right now. The reds are great! People up here don’t call them sockeye. They are also super cheap in comparison to king salmon. I live in Portland, OR during the school year and I can get fresh salmon at the farmer’s market there but its way more expensive than the king here in Alaska. Here all the salmon is an insane deal and I have been eating a a lot of halibut which is super fresh but not as great of a deal. The produce leaves something to be desired but the fish is phenomenal here. I will be happy to get back to a place where I can get my fruits and veg locally and possibly organic. Neither is really all that common in Anchorage
Robyn @ Blueberries and Oats says
Wow your dinner looks amazing!! Hope Karen is doing well!
Lorin says
I actually went to Banana Republic today at the outlet mall in my area and everything was 1/2 off in the store! It had a lot of cute stuff and I bought it for my upcoming trip with my family to Charlotte and Charlottesville (we’re stopping by Great Harvest) :]
KathEats says
Oh fun!! I’m usually there in the afternoons 🙂
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
That is the PERFECT way to cook salmon!!
And Olive Oil is nothing to be scared of.. a bit of (tasty) healthy oil is fantastic!
[email protected] says
Ohhhh I think I’ll give Alba a try when I run out of my stuff!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Pretty dinner! If you like grilled corn and have any left over, you should try the hummus I just made – Chipotle Grilled Corn. SO good. 🙂
Katherina @ Zephyr Runs says
Salmonnnn! You are reading my thoughts!! (or I guess you and Karen are? :D) Looks beyond delicious.
kris (everyday oats) says
haha, oh, I’m totally one of those types too. You’ll often find a full box of cookies with a couple pieces broken off of various cookies. I think it may annoy some people…;) But at least I’m practicing self-control!
Khushboo says
I adore salmon, despite the variety! Even on it’s own, it has SO much flavor!
The Healthy Engineer says
I just wanted to say that I downloaded Windows Live Writer after what you said, and let me just say that I am in heaven.
Love. It.
Thank you for that 😀
KathEats says
Great!
Natalie says
I am one of those too!
Julie H. says
I totally pick at food and make it look like a mouse has been in the house, whoops!
Supper looks amazing, I have a porch for Karen! (ha, he!) Way to go, Karen!
Anne says
I once bought one of those electronic mosquito repellent-thingies too. When I googled it, I learned there is no scientific evidence they actually work. Apparently mosquitos can’t hear that much – the sound of the emr included.
See here for example:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070417194230.htm
Aine @ Something to Chew Over says
That’s great that you’ve done so well out of holiday sales, happy Independence Day! 🙂
Just a regular weekend here in Ireland – I’m jealous!
Hayley @ Oat Couture says
Yayy really glad the bakery is doing so well! 🙂 And your dinner looks to die for! Grilled veggies and salmon is such a favourite of mine, so simple and yet so damn tasty!
Lauren @ Healthy Food For Living says
1. I love Alba products! I’ve been making a concerted effort to buy beauty and skin products with less chemicals, and this line is great.
2. Try Tom’s of Maine GEL toothpaste – it’s more akin to Crest/Colgate etc. in terms of consistency and flavor.
3. I absolutely concur that olive oil makes everything taste better :). Dinner looks fantastic! Oh, and melons have been awesome lately. I purchased a Tuscan melon from Trader Joe’s, and it was the sweetest melon I’ve ever had!
Karen says
Oh, I love Alba…their body butter is indulgence in a jar, completely worth the $10. And, I also use that exact Aveeno sun protection for the face. Unlike every other sunscreen – from drugstore to pricey private dermatologist brands – it does not cause me to break out.
Your grilled eats represent the epitome of a summer evening..Yum!
Alaina says
Oh those donuts look so good! They remind me of cider donuts – my fave!
That looks like the perfect summer meal. Well, anything grilled is perfect. 🙂
KathEats says
They are cider!
Amber says
Oh my goodness. I tried the Whole Foods shampoo one time too. Their brand. I was super excited to get some great smelling, organic shampoo for such a low price. Then I used it, and I let my hair air dry. When I was sitting at work that day I put my hand in my hair and it was disgusting. It felt like I had not even washed it.
Candace says
I bought a giant bottle of Whole Foods-brand lavender shampoo last spring, and my husband moaned and groaned every day until it was gone. It really didn’t work at all. No suds!
Molly says
This might sound strange- but if you spray slightly watered down mint mouth wash in the outside area that you plan to be the mosquitoes will stay away. We have a huge problem with the little nuisances in Texas where I live and someone told me to try this– and it worked! I love it because it doesn’t smell like the nasty chemical repellants.
KathEats says
Oh man, I don’t have any mouth wash but that sounds like it would work! I wonder if I sprayed minty essential oils if that would work? Or maybe attract them!
Ma Fea says
“size-that-must-not-be-named”—–hahahahahahahahahahahaha!
Molly @ RDexposed says
I dominated at Banana Republic yesterday! The outlet ones have 50% off this weekend. I hit up AT Loft for the first time, too and discovered out nicely their shorts fit. I was the girl in the dressing room asking for “the smaller” size to avoid saying my size out loud…memories of your discussion of short sizes!
Have you tried Burt’s Bees toothpaste? It’s a million times better than Tom’s.
KathEats says
And when you said “The smaller” was she confused!?
I haven’t tried Burt’s one!
Molly @ RDexposed says
Actually, she was! There was only one other smaller size yet she verified the size number with me anyways. HA
KathEats says
That’s because numbers make things EASIER!
Molly @ RDexposed says
HAHAHA. Agreed!
Jennifer says
Where do you buy your smoked paprika? I can’t seem to find it. I love salmon, too. I never knew there were different kinds.
Enjoy your days off now. 🙂
KathEats says
The only place I could find it was World Market and I’m almost out! might need to get some online son
Karen says
Gals – I buy mine from The Spice House. It’s local to me, but they accept online orders. I highly recommend them – they grind/and offer the widest selection you’ll ever see and the freshness really makes a huge difference vs. the grocery store variety. They offer hot and mild versions of smoked paprika. (The hot is relatively mild on the pepper-hotness scale.)
http://www.thespicehouse.com/info/evanston-spice-store
Aaryn says
Penzey’s has smoked paprika too! http://www.penzeys.com/ It’s a great store to visit (they only sell spices) if you have one locally, but they also ship.
Laura says
Love your blog, Kath! Quick question…when you grill eggplant, do you let it “sweat” first? Or do you just throw it on there? Our garden is producing a lot of eggplants this year and I am trying to master the cooking process. Thanks!!
KathEats says
I do not! I’ve never felt that it was too bitter so I just started cooking it asap!
Jen says
Hey Kath! I am really craving some delicious corn but I live in manhattan and therefore do not have a grill. What is the second best way to cook corn on the cob?! Do I season it or put anything on it? Thanks 🙂
KathEats says
You could just dunk it in simmering water for a few minutes and then top with salt and spices like smoked paprika when it comes out. Maybe even cooking in a skillet or roasting in the oven would work?
M says
If you are in a hurry I cook mine sometimes in a
damp(wet) paper towel in the microwave….and it
tasted just as yummy as boiled!
Can’t wait till corn is locally in season in Canada!!
Love fresh corn in summer (and blueberries, peaches etc etc!!)
Kath one of my fave treats in summer (besides ice cream!)is to
have a really fresh,delish order of fish and chips somewhere near the ocean!
Do you ever indulge in fish and chips?
KathEats says
I LOVE fish + chips!! When I can find a good one, I get it!
weeeee says
Your eggplant looks kind of like meat!
Alex says
Wow that salmon looks amazing! I LOVE salmon and am always looking for new and exciting ways to cook it. Thanks! Love your site by the way – I’m a frequent visitor 🙂 Enjoy your 4th!
Lauri (Redheadrecipes.com) says
I found this organic shampoo called ‘sprout out’ by gilcherst and holmes and it is HANDS DOWN the BEST shampoo I have ever used! It makes my hair more soft and shiny than anything else I have ever tried (Including TJ’s brand, herbal essence, Burt’s bees, pantene, etc). Plus it smells great too!
KathEats says
I will look for that!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
I know I like salmon – but I honestly don’t even know what kinds I’ve had.. and if I prefer one type over another. Clearly I am not a salmon professional.
Ally at A Girl in her Kitchen says
I use Aveeno face sunblock too! Good stuff and you are right it isn’t greasy.
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
Starting on the stove and finishing it in the oven is my favourite way to make fish. I always get such a buttery texture that way! I’ve had similar problems with sockeye being too tough though, which is why I tend to prefer Atlantic salmon.
Melissa A. says
Hmm I’ll have to look around for the Aveeno face sunscreen because I find a lot of the higher spf ones are expensive. I’ve been using one from Dove (15 spf).
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
I love Aveeno face sunscreen! ANd I use essential oil blend :terrashield to keep the bugs away, and AWAY they stay!!
kelsey says
Happy holiday weekend!! oxoxo.
Amy says
You should check out the Alba Honey Mango body wash… it’s amazing! I want to eat it! 🙂
GBear says
You should check the TJMaxx type stores for Alba. I saw Alba at Home Sense (owned by the same company) as well as Kodiak cakes, chia goodness and even all natural doggy biscuits:P I usually just pick up any shampoo/conditioner at that store that is organic or bad stuff free and I pay around 4 bucks for each one which is very cheap for where I live.
Margaret says
Lavender oil will usually keep bugs away, worth a try.
Angel7 says
Those donuts look delicious!!!
EVOO does make everything taste better!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Olena (The Fit Gourmet) says
One of the best natural remedies against mosquitoes is ouzo, Greek anis-flavoured vodka. Just rub it on your bare legs and arms. Sambuca may work too. Just FYI 😉
We’d do it all the time in Cyprus in the evening when dining out.
Betty says
I really enjoyed your post on natural cleaning remedies. It was something I thought a lot about doing, but didn’t get off my butt to do anything about until I read your post. Thank you!
As for hair care, I’ve been experimenting with sulfate-free and silicone-free products for about two years now. For shampoo, Giovanni (50/50 and the moisturizing one) work well for me and are reasonably priced at around $8 at Ulta, Target, and Whole Foods. They’ve got some suds and the 50/50 leaves me squeaky clean! I had many misses in the Aubrey line until I found Honeysuckle Rose (around $10). John Masters has nice poo’s, but they have an unreasonable high-end price tag (Honey & Hibiscus is $26!). Keep experimenting. You’ll find something. I’m still searching for the perfect styling product to go 100% silicone-free.
KathEats says
Thanks for the tips!
Margo @ peanut butter trees says
That corn on the cob looks so awesome! I have yet to have some this summer season – gotta change that!
sara says
love Mama Monson’s shirt in the picture..lol
looks like a delicious dinner
Mary says
Tea tree oil works well for bug repellant too.
JunieB says
I was just curious. Is your new place almost like ‘one of a kind’ in your area? Or do you have competition? Has the fresher way of eating/lifestyle caught on and do you think that GH will play a huge role in that?
KathEats says
Well there are other bakeries in Cville and we moved here because there’s such a focus on healthy and good food!
Holly @ Food, Make-up, Hair says
An all-natural alternative to toothpaste is Good-Gums. It doesn’t contain all the chemicals and flouride that toothpaste does, but cleans teeth and gums naturally with herbs and sea salt. I’ve been using it for 9 months and love it, no build-up to scrape off my teeth at the dentist!
April says
Kath, I’m an all-natural toiletry girl myself and I love Alba products. You might want to check out Vitacost.com …. They’ve got great prices on all sorts of all-natural products!
KathEats says
Thanks for the rec!
April says
I also highly, highly recommend Beauty Without Cruelty products. Their Lavender Highland Shampoo/Conditioner are the best!
bun ca mien tay says
That dinner looks amazing!!! Mmmm…
And you’ve reminded me that I’m almost out of coffee!! MUST.STOCK.UP!