How nice is that?
[Said in my best Barefoot Contessa voice]
Socks that actually match:
(Just picked up a few packs at Target. At work it’s pretty much assumed that my socks never match, and then it got to the point where I was lucky to find two clean socks before leaving in the morning. Does the dryer eat them? Yep)
this romper:
(a gift to Liv from her Auntie Chele- I can’t even handle the cuteness)
some forgotten faves and new foodie finds.
I had to do a double-take when I saw this kombucha at Sunflower Market the other night.
Lavender! What are they trying to do to me?! I thought that Gingerberry was the kombucha of my dreams, but Lavender is now #1.
It has a bold, fresh flavor, but isn’t too strong.
Love, love these guacamole packs:
all real ingredients, and while homemade is obviously better, these do in a pinch when you want a quick dose of healthy fats. I also like that they’re pre-portioned out, because the big packs turn brown in the fridge once you open them.
Parfaits:
(with gluten-free granola (this one has way more fiber and protein than the usual suspects), goat’s milk yogurt, Sun Warrior and almond butter.
Cold herbal teas:
I love tea so much, but it’s definitely getting too toasty in Tucson to drink it hot. I’ll make the tea with hot water, place it in the fridge to chill overnight with lemon juice and Stevia already added.
Sauerkraut:
It’s especially amazing on sweet potatoes and salads. I have a tempeh sauerkraut grilled sandwich in my brain that I’ll have to make ASAP.
50 Shades of Grey?
(The Pilot came home with sweet potato fries to share- true love)
We’re having a wives book club, and at first I didn’t want anything to do with the book because I was sick of hearing about it, and then curiosity got the best of me and I wanted to see what the hype was about.
I just started it and can’t decide how I feel about it. For now, I don’t love it. At first I didn’t like Twilight, either, and we all know how that turned out 😉 The writing is atrocious -and quite a few of the phrases are dated, like “well I’m a monkey’s uncle”- and for now, it just seems creepy, not sexy. I’m also kind of over weak female leading roles. I’m all about some light-hearted fluff reading (Shopaholic series rocked my world, and all of the books by Emily Giffin) but I prefer sassy, smart, female protagonists. Maybe I should have downloaded Hunger Games instead?
We’ll see how it goes….
Hope you have a great day and I’ll see ya later on the Fashion page with a waterfall braid how-to.
Week of giveaways continues!
xoxo
Gina
Thank you so much for the amazing comments and blog love on my blogiversary <3 Made my day.
Have you read Fifty Shades of Grey?
Any newfound or rekindled foodie faves?
132 Comments
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love the crochet on the romper! adorable.
I’m on the 3rd book of 50 Shades and while I don’t love it, it was an interesting read. I don’t understand the obsession with it though. The lead female does get more sassy and smart so you might like it more as you read. I started skimming through a lot of the “racy” scenes because there are SOOO many of them lol
I’m confused. How do we see and enter your week of giveaways?
they pop up on the homepage every day this week
I just bought the series with my Mom but have not started it. I am not sure how I will feel about it either. We will see though, had to at least try to read it from all the hype!
Avocado pudding! Love it! Just finally tried it and I am obsessed.
i love emily griffin too! seems, though, that you can guess what she is going to write about, ha.. i also read 50 shades, i have to say that the 2nd book was my fav.. keep reading, its weird but good! ha!
I’m on book 2 now… I think I liked book 1 better so far, but have heard that the third one is the best.
I hated Twilight all the way through, but FSOG grew on me as the plot developed – the sex scenes get less graphic and farther apart as the series progresses, too. 🙂
Aw, that romper is so cute!! I haven’t had kombucha in too long – that flavor sounds delish. My local health food store has kombucha on tap, which I think is so fun. I’m craving guacamole now! I haven’t had artichoke hearts in awhile but I just remembered I had a jar of TJs marinated artichoke hearts so I added some to my salad when I was packing my lunch today – looking forward to devouring it 🙂 You should definitely read Hunger Games – the books are really good, and it’s actually quality writing. You should give The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo series a shot, too; it took me a little while to get into the first one, but then I couldn’t put it down and couldn’t get my hands on the second and third books fast enough!
kombucha on tap?! amazing!!!
i tried girl with the dragon tattoo but couldn’t get into it
Thank you! I’m basically the only person I know who hated those books.
I refuse to read 50 Shades; I can’t stand poor writing. I highly suggest you read the Hunger Games, though — and then make the Pilot take you out for a movie to see it (if it’s still in theaters) or get carryout Renee’s and rent it. 🙂
oh i like that idea!
I love the baby romper!!!! Who knew they made them for babies 🙂 I’ve been obsessed with avocado lately…I’m going to have to try those 100 calorie guac packs and that parfait looks amazing!
Do you know where that romper is from??
macy’s! it is the cutest ever
I still can’t decide if I want to read 50 shades after so many mixed reviews!
I just started reading Fifty Shades of Grey as well.. I’m about 25% of the way in. I definitely agree with you that I’m more creeped out than being really into it. But I’m sticking with it because yes, the hype is hard to ignore. I read the Hunger Games and would definitely recommend it to anyone! Such a great read 🙂 I was also a huge Twilight fan (however, the movies were horribly made.. bummer). I own all of the Shopaholic books, but unfortunately haven’t laid a finger on them yet. Sounds like I might have to over this summer 🙂
I agree, regarding strong female characters! Read Hunger Games, she, Katniss, is strong:)
I picked up 50 Shades, not sure yet, maybe I’ll be fine with it, in general as a summer read…………..junk food like, no substance>?
Oh my gosh, I LOVE the shopaholic books! What is it about them that makes them so addicting? If you haven’t read the rest of Sophie Kinsella’s books, I really recommend them. Good summer fluff reading at it’s best.
i’ve read all of them- i love her 🙂
Just got those socks at Target! Something about new socks, ah! Um, my mom just told me she is reading 50 Shades if Grey. Vomit! Lol
this made me die laughing
i decided to read fifty shades of grey because everyone in the free world has at this point. about 100 or so pages in and a few things are apparent:
1) a lot of people like this book. i am not one of them.
2) EL James found out she was getting her twilight fan fiction published and hit ‘find’ and ‘replace’ with bella and edwards’ names. could not be more obvious that she barely edited it — ana is a dead ringer for bella, completely with cutesy ‘falling down all the time’ (SUCH a flaw, not.)
3) EL James has never had sex. ever. with anyone.
all that, and the writing is atrocious. everyone speaks in perfect, complete sentences. grey is creepy and controlling and ana is an idiot. i really wanted to like it too!
#2 is what annoyed me first! i was like “oh, hi bella” awkward and clumsy. so original, right??
#3 made me laugh so hard
I wish there was a “like” button for comments!!!!
Everything you posted looks delicious!! Quick question…what kind of stevia do you use? Any advice on using syria? I plan to start using it very soon for some clean eating. Also, Ana gets plenty sassy in Greys. The three books are a great story. 🙂 enjoy!!
Ugh I just started the second one in the Fifty Shades trilogy… I’m still on the fence. I hate that the author doesn’t seem to know much about 22 year olds or American slang. If homegirl bites her lip, turns “scarlet red,” or says “oh my” one more time, I’m going to throw my book off my fire escape.
The Hunger Games (at least the first book) is a really great read with a strong female lead, though!
hahaha touche, my friend 🙂
I’ve read the first two books of 50 Shades and the Hunger Games. I definitely prefer the Hunger Games – Those are a GREAT read.
50 Shades was interesting. I couldn’t keep going past the 2nd book, because I lost interest. I kept saying to myself, “Jeez… They’re going to do it AGAIN?” lol
The difference is that the Hunger Games was written by a good writer who has mastery of the craft. Anyone can write rambling, cheesy love type stories… not everyone can write cleanly and pull readers in with the writing itself.
I read Twilight despite the writing. On the plus side, she became a better writer as she went along. The last book was still not very well written in my opinion. If 50 Shades of Grey is poorly written, I probably won’t keep reading it once I get it…
Hunger Games, on the other hand, I couldn’t put down. What an excellent storyline, with so much sociological detail behind it (and little glimpses here and there of it before it becomes a main focus).
I read 50 Shades of Grey. It was something entertaining to get lost in, but there is no way that I consider it good literature. My mom is reading it now. I told her that under no circumstances is she allowed to talk to me about it. That would just be creepy. I liked Hunger Games MUCH more.
I’m with you on being over the weak female lead characters … maybe that’s why I liked Harry Potter (Hermione is a very strong character) and Hunger Games so much.
Jess, I 100% agree with you!!
Yes, read Hunger Games…so good and kick ass lead female character!
I def recommend The Hunger Games! I didn’t even really like Twilight (even though I read all 4 and have seen the movies…) but I loved The Hunger Games. Couldn’t put them down, and the movie was awesome. No weak female role in them!
I read 50 shades too, and I felt the same way. I am so over the weak female lead! Ugh. I LOVE Hunger Games and totally suggest reading that, but if you’re in the mood for something a little romantic and girly, I totally suggest How to Love an American Man by Kristine Gasbarre. Definitely my favorite book since I read the Hunger Games! (I read it after Jenna at Eat Live Run suggested it) I’ve been slowly passing it around all the women in my family.
Ooh, tempeh reuben? Yespls! And lavender kombucha? I’m not a fan of it generally but that does sound tempting!
Go straight to Hunger Games! Do not pass go, do not collect $200 (do not read “50 Shades of Grey”) 🙂
Bahahaha!
this cracked me up
Game of Thrones has great female characters, too! And the books are long so you get your money’s worth, Kindle-wise.
“Make sure to get a GOOD dijon mustard” – barefoot contessa 🙂
and the very best vanilla 😉
You absolutely need to download The Hunger Games if you want to read about a smart, sassy female in the lead role.
Also, some of my co-workers were talking about how to politely “shush” a couple of ladies in a spin class that talk throughout the class over the instructor. I’m sure you’ve had to deal with this in your career. Any tips?
I love that romper! So cute. And I really need to pick up that wholly guacamole.
I’m not into 50 Shades either. It’s popped up in a book club I’m a part of too, but I haven’t downloaded it yet. If you like strong, independent female protagonists, definitely download Hunger Games! I loved that series.
We are –>HERE<– on 50 shades. We have the same reason for not wanting to read it, giving in and the side eye the book gets at the start. For me it really didn't get better. The writing is awful! Holy expletive ad nauseum? Gimme a break. I won't be reading the rest of the series. I did love The Hunger Games and I adore Emily Giffin! Did you see she has a new one coming out? Yippee! I try at least 4 and up to 12 new recipes a week so there's always some new foodie discovery on the horizon for me. (I have severe cooking ADD to the point where I almost have to FORCE myself to cook the same thing two or more times. There are just so many recipes out there!)
I’ve really enjoyed the Fifty Shades books. I’m on the third one and don’t want to put it down. I think you’ll enjoy it as you get into it more. You can check out my blog for a review of the second book.
I also read the Hunger Games and loved it! I didn’t think I would get into that series at all but quickly got sucked in! You def should read those books. 🙂
Start the Hunger Games trilogy for sure! & do you & the Pilot have HBO? I watched the first season of Game of Thrones last year & got HOOKED & subsequently started reading the books… They’re amazing!!!
That’s so funny – I just commented about Game of Thrones below! I just started watching the show with my boyfriend (he’s watching current episodes, im catching up on season 1) and I just got my hands on the first book. I can’t wait to dig in – are they better than the TV show?
we do have hbo- i’ll dvr it!
I’m yet to read Fifty Shades of Grey! A couple of my friends read me lines from it and I die laughing.
I felt the exact same way about 50 Shades of Grey! I actually didn’t even finish it!!
& I’m so glad you tried that guac and put a picture of it up! I saw it @ Walmart last week and was tempted, but wasn’t sure how it would taste. But, now that you’ve had it, I’ll be buying it today! 🙂
None of my socks match either. I just roll with it and try to pick ones that are sort of the same length 😉
And I havent read 50sog and probably wont – it’s just a little too overhyped for me. I’m excited to start on the game of thrones books – I think those will really suck me in!
Those guacamole packs are the best! As a single gal, guac/ avacado are hard to use up so those are perfect when I make tacos! (which is like every week because tacos are amazing. )
Where did you get those guac packs? SUCH a good idea!!! I love having guac readily available at all times 😉
at basha’s!
I read the 50 Shades books and found them pretty much intolerable. The problem with the fact that they started out as Twilight fanfiction is that because the characters and situations and relationships were more or less recognizable to the reader, the author didn’t have to do any work developing three-dimensional characters, authentic interactions, or any semblance of a plot arc. And the factual errors were killing me! There were definitely lots of times you could tell it was written by a middle aged British lady who didn’t really know a lot about how twenty-something Americans would live, or talk, or even basic facts that we take for granted in the States.
I would say definitely try out the Hunger Games! The protagonist is a lot more complex and the plotting is excellent. Way fewer blow jobs, though. 😉
tragedy. hahaha
Omigosh that romper is way too cute! And I think you’ll end up liking 50 Shades. My book club just read it too (that was a really fun discussion night btw) but I really didn’t want to read it. At first, I wasn’t interested– the story didn’t grab me and the writing is horrible. But stick with it, it gets so much better. I finished all 3 books in less than 3 days! I’m not usually one to read the popular series (I never read Twilight or HP) but Hunger Games was really good too!
LOVE the romper! And that parfait looks AMAZING! I just got 50 Shades of Grey but haven’t read it yet. I have another book to finish. I LOVED the Shopaholic books. They were so cute.
Hunger Games is fantastic! Have you read any of the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich (you the ones with numbers in the titles, One For The Money, Two For The Dough, etc)? Those have a sassy female protagonist that kicks butt.
yes, loved those books!
I haven’t read 50 Shades of Gray, but I can share in your kombucha experience! I thought for ages that I hated it because I had a bad experience with one brand, but then I discovered Tonica and I CAN. NOT. get enough! Their mango and peach flavours are my favourites. There’s a ginger one too but I haven’t tried that one yet. Guess I’ll be going shopping soon…. 😉
Lavender sounds soooo heavenly! I need to try that in the kombucha that I brew. Wow, I bet it’s so good!
And what an adorable romper…so cute!!
I ususally NEVER comment on blogs, but I have to suggest an author to you. If you like strong female characters and a quick read, please read any book by Julie James! She has GREAT characters and her books just fly by. My favorite is “About that Night.” (and it seems like we like the same novels- I feel the same about 50 Shades and Emily Giffin is my favorite author!)
i’ll look into that now- thank you!
I know a lot of people are freakin’ over Fifty but I think the story line is what people like. The writing is atrocious and I always have to refrain from making corrections in my book but the female does become more outspoken and strong as the story line develops. At the very least, you’ll know what people are talking about now!
I refuse to read 50 Shades of Grey, but I do recommend watching this!
http://www.hulu.com/watch/358341/saturday-night-live-amazon-mothers-day-ad
Cute outfit for Livi. 🙂
My husband Kevin had a grilled tempeh Reuben at the Laughing Seed Cafe in Asheville and it was fab!!! Served with jalapeno sweet potato fries. (sliced fresh jalapenos flash fried with the fries!) You would love them! He said the sandwich was better than a ‘real’ Reuben.
literally laughed outloud when i saw your “how nice is that” (said in barefoot contessa’s voice) 🙂 thanks for the laugh!
https://mobile.twitter.com/GirlGoneScrappy/status/210056632544145409
Hope I’m doing this right. 🙂
First time commenting but I’ve followed you for a long time now. I just wanted to recommend the American Heiress as a good new book to read. I don’t think the main character is weak however others may disagree with me. It was a quick good summer read. I hope you find it and enjoy it!
ohh, i’ll check it out- thank you!
I’ve heard so many things about 50 shades of gray but I haven’t decided if I want to read it yet or not. I was not one for Twilight (i never read it but I just had no desire to jump on that bandwagon) and I’m afraid this may end up being the same…we’ll see. Maybe I’ll wait for the hype to die down a bit and see if I’m still interested.
I’ve never read or seen anything Twilight so I can say I came into 50 shades unbiased.
They are an easy read and if you are able to just read and forget about the quality of the writing (which was hard for me at first), the story is good. I was more interested in the back story of Mr. Grey (can’t call him anything else after reading LOL). And the main female character does develop.
Everyone said how racy these books were and to be honest I didn’t find them that racy. If you have ever watched the show Secret Diary of a Call Girl on Showtime it’s about as racy as that though written. Or maybe I’m just more perverted. 😉