dealing at work

i don't know how most places of work are. but, my work likes to reward us for making different goals with food. this can be a huge problem. what do they usually give us: pizza. definite nono for me.hello dairy overload! you just hope for bread sticks. that way people don't start the questions. this last time, we earned breakfast. be it a food allergy or dietary preference, breakfast is a hard thing. almost a slap. do you really want to go out of your way for bacon (no thank you) and toast?
so, you get to walk that fine line of how to avoid the situation.
do you call in? go eat your lovely toast? explain why you aren't eating?
i made the mistake of saying no thank you. that leads to the dreaded embarassing explaination. then, becomes people going "well, you could eat.......uh......toast". you want to say "yeah, enjoy your eggs, pancakes, and lovely drinks (milk)".
it's a no win embarassing situation.

school bans homemade lunches

chicago school bans homemade lunches

anyone else see this on yahoo?
only a child who has a food allergy can bring in a meal. my older son has the choice of buying or taking lunches from home. he's lucky and has no allergies. he chooses to take 99% of the time. so, i got him a thermal container. can have hot or cold lunches. why? he comes home with horror stories: today for lunch they had fish sticks, a roll and carrots.
i can see banning junk food. but, a lot of kids bring perfectly healthy lunches. both my boys schools ban soda, fast food and the like.

Israeli Couscous

While checking for something new in the bulk bins at Whole Foods, i came across Israeli Couscous. I've had it at restaurants. but, never seen it at a grocery store before. so, had to buy a pound of it. this was my first try. very basic and very delicious. i cooked the couscous in chicken broth (you could use veggie broth) just like it was any pasta.  after it was cooked, i added it to some grilled beef and asparagus. about 1/2 cup of the broth, tsp of dried parsley and tsp of dried oregano.

if you've never had Israeli couscous, it's definitely worth trying.

pop chips

I've had these a few times. they're vegan. not greasy. and, have a good taste. there's 3 different flavors: original, salt & vinegar and BBQ. the original is definitely the best. maybe I'm a purest.  

you should try these.

a letter

dear Starbucks,

i understand the raising of your prices. everyone did. but, medium 2 drinks for $12 is a turnoff. then, to add insult to injury, soy milk in anything costs 60 cents more per drink. 60 cents? per drink? so, people with food allergies or want the healthiness or vegan get fined. no thank you. i'll bring my own drink next time.

no love,
the lady (and small child) who feel this is unfair

my son thinks a vanlla bean frappuccino is a "milkshake". i'll make my own as a small with soy milk is over $5.

traveling

i'm visiting my parents for a few days starting friday. not looking forward to it. yes, i am elated to see family. but, knowing my son and mine's dietary issues, i'll have to go to the store for most everything we need. plus, my father without fail will eat something like ice cream or cheese and tell me how it's "soooooooo good". joy.

here's to a peaceful trip.

it's just cheese

i try to shop at farmer's markets and the like. whole foods is good for those hard to find items.

but, i've been kind of sick off and on lately. it's been a rough year. so, i've been buying what i can at the super target. yesterday,while there, i was trying to buy items for fajitas.
me: "do you carry soy cheese?"
dairy employee: "we have lactose free"
me: so, no soy? rice?
de: we have lactose free

if you don't, please just say you don't. it won't hurt me. had a similar conversation about sour cream too.  now, i did remember publix carries soy in their vegetable dept. ended up there for everything.
i don't mind when places don't carry items. really. just come out and say it.
dairy free "ice cream" is a another one.