a nerd at Whole Foods
January 6, 2010 Yesterday was a weird day. I just felt kind of lazy and off.
This post starts at about 6pm on Tuesday evening. I didn’t even photograph my oats! See, I told you it was an off day.
I should have known better than to buy freezer food…I give these a 5/10. I had some unopened jars of sauce + sun dried tomatoes leftover from TJ’s in Charlotte.
My mom got these for me while I was at home. They are completely addicting but I am doing a good job at eating just a handful a day to stretch them out as long as possible :) The package says there are 3 servings. I’ve already gotten at least 8 out of it!
After dinner #1, I decided to go to the GIgantic Whole Foods at the Cherry Creek location in Denver. Melissa gave me a super generous gift card for WF back when I watched her boy Jake. I wanted to use it on items I wouldn’t usually splurge for.
My slipper socks from my mom, hid in my boots…also from mom!
She has good taste. I love these!
Dakota falls asleep while standing + sitting. She sways back and forth and sometimes her front legs will slide out from under her. It is quite hilarious. It reminds me of falling asleep in class. You try so hard to stay awake but just couldn’t keep your eyes open sometimes.
Cheer up please!
…off to Whole Foods
Have you guys tried Red Kale? The green didn’t look that great so I am giving this a try. For some reason I am thinking it might have a bitter taste. No clue why I’m assuming that.
To pummelo or not to pummelo? It was in my cart for awhile but for $3.99/ea, I put it back. I would say it’s a good 6” in diameter!
Yes, I brought my cookbook along and little notebook that I made my list in. N.E.R.D. Trying delicata squash for the first time. I had never heard of it or seen it until a few weeks ago.
This WF is totally gigantic and overwhelming! I was there for way way too long, especially in the bulk section. They have a great section with pre-chopped veggies and things, to make recipe prep much easier! They chop everything fresh, daily.
Bulk Tahini!!?? Are you serious!
I found Rush bowls!! I still have a few of these left from my fun day sampling at the Rush store.
They even have a gelato bar. I tried a sample of Tahitian Vanilla and Orange Honey Fig. They were both completely amazing.
…
Home from the store, time to put things away.
I bought collard greens for the first time ever. Note the size. They are taller than the coffee maker!
Arrowroot, is a much more natural thickening agent, compared to corn starch. Have you guys ever used walnut oil? It was one of the purchases I wouldn’t normally get but am pretty excited about it!
Ahhh, the bulk aisle. If you guys aren’t familiar with Millet [left most] you should get to know the grain. It is very similar to quinoa in taste and texture and costs $.99/lb [organic] compared to over $3/lb for organic quinoa! I also picked up some Whole Oat Groats, Sweet Brown Rice, Adzuki Beans, and Almonds.
Yaaaay for affordable bulk tahini.
Red Kale
I am pretty excited for my chocolate almond milk! I would have gotten a larger carton, for less waste, but they didn’t have any. I need to try making chocolate almond milk. Have any of you tried? I’ve made vanilla. It is super simple and delicious! I picked up “curry powder” as opposed to the “Indian curry” I used in the curry honey hummus the other day. There are a few different ingredients in the mix, so we’ll see how it differs in taste when I make it again. I looove the Simply Organic spice brand.
Dinner #2 – steamed brussel sprouts – little pillows of greeeeeen
With some sautéed chickpeas seasoned with curry + cayenne + salt + honey + garlic powder. They were totally nutty and full of flavor. Chris loved them too!
Weird dinner tonight.
And then I wanted a pickle!? I must be preggo or something with my weird dinner spread??? Just kidding Dad! My Dad reads the blog daily as part of his morning routine, hehe. Chris actually reads it everyday too! My mom is so super busy with her job that she usually catches up on all the posts once or twice a week :)
…
Gooood morning! Jan 6th - Ahhh, my coffee finally arrived! My parents sent a large package full of things I couldn’t fit in my suitcase, after my Cleveland trip. It took FORever to get here with the holidays. I finally used my coffee maker this morning! It has been SO long. Instant coffee just isn’t doing it for me!
I thought I’d try steel cut oats today, for the first time ever. I brewed my coffee and started editing photos while I waited about 20min for this to finish. Yes, it takes awhile but I had things to do while waiting, so no big deal.
Yes, I turned the mug to the sad face today. I’m not really sad but just in a funk of sorts like I said at the beginning of the post. Maybe it is because the sun hasn’t been out much lately. Maybe it is because neither of us are employed. Maybe it is because I am 26 and really have no idea what I want to do with my life!? I was in school for 6yrs, [for Architecture] and I don’t know if that’s what I want to do. I still completely love architecture. I kind of forgot how much I really do enjoy it [until recently], but I just have not found happiness in the career, at all.
Thought #1 - Now, I have only held two architecture jobs, each for a year, so maybe I just haven’t found the right fit yet. Part of me wants to go back to school but not to come out with a new profession. I am extremely interested in Anthropology, specifically Nutritional Anthropology. The interest stemmed from my thesis research on Food + Architecture. I also would love to teach Architecture at the college level. I feel that gaining a degree in a different but relatable major might make me look more appealing for a teaching position. I am still very much passionate about my thesis topic and would love to teach people/students more about the relationships they share. The tricky part is getting there. Teaching architecture is highly competitive and you kind of have to be willing to move wherever you can get a job. Accredited Arch programs are not at every college. There are only a few [at most, sometimes none] in each state. I believe Colorado only has one.
Thought #2 - I also would enjoy starting ota.bars back up. It will be quite hard here in Colorado, because you have to rent commercial kitchen space. It is rented hourly around $15/hr. That is a CRAzy amount of money for how long I would need to spend in the kitchen. If you follow Angela, at Oh She Glows, her 12hr days in the kitchen would just not add up if you had to pay for all that time.
Thought #3 - You all know I love food and love to cook food. Many of my friends ask if I would want to own or work in a restaurant. The answer is definitely not :) I know that is not the place for me. I would however love to small time cater, in peoples’ homes and/or hold cooking classes for children + adults. It would be easier to pursue a start up business like this if we had a little cash flow right now but that’s just not the case right now.
I hope I am not coming off as complaining. I am just confused! I need some direction.
Certainty #1 - I cannot sit behind a desk 8+ hours a day. It makes me tired, irritable, unhappy, and I gain weight eating to stay awake! [I am not knocking desk jobs in any way shape or form!]
…
My steel cut oats. Were they worth the wait?? I sprinkled on some chia seeds, and coconut snow, along with a dollop of organic chocolate pnut butter, and some annie’s bunny friend graham cookies. They look like they are playing in my oats!
So, the verdict. The can said to stir occasionally, which I did. I also added 1/2 banana about 3/4 of the way through the process. The result? The oats were kind of slimy + gelatinous. They weren’t terrible, but I definitely like rolled oats + oat bran better. Next time I am going to try using 1/2 water 1/2 milk [instead of all water] and maybe not stir at all. It was still tasty enough to finish :)
Off to get some things done around the house. I need to see some improvement in here or I might go insane!
In other news
– For all of my Colorado readers!! I want to organize a blogger meet-up! There has been interest from many of you, so I want to get things rolling. I’m assuming weekends work best? Would you like a daytime or night time meet up? Should we meet at a restaurant or do a potluck at someone’s house/apt? [I am offering up mine!] Let me know your thoughts and ideas. The only weekend coming up that I won’t be available is Jan 22-24th.
brussel sprouts, coffee, curry, steel cut oats
Reader Comments (42)
i totally feel you on the not-knowing-what-you're-doing-with-life thing...thankfully, i have a job that's not horrible, but i don't love it. it's hard knowing you want to do something else, but then not have a clue how to do it! don't lose heart though, you're definitely going to go far with whatever you do :)
on another note, loved seeing the WF shopping spree! let us know how you like the red kale!
Hi Ashley - I came across your blog and have read it for a few weeks now:) My husband just got a job in Arvada, CO and we moved here about 3 weeks ago, I quit my job (Whole Foods actually) because I wasn't happy with it and am in a boat almost identical to you. I have my degree, not sure how to use it or what I want to do. Anyways, I would love to do a get together! I don't know many people here so it would be nice to meet some new friends.
The closest Whole Foods to me is 3 hours away. I've never been to one which might be a good thing considering I'd probably buy the whole store :) Your oats always look like icecream to me!
I think you're very brave to share you uncertainty on the blog! It's not complainy at all, in fact it's nice to know that I'm not the only 26 year old confused about my career path, but determined to make a healthy choice for me. ALSO walnut oil is DELICIOUS!
Aw love the puppy pics! I know I was a drunken idiot on Ann's bday talking about how much I love your dogs, but they're so cute!
Anyways, desk jobs SUUUUCK. Don't do it if you don't have to! Totally get your career anxiety; I feel like most everyone our age feels this to a certain degree.
Also, I'm going to try to make that hummus. It's delicious. And I've been on a huge honey kick.
I'm not much of a steel cut oats gal either, for I just tested them out not a week ago! Not my favorite.
I don't even know where to begin... this post was magical! from sleeping standing dogs, to bulk tahini (incredible!), to brussel sprouts, I'm left speechless.
As you know, I'm definitely up for a meet-up. I think the potluck idea would be fun! (I'd be happy to host, too-I live at 1st and Logan) But a restaurant would also be cool. My weekends are pretty free through January. Let me know how plans develop and if you want help!
I would love to do a meet-up. I live in cap. hill and would be down for a pot luck. I am free for most of the month except this upcoming weekend.
So many beautiful foods!
And cool you found the rush bowls!
Good luck with the career decisions :(
I completely relate to being out of work and at a loss for direction~I do believe you have to have faith that the right path will open for you (a nice aspect of unemployment for me has been getting to know your grandparents ~ grandma, and hear some wonderful family stories)
I also know I can not go back to a desk/cube job and would love to figure a way to grow my seasonal cheesecake baking business and love of creating and baking to something long term..Then there are days I think about going back for teaching degree~Lost @ 40something...
I live within 1/4 mile of WF here in the Heights~definitely a plus~ but no gelato bar in Cleveland :-( Great pic! Also LOVE the doggie pics adorable!!
Random thoughts on you renting the kitchen space perhaps find someone that you can share that space with to reduce costs~work out a schedule etc... Keep doing what you love!
I too am interested in a meet up! Yay! I'm not avail. This saturday or Sunday the 31st I'm flexible other than that. Potluck sounds great (that's selfish of me, I love tasting other people's handiwork!) Good Luck with the career decisions. I think I'm rethinking things every other week. I keep having to force myself to stay in the same field and not apply for everything that opens up. There are too many interesting things to do out there!
i'd looove for a little meet up! i would really enjoy meeting some other foodies like myself. i'm in boulder, but could easily make it up to denver. friday the 22nd and friday the 29th don't work for me, but otherwise weekends would be best. great idea!
Hey! I've been reading a little while since I made an effort to find some CO blogs when I started mine. I am free (& in Denver) most weekends, a meet up would be totally fun!
Hey Ash. You've got a lot of creative bones in your body and they're trying to shake free. Let them. Be an entrepreneur either now or later when you can afford it better. You've got the JUICE.
Dark Chocolate Covered Poms.. that sounds good.
I have never seen those pom seeds -- YUM. I wonder if we'll ever know what we really want to do with our degrees. I miss you and love you and can't wait to go to whole foods with you!!
Search for them! There is no burst of juice...but they are still yummy!! Can't wait to see you!!
Thanks Dad!
Thanks for your thoughts Beth. Can't wait to figure out the meet up details! I feel the same about a pot luck with foodies ;)
I have tried to make the most of this time and find new interests as well. Thanks for your thoughts + ideas!!
Magical!!?? Thaaaaaaanks :) Much appreciated!!
It is always comforting to hear other that are just as confused as you!
I bet we will have a lot to talk about!
Thank you for the encouragement!! Will let you know about the kale!
Don't worry. I don't know what I want to do either! I just graduated with a degree in Marketing and couldn't even get a job with Marketing because of how bad the economy hit Las Vegas. I'm just going to focus on myself once again and hopefully it will just come to me with what I feel like doing! Sometimes I feel like when you look for something, you can't find it. It has to find you!
Yah...totally hear ya on that! Good luck to you too!
Hi! May I ask - what brand/style are those boots? (So cute!)
The brand is Blowfish! They're pretty easy to find online + in stores :)
Ashley! I love your blog! I am a CO girl as well...25, a runner, a blogger, always pondering what this life has in store for me. I loved reading your past and future posts...many parallels to my life:). Look forward to reading more!
Hmmm....we sound like we may have a few things in common! I'm hosting a blogger meet up on Feb. 13th if you're interested! It will be at my house...let me know if you are!
I'm not usually a commenter but it is so nice to read that someone is as lost as I am! I am only 22 but hating my marketing job. I like business but would really like to incorporate my love of nutrition into my life! Anyway keep your chin up, I am a firm believer in fate :) Best of luck with everything.
Hey Ashley, I just found your blog and LOVE it! And I'm so jealous you live in CO. My husband and I fantasize about it; good for you for taking the plunge.
And I'm 25 and have no idea what I want to do with my life. I'm currently working at a desk job in Corporate America and am thisclose to quitting. But scared to death since my husband is in law school and we'd have no income until I found something else. I guess there are always student loans once our savings dries up, but I hate debt! Anyway, any advice on how to decide to take the quitting plunge or not?
Hey Teri! Thanks for finding me and for your comment. I don't like to read that you don't know what to do with your life, but it's comforting to know I'm not the only one!! You asked a great question and it is something that deserves a chunk of a blog post...so be on the lookout in the next few days!! I would love to hear what you think!
Ashley - I just saw this job rec come across and thought of you since I read this entry this morning (2/1) - yes, I am a little behind. Not sure what to make of it but with your love of WF and your marketing experience with OTA thought you should at least know about it: http://jobs18-wholefoods.icims.com/jobs/46873/job. Ifthe link doesn't work, just try the wf site - it is for a marketing manager at the CC location. Best
Wow, thank you so much. I will definitely be looking into that. I really appreciate your help!!
Oh. I so, so, SO wish I lived in CO. I would love to meet you and learn some photog tips (and cooking, and everything!). <3
How have I not read this post before? I'm in the same position as you right now... we'll have to chat more!
If you lived anywhere near me, I'd pay you to teach me to improve my photography! ;)
alright. so. life confusion. story of MY life, too. "I cannot sit behind a desk 8+ hours a day" -- OMG. ME NEITHER. i had this really lengthy discussion with my mom the other night, and i said the one thing i totally, totally know is that a desk job will KILL me. i can't keep doing it. i can't wait till the day when i can quit and do something else. it's just hard. i wish there were more people around me with similar interests. to start something . . . people have suggested a restaurant or working in a restaurant. but i know that's much harder, more grueling work than it seems. i like the personal caterer thing, too. i feel like it'd be cool to teach cooking classes. or good eating habits to kids. or just something with people. moving around. food. life. being outside. not working 8 hour block straight. again. you're going to figure it out. it's just . . . the waiting that's hard. if i figure it out, i'll let you know my secret. but something tells me you're close!!!
How come Colorado makes you rent commercial kitchen space??
I'm not sure..it's just a regulation they're set. It's different in every state.
I'm a newbie reader thanks to Mama Pea and I must say, this post really got to me. I'm 23 and in the same position: what the heck do I want to do. I know that this is an older post and that things likely have changed in the past year but I wanted to just say thank you. :)
I'm so glad you could relate! I wrote this post almost 2 years ago [26yrs old at the time] and am planning to write a follow up soon, since I've kind of figured out the direction I want to go. You'll get there too!!