Those days are, obviously, long gone. And while I really strive not to be judgmental of others’ eating habits, instead hoping to encourage by promoting delicious, affordable and fun eco-friendly food and lifestyle choices, sometimes I still have to shake my head at what people choose to put into their bodies and into landfills. This article in the New York Times is a perfect example.

Hungry Girl. Have you heard of her? Here, let her tell you in her own words:

“Hungry Girl is like the Forever 21 of food,” she said, referring to the discount clothing chain where the stock is inexpensive, constantly changing and produced under conditions that a conscientious consumer might rather not think about.

That is wrong on so many levels, I don’t even know where to start. Not thinking about where your clothing (food) comes from or who had to suffer to get it to you, caring only about the cost (calories) instead of the quality or environmental impact. Is that really a positive comparison she wants to draw?

Back in my low-cal food days, I frequently read Hungry Girl’s site, but even then I often wondered, “she thinks THIS tastes good? When was the last time she tasted REAL food?”

Another choice tidbit from the article:

“She knows exactly what her audience likes,” said Yoko Difrancia, marketing manager for House Foods America Corporation, a maker of Japanese yam-flour-and-tofu noodles called shirataki that Hungry Girl has catapulted to fame, calling them “life changing” and “amazing” because “You can eat the ENTIRE PACKAGE!”

In the last four years, United States sales have more than doubled, Ms. Difrancia said.

Shirataki, also called “broom of the stomach” in Japanese, pass through the system virtually undigested, making them filling and nearly calorie free. The major drawbacks are the noodles’ gelatinous texture and what the package refers to as their “authentic” aroma, a frankly fishy stink that fills the kitchen when the package is opened (it subsides after cooking, according to Ms. Lillien).

Gelatinous texture! Fishy stink! But you can eat the ENTIRE PACKAGE! Delicious. That sounds so much better than some actual, real whole grains, with, you know, nutrients and taste. No! Those have calories! And carbs! Heaven forbid.

Is it really, really worth eating this stuff in order to be “healthy” and save a few calories? You know what else is low-calorie, satisfying, and way tastier and better for you than gelatinous, fishy noodles or a tiny portion of Oreo-like “cookies”? Vegetables. Air popped popcorn. An apple. Kale chips. Strawberries. With only a small amount of effort, you have so many options, and the rewards are so great. The way to be healthy – and even to reduce your calories – isn’t in the center aisles of your local megamarket. It’s at the Farmers Market and fresh food sections and in your kitchen, where food comes from the ground, instead of from packages. I’m not saying I don’t buy packaged foods – I most certainly, carefully do. I’m definitely not opposed to treats. But if you’re going to buy packaged food (which we almost all do), look at the ingredients. Think about the material the item is packaged in and what will happen to it once you’re through. Make sure you know what’s in there and not just what’s not. TASTE your food. Buy the real thing. When you want a treat, go all the way, and you’ll be much, much more satisfied. If you think lowfat, sugar-free ice cream tastes good, I have a little ice cream place I want to take you to. Single scoop. On me.

Real food from the Bermondsey Farmers Market in London. Photo courtesy of my friend Barney

You mean trousers.

Greetings from London. I love it here.

Recently, my good friend had her now-ex-boyfriend over, and made him a snack of toast, with butter. Upon tasting it, Ex said, “This is so good! What is ON this?” Butter. Not a yellow-dyed spread made of hydrogenated oils. Not butter-flavored spray air. Real butter.

Maybe that’s why he’s now an ex? I’m just sayin’.

Real food. It’s good, people.

Karen loves ice cream more than anyone I know. Yes, more than you. It’s only fitting, then, that my favorite quote of hers involves her beloved frozen treat. I can’t recall if I’ve mentioned it here before, but it bears repeating:

“Most people say they love ice cream, but what they don’t know about me is that I really, really f***ing love ice cream.”

So when I saw this darling card, made of 100% recycled paper by Ghost Academy, I knew it was meant to be. For the record, we’re also both big fans of candy, having been limited to just one piece a week on Candy Day as kids (it’s a long story). And we’ve been trying to cut back on extraneous gifts just for the sake of giving – no use giving someone something they don’t need that will only end up in a landfill. A heartfelt card was the perfect bon voyage.

Ghost Academy specializes in “handmade frivolity,” illustrated by the talented Megan Gray. Find her darling, block printed cards at a store near you. And look – she has a blog!

The first: I’m not a great cook. I like food, but I don’t always know what to put together, or have the patience or skill to use the right techniques. I certainly don’t know how to make it look pretty in photographs. But I’m working on it. I’ve made some wonderful foodie friends recently who inspire me to be a better cook, and a better blogger.

But the real confession is this – I’ve been in a rut. I love to write, and I just… haven’t been. I love to work out, and I haven’t been making the time. I’ve been eating weird concoctions of snacks from the market downstairs for dinner, instead of trying new recipes or making old favorites. I live, literally, on top of a wine bar, and I haven’t even been to it. What is that about? I just haven’t felt like me. I have no real good reason for this rut I’ve been in. I have a good job, with people I like, one that sends me to London and allows me to work from home or charming coffee shops quite regularly. I’ve got good friends, really terrific ones. My family is great, cool and quirky, and they live nearby enough that I get to see them a lot. I have a cute apartment in an adorable neighborhood, albeit one that might be just a little too yuppie for me, after all. I live in a fantastic city, and have access to the most amazing food and fresh produce. I have a machine to make my own fizzy water (more on that soon) for Pete’s sake. Life is good, really good.

I think what it comes down to is change. Way too much change. In a very short period of time, I changed jobs, got my own apartment for the first time, moved across the city, and sold my car. For someone who’s never been great with change, it was a lot, all at once. My routine has been thrown off, and I can’t quite get it back. Oh, and did I mention I have a pretty big birthday coming up? Yup, it’s been a lot to take. I like my life, but sometimes don’t know how to process it all.

But, I’m trying to shake it. I’m tired of being in a rut, or using the excuse of being in a rut to stay in a rut. The weather’s getting better, and I have a lot to look forward to – yes, even that big birthday. I had a wonderful weekend, filled with friends and fresh produce and family and yeasted waffles, and it reminded me of how good life is. And how fun it is, when you’re open to it.

I may still not be a great cook, but I’m starting to figure out what I like. Like these peanut soba noodles I threw together tonight. I made Orangette’s recipe a few months back, and loved it, but decided to mix it up (literally!) tonight, not follow a recipe, and see what happened. What happened was good. I was inspired to add asparagus and tofu from this 101 Cookbooks recipe. So, tonight, I threw together:

1/2 cup chunky natural peanut butter
A few splashes of organic soy sauce
The juice of one small lime
The juice of 1/2 a Meyer lemon
A dash of white wine vinegar
A glug or two of olive oil
A generous dash of Sriracha

And whisked them together. Then, I cooked up half an 8 oz package of soba noodles for about 6 minutes, and added some chopped asparagus into the boiling water for another minute or two. I rinsed and drained the noodles and asparagus, added them to the peanut sauce, and threw in some thinly sliced carrots and radishes, strips of yellow and red bell pepper, and Super Firm Wildwood tofu, pan-fried in sesame oil.

It was really tasty, and so easy. Next time, I’d add some whole or chopped peanuts on top, like the 101 Cookbooks recipe suggests. But all in all I was pleased with how it turned out. I’m really thinking of going back for seconds. But I’m wondering if that feeling, like the rut I’ve been in, will pass if I just let it.

It’s my best friend’s birthday. Today, Kate turns 30. 30! We met when we were 14. How did that happen?

Photo credit: Trisha Brunner

3 months ago this week, Kate became a mom to baby Claire Elise. I’m in love with her and plotting ways to get her parents to move her to San Francisco. I mean, look at her. So cute I can’t stand it!

Photo Credit: Alli Lang

Kate and I met in Foods class, freshman year. We made pesto, macaroni and cheese, and raspberry pie topped with turkeys cut out of pie crust. The turkeys drowned (raspberry pie, it turns out, is very juicy). We worked together at the best ice cream shop in the world and often ate ice cream for breakfast, and then again after lunch (oh, to be 15 again!). I moved to San Francisco when we were 16, but we stayed in touch with visits and long phone calls about boys, school, and… boys. In college, I’d go down to visit her in San Diego, and let’s just say we had quite a few adventures. We actually only lived in the same city (San Diego, after college) for a few years before we both moved further north, but we’re as close as ever, even if she’s up in Stupid Oregon (just kidding! I love Oregon! I just wish it was closer). I was her Maid of Honor, and she’ll be my Matron, if I ever find that Bright Green Boy.

Today, I’m wishing Kate a very, very happy birthday. It’s only fitting she shares the day with one honoring our planet. I love them both a lot.

Hey, Kate! Remember how jealous I was when you turned 16 and 21 before me? I think this is good revenge. I don’t turn 30 until August.

Ok, maybe not the worst ever. But, Passover started last night, and today I’m blogging about…pie. I ate two pies today. Sweet pie, and savory pie. Cupcake-sized pies, made with organic, local (backyard-local whenever possible!), and seasonal ingredients, and – get this – delivered via bike. God, I love SF. Sorry, fellow Jews. If you’re looking for a more Passover-appropriate recipe, check out this delicious Matzo Brittle from my friend Kasey at eating/sf.

Back to pie. Oh, this delicious Bike Basket Pie. I know Natalie of the pies and baskets though my sister, who used to work with her and is now helping her grow delicious pie-ingredients, like onions and leeks, chard and spinach. She pays her in pie, and tips in beer. I wouldn’t object if my employer wanted to start paying me this way.

What is a Bike Basket Pie, you ask? It’s just the most delicious cupcake-sized treat you can imagine. And I say this as huge lover of the cupcake . Natalie has perfected her crust – it’s perfectly flaky, and flavorful, and… perfect. Perfectly perfect. I’ve only tried three flavors so far – shaker lemon, apple, and potato, leek & cheddar, and I’m dying to try more (see the full menu here). The shaker lemon is made with Meyer lemons grown in Natalie’s neighborhood, and the way the sweet, candied lemon settles into the crust is just out of this world. Natalie delivered me that goodie today, and it was all I could do to save it for after lunch. And for dinner? This little guy, packed full of leeks, cheese and potato. I paired it with a simple salad of spring greens, walnuts, tangerine and goat cheese, drizzled with California Olive Ranch Arbequina, which I discovered via my friend Allison. It was such a nice meal. Even if I did eat it while watching American Idol.

Natalie delivers via bike throughout the flat areas of San Francisco, and can be found at events like Taste the Mission Tour. Pies are $5 when delivered, $4 if you find her on the street. She has a variety of vegan or butter-filled treats available every week. San Franciscans, you’re missing out if you haven’t tried them yet. Get on that.

Photo credit: Andy Smith

As long as I’ve lived in San Francisco, I’ve wanted to visit the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden while the tulips were in bloom. I once even lived a mere 10-minute walk away, and I never made it at exactly the right time of year. For shame! The garden, with its Dutch Windmill, is one of my favorite spots in the city, and while there are beautiful flowers year round, the garden’s namesake bloom is my all-time favorite. To ensure I’d get there this year, I put it on my 30 before 30 List.

I’m so glad I did.

The Queen Wilhelmina Garden is located at the very edge of Golden Gate Park, almost at the ocean, and right near the Beach Chalet. San Franciscans, I highly recommend you get there ASAP, as I can’t imagine the tulips will be around much longer. While you’re in the area, have a mimosa on the back lawn at the Park Chalet, and watch the little kids running around kicking soccer balls. Take a stroll by the beach. Maybe even bring a book and a blanket and make yourself at home with Queen W. With this weather we’ve been having, I can’t imagine a lovelier day.

Sorry I haven’t been around much lately. Where have I been?

I’ve been off in London working and swapping shoes with my favorite coworker.

I’ve been in Portland, visiting a tiny, sweet little baby.

I’ve been back in San Francisco, feeling guilty about my carbon footprint while simultaneously plotting a way to travel as much as possible in the coming year. I’ve been gone too long, but I’m back. I’ll try to stick around this time.

What else have I been doing with my time? Oh, fretting about turning 30. The big day is in August, and while I’m SO not ready (wasn’t I just, like, 24?), I almost wish it would hurry up and get here, because the anticipation has got to be worse. However, the alternative to turning 30? Not so great, right? So I’m embracing another decade (gulp!), or at least pretending I am, for now.

To make these next few months not only pain-free, but also as FUN as possible, I’ve decided to take inspiration from one of my favorite bloggers. Her name is Janet, and she’s adorable, and lest you think I’ve suddenly become both conceited and a fan of the third person, I am not talking about myself. I loved Janet from Slice of Pink’s Thirty Before Thirty list, and have decided to blatantly steal from her. You don’t mind, do you J?

So, here goes. In no particular order, my 30 before – ahhhh! – 30. I’m counting on you guys to hold me to these. I will cross them off as I go, marking the date. I’ve got a few days short of 5 months. And… GO!

1. Have a Kir Royale at Crown & Crumpet with Janet from Slice of Pink 3/6/10 (Day 1, Item 1 down!)
2. Visit at least 1 European City besides London July 2-8, 2010 – Amsterdam and Paris!
3. Eat a slice of pink cake with pink frosting (not a cupcake)
4. Take a day trip to Point Reyes
5. Pick summer berries at a U-Pick Berry Farm
6. Eat dinner on an organic farm
7. Get makeup professionally done. Find perfect shade of red lipstick.
8. Make violet macarons
9. Take a mud bath
10. Spend the day in Oakland and/or Berkeley
11. Visit the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden while the tulips are in bloom 3/28/10
12. Take an SF City Guides Walking Tour 06/06/10 – Gold Rush City Tour
13. Do the Anchor Steam brewery tour
14. Visit a Farmers Market in Portland, OR
15. Buy at least 3 vegetables I’ve never tried, at a Farmers Market. Eat them.
16. Do karaoke for the first time (with my sister)
17. Redesign pretty green girl (!!!)
18. Go on a mini-trip and stay at a hotel by myself (not for work)
19a. Get braces off 3/11/10 WOO PARTY! 19b. Throw celebratory “Caramel Apple and Flossing” party 3/26/10
20. Visit Playland-Not-at-the-Beach
21. Jump in ocean waves
22. Walk to work at least 3 times 3/29/10 (1st time) 4/30/10 (2nd time), done this multiple other times!
23a. Take cable car to work and walk the rest of the way. 23b. Get a cute picture on the cable car (a. and b. can be on separate occasions)
24. Write at least one complete chapter of the novel in the back of my head
25. Try a really fancy champagne (TBD – Cristal or Dom Perignon?)
26. Make homemade chocolate mousse
27. Take a knife skills class 4/11/10
28. Take my Dad to Bourbon & Branch for drinks
29. Try a Bikram Yoga class
30. Get a walkaway sundae at Swensen’s (it’s a sundae in a waffle cone, people!)

What’s on your list? In SF and want to join me for any of these? Let me know!

The good news is – we can help! Besides donating to charities like the Red Cross (you can donate $10 by texting ‘Haiti’ to 90999 – love that!) and Unicef, many great companies are donating their profits to those in Haiti who need our help.

Theo Chocolate is one of those companies. 100% of the purchase of their 45% classic milk and 70% classic dark chocolate bars will go to CARE, a humanitarian nonprofit fundraising for the Haiti relief effort. Last summer, I had the privilege of taking a tour of the Theo Chocolate factory in Seattle, which is the only organic & fair trade bean-to-bar factory in the US. They have a great philosophy and a wonderful product, with amazing and interesting flavors like Fig, Fennel & Almond or Coconut Curry. If you find yourself in Seattle, definitely take the tour. It’s fun and there are LOTS of samples!

If you love chocolate and want to help, I strongly encourage you to order some of these classic bars! It’s not too early to stock up for Valentine’s Day! I’m placing my order right now – will you?

Will you buy a chocolate bar for charity? Do you recommend any other charities, or companies donating their proceeds?