My PB + J

Whole Foods Del Mar – New Store Opening

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of taking a sneak peek into the newest Whole Foods Market in Del Mar in the newly re-designed Flower Hill shopping center. I was blown away when I first walked in! Not only is this 30,000 square foot store larger than the location I am used to shopping at but it has so many features that exude Del Mar flare! The event was more than I had imagined: from the amazingly fresh (and locally grown) array of food, music, local beer and wine I was left wanting to shop sans kids. Too bad I had to wait until Wednesday when they officially opened their doors. 

I am beyond excited that we have a Whole Foods closer to us now, with just a quick trip across the 56 freeway I am already planning my weekly (budgeted) shopping trips. I may or may not go with the kids to take advantage of the Trifecta Tavern that has 30 craft beers on tap and an extensive menu. Better yet, I might have to get a babysitter just to have a date night at the market. Who thought that would ever belong in a sentence together? 

The store’s commitment to locally-sourced products was evident by it’s offerings from more than 100 local vendors and farmers from nearby Orange, San Diego and Los Angeles counties including: Homegrown Meats, Archi’s Acres, Be Wise, Stehly, Suzies Organic Farm, Carlsbad Aquafarm, South Coast Winery and Fallbrook Winery.

The store was also designed and built with the environment in mind, the store interior is influenced by the prominent geographical and natural landscape features of the immediate surrounding area: the bluffs, the Torrey Pines groves, chaparral laden hillsides, and the lagoons. In addition, significant local venues and cultural amenities like the horse culture and golf courses inspired the graphics and other creative design elements in the store environment. I was truly blown away with the design elements, Whole Foods Market hit the ball out of the park once again! 

The seafood department offers sustainably-sourced fresh filets, steaks, local and seasonal seafood, whole fish, Live Sea Urchin & Uni, Abalone and oven-ready selections. Fresh seafood is delivered up to six days a week.

The meat department offers the highest quality meat, from animals raised without antibiotics and added hormones. All meats adhere to Whole Foods Market’s stringent quality standards, including a full line of 100% grass-fed, locally-sourced beef and chicken, a variety of selections ready to take home and cook, and in-house smoked meats will be offered. Look out for their 5-point rating system on all their meat. 

Archi’s Acres is based in Valley Center which is just a hop, skip and a jump north of me. I love that Whole Foods Market donated $100,000 towards Archi’s Acres to help aid a new half acre greenhouse. I feel better knowing that the food I will be purchasing for my family is traveling less before it gets to our table. 
If you haven’t been to a Whole Foods Market you must find one close to you and if your in the San Diego area you must hurry on over to the Del Mar location because they are now open! Head on over to take advantage of all the amenities this store offers! Whether it’s their 365 Everyday value, a trip before the races, a round of golf or just to pick-up a quick lunch, Whole Foods Market – Del Mar will have everything and more that you’re looking for! 
Stay Connected: 

Whole Foods Market – Del Mar is located at: 

2600 Via De La Valle, Suite 100, San Diego, CA (inside Flower Hill shopping center)

Located directly off CA Interstate 5

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post for Whole Foods Market Del Mar. Regardless, I only recommend products/services that I personally use. 

homestyle chicken noodle soup {recipe}

We’ve been hit hard by the cold & flu this year. The hubby and kids have been sick twice in less than a month and I have (luckily) escaped the second round. The one request I have gotten is for my chicken noodle soup. Not just by my kids but from my best friend too! This recipe takes some time, you have to allow at least two hours for the rich stock to simmer and then about another hour once the stock has finished. It’s been a go-to Sunday meal for those dreary days, pair with freshly baked muffins or with organic saltines to dip. You cannot go wrong with a large pot of this homestyle chicken noodle soup! Give some to a neighbor, enjoy for lunch all week or freeze portions for an easy weeknight meal. 
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
For the stock:
1 whole chicken, rinsed and cleaned
3 whole carrots, cut into thirds
3 celery ribs, cut into thirds
1 turnip, peeled and cubed 
1 onion, cut into quarters 
3 TB peppercorns
1 TB salt
a few sprigs of fresh Thyme (I use about 4-5)
2 bay leaves
For the soup:
1 onion, chopped
15-20 baby carrots, chopped 
3 celery ribs, cut lengthwise and then chopped 
3 garlic cloves 
4 Thyme sprigs
2 bay leaves
shredded chicken
egg noodles 
fresh parsley, a handful chopped
salt and pepper to taste 
Directions for Stock:
Place the chicken and vegetables in a large stockpot over medium heat. Pour in only enough cold water to cover (about 8 cups). Add in the thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns, and allow it to slowly come to a boil. Lower the heat to medium-low and gently simmer for two hours, partially covered, until the chicken is done. As it cooks, skim any impurities that rise to the surface; add a little more water if necessary to keep the chicken covered while simmering.

Carefully remove the chicken to a cutting board. When its cool enough to handle, discard the skin and bones; hand-shred the meat. 
Carefully strain the stock through a fine sieve into another pot to remove the vegetable solids. Use the stock immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to one week or freeze.

Directions for Soup:

Place a soup pot over medium heat and coat with the oil. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme and bay leaf. Cook and stir for about 6 minutes, until the vegetables are softened but not browned. Pour in the chicken stock and bring the liquid to a boil. Add the noodles and simmer for 15 minutes until tender. Fold in the chicken, and continue to simmer for another couple of minutes to heat through; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

when all you got to keep is strong

Move along. That’s what my personal mantra has been since the Summer of 2010, even though the All-American Rejects had been singing that chorus into my head since 2005, I didn’t know the meaning until I hit rock bottom. The year of 2010 was the hardest year I have yet to experience in my thirty years. I had to do a lot of soul searching; I cried a lot, I held a lot in, I had a fucked up delivery of my daughter, I felt bullied by new moms, I lost friends, I lost my Grandma, lost my career, I truly lost me. If you’ve been reading this blog ‘o mine long enough you know that I have been very open about my battles with depression. I truly believe that until you are faced with depression or are close to someone who is struggling you cannot comprehend what one is really going through. I struggle often and have recently started to feel the way I did three years ago. The moment I started feeling the heavy breathing and tunnel closing in on me I called my sister and then sent a lengthy e-mail to my best friend.  Three years ago I couldn’t do that. I would get pissed, close myself off and deal with it privately. The anxiety reemerging was scary, I played more games with myself than anything. Questioning why I would let myself get to this point after my soul searching and personal defeat of this debilitating disease. I am way stronger than this crap.

Last night while at work I had a deep conversation with one of the only employees left that I hired. It was nice, a huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders and respect regained. I could talk about my struggles in 2010, I could laugh about it, hell, I even teared up, body shaking in fear. Talking about your faults, your mistakes is a terrifying son of a bitch but it’s healthy to move along.

I tend to let myself get too attached to people. Why, I do not know. I thought I had learned my lesson in 2010 but after you guard yourself for so long and someone nice comes around you seem to open right back up. I thought I would live a guarded life, I mistook myself and will now live guarded. I think when enough shit has happened to you, you only start to trust the ones that know what you’re experiencing. I am so happy that I have the support I need, some new, some old, but they get me. They get my quirks, my looks, my bitchy yet sarcastic comments that should only be taken as silly not figuratively.

Last night was eye opening. I have kept strong, I have moved on and now it’s time to keep the hope alive.

Thanks All-American Rejects for composing a song that I have lived by since my early twenties, I just didn’t get it until now. Funny how life is.

a class for a cause

Are you a local San Diegan looking for cause to give to this weekend? I urge you to attend The Dailey Method – RB/Poway “Chelsea’s Light” fundraiser this Sunday. If you remember from last year, “Finish Chelsea’s Run” was my first 5k. It is a cause dear to my heart, I hope you can join and if you can’t, a donation is much appreciated.

logo header
 

  

 
Finish Chelsea’s 5K Run/Walk
 
What:   Join The Dailey Method RB-Poway in walking the 3rd annual “Finish Chelsea’s Run” event in honor of Chelsea King. The event will feature a competitive 5K race and fun run/walk, family festival, children’s activities, team competition, entertainment and refreshments. To show our support, The Dailey Method RB-Poway is putting together a team and we would love to have all of you join             us! To join our team, please click here. Password to join is “TDMRBP”.

 

When:   Saturday, March 2nd 7:30am
 
Who:     Yourself, kids, spouses! Anyone can join – the more the merrier!
 
Where:  Balboa Park

Chelsea Run 

baked dark chocolate heart donuts {recipe}

My little girl is a lover of donuts, but honestly, who doesn’t love a perfectly crisp donut covered in gooey icing with sprinkles dropping off everywhere? This Valentines Day I decided to surprise her with her favorite variety and let her help with the baking. The process so simple, relatively fast and the reward exceptional. I purchased a heart shaped donut pan and went on the search for the most perfect chocolaty donut ever.  The icing was a simple concoction of melted butter, powdered sugar, milk and vanilla. It’s best to dip them while warm so you get a more glazed look or dip cold for a thicker coat and a double dip for that icing lover. Enjoy with a tall glass of ice cold milk with heart paper straws. A great way to impress a loved one on Valentines Day morning or any day of the year! 

Baked Dark Chocolate Sour Cream Donuts-

Ingredients:
Makes 24 heart shaped donuts

1 3/4 C. All-Purpose Flour
1/4 C. Unsweetened Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 C. Vegetable Oil
3/4 C. Sour Cream
2 eggs
2/3 C. Sugar

For the icing:
2 cups Powdered Sugar
1 1/2 tsp. Vanilla
2 TB Milk (or more depending on your desired consistency)
2 TB Melted Butter

Directions:

– In the bowl of a stand mixer combine: eggs, sour cream, vanilla, oil and sugar. Beat until well incorporated. In a separate bowl combine all the dry ingredients. Slowly add the dry into the wet until combined. With a pastry bag or Ziploc bag add the batter and cut a large enough opening so the batter comes out with ease. Spray your pan with Pam and fill halfway. Bake at 425º for 10 minutes.
– You will achieve a crispier donut if you release the first round immediately and then spray the hot pan again and add batter and return to oven warm.
– Dip the donut into icing. Place on a wire rack with a cookie sheet underneath to drip. Add sprinkles right away.