Favorite Things Friday

So as some of you may know -my amazing sister Sara does this weekly blog post called 'Five Sense Friday'. I was thinking about it this week and decided I was going to steal her alliteration idea and make my own version (since my blogging has been lacking - this can be a weekly catch-up of something that made me smile.

So this Favorite Things Friday is my new Favorite Foods/Food Like Thingies

My new favorite snack/latest craving is a mixture of Dole Mediterranean Blend Lettuce (Taste Intensity of 4 and a Texture of 3). It reminds me of the salads you would get at any restaurant in Europe - and the different types of lettuce add to the taste, not to mention e add a bit more crunch than others. An AWESOME blend!

Add to that some Raspberry Vinaigrette! (I prefer Newman's Own, but it doesn't matter!) Which has a sweetness added to the bitterness of the vinegar. If you let it soak in a bit it is DELICIOUS! The sweetness makes the vinegar taste tart instead of bitter.

For lunches lately I have been using my brand new Bento Box! It has reusable compartments that are specifically sized for healthy portions, and you don't waste plastic baggies when you use them! My pack even came with a little drink bottle so I could add some juice (I usually carry around a Nalgene with water). One of my favorite meals? Summer Sausage and Cheddar Cheese for a 'Main Coarse' (I'm also loving Oroweat's Health Nut Bread with Organic Peanut Butter and Raspberry Preserves), then my salad from above or celery, carrots, and broccoli with ranch, and then some pretzels for some salty. Delish! Anyone who has kids - I HIGHLY recommend these for cold lunches. Mine has an insulated outer carrier - so no ice pack needed, and since everything is in its own plastic container, there are no smooshed sandwiches and you can actually have a salad! It even comes with fork and knife!

And finally - I am in LOVE with the Pocatello Co-Op! It's a free trade store where you can get locally grown goods. I go here for my milk because I don't like stuff with hormones or additives - and this is practically straight from the cows at Clover Leaf Farms. I cannot get Reeds here - well I can - but only gallons and they expire quickly and are EXPENSIVE. These are slightly pasturized so they last long, and they're still 'organic', but cheaper. They come in glass containers - so I feel all old school as I rinse out my glass container to take back. I also bought some bulk uncooked Jasmine Infused Rice there. It was DELICIOUS - easy to cook - and didn't come in a box! They sell bulk spices and herbs and a bunch more! I got my organic peanut butter there. It takes some getting used to, but I love this place. They have locally grown fruits and veggies, and everything is fairtrade which makes it that much better! I know IF has one - their fruits and veggies aren't the best but I suggest their bulk spices and dry goods to anyone! The lady there is so sweet too! Whenever I have a question about cooking (or which rice is closest to the rice you'd get out of the box) she goes through the co-op with me til we find it. It's great!