Good morning! Soon I have to wake the kids up for school, then it's off to pray at the abortion clinic, later we may take the kids to Art Prize again, and tomorrow it's more soccer — I'm in charge of snack for this week's game, because you know that 10 year olds can't play for a whole hour without getting a snack (this drives me crazy), so I bought some organic juice and I'm taking them bags of healthy popcorn. (This part was written yesterday, it takes me a while to finish anything around here!)
What are YOU doing this weekend?
Here's what I've got for you this week!
- A new Kitchen Kop 48-hour giveaway! I'm offering a $50 Amazon gift card to my new and current blog susbscribers — all you have to do is…
1. If you're not already subscribed and getting Kitchen Kop blog posts via email (you can choose daily, weekly, or monthly), use the orange boxes above or below this post to sign up. Or you can click here to sign up, too. ***When you do you'll get a FREE Real Food Ingredient Guide from my book right to your inbox!
2. Next, click this link and shop around.
3. Comment below and tell me what you'd buy if you won.
4. Be sure to stay signed up for future giveaways!
That's it! Comments will be open for 48 hours and then I'll choose a winner using Random.org based on the number of comments — the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Once I verify that the winner is signed up for Kitchen Kop emails, I’ll announce who won in my next Mix-up post. No purchase necessary to win. Offer good only for those 18 or older in the U.S. You may want to check out my Icky small print stuff: privacy policy, copyright, disclaimers, terms & conditions. Void where prohibited by law.
***NOTE THAT THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER and I've chosen a winner who will be announced in my next Mix-up post. (I left comments turned on because we have some good Trader Joe's discussions going on!)
- Have you followed me on Periscope yet? You can do that here or @KitchenKop, but just a warning, I think that link will only work on your mobile device. What is Periscope? It's just LIVE videos, sort of on-the-fly. My first couple there were pathetic, I couldn't figure out how to shut it off, I was holding the phone the wrong way, etc., PLUS they were just boring (and I was just complaining about boring podcasts!) — I can't promise you loads of excitement moving forward, but I can promise little glimpses into everyday life around here. One of my first Periscope videos WAS pretty good though, because it featured someone besides ME. It was at my book signing at Nourish Organic Market the other day, and Emily, a gal working there, told me how she makes her coffee creamy, even though she's dairy-free, and it's inexpensive, too, so I said, “Hey, can I videotape you telling me that? Because I think my readers would be interested!” Here it is:
- Have you seen this quiz you can take to gauge your risk of developing cancer? I'll be telling you more about this soon, but I love that these guys are taking a look at how to cure cancer using more natural methods. (Yes, sometimes you need the conventional methods, but another route is sometimes better and deserves a good, honest look.)
- A Trader Joe's opened up recently by us and many of us real foodies are super excited! I haven't been there yet (I'm not into fighting crowds for my groceries), but can't wait to get there soon and do some price comparisons. As you probably know, they do have a lot of junky foods, too, so beware. I saw this article that caught my eye, and there were quite a few gross foods listed there, but one that looked great — the cheese with caramelized onions, youza, and it's imported from England, so that's a good sign! The kale washed and in a bag I didn't get, how hard is it to wash and dry it with a simple salad spinner? Anyway, see what you think of this list: 16 Foods You Need to Discover at Trader Joes. Now please tell me what YOU buy there, so I'm ready and don't miss anything. Thanks!
- Here's an article that won't surprise most of my readers, but it may be one to share with your family or friends: Chemical exposure linked to rising diabetes, obesity risk.
- Did you catch all of these recent posts? Here they are in case you missed them:
- Lower Back Pain Every Morning? How Kent’s Went Away *Overnight* and Why Organic is Not the Best Non-Toxic Mattress
- What You Never Even Knew You Should Ask About Grass-Fed Beef
- Art Prize, Our Anniversary, and for Foodies: I’ll Tell You about Our SLOW Delicious Dinner!
- Ideas for “Be Your Own Boss Jobs” — Flexible Lifestyle and Earn Up to Six Figures!
- How to Add More SUPER to Your Superfood Smoothies!
- A Very Bizarre Phone Call and Supplement Testing Shenanigans
- Surprising Details about Being a Real Foodie in Abu Dhabi
- Why I Hate Podcasts (I was a guest on a good one w/ my tips on working at home, prioritizing, & about real food too!)
Have a good rest of your weekend everyone!
(Affiliate links are often included in Morning Mix-up posts. Check out my affiliate disclaimer here.)
Soli says
I’m actually going to TJ soon for another stock-up. There’s one about a 20 minute drive from me but I think that is too long a haul to get food regularly. Glad not to be in a food desert and in an area with multiple farmer’s markets and good grocery stores. On my trips, I stock up on canned fishes (mostly salmon because I never make to the local fish market now), nice looking seasoning blends, Kerrygold (over $1 less per package there), and *maybe* a cheese or two if they look interesting. I wish they’d carry more gf items.
D K Stevens says
I would like to buy a Spirilizer & a good non-stick skillet 🙂
KitchenKop says
Sorry, @DK Stevens, this giveaway is over. But if you sign up, you’ll still get a free Real Food Ingredient Guide!
Kelly
Michelle says
Thanks for the update on Trader Joe’s.
Colleen says
Curamin! I love it. It has helped me, and I have my husband and my mom both taking it now.
Bonnie G says
i would order some organic food products not available in my area.
Tina H. says
Oh my! I have a wish list of books and gadgets that I’d go through!
Heather Richards says
I would put it towards the purchase of a new vacuum cleaner.
I’ve only been to TJ’s once and it was fun to go, but also stress that ppl need to read labels and make smart choices because not everything there is golden!
And thank you for praying faithfully like you do. I work at a PRC and also find he opposition is usually from those who are convicted and it turns them into mean people sometimes. So yes, more reasons to pray for them as well 🙂
KitchenKop says
Thanks for all your great suggestions so far guys! (And thanks for the sweet words, only a couple unsubscribes so far from my mention about praying at the abortion clinic. There are always at least a few, but that’s okay. I think that those who feel strongly enough to unsubscribe are often/usually those who have had an abortion or know someone close who has, so let’s pray for them all the more, that God changes their hearts, and that they come to Him for forgiveness, I wish they knew that forgiveness is right there for the asking!)
Kel
Ruzvelina Samaniego says
Hi Kelly, thank you for hosting the giveaway. I would love to buy some coconut manna and coconut flakes for making coconut milk. Also thank you for reminding me I need to go pray at PP, especially during this 40 Days for Life campaign. God bless you!
Laura P. says
What a great giveaway!
I’d stock up on a few healthy pantry items. They’re hard to find where I live!
Linda says
Hey Kelly, nice giveaway. I need an electric toothbrush so I ‘d get the Phillips Sonicare 2 series plaque control rechargeable toothbrush.
KitchenKop says
Lisa, I removed your email address here so it’s not public. 🙂
Kel
Lisa Brown says
I would buy the Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Wooden Barn for an upcoming baby shower gift.
Thank you for the chance 🙂
Laura says
I’m not sure why someone would unsubscribe from you for praying…is there anyone that can’t use extra prayers on their behalf (whether born or not)?? I can think of a million things to be upset about and someone praying sure isn’t one of them!
If I won the Amazon gift card I’d start buying Christmas presents for my kids. Or is put it toward a grain mill for myself. I’ve always wanted one!
Lynne N. says
I’d probably buy the materials I need to make bread.
Ashley J says
We are in need of new towels around here! Or a French press…if I win we shall see which one…
Jane says
New crockpot.
And TJ has great organic popcorn kernels – for making coconut oil popcorn
Lori L says
I would love any Le Crueset cookware!!
Rachel says
Thanks for the giveaway! If I won I would get a FoodSaver for things like vanilla beans and dehydrated mushrooms instead of always borrowing my Mom’s.
Lisa P says
If I’d won, I’d probably buy some more books on health or grain-free cookbooks.
Kathy says
I’d buy some siberian ginseng, a book called Alternative Medicine for Pets: Holistic Health for Dogs and Cats, and another book called Enough: 10 things we need to tell teenage girls.
Karibeth S. says
And thank you for praying at planned parenthood. We need more people to pray there and everywhere in this country. ❤️
Karibeth S. says
I would buy the Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book. It looks beautiful and calming. I want to color! 🙂
Bernie W says
I would buy books from the Carl Barks Library. Thanks for the giveaway. I hope that I win.
Rebecca says
I’d buy the ingredients to make homemade toothpaste 🙂 hope I win!
Martha says
I’ve been eying a cast iron griddle for a long time!
Michelle says
Kelly,
I hate to give you bad news, but Trader Joe’s gives money to Planned Parenthood.
https://www.traditionalcatholicpriest.com/2015/09/20/more-corporations-that-are-supporting-planned-murderhood/
Kathy says
Thank you very much Michelle for that link. I had no idea the list was so long. My paypal account will be cancelled as soon as I get done writing this reply and I can always find somewhere else to buy than Kohls. Trader Joes was a treat when we traveled now it’ll just be somewhere different.
KitchenKop says
Michelle NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, oh this upsets me so much!!!!!! I’m contacting them!!!!!!
(Thank you for telling me.)
Kel
KitchenKop says
I just found this, but it was from 2010: https://mommylife.net/archives/2010/08/trader_joes_and.html
I still contacted them through their form to ask. I’ll let you all know.
Kelly
KitchenKop says
I’ve got good news!!
First, FYI, the giveaway is over and I already chose the winner — it took me several tries to find one of you who was actually signed up for my KK emails. 🙁
I kept the comments turned on for this post so we could continue to share Trader Joe’s info. I contacted the company about their Planned Parenthood donations, here’s what I sent:
“I was so excited about a new store in our area, but just heard something very troubling. Is it true that you give donations to Planned Parenthood?!
Thanks for your reply,
Kelly”
Here was their reply (which made me so happy, but I feel bad for them, assuming what they say is true…):
“Thank you for contacting us with your concerns. Trader Joe’s does not
sponsor or donate to any organization at the corporate level. However we
would like to take this opportunity to let you know how we became a part
of the Life Decisions International Boycott List.
As a matter of practice we support our store leaders in their efforts to
be part of the community. These leaders are permitted to provide baskets
or bags of products to charitable organizations in their community. The
average cost of such product donations is $25.00. The store leaders are
only allowed to give products….not cash. The store leaders are told to
not give such donation of products to any activist or partisan group or
causes. In the case that is concerning this matter one of our store
leaders made a bad decision and provided a small amount of products to a
group that should not have been eligible for such a donation. The store
leader has told us that is was not clear that the group to whom the
donated product was given was associated with an activist group. The
group published that “Trader Joe’s” was a donor to their organization
and this causes us to be on the Life Decisions International Boycott
List.
Trader Joe’s Company will continue to educate our store leaders on how
to make better decisions about those to whom they should give product
donations. Please be assured that Trader Joe’s is a national chain of
neighborhood stores. We are not activists on purpose. We make no cash
donation as a Company to any activist group.
We believe that any fair view of the facts would conclude that one bad
decision by a store leader who did not fully understand the request does
not warrant being put on LDI’s boycott list. We hope that you understand
our position and continue to shop with us.
Regards,
Nikki
Customer Relations
Trader Joe’s”
Please spread the word about this.
Thanks!
Kelly
Paula says
Hey! Thanks for the giveaway! If I won I’d buy probiotics for my family.
sejotess says
I would apply the gift card to the mandolin I have been wanting.
Debbie Thompson says
Thanks for the giveaway! There are so many things on Amazon that I could use-I would probably get some good probiotics.
Lisa says
I would love to buy a food saver.
Amanda Paige says
Coconut oil cuz I’m out!
Su says
I would buy a Spiral Vegetable Slicer. Thanks for the giveaway! God bless!
Susan says
My regular purchases at TJ’s:
-Smoked Gouda cheese to get my Vitamin K
-Kerrygold
-Organic butter (although the price recently jumped from 4.59 a box to 5.29…yikes!)
-TJ’s fennel toothpaste with no fluoride or SLS. Warning: it tastes like black licorice
-Applegate grass-fed hot dogs
-Coconut oil
-Olive oil potato chips (although I’m still searching for a new brand since GMO potatoes are becoming more common)
-Organic frozen fruit for smoothies
-Organic frozen veggies (for emergencies. I prefer fresh)
-Organic sugar….white, brown, and powdered for holiday baking
-Organic basmati rice
-Organic marinara sauce
-Dr. Bronners soap
mka says
I would buy a new electric coffee percolator.
joyce IRWIN says
Thanks for the opportunity to win a shop card at Amazon. I would use it to purchase a copy of “Grandma and Me” by Karen Katz. It has always been my youngest grandaughter’s favorite book. I see Amazon has several other Grandma books so I would splurge and order them all for the grands for Christmas. They are all readers and love bedtime or even daytime story hour.
CJ says
Gee I’m not sure what I would buy,possibly craft supplies, supplements or who knows what after browsing around a bit.
Cindy Merrill says
Normally, I’d buy vitamins or supplies for my cats, but the new book “Christmas at Downton Abby” on Amazon has me fascinated!!!
Heather TenKley says
I would get some BioKult probiotic or a choppe,r probably mandolin style for my food truck. Thanks for a great giveaway
Theresa N says
I need some new reading material.
Tami Lewis says
I have been wanting a bucket water heater for a long time!
Crystal Rose says
I’d buy more soapmaking supplies.
Janice says
Agree with the previous comments…TJ does have some gems but you have to be read those labels.
I watched the free series ‘The Truth about Cancer’ and there was some great information. It was mostly alternative treatments but there was a doctor talking about using conventional methods in a different way too.
They are doing another free series starting Oct 13 about alternative global cancer treatments.
Karen D says
I would use it toward a tablet
betsy30 says
Love Amazon! I could use a mandoline, I think. Or, as someone else posted, Jimmy Moore’s new cookbook. I had it on hold at the library but it came up just as we were leaving on vacation so I had to pass.
We now have, after waiting for YEARS, two TJs in town. The crowds will die down. I can shop there when the open and be almost the only person in the store. I don’t buy much there, though. Things I’ve gotten and liked: fair trade coffee, sourdough bread, Kerrygold butter, cream, grass-fed ground beef, organic chicken, organic dark chocolate truffle bars, their lamb meatballs (kofta? something like that). That last one is probably iffy, but they’re really tasty and a quick alternative for work lunches in a pinch.
Stefanie says
I would most definitely buy baby wipes! Or any other baby/toddler related items.
Lydia says
I would get some leggings, and probably some Christmas presents for my family.
Diane says
Hi, Thanks for offering this giveaway! I would either buy Jimmy Moore’s new cookbook and some new cooking racks that are on my wish list, Or this scale: OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Food Scale with Pull-Out Display
Naomi says
I would get some leggings. winter is coming!
ra thompson says
Hope I clicked the right button to leave a ‘reply’..?..looked like I would be replying to Diane’s comment?
Anyway, we do NOT have a TJ anywhere close to us…haven’t researched but I’m thinking 2-3 hours away?…As to the Amazon gift card, the possibilities are endless!…I am saving for a Kitchenaide mixer…and several items listed above that interest me and a wish list for things I’ve never tried but have read about on your blog and a few others…the round electric skillet you use looks amazing…and then there are those collagen powders and extra stuff that would be great to try!..like I said, the list is endless
Cynthia Hill says
Thanks for the giveaway Kelly! I would of course buy more books on nutrition & cookbooks from my Amazon wish list.
Cynthia Hill says
TJ Grass fed Roast Beef pre sliced & great for salads, frozen “riced” cauliflower, TJ Cream (not ultra pasteurized or homogenized!), TJ French Vanilla Ice Cream (better ingredients than most ice cream). TJ Balsamic Vinaigrette, TJ jumbo kalamata olives, Dry roasted cashews & macadamia nuts (as a second choice to soaked & dehydrated), Halloumi cheese (much cheaper than whole foods), raw milk cheese.
Kathy Lamm says
Hey! I’m not sure what I would get with Amazon gift card, probably a gift for someone else! I love to shop @ TJs! I travel 45 minutes to the nearest one! I love their Joe’s Dark coffee (it’s the only kind I drink now), the Mandarine Orange Chicken is one of my family’s favorites & their plain Greek yogurt is a great buy & delicious. My daughter loves their seasonal pumpkin cereal bars too!
Marcia says
If I won, I would either buy a Beth Moore DVD Bible study set or get a robot toy for my grandson’s birthday. I appreciate reading your articles which help keep me up to date on the latest in real food and other health issues. Thanks, Kelly!
Garilyn says
I’d buy some plastic bags to display the hooded towels that I make.
Jennifer says
Thank you for doing the amazon.com gift card giveaway. If I won, I’d buy some yarn and a handy dandy yarn spinner thing to make it easier for me when I crochet with 2 strands of yarn. 🙂 I wish I could post the pic here.
Kimberly says
Thanks, Kel! I would pick up my cacao powder and collagen hydroslate:)
Lisa says
I love having a Trader Joes within walking distance! But, there’s a lot of crap there as you said. Here’s my TJs list:
Kerrygold butter
Cream top plain yogurt
Half and half
Raw milk cheese
Carmalized onion cheese (excellent with their sourdough bread grilled cheese)
Shredded cheese blend
organic bell peppers
organic apples
Organic potatoes and onions
Sweet lettuce (not organic, so wash well, but they are great small lettuce “cups” for making tacos, grain free sandwiches…)
Seasonal produce (great prices on squash)
Grass fed frozen hamburger patties
Organic corn chips for nachos
Raw nuts for soaking
Sourdough bread- no yeast
Bags of organic veggies- corn, peas
Quinoa
Refried beans
Organic coconut oil
Laundry soap when I’m too lazy to make my own
I know some of these aren’t perfect food, but are pretty good and you can’t beat the price!
KitchenKop says
Good list, thanks Lisa!
Katherine Peabody says
I will unsubscribe now that I have read you are one of those people who think it is appropriate to “pray” at the abortion clinic. Mind your own business. Or instead, put your energy into helping the already birthed humans who could use a little assistance.
Debbie Thompson says
I think Kelly is helping a lot of us “birthed” humans!
Cecilia says
Agreed!! It’s great that she cares about our health AND the health and well being of mothers and the in utero folk.
Colleen says
Can’t handle someone who thinks differently than you?
Kathy S. says
Be very vigilant on buying anything at Trader Joe’s. Read the labels very carefully. Ask questions of the company if in doubt. They claim everything is non GMO, but as far as I know , have never supplied anyone with evidence as their vendors are kept secret . Food Babe did some investigation on them at one time and you can read it on her blog.
On another note, I take issue with their employment practices. Look around the store, you will never see anyone with disabilities, and everyone looks young and in pretty good shape. That’s because everyone employed there must do every thing in the store, including unloading trucks in often terrible weather conditions. Trader Joe’s does not give employees worker’s compensation, but employee must pay for it themselves. In my opinion, because my husband used to work for them and got injured , there is a high rate of employee injury. There are many other issues that are too long to go into on this list.
Jen says
This is puzzling to me. Every state requires workers comp from the employer. Some states allow private WC and some states require government WC. In the government states it’s paid for as a tax and part of it is an employee tax (like New Jersey).
kathy S. says
Employee must buy it, usually its the employer who pays for it.
KitchenKop says
OK, thanks for the info Kathy.
Kel
Joan Hawley says
Hi Kelly, Thanks for the giveaway and all the good info – as always! I would use the gift card to buy some Vital Essentials freeze dried dog food for my poodle. I found the manufacturer through a WAPF conference 8-9 years ago and am thrilled their products are now readily available. xoxo