Good morning faithful reader friends! Well, today is my birthday and while I'm not overly thrilled to be 47 (my parents were OLD at this age!), and I'm so sad that it's my first birthday without my Mom (still can't believe that one and wonder when the shock ever wears off…), I'm trying to be like my sister, who turned 59 recently. She told me that day when I called her, “No one can believe it, but I'm so happy to be 59! Lots of people never even make it to 59!” She's a lot like my Mom, who always taught us to count our blessings. My other sister told her, “There's something wrong with you.” LOL. So I'm choosing to be thankful. I'm thankful that I know Jesus (did you ever read about how THAT happened? It was after Kent and I almost split up). I'm thankful for my sweet hubs who has a strong faith, who is so good to me and the kids, who makes me laugh, and he got a great new job recently. For our kids, one who is doing well on his own (even though he lives too far away!), and the others whom I get to have home with me every day. (Even though it's not always a walk in the park, did you see yesterdays' post where I ask you all for advice AGAIN?) For both our families, whom we are very close to. For our many great friends and neighbors and the big chili cook-off we're having soon. For being able to work at home. For the energy I have every day to get done what I'm supposed to and TRY to not fret over what doesn't get done. (That's not easy is it, fellow busy-bodies?!) For the knowledge I've gained through the years about real food and how things like real butter are what give me all this energy. (Think I'm nutso? Read more about healthy fats.) Yes, I'm truly blessed…
And by the way, that reminds me of a little RANT I had to share, because you guys can appreciate this stuff. I wanted to take the kids to a movie later for something fun to do on my birthday, but the one I wanted to see isn't on at a good time at the only theater I knew of in town where they have real butter as an option. So I called this place and asked, “Do you offer real butter for the popcorn?” She said, “No, it's a soybean blend.” So of course I groooaned into the phone. Kent said, “Kel, you don't have to do that every time.” “Yes I DO! It's involuntary, it just comes out! Who the HECK wants a stinkin' SOYBEAN BLEND on their popcorn?! THAT is DISGUSTING!” So I'll do what any real foodie would do. I'll sneak in our own melted pastured butter in a pint-sized mason jar, of course. A Mom's gotta do what a Mom's gotta do.
OK, here's what I've got for you this week…
- Need any more reason to NOT buy mystery meat? Feces, Mold, and Cockroaches Found in Foster Farms Plants Across the Nation. And another reason: Our Disappointing MSU Farm Field Trip. Instead, find small farms, farmer's markets, and CSA (community supported agriculture programs) near you here. If you don't have local resources, this is a trustworthy source of pastured meats and poultry.
- Did you know any farmers in the 1970's and 80's? I just came across an old post that I'd like to hear your take on: A Conventional Pig Farm in the 1980's. It's interesting (sad) how things have evolved.
- You don't use commercial toothpaste, right? Plastic Microbeads Found in Crest Toothpaste. This is my favorite all-natural teeth cleaner these days.
- A friend told me that he saw a commercial on today's Dr. Oz show and it said they'll be talking about the dangers of GMOs and pesticides, for REAL guys! Spread the word and watch if you can, then jump on to LIGHT UP the comments about the show, we can make them notice that this is a VERY important topic! If any of you watch it and can take notes and might be willing to share your thoughts afterward, I'd be very appreciative and would use it as a guest post. (He's taping it for me to watch later because I'm probably not going to be able to catch it today.)
- A reader friend sent the following article and asked for my take on it: The Lies Whole Foods Market Tells. I'll be curious what you think, too (please share in the comments), but here's what I have to say: I don't need Whole Foods or the government or anyone else to tell me that food NOT coated in chemicals is better for us, it's just common sense. Yes, I know the “organic” industry isn't perfect, but at least we are taking steps in the right direction and people are becoming more aware of all the ways the food industry has made us overweight, sick, and tired. This does, however, make me even more diligent in knowing the source for the foods I buy. Growing/raising it yourself is best, or knowing the ones who grew it/raised it for you, THAT real food, “organic” or not, is worth the cost.
- Want to get started growing your own food, or learning now for next summer? Here's a set of books to get you going for only $5 on Kindle!! (No Kindle? Get a free reader for your phone, tablet or computer by clicking here.)
- Haaaaa, cute pic:
- Did you catch this post last week on these new simple, fun, interactive meal plans that are also very inexpensive?! Take the Stress Out of Mealtime!
- You probably already know most of these, but I still thought it was interesting: The 10 Sneaky Sugar Sources that Hold Your Weight Hostage.
- The food industry doesn't want me to watch this? I am so watching it then! Who has seen “Fed Up”? What did you think? “Everything we’ve been told about food and exercise for the past 30 years is dead wrong.” Rent (instant streaming) or buy here.
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
Happy (belated) Birthday, Kelly. The firsts after losing someone so close to you are always difficult, but I pray with time that it will get better. Thanks for all the great info in the post!
Sonja @ practical-stewardship.com says
Hi Kelly.
I hope you had a great birthday! I watched the Dr. Oz show and signed the petition. I also posted it to my personal FB account and hope everyone else is doing so. We need 63,961 more signatures for President Obama to be forced to take a look at it. We have until 10/22. https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/demand-president-step-oppose-epa’s-approval-new-24-d-resistant-genetically-engineered-crops/sy38Vm0s is the link to where we need the signatures. Blessings on your week!
KitchenKop says
Thanks for all the sweet birthday messages everyone!
xoxo,
Kel
Louise says
I had to laugh over your phone call to the theatre , it reminds me of a time I asked the girl at the counter; what kind of butter is it that turns popcorn into a soggy mess? She said, ” the kind that we have”. And what kind is that, I asked? She said,” I don’t know you will have to call the owner and ask your self”. I said no need, it is obviously not butter and I won’t be ordering it again. I like your idea of taking your own butter to the theatre.
Louise says
Forgot to say Happy Birthday Kelly you are such a blessing!
Louise McLean via Facebook says
Happy Birthday !
Jeanmarie says
Happy Birthday! 47 is young, darling! My 57th is coming up in November. Wednesday I’ll be in Utah to care for my parents after their car accidents. I plan on sneaking some real food into them, one way or another.
Kelly the Kitchen Kop says
Good for you, Jeanmarie, I’m sure you’ll get lots of good stuff in them!
Continued prayers for their full recovery.
Love,
Kel
Linda Belt via Facebook says
Happy Birthday Sweet pea!! Thanks for all you do!! Sending hugs your way!!
Jill Tieman via Facebook says
Happy Birthday Kelly!
Jessica says
Happy Birthday! My birthday wishes usually include wishes for an orderly home with all chores done, too. I hope that happens for you.
With regard to the Whole Foods article. I didn’t notice any references only opinion from the writer. Did I miss something? I think common sense tells us eating food as unpolluted as possible is better, right?
Kelly the Kitchen Kop says
You couldn’t see the link to the article? Maybe try another browser?
Kelly
DS says
Counting your blessings is a good way to celebrate. So is thinking about how you may be wiser than when you were younger. For instance, you probably now know that you cannot solve all the world’s problems BUT you also know that you don’t have to. Or not to take offense where none was intended. I am 66. For some years I have tried to treat the family to a trip for my birthday. No presents expected. My happiest birthdays are the ones when many friends send a card or note. SNAIL mail. This year one son sent the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen. Lesson from that? Surprise a friend with a card and note. Being remembered counts for a lot, and so does surprising someone.
By the way, it seems like around year 48 you forget how old you are. Or at least it happened that way for me and for several friends.
As for having a birthday without your Mom, there is so much I could say but it starts to be even more about me. This day is about you. I bet your mother is proud of you today and praying for you as always. Many happy returns of the day.
Diane in Texas
Cec says
I think you need to be very careful before you post things to make Whole Foods out to be a villain. Yes, they are a business and all of their practices may not be the best. And yes, it’s best to buy from local farmers. However, I have a lot of family members in very poor health and if they would make the jump from purchasing their groceries at a conventional, get it as cheap as you can market to Whole Foods, I would be over the moon.
Kelly the Kitchen Kop says
Cec,
Did you see my comments on the article? I’m basically agreeing with you.
Kelly
Martha says
Happy Birthday! Welcome to the world of 47. 🙂
Patty Jaynes says
Happy birthday! Hope your day goes smoothly! 🙂
Lisa Pelican via Facebook says
Have a Happpppy Birthday!!!! Your Mom is with you today, and always. Mom hugs NEVER WEAR OFF!!!! =^..^=
Michelle Goldstein says
Happy Birthday Kelly! Hope you have a wonderful, healthy year ahead.
Enjoyed your news update this AM.
Soli says
Happy birthday Kelly! Take care of yourself today and maybe indulge a little if you can. In what, is your call. 🙂
Sarah says
Hi Kelly,
A very Happy Birthday is wished to you!! My dream birthday gift? Not having to plan the meals for the day or hear the groaning from one member of the family or another…I don’t know that it will ever happen though. How about you? Looking forward to viewing Fed Up. I have a feeling my oldest daughter (almost 13) is going to be into this movie. It is right up her alley.
Again, Happy Birthday!!
KitchenKop says
Thanks Sarah!
Hey did you see that new meal planning program I mentioned in today’s post?
My dream birthday? Having EVERYTHING caught up around here, house cleaned, piles all taken care of, to-do list DONE, like THAT will ever happen, LOL!
Kel
KitchenKop says
(And if I WAS caught up, then I could read the latest novel from my fav author: https://amzn.to/ZC25q2 )