IT'S A SALE! IT'S A SALE! JUST CAN'T RESIST A GREAT SALE!

Typically, I don't post on weekends, and I try and stay on the topic of food in this blog, but as fate would have it...I have to pass along this info regarding my friend Bryan's shop.

Bryan started a modern general store about four years ago in the historic village of Springtown, called Almanac. The shop is an eclectic mix of some of most out of the ordinary and delightful giftware I've ever seen. About two years ago, he broke into a small room in the old building he rents and put in a small "food or gourmet" section - so in reality, I'm staying on topic here - and offers his shoppers the opportunity to purchase items you may have to travel quite a ways to find.

Due to some odd circumstances with his landlord and a new tenant, he is being forced to leave before he anticipated in mid-2010. He is now in the midst of selling his wares at a discounted rate and I wanted to let you know of his sale.

It will be sad to see Bryan leave Springtown and before I get too teary-eyed about it, I am happy for him and his future. He's moving onto something positive and I'm sure will do well with his new venture. I wish him well and many hugs to sustain him through the transformation from retailer to yoga teacher for those with special needs!

Check out his postcard for details on his final sale! GREAT HOLIDAY SHOPPING, FOLKS!!!

I Can't Believe What They're Saying About Froot Loops! Can You?

I came across this article in the NYTimes today about the new food labeling program and how they are crucifying my favorite cereal of all time!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/05/business/05smart.html?pagewanted=2&sq=froot%20loops&st=cse&scp=1

If I'm completely honest, I have to admit, Froot Loops have forever been one of my weaknesses. Captain Crunch with Crunchberries, too. I liked to eat all the Captain Crunch, then load up my spoon with the crunchberries. Wow! What a sugar-fix! Same thing with Lucky Charms...eat all the marshmallows at one time as they squeak against your teeth.

I, like many in my generation who grew up in the late 1960's through the mid 1970's have dined on sugar laden cereals and loved them!

Froot Loops, Sugar, er, uh...Honey Crisp (name change later on), Captain Crunch; plain or with Crunchberries, Lucky Charms, Cocoa Puffs and Coco Krispies, Quisp (remember that one?) Corn Pops, Trix and a myriad of colorful boxes and over-processed foodstuffs were the mainstay of the breakfast table and late night snacks most of my life.



Ok, I understand they are over processed and over priced in what the product delivers if you compare it to say, a healthy bowl of granola, some low fat yogurt and fruit. Even some eggs and bacon pack more of a nutritional punch than a bowl of Froot Loops or Captain Crunch, but what about the toy in the bottom of the box? What about reading that box while swishing that cereal around in in the milk?

There is a whole generation out there that grew up doing that. Sitting at the table in your flannel pajamas with the feet in them, swinging your legs back and forth, reading the box you just opened and then pouring out the box into a huge bowl to find the toy!

I'm guessing that in moderation, these aren't too bad for you. I mean, what's the serving size? 1 1/4 cups or something? I have never stuck to that. In fact, if I'm honest here, I could eat a good half box or more for dinner!

Just like ice cream, I don't keep much of these cereals on hand anymore. Too much sugar (I know they aren't healthy, but damn they are yummy!) and if they are around I'll eat them. I don't need no damn check mark! Just a big yeller box marked Cheerios these days to help keep that cholesterol down!

Food labels are such jokes till you get down to the nitty gritty of the nutrition section. And now, once again, bigwigs in the food industry are doing something to boost sales. Does anyone remember when cholesterol was a big deal? It was a peanut butter label that caught my eye with, "A Cholesterol Free Food."

Huh? Really? Wow, that makes it so much better! Oh wait...cholesterol only comes from animal derived products. So what's that about? Money...sales...same ol, same ol...just like now...trying to boost the bucks and convince the American public that its a better choice than some...

Read the labels, know what's good for you and use common sense and moderation...it's really the only way.