Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Twenty Dollars


So I decided to create a fun little blogging exercise for myself, and hopefully one that you will enjoy as well. I'm giving myself $20 a week to go to the store and buy foodstuffs that look interesting, gross, exciting. When I told Andrew the idea, he said that I should be careful not to sound too much like Rachel Ray. I think I quickly lashed out at him, "I am nothing like Rachel Ray. This is nothing like Rachel Ray." He was thinking about her $50 a day thing. I said, "The only thing this has in common with that is money and food. I don't think she invented money and food." I am so rude. How does he not spit right in my face? Rachel Ray-ish or not, I'm doing it. I think I might head over to Whole Foods this afternoon and get started. Unfortunately, 20 bucks doesn't get you that far at Whole Foods.

36 comments:

K.C. McGee said...

this is my new favorite blog!

Bitcoin Mining Fund ( BMF ) said...

nice food blog !!!
can we exchange links ??
www.thechefstablelife.blogspot.com/

NetterBetter said...

Sounds exciting. My last post dealt with food.

latifa said...

Great blog! I'm a new blogger, good luck with 20 dollar idea. May be you can buy something by a korean store.

Nicole said...

No... $20 doesn't go very far at any store these days, let alone whole foods. Fun project though. I like the idea of setting a project or goal for your blog. Do you mind if I do so on mine? Hate to steal an idea....

JD said...

I was just blogging about how I hate Rachel Ray. This is way cooler.

k said...

What a splendid plan! I don't have a budget for it, but I will buy strange fruits or vegetables at times and figure them out a bit. It's so fun and it enhances your food vocabulary. Bravo to you for having a plan! Good luck and share the wealth of your discoveries.

Anonymous said...

As Tony Bourdain put it, "... the smell alone could drop a charging rhino (or Rachel Ray..." Keep us posted on what you find. My newest discovery: Peanut oil. Hard to break away from my olive oil roots, but a nice fit for woks, peanut sauces and anything with scallions!

Justine de Jonge said...

i love your work jen :o)

J said...

Your blog is great! I love your writing style and your ideas are very interesting. If you can, please drop in and take a look at my blog:

therollerbladingstudent.blogspot.com/

Tom PM said...

You, m'dear, are a fabulous foodie! Love the blog, and love the $20 idea. I have no idea about what store you have out in Cali, but in Jersey one of my favorite stores in Wegmans. They have a huge selection, and lots of unusual little this-and-thats. If you have one in the area GO HAVE A LOOK-SEE!! <3 Keep up the great work!

Forsberg Consulting said...

yum:) food makes my world go round!

Unknown said...

I like Ray! However, my feelings are not based in food but in outlook. And, she does not have a patent on outlooks.

Mayur said...

Hey Jen,

Nice to read d stuff.....Good to hear you r a foodie!
Keep writing and visiting my place......

Curly Glamour Girlie said...

Nifty idea. $20 won't get you too far at Whole Foods.

However, you might get more bang for your buck at Trader Joe's or Fairway.

Katie said...

your imagery is very interesting!

Janelle said...

Fantastic idea! Good luck, and I can't wait to see what you come up with.

I literally laughed out loud at the Rachel Ray thing. My husband hates her like there is no tomorrow, and I can fully imagine the exact same scenario going down in our house.

And congratulations on all of the good press lately. I've seen links to your blog in a few places and on a few blog rolls (it's on mine, too, but I'm afraid I don't drive you much traffic, as there's not a large audience for my personal ramblings ... lol).
Keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

I like this 20 dollar game (I tend to play it towards the end of my pay period). If it gives you any comfort we don't have a Whole Foods here (I WISH) we have even more expensive organic market, love the fact it's locally owned ... hate paying more. But if you want to get really exotic -- what about an Asian Market or some sort of ethnic foodstore? Cheap and mysterious ingredients abound at those (and amazing candies)! Good Luck, I can't wait to see what you find.

Slaptone said...

So whatcha cookin'?

Just another guy said...

your 20 dollars can go a long wy in Trader Joes.

redmenace said...

You are not Rachel Ray. I can understand why you would be insulted. I love your blog. It soothes me just to view it! I am also an aspiring foodie....

http://achowlife.blogspot.com/

Sherdenise said...

What a great idea! I can't wait to check in off and on to see what you are buying with your 20 bucks!

She says.. said...

your blog is delightful :) can't wait to read the crazy creations u muster with 20 dollars!

Obsessive Foodie or Food Addict....You Decide said...

Hey, I happened upon your blog. This post is funny......good luck w/your $20. I shopped at Whole Foods in Omaha and $20 might buy you an onion, a loaf of bread, and one small gelato on your way out the door. Just pick up a bunch of cheeze samples and cram them in your satchel. That should tide you over for a bit.

Ed The Sports Fan said...

lol, i might have to try the $20 idea. And no, he should not spit in your face.

-Ed.

Obsessive Foodie or Food Addict....You Decide said...

Did you spend your $20 yet....I am worried you are starving. Could I fedex you some cheetos (I think that is how you speel it). I miss my whole foods.

Sadhbh said...

Stumbled on your blog and i love it!! trying to start my own, so any advice would be great! and can i put you on that list of links? (do you have to ask, not sure of the blogger etiquette!!) thanks!

Family of Food said...

I think Whole Foods gets a bad rap on the expene thing. I found that when our local Big Groceries were on strike a few years back, we shopped at Whole Foods and overall saved money. I think it has something to do with buying fresh food, versus processed junk. I think if you spend that 20 on really great meat or an interesting veggie, your cash will go far.

RawLeah said...

Whole Foods.... AKA Whole Paycheck! ;-)

Nicole said...

I forgot about this show until just the other day. There was a sort of game show on the Food Network for a while. It featured 2 contestants that were selected ahead of time. These normal individuals had to spend I think $10 at the store. Then on the show, they were each paired with a professional chef and the chef had to think up a concoction/or dish off the top of his head right then. The chef had only a few minutes of knowing what the ingredients were before telling the host and audience what he planned to make. They did have a "well stocked" pantry though. So in addition to these few things they had all the butter, milk, cream, flour, eggs, spices, and so on that a good chef has on hand.

Interesting! Just wanted to share.

Alicia said...

i saw this the other day and i tryed it and its not as easy as one would think...but it's a good idea...I Love The Blog...check mine out @ thewingsofabutterfly.blogspot.com....

Hank Dunckel said...

With the current fuel prices driving up the price of Banana's to a record .59 cents a pound!

God Save the Queen and our budgets.


Hank Dunckel
Google Me Soon

white wave said...

I love the $20 idea. I am interested to hear what you find!

Tanya said...

* I wish I could limit myself to only $20.

alice said...

Oh yes how interesting! I have have embarked on a similar project but with £10 (which is roughly $20).

Anonymous said...

Twenty dollars doesn't get you that far in Whole Foods, especially the organic section! But, sounds like a fun idea.....full steam ahead!