1. Big news for local folks! Did you know that Whole Foods has officially signed a lease to open a store in the Lake Norman area in late 2014?! Details on exactly where aren’t public yet, but I’m hoping for Davidson/Mooresville! If anyone has the inside scoop, I’ll cook you dinner for the details.
2. You guys, I am so embarrassed, but yesterday I was scammed. A guy in a pickup truck carrying a freezer pulled into my driveway and told me he has real, grass-fed beef for sale. He said he worked for a company called Prairie Gold and just dropped off orders to customers in my area and had a couple steaks leftover he was trying to sell. (Ugh, it’s so painfully embarrassing to admit). He tried to get me to buy 5 boxes of steaks for $150. I told him no way, but after going back and forth, I ended up spending $20 on 5 strips because of the grass-fed daze I was in. As soon as I walked inside, the notion that this guy could have been lying occurred to me. I started googling furiously and found several links to scam reports and recalls. I was livid. At myself. For being an idiot. As Dave Ramsey would call it… Stupid Tax.
Sure, I’ll drive to Whole Foods for quality food, but then I’ll buy meat from the back of an unmarked pickup? C’mon, Brittany. Common sense. I’m throwing all the meat out because I don’t trust it enough to feed my family or anyone else’s. Now I’m $20 short in my grocery budget. Wish me luck!
3. The only sprinkles my child knows are chia seeds and she loves them. She asks for sprinkles to put in everything! I am equal parts giddy and proud over this.
4. If you follow me on facebook or twitter, I apologize for venting my frustrations with my blog. A lot is going on behind the scenes and I have a guy working to try and fix slow loading, font issues and linking issues. Thank you for bearing with me and if you have any issues with this site, will you comment below and let me me know what they are?
5. Next month I will turn 30 years old. Woah. I figured we’d celebrate with a nice dinner out because David had to work that weekend. Well, when we grabbed dinner last Sunday he told me he had a surprise for me. As I received clues and letters through dinner, I finally figured it out. We’re headed to
to celebrate!!!! Neither one of us has ever been and I’m over-the-moon excited! Any suggestions on places to stay, where to eat or things we must do?!
6. A new family member arrived yesterday! My cousin and his wife (who I’m so close to that I call her a cousin too, but that would sound weird. We aren’t that southern ;)) welcomed their baby girl, Olyvia Lynn into the world! Congratulations!!!
7. Here we go… vlog #2!
Happy weekend!
Angie says
We went to dinner at Blue Hill when we went to New York a year ago and its awesome. It’s farm to table and everything is so fresh. I highly recommend it.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh I love farm to fork! I’ll have to check this out. Thanks!
Gcroft says
It’s no way to live being suspicious of everything – these things happen. May you find some good quality bargains in your shopping next week to make up for the $20 scam. On a happier note, NYC whoohoo! How exciting!
Joanna @ Midwestern Bite says
I wouldn’t have even answered the door for the pickup guy in the first place, but don’t fret, we’ve all been there!!!! At least it was only $20. That’s not too bad really.
Brittany Dixon says
I was already outside playing with H or I probably wouldn’t have either. Gosh it sucks being suckered!
Bethany says
For New York I’d highly recommend visiting BabyCakes. It’s a gluten free/sugarfree/vegan/organic bakery and it was totally my favorite place we visited when we went to NYC. And I believe that whole gluten free/sugarfree/vegan/organic label totally merits indulging in some extra sweet treats 😉 My favorite was their spelt cupcakes…yum!
jodie says
Unless sugar free means added crap!
Karen says
YAY for turning 30…I am turning 30 in January and can’t wait (for some odd reason). I hope you guys have a great trip to New York next month!!
char eats greens says
Awww that’s so exciting!!! Whole Foods seem to be poppin’ up everywhere. I can count on them never entering my hometown though. We need to venture closer to the big cities (Toronto is one of them, but I would never live there haha). It is nice though when Tyler and I go to visit my grandparents or something, who live by one, then we make it a ‘treat’ of stopping there to pick-up a few things!
Dipali says
Hi Brittany,
I’ve been reading your blog for a while, but haven’t commented. I love all your ideas and pictures of your little one! I live in NYC and would love to offer you suggestions; there’s so much to do and see. Can’t wait to hear from you! Have a great weekend!
Brittany Dixon says
I’ll shoot you an email! 🙂
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Ahhh sorry about the scam thing! I would’ve totally fallen for it too. I probably trust people way too easily… :/
I love that Hailey calls chia seeds “sprinkles” – so cute! I’m totally teaching Hunter that too. 😉
Sarah says
Ha, I love the chia thing! We have nutritional yeast in a shaker can and my son is convinced it’s cheese. We call it “sprinkle cheese”… Mwah ha ha sneaky health food for the win! My dad is convinced we’re turning him into a health food weirdo… I hope so!
Brittany Dixon says
LOVE the idea of having nutritional yeast in a shaker, too! Great idea. Cheers to raising foodies 😉
Tracy says
Brittany, Candle 79 (http://www.candle79.com/) in New York is AMAZING! My husband and I went to New York for our anniversary last year and this was the most delicious vegan meal I’ve ever had.
Ali says
What does she put Chia seeds on?
If I had to recommend one thing it would be a broadway show.
Also, if you want to do the Statue of Liberty/Ellis get online NOW to get tickets.
Another idea would be a sporting event if there is a sport you are into.
Bronx zoo? Central Park. Kind of depends what type stuff you want to do. The wax museum is fun but there are many other museums. Depends how you want to spend your time. If you want a suggestion for outdoor things? Classic NY? Indoor stuff?
I am going to keep brainstorming.
Brittany Dixon says
I’m definitely going to a show! It’s my dream!
Oh, and she puts chis seeds in yogurt, on her cream cheese sandwiches, in quinoa… anything haha!
Tracy says
Btw, I am a vegan, but my husband who is a complete carnivore loved Candle 79, too. It’s definitely not just for vegans! Any foodie would love it.
Brittany Dixon says
You answered my big question… what would David think?! Haha. What did your husband get? Thanks for the suggestion!
Jodi says
So sorry to hear about your scam! I would have totally kicked myself, too. That’s the worst feeling. I am such a suspicious person when people come to our door, most times I don’t even answer the door when someone is there!! If they come my way, I will ask for your $20 back! 😉
I can’t say I am proud of my child’s sprinkle desire. She is rainbow sprinkles all the way (when she gets them…) , but maybe I could get a shaker and mix in chia seeds, she would never know…
When I turned 30, me and two of my girlfriends turnign 30 threw a college throwback themed party on the rooftop of one of the condo buildings in uptown charlotte. Complete with hunch punch/ PJ, jellos shots, beer pong, flip the cup… It was a blast! From what I can remember… We definitely entered our thirties with a bang! Have a great time in NYC! Jayson and I have talked about taking the girls when they get a little older at Christmas time.
Brittany Dixon says
Haha, quite the 30th birthday adventure you had!! Love it.
And A would totally never know if you mixed in chia seeds…(cue evil laughter ;))
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
What a major bummer about the scam. Some people just do not have a conscience. It is sad! 🙁
Brittany says
You have to go to times square! It is beautiful at night. also one of my favorite places to eat is Veselka. The Ukranian food is out of this world (Pierogies are to die for!). While in NY you HAVE to go to the donut plant. They have PB&J donut that is incredible! I love NY. The second best city in the world (next to my hometown Boston!). I am so glad I am not the only one who calls a cousins spouse a cousin. I am closer to my cousins wife than my cousin so i call her a cousin. She is more like a big sister to me. And we are a northern family! No southern blood here!
Lia says
What a sweet hubby surprising you with that trip! Love! Also, when I saw Koda being all spazzy in your lap I thought “And that is a viszla…” and then you said it haha. Our best friends have a viszla who is BFF with our goldendoodle so I understand their high energy well. Have a good weekend! Loved the vlog BTW.
M says
ABC Kitchen is great – it’s hard to get a reservation but they have tables for walk-ins too. Food is all/mostly local and the decor is absolutely gorgeous.
If you are here on a Saturday, check out the Union Square Green Market.
Brittany Dixon says
I’ve had a couple people tell me about ABC kitchen! I’ll have to check it out- thanks!
Holly says
ABC kitchen has great food! and their caramel popcorn sundae is to.die.for. Whenever we head to the city, we love to have ethnic food. There are some great Indian places and Chinese Szechuan places that never disappoint.
alex says
http://doughnutplant.com/
YOU CAN’T MISS THIS!!! Their doughnuts are absolutely amazing
http://doughnutplant.com/menu/
Vicky says
Sooo good!
John J. says
Super job as usual. Periodic sound distortion was notable.
Ashlee@HisnHers says
Oh gosh we fell for the meat truck scam too. Those salesman are seriously good. Except my hubby spent $175….and I dont eat meat….and he’s the only other one in the house. Haha. I’d say you made it out ok 😉
Brittany Dixon says
Oh noooo – miserable! Your poor hubby. It’s a terrible feeling!
Vicky says
Yeah for NYC! I’m partial since I was born and raised here and still haven’t left.
Pylos has amazing Greek food then go across the street to The Big Gay Ice Cream store or Butterlane (cupcakes, banana with chocolate frosting is yummy).
Third Rail, Stumptown and Joes Coffee all have great coffee. Thirdrail is my favorite.
Chelsea Market is cool to grab a bite then walk around on the Highline (a raised park set on old train tracks).
Harvest Table is farm to table and delicious.
Arturo’s pizza is great and you can sit outside.
Lombardis pizza is great too.
BALABOOSTA has amazing brunch and dinner, reservations are needed for dinner.
Tiam and Num Pang are my favorites for on the go.
Email me if you have and questions 🙂
Shari says
What a fun way to spend your 30th!!
Some of my favorite things to do/see in NYC:
-Broadway (Wicked is my absolute #1 and I also loved Newsies!)
-Central Park (especially near the lake and reservoir)
-Rockefeller Plaza
-SoHo (so charming!)
-Good Morning America
-Circle Line cruise
🙂
Lindsay says
Don’t feel bad about the meat guy. It’s awesome that you are a trusting person whom cares about her family and what they consume. It’s unfortunate that this man has chosen a life of taking advantage of others trust 🙁
On other cool notes, I’m the Lindsay that occasionally
Writes in your comments about brewing beer! We have stepped into full grain brewing! We totally need to hook our husbands up to trade recipes. My husband’s beer is excellent! Our newest brew (which is actually the best brew we have made EVER), was a Strawberry Rhubarb Ale 🙂
Lindsay says
Also, I have no suggestions for NYC. I only live 5 hours away, but have never been! It is high on my list.
bonnie says
Brittany, I love your blog & Hailey is just adorable!!
NY is so amazing.. there is SOOO much to do & see & eat !!
I live in NJ now but have lived in manhattan, Queens & Long Island…
How long are you staying? sheesh so much to do you could easily spend a week there !!
Heres some of my suggestions:
Definitely Broadway show & Times square at night… all of the electronic billboards are so cool !!
I have been to LOTS of bway shows…
Book of Morman is x-rated but hilariously funny… but tix are sold out for months. It took us 6 months to get tix !
Wicked is wonderful I agree with Shari
Kinky Boots – last show we saw, very funny, bright costumes upbeat fun !!
Jersey Boys .. great music, story of Frankie Valle & The Four Seasons. Takes place & music is from the 1960s. maybe before your time lol
The Lion King is beautiful,
start looking for discount tix asap!! It iS possible to get reasonable priced (WELL.. FOR NYC) tickets.
or you can wait in line (an experience itself!) at TKTS booths (located in Times Square or The South Street Seaport) They offer tickets to Broadway & Off Broadway shows that are deeply discounted because they carry tix to the shows empty seats… what ever is available that day…
Go to the South Street Seaport….. go on circle line cruise. We did a speedboat ride around NY harbor last summer (see statue of liberty etc). You get wet & its a hoot! was about $25/person. Im not sure they still offer it post Hurricane Sandy…. lower part of NYC had major water damage!
http://www.nytours.us/index.cfm?event=public.home&persistId=6610283DC2B68439E05ED0FB7D7CE6F0#.UgWnUT7N4WE
I could go on & on….
If you want more info just email me besterow@aol.com
You will have a wonderful time !!!
Cant wait to read about your adventures !!
bonnie says
BTW I just saw that Hailey & my granddaughter Caitlyn share the same birthdate Sept 15, 2011… also having love/hate feeling about the “Toddler Twos” I like that name vs terrible twos 🙂
Danica @ It's Progression says
When I run half marathons I “refuel” mid-run with organic raisins! They’re natural sources of energy and they work really well for me.
It was fun to listen to your vlog again 🙂
And I love how your cousins spelled Olyvia – such a pretty name!
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats says
I turned 30 this year too! Sounds like you are going to have an amazing birthday going to new york!
I love that your daughter calls chia seeds sprinkles 🙂
JoAnn says
Whole Foods in this area? ? Nice! I have no inside scoop, but my thoughts are maybe the old Lowes Food at the corner of Williamson & Brawley? Or off 150 where they are developing (the new QT)? Or is there land available between Williamson & 77 on Brawley? It doesn’t matter- that’s exciting.
Maria says
I’m going to NYC in September as well! I’ll email you the dates and see if they overlap. I’m there for work, but I’m sure I can squeeze in a dinner at some point 🙂
You are going to love it! I hate most cities, but NYC holds a special place in my heart!
Shelly says
In response to #4 — the font shows up really small when I view your blog from my computer. (I don’t think this happens when I look at it on a smartphone.)
In NYC, I love Cookshop (http://www.cookshopny.com/). We did my husband’s 30th bday dinner there a few months ago. For brunch, I love Tipsy Parson (tipsyparson.com). Is Hailey going with you? If so, the Museum of Natural History is a must!
kristi says
We’ve been approached by the meat truck before too! But it was marked with a recognizable name, can’t remember. I just thought it was weird they were trying to sell us meat when we were on a bike ride, lol.
When my husband and i lived in Central America we bought meat, vegetables, and seafood from the backs of trucks! It was so normal there but I would never do it here in the US!!
JenRD says
I hate those scammers! I live in a suburb of NYC, so I have tons of suggestions. You would probably love the restaurant Rouge Tomate, http://www.rougetomatenyc.com/. Will you be going just the two of you, or with Hailey? The Guggenheim Museum has some neat exhibits, and it is free on Saturdays after 5:45pm, but my 2-year-old wouldn’t have the patients for it. Whether you are taking her or not, definitely check out the Chelsea Piers area. It has indoor and outdoor space for mini golf, and various sports, and some great playgrounds and fields (free to the public). You also should definitely check out Central Park, including the Central Park zoo. I would recommend going to the Whole Foods in Columbus Circle first, getting a picnic lunch from their take-our bars and eating in Central Park, with an entrance across the street.
Email me for more ideas!
Jen