Tuesday Musings

Well, I braved the mall yesterday and got myself a few thangs for the warmer weather. I am a tried and true thrift store shopper, but I do usually let myself buy a few new things a year, and supplement the rest with thrift finds. It's hard when you need something specific, like a pair of jeans or something to always shop in a thrift store. I truly hesitated about showing what I got because I know the best and most ethical thing is to shop local, or find an American Apparel or something, but truth be told I can't afford to shop local. There are some amazing clothes shops or I guess boutiques in Ballard, but I can't even afford anything on their clearance racks. When I was a nanny, my boss one time bought a pair of shoes at one of the shops in Ballard, and they were insanely expensive. She told me it was okay, because the shoes were so well made they would last forever and all that. But the problem with that for people who live paycheck to paycheck is that you can't invest in your future like that. You have to buy the cheap shoes you can afford, and pray they at least last until you get paid again, and you can replace them, and so they cycle goes. Or, if you need clothes, as in all your clothes have been worn down to threadbare status, you need several things, and you can't afford to "invest" in that one great locally made shirt that is going to be out of style in five minutes. Also, on a side note shoes last longer for people who have several pairs of shoes, and also drive cars. No matter how 'Merican and well made shoes are, they don't last as long for people who might only own one pair of shoes, and for the most part walk everywhere. Trust me, I am speaking from a lifetime of experience. Sorry, I swear I could write a book on my frustration with the buy local, buy organic movement, and some of the judgment that comes with it. But that's not my plan for today! So, judge me or don't, here are the few things I bought to help me get through the summer. I wasn't going to get shoes, but I thought these sandals were adorable, and they were in the clearance section for six dollars, so I decided to get them. I thought they could be worn with the dress if I needed to look a little nicer. Like, flip flops for daytime, these sandals for the evening, or something like that!

two flow-y tanks, one high waisted jean skirt, one dress and one pair of sandals

When I'm in the water, I am a mermaid for sure

These sandals are made out of synthetic ingredients, no gross leather. Chunk approves.

I also needed to get some more tea lights for my salt crystal candle holders, so I ran across the street to Target, and they had the Truffle Just Mayo, so I just had to! I don't even know what to expect, and I'm a little scared, but I had to try it!

I don't know what to use it for. For some reason, I feel like I should pair it with mushrooms, maybe slather it on a Portobello burger or something? I just feel like I trust Hampton Creek with my taste buds 100%! And to touch back to my rant from above, one of their specific goals is to make these vegan products accessible to the masses, and that includes making sure it isn't priced in the ridiculous range. For that reason alone I support them more than a million percent!
I randomly thought of this mushroom quesadilla that I had a long time ago, back in my pregan days. I don't even know where it was that I had this quesadilla, maybe I made it myself because I don't eat out often. Who knows, but it wouldn't leave my mind. I remember it had really delicious sauteed mushrooms, and two kinds of cheese, I think one was maybe goat cheese. I had a little bit of the Go Veggie chive and garlic spread, and a little bit of daiya, so while I was at Target I picked up some mushrooms and tortillas and made my foggy memory become a bright reality.

I sauteed the mushrooms in a little coconut oil with some garlic, smoked paprika, cumin and nutritional yeast. I had to stop myself from eating just the mushrooms! Then I just smeared some of the spread, the mushrooms and a sprinkling of daiya. I cooked the quesadillas in the same pan that I sauteed the mushrooms in, so it was a one pan meal! I used some Trader Joe's tahini sauce as a sour cream, and a little Tapatio to spice things up. It was sooooooo good, I will be making this a lot this summer. Dinner was ready in under twenty minutes, and it was so satisfying. I sometimes forget how meaty and delicious mushrooms are. Mental not, buy shrooms more often!
Happy Tuesday!