Helpful Hints (Sites)

I have provided this information that I used recently when I freelanced some published articles concerning mail order foods, organic lifestyles, and organic foods. When you order online or mail order food items: it is usually shipped on dry ice and with ice gel packs. Perfectly safe even with ice cream and dairy (as well as other perishables). You will find some sites charge a shipping charge or FREE shipping when you spend a certain $ amount. HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Here are some web sites and other interesting foodie information:

For organic certified food and produce look at:

diamondorganics.com (Diamond Organics mail order for certified organic produce and foods--full line of products).
woodprairie.com (Wood Prairie Farms is a Maine Certified Organic Potato Farm with interesting potatoes fully grown for mail order and potato of month club. They have fingerlings, easter egg baby potatoes, purple caribe, and other varieties).
localharvest.org (Local Harvest is a HUGE resource for all organic subjects--csa's, gardening, organic living).
eatwild.com (Eat Wild site is nationwide for grassfed meats organic and natural--online ordering).
thegreenguide.com (Green Guide is a free guide for organic topics and research on foods and other organic products).
ota.com (Organic Trade Association is site for "newbies" to organic lifestyle--educational and mail order resources).
allorganiclinks.com (All Organic Links gives consumer information organic foods, etc.).
wellnessgrocer.com (Wellness Grocer we use alot. Online organic food shopping site carries over 1000's of products).
theorganicpages.com (Organic Pages gives readers alot of information regarding everything organic, etc.).

For unusual organic and conventional veggies see:

melissas.com (Melissa's is used by all Wegmans and other grocery and natural foods stores for specialty produce and other food products. The fingerling potatoes, squash blossoms (edible and delish!), and other varieties of foods can be direct ordered from their web site. If you look at the produce tags (stickers) on produce for Melissa's--you will see the name. Harris Teeter also uses Melissa's for unusual varieties of food).

For spices and baking needs look at:

kingarthurflour.com (Bread mixes, scone mixes, donut products, spices, bake and cookware, organic and non-organic flours, gluten-free products, etc. King Arthur also has dried fruits, nuts, and other items for baking).
penzeys.com (Penzey Spices is a great resource for bulk and non-bulk spices).
frontiercoop.com (Frontier Natural Cooperative is used by Whole Foods and other natural food stores and co-ops orders through. You can order directly from them spices, baking needs, and other bakery items).

For seafood and fish look at:

ducktrap.com (Where Wegmans and other high-end stores orders smoked fish, salmon, and seafood items).
chesapeakebaygourmet.com (For the BEST crabcakes--not fillers--all lump crab meat, soft shells, seafood, and other goodies. Chesapeake Bay Gourmet is on shopping networks).
phillipsseafood.com (Phillips Seafood offers flash-frozen seafood and fish to mail order).

For most products organic or otherwise, you can order by catalog or through web sites. Check on packaging for toll free numbers and web sites. Also call companies for free email newsletters and free coupons. I will forward other resources if anyone is seeking more foodie bytes!

For nuts, dried fruit products, etc.:

nutsonline.com (Carries bulk and non-bulk items--supplier for Whole Foods. Veggie chips (dehydrated veggie chips with no trans fat oils), candies, dried fruits, etc.).
stretchislandfruit.com (Stretch Island Fruit has dried fruit leather and other dried fruit items).

Harris Teeter and Bloom/Food Lion web sites--they have a Special Order service where you can request items from over 20,000 selections. These items are non-perishable. Even Kroger has this service--they outsource to a large warehouse distribution site. When looking for items that may not be listed--you can Special Order and request the item. If not on site, provide information (i.e. barcode scan number if possible and good description of product) and they will see if they can order the item for you.

I ordered Crystal Geyser's water (TJ's) carries for same price. You pay for shipping and save gas on some web sites and ordering from catalogs. Alot of the food purveyors that stores use--just put company's name on label for same items (generic). If you use these services--request a hard copy of their catalog for your records in case you have no computer access.

For teas and coffees see:

sovrana.com (Lavazza Italian gourmet and expresso coffee items).
republicoftea.com (Republic of Tea has great teas).

Misc. Food Sites:

fantasticfoods.com (For organic soups and cereals WF carries).
ecreamery.com (Site of E Creamery ice cream--custom blended ice cream products voted one of best sites online).
camelliabrand.com (Southern dried beans, dried peas, dried lentils--authentic southern legumes. Inquire online and then you mail check to address on web site. No problems with shipping--we use frequently. Cases of great lentils).
netgrocer.com (Similiar to Peapod.com--but complete ONLINE ORDERING for non-perishable grocery items, foods, and other grocery items).
ciaobellagelato.com (Ciao Bella is carried by Wegmans and other stores. We order directly from them for fantastic and yummy authentic Italian flavored gelatos. Wegmans does not carry all their flavors. Perishable products usually are packed in dry ice and ice packaging is acceptable and safe. Storage is great for mail order).
flippenhillbillybarn.com (Flippens Pies are good! If you have never a southern fried pie--you are in for a treat! Great homemade fried pies!).

For drugstore and other sundries:

drugstore.com (Drugstore offers free shipping over $25--I believe).
Check also CVS, Rite Aid, and Eckerd, Walgreens drugstore web sites.

That is all for now--I am working on publishing a resource list and web site for these types of services. Any questions--I have hundreds of all types of consumer education, food-related, home economics, gardening, etc. sites. This is because I am working on publishing a guide to find helpful Internet sites and other consumer education concerns.

 

For those of you new to areas of motherhood here are some moms groups that I belong to and recommend:

Moms Club (National Group with local chapters-momsclub.org).

Mothers First (mothersfirst.org) local DC Metro area MD and VA chapters--not national meets at Ashburn Library and other libraries.

MOPS.org (Mothers of Preschoolers National and local chapters--meets in Ashburn at Capital Community and Ashburn Methodist).

Mothers and More (mothersandmore.org) (formerly FEMALE) with National and local chapters meets at Fairfax Government Center and has a Seasoned Moms chapter for older kids moms.

Loudoun-Fairfax Multiples Moms Club (lfmomc.com) meets at Sterling United Methodist church (yes--I belong since my quads were born.)

Alot of the groups are for stay-at-home and working moms and meets in AM and PM hours. If interested--query me and I will respond where they meet. Also, pick up Washington Women, Washington Parents, and Families magazines which publishes family events, calendars, and interesting family information, etc.

Reston Garden Club and Reston Newcomers (part of Newcomers Clubs) are also great clubs with local Loudoun Chapters. Jr. Womens Club of Loudoun and Womens Club are Federation Clubs that are national and local for women (mothers, singles, all women of various walks of life--doing community service). They sponsor the Waterford Fair and other events.

For crafters: there are quilting guilds, knitters groups, fiber arts groups, American Sewing Guild, and others that I am a member of if anyone is interested--inquire online. For web sites and other information not posted--I will post if anyone is interested in pursuing these clubs.

For great online mail order bbq look at: moonlite.com (from Kentucky--great ribs, pork shoulder smoked butt) and also www.corkysbbq.com (Corky's ribs great!). Other sites I will inform at later date if necessary. When traveling through NC, SC, GA, and FL--check out Sonny's Real Pit BBQ (closest is Concord Mills/Charlotte, NC areas). They smoke their briskets, pork, poultry, and ribs. You can have sauce on side or mixed. Great food! Also look at BOJANGLES cajun chicken in the South, Sonic's Burgers, and Krystal. Guess this will set "tongues wagging?"

:mmm:

 

Here are web sites for shopping mega malls in Richmond--

1. SHORTPUMPMALL.COM (MEGA MALL WITH OPEN-AIR SHOPPING -LARGER
THAN TYSONS CORNERS.)
2. SHOPSTONEYPOINT.COM (ANOTHER MEGA OPEN-AIR MALL SIMILAR TO
PENTAGON FASHION CENTRE--BETTER STORES I THINK!)
3. FOR HUBBIES-NORTHERNTOOL.COM AND HARBORFREIGHT.COM CHECK
THEIR WEB SITES FOR DIRECTIONS IN RICHMOND--GREAT PRICES ON
TOOLS. (MY HUBBY LOVES THESE STORES!)
4. GARDENRIDGE.COM (BASED OUT OF TEXAS--GREAT SOUTHERN STORE IN
HOME DECOR, PICTURES, CRAFTS, AND OTHER HOME FURNISHINGS (RUGS,
POTTERY, FURNITURE, ETC.) NEAR RICHMOND AIRPORT--ON ABOUT 5
ACRES. BETTER THAN MICHAEL'S AND A. C. MOORE COMBINED. GREAT
XMAS AND HOLIDAY DECORATIONS. AVAILABLE NOW. LOOK AT WEB
SITE. GREAT PRICES.

FOR SHENANDOAH AREAS--

1. DAYTONFARMERSMARKET.COM (AMISH STYLE FARMERS MARKET WITH
LOCAL OLD ORDER MENNONITE FOODS (AMISH) AND CRAFTS.)

2. SHENANDOAH HERITAGE FARMERS MARKET--LOOK UP ON GOOGLE FOR
DIRECTIONS TO HARRISONBURG, VA. THERE IS AN OLD ORDER MEN-
NONITE GROUP (SIMILAR TO AMISH COMMUNITIES) THAT LIVES IN
HARRISONBURG. MARKET HAS AMISH BULK FOODS, ANTIQUES, ETC.

IF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY OR GIRLFRIENDS WANT TO TAKE A JUNKET AND WISH TO STAY OVERNITE--WE RECOMMEND THE WESTERRE PKWY. MARRIOTT RESIDENCE INN OR MARRIOTT COURTYARD. RESIDENCE INN HAS FULL SERVICE BREAKFAST AND COURTYARD A BREAKFAST BUFFET THAT YOU PAY FOR. RESIDENCE INN'S BREAKFAST BAR IS FREE WITH HOTEL STAY.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!

 

The following are some more sites:

Nichols Hardware-Purcellville, VA--no web site but great old-fashioned hardware store.

Pitkin Ace Hdwe. (also known as Sully Ace Hdwe.)--Westfields Dr., Chantilly, VA--Westfields near
Stonecroft Blvd.--great local large store. They have every thing. Check out main web site--acehardware.com--can order anything.

For organic meats online we use--

nimanranch.com--Niman Ranch is used primarily by Chipotle restaurants. You can direct order from them all organic meats and products. They send on dry ice and great food.

For Family Train Trips--wsrr.org--Walkersville Railroad in Walkersville, MD (near Frederick, MD) a 75 minute train ride for all KIDS--charge in nominal. See web site for details.

 

Mr. Linux--

Thanks.

Guess that's what I get for staying up late doing an online Organic Chemistry exam last night. I will try to condense.

Foodie

 

Local Train Rides And Misc. Train Happenings

For those of you parents who wish to do something FREE this weekend 10/21/06--there is a model train OPEN HOUSE for kiddos (adults too) at the OLD VIENNA TRAIN STATION which houses a spectacular model train show from 1-5 pm sponsored by the NORTHERN VA MODEL RAILROADERS (THEIR WEB SITE WITH DETAILS AND SCHEDULE IS nvmr.org). They have a great show and frequent the Chantilly Expo Center a couple times a year with larger layouts, etc. Even my girls like the train show as well as my sons.

The following are train rides about a 2 hour trip from Loudoun for kids to experience some railroad history and fun. The best place to visit if you have a chance is the STRASBURG RAILROAD (strasburgrailroad.com) for Thomas and Friends shows (check Thomas web site for special train days.) and other train rides in Amish communities and around Strasburg. Strasburg's links have resources for the Toy Train Museum, PA Railroad Museum, and other pertinent train information.

For other train trips--check out the following also about 2-3 hour trip:

West Virginia has several train excursions for kids and adults featuring special events and regular excursions--here are their web sites:

www.potomaceagle.info/
www.mountainrail.com
www.themysterytrain.com/ (New River Gorge not just mystery train--check out Santa train event and other trips!)
www.cassrailroad.com/

PA train sites below:

Gettysburg, PA for train trip around Gettysburg Civil War Park (gettysburgrail.com).
Strasburg, PA (VOTED BEST SITE BY WASHINGTON PARENTS AND FAMILIES MAGAZINE FOR OVERALL FAMILY FUN!) (strasburgrailroad.com)

Maryland and VA train sites:

Walkersville, MD for train rides near Frederick, MD (wsrr.org)
Western MD Scenic Railroad (wmsr.com)
Baltimore Railroad Museum (www.borail.org)

There are various model railroad clubs and garden club railroad groups nationwide.

Check out below for information:

Roanoke Train Museum (www.vmt.org) Located in Roanoke, VA is Virginia's Museum of Transportation which houses a huge assortment of trains and railroad history.

Misc. Info:

RAILSERVE.COM is also a great site for train lovers.
RAILUSA.COM is great for train museums, railroad sites, and other train information.

There are great places to stay in Lancaster and Strasburg. There is a remodeled train hotel out of train cars near Strasburg Railroad Museum for families to stay overnite or longer. Look up on GOOGLE or rail/train links. Red Caboose Motel (redcaboosemotel.com) is a fun place.
A great amusement park in Lancaster metro area is DUTCHWONDERLAND closes by end of November I believe.

HAVE A TOOT

 

Culinary Classes Offered For Kids And Adults

:mmm: IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN CULINARY COOKING CLASSES FOR PROFESSIONAL OR THEIR OWN EDIFICATION (OOH--BIG WORD!)--STRATFORD UNIVERSITY IN FALLS CHURCH NEAR TYSONS CORNER OFFERS A SUPERB CLASS. THEIR WEB SITE IS--stratford.edu.

THEY OFFER KIDS COOKING CLASSES WITH PARTICIPATION ON 10/21/06 THRU 11/04/06 FOR AROUND $60. (COST MAY VARY) ALSO, YOU MAY EAT DINNER PREPARED BY CULINARY STUDENTS AND HAVE A GREAT MEAL WITH HAPPY HOUR (I WILL HAVE TO WAIT FOR THAT PART UNTIL LATE NOVEMBER OR DECEMBER AFTER KIDS ARE BORN). GREAT WAY TO SPEND EVENING WITH FRIENDS OR THAT SOMEONE SPECIAL (?). PRETEND YOU ARE VIEWING EMERIL LIVE.

THAT'S ALL POSTINGS FOR NOW--PERIODICALLY I WILL ADD TO THREADS I CREATED FOR PERTINENT CONSUMER AND FOODIE INFO IF NEED BE.

TIME TO STUDY FOR CLASSES ONLINE--TIRED!

 

Hope everyone reads my posted information and would like feedback from postings.

Gotta study for microbiology exam online for food science exam.

Yuck!

 

10/20/06 - 10/22/06 Family Events (Farm and Fairs)

Below are 10/20/06-10/22/06 FALL FAMILY EVENTS FOR FREE AND NOMINAL CHARGES for you to check out. We have frequented both for years.

FARM EVENTS:

South Mountain Creamery (southmountaincreamery.com) has huge Harvest Event in Middletown, MD (near Hagerstown, MD) about 1 hour away. They will feature working dairy tours, bbq (YUM!:mmm: ), ice cream tours, hayrides, and other events. They have a home delivery service in Northern VA that comes to Vienna and Leesburg which we use weekly. Creamline bottled milk with real cream, whole milk yogurts, butter, etc. Dates and times are 10/21/06 Saturday 10 am-5 pm and 10/22/06 Sunday 11 am-5 pm.
See web site for details.

See "Y'all" there!

DULLES EXPO CRAFTSMEN CLASSIC FESTIVAL HELD AT SOUTH HALL (SEE LOUDOUN TIMES 10/18/06 EDITION FOR DETAILS AND FLYER WITH COUPON FOR ADMITTANCE.) GREAT EVENT HELD EACH YEAR WITH ALL VARIETIES OF CRAFTS--FURNITURE, HOME DECOR AND ARTS, JEWELRY, AND OTHER HAND CRAFTED ITEMS.

Also check my thread on TRAINS.. for open house sponsored by Northern VA Model Railroaders Club at Vienna (old) train station with huge model train exhibit. Web site listed on thread info.

I posted, I hope, excellent CONSUMER EDUCATION AND SITES on various threads. Since I am pursuing my certification for Registered Dietitian (with a Food Science degree already) and post grad in Consumer Education and Home Economics/Nutrition--thought I would provide some tidbits. I will be happy to answer questions if need be.

HAVE FUN!

 

We went to South Mountain Creamery yesterday and loved it. If anyone wishes help with consumer education info, etc.--post to the thread I created Helpful Hints (Sites); and I will see what I can do to research for you.

If it is a homeowners' query--I will post on Homeowners threads, Gardening on the Nature site, etc. I am working on my research paper concerning consumer shopping habits, problems, etc. I have access to over 100 web sites in past freelance articles I have written nationally and locally.

If I do not have the answer, I have plenty of resources to assist. For example, organic food (I just returned from Baltimore from a National Natural Foods Expo trade show), building and home maintenance, etc. Home organization and management items also. For home concerns look up Gary Sullivan on XM Satellite Talk show channel 165. He has call-ins and look up his schedule and web site on XM.

Ask away!:

 

Hey Foodie! Thanks for all the great input about things to do, where to shop, etc... I love reading everything!!!!!
One thing to note however... You indicate in your post that Short Pump Town Center in Richmond is larger than Tysons Corner.... That's not even close to true. As someone who has shopped both and spent a lot of time in both areas.... I did a little research and FYI: Tysons is 2.3 million Square Feet and has 250 stores... Short Pump is 1.3 million and has 150+ stores. Just wanted to correct that so people don't drive to Richmond expecting something they don't get! It is a great mall and worth the time for people in the area.... just not nearly the size of Tysons.

Again... thanks for the information.

 

Thanks ChrisL for input. You are right about the square foot footprint of Short Pump. Don't you just love SAXON SHOES?? Also, if you or others are interested--I am compiling some web sites to post from my research on Amish cooking, Southern cooking, and other healthy and organic recipes. If you would like to start a recipe thread, I will be interested. Also, if anyone would supply me their "gripes and glories" of grocery shopping experiences--I am researching consumer habits and other pertinent info for my post grad coursework. I have both my four food science/nutrition degree and business administration degrees and master degrees--so I guess I come by my shopping HONESTLY! (HA-HA!!)

With my quads and twins due near end of November (maybe earlier?), I will not be shopping until after Thanksgiving holidays for Christmas. Seriously, Saxon has the best prices for the family shoe needs. When I was pregnant more than six years ago with quads, I gained only 25 pounds. I exercised as I normally did and watched my diet. I have always been active from farming and pursuing work and college courses. Luckily, I have only gained 15 pounds with twins. I bounce back to 115 pretty fast! Kids keeps you busy.

Anyway, Saxon sent my shoes free-of-charge UPS to my home. I have a 6 Wide foot and found Nordstroms did not have the shoes I needed. So I shop with kiddos and hubbby every 3-6 months and stock up on sales.

We have friends and family members in the area we visit periodically. It makes a great "gals" weekend trip. Also, look at Stoney Point Fashion Centre.

Thanks for input.

 

Multiples Moms Clubs

Allgirl: Here is the web site for your friend expecting a multiple birth:

Loudoun-Fairfax Multiples Club web site (lfmomc.com). They have their meeting schedules posted, other links, and networking opportunities. Tell her the women are helpful. If your friend can post on Broadlands forum--I will answer her back.

I am pressed for a deadline before Thanksgiving with a research paper on Consumer Foods and Nutrition and my impending birth. As you can see--I am up to around 3 a.m. finishing my studying. I am usually up to at least 2 am or so depending on my course load.

Anyone else want information--just post online or PM to me through forums. It is the best way to meet until after the holidays.

Thanks for understanding.

Foodie

 

Food Frenzy

overlander--No, I am not a certified dietitian yet. I am pursuing that certification on the side while pursuing my post grad work in Consumer Education/Nutrition and also on Food Science. I already have a Food Science degree. I am pursuing four classes online and studying late at night to finish hopefully by 2008.

With quads and twins on the way, I will probably slow down next semester. Anyway, if you or others would like nutritition and diet information check out American Dietetic Association at:

eatright.org (This site has links for other information related to food issues.)

northernvirginiadietitians.org (Northern Virginia Dietitians Association has links for consultants, etc.)

Good luck--

Foodie

 

Re: Food Frenzy

Did this really warrent a new topic?

 

Re: Food Frenzy

Do any of them?

 

Re: Food Frenzy

woah - quads and twins?! holy cow!

 

We just returned from Baltimore near Cockeysville where the Pennsylvania Dutch Market is located. I found from the owners of the market that the location in Hagerstown, MD is opening December 9, 2006.

Their web site is: padutchmarket.com

The market will be a full-service Amish meat/butcher market, deli, Amish crafts, Amish furniture, Amish quilts, and other products from vendors also. The web site has a virtual tour to check out. The market is about 1 hour from Leesburg (Hagerstown area).

Great place and prices.

Foodie

 

Fellow Foodies--

The dairy that carries creamline bottled milk that I posted about previously on this thread--Trickling Springs Creamery--their products all of them are carried at the natural foods store called FOR GOODNESS SAKE in Leesburg.

For Goodness Sake is located beside South Street Under (near Tuskie's) at Market Station and is a great "hole in the wall" place for organics and other natural foods products. For Goodness Sake orders from United Foods (Largest Organic and Natural Foods Purveyor) and you can look through the wholesale catalog and place orders. You can get a 10% discount on bulk and case items. United Foods is the same company that Whole Foods uses to order their grocery products.

Trickling Springs Creamery's web site is:

tricklingspringscreamery.com

The creamery carries real not whipped homemade butter, drinkable yogurts, fresh half and half, milk, and delicious ice creams (30+ flavors). The milk ranges from 4% to skim milk fat and is available hormone free and organic. They also carry great cheeses and other dairy items.

The order for the Trickling Springs Creamery is called in on Sundays and delivered to For Goodness Sake on Tuesday. For Goodness Sake's phone number is (703) 771-7146.

Good eats!!:mmm:

Foodie