Confessions Of A Splenda Stealer

Every sweet or sarcastic remark on this blog is dusted with a little Splenda so that even my Diabetic friends may indulge.

Last Sunday was a day to mosy around the Lower East Side. The LES is an interesting place; the grunge, the history, the dichotomy between chi chi brunch spots tucked in and around old tenement buildings and clothing lines really makes every block in this neighborhood like no other.

After our chi-chi brunch at The Stanton Social, the sis and I headed north to a destination thrift shop, called Cure Thrift Shop. I use the term “destination” to clairfy; this thrift shop is like no other. Yes, it supplies discounted high-end clothing and accessories, but with a saccharine twist— all sales go to Diabetes research. My sis is member of the team, and I act as a cheerleader of the cause, so we were both really excited to check out the goods.

From the store’s website:

“Imagine Neiman Marcus meets Sotheby’s at the intersection of Rodeo Drive and the Marrakesh Bazaar, right across from Fifth and Worth Avenues, with a pinch of Woolworth’s and a page from the Old Curiosity Shop thrown in…just for good measure.”

How could you not be intrigued? The founder was diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes when she was 11 years old, and in July 2008, she streamed her passion for second-hand goods with her personal mission: to dedicate her life to finding a cure for diabetes, via the East Village in Manhattan. From clothing, shoes, bags, and homewares, all sales benefit the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation.

I think this is absolutely fabulous. Even more exciting was that for the six month anniversary sale, all clothing was 50 percent off, and the clothes were in great condition and ridiculously cheap.

I found a COOP Barney’s blouse for $50, but because of the sale, it was only $25—and it counts as a donation to a hell of a cause. I was happy to do my part.

I wore the blouse to work today:

Fashion and philanthropy. A perfect duo. Sweet.

Cure Thrift Shop. 111 East 12th St., New York, NY 10003

See?? I don’t mean to gloat, but this is just another confirmation that more and more are adopting the Splenda Stealing ways.

Below, a post from Fitsugar.com:

Oh la la.

DAMNIT! Damn it.

I believe I have met my limit of peanut butter. Well, the limit of peanut butter one can consume in one day. After realizing that all the dirty knives in the kitchen sink were mine, all covered in peanut buttery residue, I knew I had met my match. My body ached for some veggies and food that was not a carb, starch, or processed nut product.

Scene: 8 PM, Sunday night, desperate for real food before Big Love, after walking my sis who visited back to the train station, I passed by Garden of Eden, which is literally an Eden of gourmet foods. The piles of fresh produce, neatly wrapped cheeses, and $10.00 bottles of tomato sauce left me so overwhelmed I was left walking in circles before I could decide what I wanted to buy. Half a basket of items later and my wallet $31.00 lighter, I was on my way to a scrumptiously healthy din din.

By the time I got home, I binged on hummus, but the next night, thanks to 101cookbooks.com, I enjoyed this:

Meat-lovers, cringe! Carmelized tofu with brussel sprouts and pecans. It was amazing.

Because I knew that my shopping total was not going to be low anyway, it forced me to shop for a healthy meal based on ingredients, rather than choosing items based on monetary value.

I didn’t mean for this post to get so serious. I’m sorry. Just some food for thought.