Fresh

Lately we have been making an effort to spend our weekly "fresh" money locally, by buying from vendors in our community who support their family through what they sell.  Although it does require a little more dedication than grabbing whatever is on special at the supermarket, it is beginning to show rewards for us both financially and as a family.

To be honest, the first week or two of market shopping I found a little overwhelming.  One of our local markets is a real bazaar - an explosion of cultures with many fruit and vegetables I have never seen or heard of.  Combine that with a toddler who naturally wants to pick up everything she set her eyes on ...

But last week we went with a different outlook.   Instead of rushing in, grabbing what we needed and high-tailing it out of there, we decided to make it more of a family outing.  We set out  in the morning after a leisurely breakfast giving us a good two hours before our little girl starts to get tired.

Between us we have worked out a little routine which is working quite well.  My honey has our little girl in the stroller/backpack carrier while I peruse, select and purchase what looks fresh and is a good price.  Then my honey will carry the bags and if Poppet wants to touch, feel and taste she can - without upsetting the stall holders!  Some will let us sample the produce before buying which you sure don't get in the supermarket these days.

We are gradually working on our home garden, but it is certainly not to the point of feeding us yet.  Market shopping is a great alternative for us.  There are a bunch of smaller markets in our vicinity too, so it will be lovely to slowly explore them all.

Today we bought all this produce (and a few more things not pictured) for less than $19.

Oh... and I thought you might like this very short video of an excited little girl who loves pears :)