shopping...putting my money where my mouth is

For such a long time now I have been thinking about how we eat, what we eat and how I shop. In fact I posted about it here, in December 2010, and I have to say that since then not an awful lot has changed until recently. We don't eat badly, I cook every meal from scratch and we would not have many processed foods in our diet, but there are some and we haven't been eating organic foods where we could.

I mentioned previously that I have gone back to being vegetarian again, and the kids are pretty much veggie now too. This means that a big part of my weekly food budget has opened up.

I watched a series of 3 really interesting documentaries of late that have inspired my decision to bite the bullet and put my money where my mouth is.

These are Forks Over Knives

Food Inc

Food Matters

So, after a fair bit of planning over the past week, armed with a menu plan and a shopping list Joa and I headed off to the farmers market. 

 We bought all the veggies on our list, fresh, organic and where possible all grown very locally.

 We bought locally grown honey and some organic staples there that were on offer. Then we stocked up on the other essentials on our list at the health food store.

 I also spent part of this week's budget on some more plants for the garden. Cucumbers, tomatoes, basil

 and lots of strawberries.
I have found there is a whole food wholesaler within an hour or so drive from here and I am hoping to be able to stock up on our daily use items such a spelt flour, apple cider vinegar, coffee etc once every few months.
Between this and what I am growing in the garden now and hope to be able to preserve I am hoping that my budget will allow us to eat mostly organic whole foods. This all feels right and exciting to me. I am sure that there will be a transition time until I no longer need to think about this too much and it becomes second nature. But I am feeling good to be putting my money where my mouth is! It is an experiment and I will keep you posted on it.

I do have another little item of shopping to show you...

 We found this brilliant spoon for 10c in a charity shop!

 brrrmmmm

 I sort of wished I kept it to give to Joa on his Birthday next month, but I was just too excited and forgot.

My little kitchen alter inspired by this wonderful book : sweet, organic peaches ripening on the window sill. My candle, my own light and a little wooden summer gnome made by the wonderful Melissa (will find the link to her shop for you).

This post is shared at Eco Thrifty Living :-)

a decision and a wee tip

First my wee tip: Do you know that time of day when you're trying to cook dinner, have a million pots on at the same time, the kids are cross and hungry, you are cross and hungry, everyone is driving everyone mad? Well here is a wee tip passed down to me from my dear mother...
Frozen peas, yup, it's as simple as that. Give them a wee handful, or an egg cup full of frozen peas and the peace will be restored...plus it's another one of their 5 a day. Have you never tried frozen peas? Well you must and your kids will thank you for it.
All we are saying...is give peas a chance (sorry but it had to be done)

And now my decision... I have decided to get a pinny/overall/apron. Does that make me old...or just sensible? Because I am sick of looking like this....

I had this top on for less than an hour and Joa covered me with porridge and yoghurt, I am so tired of looking like a well used table cloth, so I am going to get an apron! Anyone any suggestions...anyone want to make one for me?

So we're all feeling better now, thank goodness, life is getting back to normal and I hope we will be out and about lots this week. I have been feeling slightly starved of adult company.

Look at this lovely yarn, I am still on the search for the ultimate rainbow yarn. The variation on the colour is actually going to make very wide stripes, so I can't use it, as intended for my dolls. It will make a sweet sweater though fo Joa maybe?

I also found a gorgeous, new scarf in a charity shop yesterday. Och I just can't leave hand knit things in charity shops, it breaks my heart.
It is a silk blend and just so soft and gorgeous (you're missing out person whom it was knitted for and just chucked it into the charity bag, I'm telling you!)

So I thought I'd unravel it and use it for something else, like this dolls hat.
hugs x

A letter of thanks and appreciation

To Whom it May Concern,

I wanted to write to you to inform you that whilst browsing my local charity shop last week, I found the beautiful tank top you knitted. I don't know who you are or who you knitted it for, but I wanted to write to you and thank you for it.I'm sorry that it ended up in the charity shop unworn. I'm sorry that the little body you knitted it for never got to feel the softness of the wool or the warmth of the love you invested into every stitch. I'm sorry that the time, energy and love you spent making this went completely unappreciated by the mother and father.So, I wanted to tell you how much I love it. I appreciate the gorgeous, soft 100% wool yarn that you chose. The colour is beautiful and goes with everything. The wool is so warm and keeps little Joa's core so snug and cosy. I love the pattern . It is so simple, but the cable along the bottom is really special. It feels 'Irish' and modern at the same time. I'd love a copy of the pattern! So, thank you dear knitter. I know that this isn't the little person that was in your mind as you looped the wool over your needles, but I wanted you to know that all the love and care and attention that you put into this beautiful piece has not gone unnoticed and unappreciated.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts,

Yours, in love and appreciation,

Laura and Joa