I think it’s time for you to get to know me a little better, learn a few things about my journey that you maybe didn’t know. So, where should I start…
On Thursday afternoon, as I walked down to my local farmers’ market to stock up for the week, all I could think was… THIS is where I should start! You see, I have a little obsession with markets. Not just farmers markets but any market. It helps me immerse into a place that I like to call my happy bubble. I love to find places, people and activities that help put me into this bubble as it really boosts my mental and physical wellbeing.
Market Fun Before Kids
Before having our two children, I would take my husband to every market I could find or have time for. Cleveland markets, Mummy Tree Markets, The Jan Powers Farmers Market, Mt Gravatt Street Food, Eat Street Northshore, Brisbane Etsy, you name it. It wasn’t about going there to buy a hundred things but more to experience something unique and exciting. I enjoy walking through a market to see what people were proudly creating, growing or selling. It was a blissful hour strolling through, looking, smelling and always enjoying a meal. It was a guaranteed way to put a smile on our face.
I continued this love affair with our first born and even while I was pregnant with our second little one. I mean, I literally was walking a market while experiencing labour contractions that I thought were only Braxton Hicks. That was the one of the last markets I had really enjoyed for a while. I don’t really remember going to too many markets once we had our second child. As you can probably relate, life with two small ones doesn’t allow for much leisurely strolling.
Life With Two Small Children
Food shopping then became more about home deliveries. Tell me I’m not the only one that had to do this!? I definitely didn’t feel the same satisfaction with just a box delivered to my door. I felt no connection to where or who the ingredients had come from or if there was any love that went into their production. At the time, it was how I got through the days and managed to cook for my family.
Luckily, that didn’t last too long and now that the kids are a little older, I am ecstatic to be back enjoying the markets and even more excitingly, have THEM enjoy the markets with me.
Teaching My Kids Young
I enjoy the time we spend as a family visiting markets on the weekend and choosing out fresh produce for the week. The kids eagerly nibble at what we have bought which I think allows them to learn and appreciate so much about the food they are eating. It’s definitely an experience that everyone should have.
We use the opportunity to talk to our farmers, stall holders and produce makers. It gives us time to connect, learn of their practices and engage in their stories. I encourage you to get out there and talk to these amazing people and embrace their stories! Listen to their journeys and how they are bringing you the remarkable products they are selling to you.
What about you?
I would love to get to know more about you! Please comment and share where your happy bubble is? How do you complete your weekly shopping? Is it something you do grudgingly each week or something that takes you to your happy place?
In my next post, I will be introducing you to some of the amazing producers in my local market who have so kindly shared their stories with me.
Until then,
Chrystalla
