Today I went shopping at my favorite grocery store: Dad’s Organic. I like shopping here because it has EVERYTHING I could possibly ever look for all in one place, plus, locally raised meat and eggs!
Today was a steal. I must have walked in just as they put all of the weeks reduced produce out! Esentially, all of the ripe produce. I got two bags of carrots for $2, a bag of peppers for $2, a huge bag of assorted mushrooms for $2 and two bags of plum tomatoes for $3. Cheaper than I would have gotten them NON organic!=) Because there was obviously too much produce for my hubbie and I to demolish in the next couple days. I washed and chopped all of it and froze it for quick meals later on!
I often hear ‘I’d love to eat organic food but it is way too expensive!’. I understand that it is more pricey, but in my opinon, you pay for quality. Also, if you make smart purchases, and buy in bulk, it can reduce the price greatly [for example, freezing veggies]. I believe in pesticide, antibiotic, and hormone free food. This is not to say I eat strictly organic, but I would love to one day. Here is what about 70$ can get me at the organic store [including all the veg above, please note, these are our specialty items. With the except of veg and eggs, we do not buy everything on a weekly bases, more like a monthly to bimonthly bases! We top up with cheaper varieties week-to-week]. I also got about 30$ of skin-care products!
This bag is HUGE. For 12 dollars, I will probably have enough chia seeds for the next year and a half. My last container was about 3/4 this amount and lasted me one year. I use chia seeds to pack a nutritional punch to smoothies and baking, as a thickener, and as a vegan egg substitute. When mixed with 1 tbsp water, a tsp of chia seeds will become a gel-like consistency.
I like getting one treat at the organic store. Something that maybe not necessarily be ‘better’ for me, but that makes the shopping trip more exciting. I try to vary what I buy to try new things. These were $2.79. Bonus, they are 170 calories per 30 chip serving. I had some with my lunch and only felt the need for half a serving as they were so large!=)
We go through a lot of cheese in our house. This is a new brand for us…and a pricey brand for us. Our usual is from Sobey’s…but I hate making two trips. We usually get the organic swiss for $6.99 at Sobey’s, also 200g. This cheddar was $9.18 or something like that. I didn’t realize until I got home, but it is lactose free, which is a bonus: especially considering its made from milk, not soy.
Our FAVORITE greek yogurt. If you are still new to the greek world, try this one. Its the best we have tried [and we have tried a lot!]. It goes for $5.99 a container. This stuff is so rich, thick and creamy, I actually prefer it to treats like ice cream and cake!!
For protein this week I picked up some ground bison(local: 1 lb= $10), this canned smoked salmon, almond barney butter and eggs. I tried the salmon for lunch today. It is incredible. At 10$ a can, we will not be buying this often, but MAN is it good for a treat. I had 1/3 can(80 calories) atop a salad today and I loved every.single.bite. They also have a similar tuna for cheaper. Will try this soon. The eggs at this store are awesome. $4.99/dozen (much cheaper than $6.99 at Sobey’s)…and they are from a local organic free range farm! The yolks are so yellow and flavorful. There’s really nothing better!
I had also been looking for some sulphate-free (sodium laureth sulphate: a known skin irritant which is the #1 or #2 ingredient in most commercial cleaning products: I seem to be reacting terribly to it lately) soap, and found a reasonably priced ($4.97) bar here. It smells lovely, and is made of all natural ingredients.
Today also marks the start of my natural-facial cleansing routine. I am trying the oil-cleansing-method which I have researched extensively. I have been starting it this week with coconut oil, but castor oil is an emollient for getting deep down in your pores which is required for it to work properly. I also got some tea tree oil for spot treatments, and some essential oil to add to the face-wash for piz-az! I will write more on this process in a few weeks and post pictures!
Now I am off to cook the day away for work all weekend. Graeme and I were going to put up the tree today, but have deferred that to next week! Hope you now understand where the big-bucks go in organic shopping! I also hope you enjoyed my first completely DSLR photo post! Hopefully these will become the norm! Still becoming comfortable with my skills! Happy Natural Eating!
4. Silpat. First introduced to me on OhSheGlows. My introduction to the blog world. I yearned for one for years before finally handing over $49.99 for one this year. NOTHING sticks to this bad boy. Line your baking sheet with it in preparation for the stickiest, messiest, throw-out-the-pan worthy messes. They will fall off without effort. Only downside, its slightly tough to wash as even dish soap slides around like crazy, but TOTALLY worth it.
3. Kitchen Aid Food Processor. I make EVERYTHING in this bad boy. I chop, I grate, I puree, I blend. LOVE it. Only had it for a year and a half and it is already WELL-worn!
2. Mason jars! I have all different styles, shapes and sizes. I use them to store my pantry goods, to transport liquids to and from work, to store things in the fridge, shaking up sauces, flower vases, decorating….the possibilities are endless. I would love to own some vintage blue ball ones….I hear they are pricey though!
All Of life's questions 