From the Farmers' Market

So, last week I did something terrible, which was to not pick up our CSA box. Usually Kate is the one who gets it for us from the Wednesday market, but she was away and I had to stay in Raleigh later than usual. Whoops! Totally poor scheduling on my part (though I did get to meet with a nutritionist and then hang out with a wonderfully sweet friend, so I think it was more than worth it). Fortunately they donate whatever isn't picked up to an organization that gives it to folks in need, which is a pretty great solution.

However, to make up for the lack of fresh fruits and veggies in our house (and to prepare for several friends staying with us Saturday night), I may have gone a bit overboard.

Here's the damage:

bucket of flowers, seven (!) heads of lettuce, blueberries, cucumber, sungold tomatoes, bell peppers, peaches, + radishes

The total cost? Every. last. cent. in my wallet (which was just over $36). Yikes! Clearly I need to make some gigantic salads stat to put all of this great produce to good use.

My favorite purchase was, hands down, the flowers. 

They weren't arranged, so I had fun splitting them up into different vases- just enough for the living/dining room, the guest room, and one for my dresser, too!

They've been such a fun and cheerful addition to the house, and for only $10 they were a much better bang for my buck than the pre-made bouquets at any supermarket!

What about y'all- any fun finds at the market this week?

Southland in the Springtime

One of my favorite seasons has officially arrived in North Carolina. Granted, it's been a bit more temperamental than usual, vacillating between 85 degree temps and a morning filled with sleet and snow flakes, but I'm confident that it's finally here to stay (because saying something with conviction makes it true, right?).

Anyway, one of my absolutely favorite parts of this season are all of the cheerful flowers popping up at nearly every turn. I've definitely contemplated pulling my car over on more than one occasion to capture particularly pretty gardens and flower beds, which I decided probably wasn't the safest option. Instead, here are a few of my favorite shots (via iPhone) from my adventures so far.

 

a pot of grape hyacinths brightening up our front porch

 the dogwood tree in front of our house in full bloom

beautiful tulips (and some pansies) outside the NC governor's mansion

And yes, for anyone potentially wondering, the title is from an Indigo Girls song. Every once in awhile I like to live the stereotype.