Finding Treasure at the Hamilton Farmer’s Market

I stumbled upon Volare’s Limited Edition Sourdough Fruit Loaves at their Hamilton Farmer’s Market stall – though I can’t pinpoint exactly when. Was it last year…?

Time seems to be speeding up and galloping past far too fast these days! A sign of age, I know!

The Annual Easter Treat

These special loaves appear for just a brief window each year around Easter. Learning this the hard way, I was gutted when they vanished after my first discovery. This year, my FOMO has been strong! Not wanting to miss out, I’ve been eagerly asking about their return from just before Easter, and this morning – ta-da! Yusssss!

Simple Pleasures

It’s funny how these small things can bring such big smiles. Maybe it’s the anticipation…? or perhaps the exclusivity…? but whatever it is, it definitely has me smilingontheinside.

A Solo Market Adventure

With My Hero preparing for an overseas trip (and a brutal 3 am wake-up call tomorrow!), I trotted off to the market alone this morning.

Usually – when he’s at home – we go together. It’s our Sunday morning ritual for his Jersey Girl milk, but with his upcoming overseas tour away, there was no need for our usual dairy run. Or for him to get up early.

The Virtue of Market Shopping

Shopping at the Farmer’s Market always feels virtuous to me.

These are Good People, as I like to think of them, who pour love and care into their produce. They rise early, commute into Hamilton, and set up their stalls. All of that requires significant dedication. I’m not sure I would do it. But they all (mostly!) look like they truly enjoy being there.

Sustainable Shopping Smiles

This sense of virtuousness extends to using hessian shopping bags.

Yes, I miss using plastic bags as bin liners, but I’m genuinely proud that us kiwis and New Zealand is working to reduce our reliance on, and consumption of, plastic.

While not all plastic alternatives are perfect – yet – I believe we’re making progress in these pioneering days of sustainability.

My favourite bag – a gift from my Bestie – holds very special meaning. Look at these happy colours! Every time I use it, I smileontheinside. I feel like the thread between us is alive in that moment. #friendshipconnection.

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Here’s to anticipation…

Here’s to feeling virtuous…

Here’s to having Besties and Good People in my life.

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Here’s to SmilingOnTheInside