Farmer's Markets 101

Although I wouldn't call my farmer's market experience 'extensive', I certainly love the ones I've patronized. Many times, you are not only finding great local produce, but you can find unique gifts and businesses of all varieties. Click HERE for a listing of state-wide farmer's markets in Colorado. There is also a list HERE of Tri-County farmer's markets (Jefferson, Arapahoe, and Douglas counties, I think???)

photo by Simon Howden at Free Digital Photos

Here are just a few tips from my own experience. Please post if you have other practical suggestions for those who are new to Farmer's Market shopping.

Arriving early, especially in the heat of summer, is a good way to go. However, you may find that vendors will make a deal if you wait until the end of the day.

Be sure to bring your own bags and some kind of wagon if you'll be purchasing larger quantities or something like melons.

In a world where we used plastic to pay for almost every purchase, I think it's also reasonable to remind you that farmer's markets are typically a CASH ONLY event. For this reason, some vendors will also try to round to the nearest dollar so it helps to have smaller bills and even some quarters.

I know some of my readers are not in Colorado (Thank you, thank you, thank you!!). If you are feeling up to it, post a link here to a listing of Farmer's Markets in your state!

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Mom Spot: Progressive Pioneer

Here is another blog I've come across in recent weeks. She has gorgeous pictures and her post yesterday was truly fantastic.

"Maine is pretty rainy in the spring. And I lived in Oregon for awhile and it defines rainy. So, a little rain rarely puts me in a gray mood. In fact, this rainy, rainy spring we've been having here in Utah has actually made me feel quite cheerful! Each rainy day has felt like something of a celebration."

Click HERE to read the entire post - you have to see the photographs! You'll also find all kinds of topics on sustainable and simple living. Enjoy!

Butterfly Pavilion

Of all the child-focused exhibits I wish I could visit weekly, Butterfly Pavilion is number one. I could spend hours in the rainforest-like room where butterflies dance through the air, lush vegetation sprawls from every corner, and a delightful assortment of other tropical animals make their home. You can meet Rosie, the resident tarantula and stroke a horseshoe crab as a wonderful side-light to your Pavilion trip. (Is there a child's birthday in your future? The Butterfly Pavilion is available for parties!)

The Sunset Stroll, a monthly event, gives you a more exclusive tour where you will see activities not seen during the daylight hours. A reservation is necessary. The Butterfly Pavilion is open seven days a week and summer is a great time to go! Schools are mostly finished with their field trips and you can walk the outdoor nature trail. Everyday, new butterflies are released between 12:30 and 3:30pm, and there are great spots to have lunch, so plan to make a day of it!

Fun Fa…

Frisco's Wassail Days

Friends,
I'm so excited to bring you the details of this family event in Frisco, Colorado! Nothing says Christmas like getting up into the beautiful Rocky Mountains and celebrating the holidays nestled in a cozy town with your closest friends and family. Fresh snow. Lighted trees. Sleigh rides. Visits with Santa.
And it all starts with the Santa Dash for Cash - a 1K "fun run" in which all participants must wear Santa gear! The run is TOMORROW and when you register at www.wassaildays.com you will receive a Frisco Santa shirt, a Santa hat and at the end of the run you will receive a stocking full of goodies including Wassail Cash (the official currency of Wassail Days that can be used at local restaurants and retailers) and a FREE pass for a ½ hour of tubing at the Frisco Adventure Park Tubing Hill. What a deal!!

Wassail Days is going on all week long (Dec 3-11). Start a new tradition with this annual event that has something for everyone in your family! (And, if you can&#…

Mom In Progress

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