Looking for Good Deals and Changing My Habits
You would think that I could just get all my groceries at the store I work at but unfortunately we don’t carry everything. Granted I want to give back to the company that employees me but I will be on a grocery shopping trek today. Generally, I hate running around to more than three grocery stores but I found it satisfying to go on-line and check the sales/specials at Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market, Trader Joes, Henry’s Marketplace and Vons. I like to support companies that are environmentally and socially responsible. However, I don’t like to go to Vons because I know that they support the Republican party. So generally, I go to Fresh and Easy Neigborhood Market because it fits my criteria, it is inexpensive, and they don’t put artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in their brand of foods. I don’t want to run around because I don’t want to waste gas but I also want to get the best deals. I would prefer to go to the Farmers Markets but the ones I like to attend are on days I have to work this week. I also love going to ethnic markets like Mitsuwa to get my Japanese products. Sometimes, one can find better deals at these specialty stores.
Well, I am off to Vons to get fennel and dill to make my tilapia tonight then Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market and lastly Trader Joes. Thank goodness my prayers were finally answered when they built Fresh and Easy but now they are building a Trader Joes on the other end of Mira Mesa Blvd. so I don’t have to drive to La Jolla!
On Sunday I planted many herbs and lettuces in some pots in our sun room. I am hoping with my mom’s advice, expertise, and green thumb I can grow many of the herbs I spend so much money on well. I figure it will have less impact on the environment since the food won’t have to be trucked in and plus food from one’s own garden taste much better. Someday I hope to have enough patience and talent to be as successful as my mother. She has every herb growing in her yard, five fruit trees including calamansi, figs, and pommelos. She also has beautiful orchids growing all over the patio. It looks like a jungle! My dad just purchased a green house for my mom but since it has been so hot she will not be planting anything in there until fall. My dad and mom also built a raised garden bed made with recycled plastic as it won’t rot like wood generally does. She is planning to plant leafy greens, root vegetables, and squash in the raised garden bed. My mom is so inspirational and her garden gives her something to focus on while she is dealing with her health problems. Tasting her arugala gives me such a thrill. It is so flavorful and peppery. I hope combining all my efforts to get food from sources that are affordable and environmentally sound will make a difference. Here’s to getting some good deals.
