I have no idea why budgetarian shopping is so fun for me. :) These winter months after the overindulgence and overspending of the holidays are a time for me to relish making simple fare with what's on hand.
Our priciest items are milk and cheese from a local dairy. They have a stand at the Farmers' Market, and would be considered organic if they did not medicate their sick cows. (They discard milk taken from medicated cows.) A farm has to jump through hoops for the government to label it "organic." I like knowing this milk has no growth hormones or steroids, and that the cows spend time outside. In so many US dairies, cows are NEVER outside, living 24/7 in dim, manure-floored, industrial-sized barns. I like thinking our milk comes from happier cows, just like our eggs come from happier chickens, who can run around outside, scratching in the dirt like they were meant to do. :)
Not everyone has easy access to a local, well-run dairy's products. Not everyone lives near a Farmers' Market. I know I'm fortunate. If we ever moved, it would be hard to leave these things, and leave the little owner-operated grocery store where I got the rest of my groceries at a great price (four reusable bags of groceries for under $40!) And I walked there.
Our choice to go more-organic has a lot to do with our easy access to these things, and with the fact that both Alan and I are on board with it. I am grateful that it is so convenient for us.
And finally, TIME. As someone who works full-time, I totally understand how much planning this can take. If I'm going to bake bread, it has to happen on the weekends (along with laundry, grocery shopping, changing bed sheets, and any special or family event.) My husband shares cooking and cleaning responsibilities, otherwise we could not live like this. It's not always perfect, but we truly enjoy the attempt!
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