Fresh and Fabulous

It's no secret that I love food.
It's also no secret that I love a good deal.
Which is why I am so excited that I have discovered Hollygrove Market.  I've shopped at Farmers Markets before, but I have never had such a pleasant experience.

Hollygrove Market

Hollygrove Market is part of a growing trend of dispersing local food.  Hollygrove provides a consistent opportunity for small and medium sized farmers to sell their products at a fair price.

Hollygrove also provides an opportunity for local artisans to sell their products; the Pie Guy, Louisiana Seafood, and candle makers are often seen on Saturday mornings.

One of the hardest problems with cooking healthy, fresh, and local foods is having the time to shop.  Once you get to the grocery store how do you differentiate between natural and organic?  Is local more important than natural?  And how do I know what fruits and veggies are actually in season?
Hollygrove answers all those questions for you with what they call 'The Box'.

The Box is a flat rate of $25 and includes a range of seasonal fruits and vegetables.  Last week when I made my visit I purchased: mustard greens, red swiss chard, a head of savoy cabbage, brussel sprouts, heirloom carrots, turnips, micro greens, salad mix, grapefruit, blood oranges, and satsumas.  All that produce for only $25!  And they give teacher and student discounts!

Maybe you don't have time to go to Hollygrove, or maybe you live a bit farther out and can't get there.  That's okay! Hollygrove will deliver your box to you!  You can choose a weekend or weekday delivery, whatever works best for your schedule.

My grocery bill has dramatically gone down since I started shopping at Hollygrove.  The majority of my meals are created around what I get in my Box, which means most of my meals are vegetables based.  I'm eating healthier, eating cheaper, and supporting local farmers the whole time.

Food Hubs

The Department Secretary of Agriculture recently visited Hollygrove during a press conference on Food Hubs.  Food Hubs are a place where small to mid-sized farmers can bring their wares.  The Hub itself will then distribute the food and provide the staffing to sell the products.

The FDA is promoting Food Hubs as a way for local produce to become available to restaurants, schools, and hospitals. 

If you are interested in finding Food Hubs and local agriculture in your area you can check out the USDA site 'Know your Farmer, Know your Food.'  You can find farmers markets in your areas, check out food news, and see how you can get involved in the local food movement.

Back In Time

I am lucky enough to live in the city which can boast the Prytania Theatre.  It is an amazing historic addition to New Orleans, the only single screen theatre left in Louisiana and is the oldest operating theatre in New Orleans.  They play current movies that you would see at any cineplex, they play art house movies that you wouldn't be able to see otherwise, and they host many genre centered film festivals throughout the year. 

That's not what I want to talk to you about today though.  Today I want to talk about classic movies.  Prytania Theatre has a classic movie series they produce, they show a classic every Sunday and Wednesday morning.  I work on Wednesdays so Sundays are now going to become my movie morning. 

I love classic movies, the oldies are definitely my favorite.  There is something extra special about seeing a movie in a theatre where it was originally screened that adds a little extra magic.  I know that not everyone has this amazing resource at their fingertips, but that doesn't have to stop you from enjoying one of your favorite movies in the same fashion!

If you don't have a movie theatre in your area that produces the movies you want to see, that is totally okay.  Contact your local public library!  Public libraries are a resource that have to be used more often.  Yours may have a movie series they produce, if not they probably have a projector and some sort of conference room where you could start your own!  You don't have to limit yourself to the classics; you could start a horror film series, an adventure series, a documentary series, whatever you like!  Advertise in your local paper and create an event where you can meet more people who happen to love campy musicals from the 1970s!

If you are looking for a more personal experience you can turn your backyard or any other large area in your home into your own personal movie theatre.  One of the most beautiful, if not particularly attainable, looks like this:

Now I know I couldn't afford to put something like this together, but hey a girl can dream.

Your local library may rent out their digital projector, there are a number of companies who will rent you a blow up screen and projector, or you can pick one up used on eBay if this is something you want to do consistently.  Just string up an old white bed sheet in the backyard, plop down some blankets, and away you go!

Check out this super adorable idea if you have young kids:

 A drive in movie themed birthday party where the kids get to decorate their own car or as a craft to keep the kids occupied while parents are hanging out!

There are plenty of ways you can get creative and enjoy either your favorite movie, or one you've never seen!  The most important thing is to surround yourself with people who love you, that way a good time is guaranteed. 

Post pictures of your own movie night to share!