Fair Trade Fabulousness

Inspired by a recent blog the 2095 chick recently read, she thought she would delve in to the plethora of images caught at market and find some that are "stand outs" but it must also be noted that ALL fair trade is a standout by her standards.

In a world where convenience apparently means saving time and mindlessly throwing things in to a basket or trolley, what really needs to be done is a bit of "slow", a bit of "let's see where this stuff comes from and who will benefit most from my purchase" thinking.

Whether it be clothing, cosmetics, food, soaps, drinks or whatever else you desire, if you take just a fraction of a moment to ponder, you may just be able to support a community without fully realising.

Frenchs Forest Sunday

Now while it might seem I am writing these all in a row, I have in fact been to each market and figured well....if you've got the urge and time to write then go for it!

Frenchs Forest nestled on the Northern Beaches and close to the 2095 chick's home would have to be one of the singularly most popular (and if I am correct the original site for the OFM crew's organic market starter) destination for a Sunday.

What is a car park in a hotel/motel during the week, magically transforms in to an ENORMOUS market on Sundays.  If you get there early enough the visual is quite extraordinary.  A seemingly endless stream of car headlights making their way in to set up stall or shoppers getting their park early and then waiting patiently for ding-ding-ding....time to shop!

Now if you see a group of people "hanging" around the front entry doors don't think they are desperate for a bit of plonk so early in the morning (mind you in years gone by it may have been the hair of the dog for me on a few occasions I  must admit), there is also an indoor section called The Look.

Each week there seems to be something new and if you haven't heard or seen it, you really should take a Look!  One man I am absolutely head over heals for is Terry who is a Mayfair (that's London darling)  trained hair-stylist who LISTENS to what you want.  Yes ladies, he actually listens and doesn't give you what he thinks you want but will give you what you ask for!  Even better he does children's hair and I know for parents it's a god-send as many won't cause apparently kids wriggle around too much (which is what I thought was their right to do!).

They have other amazing things going on in this place.  Stunning candles from Nat, spiritual healing from The Power of the Soul, eco-friendly and hard to find ioniser-thingies from Norman and Barbara with her Butterfly collection (and honestly I believe she is probably an originator of THE butterfly effect cause when she's there magic tends to happen and it's busy busy busy)

And outside is no different.  From plants to Argentine street-food.  From Persian gourmet to singing bowls.  Amazing free range goodness and fair trade goodies.  This market has it all.  As the saying goes a picture says a thousand words so it's time for them to speak

(addicted to love hearts)

the only way to travel!

Japancakes ROCK

My favourite man in the universe.....Vince

Organic Food Markets

nb: sadly since this was written my beautiful friend Vince passed and is now an angel who will be forever loved by anyone who had the pleasure of getting to know him. god speed my friend.  i will always miss you

Orange Grove Organic Markets

Each Saturday Orange Grove Public School comes alive with the sound of organic food, hidden delights, entertainment and all round village-vibe which is something that Sydney so sorely requires.

Too often we are bound to the fibre-optics and tend to lose a sense of reality, so to be able to get to a place where people talk, share, laugh, shop and simply enjoy life and all it has to offer, is a blessing.

What impresses me about this particular market is that no matter what the weather the ever-faithful are there not only to satisfy their inner-organic-fix but probably most importantly to support local producers and as Henry (who is but one of the BHP'ers ....the quiet achievers) says "they expect us, they appreciate us, why wouldn't we be here".  A sentiment that should be echoed and deemed a mantra.

Whether it's a food trail you're after or simply taking time out to watch the kids have some fun riding the ponies, jumping on the castle or twirling away to the music, you would be hard pressed to NOT find at least one thing you fall in love with here.

Orange Grove Market on Facebook

Orange Grove Market Pinterest

Orange Grove Markets Google+

Double Bay Festival 2012

Last year I was lucky enough to not just attend but be part of the Double Bay Festival.

The sun was out, we were there exceptionally early and by end of day was completely and utterly exhausted but in the best possible way.

We arrived and there was but a few sounds of birds tweeting to greet the day, gates and witches hats being put in to place, meeting up with co-workers, setting our walkie-talkies to the correct channel then playing with them liked kids (breaker breaker...are you there) and at last the most important activity occurred : coffee!

Once duly scoffed or quaffed it was ON.

Directing stallholders to their positions, ensuring safety measures were in place at all times, repeating ourselves to the point of tongues being swollen, coordinating with all other parties involved like the important porta-loo (which I might add were incredibly clean and continually cleaned after each use! not that you will EVER convince me to use them) and finally getting to use our toys: the walkie-talkies.

Set up done with only one or two minor hiccups and before we knew it in came the crowds and by that they kept a-coming and a-coming and even at end of day they still meandered through.

We sought refuge on the odd occasion

We danced, pranced, kept using those walkie-talkies (what can I say? it was like a TOY i tell you!) and whilst frantic had a fantastic time. My personal fave was grabbing a few of the stallholders and we danced to the Zumba

spotted some incredible sights

met some fantastic people

had some fantastic food

saw some of the cutest face painting

there were even some big toys for big boys

but the crowds kind of summed up how 

BIG this day was

it's on again this year (3rd November) so if you didn't last year, then you MUST this year, cause I will and I can't wait!

(ps: if you want to be part of this festival contact Organic Food Markets)