Fresh is Simply the Best

There is nothing better than grilling out during the summer.  Must be a southern staple, but I have always enjoyed it.  I enjoy cooking in general, but that is just my nature.  And there is nothing better than cooking with the freshest fruits and veggies.  Although, that sometimes is more difficult than we may think.  Not to mention costly.  In efforts to keep grocery expenses down, it is always wise to buy during a vegetable and fruit's peak season.  Grocery store chains tend to hike up the price to make a little profit, in that case your best choice is to find as local farmer's market and purchase straight from the farmers OR grow yourself. When having your own garden isn't an option, the definitely go with the farmer's market or find "U-Pick" farms in your area.

Over this past weekend, my family and I all went to a local U-Pick Farm Cottle Strawberry Farms in Columbia, SC and picked our own strawberries.  I have to say, it was a TON of fun!  Usually, I am not the type to get out and do much gardening or outdoor activities due to allergies and such, but the older I get, the more I enjoy it.  Not to mention, my children LOVE being outdoors.  I shouldn't make them suffer for my allergic reaction to fresh cut grass. :-)  Anyways, back to the strawberry farm.  It was a blast.  You pick your own berries.  You can choose from a pint or a gallon.  We chose to get 3 gallons and my parents and I split it.   It was fun teaching the kids about the difference between good strawberries and the ones that were still "growing" and I know they enjoyed it too.

So the next time you are in the grocery store buying fruits and veggies, remember to check out your local farmers market, fruit stand, or a u-pick farm close to you. :-)  Healthier, cheaper, and secretly more fun!

 They loved picking the strawberries!

 She just would not let go of that bucket ;-)

I Think He may have ate, just as many as he put into the bucket, hehe!  

 

 

Stay tuned for a "how to freeze" tutorial coming later today!  And remember, Enjoy your life, Living it homemade!

~Laura