Happy Birthday!

May 2nd marked the Gladstone Farmers Market's 3rd birthday!  Just like any three year old, we're growing and changing before your very eyes.  Excited for the 2:00 opening, we had a line of anxious shoppers.  

New this year are "traveling vendors."  You will find them in the middle of the market under the beige canopies.  These vendors will rotate monthly and bring local crafts, produce and communities activities.  Below is Jody Wells, or "Windchime Woman" as she calls herself.  Jody brought a beautiful display of glass windchimes as well as chimes made with antique silverware.  Jody is hoping for more sunshine when she returns on June 6th that will show her chimes off even better. 

"Windchime Woman- returning June 6th"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of our new vendors:

Sweet smelling body scrubs by Shelle & Verona of Grace Naturals

Bobby & Liz of Ida Belle Farms.  As them how they named their farm!

Hey, where's Gena & Paxton of K&V Farms?

And of course, so glad to have our returning vendors:

Thomas & Zoe of Tom's Green Thumb....(and a quiet sleeping baby.....)

Great recycled treasures at Genie Jewelry

Mac of Goosehollow Gardens.  Ask him about his award!

Smilin' Stacey of S&J Herbs and Heirlooms

Didn't get Joe of Morning Dew Acres in the picture, but I know these are his great lookin' radishes.

"Tie-Dye" Kathy of KAT Tracks and all her creative creations!

Well, what else can I say!?  We had a great time Wednesday and this is only the beginning.  If you missed it, you still have lots of chances.  We're open every Wednesday from 2-6pm, just one block east of North Oak on NE 70th Street.  

Easy, cheap, family fun!

It's an exciting week here at City Hall.  Getting ready for opening day at the market makes me think of carefree summer days, flip flops and sunny days spent poolside.  It also reminds me of all the afternoons spent watching kids wander through the market with their families.  As is always the case with little ones, they enjoy the ability to touch, see and taste things firsthand. 

Last year I ran across an article in the August 2011 Family Fun Magazine entitled, "The Farmers Market Book."  The author created a photo album for her small children by cutting out pictures of fruits and vegetables they find at the market.  Her boys' job at the market would be to match the photo with the real-life product as they browsed through the market. 

I loved the idea because it is easy, inexpensive and gives kids something to do while Mom and Dad are shopping.  Take a look at the full article at Family Fun Magazine and let me know if you give it a try!

Chocolate Ladybugs!?

Who doesn't love Easter baskets?  All that pastel-colored candy, creamy eggs and a soft bunny lying in fluffy grass!  Buying goodies for an Easter basket is like filling a stocking at Christmas.  "Good things come in small packages", they say.
This article talks about a gardening themed basket for kids, which sounds like great fun for Spring!  Gardening tools, seeds, gloves, small pots, and even garden themed candy....chocolate ladybugs!

Get hoppin'....Easter is next weekend!

Pots, Buckets & Boots!?

Yes, anything can be used for container gardening!  Buckets, pots, boxes, baskets and even an old boot can make a great place for herbs and veggies to grow right outside your back door.  Container gardening is the fastest, least expensive way to garden with the least amount of commitment.  No tearing up your nicely manicured lawn or bringing in loads of dirt.  Just buy a bag of pre-mixed soil that has all the nutrients your seeds need and there you have it!  Lettuce and swiss chard in one container...chives and oregano in another.  Both decorative and usable!  Kids will love watching these grow. 
To get you started, the Mid-Continent Public Library has a class on Container Gardening for the Urban Farmer.

Tomorrow's the first day of Spring...a great day to get started!

Any picky eaters out there?

Anyone out there have a picky eater in your family?  Me too.  That's why I was thrilled to run across this blog.  With a tab named "picky busters" I knew I couldn't go wrong.  Something else I found was a pantry list of things to always have on hand both in the cabinets, fridge & freezer. 

So today I share the "Spaghetti Pie" recipe with you.  I'm thinking since my picky eater's favorite food is spaghetti (and who can't resist telling their family they get to eat pie for dinner) it's got to work!

Check out the recipe here: Spaghetti Pie

Masks made with Food

Today's spring-like weather makes me think of getting rid of dull, dry winter skin.  A fresh approach to dry skin problems is to use food you probably already have and make your own mask.  Try this tonight and let me know what you think:

Ingredients:  1 t. Olive Oil, 1 T. organic 3% yogurt, 1T. grated apple.
Combine ingredients and apply to face for 15 minutes, then wash with warm water.  Apply 1-2 times a week to avoid the excessive use of the oil ingredient.

Check out http://www.facial-homemade.com/dry-skin.html for more mask recipes.

Looking for Creative 3rd & 4th Graders.

Calling all young artists!  In conjunction with Gladstone's annual fitness & nutrition challenge we are holding an Art Contest for 3rd and 4th graders.  Don't miss this chance to win $100 in savings bonds!  Check out this link for all the details.  Winners will be announced on opening day of the market.