Gotta love bargains!

It was so nice to hang out with friends and get a chance to go to one of the local farmers markets Friday. Urban Farms is an amazing farm and market that brings fresh and local food to one of Memphis's many food deserts.  Sadly, our dear city has many and efforts are being made by urban Farms and others to help bring fresh healthy food to these areas  On Friday when I went in they were putting out local blackberries.  I went out to their patio where they had a few tomato plants and some flowers left, and that is where the bargain shopping began...the plants were 50 cents a piece!!!  I got 8 tomato plants (arkansas traveler, celebrity, tomato steakhouse & a couple more) and mexican heather.  You know I had to share with my best friend who watched my kids while I shopped.  Anyway, other goodies to be had at this market was raw cheddar cheese, 8oz for $3.99, fresh cilantro, bananas, locally roasted coffees (omg they are amazing!) and so much more.  If you are ever in the Memphis area, stop in and check out this amazing little market!!!

Other goodies I have gotten recently for a steal has been a bunch of bamboo stalks (I'm using as tomato stakes) I found on Freecycle, and a peach tree for $12! Our fruit trees normally aren't that cheap, I paid $20 or 25 for my apple tree last year.

Our favorite freebie we have received lately?  Dexter...

What good garden bargains have you gotten recently?  Do you utilize websites like Freecycle and Craigslist to help you find things cheap/free?

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Oh, while I am here....what do you all do to keep the squirrels out of your garden goodies?  They have been attacking my poor tomatoes everyday. I understand they have to eat too, but I have food set out for the squirrels and the birds elsewhere.  Do you use netting? Hang pie plates?  Any ideas that doesn't involve a bb gun (although i must admit it's tempting sometimes) or poison are welcome!!!

I scared off the squirrel and he left my poor tomato behind. LOL

a few random updates

The No-Shampoo Experiment:

Today was wash #2 with just baking soda, and I must say I am pleasantly surprised.  The first wash was Wednesday and I didn't get oily, itchy or overly sweaty.  I had Mance do a smell test before and after shower and he said I came out smelling clean (and believe me he would tell me if I wasn't so fresh).  So, I am happy with this outcome and have noticed all my scalp problems (dry, itchy, oily and breakouts) have disappeared since I started the baking soda wash.  Is this for everyone?  Probably not, but it works for me.  My hair has never felt this healthy and soft.

Project:  Kimchi

The 2 jars of kimchi that now gracemy refridgerator shelf are quite yummy!!  I admit I used way too much salt (thats what I get for actually following a recipe, huh?) but other than that, it goes geat on Tofurky kielbasa!

And much to my surprise, I was asked to demonstrate the process at a local farm's survival workshop.  Oleo Acres, June 25, 2011 in the AM.  I want to see all you locals there!!!!!  Hell, I might even give you some free kimchi. LOL

Garden Updates:

My Black Prince tomatoes are flowering & fruiting, the patio tomatoes are flowering like madness as are the banana peppers.  The squash that is so beautifully flowering is not fruiting.  Not quite sure whats going on there.  Still need to get more zucchini & eggplant and some cucumbers.  And need some peat pots to start some bean and corn seeds I have.  Donations of plants or cash are happily accepted. LOL

I did lose my raspberry bush to the flooded backyard, but that can be replaced.  Oh and Scarlett has not started laying again, or if she has Ariel(my dog) beats me to the eggs.  Its sad too cuz ain't no egg better than a backyard egg!!!