With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.

Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
this time. Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe.

I have a designated "grocery list" that I stick to. Like most people,
I buy the same thing week after week. Driving from one outlet to
another to save ten cents isn't even in the realm of saving money,
when gas is $3.29 at this time. Ok...I know your gas is cheaper at
this time...but that will NEVER make me move to your location. I
live here and have to deal with MY LOCAL conditions and prices.

Billy wrote:
> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.

We don't have a car, so we walk to do all our grocery shopping (and
to pick up our weekly organic box). (Occasionally, I take the bus,
but usually, James and I walk together.)

Serene

On Apr 14, 8:09*pm, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes. *
>
> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
> this time. * * Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe. *
>
> I have a designated "grocery list" that I stick to. *Like most people,
> I buy the same thing week after week. * Driving from one outlet to
> another to save ten cents isn't even in the realm of saving money,
> when gas is $3.29 at this time. * *Ok...I know your gas is cheaper at
> this time...but that will NEVER make me move to your location. * I
> live here and have to deal with MY LOCAL conditions and prices. *

For me it's all about my time. I wouldn't take the time to go to
different
stores to look for bargains; grocery shopping is stressful enough as
it is.
(If only I could just knock down some of those idiots parked in the
middle
of the aisle talking on their cellphone, my stress level would be a
lot
lower.)

However, I'm not averse to shopping ethnic groceries if I want
something
that's just not available at the supermarket. Usually those things
are
nonperishable and I only have to go once in a great while.

Cindy Hamilton

"Cindy Hamilton" > wrote in message
...
On Apr 14, 8:09 pm, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.
>
> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
> this time. Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe.
>
> I have a designated "grocery list" that I stick to. Like most people,
> I buy the same thing week after week. Driving from one outlet to
> another to save ten cents isn't even in the realm of saving money,
> when gas is $3.29 at this time. Ok...I know your gas is cheaper at
> this time...but that will NEVER make me move to your location. I
> live here and have to deal with MY LOCAL conditions and prices.

For me it's all about my time. I wouldn't take the time to go to
different
stores to look for bargains; grocery shopping is stressful enough as
it is.
(If only I could just knock down some of those idiots parked in the
middle
of the aisle talking on their cellphone, my stress level would be a
lot
lower.)


I want one of those carts with a hidden lance along the side. You get stuck
behind one of those people, hit the button, out shoots the lance, stabs them
in the arse, and then retracts into the hidden compartment. When they come
back to earth and look around you can give them the 'Alfred E. Neuman' face
and 'whaaaat?' if they say anything to you. Prove you did it, right, and
you DID get them to move.......and possibly think twice before they stop in
the aisle again.

However, I'm not averse to shopping ethnic groceries if I want
something
that's just not available at the supermarket. Usually those things
are
nonperishable and I only have to go once in a great while.


I ditto that. I plan a trip to the ethnic store whenever I need cans of
this or that which can only be found in their aisles.

-ginny

Cindy Hamilton

I am lucky. I have 2 major grocery stores within a mile or so of my
home. I also have a very nice produce market about 2 miles from my home.
The town that I live in also has a seasonal farmers market - also very
close to home. And, I have a very large ethnic grocery store about 3
miles from home. I really don't ever have to drive far to get the best
bargains. And, if I want, I can take a trolley from work - instead of
driving. I try to do all my shopping on one day - usually Sunday.
Sometimes I go to the produce market and the DH goes to the ethnic
market. Lately, he has been doing the regular grocery shopping, but I
sometimes tag along. He hates the produce market because it is always
jam packed. It doesn't really bother me though.

Tracy

"Virginia Tadrzynski" wrote:
> "Cindy Hamilton" wrote:
>
> For me it's all about my time. �
> If only I could just knock down some of those idiots parked
> in the middle of the aisle talking on their cellphone, my stress
> level would be a lot lower.
>
> I want one of those carts with a hidden lance along the side. �
> You get stuck behind one of those people, hit the button, out
> shoots the lance, stabs them in the arse, and then retracts into
> the hidden compartment. �When they come back to earth and
> look around you can give them the 'Alfred E. Neuman' face
> and 'whaaaat?' if they say anything to you. �Prove you did it,
> right, and you DID get them to move.......and possibly think
> twice before they stop in the aisle again.

It's almost always women who block aisles... I can get them to move as
I approach before I get within thirty feet without uttering a word...
if you've ever seen my dirty old man breast ogling technique you'd
know... I may as well be projecting those red laser dots how my eyes
burn holes in their bras.

Sheldon Underwire

Virginia Tadrzynski wrote:
>
> "Cindy Hamilton" > wrote in message
> ...
> On Apr 14, 8:09 pm, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
> > With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> > to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.
> >
> > Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
> > this time. Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe.
> >
> > I have a designated "grocery list" that I stick to. Like most people,
> > I buy the same thing week after week. Driving from one outlet to
> > another to save ten cents isn't even in the realm of saving money,
> > when gas is $3.29 at this time. Ok...I know your gas is cheaper at
> > this time...but that will NEVER make me move to your location. I
> > live here and have to deal with MY LOCAL conditions and prices.
>
> For me it's all about my time. I wouldn't take the time to go to
> different
> stores to look for bargains; grocery shopping is stressful enough as
> it is.
> (If only I could just knock down some of those idiots parked in the
> middle
> of the aisle talking on their cellphone, my stress level would be a
> lot
> lower.)
>
> I want one of those carts with a hidden lance along the side. You get stuck
> behind one of those people, hit the button, out shoots the lance, stabs them
> in the arse, and then retracts into the hidden compartment. When they come
> back to earth and look around you can give them the 'Alfred E. Neuman' face
> and 'whaaaat?' if they say anything to you. Prove you did it, right, and
> you DID get them to move.......and possibly think twice before they stop in
> the aisle again.

Grocery stores have security cameras and you probably want to avoid the
assault charge. Suggest an alternate that will at worst get you kicked
out of the store would be one of the nice loud pocket air horns, that'll
certainly get the attention of the aisle blockers and isn't illegal.

"Billy" <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote in message
...
> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.
>
> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
> this time. Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe.
>
> I have a designated "grocery list" that I stick to. Like most people,
> I buy the same thing week after week. Driving from one outlet to
> another to save ten cents isn't even in the realm of saving money,
> when gas is $3.29 at this time. Ok...I know your gas is cheaper at
> this time...but that will NEVER make me move to your location. I
> live here and have to deal with MY LOCAL conditions and prices.


You are oversimplifying a very complex situation.

For most people their food budget is the largest variable in their budget.

I'll explain. You can not reduce the price of:
house payment,
car payment,
insurance,
(you can useless but you can't lower the rate for)
utilities
Cable or satellite
Telephone
Cell Phones.

You can reduce your food costs. Here's how. Invest in commodities! Not not
the futures market, the commodities you use, like coffee, cereal, toilet
paper, etc.

Here's how the super markets and retailers work;

All people are paid in one of the following manners; Daily, weekly, every 2
weeks, twice a month, or monthly. At weekend of the end of the month there
is more money in circulation than at any other time of the month. On that
weekend everyone gets paid. Therefore the leader/Special items from the
grocery stores will be at their best prices or most competitive.

This is the best time to invest. There is no shortcut for knowledge, Know
your prices. What is a good price for the mayonnaise you use. Is it 3.85
per jar. When it goes on sale for 2 for $5.00 Stock up. but 2 or 4 or what
the limit is and what you can afford. In that example you've saved 1.35 on
3.85 that's 35%. No you can't do that with every item but start to think in
that manner.

It's BBQ weekend and the stores are running bone in rib steaks, but enough
for 2 or 3 cookouts.

If you're spending $250.00 per week that's $`13,000 per year. Can you save
5% ? That's $650.00 - Hey that's a few nice dinners out by just buying
smart.

Sure you need to balance out your travel because of the cost of gas, Don't
be Gallon wise and Dollar foolish.

Dimitri

Tracy wrote:
> I am lucky. I have 2 major grocery stores within a mile or so of my
> home. I also have a very nice produce market about 2 miles from my home.

Yeah. We actually chose this place because of its proximity to the
Berkeley Bowl, an outstanding market, but it's also near to lots of
other shopping.

Serene

On Apr 14, 5:09*pm, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes. *
>
> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
> this time. * * Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe. *
> [snip]

The survey asks the wrong question. It says, "If the prices at a
farmers' market, etc. [meaning ethnic markets] were always at least 10
cents less per item/lb. is it worth driving there to you?" But small
price saving is not why people go to farmers'/ethnic markets. It's to
find/get things that are not available at the supermarkets, whether
that is clearly superior produce or special ethnic items. Price
savings are sometimes there, and sometimes large but that's not the
main reason for going in the first place. -aem

aem wrote:
> On Apr 14, 5:09 pm, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
>> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
>> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.
>>
>> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
>> this time. Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe.
>> [snip]
>
> The survey asks the wrong question. It says, "If the prices at a
> farmers' market, etc. [meaning ethnic markets] were always at least 10
> cents less per item/lb. is it worth driving there to you?" But small
> price saving is not why people go to farmers'/ethnic markets. It's to
> find/get things that are not available at the supermarkets, whether
> that is clearly superior produce or special ethnic items. Price
> savings are sometimes there, and sometimes large but that's not the
> main reason for going in the first place. -aem
>
I can (mostly) get the same items at the supermarket. What do you find at a
farmer's market that isn't in a grocery store? I don't shop at ethnic
markets for a number of reasons, but the main reason is the availability
more than ever of "ethnic" ingredients right there in my regular store. The
second reason would be I don't cook things which require ingredients I can't
find without driving all over to get them.

Jill

jmcquown wrote:

> I can (mostly) get the same items at the supermarket. What do you find
> at a farmer's market that isn't in a grocery store? I don't shop at
> ethnic markets for a number of reasons, but the main reason is the
> availability more than ever of "ethnic" ingredients right there in my
> regular store. The second reason would be I don't cook things which
> require ingredients I can't find without driving all over to get them.
>
> Jill

...and that's how I feel about shopping at your beloved "Dollar Stores"
It isn't worth my time to make that trip for stuff that may be there yet
I can get easily enough at the grocery store.

What I find when I go to the farmers market are things that are better
than the average grocery store, not just the same.

Goomba38 wrote:
> jmcquown wrote:
>
>> I can (mostly) get the same items at the supermarket. What do you
>> find at a farmer's market that isn't in a grocery store? I don't
>> shop at ethnic markets for a number of reasons, but the main reason
>> is the availability more than ever of "ethnic" ingredients right
>> there in my regular store. The second reason would be I don't cook
>> things which require ingredients I can't find without driving all
>> over to get them.
>
> ..and that's how I feel about shopping at your beloved "Dollar Stores"
> It isn't worth my time to make that trip for stuff that may be there
> yet I can get easily enough at the grocery store.
>
LOL at least the dollar store doesn't require me to drive out of the way.
If it did the savings wouldn't really be there.

> What I find when I go to the farmers market are things that are better
> than the average grocery store, not just the same.
>
You're lucky. The farmer's market in Memphis is truly unremarkable. With
the exception of freshly picked peas there wasn't anything that wasn't also
at the grocery store. The broccoli was a slightly better price but not by
much. And I also have to drive out of my way to get it.

Jill

On Apr 15, 3:01*pm, "jmcquown" > wrote:
> aem wrote:
> > On Apr 14, 5:09 pm, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
> >> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> >> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.
>
> >> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
> >> this time. Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe.
> >> [snip]
>
> > The survey asks the wrong question. *It says, "If the prices at a
> > farmers' market, etc. [meaning ethnic markets] were always at least 10
> > cents less per item/lb. is it worth driving there to you?" *But small
> > price saving is not why people go to farmers'/ethnic markets. *It's to
> > find/get things that are not available at the supermarkets, whether
> > that is clearly superior produce or special ethnic items. *Price
> > savings are sometimes there, and sometimes large but that's not the
> > main reason for going in the first place. * *-aem
>
> I can (mostly) get the same items at the supermarket. *What do you find at a
> farmer's market that isn't in a grocery store? *I don't shop at ethnic
> markets for a number of reasons, but the main reason is the availability
> more than ever of "ethnic" ingredients right there in my regular store. *The
> second reason would be I don't cook things which require ingredients I can't
> find without driving all over to get them.

Yabbut... I like those foods. I've got a list for the Asian
grocery. Right now
it's got fermented black beans and Korean hot bean paste on it. My
supermarket
doesn't carry either of those. One of these days I'm going to have
the time and
inclination to go to the Asian grocery; I'll get those items (and
anything else
that turns up on it between now and then). Until then I can't cook the
recipies
that I like that use those ingredients. Incidentally, the Asian
grocery is only
a few miles from my house, and I drive by it occasionally, but I
rarely have
the time or desire to make the stop.

I'd rather take a little trouble to source ingredients that I like.
But I won't take
any trouble to save money. In fact, I drive right past two grocery
stores to shop
at the one that I like.

Cindy Hamilton

jmcquown wrote:

> You're lucky. The farmer's market in Memphis is truly unremarkable.
> With the exception of freshly picked peas there wasn't anything that
> wasn't also at the grocery store. The broccoli was a slightly better
> price but not by much. And I also have to drive out of my way to get it.
>
> Jill

I consider that a relaxing drive to as well as enjoying the pleasant
surroundings at the farmers market or a specialty store to be part of my
"entertainment" value. It makes a nice change from just schlepping down
to the same grocery market I usually go to.

jmcquown said...

> aem wrote:
>> On Apr 14, 5:09 pm, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
>>> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
>>> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.
>>>
>>> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
>>> this time. Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe.
>>> [snip]
>>
>> The survey asks the wrong question. It says, "If the prices at a
>> farmers' market, etc. [meaning ethnic markets] were always at least 10
>> cents less per item/lb. is it worth driving there to you?" But small
>> price saving is not why people go to farmers'/ethnic markets. It's to
>> find/get things that are not available at the supermarkets, whether
>> that is clearly superior produce or special ethnic items. Price
>> savings are sometimes there, and sometimes large but that's not the
>> main reason for going in the first place. -aem
>>
> I can (mostly) get the same items at the supermarket. What do you find
> at a farmer's market that isn't in a grocery store? I don't shop at
> ethnic markets for a number of reasons, but the main reason is the
> availability more than ever of "ethnic" ingredients right there in my
> regular store. The second reason would be I don't cook things which
> require ingredients I can't find without driving all over to get them.
>
> Jill


There's an ACME supermarket 2 miles away in three directions. I drive 4
miles to another ACME since the produce market is just across the street.
Plus the pharmacy, plus the hardware store all in a row. At the ACME I only
buy the bagged salads and herbs not sold at the produce stand. ACME has
terrible vegetable prices and they do BUM!!! things like labeling baby
artichokes "Large" $2.00.

The quality of the produce stand veggies are usually better and fresher and
definitely cheaper.

So I drive twice as far but once there I can accomplish a lot. I can spare
the price of gas in favor of time saved.

Andy

Cindy Hamilton wrote:
> On Apr 15, 3:01 pm, "jmcquown" > wrote:
>> aem wrote:
>>> On Apr 14, 5:09 pm, Billy <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote:
>>>> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks
>>>> trying to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of
>>>> radishes.
>>
>>>> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous
>>>> at this time. Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe.
>>>> [snip]
>>
>>> The survey asks the wrong question. It says, "If the prices at a
>>> farmers' market, etc. [meaning ethnic markets] were always at least
>>> 10 cents less per item/lb. is it worth driving there to you?" But
>>> small price saving is not why people go to farmers'/ethnic markets.
>>> It's to find/get things that are not available at the supermarkets,
>>> whether that is clearly superior produce or special ethnic items.
>>> Price savings are sometimes there, and sometimes large but that's
>>> not the main reason for going in the first place. -aem
>>
>> I can (mostly) get the same items at the supermarket. What do you
>> find at a farmer's market that isn't in a grocery store? I don't
>> shop at ethnic markets for a number of reasons, but the main reason
>> is the availability more than ever of "ethnic" ingredients right
>> there in my regular store. The second reason would be I don't cook
>> things which require ingredients I can't find without driving all
>> over to get them.
>
> Yabbut... I like those foods. I've got a list for the Asian
> grocery. Right now
> it's got fermented black beans and Korean hot bean paste on it. My
> supermarket
> doesn't carry either of those.
>
> Cindy Hamilton
>
That's your perogative, of course! I'm just not that crazy about Asian
foods I'm sure if I was I'd expend the time and effort to look for
things like you mentioned.

Jill

On Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:01:48 -0400, "jmcquown" >
wrote:


>I can (mostly) get the same items at the supermarket. What do you find at a
>farmer's market that isn't in a grocery store?

You find vegetables at their peak, and in season. In the grocery
store, you find vegetables that were picked more than likely unripe,
and who knows how long ago they were picked. At the farmers markets,
the vegetables and fruits are picked when they are ripe, and chances
are they were either picked that morning, or the day before.

Another thing is that in many farmers markets, you can find varieties
you won't find in supermarkets. And maybe other things you can't find
in supermarkets. Some things are just too perishable, and don't
travel well.

At the local farmers markets, I can often find little potatoes I
cannot find in any supermarket. The French variety I bought a few
weeks ago, German butterballs, and several other varieties. Same with
strawberries here in southern California. I think their must be at
least 3 different varieties I have seen so far this season, and that
is before the Chandlers even come to market!!

Same with lettuces, lemons, other fruits. Some vegetables I have
only found in the farmers markets...and some of them are fantastic!! I
can often find a huge variety of herbs in the California markets..that
I never see in stores.

As far as eggs go, they are really fresh.

Christine

In article
>,
aem > wrote:

> But small
> price saving is not why people go to farmers'/ethnic markets. It's to
> find/get things that are not available at the supermarkets, whether
> that is clearly superior produce or special ethnic items.
> -aem

Not necessarily is that the reason. There's not much, if anything, that
I buy at the farmers market that I can't buy at the supermarket.
Sometimes the supermarket is cheaper; sometimes it is not.

One of the biggest reasons I shop at the growers markets during the
season (May through October here) is to support the grower in his/her
efforts to provide food for my table. I really really like the idea of
buying locally grown produce that was recently harvested. I rarely get
a decent slicing cucumber at the supermarket. And I like the
sociability of getting to know the farmers and greeting them. Very many
of the growers who come to my markets are Hmong folks and I've found
them to be helpful, cheerful, and generous. I appreciate the labor they
put in to produce good stuff for my table.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor
She's had good news! Hurrah!

In article >,
"jmcquown" > wrote:

> I can (mostly) get the same items at the supermarket. What do you find at a
> farmer's market that isn't in a grocery store?
> Jill

Usually a worker who can explain to me how to prepare a particular item
or how to most effectively use a particular seasoning common to the
culture's cuisine.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor
She's had good news! Hurrah!

In article >,
Goomba38 > wrote:

> I consider that a relaxing drive to as well as enjoying the pleasant
> surroundings at the farmers market or a specialty store to be part of my
> "entertainment" value. It makes a nice change from just schlepping down
> to the same grocery market I usually go to.

Absolutely!! OMA!! When Lou and George Delmonico were still alive, it
was an event to shop there. Theirs is a small Italian market ‹ really
small ‹ with barely room to pass in the aisles. More pastas at
Delmonicos than I'd ever see in once place. Boxes of fresh eggplants on
the steps. Great bread. Lou was George's straight man and George had a
twinkle in his eye. Every female crossing the threshhold was addressed
as Honey or Sweetie.

My mother wasn't especially fond of most men and even she would shake
her head and laugh. "Is your old man home, Honey? No? We'll deliver
your order. I'll bring it over myself." I swear to Alex that I could
go in there for 4 ounces of parm and 3/4 pound of sausage and come out
$30 lighter in the checkbook. "Here, Honey, you need some fresh bread
I'll bet." I believe the store is still in business; I haven't been
there in a very long time though. And they gave Gold Bond stamps, too.
God rest their souls.
--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amytaylor
She's had good news! Hurrah!

Dimitri wrote:

> "Billy" <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote in message
>
> ...
>
> > With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> > to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.
>
> > Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
> > this time. * * Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe.
>
> > I have a designated "grocery list" that I stick to. *Like most people,
> > I buy the same thing week after week. * Driving from one outlet to
> > another to save ten cents isn't even in the realm of saving money,
> > when gas is $3.29 at this time. * *Ok...I know your gas is cheaper at
> > this time...but that will NEVER make me move to your location. * I
> > live here and have to deal with MY LOCAL conditions and prices.
>
> You are oversimplifying a very complex situation.
>
> For most people their food budget is the largest variable in their budget.
>
> I'll explain. *You can not *reduce the price of:
> house payment,
> car payment,
> insurance,
> (you can useless but you can't lower the rate for)
> utilities
> Cable or satellite
> Telephone
> Cell Phones.
>
> You can reduce your food costs. *Here's how. *Invest in commodities! Not not
> the futures market, the commodities you use, like coffee, cereal, toilet
> paper, etc.
>
> Here's how the super markets and retailers work;
>
> All people are paid in one of the following manners; Daily, weekly, every 2
> weeks, twice a month, or monthly. *At weekend of the end of the month there
> is more money in circulation than at any other time of the month. On that
> weekend everyone gets paid. Therefore the leader/Special items from *the
> grocery stores will be at their best prices or most competitive.
>
> This is the best time to invest. *There is no shortcut for knowledge, *Know
> your prices. What is a good price for the mayonnaise you use. *Is it 3.85
> per jar. *When it goes on sale for 2 for $5.00 Stock up. but 2 or 4 or what
> the limit is and what you can afford. *In that example you've saved 1.35 on
> 3.85 that's 35%. *No you can't do that with every item but start to think in
> that manner.
>
> It's BBQ weekend and the stores are running bone in rib steaks, but enough
> for 2 or 3 cookouts.
>
> If you're spending $250.00 per week that's $`13,000 per year. *Can you save
> 5% ? That's $650.00 - Hey that's a few nice dinners out by just buying
> smart.
>
> Sure you need to balance out your travel because of the cost of gas, *Don't
> be Gallon wise and Dollar foolish.


Now *this* is the most practical advice I've read in a looooong
whiles...!!!

:-)


--
Best
Greg

Christine Dabney wrote:

> You find vegetables at their peak, and in season. In the grocery
> store, you find vegetables that were picked more than likely unripe,
> and who knows how long ago they were picked. At the farmers markets,
> the vegetables and fruits are picked when they are ripe, and chances
> are they were either picked that morning, or the day before.

That the best reason for me to shop at the local fruit and vegetable stands. I
don't have as great a selection because they only carry what is grown locally,
usually in their own gardens. It is especially important for corn because I like
to grill it. I can get the corn that comes fresh from the field so I don't need
to soak it.

"Gregory Morrow" > wrote
>Dimitri wrote:

>> If you're spending $250.00 per week that's $`13,000 per year. Can you
>> save
>> 5% ? That's $650.00 - Hey that's a few nice dinners out by just buying
>> smart.
>
>> Sure you need to balance out your travel because of the cost of gas,
>> Don't
>> be Gallon wise and Dollar foolish.


>Now *this* is the most practical advice I've read in a looooong
>whiles...!!!

>:-)

I'm so happy to see Dimitri and his words of wisdom, too.

nancy


--
Best
Greg

"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
. ..
>
> "Gregory Morrow" > wrote
>>Dimitri wrote:
>
>>> If you're spending $250.00 per week that's $`13,000 per year. Can you
>>> save
>>> 5% ? That's $650.00 - Hey that's a few nice dinners out by just buying
>>> smart.
>>
>>> Sure you need to balance out your travel because of the cost of gas,
>>> Don't
>>> be Gallon wise and Dollar foolish.
>
>
>>Now *this* is the most practical advice I've read in a looooong
>>whiles...!!!
>
>>:-)
>
> I'm so happy to see Dimitri and his words of wisdom, too.
>
> nancy
>
>
> --
> Best
> Greg

Thank you both for your nice words. I've been settling in to some new digs
on the central coast and some other stuff.

Dimitri

Goomba38 wrote:
> jmcquown wrote:
>
>> You're lucky. The farmer's market in Memphis is truly unremarkable.
>> With the exception of freshly picked peas there wasn't anything that
>> wasn't also at the grocery store. The broccoli was a slightly better
>> price but not by much. And I also have to drive out of my way to
>> get it. Jill
>
> I consider that a relaxing drive to as well as enjoying the pleasant
> surroundings at the farmers market or a specialty store to be part of
> my "entertainment" value. It makes a nice change from just
> schlepping down to the same grocery market I usually go to.
>
I'm pretty sure you haven't driven down Germantown Parkway. It's hardly
what I'd call a "pleasant drive", unless you like screeching to a halt
because some idiot missed an exit because he was yakking on his cell phone
and decided to cut over in front of you (across 4 lanes) doing 55 MPH. It's
the furthest thing there is from relaxing. Oh sure, 30 years ago this was
the "country". The Agricenter International, where the farmer's market is
located, isn't out in the country anymore. And there's nothing relaxing
about driving to it.

For everyone who says they know what I'm talking about and disagree with
me... come on! Move to my area. Then find these "great" places and tell me
how pleasant the drive is. Tell me you didn't hear gunfire or see a
gazillion cop cars while you were in those (oops! I move away from them!)
"ethnic" areas. Come on down! I'll wait

Jill

Christine Dabney wrote:
> On Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:01:48 -0400, "jmcquown" >
> wrote:
>
>
>> I can (mostly) get the same items at the supermarket. What do you
>> find at a farmer's market that isn't in a grocery store?
>
> As far as eggs go, they are really fresh.
>
> Christine
>
Eggs. Everyone keeps talking about eggs. I have NEVER seen eggs at the
Memphis farmer's market. What does it take to convince everyone the same
things aren't available all over?!

Jill

Melba's Jammin' wrote:
> In article >,
> "jmcquown" > wrote:
>
>> I can (mostly) get the same items at the supermarket. What do you
>> find at a farmer's market that isn't in a grocery store?
>> Jill
>
> Usually a worker who can explain to me how to prepare a particular
> item or how to most effectively use a particular seasoning common to
> the culture's cuisine.
>
Good for you! The workers at the farmers market aren't knowlegeable.
They're some kids who were dragged there by their parents to man the stands
and clearly don't want to be there. The produce isn't all that. They're
just there to sell (or not). No one cares. Remember last year (or was it
the year before?) I couldn't find corn on the cob? They were too busy
running it through some machine. This isn't what I'm looking for.

Jill

jmcquown wrote:

>
> Eggs. Everyone keeps talking about eggs. I have NEVER seen eggs at the
> Memphis farmer's market. What does it take to convince everyone the same
> things aren't available all over?!
>

I have been to lots of farmers markets, and eggs are one of the things that
you can always count on finding at them. The Memphis farmers market must be
the anomaly.

Dave Smith wrote:
> jmcquown wrote:
>
>>
>> Eggs. Everyone keeps talking about eggs. I have NEVER seen eggs at
>> the Memphis farmer's market. What does it take to convince everyone
>> the same things aren't available all over?!
>>
>
> I have been to lots of farmers markets, and eggs are one of the
> things that you can always count on finding at them. The Memphis
> farmers market must be the anomaly.
>
Frankly, it sucks. Of course if you'd like to find watermelon up until late
fall, those they've got!

On Apr 15, 3:42*pm, Goomba38 > wrote:
> jmcquown wrote:
> > You're lucky. *The farmer's market in Memphis is truly unremarkable. *
> > With the exception of freshly picked peas there wasn't anything that
> > wasn't also at the grocery store. *The broccoli was a slightly better
> > price but not by much. *And I also have to drive out of my way to get it.
>
> > Jill
>
> I consider that a relaxing drive to as well as enjoying the pleasant
> surroundings at the farmers market or a specialty store to be part of my
> "entertainment" value. *It makes a nice change from just schlepping down
> to the same grocery market I usually go to.

The Ann Arbor farmer's market is in the middle of town. Parking is
atrocious. There's nothing relaxing about it, and it's only open on
Saturdays and Wednesday mornings. I manage to get there about
once a year, since my Saturdays are almost always occupied with
household tasks and my employer owns me on Wednesday mornings.

Cindy Hamilton

"Melba's Jammin'" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> "jmcquown" > wrote:
>
>> I can (mostly) get the same items at the supermarket. What do you find
>> at a
>> farmer's market that isn't in a grocery store?
>> Jill
>
> Usually a worker who can explain to me how to prepare a particular item
> or how to most effectively use a particular seasoning common to the
> culture's cuisine.

That's been my experience here in Sac as well. I got great tips for cooking
the little globe eggplants, and longbeans at the Sac farmer's market (the
one under the freeway, Christine).

TammyM

"Melba's Jammin'" > wrote in message
...
> In article
> One of the biggest reasons I shop at the growers markets during the
> season (May through October here) is to support the grower in his/her
> efforts to provide food for my table. I really really like the idea of
> buying locally grown produce that was recently harvested. I rarely get
> a decent slicing cucumber at the supermarket. And I like the
> sociability of getting to know the farmers and greeting them. Very many
> of the growers who come to my markets are Hmong folks and I've found
> them to be helpful, cheerful, and generous. I appreciate the labor they
> put in to produce good stuff for my table.

Oh Alex yes. I see them harvesting strawberries on my commute from work.
And hard work it is, particularly on our hot days. I buy most if not all of
my strawberries from their road-side stand. Same with tomats, haven't
bought a tomat in the grocery store in so long I can't remember the last
time. I should grow my own, but one sight of a horn worm, and I'm a goner
=:-o

TammyM, I'm just that way

On Apr 15, 2:08*pm, Melba's Jammin' >
wrote:
>
> One of the biggest reasons I shop at the growers markets during the
> season (May through October here) is to support the grower in his/her
> efforts to provide food for my table. *I really really like the idea of
> buying locally grown produce that was recently harvested. *I rarely get
> a decent slicing cucumber at the supermarket. *And I like the
> sociability of getting to know the farmers and greeting them. *Very many
> of the growers who come to my markets are Hmong folks and I've found
> them to be helpful, cheerful, and generous. *I appreciate the labor they
> put in to produce good stuff for my table. *

Well, that's certainly valid. I tend to think of shopping in purely
commercial/selfish terms, not as supporting people I like or for
social interaction, but that just shows I'm selfish and not as
socially oriented as others. Which will surprise no one. I have
asked for and received good tips at farmers' markets about cooking
some things. Also some growing tips for my backyard veggie plots. So
to that extent the farmers' market is more than just shopping, even
for me. Still, I wouldn't go just for those interactions if they
didn't offer superior quality and freshness and variety, which is what
brings me there in the first place. -aem

"Dimitri" wrote
> "Billy" <Hereiam@hotmaildotcom> wrote in message
...
>> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
>> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.
>>
>> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
>> this time. Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe.

> You are oversimplifying a very complex situation.

Correct.

> For most people their food budget is the largest variable in their budget.

Yes, and often the easiest one to save a little money on, if it isnt already
stripped bare.

> I'll explain. You can not reduce the price of:
> house payment,
> car payment,
> insurance,
> utilities
- it's possible to make some shifts here but takes time to 'amortize it'
into savings if it involves adding insulation or changing out a less
efficient unit for a more efficient one.

> Cable or satellite
> Telephone
> Cell Phones.

Correct though you can omit the landline and go cell or shift the cable TV
extras at need.

> You can reduce your food costs. Here's how. Invest in commodities! Not
> not the futures market, the commodities you use, like coffee, cereal,
> toilet paper, etc.

Though a person with limited storage ability cant apply this one as well,
even they can do it to some extent.

> There is no shortcut for knowledge, Know your prices. What is a good
> price for the mayonnaise you use. Is it 3.85 per jar. When it goes on
> sale for 2 for $5.00 Stock up. but 2 or 4 or what the limit is and what
> you can afford. In that example you've saved 1.35 on 3.85 that's 35%. No
> you can't do that with every item but start to think in that manner.

Concentrate on what you normally get, not that impulse item with a coupon
that you dont need or really know if you like. (I do get a few things that
way, but it's so I can try out a new item)

>Sure you need to balance out your travel because of the cost of gas, Don't
>be Gallon wise and Dollar foolish.

Totally. Thats a big one for 'sales shoppers' to fall into. Scooting to
3-4 different places (not in a line with distant end one being someplace
they had to go anyways for some other reason). Saw a guy groaning at work
just recently. His wife came home so 'proud' that she'd shaved 10$ off the
grocery bill. She left to go shopping with a full tank of gas. It was
barely 1/2 tank when he went to work. She spent 25$ in gas to save 10 at
the cash register.

There's the reason why I don't 'commisary shop' all that much now! There
are 2 smaller ones within a 20 mile round trip (one I have not been to yet)
and 1 big one near where I work but 40 mile round trip. Krogers is 2 miles
away <g>. Asian Grocery is about 3 miles away. Krogers is a straight line
and on the correct side of the highway back from the Asian Grocery. If
instead of turning to my street, I go another 1/2 mile, I'm at BJ's and can
come back after that with a mere 1 mile added to my trip. (I will be
checking out the Sams shortly as it's on the corner I turn at so more
convinently located for me).

Because our eating style (dictated by both preference and medical problems)
means we need a high fish, low cholestrol and sodium diet, Asian Grocery is
a must. They have not only _much_ fresher fish there, they also have
radically lower prices. (some of the other places have fish I wouldnt even
use in the ground to grow corn!). Also though I do not insist on 'organic'
I note much of there produce just happens to be that.

"Billy" wrote

> With the price of gas to consider, I wouldn't drive two blocks trying
> to save five cents on a head of lettuce or a bunch of radishes.

Grin, nor would I.

> Driving thirty blocks to an "ethnic" store is more than ridiculous at
> this time. Driving by the store,.....a very possible maybe.

I would if driving by, but not likely to make a special trip just for that,
if it were that far away (I am guessing you mean about 10 miles each way but
not sure what '30 blocks' is to you).

> I have a designated "grocery list" that I stick to. Like most people,
> I buy the same thing week after week. Driving from one outlet to

There is good and bad in that. The good is it tends to reduce impulse
shopping butt he bad is if you do not take advantage of sales because it's
'not on the list'. Seasonal produce is cheaper, fresher, and better than a
rote set of 'get a green pepper and 5 bannanas' (in mid-winter!)

> I live here and have to deal with MY LOCAL conditions and prices.

True. Also some here havent mentioned it but 'time is money' for some of
us. I can well understand needing to make a 'fast shop' so you can get home
and that can be the difference between 3 hours before you need to get to bed
spent with the family or just on a hobby, and having 1 hour or so left.

Example of that: I work 12 hours shifts on a rotation. 5am to 5pm (2 in a
row), then 5pm to 5am (2 in a row). I need about 40 mins to get to and from
work and 'work turnover to the next shift' means I dont get off til about
5:30 (am/pm). I can't shop on the way home from any night shift except at
24/7 places (commisary is not open). So, if I shop the commisary the first
dayshift end I will get home at best, at 7pm. If I dont go to bed by 8pm, I
will get less than 8 hours sleep and I'm a sweet but aging biddy who needs
that ;-). If i do it second dayshift, I can stay up later but won't see the
kid much at all.

Cindy Hamilton > wrote in news:d9258e1d-
:

> On Apr 15, 3:42*pm, Goomba38 > wrote:
>> jmcquown wrote:
>> > You're lucky. *The farmer's market in Memphis is truly
unremarkable.
> *
>> > With the exception of freshly picked peas there wasn't anything
that
>> > wasn't also at the grocery store. *The broccoli was a slightly
better
>> > price but not by much. *And I also have to drive out of my way to
get
> it.
>>
>> > Jill
>>
>> I consider that a relaxing drive to as well as enjoying the pleasant
>> surroundings at the farmers market or a specialty store to be part of
my
>> "entertainment" value. *It makes a nice change from just schlepping
down
>
>> to the same grocery market I usually go to.
>
> The Ann Arbor farmer's market is in the middle of town. Parking is
> atrocious. There's nothing relaxing about it, and it's only open on
> Saturdays and Wednesday mornings. I manage to get there about
> once a year, since my Saturdays are almost always occupied with
> household tasks and my employer owns me on Wednesday mornings.
>

I didn't know you were so close by!

(I agree, though; my friend lives in Kerrytown and occasionally when I
visit, we'll walk through there. a zoo.)

Saerah

On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:24:07 -0700 (PDT), Cindy Hamilton
> wrote:
>
>The Ann Arbor farmer's market is in the middle of town. Parking is
>atrocious. There's nothing relaxing about it, and it's only open on
>Saturdays and Wednesday mornings. I manage to get there about
>once a year, since my Saturdays are almost always occupied with
>household tasks and my employer owns me on Wednesday mornings.
>

Have you and Saerah (sarah gray) ever met? We're due for a Michigan
Cook In - Gathering!

--
See return address to reply by email
remove the smile first

On Apr 16, 11:47*pm, sf <.> wrote:
> On Wed, 16 Apr 2008 06:24:07 -0700 (PDT), Cindy Hamilton
>
> > wrote:
>
> >The Ann Arbor farmer's market is in the middle of town. *Parking is
> >atrocious. *There's nothing relaxing about it, and it's only open on
> >Saturdays and Wednesday mornings. *I manage to get there about
> >once a year, since my Saturdays are almost always occupied with
> >household tasks and my employer owns me on Wednesday mornings.
>
> Have you and Saerah (sarah gray) ever met? * We're due for a Michigan
> Cook In - Gathering!

No, I mainly shuttle between work and home (the entire 4.8-mile trip),
or
do things with my husband. I'm not very sociable.

Cindy Hamilton