To market we will go - Foragers market

It was another day to fit two - yes, two! - markets in one day.
Why not when there are some very fine and interesting markets not a stone's throw away from each other.

First up the weekly Foragers Market at Bulli just north of Wollongong, which is south of Sydney - are you with me?

This is mostly an indoors market, which makes it a great all-weather destination.

It has a great focus on fine foods, fresh foods and quality handmades.

They have some great ideas to make this market even more appealing - baskets you can borrow for your shopping, a coolroom to keep you goodies chilled while you chill with some lunch or just sitting around listening to the live music.

Free sunscreen while you sit outside chilling and not frying!

A vast assortment of sitting stuffs.

some very tempting, temptations.

Great coffee!

Great shop names.

The Really Stuffed Olive Co

Some old friends.

Sally Ant

A little birdy told me homewares

And some new ones.

Healthy treats.

Raw Obsession

Fresh produce.

Fresh salads if you can't wait until you get home with your fresh produce.

And ready-made meals if you are too lazy/time-poor.

Stevensons Fine Foods

It was quite windy on the day we visited, so not too pleasant outside. But it was warm and sunny.

It is a smashing little market and well done to whoever is running it. It seems very well-organised and if I lived closer I'd be there every week I'm sure.

But if you want a day out from the big smoke, take a drive down to Bulli, turn into the showground and stock up.
then you can have a nice swim at Thirroul or any of the Illawarra beaches - you can't go wrong.

Yes, we did go to another market, but you will have to wait for a separate post to find out!

A Tale of Two Markets - out and about

Although they are only about half an hours drive apart and therefore neighbours, these two markets couldn't be more different!

First stop Gladstone, NSW.
A charming little village on the way to South West Rocks and on the banks of the Macleay River.

Here we found local spinners and weavers -

Gorgeous bouquets of flowers -

Delicious soaps by SundayRose soaps and candles -

 I just had to have some of the patchouli-based soap and the shampoo bar.

Award-winning preserves by East Coast  Gourmet Foods -

 Couldn't resist the mango and chilli chutney and the cranberry and pear chutney.
They also sell boutique cheeses from the Hunter Valley.

I lined up for coffee from Holy Goat and it was well worth the wait!

Limes! I love limes, so we walked away from Bluegum Limes with sublime lime butter and Davidson Plum cordial.

The market is in a very pretty park next to the river.
It had a great vibe.
There was music and produce and sourdough bread (sold out by the time we got there), a selection of nice handmade gift items, organic dry goods, fruit and nuts,

Plants for your own organic veggie patch.

 We'll be back!

Then it was off to our "local" market at Crescent Head.
A very beachy sort of market, with beachy clothing, second hand books, mostly commercial items.
There was local honey and we bought some locally grown and dried bananas which are like lollies only healthy!

It all happens at the park between the caravan park and the beach - a top spot, though it could be very windy at times.

It's shame that these 2 markets are on the same day as I wonder if the Crescent Head on would benefit from some of the stalls that are at Gladstone.

Anyway, it was a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning and I'm sure we'll be back.

Out and About - Bright market.

Bright markets - Make it, Bake it, Grow it - 3rd Saturday of the month 9am - 1pm.

Friday loves

Some weeks there are lots of fabulous goodies on my radar.
This is one of those weeks.

Lovely blue and white china tea party painting by Chantel vincent.

vintage blue china tea party by Chantel Vincent

The most divine granny square blanket and styling.

di cuore blog

Colours that I love on design seeds.

weathered hues on design seeds

Beautiful big beaded beads by Yael Krakovski

found via folt bolt

Yummy black bean hummus from A Beautiful Mess.

from a beautiful mess

Abandoned apartments on Hashimi (battleship) island.

photo by tathei via flickr

Delightful outdoor bathroom.

found on automatism blog

Have an inspirational weekend!

Farewell to The Nook

As of today I am officially no longer a member of The (amazing) Nook craft co-operative in Leura.

(Although my stock will still be there until we can go and pick it up on Sunday)

Being a member of The Nook was one of the best things I ever did for my jewellery business.
Being a co-operative we shared the costs and the tasks of running a retail business.

We take it in turns to man or woman the shop, so that we only need to be there one or two days a month.

The shop is in a great location - if you're not familiar with Leura, it is the best shopping village in the scenic Blue Mountains.

There were about 25 members when I first joined over 16 years ago, there are more than 35 now!

So farewell to The Nook and to all members past and present who have contributed to its success.
I have made such fabulous friends there.
It's been a blast.

PS. I forgot to say that the reason I have left is that we are leaving the beautiful Blue Mountains, for a travelling/retirement lifestyle!