Saturday, October 6, 2012

Yandina Markets and the last known photo of the Occupy Veggie Mama bump


So once upon a time I was reading the very first edition of Regional Foodie magazine (which featured yours truly, so it was doubly exciting) and I saw David Rayner, chef at Thomas Corner in Noosa, say the Yandina Markets were wonderful on a Saturday morning.

He's a chef, so you'd expect he knows what he's talking about.

I went a few weeks ago and was so excited at the mix of produce, trash and treasure and individual little stands selling their home-made wares. This time I went I armed myself with my camera, because it truly is a lovely way to spend some time in a lovely area.


I like living close to cooooooows! Moo.

You start getting in to this kind of landscape literally 10 minutes' drive from my house.

And I live 10 minutes' walk from the beach.

I think I live in paradise.


 I also love how out this way, stuff still looks like it did way back when. 

I don't like it when they chuck a big ugly billboard up, but at least this one isn't inquiring as to my desire for longer-lasting SEX.

There's lots of old railway stuff around here and I could go mad photographing it all.



Little miss was very keen to get in on the action. The football club next to the market had a huge inflatable slip 'n slide for all the kids to run around on, so that may have been what was attracting her attention...


What was attracting mine was old suitcases chock-full of old books. There seems to be some kind of magnetised mechanism in them that draws me over no matter where we are or what I'm doing.


 I have my favourite stalls for bananas and strawberries, and this guy is my favourite for pretty much everything else. He even had blueberries at a price I could afford!

In fact, everything here was shockingly cheap and vibrant and delicious.


I don't know about you, but this is just so much nicer than buying fruit and veg under flourescent lights and served at a checkout by a bored teen.

Don't get me wrong, I like bored teens. I find them amusing. I was a teacher aide in high schools for three years, and they kept me on my toes. But fresh produce is pretty much begging to be bought out in the sunlight and fresh air and with a feeling of community.


 I could do so much with this. But I'm a good girl and I didn't. 

Probably shouldn't have gone home without that drinks tray, though.


Had I not lost Veggie Dad and Veggie Kid in increasing heat, I would have stopped and checked this stall out a bit more. I did look at the dresser, but couldn't find a price, so kept hurrying to find my fam.

Come to think of it, I really like that picture of Mary too, even though I'm a Scarlet A atheist. I think it's pretty and it reminds me of my nan.

Oh and that milk urn.

And kerosene lamp.

Stop. It.


I want to grow lavender, but don't know if I can. Someone told me it's too hot here. Is this true?

Anyway, I like how cute these are in their little square homes.


So much junk that demanded someone go through it for gems.

 I would have, only I looked like this:


And couldn't bend over for the life of me.

Pepper was born the very next day :)


Oh and here's where I get my fruit and veg from if I miss the markets. It's 10 minutes from home and open every day until 6pm. My very own on-demand farmers markets.

It's so close to the beach you can see the high rises along the coastline from here.

pah-rah-dise.


and because I'm a grub I can't stand putting the food away without a little snack. So I had fresh avocado and olive tapenade on wholemeal handmade bread and the most delicious tomatoes ever grown.

I'd like to see where you shop - have you got a market post? Hook me up!

xx

23 comments:

  1. I would love it if we had a market everyday! We get all our groceries from Aldi, there's rare amazing markets around here but they might get better through summer.

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  2. That looks like great fun! You might try growing French Lavender, can cope with hotter weather than the English ones.

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  3. Ooh I've never been to the Yandina markets. Will have to check it out!


    Also, lavender shouldn't be a problem. My Nana's going great guns {she's at Diddillibah) and even I have kept my lavender alive, and even growing!!

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  4. These markets look wonderful. And they're not too far from me. I love the suitcases of books too and would have bought them for sure. Congrats on your new baby. Enjoy your very special time.

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  5. They look beautiful. That post makes me wanna leave my McMansion, postage stamp size backyard and chocked up freeways in Sydney (that aren't really free) and move to the coast of sunshine!

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  6. There are local markets like this where I live. I love visiting and rummaging!

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  7. Gorgeous post! i love Eveleigh markets in Sydney http://mondaymorningcookingclub.com.au/?p=2287

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  8. Mother Down UnderOctober 6, 2012 12:43 PM

    I am in the middle of the busiest weekend ever and so I had to do all my shopping at Woolies last night...yes, Friday night. It was about the most depressing thing ever.


    We bought some lavender at our farmer's markets last week...I can't remember what type it was but the dude assured me that it would grow in Brisbane...he said full sun and not much water. I will let you know how it goes.


    And I am afraid you should have bought that drinks tray.
    And maybe even the Mary...I am also a non believer but our house came with a Mary and a Jesus and I hung them up...you can't throw away Mary and Jesus!


    Hope you are staying cool this weekend!

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  9. Lavender will grow from a cutting. So if you see a bush of a variety you like, ask if you can break off some twigs, stick them in pots and then water it every now and then.
    I love markets- they don't exist where I live, but I have a friend with the most amazing (mostly) organic garden.

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  10. We had lavender in Stockinbingal which was dreadfully hot. I never watered them and they thrived on the neglect. Do it! I love buying what produce I can at the farms. It's been mostly apples and lemons lately because of all the frosts we had, but now it's warming up there should be lots more

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  11. Stacey I have just planted two large lavender plants in my new purple/blue toned Caloundra garden, as far as I know they love the heat, but not sure about our humidity, will let you know how they go.
    Have you tried the markets at the Big Pineapple lately? They have great fruit and veg, some organic, mostly sold by the farmer with the dirt still under his nails from picking earlier that morning. You can also buy great fresh cheese, handmade sausage, (sorry I know you don't eat meat any longer) and the butcher from Nambour that was on the cooking has a stall there, and he has lovely meat, that sounds a blt wrong, but you know what I mean hopefully.
    Anyway they are on Saturday morning, and there is also lots of parking, and the train is running again, so a possible ride for Abby to see the animals in the petting zoo!

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  12. Would you believe I read this as I was on my way home from the markets at the Big Pineapple?! I did indeed bypass all the meat, but perhaps some readers might be interested in your recommendations :) Abby loved the petting zoo, and we'll definitely be doing the train next time. Lots of fun there!

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  13. I'd be so sad if all I could get were apples and lemons! Having said that, I seem to be buying a lot of strawberries and bananas lately.

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  14. Ooh I'd like a friend like that! I will have a look - not seen anyone with lavender lately :-(

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  15. There's always next week! I'm coming, Mary!

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  16. There's always a spare room for you here til you find a place! ;-)

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  17. Thank you! It has been lovely so far. I wish I had bought the books now!

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  18. Summer is awesome market weather. So many goodies growing!

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  19. cookerandalookerOctober 10, 2012 8:36 AM

    I was so sad when I found out they're not going to continue Regional Foodie. But it makes your appearance in the first and only edition even more auspicious!
    I headed to the Farmer's Markets at the Big Pineapple on the weekend - very happy with my haul. *puts on bad Scandinavian impersonation* I'll be back!

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