More than just a latte

This rainy October morning I walked in to Cake and Loaf bakery just as I have 100 times before though today was different, today I am different.  This past Tuesday my I had to say goodbye to my canine companion Toby who has been my best friend for the past 16yrs, my heart is broken.  

Yesterday was a blur as I was swallowed in the shock that follows great loss but today I knew I needed to take a step and venture out.  It was very scary because it meant I had to acknowledge the fact that my old boy wasn’t going to be with us for the drive, nor would he waiting for me at home.  But I did it, my son, 6mth old pup and I got in the truck and off we went.

I pulled into the parking spot and braced myself as I opened the door, knowing this was step two of our adventure – no Toby to say stay to as I took my son from his seat.  We headed in to Cake and Loaf for my usual latte + extras when Amanda (the wonderful store front manager) asked how I was - almost always, I say great – after all I’m about to be sipping on a delicious beverage, how could I be bad?  But today I was honest and admitted my pain and you know what, I am glad I did.  The love I felt was something I really needed, it made me feel human again.  

I spoiled my son with chocolate banana muffins, a candy corn brownie to share and I bought delicious homemade soup because I want comfort food but have no one to make it for me (the Mr cannot cook anything but meatloaf which I despise). I took in the warm shop vibe as I put the lid on my beautiful latte and I walked out the door.

As I drove home I couldn’t help but reflect on the impact small businesses truly have on people.  These places feel warm, inviting and safe.  There is no rush, you can take your time and those serving you will certainly take the time you need.  It isn’t something that can be experienced in a boxed store because even if the cashiers haven’t been weathered by the retail storm they most certainly are required to get that line moving as fast as humanly possible numbing the experience.  There is an exchange that happens when you shop small - more than just monetary – you make a connection vital to the human experience. 

I am no stranger to great loss but this one is hitting me incredibly hard.  Toby was more than just a pet; he was my support, listening ear, comfort and provider of unconditional love.  I feel truly blessed we had each other for as long as we did and will always be grateful for his presence in my life.

Feeling lost and disconnected is something I will be facing for a while but I know that I can count on small business love to help push forward and see the beauty in this world.

My latte was extra special today; it softened the sadness and warmed my soul. <3

Plan B Organic Farms

As a mother to 2 small children, one of whom is still at home full time, I am always on the lookout for ways to save time and reduce excessive spending.  Grocery store shopping is exhausting and often results in extra purchases like non- essential treats or other miscellaneous add-ons that usually go to waste.  Long lines, hurried patrons, too many choices, too many labels – it’s overwhelming and the local options are very limited though some stores are making it more of a priority now. 

One of our recent large shares + extra fruit and lunch box items

I discovered Plan B Organic Farms when they were a little newer and their delivery area wasn’t as large as it is today.  We weren’t able to receive a delivery and the depots near us were out of the way but I continued to keep them in the back of my mind.

Last winter I looked in to Plan B’s CSA share again and to my surprise there were several changes.  They deliver to our area now which is awesome!  They also have a little more flexibility with the box contents, now if there is something you never want in your box like turnip you can say – no turnip ever! 

The Plan B Organic Farms CSA also differs as you can easily pause your subscription for holidays or take a month break if needed.  If for some reason it doesn’t work out you can easily cancel by sending an email request.  Most CSAs are paid up front as well, which for us is too hard to do but Plan B offers flexibility.  We pay weekly for our box with an email transfer - though other payment schedules and methods are available.  

Some of the fruit from this week

There are 2 share sizes small (10 items or so each week) and large (12-14items each week).  Local only is an option or local and imported.  During the growing season local is the focus for both shares and many items are grown by Plan B themselves.  We choose local and imported so in the winter months we have a better variety of fruits and vegetables the kids will eat.

Another great feature is the extras that can be added such as extra fruit and lunch box items.  We opt for both of these things to ensure we have enough to keep the kids happy.  Eggs, spelt wraps, sauerkraut and other goodies can also be added as desired. 

This past week our large local and imported large share was as follows:

Potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, baby salad mix, daikon radish, broccoli, mini-cauliflower, beets, red pepper, apples, limes, bok choi, cherry tomatoes, extra potatoes 

Extra fruit:  Pears, cantaloupe, grapefruit

Lunch box:  kiwi, avocado, cucumber

This typically feeds our house of 3 adults and 2 children for most of the week though I am still participating in the Matchbox Garden CSA which rounds out our weekly needs.

Each week our share is delivered (for a minimal fee) in the evening and the kids love unpacking and putting everything away.  As a bonus there is an email that goes out with a list of what’s in the box – fantastic for when you have items you are unsure of!  Along with the details is an update on the farm and recipes that include items from the week’s shares. 

I really enjoy the random foods we receive each week and how it encourages creativity in the kitchen.  There are many foods I never would have tried - like bok choy - if I had never received them!  It is also great to support a hardworking and local business.

A handful of other share items

As an added bonus I started to follow Irene Matys on social media, if you don’t you should!  Irene creates beautiful and tasty dishes using Plan B Organics bounty and other delicious things.  I find her kitchen magic to be wonderfully inspiring!  Irene shares recipes along the way so when share day comes I am extra eager to open the box!

Shopping for produce is a breeze this way and I don’t have to deal with grocery store madness ;) .  It also helps keep our food budget in check.

 We love Plan B and what they have to offer!  

Detailed information can be found on Plan B Organics Website:

http://planborganicfarms.ca/

Plan B Organics Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/planbfarms/

Delightful recipes can be found on Irene Matys Website:

http://www.irenematys.com/

Irene's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thespicyolive1/

Relay Coffee Roasters

Drinks and Sweets to go

Lattes.  I LOVE a good latte.  What I don’t love are lattes from chain stores but living on the edge of the city means a good latte is a fair distance away, or so I thought.  One cold day near winters end I was craving a solid latte but my go to shop was closed, the idea of traveling down the escarpment was really unappealing this day so I used trusty old google to search for somewhere a little closer… and there it was Relay on Concession St.  Now that I could do!  Off my son and I went.

Relay at the Farmer's Market

It was so easy to find, right on the corner of East 23^rd and Concession street with metered Parking right out front - and there is a wide parking lane for those like me who need to know what parking is like before venturing to new places.  The coffee shop is adorable with seating for those wishing to sit in and enjoy a cup of something or you can take your favourite beverage to go.

As the delightful barista made my vanilla latte and my sons steamed hot chocolate – which came in the cutest wee cup! – my son was mesmerized by the pour over technique as a fellow patron’s coffee was being made.  I really think that is part of the charm in small coffee shops.  Each and every one has a different technique as does each barista so the flavours from shop to shop are unique.

This past summer was a busy time in my life and I wasn’t able to get out for my favourite drinks often at all.  Relay had offered free delivery one week for their bottled iced beverages, I inquired about the service though I was doubtful as very few places will deliver to our area.  The response was quick and sure enough and it was a yes!  I was thrilled.  When you are a parent (or just busy in life) it’s the little things ;) .

Cold brew delivered

If you are like me and enjoy a sweet treat with your drink Thursday through Saturday Relay has Donut Monster awesomeness!  Treats from Hotti Biscotti, Cake and Loaf and other delicious places can often be found to accompany your drink as well!

What makes Relay extra fantastic is they are one of the shops in Hamilton that roast their own fair trade organic beans.  Spending money on a hand crafted drink that supports not only our local economy but the people who grow the beans feels much better than throwing money into a large corporation.  Not to mention the taste – there is no comparison! 

Relay definitely should be on the “must try list” of everyone in the greater Hamilton area.  Pleasant service, wonderful drinks – what more could one ask for?   If Concession Street isn't close enough Relay is also located in Hamilton Farmer's Market.


Happy Sipping!

Relay Coffee Roasters Website:
http://www.relaycoffee.com/

Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/relaycoffee

Cold and hot beverages this summer