Our Saturday a few weeks back perfectly reflects the slower, more intentional life I’m working toward—especially as we prepare for an upcoming slow travel journey throughout the USA. It was a simple but meaningful day filled with exploration, learning, and connection with my toddler daughter.
Winter Farmers Market: Macaroons, Microgreens, and Leeks
To get the day started, I did a solo stroll through the local winter farmers market. Along the stroll, I stopped at two booths that really caught my attention. The first vendor booth was selling a variety of microgreens. Until then, I had not seen microgreens being sold in this fashion, nor did I know how many varieties there were.
I had a chat with the man about how to prepare them and ways to enjoy them. I explained that I had limited knowledge about microgreens and that my only experience was growing some for the first time this past spring. During our conversation, he offered me a sample of the leek microgreens, and my goodness, were they delicious. I can see myself buying or growing these in the future to add flavor to a variety of meals.
From there, I made my way to another vendor table that was selling black pearl mushrooms. I had never seen that kind of mushroom before and was intrigued. The gentlemen there gave me some quick information about them and I scooped up an infographic to take with me.
The final stop was for a quick treat where I purchased two strawberry-filled macarons that I enjoyed on my way back home.
Shop | Garden Republic Microgreens Growing Kit
Library Sensory Station Event
After the market, my daughter and I visited the library for a sensory station toddler event. Sensory bins are one of my toddler’s favorite activities. Each table was set up with two different sensory bins. Her favorite sensory win was filled with water, colorful measuring spoons, and colorful water wheel towers. I chuckled because we have the exact same water wheels at home that she plays with in her wading pool.
After about half an hour, we headed to a children’s nook and read no less than ten board books and also played with a magnetic letter board for matching alphabets. I appreciate libraries; they are such a treasure for family-friendly activities that spark curiosity and connection.
Shop | Farberware Color 9-Piece Plastic Measuring Cups and Spoons Set
A Reflective Winter Walk at the Nature Center
After getting settled in the car, we enjoyed a few snacks before making our way to the Nature Center. Before walking into the center, we enjoyed a brief walk through their spiral winter walk. The spiral path, designed for reflection and manifestation, was such a calming experience. My daughter and I held hands and smiled as we walked around the spiral to the center.
From that experience, I learned that spirals are universal symbols of growth and interconnectedness, found everywhere, from seashells to galaxies. They allow for compact yet expansive forms, optimizing space and energy flow. Beyond their physical presence, spirals carry profound symbolic meaning, representing cycles of life, evolution, and the infinite nature of the universe. How amazing is that?
Inside the center, we opted for different activities than we usually do. On this visit, we listened to animal and insect sounds, learned about chickens, and admired their newest addition—a small, skinny snake that fascinated my toddler.
Homemade Juice, Intentional Living, and Final Thoughts
To wrap up our afternoon, we returned home and made fresh juice with our new juicer. Watching my toddler help with the process was a reminder of how joyful the simplest moments can be.
This Saturday embodied everything I hope for in our upcoming travels: meaningful experiences, family time, and embracing life at a slower pace. Here’s to more days like this as we journey toward our next big adventure.
Subscribe to stay abreast of our upcoming travels.
This post contains affiliate links to products mentioned.
