My 10 year vision for myself has me waking up bright an early each morning, hitting a local farmers’ market with a mini-me in tow and getting inspired in the moment to cook up a delicious, seasonal and healthful meal for my family that day. Romantic, right? I love the idea of buying bread from the baker, meat from the butcher and produce from a farmer. For now, my shopping habits are less whimsical and more grocery store but every time I get to a market I feel a pang in my heart that connects me to my future self. Here are few tips for shopping ‘market fresh’.

1. the early bird gets the worm freshest produce
Get there early for the cream of the crop. You’ll beat the crowds and earn a little extra face-time with the farmers. It’s a passion and a science to cultivate beautiful produce so don’t underestimate their knowledge when it comes to how to pick and prepare whatever is in season.

2. bring small bills
Often times farmers’ markets will be cash only – do your local vendor a favour and bring the smallest bills you’ve got – you’ll save them from running out of small change and land yourself on their good side (which is a great place to be)!

3. do a once around first
Scope out the scene before you start filling up your basket with goodies – it’s the only way to discover who’s offering the best stuff for the best prices!

4. byo-bag
Everybody wins when you use a reusable shopper. From minimizing waste for the environment to saving the vendor a few cents a bag, it’s an easy way to earn some good karma (and a more reliable way to carry a melon home). Plus, we happen to know a little place that has some great reusable shoppers!

5. know what’s in season
If you know what’s in season you’re more likely to come home with the best tasting stuff. Simple. Check out the app ‘Seasons’ for an easy guide to what’s fresh when, in your region! Bonus: it even lets you know of markets happening close to you!

6. just because it’s a farmers market doesn’t mean it’s local
Take the time to read up on what kind of market you’re headed to. Read the ‘rules’ of the market for insight on what kind of produce you might be looking at. It’s not uncommon for markets to allow vendors to offer commercially-purchased and imported goods. Talk to the people behind the counters for the full story on where you’re food is really coming from – they’ll know it best.

7. organic or not organic?
Here’s another sneaky one – just because something isn’t labeled “organic” doesn’t mean it isn’t produced following organic principles. Certifications can be very expensive and can discourage small local farms from receiving the official documentation. Ask the farmers about their philosophies and make the call accordingly!

8. have a method to your madness
It’s not a bad idea to spend a little time strategically thinking about the order in which you buy stuff. Purchasing heavier items first is great because you’ll want them at the bottom of the bags but you’ll end up having to lug them around. Buying lighter items first is easier on the biceps but will require a rearrange half way through your shop. It’s a personal preference thing but worth considering!

9. take your time
Farmers’ markets are best shopped when you are not on a schedule. Try to avoid “fitting in” a trip on an already busy day - if you’re anything like me you’ll get flustered and stressed. Take the time to soak in the experience and do it right. You’ll leave relaxed and inspired to get creative in the kitchen.

Twice a year, the Design team gets turned loose in Europe. Our mission: get educated and inspired. (This is one of the many times I stop and ask myself, "How the hell did I get such an awesome life?" )

How the hell did you get such an awesome life, Katie?

This time, the itinerary included tradeshows and beer in Munich, followed by more tradeshows, macaroons, and shopping in Paris. The travel necessities I can never leave home without:  luon, running shoes, and a travel mat for impromptu hotel room yoga sessions. The cat didn't make it into the suitcase despite his best efforts.  I figured customs might have had something to say about that one.

The bare necessities, cat not included.

We travel in packs and we travel in style.  The Bon Voyage Duffel is apparently a clear favorite with the group.  With so many organizational compartments, it's a life-saver. (I'm the designer but i'm not biased, I swear.)

The duffel is the new suitcase

Goal semi-completed:  "I drink beer in Germany with my flannel-clad boyfriend by September 2011."  Andrea was a great stand-in seeing as the flannel-clad boyfriend is still outstanding. (Applications are currently being accepted.)

katie + beer + Germany + flannel-clad boyfriend stand-in = goal 75% acheived

Early morning runs in Paris helped clear our heads and offset our calorie consumption. If there happens to be a shortage of bread and butter in the city of love, I swear it's not our fault.

Au revoir, Europe! We'll be back before you even have a chance to miss us. 

 A Heathrow-bound Katie hits the road in her luon and faux-fur vest. We love.

want more?

• Get to know Katie. Read her love list.
• See what we love about London. (Can you tell we're dreaming of getting away?)
• Set some travel goals. We have what you need to get started.
• Browse Katie's masterpieces. Check out our latest bags here.

Hmmm..maybe it's time the Digital team did some research abroad? Where would you want to meet us for yoga and a cappuccino?