treats from the north

I hit up a couple of favorite stores this past weekend, and picked up a slew of awesome goodies!

First stop -- "Wits' End Corner Country Store & Bakery," in Beaver Bay. I first discovered this store by accident last spring, when Dan and I were searching the North Shore for a cup of coffee during the "off season," when many favorite establishments are closed. "Bakery" lead me to think they might have coffee . . . notsomuch, but what they do have is an AMAZING selection of dry bulk foods! I could have spent a ton more money than I did, but alas, they only take cash or check (who takes checks these days?) and I had a measley $12 on me. So, I focused on the things I can't always find in my neck of the woods. My haul:

Veggie Chips (LOOOOOVE these -- especially the taro sticks and green beans!)
Whole-wheat shell pasta (I see homemade stovetop mac and cheese in our future!)
Spearmint tea (we were running out of herbal tea at the cabin)
Golden flax seeds (cost about twice as much at home!)
AND, Amish Country "Ladyfinger" microwave popcorn (it's aparently hull-less)

Later on, I found a couple of awesome things at the Cook County Co-op, too!

Bulk bin finds . . .
True wild rice (most grocery store varieties are cultivated,) and rainbow orzo:

And, "Cook County Co-op Calico Beans:"

I can't WAIT to make soup with these! If only the weather were cooler!

The best part of going to the co-op is . . .

Maine Root Ginger Brew! Reed's doesn't hold a candle to this stuff -- Maine Root is knock-your-socks-off spicy! Mmmmmmm! They only had two 4-packs in stock, so we're going to have to make this LAST! (We have yet to find a retailer in the Twin Cities . . . tragedy!)

Last, a few non-food treats:

These guys caught my eye at the "North Shore Trading Post:"

Anyone ever used a Swedish Dish Cloth before? They are made from 70% cellulose and 30% cotton, are machine-washable, and work beautifully! I used one on my dishes this afternoon, and they scrub like a charm! Plus, how much fun is "super moose??" (Technically, the name of the pattern is "king of the forest," but, well, I just like "super moose" better!)

AND, some wonderful, whimisical coasters from Sivertson's:

(BLOGGER! RAWR! Sorry. Tilt your head, please.)
I love this artist's work, (she has a great painting titled "Boogie Bear" that makes me smile!) but of course, I can't afford "real" art at this stage in my life. Enter: coasters! I took home reproductions of "Spring Beauty, Spring" and "Huey, Dewey, and You."

Is it weird that I grocery shop while on vacation? :) Nontraditional souvenirs, if you ask me!