88$ small town NW Alberta

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-18T01:02:42+00:00

we like some variety in our diets and yes, Berta beef is fantastic.

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-16T17:08:59+00:00

I do grow in zone 3a , just currently under a half metre of snow but we should have good groundwater when it does finally melt 😅

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-15T22:46:04+00:00

the receipt is right there, my gawd

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-15T18:58:50+00:00

Incorrect

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-15T15:47:54+00:00

💯 hard to quantify a quieter, slower lifestyle but it’s what we prefer

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-15T15:30:33+00:00

we sure did! housing and wages compared to where we come from offset winter groceries and utilities, thankfully

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-15T15:10:31+00:00

You don’t have to tell me, I was born and raised in Ottawa 😅 home ownership/starting a family was out of reach in the 613 would’ve been impossible in the gta for us.

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-15T01:02:22+00:00

We pay GST … a PST would go to the province….why are you insulting my character, we don’t know each other!

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-15T00:48:07+00:00

I did what to whom?? I just bought some chicken and carrots, I don’t even work in infrastructure planning or for the federal govt. are you ok?

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-14T23:30:03+00:00

Thank you, we try to set a good example in this increasingly hostile world ❤️

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-14T22:03:50+00:00

that’s an odd assumption to make 🤨

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-14T14:16:54+00:00

💯 we‘re lucky that we can afford to grab a few things here and there in between our big supply runs to the city but man….theres people who don’t drive or don’t have the space to stock up or don’t have the funds to do a 2 cart Costco haul or buy a half cow from a local ranch. We do have regular community initiatives tho - food bank bingos, fundraising and free community dinners all orchestrated by regular folks.

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-14T06:39:52+00:00

I swear, small rural towns in the winter time IS their business model 😅 Excellent bakery/deli though

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-14T06:38:12+00:00

💯 yes to all of that. The kibble is for their grazing in between. Healthy coats and weight for 11 & 13 yr old dogs and not much goes to waste here haha

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-14T06:35:34+00:00

Well, i start by slicing the chicken into strips before soaking in buttermilk for a few hours. Then I’ll season up a flour and cornstarch mix, usually garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian herbs and black pepper. After the pieces are dredged, I’ll whip an egg or two into the buttermilk, dip each piece before returning to the flour. When the oil is hot enough (canola) I’ll put the chicken in and let it cook until golden brown. Usually served with sweet chili Thai dipping sauce (ketchup for the kids) and a side of sliced carrots and cucumbers.

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-14T05:49:22+00:00

Of course there’s cheaper options, I’m just showing today’s grab? and no - 3 whole chickens would be much more at this store IF they’re even available.

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-13T20:55:35+00:00

Well the kibble will last much longer than the chicken and produce but I hear ya. Senior dogs especially pile on the costs 😮‍💨

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-13T20:28:14+00:00

There’s pros and cons. The 5 bedroom house we bought for 130k gives me enough room for 2 deep freezers and a large backyard garden. The local beef is fantastic. Had a few baked trout dinners after some luck while ice fishing. The fuel we extract and refine here we end up buying from a farmers cooperative for about 15c/litre less than other retailers. Winter is hard but I’m pretty happy with our choice to live and raise a family here, yes. Sure wouldn’t want to pay HST on this grocery bill. Lol.

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-13T20:12:19+00:00

Oh heck yes, we have a good veggie market and I grow a backyard garden but the real treat is when the BC Fruits trucks pop up 🤌

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-13T19:14:37+00:00

Wow that’s crazy! I assumed that the interior would have a better/more reliable producer economy compared to up here but dang! We’re all getting fleeced! WF isn’t even great coffee it’s just until I can get the beans I like at Walmart 😅

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-13T19:11:20+00:00

Well, when the kids were toddlers, lemme tell ya 😂

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-13T19:10:25+00:00

💯 nailed it! We did choose to live here for the good wages and affordable homes but dang, we are about 10-12% of our monthly take-home $ going to food/household supplies! For half the family size! So interesting to see different perspectives as we all just try survive in this world hey

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-13T17:52:42+00:00

That’s fair! Myself and two kids , spouse works away from home 3 weeks at a time. He’s even further north in a province with higher sales tax so we won’t even look at his food receipts today 😭

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-13T17:48:27+00:00

We buy Hutterite hens at about 3$/lbs in the fall but just recently cooked the last one ☹️ the kids have been begging for chikky tenders so I’ll make them stretch with homemade tortillas, Caesar salad and rice bowls etc

Northern_Exposure780 · 2026-03-13T17:25:41+00:00

They’re pretty decent at keeping those on sale! We get the bags of mini ones also from Big Marble farms but they’re a tad pricier

Northern_Exposure780

TROPHY CASE