Why I like Going to Nature Mart

First of all, it's only a block and a half away. So I feel very eco-awesome while walking there, especially since I usually bring my own bag. Yes, I get all smug in a Los Feliz kind of way, which is fun for someone like me, who originally hails from the Midwest and usually feels like the short, awkward girl in the room.

Second, there is always an assortment of characters to pass and smile at. Today I nodded at red-suspender-and-high-top-wearing-with-crazy-hair dude, and he gave me a similar chin bob before continuing past me.

Third, when you get to the store, everyone is nice. It doesn't matter that it's late. Who cares that it's crowded with people buying their last-minute tempeh patties for dinner, and the staff is busy re-stocking the shelves. People smile, and say fun foreign phrases like "please", "thank you", and "excuse me". Health food makes happy people, and I have seen the proof.

Finally, the cashiers all rock. After being told off by a defiant 8th grader today, slogging through masses of students who all have a lame excuse why they didn't do their homework, and sitting through cynical yelling of teachers at our afternoon staff meeting, I was pretty drained. So while digging through my wallet, I had to stop and look up when the cashier ACTUALLY asked me "How was your day?" (not the usual "how are you" said quickly with no eye contact or empathy, but a real question!) When I looked up, he was smiling at me. Since there was no one else in line, we chatted for a minute. Mind you, this is not a fluke. Every time I go to this store, the cashier takes a minute to shoot the breeze with me. Huge plus.

Oh yeah, and their prices are actually very competitive. I've blown off Albertson's to go there for staples, in addition to getting my decaf green and vegan cereal. People of Los Feliz: Shop At Nature Mart!

That is all.