On a cold Ballarat day, it's very tempting to stay under the doona and read or binge watch something on streaming TV. However, today I forced myself outdoors and do a bit of exploring.

The temperature was hovering around 7 degrees and the drizzle was relentless, but I drove into the CBD, which I don't do very often.

It's difficult to get parking there and it's quite an awkward drive on narrow streets. I tend to go shopping mainly at the suburban shopping centres like Wendouree and Delacombe.

Anyhow, I parked near the Big W and walked across to the Bridge Market and it's quite interesting. There was only a small number of stalls but they were all high quality.

I bought some artisan sourdough bread and gourmet sausage rolls, and strolled around, which was really enjoyable despite the damp.

Then I went to the My Butcher Superstore and bought two chicken mignons with garlic, two wagyu burgers and some rissoles.

The problem with shopping for meat in supermarkets is there's not a lot of variety, and going to the butcher occasionally is a good thing to do. It's also supporting a local small business.

I look forward to trying out my supplies and now I'm going to keep warm and dry, and watch some sports, especially Australia playing Ireland in the rugby tonight.