A Wonderful Weekend at Craft Shows!

Shenandoah Soaps participated in the Tower Grove Park Harvest Fest this weekend, and it was wonderful.  The weather couldn't have been better, and everyone seemed to be in good spirits.  I wanted to make a quick post to thank everyone who stopped by.  My family was especially great this weekend and kept me company.  Wes, Megan, and Miles were also quite radical : ).

As much as I love our "East St. Louis Hills" home (as my fiance jokingly refers to our neighborhood), I  still miss my old neighborhood.  The Tower Grove Park neighborhood was where Shenandoah Soaps was created. There was a brief moment in the sun of the early morning that I felt a slight twinge of missing my bachelorette pad, but it faded as soon as my fiance brought me a homemade breakfast sandwich and a thermos of warm coffee. . .

My view from the Tower Grove Park Pool Pavilion

Goodies from the Farmers' Market

The Saint Louis Tower Grove Farmers' Market was packed today with city dwellers ready to get their hands on some good, farm fresh produce.  I decided to take a trip over to my old 'hood this morning and peruse the local market.  The weather was cooler today (a heat index of 94 instead of 110). 

I could've spent half of my paycheck this morning, but I resisted the lure of the fresh crepes, watermelon basil lemonade, chocolates, blackberries, artisan breads, and lots and lots of peaches.  The Baetje Farms cheeses are so delicious and almost irresistible, but they do not fit into my diet right now, so they were left for next time.  I also highly recommend Farm Fresh Cupcakes.  I admit that I had a slight cupcake addiction for a few short weeks that took this house by a delicious icing filled storm, but I digress.

Back to the market. . . the figs from Ivan's Fig Farm, located in Dittmer, Missouri, are in season and they appeared to be very popular.  My friend Megan goes on and on about how wonderful the figs are.  She has a special recipe for them that I bet you would like, because she has excellent taste.  Maybe if we ask real nice, she'll share it with us.


What did I buy?

Apple butter and honey sticks from Centennial Farms, Sazitza from Live Springs Farm, and Fresh Honey from Robin's Honey Co. located in St. Charles, Missouri.

It feels good to buy local and sustainable goods.  Just take one minute to click on the link for Live Springs and you will immediately feel their positive vibe.  As a former 14 year vegetarian, I still have some guilt and reservation when buying meats.  It helps know that this farm is doing what is ethical and healthy for both animals, people, and our environment.

Now that I'm sure I've inspired you to run to your local Farmer's Market, I want to share that Shenandoah Soaps will be at the Tower Grove Market for the Harvest Fest on October 22nd.

Stop by and say hello!

Old Fashioned Shaving Kits

The shaving kits are up on the Etsy shop.  There are only a few in stock that are ready to be sold right now but there will be several more for sale in a few weeks.  Cold process soap takes at least 4 weeks to cure, so that's why some products are not ready to be sold right away.  Melt and pour soaps are ready immediately, but Shenandoah Soaps are made the old fashioned way, cold process with lye. 

These kits will make wonderful groom's/groomsmen gifts, and the scents can be customized to fit the preferences of your wedding party.  Please "convo" me (that means send me a message in Etsy language) on the Etsy shop and we can work out the details of your order.

Thanks to Ladue News for mentioning the kits in this weeks edition!  The kits are listed along with several other lovely and unique items here.