Favorite Things 2016 | Rochester MN Moms Blog

At Rochester MN Moms Blog there is no question that we are passionate about all things local.  We love to support local artisans, creators, designers, and business owners.  That’s why are are so proud to bring you this list of our Favorite Things from Rochester, MN.  Whether it be a product or a locally owned shop (many of them mom-owned), all of these items are available in our home town.  We hope you will support these local businesses.  Here are our top ten favorite items for 2016!

At Gardenaire every product is organically grown and crafted by hand from the garden to the table. Gardenaire is deeply devoted to its Minnesota roots and uses local herbs and produce to create bold flavors that welcome a new generation of home cooks to bring creativity to the kitchen.

The French Garden Collection showcases herbs found growing wild in the countryside of France. Lavender + Mint Syrup is the perfect sweet addition to drinks and desserts, Biking Through Burgundy spice mix helps make any dish one Julia Child would applaud and Revive tea is a rejuvenating green tea and mint blend that provides a boost of energy.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It’s delightful to produce something in your kitchen that is truly local.  Gardenaire allows us to move beyond produce and protein to flavorings and spices. Their packaging, presentation and quality make this set perfect for a hostess gift, holiday giving or as a treat just for yourself.  You’re sure to feel the whimsy of Gardenaire!

Old Abe Coffee Co. is a company that serves coffee as a front for having fun. This cold brew comes in a blue bottle to remind you to drink it cold. Old Abe cold brews all his coffee (including the hot stuff!). This means a more balanced, smoother coffee that has considerably less acid than hot brewed coffee. For recipes or suggestions, shoot Abe an email anytime!

WHY WE LOVE IT: Old Abe is clearly distinguishable in the Rochester MN coffee scene as he serves his delicious brew from his jaunty bicycle cart.  Just another reason why drinking his coffee is so much fun! You can find him downtown during the weekdays, at the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays and at select events around town. The Cold Brew Concentrate is the perfect base for all your coffee concoctions.

Waterfolk Goods is a local shop in Rochester, MN. It was founded by two sisters as a creative outlet for showcasing their love of art and design.  Waterfolk Goods offers a curated collection of art prints, handcrafted items, and local apparel.  The items are designed locally and often give love to their home state of Minnesota.  Check back to their Instagram and Facebook often as they prepare to launch their online shop!

WHY WE LOVE IT: This gold foil print has an air of ease about it…not fussy, but beautiful in design and simplicity.  Equally at home in office decor as it is on the bookshelf in the living room, this print will is the perfect addition to your home styling and gift giving needs!

Chocolaterie Stam has been family owned and operated since 2008 proudly serving Belgian chocolates made by the Stam family since 1913. They also serve fresh gelato made on site with organic milk from a local Iowa dairy. The 4pc Clear Deluxe box is a popular gift box as it displays the beauty of handmade chocolates in a simple yet elegant display.

WHY WE LOVE IT: What’s not to love about artisan crafted chocolates?  The perfect mid-week “just because” treat.  A true bonus is a visit to their shop where the chocolates and gelato are beautifully displayed.  A little taste of Europe in downtown Rochester!

Lux Boutique/Flowers by Jerry is a three generation women-owned family boutique.  They are located in TJ Maxx Plaza where they specialize in hand picking quality and unique apparel, gifts, home decor and yes, even flowers!

WHY WE LOVE IT: The Scout Market Tote is definitely your go to bag. From running to the grocery store, to family road trip “miscellaneous items” tote,  it is the perfect size to do it all! The durability and strength is unsurpassed, and has 2 different length handles for carrying convenience. To top it off, it is light weight and folds together for easy storage.

Ballerina Botanicals is an organic skincare company run by a ballerina and her mom who handcraft their products with essential oils. This Vitamin E Complex Eye Serum goes deep into the skin to take away puffiness under the eyes, wrinkles, age spots, and dark circles. It specifically targets aging skin to replenish its natural beauty. Frankincense, Lavender, and Lemon are a trio powerhouse for aging skin and will provide the under eye area with all the nutrients it needs to reverse aging.

WHY WE LOVE IT:  Motherhood can produce some dark under-eye circles, no?  Too many late nights and early mornings can leave us looking a bit *fatigued.* We love this eye serum. Not only does it help with our puffy eyes, it is made with gentle ingredients so is suitable for the most sensitive skin!

The primary purpose of Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. is to make products for people with sensitive skin. You can be assured that they go to great lengths to select ingredients that are safe and effective and are suitable for their customers.  Their  Lite Lotion (and every product) is free of dyes, fragrance, masking fragrance, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde, and formaldehyde releasers. All of their products have been tested to be gluten-free. These products are for people who need or want to avoid common chemical irritants.

WHY WE LOVE IT: When our skin needs some TLC – some REAL TLC – we reach for our Vanicream Lite Lotion every time.  Not only does this lotion keep our skin moisturized, it is perfect for our kids and their sensitive skin.  This product is iconic and we are proud to have it made in Rochester.  Make sure to stock up for cooler weather and drier air!

eth’tique is Rochester MN’s first fashion truck. They specialize in ethical and fair trade women’s fashion. By visiting eth’tique in one of their regular parking lot locations, going to see them at a special event or scheduling your private party, you are supporting artisans across the world as they earn a fair wage while utilizing their one of a kind talents. eth’tique carries the latest trends with a global impact.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The Tribe Alive dot studs are handmade in Honduras by talented artisans that are earning a fair wage. With a lovely simplicity, they are sure to complement every outfit. Tribe Alive (the brand) is focused on poverty relief and dignified employment through partnerships with artisanal groups worldwide.

Dwell Local is a lifestyle, an attitude, a feeling. With locally found, vintage, repurposed, Minnesota themed accessories, handcrafted pieces, art, jewelry, soaps, furniture, soy candles, and more this is a one stop unique local shopping experience.  With so many unique artisans represented, there are always new items to choose from on every trip!

WHY WE LOVE IT: Made in house, we love the Dwell Local hand poured, 100% soy wax candles in covered tins and vintage containers. They come in a variety of scents including coffee, green grass, victorian pine, chardonnay and our favorite…spice.  The perfect scent for fall!

Victoria’s believes in serving their customers scratch-made dishes that fill you up and keep you coming back for more. Large portions, fresh ingredients and friendly service await you…dateci sotto (dig in)!

WHY WE LOVE IT: There is an easy familiarity with Victoria’s.  We know the food will be delicious and the service outstanding each and every time we visit…which is why it has become such a perennial favorite.  And did we mention that kids eat free with an adult entree?  That’s reason enough for us to love Victoria’s.  It doesn’t hurt that their wine list is also fabulous and their handmade pastas are divine.