Things have definitely been crazy lately. Being a new mom, making sure things are all organized or at least semi organized in the house, taking care of myself and everyone that resides or comes to our home (that’s also something I probably don’t necessarily have to do, but do anyways)...so having a girls day, even with the little guy, has been an amazing. We were going to go to Edmeston (my hometown) but with the impending rain, I did not want to chance it with my car. That’s a story for another day.
So, I saw a facebook event for The 2nd Annual Creekside Spring Artisan Market. It was only 10 minutes from the house. I had not been to a vendor event since prior to COVID. Being said, Annika (one of my closest girlfriends), my little guy, and myself decided to take a small trip to see some local small businesses. *I am a huge supporter of local small businesses as I used to have one myself and I have several friends and family that have one as well. Down the line, I will go ahead and make shout outs to each of them!*
First, we had to make a run out to Owego because my husband had the funds at the time. Before we headed there, big thanks to Annika, we ended up stopping at Paula’s Coffee House. Let me tell you…I LOVE PAULA’S! The vibe is phenomenal and fun in the cafe itself. The food is to DIE for. I had the blueberry muffin and Annika had a bagel and cream cheese. One thing that Annika and I both agree on is there needs to be a good portion of the bagel slathered in cream cheese and Paula’s did not disappoint! Then I had their Spring Fling Macchiato which has a Lavender flavor and Marshmallow mixed and I was in absolute heaven. At first, I was a little hesitant because all I could taste was the lavender and it was rather strong, but as it mixed together it was that great mix of floral and sweet. I would recommend 10 outta 10. I also had a Peppermint Latte the day of my wedding that my bridesmaid picked up for me and that also was PHENOMENAL. Thank goodness it is only 2 minutes away. May need another fix soon.
When we arrived at the vendor event I was ecstatic because I had missed the environment of these events IMMENSELY. I loved going to attend and also vend at these types of events. There were so many great small businesses. Whether it was jewelry, pottery, food, sweets and signs. There were SO many options. The entrance way was absolutely immaculate! I am a sucker for anything rustic and vintage. The environment was very relaxed, not chaotic and very well trafficked. As someone who likes to buy from small businesses, I ALWAYS go through, do a loop of the vendors, and then go back. Wish I had thought of it sooner and interviewed a few of them, but alas it was an afterthought. Anyway, I was also with my little guy who isn’t even 3 months old yet, so I wasn’t about to have him have a breakdown at a vendor event (even though I am sure people would most likely understand).
So, being said, here are the vendors that I ended up buying from;
First up is Trades of Hope. I met Richelle and she explained to me the meaning behind everything that she was selling and honestly, I love it. “We exist to create jobs for women to break cycles of poverty and trafficking.” If you go to their website, you will find more information. It’s amazing because they’re helping women and families in India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Haiti, and more! I ended up grabbing a red cat magnet because my mother in law and sister in law love cats just as much as I do and they love buying from Trade companies to help these individuals live better and happier lives and I cannot help but agree. https://tradesofhope.com/who-were-helping-impacting/
Next, we have Maslin’s Guarden. She sells macrame, plants, plant hangers and let me tell you, she is extremely talented! I truly had a hard time choosing what I wanted to buy because everything was made so intricately. Whether it was the colors, plants, or the pattern, everything she had was immaculate. She had items that were just decor. She had macrame for any and every plant and VERY well priced might I add. I have seen the items that she had out for 3x the amount that she is selling them at. She had macrame that helped carry yoga mats! That alone had me sold. I ended up purchasing a nice coral colored decor piece and it was absolutely gorgeous! I would absolutely recommend seeing her for your plant macrame needs.
After doing my little go around with Annika and the little guy, I ABSOLUTELY had to stop back at The Blue Barnette. She had SO many wood signs and they were so adorable. My son's nursery is themed after Frank Sinatra’s ‘Fly me To the Moon’ and I got him the sign for the room that says, “I love you to the moon and back again” and it’s the sweetest freaking thing! I would have 110% bought more if I wasn’t rolling on a budget, but I will buy from her again in the future because she has SO much to offer. Her prices were also really reasonable for the product. Even her business cards say that she does workshops. So, hell, who knows I may be able to attend one someday!
From the time that this event was announced to the event itself, I kept seeing posts regarding Sara’s Succulents. I had already heard about this business prior to the event as I had to research where I could potentially get succulent seeds since my mom was looking for them at one point. She doesn’t have seeds but she DEFINITELY has succulents. I “suc’d” right into it. That was an awful pun…I am so sorry. HAHA! Speaking of puns, I ended up purchasing a cactus in a bowl that said “Pretty fly for a Cacti” and I about DIED in laughter. I knew that was a sign or in this case a bowl. Again…sorry, but really, not sorry. I have a very little sense of humor and they’re primarily dad jokes. There were so many different designs I wasn’t exactly sure which one to choose! If you need succulents or are looking for them, Sara’s Succulents is the place to go!
Before we get into the food that we purchased, which all were amazing, I have one last vendor I bought from.
That vendor is Nealy Van Dyke Art. Let me just say I love anything and everything cottage core, rustic, vintage, her artwork just hit that spot for me. Between both myself, my sister in law and mother in law, as well as my mom, we all LOVE bees. So much so my mom even has her own hive. For my sister in law, Jacks (Jacqueline) I ended up finding a cute bee necklace and I bought an extra pendant to switch it in and out. I also ended up getting a bookmark for Annika because she loves reading. It took me a solid 15 to 20 minutes to leave her area because I absolutely LOVED everything that she had to offer. The fact that the art is all done by her is insane. She’s insanely talented. I again fully recommend checking out her work ESPECIALLY if you’re into the Cottage Core vibe.
Now for….THE FOOD
Annika, the little guy, and I again rummaged through the vendors and the 3 that really stood out for food were Galway Girl Bakes (I have had them before but not in a few years), Melissa’s Sweet Delights, and The Skeet-Lee Roost. All of them provided something unique and different.
My first stop though, was The Skeet-Lee Roost.
Growing up, my grandfathers on both my mom and dad’s side of the family made salsa’s, pickled veggies, etc. But, the absolute best thing that they would make was their jams! It has been YEARS since I have had a good spiced jam. My Grandpa Kupris made a KILLER red pepper jelly. That is until now. I will be coming to The Skeet-Lee Roost from now on for jams and jellies because it reminds me so much of those childhood memories of my family making jam. My first sample was the hot mustard and MY GOD I was in heaven. It has that smooth mustard texture with a kick of heat after it has been savored. After my go around to the vendors that was what I was initially going to buy. However, it was SO good that it ended up being sold out by the time I was able to come back. There is a runner up though! The pineapple habanero jam is well…my jam. Again, sorry for the dad jokes. But to be able to taste the sweet heat was like tasting the sweet decadent and zing of the pineapple followed by the heat of the habanero was just…ugh *chefs kiss*. I am so glad that she is in the Broome County area because I will absolutely be ordering from her again!
Right next to the Skeet-Lee Roost was Melissa’s Sweet Delights. I am a SUCKER for a chunky and chocolaty brownie and that’s what her brownies delivered. We ended up grabbing the brownie with the rainbow chips in it and though, alone and cold I was a little hesitant because I eat my brownies warm, but after I warmed it up when I got home, it was like it melted right in my mouth! The brownie had that amazing crisp crunchy outside with the smooth fluffy inside and the chips added that extra layer of yum. I was disappointed that I did not have any french vanilla ice cream at home because these brownies would make the absolute PERFECT brownie sundae. Kinda kicking myself for that. She actually had several gluten free options as well! So, if you have a gluten tolerance she’s the one to head to. Her cupcakes also looked divine! They looked fluffy and the icing was awesome.
Last but not least;
Galway Girl Bakes was located JUST as you walked in. When we arrived they were SLAMMED. I knew that I wanted to stop here because I truly enjoyed what I had bought prior a few years back. Again, this is why I decided to wrap around because I try to avoid extremely crowded vendors because as a prior vendor myself, I wanted to ensure that I was able to interact with every customer. When we returned for the second time to the front there were very few selections left. Which, let’s face it, we knew it was inevitable. Annika had seen these cute little containers labeled Red Velvet Oreo and let me tell you, I am a SUCKER for red velvet let alone oreo. So, we decided hell…why not. We grabbed two of the three that were remaining and that was the end of our vendor excursion. We ended up coming home to try the red velvet oreo and OH MY GOD. The smooth, rich, fluffy and gotta say it, the velvety flavor of the red velvet was addicting. Then the oreo and cream on the top and center, it was as if you’d drool after it melted on your taste buds. If you didn’t have one, you are honestly missing out!
If you are looking to potentially buy from any of these amazing vendors/artists/bakers I will post the links below!
The Skeet-Lee Roost: skeetleeroost@hotmail.com
Sara’s Succulents: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088675093803
Melissa’s Sweet Delights: https://www.facebook.com/melssweetdelights
Galway Girl Bakes: https://www.facebook.com/galwaygirlbakes
Nealy Van Dyke Art: https://www.facebook.com/nealyvandykeart
The Blue Barnett: https://www.facebook.com/nealyvandykeart
Maslins Guarden: https://www.facebook.com/maslinsguarden
Paula’s Coffee House: https://www.facebook.com/paulascoffee or https://www.toasttab.com/paulascoffeehouse/v3/?fbclid=IwAR28KoUjeP49ZoPmkHc4pzm1fakQjQKzDK5aEIgA9jmd3BdxRfuy1A0xO44&mode=fulfillment
Many of these businesses also have an instagram that is attached to their pages! So, PLEASE go out like, share, and buy from your local small businesses!
Thank you all so much for such a fun, happy, and phenomenal experience buying from you all! I can’t wait to buy from you all again!
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