Handmade Holiday Tomorrow

We are so excited to be participating in the Richmond Craft Mafia's Handmade Holiday event tomorrow, Saturday, December 5, at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery in Richmond. Come see us from 10 - 5!

Many thanks to RVA News for this great piece on The Daily Scrub!

Here's the intro written by Susan Howson...

"Rachel Chieppa found an unexpected outlet for her artistic leanings when her favorite soapmaker showed her the ropes. Now, she’s hooked on the endless possibilities of swirling colors and scents, making something truly unique every single time.

She is so very bubbly and cheerful about soap, that it made me remember how I used to insist on handmade soaps in fun fragrances. It truly does turn each morning shower into something that feels very luxurious and ends up making your skin feel perfectly nice.

Well, dang it, now I’m going to quit and become a soapmaker myself. Here’s what I learned after speaking with Rachel."

A Fall Cabin Retreat

We headed out to James River State Park for a little retreat over Halloween weekend!







We love the little cabins at the Park and had such a great time last year that we decided to go back again. The first thing we decided to do on Friday was take a hike!



Charlie was so excited to venture into the woods. He loves to hike on the trails. We hiked to the Tye River Overlook where the Tye and James Rivers meet.



We never get tired of this beautiful view!



The scenery is gorgeous!





We attempted a group photo!







It was a beautiful day for being outside!



Charlie really enjoyed the leaves as he always does!





We hiked over 7 miles that first day and then on the next day we took a little road trip up past Crabtree Falls to hike Spy Rock.

There was a field full of pumpkins on our way...



We parked and then started our journey!





The hike was a pretty steady uphill climb for almost 2 miles!



We even saw horses on the route!



Then there was the fork in the road...



My guys...



A little more...



And, we arrived...



Picture time...



Look at these smiles!



We made it to the top of the rock!





360 degree views!











And, then we had to make our way back down...



We choose a slightly easier route down than these folks...



I wasn't moving fast enough for Charlie!



The rocks were amazing...



Going down was a lot faster!



The faces after the hike!



On our way down we stopped at the Montebello Fish Hatchery! Really cool!



And, then a quick stop at the parking lot at Crabtree Falls!



And, another quick stop to check out the rushing water!



I just love our time together!



Such a magnificent view!



This was a little fuzzy, but we'll take it!



And, I asked Dynamo to stop so I could snap a picture of this beautiful church!



And, this sign down the road...



What a way to end a great day and trip! The little man enjoyed roasting like a marshmallow!



We really enjoyed our time relaxing and getting fresh air! The state parks are amazing and we are so blessed to have access to such beautiful sights. Be sure to check out Spy Rock and James River State Park. You won't be disappointed!

Mint Chocolate Chip is here!

The latest batch smells good enough to eat...literally!!



This mint chocolate chip is true to its name offering a delightfully chocolate fragrance with a hint of mint!

These bars were made as a favor for a recent bridal shower, and because they were such a hit we made more!!



We also added some coffee grounds for exfoliation! Yummy!