This list is brought to you by the businesses below. Each of these brands and businesses is truly our favorite and we personally solicited all companies for inclusion.

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 SE Minnesota. Whether it be a product or a locally owned shop (many of them mom-owned), all of these items are available in our region. We hope you will support these local businesses. Here are our favorite items for 2018!
People's Food Co-op
Not only is People’s Food Co-op our go-to for our every day groceries, produce and household staples, they also provide services to make your gatherings and parties beautiful! Their catering, bakery, deli and wine, beer & spirits departments make planning any size gathering a snap.
Why we love it: Trusting People’s Food Co-op to cater for a party is an easy decision for us. They are thorough, creative beautiful food and have a large variety to choose from. Our Favorite Things party featured a fruit and cheese tray, hummus and pita tray, caprese tray, a dessert, and a sangria made from wine available in the wine & spirits department. Check out all they have to offer for catering, bakery and deli or specialty menus!
River's Edge Market Garden
River’s Edge Market Garden specializes in micro greens, premium salad greens, tomatoes and garlic. Hand sown, hand harvested with chemical free agriculture and rich and sustainable soil production, River’s Edge Market Garden grows sustainable, fresh and and delicious produce year round. Find them year round the Rochester Downtown Farmers Market.
Why we love it: Their premium micro greens are the perfect additional to salads, side sides or as a beautiful finishing to a main course. These tiny greens offer a huge flavor punch. Our favorites are sunflower, radish and salad mix!
Paper & Penz
Paper & Penz is a custom hand-lettered sign company. Specializing in custom pieces, event sign rental and custom art, owner Autumn Penz decided to bring the passion for her craft into a business. Consider Paper & Penz for any speciality pieces for your home (kitchen, nursery, family spaces) as well as for your even signage needs. She has a variety of styles and sizes to fit the needs of your special occasion.
Why we love it: Autumn’s work is charming and heart-warming. There is something so special in knowing that a piece you have in your home is one-of-a-kind! We asked her to provide a sign with our favorite saying right now: No Grit, No Pearl. This is a helpful reminder to keep going when things get tough!
Scents of Hope
Scents of Hope is a brand new business in Rochester, MN. Margaret is the founder and candle maker at Scents of Hope. She creates candles using 100% soy wax blended with unique scents in a variety of sizes. Scents of Hope donates 25% of each sale to these nonprofits: Inheritance of Hope, and Creating Hope 4 Cambodia.
Why we love it: Margaret’s passion for candles is matched only for her passion to provide funds and resources for the non-profits close to her heart. The scent blends she creates are whimsical and cozy. We are featuring Lush Linen but she also has Juniper Breeze, English Garden and Grapefruit + Mint. All scents are available in 4 oz, 8 oz, and a set of 10 tea lights.
Pastor Bob's Grillin' Magic
Grillin’ Magic was created 30 years by Pastor Bob after he searched and searched for the perfect seasoning for meat, veggies and more. Grillin’ magic launched in 2016 to bring this secret family recipe to the Rochester community and beyond. This hand blended seasoning will bring some serious magic to your grilling game.
Why we love it: Grillin’ Magic takes the guess work out of grilling and seasoning. This blend makes it easy to quickly throw something on the grill – it turns out delicious every time! We also love to use it season vegetables, a finishing on side dishes and even have used it to sprinkle on salads and sandwiches!
Salty | Halotherapy
Salty specializes in Halotherapy (Dry Salt Therapy). Halotherapy is known for its many health benefits, and can be helpful in treating respiratory conditions, skin conditions, and much more. Salty features two beautiful Himalayan Salt Cave treatment room, and offers a wide variety of slat and wellness retail products.
Why we love it: Trina at Salty has truly invested herself into the promotion of Halotherapy. This mini oasis gives you the opportunity to relax in their one-of-a-kind salt therapy room. You might even begin to taste a bit of salt on your tongue by the end! Remember that feeling you have after after spending a day by the ocean? Your skin is happy and you breathe clearly. Get that feeling in a 20 minute session at Salty!
Little Thistle Brewing Co.
Desserts by Danna
Trail Creek Coffee
Favorite Things Reveal Party
Thanks to People’s Food Co-op for providing the beautiful food and drink for our Favorite Things reveal party!