Market Watch: The Lavender Pig

WORDS Katie Lindgren  PHOTOS Luke Lindgren

A few months ago I was given a bar of hand soap as a gift.  As I held it in my hands I realized it was made locally in Hope Hull, Alabama by The Lavender Pig.  Its scent said Bergamot Grapefruit, and after one whiff I was hooked; it smelled incredible.  I never realized that something so small like a bar of soap could cause me to stop and evaluate the products I use in my everyday life.  But using something that was made by hand with care, and then shaking hands with the person who made it, takes the experience to a whole other level.  Every time I use this soap, it leaves my hands soft, clean, and the delightful scent lingers. I know who made it, how they made it, what ingredients are in it, and most importantly, that it won’t harm my skin.  

I met with The Lavender Pig owner and creator Leigh Black at The Montgomery Curb Market to talk about what she makes, and how The Lavender Pig came to exist.  She explained that she started making soap because she had a skin sensitivity that prevented her from using over the counter products.  Unfortunately, Leigh was forced to use soaps that had no scent.  After she tried a homemade soap that smelled great and didn’t irritate her skin, she knew she had to make her own.  

Making soap was only the beginning; because in addition to her bar soap Leigh now makes lotion, lip balm, body scrubs, shampoo, conditioner, and so much more.  She even makes natural flea repellent for dogs.  The Lavender Pig offers upwards of 70 different fragrances and flavors, and she is still expanding, experimenting, and growing.

To learn more you can visit her website www.thelavenderpig.com, or you can e-mail her at leigh@thelavenderpig.com.  She has a booth at the Montgomery Curb Market, which is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 7am-1pm.   

Market Watch: Southern Sweetie Pies at The Curb Market

WORDS Katie Lindgren  PHOTO Luke Lindgren

I don’t know about you, but October marks the start of my favorite time of year.  The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and many of my favorite fall traditions have begun.   Many people believe that when the weather changes and summer has come to a close, all the farmers markets have closed.  I am happy to tell you that is not the case.  Just because many of our favorite summertime vegetables are no longer in season does not mean that markets are closing up for the winter.  At the Montgomery Curb Market and Fairview Farmers Market there are still a lot of great things happening.  From now until Christmas, we will be taking a closer look at some of the vendors at the Montgomery Curb Market.  It is a covered building, all the walls open up, and the booths are defiantly old-fashioned. This place is a gem, and stepping inside has an air of stepping back in time.  If you have never visited the Montgomery Curb Market, take the time to stop by.  It’s very fun.  The market is located at 1004 Madison Ave, in historic downtown Montgomery.  It is open year round on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from 6am - 2pm. 

I have to admit, I have a special interest in this market because I have a booth there.  I love gardening and I truly appreciate the hard work that goes into it.  But no matter how good my intentions are I cannot concoct the perfect tomato.  I love meeting farmers, too.  There is something about knowing where your food comes from, how it is grown and handled, that makes you feel better about eating.  Maybe it is all in my mind, but I swear it tastes better, too.  Southern Sweetie Pies (owned by myself, Katie Lindgren) specializes in Fried Pies.  Growing up my family always had fried pies at Thanksgiving.  I wanted to share that love with other people so I began making them.  I am new to the market and so far it has been a great experience.  I focus on made from scratch pies with seasonal fillings, and I hand make every single one of them.  When possible I try to buy my produce from farmers at the Montgomery Curb Market.  Every Saturday during fall I have apple, pumpkin, and sweet potato Sweetie Pies, and also bake blueberry, cherry, and peach during the spring and summer months.  Sometimes I get adventurous and try different fillings, but these are the six essential flavors that I make.
 
For updates and news you can find Southern Sweetie Pies on Facebook or on Instagram @SouthernSweetiePies.  Starting this month I will begin taking orders for Thanksgiving and Christmas at SouthernSweetiePies@gmail.com.