Small Business Saturday Everyday

This is one of those things I truly try to practice what I preach!  Personal attention, and great customer service are included when you shop local.  It's a great feeling walking into a store and being greeted by name.  You feel connected to this world in a way that all of our electronic personal devices can't provide.Granny and Pop's Produce - They make appearances at the Farmers Market in St. Andrews.  I always get the best items at great prices from them.  The produce also LASTS.  I was so tired of buying something from the store only to have it spoil within a day or two, such a waste! (I believe the market runs through Dec 15th and will start again after Mardi Gras)There are also several other vendors around, look for the habanero mustard!  It's delightful!!!Blue Fig - On 15th Street, I've never been disappointed.  The food is consistently tasty.  I love their salads and the red pepper and walnut spread.  The desserts in the cooler also look amazing.  Don't be fooled by ordering at the counter, you still get great service.Castaways - Used furniture store on Back Beach Road.  Great HIGH end furniture, always a variety of things available.  Dan and Nick are great to work with.  They also own Shore House Furniture and America's MattressPilates and More - Another great place to work out.  Amanda Koch is the owner and the studio offers a variety of classes and schedule times.  They even put together parties for the little ones!J.Barner Photography - Jeff is responsible for the great images that Balance and Peace has been using on our website and facebook.  He is reasonably priced, fun to work with and he really tries to get the images back to you as soon as possible!  I'm sure there is still time for some holiday pictures if you call him NOW!FishAle - I'm not a beer fan, so I can't speak for their selection, which is supposed to be amazing.  But, it's a great atmosphere to meet with friends.  They have a lunch and dinner menu.  The food is just good.Dat Cajun Place—Complete hole in the wall.  No tables, Just a lunch counter,  but great Gumbo and Daily Specials include Ettouffe or a Seafood Boil on Fridays! My friends from NOLA love this place, they write facebook posts about it.I also recently discovered Almost Eden Organic and Natural Foods.  While I haven't had a chance to try them yet they offer fresh produce baskets, grass-fed ground beef, milk and cheese.  Their Facebook page seems to be the most up to date with information.  If you check them out, please let me know what you think!