The Freckled Frog

Get Great Arkansas-made Crafts 
                                 at The Freckled Frog 

     The Freckled Frog, which sells handcrafted items made exclusively by Arkansans, has enlarged its space downtown and is chock-full of exciting and modestly priced gifts for the holidays.

      Sadie Nuffer, who co-owns the charming shop with Erika Robbins, said the shop has lots of new handicrafts perfect for gift giving this season.

     “We have some cool old-fashioned wooden toys,” Mrs. Nuffer said. “And, Kate Walters , a junior at Central High School, is designing and printing her own tee shirts.”

     The shop is also now selling hand-blown glass from Plaid Grasshopper of Hot Springs.

      “We have goat milk soap, lotions and lip balm from Tammy Sue’s Critters.”

     Tammy Sue Pope raises her own goats on a farm in the Cato community on the border of Pulaski and Faulkner counties.  The goats share the farm with horses, chickens, dogs, cats and a llama.  Her products are made from fresh goats’ milk, oils and herbs, many of which she grows herself. All of her soaps are made in small batches in her kitchen.  Each bar is hand cut and trimmed, wrapped in fabric and beribboned. 

    Another new product is local honey from K-Bee Apiaries in Sherwood, which is owned by Larry Kichler, 2nd vice president of the Arkansas Beekeepers Association.

    Gary Higgins of  Alexander has brought in some coin rings made from French coins, shillings and coins from the Republic of Kenya.

     “We have all the Nativ stuff,” Sadie said.  “And we have tee shirts and tea towels and things from Tiffany O’Brien’s Eccentric Dose. They are all Razorback themed.

     “We have amazing soy candles. They are being made just for us now, and they come in many amazing flavors. These are the best soy candles you can find - the best ones we’ve ever come across.  They are clean burning.  It’s the only (candle line) we sell.”

    Other great stuff The Freckled Frog carries includes jewelry starting at just $3, infant clothing, scarves, hats, fingerless gloves, patchwork skirts and Arkansas quartz crystal jewelry.

      The shop specializes in custom-made jewelry.  Sadie said they will be making custom jewelry up until the week before Christmas. You may bring in beads, jewelry pieces or other things from home to be incorporated into custom pieces. The shop also has a large collection of beads and things with which to make your own unique jewelry. 

     The Freckled Frog has been doing well in its location at 419 President Clinton Avenue adjacent to Cache Restaurant. The shop has expanded into space once shared with the herb store Dandelion, which closed earlier this year.

       “We are doing good. It’s really fun meeting all the tourists from all over the world and showing off the Arkansas we love. We’ve meet a lot of really cool people,” Sadie said.

    The shop offers free gift wrap.  For information, call 514-2060.

Pinot's Palette Painting Studio in Pleasant Ridge Town Center

’Tis the Season for Fun;  Start at Pinot’s Palette

     Party with friends, loved ones and coworkers this December at Pinot’s Palette, and have a great painting at the end to remember the occasion.  

    The studio in the Pleasant Ridge Town Center in west Little Rock has a great wine bar (with good beers too), a comfortable lounging area and a buffet where you can put out your snacks or catered goodies.

     Art sessions in December include Vintage Christmas, Moonlit River, Evergreen Dream, Noel’s Twilight, Winter Railroad, A Snowy Night, Rustic Snowman and Peace Love Joy.  The paintings can be viewed at the studio’s website, pinotspalette.com.  It has class schedules, images of the paintings and prices.  

     There are three holiday paintings that incorporate real lights: Jolly Christmas Lights, Snowman’s Bliss, and Baby It’s Cold Outside. And there will be a wooden door ornament art session.

     Gift certificates are available. For information, call owner Lisa Montgomery at 588-1661.

    

Scallions

Let Scallions Cater Your Event

    Or Be Your Own Caterer with Bulk Takeout 

     For almost three decades Scallions in the Heights has been providing fresh-made, delicious food to Little Rock.

     Let the restaurant be your caterer for your holiday events, and give your guests the gift of delicious soups, sandwich trays, hot entrees and mouth-watering desserts.

     Scallions has the best soups in Little Rock.  If you have never tasted its cheese soup, you have done a real disservice to your tastebuds. Scallions chicken salad is legendary.  The quiche is to die for.

     The restaurant will cater your events, or prepare a tray for you to take to parties for work. It provides business lunch delivery and has lunch gift certificates that make great stocking stuffers.

     If you want to do your own catering, Scallions’ wonderful menu items are available to go in bulk. Did someone say poppyseed muffins?  

     Scallions is  located at 5110 Kavanaugh Blvd. For information, call 666-6468.

Events in Little Rock December 2015

The Tree 

     First Baptist Little Rock, 62 Pleasant Valley Drive, will present The Tree again this year.

     It was scheduled for December 11, 12 and 13, but another performance has been added on December 10 because of the great ticket sales.

     The Tree will have a cast of more than 250 people and a 40-foot living Christmas tree. There will be 150 singers, a 35 piece orchestra, dancing, dramatic presentations and more. 

    Performance times are 7 p.m. December 10, 11 and 12, and 3 p.m. December 12 and 13. Tickets are $5 for reserved seating. Visit thetree.christmas to order your tickets.   

Holiday Crafts Open House 

    The Plantation Agriculture Museum will open its grounds and buildings to the public for its fifth annual Holiday Crafts Open House 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. December 19. 

   You can enjoy making crafts while sipping hot cocoa and nibbling on family favorite treats.  Crafts that can be taken home include: felted soap, gilded walnut Christmas ornaments, cotton boll angels, holiday cotton potholders and more.  The museum’s annual Christmas graham-cracker house contest will be conducted while crafts and activities are presented to visitors. The museum’s gift shop will have storewide 20% discounts.  

    Admission to the museum and Christmas treats are free. Participation in the craft making is $2 per craft or $20 for the entire family. The Museum is 20 minutes from Little Rock at the junction of U.S. Hwy. 165 and Arkansas Hwy. 161. For information, call Linda Leatherwood at 961-1409. 

Nog-off

     Historic Arkansas Museum has one of the most fun holiday events each year with its Nog-off.

     The Museum’s 11th Nog-off, a culinary celebration of this favorite Christmas drink and a friendly competition for the best eggnog in town, will be held 5 - 8 p.m. December 11.

     It is free and open to the public.  The Museum is located at 202 East Third St. Free parking is available.  

Tim Ernst Photography

    Experience the stunning nature photography of Tim Ernst ”A Rare Quality of Light- 40 Years of Wilderness Photography,” which will be exhibited 1 - 4 p.m. December 13 at the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center downtown. It is free and open to the public. 

     Mr. Ernst is a nationally recognized photographer, and his images will inspire you to explore the natural beauty of our state. The center is located at 602 President Clinton Avenue. 

The Gingerbread Man’s Excellent Christmas Adventure

  “The Gingerbread Man’s Excellent Christmas Adventure” will be presented at the Arkansas Arts Center’s Children’s Theatre December 4 - 20.

      Tickets are $12.50 or $10 for Arts Center members and groups of 10 or more.  Children under the age of 2 will be admitted free.

  Enjoy this wacky holiday adventure with your kids.  arkarts.com.

Holiday Pops 

     The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s most popular and longest running tradition brings holiday cheer to music lovers of all ages.  

   Performances will be 7:30 p.m. December 18 and 19 and 3 p.m. December 20 at the Connor Performing Arts Center, 12701 Hinson Road in west Little Rock. 

     Adult tickets range from $19 to $58. Student and active military tickets will be $10.  Kids will be admitted free. For more information, visit arkansassymphony.org.  

The Circus

     Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus will be at Verizon Arena December 23, 26 and 27.  Show times are: 7 p.m. December 23; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. December 26; and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. December 27.

     Tickets start at $10 for kids and $20 for adults.  975-9131. 

     The Arkansas Chamber Singers will present The Peace of Christmas December 11-13 at the Old State House Museum.  This concert is free and open to the public.

     It will be held 7 p.m. December 11 and 12 and 3 p.m. December 13.  It will feature traditional music for the season.

Santa at the Capital Hotel

     Inside the Capital Hotel’s festively decorated lobby, Santa will meet with kids to hear their Christmas wishes.  Bring your children to meet Santa 1 - 3 p.m. December 6, 13 and 20. This event is free and open to the public. 

     In addition, there will be two opportunities to hear stories read by Santa around the Capital Hotel Christmas tree:  6 - 8 p.m. December 21 and 22.  The cost is $10.

Christmas Cookies 

     The Capital Hotel pastry chef will give a lesson in cookie decorating 10 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. December 19.  

    The cost is $55 for one adult and one child. Decorate cookies and take them home. 

Rabbi Ira Sanders and Clarence Darrow Debate Explored

Reenactment of 1930 Debate 

   On November 3, 1930, the nationally-known religious skeptic Clarence Darrow debated immortality with Rabbi Ira Sanders at Little Rock High School in an auditorium packed with more than 2,000 people. This event will be explored anew as the Central Arkansas Library System's 2015 Sanders Distinguished Lecture 6:30 p.m. December 3 at Ron Robinson Theater, 100 River Market Avenue. The event is free and open to the public, and will include a reception. The reenactment is in conjunction with Temple B'nai Israel's sesquicentennial anniversary.

    Jason Thompson (Rabbi Sanders) spent ten years acting, writing, and directing for Red Octopus and was in several  Arkansas Repertory Theatre  productions. Mark Johnson (Clarence Darrow) has appeared in many Rep plays and is an artist whose paintings are shown at Stephano's Gallery.

    The Sanders Distinguished Lecture was established in 2000 to commemorate Rabbi Sanders’ forty years of service on the Boards of Trustees of Little Rock Public Library and CALS. Reservations are requested, but not required. RSVP online via Eventjoy or call 918-3000.

 Diane's

 For more than 30 years, Diane's Gourmet Luxuries has been the place to shop for delicious food for the holidays, and this year you can also select lots of fun items to spruce up your table - and pick up some great gifts to boot. 

     Catering from Diane's 

 Owner Diane Knight has stocked a fun selection of gifts and table decor.  Check out the holiday napkins, placemats, cool trays and whimsical cups.

Entrees from Diane's 

  Diane's does the best baskets. They are carefully prepared and include hand-written messages, as well as delivery or mailing if you wish.

    

 Thanksgiving food must be ordered by November 20.  Diane's Gourmet Luxuries is in The Market Place shopping center, 11121 North Rodney Parham.  224-2639. 

Opera Star Kristin Lewis

Opera Star Kristin Lewis Will Perform 

November 22 at Wildwood Park 

  International opera star Kristin Lewis will perform 4 p.m. November 22 at Wildwood Park for the Arts to benefit her scholarship fund for emerging Arkansas vocalists.

    Ms. Lewis is a former resident of Little Rock and was graduated from the University of Central Arkansas. She has been much lauded for her interpretations of Verdi heroines. 

   Ms. Lewis was formerly a section leader in the choir at Second Presbyterian Church, and she began her vocal studies at the University of Central Arkansas under the guidance of Dr. Martha Antolik. After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she continued with her Master of Music studies at the University of Tennessee. She now resides in Vienna, Austria, where she regularly appears on some of the world’s greatest opera stages in performances of Aida, Il Trovatore, I due Foscari, Turandot, Don Giovanni, and more.

  At the November benefit concert, Ms. Lewis will perform arias from works by Verdi and Gounod, a suite from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, and the second act of Puccini’s La Boheme. Internationally renowned American bass-baritone Kevin Short will appear as a guest artist on the program. Korean collaborative pianist and University of Arkansas at Little Rock music professor Kyung-Eun Na will also perform. Bevan Keating, artistic director for the Little Rock performing arts organization Praeclara, will conduct.

   Tickets may be purchased online at wildwoodpark.org or by calling 821-7275. General admission is $50, and student tickets are $15. VIP seating and parking are available for $100 per ticket. A percentage of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Kristin Lewis Foundation Vocal Scholarship, which benefits singers between the ages of 18 and 23 who are pursuing a degree in vocal performance or music education or a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in voice. The scholarship funds tuition expenses, master class participation, and opportunities for national or international exposure for singers studying both inside and outside the state of Arkansas. Applications for the 2016 awards will be due next spring. 

    Ms. Lewis wants to help music students pursue their dreams. “The purpose of my foundation is to encourage Arkansas music students at all levels to pursue their education and enable them to receive the inspiration and guidance they need to achieve their dreams,” she said.

  For more information, contact the Kristin Lewis Foundation at kristinlewisfoundation@gmail.com.

Events in Little Rock November 2015

Way of the Warrior 

     "Way of the Warrior" will be presented 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. November 18 at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History, 503 East Ninth St. 

     The documentary examines the visceral nature of war and the bravery of Native-American veterans who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War–and came to grips with the difficult post-war personal and societal conditions.  It is free and open to the public. 

     The program honors the endurance and sacrifice of individuals such as Mitchell Red Cloud (Ho-Chunk), a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient and Ira Hayes (Pima), one of the flag raisers on Iwo Jima.  Their stories are examined through what it means to be “ogichidaa,” one who protects and follows the way of the warrior.  Popcorn and beverages will be provided. 

      For information, call Rachel Miller at 376-4602.

American Indians and Alaska Natives in America’s Wars

     The Sequoyah National Research Center and the Arkansas History Commission will be hosting a free symposium from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. November 14 at Stabler Hall, Room 107, at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. 

     The symposium’s theme, American Indians and Alaska Natives in America’s Wars, will feature speakers Mary Jane Warde, Erin Fehr, Dr. Bob Sanderson, Dr. Daniel F. Littlefield, Jane Wilkerson, and Karen Russ. Topics include The Destroying Hand of War, Alaska Natives and Their World War II Service in the Alaska Territorial Guard, Vietnam Warriors, and Resources for Studying Native Americans in America’s Wars. The symposium is free and a light lunch will be provided. Teachers can earn up to four professional development hours through attendance. Registration is limited. The deadline for registration is November 9., 

      For more information about the symposium, please call Tatyana Oyinloye at 682-6900 or email history.commission@arkansas.gov. 

 Our America:  

The Latino Presence in American Art 

   Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art, an exhibition of modern and contemporary Latino art from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, will be on display through January 17 at the Arkansas Arts Center.

   The exhibition presents the rich and varied contributions of Latino artists in the United States since the mid-20th century, when the concept of a collective Latino identity began to emerge. The exhibition is drawn entirely from the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s pioneering collection of Latino art. 

    Our America presents works in all media by 72 leading modern and contemporary artists. The exhibition includes works by artists who participated in all the various artistic styles and movements, including abstract expressionism; activist, conceptual and performance art, as well as classic American genres such as landscape, portraiture and scenes of everyday life. 

    The civil rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s galvanized Latino artists across the United States. They created new images of their communities and examined bicultural experiences. Artists featured in the exhibition reflect the rich diversity of Latino communities in the United States. Our America showcases artists of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban and Dominican descent, as well as other Latin American groups with deep roots in the United States. By presenting works by artists of different generations and regions, the exhibition reveals recurring themes among artists working across the country.  arkansasartscenter.org. 

Social Conscience Gathering 

    The Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site will host a three-day Social Conscience Gathering November 20 - 22 at Embassy Suites, 11301 Financial Centre Parkway. 

    In commemoration of the end of the American Civil War, the establishment of the National Park Service, the Civil and Voting Rights Acts, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site calls for global citizens to explore the human realities of oppression and participate in conscience engagement to begin a journey from awareness to action. The Gathering will bring together academics, activists, artists, clergy and policy makers to discuss the far reaching impact of civil war to civil rights, as it relates to history of oppression at home and abroad, identify barriers to social change, cultivate empathy for other people and cultures, and forge new paths toward global equality. Topics of discussion will include the legacy of the American Civil War and Reconstruction, the impact of the civil rights movement, the history of structural oppression and inequality, the state of American and global historical education, community activism, American health policy, drug policy, gender inequality, principles of nonviolence and dialogue and reconciliation across religious divides.

   The cost is $100 for the full event and $50 per day.  For more information, cal 374-1957.

God’s Man in Texas

      God’s Man in Texas by David Rambo will be performed November 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 at The Weekend Theater, 1001 West Seventh St.  

      In this story, faith and egos collide in the age of mass-market religion at Houston’s Rock Baptist Church. A search committee has been secretly formed to find a successor to Rock’s legendary pastor, and a young up-and-comer is asked to audition for the job. The biblical struggle climaxes during the church’s spectacular Christmas parade. The play will be directed by Allison Pace.

      The cost is $16 for adults, $12 for students and seniors. It will be shown 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. The box office and the theater open one hour prior to curtain. For more information, call James Norris at 374-3761.

Nadeau - Furniture With a Soul

     Nadeau - Furniture with a Soul has opened a new store in Pleasant Ridge Town Center.  It will celebrate the opening 1 - 4 p.m. November 15. Enjoy refreshments and see its collection of quite reasonably priced hand-crafted furniture. For information, call Tresa Rabchuk at 904-2243.

Celtic Food & Whiskey

        Join Chef Suzanne Campbell 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. December 1 for an evening of the history of Celtic foods plus their pairing with whiskey, or if you prefer, whisky.  Ms. Campbell is the resident English chef at the Pulaski Tech Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Institute, 13000 Interstate 30.  She will prepare Scottish and Irish Christmas dishes with a whisky tasting. 

       Pre-registration is required by November 27.  The cost of the class is $90. 

    For more information, call Emily Martin at 907-6670 or write  esmartin@pulaskitech.edu.

CARTI's 2015 Festival of Trees

     CARTI’s 2015 Festival of Trees will be held November 18 - 21 at the Statehouse Convention Center, 101 East Markham St.

     The Sugar Plum Ball will start off the event 6 - 8:30 p.m. November 18.  Tickets are $40, and sales are limited.  Festival After Dark will be held 7 p.m. November 18.  Tickets are $50.

The Festival of Fashion will be held 5 - 7:30 p.m. November 20.  Tickets are $50.  Stroll Through the Forest will be held 1:30 - 4 p.m. November 20.  

     Tux ‘n Trees, CARTI's signature black tie event, will be held starting at 6 p.m. November 21.  Tickets are $200.  For tickets, visit carti.com.

 The Cate Brothers Band

   The Cate Brothers Band will give a special performance 7 p.m. November 20 at the Ron Robinson Theater, 100 River Market Avenue.  The cost is $20.

   Music legends Earl and Ernie Cate, twin brothers from Fayetteville, have performed blue-eyed soul and rock music since the 1960s at clubs throughout the South. Both are singers, with Earl on guitar and Ernie on piano. At this show, they will perform their best songs, including the hit “Union Man."

Brooklyn Rider

  The string quartet Brooklyn Rider will perform chamber music 7:30 p.m. November 19 at Wildwood Park for the Arts. The group has drawn rave reviews from classical, world, and rock critics alike. The Los Angeles Times dubs it  "one of the wonders of contemporary music.” The Chamber Music  Society of Little Rock partnered with Wildwood to bring the quartet to Little Rock.   wildwoodpark.org.

Merry Pranks

  Merry Pranks by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will be presented 7 - 9 p.m. November 17 at the Clinton Presidential Library.       

  Tickets are $23 and $10 for students and active military. 

  For information, visit arkansassymphony.org.

arkansassymphony.org

Fashion Exchange Celebrates 6th Anniversary

Fashion Exchange 

     Trecia Francois’ upscale ladies’ consignment boutique in west Little Rock, Fashion Exchange, is having its sixth anniversary this month.

     Since Mrs. Francois opened her resale shop in October 2009, she has greatly expanded it, moving to a larger location at 400 North Bowman and expanding that location in 2013 into space next door, making her chic shop a whopping 4,000 square feet.  The interior is a bright, attractive space that artfully displays stylish clothing, handbags, footwear and jewelry.

     Trecia has enjoyed creating this special space where women and good clothing at a reasonable price come together.

     “I love clothes myself, and I love offering women an affordable way to restock their closets each season with the latest trends. I also feel like our store makes high-end labels available to 'regular women' like myself with families and budgets, and that makes me feel good. It's also really fun to see all the new stuff coming in each week. It's like Christmas for me and the other girls working for us. You only get that surprise in resale. You never know whats going to come in!”

     Fashion Exchange sells brand name clothing in junior, misses and plus sizes.  You will find designer clothing too, as well as vintage jewelry, designer handbags, boots, jeans, coats and some formal wear.  Brand names include Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, Brahmin, True Religion, Miss Me, Tory Burch, Ralph Lauren, Coach, Fossil, Vera Bradley, BCBG, Chico’s, Talbot’s, The Loft and Anne Taylor.     

     Trecia’s philosophy about resale is one that she often uses as a tag line in her advertising:  “Why pay the difference when you can’t tell the difference?” 

     “I can buy an authentic high-end bag at my store for a third of what they cost in the department stores. I don't have to compromise on quality and we get stuff in excellent condition, often times with tags still on! I don't see a need to pay more for the same thing.”

     When Shoppe Talk was at the shop in September, there were lots of beautiful boots on display and a bunch of Razorback items.

    “We have more great game day looks than ever. We asked our customers and consignors to bring us some fabulous hogs’ gear and they totally came through.  We got a boatload of really cute Razorback-logo tees, tops, and accessories, as well as just a lot of great red dresses, tops, jewelry, etc., that would work for tailgating and game days.”

     Other fall and winter items are arriving daily.  “Lots of great trendy cardigans and sweaters are coming in as well as some very cute leather and pleather jackets and vests and flannel shirts, which are big this fall.”

     Trecia has four employees right now, including her daughter, Danielle, who has been working at the shop for two years.  “This season she is taking on more in terms of our marketing and also overseeing our day-to-day more. She is taking on a management role and will be here four days a week now.”

     Fashion Exchange has a website: fashionexchangeresale.com.  “Our website is a great place to get information about our store, see photos of the type of merchandise we carry, learn everything about how our consignment works, and see a copy of our consignment contract. I also recommend following us on Instagram and Facebook to see our new inventory in real time and learn about specials and sales.”

    Trecia will be having an anniversary celebration October 1.   “Besides the date I don't have details yet, but our Facebook and Instagram will be great places to watch for more information on that event. We have our Girls' Night Out shopping parties after hours about every six weeks, and it’s always a great turn out and just a fun time, and this one will be a big one since it's also our ‘Birthday Party.’  Speaking of our Girls' Night Out events - they are open to the public, there's always a special deal of some sort, and we always announce them on our Facebook and Instagram. And we send emails reminding everyone on our email list.

    “Another special perk we offer is our rewards program. You can earn rewards by signing up with us in store. We will track all your purchases and once you have spent $300 in our store, you earn $10 off regular-priced merchandise. With this program you will also receive a birthday card from us every year with a special coupon. There's no card or papers to keep up with. Once you are signed up all we need is your name when you check out, and the computer will keep up with your rewards and tell us when to give you your discount. This is also how you receive emails with exclusive information about our sales, new arrivals, and Girls' Night Out events. We have lots of regulars who love this program.”

     Fashion Exchange is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may reach Trecia at 227-7776.

The Water Buffalo

The Water Buffalo 

         The Water Buffalo has everything you need to effortlessly make beer or wine, grow your own organic veggies, make homemade cheese, pickle stuff, or grow a year's worth of mushrooms for a fraction of the grocery store price.

    All the supplies can be found in the shop, 106 South Rodney Parham. If you want a bit more encouragement, The Water Buffalo offers free classes in all of those activities.

     "I do like what I do.  It's a lot of fun," Nolen Buffalo said.  "This is a science shop.  If you've got just a little bit of geek or a little bit of nerd, you'll find something you want to do."

     The Water Buffalo is a family business owned by Mr. Buffalo, his wife, Sarah, and his parents, Doug and Sue Buffalo.  

     It is the result of "a string of hobbies gone amok," Nolen said. 

     "I recognized there was an extremely limited local supply of things I needed to do my hobbies."  So he made a business plan, and with the help of his family and a local bank, he opened the business last November.  "Bank of the Ozarks made it all happen, so I have nothing but good things to say about those guys."

     One of Nolen's earliest hobbies began 17 years ago when he made his first batch of beer.

     His shop carries a wide variety of beer and wine making supplies.

     "We have probably the best selection of grains in 300 miles in any direction.  We have lots of malted barley. We have a variety of hops in stock, yeasts."

     Slang for some of his beer making kits is "Duncan Hines," because "they are about as easy as making a cake," he said.

     There are lots of different beer-making kits he has put together at the shop, crushing the grains and using proven recipes.  Kits are a good place to begin learning about making beer and wine.

     "It takes the nervous energy out of people getting started."

    Nolen considers wine making actually easier than beer making, because there is no cooking involved, but you have to have a bit of patience and wait for the wine to age a bit.

      "With wine making, you are not cooking.  It's like a cold soup.  You assemble the wine, and then you have to wait for it.

     "We have 22 different (pre-packaged) beer recipes and an infinite number of variables.  We have maybe 50 different wine kits in stock ready to go."

     The ingredient kits for beer range from $30 to $55, and for wine, $30 to $230.  "The more expensive kits typically have more ingredients or ingredients of a significantly higher caliber," he said.

   The shop offers a wide variety of utensils, pots, sanitizers and other items needed in beer and wine making. 

      It carries some pickling supplies, including "Pickl-it" jars, which are kind of like small "flip-top Mason jars with holes to allow CO₂ to escape during the fermentation process."

     The Water Buffalo stocks four types of kits for mak-ing cheese that range from $20 to $30.  

     Homemade cheese "is cheaper and it's better," Nolen said.  "It's just so fresh, and it's so easy."

      Some kinds of cheese can be made in as little as 45 minutes, he said, adding that cooks who use such quick batch cheeses, such as ricotta, should learn how to make them at home.  "Mozzarella is the same way.  It's easy and so good."

      The shop sells molds, presses, cheese cultures and rennet.

      More and more folks are wanting to grow their own veggies at home.

      "It gets addictive, being able to provide for yourself is a pretty good feeling.

     "Gardening is the fastest growing section of the store, for sure.  We can talk about growing organically.  We have the nutrients and the soil."

    Nolen said hydroponic gardening, growing in water without soil, is becoming more popular.  

  "The fastest growing technique in the world is aquaponics.  Aquaponics is growing fish, feeding them food and allowing their waste to feed the plants."

     It's a symbiotic arrangement that is very natural.  After the plants are nourished by the water from the fish, the plants clean the water, which is pumped back to the fish.  When the fish are big enough, out comes the frying pan. 

      Nolen sells an aquaponics system that consists of a 55 gallon food grade blue drum and a 2 x 4 foot tray in which the plants are grown.   It includes a pump, a timer and a little gravity-assisted draining.  It may be used indoors or out.

     If you grow indoors, the shop sells a variety of lights that vary in intensity, depending upon the crop.

    One thing you can grow indoors without additional lighting is mushrooms.

     "They are real simple, and you can grow them on the kitchen counter." 

   For types of mushrooms - elm oyster, blue oyster, shitake and lion's mane - in nutrients or on wood range from $22 to $25.

   "It's going to grow until it runs out of nutrients. … Potentially, that's a year's worth of mushrooms." 

    All of the classes at The Water Buffalo are free.

     "We teach you how to do everything we do in here." Nolen said. He teaches all of the classes except the pickling classes, which are taught by Christel Combs. 

  The shop is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.  For more information, call 725-5296 or email buffalo@thewaterbuffalo.com.  Visit thewaterbuffalo.com for a schedule of upcoming classes.