Wise Grasshopper

  • Ledger Coffee Roasters -- Crafted with Care

    Ledger Coffee Roasters -- Crafted with Care

    I have such a strong respect for the people who contribute to the making of our days. That's why I love Ledger Coffee, a micro-roastery and full-service coffee shop located in Garver Feed Mill, so much. The attention to detail in the exceptional product they craft, served up with intelligence and heart, is what makes the coffee experience at Ledger truly special. It's why I drive 15 minutes (almost daily) to obtain my current favorites: a Colombia double shot cortado or a hot, whole-milk cardamom latte created by people I have come to think of as friends.

     

    Opening in the fall of 2019 at Garver Feed Mill, Ledger began with owner Richard and 3 baristas, Annika, Hannah and Savannah. These three talented and kind individuals helped get me through the pandemic, the loss of a pet, and the loss of my mother. We've also shared in many of life's little joys, and discussions about shows, fashion, design, travel and books. What started as a coffee stop bloomed into a community I have come to rely on as part of my support system. 

     

    Annika and Hannah have moved on to exciting adventures in graphic design and a move abroad, respectively. Anna and Katie have joined the team and I look forward to getting to know them better. Savannah remains steady behind the bar and it's why I chose to highlight her for our tribute to the Coffee Break Festival. 

     

    Read on to find out what her favorite Ledger roast is and what drew her to a career in coffee. And stop in to the shop for a selection of my favorite whole-bean coffee!

     

    Q: How did your career in coffee get started?/What drew you to a career in coffee. 

     

    My first coffee job was 7 years ago at Brickhaus Cafe in Jefferson, WI. I was drawn to this spot because coffee was already an interest/hobby of mine so I figured getting a job at a shop would be a good way to learn more. At Brickhaus, I quickly learned that my co workers and the shop's customers were some of the most kind people I had ever met. Thanks to this wonderful experience, I decided to continue my coffee career when I moved to Madison. It is without a doubt the welcoming and genuinely kind community that I have found through coffee that keeps me in this industry. 

     

     

    Q: What is your favorite aspect of your job? 

     

    “My favorite aspect of working in coffee is getting to be a part of a nice moment in our customers' day. Coffee on its own can be a pretty insignificant thing but it does create an opportunity to meet new people and spread a little kindness.”

     

    Q: What is your favorite drink to make & what is your favorite drink to drink? 

     

    “My favorite drink to make is a 6oz whole milk cappuccino or a whole milk cortado. My favorite coffee drink at home is a light roast single origin (probably Ethiopia) Chemex. My favorite drink from a shop is a 12oz iced quad shot americano.”

    Q: Do you have a favorite region/bean that Ledger has sourced? What is its flavor profile? 

     

    “My favorite roast that Ledger has done so far is the natural anaerobic Ethiopia Guji. It was a light roast that was so bright and fruity it reminded me of strawberries and fruity pebbles. My favorite roast that we currently have is the Colombia. The Colombia is also a bright and fruity natural anaerobic.”

     

    Q: What does sharing coffee mean to you & do you have a favorite memory of a place/person you shared/experienced coffee?

     

    “To me, sharing coffee means wanting to give someone a little bright light in their day/life. It isn't very often that we get to make something delicious for others to experience and (hopefully) love so much it makes them hopeful or happy; but coffee is an easy and relatively inexpensive way we can do this for many people!”

     

    “My favorite coffee memory is with my partner, Ryan. We have coffee to thank for bringing us together because we met while we were both baristas at Brickhaus. We have been together for 6 years now and getting/making coffee together is still something I always look forward to.”

     

    Q: Have you experimented in roasting?

     

    “I have very little experience in roasting. But this is an area of growth I have to look forward to in this industry!”

     

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  • Things that Bring Jordan Joy

    Things that Bring Jordan Joy

    Meet Jordan!

    Jordan has been a shop employee at GG for a few years, and has loved being apart of the team. We asked Jordan about her personal style, and some of her favorite items in the shop.


    About Her Style

    "I would generally describe my style as simple. Most of my closet and room is filled with neutrals, green and brown being my absolute favorite. But with my style typically being filled with neutral colors, I usually add a pop of color or pattern. Some of our natural floral patterns at the shop are the perfect addition to a more simple style. You can usually find me using warm toned colors, which our shop is filled with. Here are some of my favorite products that either fulfill or compliment a neutral color pallet."

     

    Explore Camp Flag

    "I've spent a lot of my summer going to different state and national parks across the country (and Canada). I think that this flag embodies my desire to see the different beautiful places our country holds. Whether you're hanging this flag in your room, office, or living room, it's a great way to remind yourself to get out and explore!"

     

    Retro Pines Pullover

    "Building off of my love for the outdoors, this sweatshirt emphasizes the importance of leaving nature the way that we found it. I love the color pallette of this sweatshirt, with multiple tones making it easy to incorporate other colors into your outfit. Not to mention it's super soft, making it perfect for cooler nights out adventuring."

     

    Checkered Shell Locket Necklace

    "I've been eyeing up this locket for quite some time now, I love the off white paired with the very dark purple that can match with most outfits. It gets even better when you see the details in the antique gold plated chain that make it such a unique piece."

     

    Carmel Crossbody Sling

    "Now for the pop of color and pattern I was talking about earlier! This yellow sling incorporates white daisies, with hints of green that allow you to compliment your outfit easily. The pattern isn't overwhelming, and adds calm details to your outfit. I also love that the fabric used to make Maika products is easy to clean, making it a low stress bag."

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  • A Gift Guide for New Moms

    A Gift Guide for New Moms

    With the arrival of Kelsey’s (our Digital Marketing Director) beautiful baby girl, we wanted to celebrate all the new moms out there! We’ve curated some items perfect for gifting to the new moms in your life as they enter a new and exciting chapter.


    Help them show off their “mom pride” with one of our mom themed shirts, sweatshirts, and jewelry. The Mama Half-Moon necklace from hello Adorn, is the perfect way to honor motherhood everyday. The Rainbow Midwest Mama tee and the Revolutionary Love tee (which are both on sale at the moment!) are perfect to add some flair to any mother’s wardrobe. The Midwest Mama Sweatshirt is perfect for the upcoming cooler temperatures.

     

     

    New moms always have tons to carry, for their little one and themselves, so why not treat them to a new tote bag or backpack? These bold printed totes from Maika are the perfect size to haul around any items they may need throughout the day. These brand new mini backpacks are a perfect, hands free option for new moms with their hands full.

    Help them relax and refresh with one of our many apothecary items. The soap cube or bath fizzies set is an excellent way to help them elevate their “me” time through a nice and relaxing bath. For any aches and pains, the Feel Good Muscle Balm is sure to help. And to aid with any restless nights, the Dreamy Sleep Balm is there to help.

    The Baby Passport Journal is a great way for new moms to track all of their littles ones' new experiences, and even includes places to put photos.




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  • These Are A Few Of Clove's Favorite Things

    These Are A Few Of Clove's Favorite Things

    Our Digital Marketing Intern, Clove, would describe her personal style as colorful, semi-maximalist. This describes her wardrobe but also her college apartment located in the heart of Madison, WI.


    She describes as colorful, semi-maximalist as one who:

    • Knows you can never have too many accessories
    • Knick-knacks are a central part of home decor
    • Avoids dark colors when it comes to decorating and when picking out an outfit – the brighter the color, the better.

    One issue that Clove always seems to have is that she can always find something at the shop that catches her eye. Whether that be a new accessory or a new piece of decor, Grasshopper Goods can be a dangerously, good place for her. Below, she has listed some of her favorite items from the shop:


    Brookie Snapback in Olive

    “Although I don’t fish, nor have I ever fished, something about the Brookie Snapback really drew me in. This hat is the perfect mixture of comfort meets style. It may be a more “masculine” hat, but I love a good style challenge. I was so drawn to this hat, but often questioned where I would wear it. I finally decided to take a chance on it, and I’m here to tell you this is one of my all time favorite hats.”


    Mini Daisy Flower Clips

    “The return of Y2K style can be seen with these colorful clips. I have both sets, and wear them religiously. Perfect for when you wear your hair up or down, these clips provide a youthful aspect to any outfit.”

    Summer Hours Sample Set

    “The perfect set for everyday and on-the-go. I recently bought these to bring on a trip, and they were perfect for traveling. These sweet, summer scents offer variety for when you’re traveling, making you not limited to one certain scent.”

     

    Meow Pennant

    “It may sound a little weird to admit that one of my best friends is an eight pound orange cat, but she’s seriously one of the best things in my life. I’ve always been a “cat lady” and what better way to show it off than by hanging up this Meow Pennant loudly and proudly. I usually associate pennants with sports, but why not show some love for our favorite, fluffy friends?”

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