Founder's Circle
For the longest time, I didn't want to buy a house. Some part of me knew Fred and I would build something like Rebel someday, and I wanted the freedom to do it. But we also had a daughter, and she needed stability and a good school.
So we found a home in Austin that hadn't been updated since the 60s and took it all the way down to the frame. We rebuilt it together as a family, but the house wasn't what sold us. It was the neighborhood.
Our neighbors have held a block party every year since the neighborhood was built. They take Halloween seriously, right down to competing over decorations.
Certain streets are famous for their haunted houses and generous candy bars, and people drive in before dark to see them. By nightfall, the streets are so full of trick-or-treaters that you can't drive anywhere.
One year, a neighbor built a haunted house with tunnels, and people came out of nowhere. It terrified me more than once, and I can't imagine how long it took to build.
It was insanely creative. I've lived in a lot of different places in my life, and I've never seen anything like it.
That's Aanika a million years ago, in her fairy outfit, in front of one of those haunted houses. She'll probably kill me later for sharing this, but look how cute she is.
We've lived here ten years now, and the block party hasn't missed a year. Halloween is still one of my favorite nights, and my setup doesn't change much. I bring a lawn chair, a bowl of candy, and a board of snacks for the neighbors, usually our cheese with crackers and jam.
We're not one of the houses famous for full-size candy bars. Anything we hand out is vegan and on the healthier side, because we can't help ourselves. There may be a little disappointment when kids reach into our bowl, but plenty of other houses make up the difference.
The cheese board is a different story. Anytime there's a gathering, we throw one together, because it's easy and delicious and people can grab what they like. It looks good, too, so it checks all the boxes.
It also works for almost everyone who walks up. Our cheese is dairy-free and gluten-free, we have soy-free options, and we're now kosher certified. The one exception is nut allergies, since every cheese we make has nuts.
So I mention that up front, then settle into my lawn chair and watch the costumes stroll by.
If you want your own front-lawn board this year, our October Fromagier and Sweet Tooth boxes are ready for it. Order by midnight this Tuesday, October 27, and it will arrive before Halloween.
Thanks for being on this journey with us.
Kirsten,
Co-founder, Rebel Cheese
Shop the October Fromagier for Halloween →
Shop the Sweet Tooth Box for Halloween →
P.S. Thanksgiving is closer than it looks. Free scheduled shipping on Thanksgiving boards ends this Saturday, October 31. And next Sunday is World Vegan Day. We have something planned to celebrate, so keep an eye on your inbox.