Posted in Advertorial Feature

Focus on Your Health and Wellness at Soul Refresh in Downtown Washington

Although it may be hard to believe considering the amount of food reviews I share, I am actually quite into health and wellness. And earlier this year, I was excited to see a new business called Soul Refresh open its doors in downtown Washington, at 11 W. Main St.

The health and wellness-based business focuses on a number of services that are designed to help people feel their best by aiding the body in a variety of ways, from improving the immune system and easing pain to reducing inflammation and toxins that have accumulated in the body. 

Soul Refresh is owned by Ryann and Jordan Greenhoff. After the couple spent time at a similar business owned by their brother and sister-in-law in Marshall, MN., it made them realize that there was an opportunity to bring some of those same beneficial wellness therapies to the Washington community. 

Although her prior professional background was in accounting, Jordan has always had an interest in pursuing alternative ways of treating the body.

“I’ve always been health conscious and interested in other means of health and healing.” Jordan says.

Jordan’s natural interest in alternative means of maintaining health and wellness can be seen in the four services offered at Soul Refresh – cold plunge, ionic foot detox, infrared sauna, and red light therapy. Over the past several years the internet, and social media in particular, has showcased the benefits of these types of wellness treatments. And now, residents in Washington as well as those living in its surrounding communities, can have access to these cutting edge services, simply by taking a visit to a small, locally-owned business.

Services

Since cold is something many people tend to actively avoid, it may seem counterintuitive to pay to put yourself into a tub of cold water. If you’re not familiar with the experience, some of the benefits of briefly submerging your body in a cold plunge tub include resetting your nervous system, improving your mental focus, and supporting the immune system.

Cold plunge tub. Photo credit: Soul Refresh

An ionic foot detox service at Soul Refresh consists of the guest sitting in a comfortable chair, which comes with a massage function, and placing your feet in a small tub of water that contains Celtic sea salt. The salt works with the foot tub’s ionic function to create positive and negative ions that work together to remove impurities and toxins from the body through the feet. Although the process starts with clear water, it will change color and consistency throughout the session, depending on the type of toxins that are pulled from the body.

Ionic foot detox. Photo credit: Soul Refresh

Typically when you think of a sauna experience, you may envision a very hot environment that’s either dry or steamy, and designed to make you sweat out impurities during your time in the sauna. However, an infrared sauna provides a different experience, by using infrared light to directly heat the body. This method is more comfortable and effective since the light allows the heat to penetrate deeper into tissues, muscles, and joints. A few of the benefits of using an infrared sauna include improved circulation, easing pain in sore joints and muscles, and helping the body to flush toxins through sweating. 

Infrared sauna. Photo credit: Soul Refresh

Additionally, there’s a Himalayan salt sauna at the business. When Himalayan salt is used in a sauna, it can improve respiratory conditions by breaking up congestion, help draw out toxins, balance the skin’s pH, and reduce stress through the release of negative ions from the salt. 

Himalayan salt sauna. Photo credit: Soul Refresh

With its ability to improve your skin, hair, cognitive health, and reduce inflammation, red light therapy sessions at Soul Refresh are completely non-invasive and consist of guests relaxing and laying down for up to 20 minutes. The full-body red light therapy session delivers gentle, low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that promote cellular regeneration, reduce pain, and restore the skin’s natural glow. 

Red light therapy. Photo credit: Soul Refresh

Of course, all the wellness therapies at Soul Refresh are most effective when used regularly, and the business’s pricing model is reflective of that, with single session prices as well as package pricing offered at discounted rates, ranging from packages that include three or up to 20 sessions. And all of the packages are “mix and match” meaning guests can choose which services they wish to receive at each visit.

If interested in learning more, visit the business’s website, or book a service online.

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri, July 7 – July 13, 2025

From free family-friendly movies, to a music festival, a thrifting event, and even an all ages science show, plus a lot more, there’s something for just about everyone this week! Read on for the full list of all the events happening this week around Franklin, Gasconade, Phelps, Crawford, and Warren Counties, and beyond!

Thursday, July 10
Join Dr. Ike at Present Moment Yoga in Washington for a hands-on workshop exploring the fundamentals of Pressure Point Healing. In this introductory class, you’ll learn the uses of various Tien Da (Shiatsu) acupoints and practice applying them. Dr. Ike will guide you through how meridians work in harmony with myofascial trigger points to promote healing and balance.
Buy tickets and learn more.

Thursday, July 10 – Sunday, July 13
The annual Pickin’ on Picknic event at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair is back for its 10th year. This family-friendly event will happen rain or shine and will feature a weekend full of live music, vendors, splashing in the lake and river, hiking, free workshops, bonfires, and more.
Get tickets.

Photo via Pickin’ on Picknic on Facebook.

Thursday, July 10
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington continues its free drive-in movie night with a showing of the 90s film “The Sandlot.” Parking spaces for the drive-in showings are on a first come, first served basis. Guests can purchase concession items to enjoy during the film.
Learn more.

Friday, July 11
The John Henry Band is playing in Pacific’s monthly outdoor concert series, Sunset on the Rails. The band performs a mix of classic rock, country, and beachy tunes that are always crowd pleasers! Food provided by Ramblin’ Rooster. Bring your blankets, chairs and coolers for this family-friendly free concert.
Learn more.

Friday, July 11
The Union Farmers Market features items like local produce, meat, baked goods, handmade items, and food trucks. Please note that the new location of the market is on the corner of Oak and Main Streets, adjacent to Hansen Park.
Get more details on Facebook.

Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13
*CANCELED* As of a July 8 Facebook announcement
Happening one weekend each month, the Villa Ridge Farmers Market at Stacked Coffee House has locally made goods, local produce, meat, food, and of course, coffee from Stacked.
Follow the market’s Facebook page to learn more.

Ad purchased by Soul Refresh. Healing mind, body, and soul in WashMO.

Saturday, July 12
Ladies, Littles, and Lattes is hosting its second annual Thrift & Gift Resale and Vendor Event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Franklin County Resource Center in Union. The event will feature food trucks, fun activities for kids, vendor and resale booths, and 50/50 raffle.
Find out more.

Saturday, July 12
The Washington Public Library is hosting Nitro Joe’s Science Show from 10 – 11 a.m. Thus fast-paced, high energy science presentation is appropriate for all ages.
Get all the details.

Saturday, July 12
The Union Moose Lodge will host its fifth annual car show from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Find out more.

Sunday, July 13
Wine bar Winehouse 66 in Pacific will have live music on the patio by Ron Boyle from 2 – 5 p.m.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.

Friday, July 11
Owensville is hosting a series of free, family-friendly movies this summer, with a special “Christmas in July” showing of “The Grinch” on Friday, July 11. The movie will be shown at Buschmann Park in Owensville, and will start at 8:30 p.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, July 12
Prairie Barn Winery & Christmas Tree Farm in St. James is hosting a fun-filled day celebrating creativity and community! Discover handmade crafts, original art, upcycled treasures, delicious treats, and of course, wine and Swafftastic BBQ!
Get more details.

Saturday, July 12
Head to Marthasville for an action-packed evening at Marthasville Ballpark for Rumble in the River Bottom, a thrilling truck and tractor pull event benefiting St. Ignatius Catholic Grade School. Don’t miss this high-horsepower night of fun for the whole family!
Find out more.

Posted in News and Features

Get Fabulous Food and Desserts at Ruthie’s Family Restaurant in Rosebud

Building on last week’s article about Strike Axe Coffee and this video of my experience of my day in Rosebud, today I’m sharing about a restaurant we dined at. While there are more restaurants in Rosebud than I could’ve dined at during one day, my hubby and I decided to grab a bite at Ruthie’s Family Restaurant, located on Highway 50.

When it comes to the vibes and the food, the restaurant offers what I feel like is a classic homestyle dining experience, with a menu that features items like burgers, wraps, and sandwiches, and hearty, tasty daily specials.

We perused the menu and just when I was set on ordering a Rueben (one of my favorites, and the menu notated it as a Ruthie’s recommended item) we decided splitting a meal would be the way to go to make sure we saved room for dessert, because, priorities!

A daily special at Ruthie’s – Italian beef on garlic cheese bread and fries. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

When it came to food, we decided to split that day’s special: an Italian beef sandwich served on garlic cheese bread, served with a side of au jus and we ordered the fries as our side. It was a pleasantly warm day, and since we’d decided to dine outside, we each had a beer to wash down our meal (it was an IPA from Mothers, and a perfect complement to the weather).

The sandwich was excellent, stacked high with plenty of well-seasoned Italian-style beef, which gets flavor from pepperoncini peppers, Italian herbs, and a delicious au jus. Adding all that juicy meat to garlic cheese bread is a truly genius move and the added toasting helps the bread hold up to a dip in the au jus. As wonderful as the sandwich and fries were, I’m glad we shared the meal because the sweets at Ruthie’s just looked too amazing to pass up.

The banana cream pie was just one delectable dessert selection at Ruthie’s Family Restaurant. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Although the offerings were many on that day – ranging from rich and fudgy chocolate cake and Reese’s cake to a refreshing-sounding lemon blueberry along with fruit and cream pies – we decided on the banana cream pie.

Ad purchased by Soul Refresh. Healing mind, body, and soul in WashMO.

On the first bite, I got a wave of nostalgia, since it took me back to the flavor and texture of cream pies that I’ve enjoyed in years past that were lovingly made by some of my relatives that have since passed away.

With its buttery, flaky crust, thick and creamy banana filling and lovely whipped cream topping, we really enjoyed it. Honestly, I’d drive back to Rosebud just for a slice of this pie.

If you have a sweet tooth, I’d plan on ordering a couple of desserts to go, and if you don’t split a meal with a companion, then just know you’ll leave with a to-go box, because the portions are quite generous. Even though I adored the food and beer, and although I don’t have a huge sweet tooth, I’d love to make another trip to Ruthie’s and try a few of their shareable appetizers, as well as more of their desserts.

The Socialite recommends Ruthie’s Family Restaurant!

The details:
207 US-50, Rosebud
Find Ruthie’s on Facebook

Posted in News and Features

Find Coffee, Treats, and More at Strike Axe Coffee & Tasting Room in Rosebud

A couple of weeks ago my husband and I spent a Saturday exploring the cute town of Rosebud. The goal for the trip was to try a new coffee shop I’d seen on Facebook, do some antiquing, and grab a bite to eat.

Over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing more details about all the spots we visited on that Saturday, but the focus of this post will be on my experience at the town’s coffee shop. A few months back, I’d heard some buzz online about Strike Axe Coffee & Tasting Room coming to Rosebud and since my love of coffee knows no bounds, I am always down to drive great distances to try out a new place.

In terms of ambiance, I love that Strike Axe is in a historical building that once housed the town’s bank.

The outside of Strike Axe Coffee & Tasting Room. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

The inside is quite cozy and features exposed brick on some of the walls, vintage furniture like a mustard hued couch, cozy chairs, a bank of old post office boxes, and a few tables. There’s also a vault inside, a carryover from the days when the building was a bank, that has been repurposed into a small room that houses apparel.

The inside of the coffee shop features vintage furniture, exposed brick, and a number of tables. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

We ordered iced lattes, size large, because go big or go home. And we split a cinnamon roll. There were other pastry selections, but if I’m going to indulge in something sweet for breakfast I love a cinnamon roll, and the one we had at Strike Axe was delightfully soft, with creamy icing, and it was served slightly warm.

In addition to the coffee and pastries, the establishment also has a refrigerated section where they sell take and bake meals like lasagna and meatloaf. And since the owners raise their own beef, the shop also carries a variety of cuts of locally raised beef, featuring everything from ground beef to steaks, roasts, and brisket. I wanted to purchase some meat, but I didn’t have a cooler and I knew it would be hours before I got home to my fridge.

It was really busy when we arrived, which is expected for mid-morning on a Saturday, so I didn’t get a chance to chat with the owner about the concept as well as their meat selections. Hopefully I can arrange some time to chat with them on my next visit, as well as purchase some meat to take home.

The Socialite recommends Strike Axe Coffee & Tasting Room!

The details:
215 Highway 50 , Rosebud
Find Strike Axe on Facebook