Hi there! For those of you that follow on social media, this post may be redundant so I apologize. I just feel that with Christmas quickly approaching (ONE WEEK!!!), I thought it might be a good idea to use this platform to share a few of my favorite things. But, no, sadly you will not all be getting a car. Haha! This post is not sponsored. It's a sincere compilation of items I hold dear to my heart and actually use on a regular basis, adding value in adornment or practicality. There are only seven items/businesses listed here and obviously my love extends far beyond that number. But I like 7. It feels good. For now ;) So without further ado... are you ready?? Here we go...
1. Langston Design (Wilmington, NC)
The amount of love that I have for this hustle couple and their line of minimal, homegrown inspired apparel is EXTREME!! Every time they release a new collection, I cry a little inside because I know I will want it ALL. My personal faves are pretty much all of their tanks! Haha! Sorry! But it's true. They are the perfect staple to any closet! 100% cotton and so soft, you feel like you're wearing nothing. Plus, they wash beautifully. But what's more important is that I get a ton of compliments every time I wear one! NAH! While true, what's REALLY more important is that most of their items are made in the U.S. and you're supporting a local independent business!!! That's the real sauce!
2. Tippett Creek Dog Soap (Zebulon, NC)
Let's face it, sometimes it's about the dogs! Even around the holidays. Matter of fact, I think most of us dog owners can agree that sometimes we can go a little too far purchasing gifts for our four-legged friends. Maybe JUST for the sole purpose to watch (AHEM! record) them open them! (GUILTY!!!) But unfortunately, there's only one gift in particular that I can count on Molly and Burger not devouring or demolishing within hours of receiving... SOAP! Yup! I'm that dog owner! Probably because I'm obsessed with all-natural health and beauty products and for some reason think Molly and Burger are too! Anyways, if you're like me and have an obsession with all things natural and love to project your own appreciations and interests onto your dogs, Tippett Creek Dog Soap is the bombdiggity! I LOVE their soap bars for many reasons but the fact that they use responsibly sourced natural ingredients means the WORLD to me. Plus, the bars smell amazing and lather and rinse very easily. The cherry on top: they last FURever!!
3. Threve Mercantile (Wilmington, NC)
As if you didn't know this was going to make the list! This little shop is a modern bohemian's dream! You'll want to move in, trust me! Threve Mercantile is my favorite store in all of Wilmington, with it's beautiful window displays, sky-high ceilings, and amazing selection of one-of-a-kind pieces! It's like a museum for home decor enthusiasts. Seriously. Each piece SCREAMS a story. And you'll definitely find yourself "petting" the furniture and performing spatial calculations in your head. I think I spent over a half-hour trying to determine whether a certain armoir would fit in my bedroom. Word of advice: bring a measuring tape! But if you do end up forgetting your trusty Stanley, they keep one behind the counter... and there is still plenty to adorn your home with... the kantha blankets, cement candlestick holders and brass plant mister are just a few of my staple faves.
4. Cazenovia Cut Block (Cazenovia, NY)
Cazenovia Cut Block is one of my favorite places to visit when I'm in Caz. I stumbled upon them at the Cazenovia Farmers Market about five years ago and then later that year, decided to visit the showroom to purchase a cutting board for my brother... and in typical holiday giving style, ended up walking out with one for myself. Haha! This cutting board NEVER leaves my counter. My husband and I use it morning, noon and night. And I rinse it... morning, noon, and night. And it's still beautiful! A little worn, no doubt from the water... but beautiful and strong. And the fact that the wood is native to New York State and is made right in Caz just makes me SO happy every time I look at it!!
5. Clinton Pottery (Clinton, NY)
One of my all-time favorite things to do during my lunch hour or on a breezy Sunday (breezy is my new word) when I lived in New York was to stop at Clinton Pottery. Most of the time I just wanted to gawk at all the "newly formed things". And the scent of clay just makes me all sorts of nostalgic, reminding me of simpler times (oh gawd), when I could spend an hour of my day just being creative. God, I miss high school art classes! Anyways... Clinton Pottery's timeless simplicity of each piece is just so stunning! I love love love the mugs (of course!) and the Rustic Farmhouse, Bumblebee and Berkshire Piglet are my fave glaze colors. Also, their raku is downright HYPNOTIC!
6. Cultivate Hawaii (Kauai, Hawaii)
Wandering into Java Kai on my way up to mama Na Pali, I found and fell in LOVE with Cultivate Hawaii's tea towels. So much so, I bought three along with my chai that morning! Only I decided that they were simply too beautiful to use as intended, so I attached a few dowels and now they adorn my space, reflecting back to me the same values I wish to uphold. A passion for nature, design, and conservation, Cultivate Hawaii was created with the desire to make local painter (and Cultivate Hawaii co-founder) Merlin Edmonds' art accessible to everyone. Beautiful and vibrant, each design is printed using eco-friendly water based inks and manufactured with care to the people and the planet.
7. Charitable Giving
Charitable giving is personally one of my favorite ways to gift-give around the holidays. It is actually how my husband and I have "exchanged" gifts over the past five years and we absolutely LOVE it! A few of our faves are Charity Water, Heifer International, and Wild Earth Allies. (To research a charity's transparency and overall business practices, charitynavigator.org, charitywatch.org, and bbb.org are great resources.) Other great options for impactful gift-giving is to purchase from a company that was created for the sole purpose of giving back. A few of my faves include: The Giving Keys, Half United, and Krochet Kids.
I deeply love and support each and every one of these businesses and the amazing crew of beautiful people behind them. And I think you will too! I encourage you to visit their websites and/or social media platforms, even if only to love on them a little! And of course, I'd love to hear from you about a few of YOUR favorite things so please feel free to leave a comment! Let's weave a web! Let's get to know the makers in our community! And start building a future based on the principles we so innately desire to adhere to... sustainability and connectedness. Happy giving loves!
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