December 3, 2019

My Secret To Holiday Shopping!



 The holidays are quickly approaching, and we all know what that means. 
The mad rush for gift giving is about to begin!
 In my experience, I've come to learn that there are two types of holiday shoppers. 
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First, there are the "Gifting Go-Getters". 
The people who are out picking presents months in advance, and already have them wrapped by the 1st of December.
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 Second, there are the "Present Procrastinators". 
The people who are rushing around on Black Friday, filling their carts to the brim with anything they may find at the last minute. 
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Thankfully, I happen to be the the first of the two. 
If you're the second and want to know my secret, I'm about to reveal it now. 
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 I shop small.
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 No, I don't give small gifts, or think small in my gifting. I shop local businesses!
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I finished all my Santa shopping at the Handcrafter's Fall Fair, filled with independent owners with one of a kind, unique, handcrafted goods that no one else will be gifting. 
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Not only will I have the most unique gift, but I also had the upper hand of having face-to-face conversations with the makers and owners, who gave great advice on choosing the perfect gift.
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 I also know that their goods are quality, because they spent their hard-earned time and money into creating the most perfect product they could. 
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  My favorite part of shopping small? In the words of my friend Sarah, "I avoid the Purge-like crowds of people who will do anything to get their hands on a cheap flat screen TV!"
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I had a very calm, relaxing, warm, and friendly shopping experience like no other. Which is the ultimate remedy for this stressful time of the year.
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 If that sounds like your cup of tea, you have one last chance to attend these markets! Head to the Handcrafter's Holiday Tinsel & Treasures Market at the Northville Community Center on December 13th-15th. 
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Some personal recommendations would be:
Simple Times Mixers, Natural Red, Country Home Creations, Green Bubble Gorgeous, Shimmering Cove Press, Nana's & Papa's Chocolates, The Great Bread Company, & Slippery Elm.
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Happy Shopping & Happy Holidays!


Photos: Emily Joanne Photography 







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October 13, 2019

Detroit Foodie Fair!


Our mom said the funniest thing the other day. She said "It's sad how when you get older, the biggest thing you look forward to is food!" When she finished, Emily and I looked right at one another and simultaneously said "We feel that way now!"
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I think people of all ages can agree that food is one of the finest aspects of life! A certain taste or smell can bring memories of a certain time, place, or person, and trying something new is always a fun and exciting experience!
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A few weeks ago, we decided to try something new and joined the best flavor makers, purveyors, and artisans of Detroit and surrounding areas, all under one roof at Eastern Market's Shed 5, for the Detroit Foodie Fair, the area's first public Certified Local Food Event! We found an array scrumptious bites, hand-crafted kitchen wares, unique food related goods, and more to take home with us!
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Our parents hit up the taco truck for their first fresh street tacos, and then went on to try their first beignets! They were so thrilled, and claimed they felt like the tastes transported them to different places. Sharing things like that with my family just makes me smile. 
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Emily and I went a little crazy and tried:

Pop Daddy Popcorn's hand-seasoned small batch popcorn with non-GMO corn! 
Their Garlic Popcorn with ruby red kernels and pure olive oil was just the addicting guilt-free snack we needed!
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Happy Girl Granola's handmade granola that's always crunchy but never sticky! 
Their Pumpkin Pie Spice Granola was the best way to start the season with some new fall flavors!
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Sugah Shack Sweet's small batch artisan confections! 
Their Chocolate Turtles & White Buttah Fingah Sugah Bark were just the sinful sweets that we've been craving!
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Whey Better Bakery's high protein and gluten free baked goods! 
Their Edible Cookie Dough Pops and Peanut Butter Cups were just the right bit of sweetness to satisfy a sweet tooth without all that gluten!
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Simple Times Mixer's all natural, handcrafted cocktail mixtures! 
Their Cranberry Apple Cider Mule was the perfect fall drink on it's own, but it could be mixed with one part rum or whiskey!
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Belledine's Barbeque Sauce's all natural barbeque sauce that's not just for grilling! 
Their Heat Seekers Delight complimented so many dishes as a tasty dip!
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Little Diablo Salsa's all natural salsa made without chemicals or anything artificial! 
We tried several of their gluten free and Kosher certified salsas with their brand new tortilla chips!
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Country Homes Creation's selection of handcrafted gourmet mixes and dips! 
We tried everything from their Artichoke & Spinach Dip, to Cranberry Walnut Dip, to Garlic Asiago Dip, to Carrot Cake Dip, and it was all delicious! 
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Here's to many more memories made from family time and good food!
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September 3, 2019

Favorite Finds From Shed 5 Flea!


After attending a full summer of Shed 5 Flea events at the Eastern Market, I have accumulated quite a list of new favorite finds. 
I felt it necessary to share these brands below, and some funny true stories on the impact they've made on my life!
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"We still create our mixes the old-fashioned way; by hand every day, using premium quality ingredients like herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables."
I actually wasn't a fan of dips until I tried Country Home Creations. True story: Whipping up a bowl of their dip and breaking open a bag of chips has become my family's Bachelor Night tradition! 
"Always crunchy but never sticky, each batch of granola is made by hand in small batches in Owosso, Michigan with ingredients that are locally sourced whenever possible."
We've been eating Aly's granola for years now, and have tried almost every flavor. It's truthfully the only granola brand I will buy! We had the pleasure of finally meeting Aly in person at the last Shed 5 Flea. Let me tell you...she is as sweet as her granola!
Hubbert's Kettle Corn
"Family owned kettle corn operation."
No joke guys, my mom has formed an addiction for Hubbert's pork rinds. She will literally join me to every event just so she can get her fix. Okay, so I guess this isn't entirely fair...I just may be addicted to their classic kettle corn as well!
"Curiously scented, Michigan made soy candles, soy wax melts, and hand-dipped incense."
My new bedside candle, Hot Apple Cider, is the perfect scent to transition into the autumn groove. Their candles are made with soy, a much healthier alternative to burn, and don't give me that "strong scent headache" that most candles do!
"Spirited paper goods and gifts for awesome people."
I live for a good inspirational or quirky quote, and they have plenty. I've stickered most of my things with their cute quotes to give me that extra boost of confidence to get me through any tough day!
"Contemporary and vintage clothing. Sustainable, affordable, and fashionable."
I tend to get a bit giddy when I discover an antique store or vintage shop, so you can only imagine how I was when I found Full Circle Resale. My new favorite dress is from their vintage collection, and I actually wore it for my engagement photos!  
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This just goes to show that you never know where your next routine, regimen, or tradition can come from!
It's exactly why I love attending these events. 
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There are still many magnificent events to come!
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September 22nd 10am-4pm
Detroit's first public Certified Local Food Event showcasing flavors from the area's best food makers and artisans.
Handcrafter's Fall Fair
October 11th 9am-8pm & 12th 9am-5pm
One of the longest running and most renowned art and craft markets in Michigan; a great opportunity to stock up on fall decor, apparel, jewelry, specialty food, and more.
*Tickets available*
February 23rd 12-4pm
A truly unique experience specifically curated for the most sophisticated of brides and grooms-to-be.



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