2020 Gift Guide: Small Businesses
I\’ve shared my favorite Made in Michigan products, some of my favorite Small Businesses in Michigan, and today I am sharing some of my favorite small businesses across the United States. What makes this gift guide special is each of the shops I am sharing I love and support. That means I have actually used their products and loved them so much that I wanted to share them with you too!
The stores that I am sharing feature anything from my favorite water bottles to cheeseboard must-haves. If you have a small business you think I should check out, please feel free to leave a comment and let me know.
My Favorite Small Businesses
I am sharing the shops in alphabetical order
Adams Apple
Let me introduce you to Adams Apple, the provision that is going to take your charcuterie board to the next level. I love Adams Apple Pie Jam over cream cheese on a cheeseboard, the strawberry vanilla jam is my go-to for toast, I could eat Adams Apple Butter straight from the jar with a spoon and I cannot live without the Adams Apple Mulling Spice it is a game-changer in hot apple cider.
Pro Tip: From stocking stuffers, to gifts for the hostess with the mostess Adams Apple has something for everyone on your list. Don\’t forget to pick a couple things up for yourself as well!
Bindle Bottle
Do you know someone who is always looking for their next adventure? If so, the Bindle Bottle might be perfect for them. Not only can you keep liquids like water in the bottle, but the bottle screws off to give you a spot for your keys, license, and more.
Pro Tip: This is the bottle I take out on my paddleboard with me.
Colorado Tough
Ever since I was in Colorado earlier this year I have been in love with everything about it. Colorado Tough features cute tees (I love the Good for the Body Better for the Soul tee). If you\’re looking for something for someone who loves Colorado or the mountains I highly recommend checking out Colorado Tough.
EcoVessel
Let me introduce you to my absolute favorite water bottle The Summit by EcoVessel. I honestly take this water bottle everywhere with me, and it is designed to keep your drink cold for up to 36 hours. If you or someone you know needs a reusable water bottle I highly recommend one from EcoVessel. I also love the Transit from EcoVessel, this mug is designed to keep drinks hot for up to 4 hours and it definitely works. I have been using it nonstop this fall with my hot cider.
Pro Tip: From reusable water bottles and mugs to straws, EcoVessel has something perfect for everyone on your list.
Finch Berry
Whether you\’re looking to add a new fragrance to your bathroom, need a new soap dish or you\’re shopping for a friend Finch Berry has something for you. All of Finch Berry\’s soaps are handcrafted in their Northern Florida studio. Grab a soap from the Zodiac collection for your bestie, bring winter to those who do not get snow with a Wonderland soap, grab a Camper Soap Dish for the wanderlust in your life (I personally have this one in my bathroom right now) and so much more.
Pro Tip: Finch Berry soaps would make a great stocking stuffer.
Pipermoon Adult Swaddle Blankets
Do you have a blanket that you love? For me, that blanket is Pipermoon. These adult swaddle blankets are large and comfy cozy, which makes them perfect for snuggles with your pup or significant other. Pipermoons oversize t-shirt blankets are what I always bring when I go car camping or sitting around a campfire. These blankets come in a wide variety of styles and are perfect for everyone on your list.
Pro Tip: This is one item you\’re going to want to make sure you have for yourself.
Republic of Vermont
I have heard that the best maple syrup comes out of Vermont and let me tell you, whoever I have heard that from was not kidding. The Republic of Vermont sells organic maple syrup, and let me tell you it is hands down the best maple syrup that I have ever had, and the only one I will ever use from here on out. Republic of Vermont maple syrup would make a great gift for a hostess or foodie that loves breakfast.
Pro Tip: The Republic of Vermont also has some delicious honey.
Roc SUP Co.
Roc SUP offers inflatable standup paddle boards at a great price. If you or someone you know loves waters sports I highly recommend checking out a ROC standup paddleboard.
Pro Tip: I personally own a ROC standup paddle board and cannot say enough good things about it. My aunt who has never been on one before actually did great on it and said it was so easy to balance on. I have tried many boards and none have compared to the Roc when it comes to stability.
2020 Gift Guide: Michigan Small Businesses
It is always important to shop small, but this year more than any other year it is critical. If you want to see your favorite shops and locally made items continue to be available, you need to make that is where your focus is this holiday season when you begin shopping.
Yesterday I shared some of my favorite made in Michigan items, and today I am going to share with you some of my favorite Michigan small businesses.
Michigan Small Businesses
I am sharing some of my favorite shops in alphabetical order by their name.
Bronner\’s CHRISTmas Wonderland
Located in Frankenmuth, Michigan Bronner\’s CHRISTmas Wonderland has everything from Christmas ornaments and trees to whimsical decorations. One of my favorite things about Bronner\’s CHRISTmas Wonderland is they have ornaments for everyone on your list and you can even get them customized with the person\’s name.
Catching Fireflies
Located in Rochester, Michigan Catching Fireflies is filled with plenty of whimsy and has a little something for everyone on your list.
Cellar Door Trades
Located in Saugatuck, Michigan Cellar Door Trades is home to the most stunning stained glass pieces of artwork.
Cherry Republic
Located in Glen Arbor, Michigan you will find the Cherry Republic home to all things cherry. I love the Imperial Chocolate Covered Cherries.
Frankenmuth Cheese Haus
Located in Frankenmuth, Michigan Frankenmuth Cheese Haus has everything you need to create the best charcuterie board.
Getz\’s
Located in Marquette, Michigan Getz\’s is your one-stop-shop for clothing and outerwear. I love supporting Getz\’s by buying The North Face, Carhartt, Kavu, and more from them.
Gnomish Detroit
Located in Detroitish, Michigan Gnomish Detroit is a small home-based business creating the cutest modern gnomes that I have ever seen. Everyone on your holiday shopping list could use a little Gnomish Detroit gnome in their life.
Grandpa Shorter\’s
Located in Petoskey, Michigan Grandpa Shorter\’s has a gift for everyone on your list no matter what the occasion is. I always love checking out their Petoskey Stone gifts.
Leland Gal
Located in Leland, Michigan Leland Gal is home to plenty of unique gifts in one of the cutest towns in Michigan.
Little Luxuries
Located on Mackinac Island, Michigan Little Luxuries is a sweet and charming gift shop that is filled with home accents, stationery, accessories, handmade goods, and more. The best part of the shop is many of their items are Michigan-made.
Lottie Mae
Located in Rochester Hills, Michigan Lottie Mae is offers a curated selection of captivating gifts, as well as products for your home and daily life to uplift your spirit or someone else\’s. Lottie Mae is ever-evolving and is in tune with trends and tastes while maintaining a stylish classic flair. Currently, the shop is filled with plenty of Christmas cheer. I personally love the candles and sugar whips, you can find in Lottie Mae. I also love that no matter who I am shopping for Lottie Mae is sure to have something.
Michigan Mittens
Located in Pontiac, Michigan Michigan Mittens is home to the map on your hand mittens. Not only does Michigan Mittens have mittens, but they also have games like Michigan themed Old Maid, decorative Michigan items, and more.
Northern Nail Polish
Located in Traverse City, Michigan Northern Nail Polish pulls inspiration from the everyday beauty of Michigan\’s towns, nature, festivals, and people.
Poppins Mackinac
Located on Mackinac Island, Michigan Poppins Mackinac the shop features everything from handcrafted jewelry and art to accessories, home decor, and more. Poppins Mackinac even sells a variety of beautiful Mackinac themed gifts that are more than your typical \”tourist\” gift.
Reids Gourmet
Located in Holland, Michigan Reids Gourmet is best known for its delicious peanut butter and honey. I absolutely love Reids Gourmet Cinnamon Whipped Honey.
Shea Woods Co.
Located in Oxford, Michigan Shea Woods Co. is a small Michigan company that produces soy candles, hand sanitizer, and hand soap that is inspired by nature and the beautiful surroundings of the Great Lakes State.
U.P. Supply Co.
Located in Marquette, Michigan U.P. Supply Co. is filled with plenty of Yooper goods, including buffalo plaid hats, stickers, and more.
Yooper Shirts
Located in Marquette, Michigan Yooper Shirts is one of my favorite shops in Marquette for getting Yooper-themed items, and it\’s where I bought this hat that I wear all the time.
2020 Gift Guide: Made in Michigan
With everything going on and packages taking a little extra time to arrive, I decided to release my Christmas Gift Guides early this year, and I\’m doing things a little differently. Every day this week I will be sharing a new gift guide, each gift guide will feature companies and/or brands that I absolutely love and the best part is they will be small businesses. I am a huge fan of shopping small, and I think this year it is so important to support as many small businesses and local businesses as we can to keep them up and running.
Let\’s get the 2020 Gift Guides started with a look at my favorite made in Michigan products. I will be sharing my favorite products from Michigan businesses. If you have any made in Michigan products you think I should checkout, please leave a comment and let me know.
Made in Michigan Gift Guide
Reids Gourmet
Located in Holland, Michigan Reids Gourmet is best known for its delicious peanut butter and honey.
Gnomish Detroit
Located in Detroitish, Michigan Gnomish Detroit is a small home-based business creating the cutest modern gnomes that I have ever seen. Everyone on your holiday shopping list could use a little Gnomish Detroit gnome in their life!
Located in Oxford, Michigan Shea Woods Co. is a small Michigan company that produces soy candles, hand sanitizer, and hand soap that is inspired by nature and the beautiful surroundings of the Great Lakes State. My favorite products are the Hand Sanitizers and the Copper Forest Candle.
Located in Traverse City, Michigan Northern Nail Polish pulls inspiration from the everyday beauty of Michigan\’s towns, nature, festivals, and people. My favorite colors are High Rollaway, Niagra Falls, Painted Turtle, and M185.
Jack\’s Favorite Made in Michigan Shop
Wayfaring Wolves
Located in Grand Haven, Michigan Wayfaring Wolves is home to the cutest dog bandanas. Jack\’s favorite bandanas are Boho Yellow, Buffalo Plaid, and Roam Wild.
Michigan Mittens
Located in Pontiac, Michigan Michigan Mittens is home to the map on your hand mittens. My favorite color mittens are the Hunters Plaid.
Sanders Candy
Located in Clinton Township, Michigan Sanders Candy is home to my favorite chocolates. I especially love the Sea Salt Caramels. If you stop in the Sanders Candy Clinton Township or Rochester shop, make sure to get a hot chocolate.
Germack
Located in Detroit, Michigan Germack makes the holidays a little nutty. Two holiday must-have products are their Pistachios and Cashews.
Donckers
Located in Marquette, Michigan Donckers is home to that cute moose pancake I have posted so many times. Unfortunately, they cannot ship you the moose pancake, but they can send you The Wild U.P Sampler Box.
Cherry Republic
Located in Glen Arbor, Michigan you will find the Cherry Republic home to all things cherry. I love the Original Cherry Barbecue Sauce, Cherry Sour Balls, Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries, and Imperial Chocolate Covered Cherries.
Friday Favorites 10.23.20
The weather this week has been a bit chilly, and rainy, but today is supposed to be in the 70s and rainy. Jack and I plan on getting outside and dodging raindrops the best that we can to enjoy the weather. Did you do anything fun this past week?
This Weeks Favorites:
If you live local I highly recommend checking out Tillson Street in Romeo, Michigan
On Sunday from 3 pm – 7 pm, my favorite small shop Lottie Mae is having a Hygge Christmas-themed Open House.
I made a simple Halloween charcuterie board I think you will love it.
If you love macarons as much as I do, I recommend a trip to Le Detroit Macaron for the best macarons I have ever tasted – and we know I am a connoisseur of them.
I saw someone post that they spent $10 for a small jar of apple butter. Instead of paying that much on one jar of apple butter, why not make your own? I shared my simple recipe for apple butter – you can freeze it too!
Looking to make a simple sweet treat this Halloween? Checkout my pretzel Frankensteins, Mummy Rice Krispie Treats, Bat Bite Cupcakes, or Spider Web Cupcakes.
How adorable is this cabin plaid dog bed?
I definitely think Jack and I need matching PJ\’s this year for Christmas.
Need a fun craft? I am loving these DIY Ribbon Candy Ornaments.
How to Make a Simple Halloween Charcuterie Board
When I posted my Halloween charcuterie board on my personal Snapchat a few of my friends messaged me to ask how many times I rearranged the board and how hard it was to assemble. My honest response was I didn\’t have to rearrange anything, I had a process for how I assembled the board and thought I would walk you through my assembly process.
Assembling a charcuterie board 101
1. Choose your serving platter and utensils
Pro Tip: Start by deciding on the serving platter you want to use. Sometimes I use baskets and other times I use boards, it all depends on what elements are apart of the board.
2. Add any bigger items to your board – such as cookies, donuts, condiments…etc.
3. Now add your cheese
4. Then your meats
5. Now you\’ll want to add your crackers (you can remove them to keep them fresh this will just help you get the design of your board down)
6. Add any fruits or veggies you want to the board
7. Add your fill-ins where there is empty space – I like to use nuts and candies
Choosing your cheeses
Buy what YOU like. If you don\’t like fancy cheeses, don\’t buy them! For this board, I went with Colby, Extra Sharp Cheddar, Gouda, and White Cheddar.
Pro Tip: When selecting cheese for a charcuterie board, I like to have a mix of hard and soft cheeses.
Charcuterie board full in items
Even when I am making a charcuterie board for myself I do not like to see any gaps. I fill the holes with things like apples, nuts, candies, berries, pickles, and more.
Choosing your crackers
Just like cheese, choose crackers that you love.
Pro Tip: The crackers may get soggy from touching other ingredients for too long or go stale from being in the open air. I like to put them on the board right before I am ready to serve it.
Charcuterie board finishing touches
I use cookie cutters to cut out pieces of cheese that fit with my theme to add some dimension to the board.
Fashion meets Food 