Let's Shop and Support Blogger Friends!

How is your shopping going?
Here are a few awesome opportunities to catch up and support small business.
FYI- No one paid to be here or even asked to be here.
These are just some people I love and have cool stuff.

photo: istock photos

If you pin something, PLEASE head to the appropriate persons blog or website. All of these images except the bunny and scottie one below are property of the shop owners.
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Hook and Linen is based in Australia  - don't let that stop ya - the shipping was reasonable and so worth it! These sweet animals are so cute my daughter and I fight over them!

I MORE THAN LOVE her vintage crocheted floor mats...1 or 10 are on my wish list!

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 One of the sweetest ladies EVER is Jen from Delightful Deets.
And you have to see these adorable pettirompers and headbands.
Contact Jen over at her blog if you want one. They fit up to 5T 

 
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What kiddo couldn't use a mask or cape?

Heck, I want one! 

 

Kissed by a Frog (LOVE this girl!) has super cute items for kids in her etsy store. She is offering FREE SHIPPING and FREE PERSONALIZATION right now! Order quick!

And there are TWO AWESOME GIVEAWAYS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW:
ONE FOR BOYS AND ONE FOR GIRLS

Here is a sampling of what she offers 

Masks and Capes

PLUS, as part of the HEROES WITH HOPE program one "Bald is Beautiful/Brave" cape will be donated to one of the bravest heroes (a child fighting cancer). 

 Hair accessories

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Shoe Shinez - Love these adorable add-ons for your shoes.

So dang cute! What a great stocking stuffer! 

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Nailed It Decals from made by Made by Munchies Mama

I'd love these in my stocking!

 

Go and shop...and come back tomorrow for another small business...
a great gift idea and a giveaway!

 

This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre

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Holiday Shopping Strategy: Coffee, Muffins, and Friends

 I am not a super-plan-ahead-get-all-my-shopping-done-and-wrapped-early-for-Christmas kind of girl.
I tried. It didn't work for me.

So every year, I wait, usually until December, to start my holiday shopping. Other than a few (almost) last minute gifts here and there, I seem to do OK with this plan of action...mainly because I have a PLAN! When it comes to gifting I have the following strategy:

Number #1
Make lists of people and possible gifts. When I see something on TV, in a magazine, on a blog or on etsy, I write it down in a journal (I am old fashioned that way). Guess what I always have a log of who got what, so next year when I am trying to remember what I got Aunt Sally, I can see that I bought her a scarf last year and don't buy her another one this year!

Number #2
Drink Coffee.

Number #3
Shop with Friends.
This year I invited my friends to my house to DIY some holiday gifts and then to hit some of the local shops.

AND OF COURSE...
I promised a pairing of coffee...

and chocolate chip muffins!

Did you know that particular coffees pair better with particular flavors? 
I did not. I have heard of pairing other foods and beverages, but never imagined that pairings would also apply in the coffee world. Thanks to Starbucks and a trip to to my local Walmart, I had a first run at the #DeliciousPairings Starbucks has to offer.

Hubby and I headed to Walmart to purchase Starbucks Caffe Verona (I am always excited to find a new blend to brew at home) and the complementing chocolate chip muffins in the bakery department. Some Walmart's have special displays in the bakery department showcasing the Starbucks coffee and the delicious pairings with the Walmart bakery items, but alas my Walmart did not have a Starbucks display. So, I grabbed a couple packages of chocolate chip muffins (chocolate chip muffins have to be my favorite!!!) and headed to the coffee aisle to get my Caffe Verona!
The Caffe Verona was almost out, so I am guessing this is a favorite brew.

Now, I will admit, I am an avid Starbucks fan. I frequent their stores (way too much)
and I have purchased some of their coffee for home brewing.
I had never tried Caffe Verona prior to this pairing.
When we were shopping my hubby focused in on the Caffe Verona,
and was quite happy when I told him this was the brew we were purchasing.
This brew has o many notes and flavors in it that we have grown to love,
it was the perfect option.

When I got home, I was so excited to sit down and enjoy a cup of the Starbucks Caffe Verona all by myself. I took this time to really enjoy the rich dark cup of coffee and experience how well it paired with the Walmart Bakery chocolate chip muffin.

The Caffe Verona has complimentary notes for Milk and Dark Chocolate and for Caramelized Sugar. It also really reminds me of an Italian Roast (which happens to be a favorite in this house). To be quite honest, I was totally blown away by how nicely the coffee and muffin paired. The coffee had a deep robust, cocoay flavor on its own, and the muffin was also delightful, but the combination of the two seemed to make the muffin melt in my mouth!  I eventually let hubby try it too, and he LOVED the Caffe Verona.

I was excited when the morning rolled around and my friends arrived.
I had the Caffe Verona brewing and the chocolate chip muffins waiting.
After we all shared a cup (or four) of coffee,
we were ready to tackle our project list:
4 gallons of Arancello and Limoncello
Homemade Vanilla Extract 
Some embellished wood frames

and a few holiday banners.

Then we headed out to the local shops to continue with the fun.

I even took some of that Caffe Verona along with me (in my Starbucks to-go cup) - iced with a touch of milk and sugar! I do love an iced coffee as well...and this was delicious!

  I cannot think of a better way to tackle my holiday gift list than with a cup of amazing coffee and a chocolate chip muffin, and friends.

Stay up to date with the latest by following
 Starbucks on Twitter and Starbucks on Facebook
and
Walmart on Twitter and Walmart on Facebook 

 

This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™. #CBias #SocialFabric

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