The countdown to Christmas is rapidly approaching and decorations in our neighborhood are beginning to light up the evenings, delighting both children and adults. Folks are out walking and driving around our area taking in all of the creative light displays. It is so much fun to see the happiness that the holidays offer.
I skipped a week of blogging because I knew that your inbox was going to be jam-packed on Black Friday with promises from retailers of huge savings. I must admit that I found a great sale on an office chair for my hubby, so "Santa" made an early delivery. Honestly, after the first 100+ emails, I started deleting, deleting, deleting.
I delayed my "shop local" due to the inclement weather we had last Saturday. I am planning a full day of exploring local concerns and finding special gifts for those I love. I hope that you will do the same since locals depend on you for their livelihood. I'll share my finds with you and I hope to hear all about your local discoveries.
Here are a few places and things I want to suggest:
https://bellingrath.org/support/membership/ - Why not gift yourself or someone you love a year's membership to one of our local treasures? Bellingrath Gardens is the gift that will keep on giving all year long. Plan to visit their holiday lights display. It is a memorable experience!
www.domkemarket.com - Brooke Goff and her team have a wonderful selection of wines and gifts at Domke Market. Stop by the Schillinger location and browse! Ask about her monthly wine club!
https://www.dogoodsmercantile.com - I plan to visit Do Good Mercantile, a new addition to downtown Mobile. I got a sneak peek at this little store during my Ambassador training. It looked like it was going to be an incredible place to shop for gifts and "do good" at the same time! Located on St. Michael Street!
If you are looking for Mobile branded items head over to Urban Emporium http://www.urbanemporiummobile.com and tell my friend, Trixie Daniels hello! This Dauphin Street shop is loaded with unique gift ideas for everyone on your list. They've got cute clothes, accessories and so much more!
Rebecca at Apollo's Paws www.apollospaws.com has all sorts of holiday things for your fur-kids! Shampoos, colognes and more are available at her Grelot spa! Stop by Tuesday - Saturday and shop her retail selections!
Consider gifting local restaurant gift cards, memberships to local museums and galleries and shopping at local gift and antique stores.
Giving Brings Joy!
Can you help boss partners, AlaCoast Insurance (Lisa Harkey), Lindsey & Waldo CPA (Richard Lindsey & Paula Waldo), and The Joint Chiropractic (Jim & Monica Wesson) with this food drive? Drop off canned goods and non-perishable items to any of their locations. Thank you so much for all that you do for this community. I am putting together my donation after I finish this blog! Time to go shopping in my pantry!
Happy 5th Anniversary to Camille Wilkinson!
Camille Wilkinson is celebrating her 5th year with The Camille Wilkinson Team at Direct Mortgage Loans. Mobile is fortunate to have a mortgage loan professional as extraordinary as she is. She has helped thousands of people realize the dream of home ownership along the Gulf Coast. Join me in congratulating her on a job well done!
If you are shopping for a home mortgage you can reach her by calling 251-378-9359. She will be happy to assist you!
Her office is located at:
1201 Montlimar Drive Suite 300 Mobile, Alabama
What's New on YouTube?
This delicious and easy to make soup is the latest edition on our Sunday feature: Soup for the Soul! Over the years, I've found people "mopping" up the soup pot with leftover French bread. You know something is GOOD when that happens! I'd give this one 5 stars! Go check out the short video by clicking here and let's get cooking!
Our Countdown to the Holidays is going to feature some of our favorite desserts! Our first episode was released on December 1st. Click here to learn how to make authentic New Orleans Style Bread Pudding. Coming soon, we'll show you how to make Bananas Foster, Creme Brûlée, and other Southern favorites just in time for the holidays! I can't wait to cook with you!
Have a Wonderful Week!
I've never been one to decorate early, even though I love the holidays. I like to enjoy Thanksgiving and the "turkey coma", parades and football! This morning, I hung up a holiday wreath whose inspiration came from Pinterest. I'll add some fresh greens and our garland with lights to give our front door the festive look! I plan to take my time with my tree and other adornments. I want to savor the season!
Remember this: time spent with friends and family is the greatest gift of all.
See you next week! ~ Charlsie