Market Noel Gift Guide

Christmas is right around the corner and it’s time once again for Market Noel! Market Noel is a holiday shopping event, November 19-21, featuring over 100 unique merchants, presented by the Junior League of Birmingham. As you know, I love supporting local artists, craftsman, and businesses and this year’s Market Noel has an incredible lineup of merchants, so you can be sure to find something for everyone on your list! Here are a few of my favorite finds for …

Babies // These stroller bags from Samantha Grace Designs are so convenient! I also love the walker and bike bags. These adorable UA and AU dolls are from Stitchy Fishy and would be the perfect gift for a little fan!

Fashionistas // This beautiful wrap bracelet from Kate Morris Jewelry is one of many incredible pieces in the collection. Don’t forget the guys with a preppy-chic tie (or bowtie) from Collard Greens.

At Home // I always love giving (and receiving) gifts for home, and these customizable maps from City Prints are a great way to give an art piece that has a special meaning. Their city maps and stadium prints are so cool! Prodigal Pottery makes this great mug along with other ceramic ornaments, kitchenware, and more.

Foodies // When all else fails, foodie gifts are always a good idea. I’m dying to try these spiced watermelon pickles from Pickled Pink, and think it would make a great gift for the more adventurous. This Cajeta caramel sauce from Fox Point Farms is DELICIOUS! I had it on waffles at The Pantry and it was seriously the best stuff ever. These Holiday Fried Pecans caught my eye because they sound delicious and are so perfectly packaged for gifting.

Here are a few other merchants on my radar: Urban Home Market, Rag Muffins, Green Bottle Candle Company, Sweet Pineapple, Stone Hollow Farmstead, Dixie Design Collective, Bricks and Baubles

These are only a few ideas for unique local gifts - there are plenty more, for everyone on your list! See for yourself on Market Noel’s list of merchants here. Happy shopping!

* This post was sponsored by Market Noel. The opinions and ideas are completely my own. *

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5 Frugal Fall Activities

It looks like it's going to be a chilly weekend here in Birmingham and the snuggly weather ahead has got me dreaming of cozy evenings at home and sunny days enjoying all the beauty that fall has to offer. There's no shortage of great restaurants, shops, and events happening this time of year, but take it easy on the ole' wallet and try out some of these fun frugal activities too. These are a few fun and frugal things Max and I will be enjoying this fall!  Picnic in the park :: grab a picnic blanket, a sweater, and a bottle of wine for a fun and frugal evening out. Railroad park is always full of life and has some great people watching. Grab a Zyp bike or sign up for Date Night on Bikes for a picnic and bike rental for only $30. I mean, doesn't that picnic just make you want to pack-up and go!?
Go for a walk or take a drive:: with the cooler temperatures and beautiful fall colors, it's a great time to unplug and get outside for some fresh air and quality time. Take a walk through a new neighborhood or take a drive through the mountains to enjoy the beautiful colors of fall. Max and I love this time together to chat and catch up. Check out AL.com for a Guide to See the State's Best Autumn Colors and Alabama Tourism website for a Fall Color Trail. Try a new recipe :: instead of a pricey dinner out, try out a new recipe and spend the evening learning how to cook it, together. Max and I love food and cooking together, and figuring out a new recipe makes it even more fun! Fall has me dreaming of warm soups and heartier recipes. I'm always pinning new recipe and things to try here. Take on a home project :: i'm always in favor of a little fall refresh. Plant a fall garden, refinish an old piece of furniture, organize your closets, or rearrange your furniture for a quick and easy update that will re-energize you and your space for the change of season. You can find some fall interior inspiration here and here.
Tailgate at home :: we love watching Alabama football from the comfort of our couch, and with our friends JT and Rainie living a few doors down, we've been getting together for gameday tailgating at home! Whip up some of your favorite tailgate appetizers, grab a case of beer, and enjoy the game (sweat pants encouraged). Roll Tide!

// image via: the marion housebook // 

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Currently Loving // November Wishlist

Boots, Turtlenecks, and army greens, are always among my fall favorites. I'm loving this great trench dress from banana republic, and all the suede this season! This faux suede jumper from Target and suede fringe jacket from Forever 21 are great affordable pieces to try out the trend.

I can't stop dreaming of these perfectly worn Frye Sasha Moto Shooties!! These fabulous JCrew suede d'Orsay loafers, and ATL Aviate hat, are also on my list of must have pieces this season. Stay tuned for an Aviate store coming to Avondale soon! 

Birmingham Home & Garden’s Birmingham Style coffee table book caught my eye with page after page of beautiful interiors from right here in the Magic City. I love a good coffee table book, especially when it hits close to home (literally…)

Cooler temperatures and the holidays ahead makes me crave warmer colors, materials, and textures. These cloth napkins are a perfect shade of orange and just enough plaid; A beautiful, vintage jadeite cake stand is a great way to display holiday treats; These bar stools have such a beautiful, industrial look; and this funky cactus has me dreaming of eclectic Christmas décor (flash back to Lulu & Georgia’s Christmas in California).
What's on your November wishlist?!

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