Bits and Bobs, Holiday Edition
Since the holidays are barrelling toward us at alarming speed (seriously, who hit fast-forward on the end of this year?), I have gathered a few small businesses with goods I enjoy. Longtime friends and followers will probably recognize some of these, but some are new!
Let’s dive in!
Strange Brew in Indiana makes the best flavored coffee. Ever. Truly. I have tried them all, and Strange Brew gets my undying love. And good news, they ship. So, order yourself or someone you love the best coffee. Bonus: there is always a tiny toy in with every order. It’s like finding a prize in your cereal!
Coffee? Coffee. Sweet Day is a charming online candy store, which will deliver you an assortment of goodies from England/Sweden! There are so many kinds to pick from. I recently ordered some stuff for my siblings/dad (did I eat some immediately? Yes, yes, I did) and placed an order early today to send a gift directly to a friend.
A brightly colored bag of joy Peculiarity Shop is a delightful jewelry shop, run by friends of mine. These rad humans make fun, shiny things! I have several pieces from here, and I have often ordered gifts for friends, too.
The star on that is a great iridescent purple Bronnie Designs is filled with homemade goods, such as gorgeous knitwear and and blankets. There is something for everyone, trust me. I really marvel at the skill level on the knit things, because while I crochet, I tap out at basic blankets.
Dieux Skin is, hands down, my holy goddamn grail for cleanser, serum, and moisturizer. I use their forever eye masks paired with my eye cream, and I love that they’re reusable! Wash them and store in their handy tin.
Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, which makes my absolute favorite perfume, Aglaea. They have such a great assortment of scents, and I love that you can order tiny samples. So, then you get to try new things and see what you like, without a huge commitment. I did that with my last order, and I found two new scents I adore (Blood Kiss and Persephone).
I know that the holiday season is not really about gifts, but I absolutely love the thrill of finding a wonderful present for someone. I am totally that person who remembers that thing you mentioned last year and gets it for you. That’s how my brain works.
I’m not someone who gives with the aim to receive. I give just to give and because I live for that warmth feeling you get when someone you care about is happy. Yes, I am a schmaltzy dork. And yes, sure, I love receiving presents! And mail! Because it is always, always nice to be thought of. But it is always the heartfelt, sweet things that light up my heart.
May your holiday season be absolutely filled to the brim with love, darlings.
XOXO
PS I could not get those images to center, and it irritates me so much. But.