Monday Collection: Small Business Gift Guide

Above image: Vegan soaps by Bayou Soap Co., New Orleans, LA, available through Nubian Hueman

This year, more than ever before, it’s vital that we support our small businesses – especially those in our own communities. With many states and municipalities reinstating “lockdown” during this critical time of year for gift-buying, it’s harder than ever for small businesses to compete with the Amazons and Targets of the world. If you hope your favorite boutique is still afloat post-pandemic, consider supporting them now as you buy for the holiday season (and wear a fucking mask, for the love of all that is good and holy).

What follows is just a small sampling of some of my favorite, affordable (real affordable, not Oprah-affordable) gifts available in person and online from some very special small businesses across the U.S.

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Monday Collection: Spooky Season

Above image: Skull ice cube mold, Williams Sonoma

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, friends! It’s Spooky Season! If you’ve never done Halloween in New Orleans, you’re missing out, but I’d recommend you skip this year and (hopefully) try again next year. Typically, the decorations, costumes and general reveling are completely out of this world.

This year, Halloween also includes a Blue Moon – a second full moon in the month of October – making it extra special and heavier on the spiritual side, if you’re open to it. Enjoy this sweet little collection, with items perfect for the season or year round.

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Real Talk: Make a Voting Plan

It’s that time again, friends – time to get out there and make your voice heard with your vote. Here in New Orleans we are voting not only for the President, but also for an endless stream of judges, some interesting amendments, Senate, Congress, and more. Our ballot is pretty long and it’s important to go in educated, and with a plan. You have three minutes to hang out in the booth (unless you applied for extended assistance), and since this isn’t a high school math test, you can bring your list of picks in with you to make best use of your time and avoid submitting an incomplete ballot.

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Monday Collection: Late to the Party for Latinx Heritage Month

Above image: Eva’s Garden, Oily Skin Facial Kit

Since I sat on launching this blog for the first several months of the pandemic, I’ve missed so many amazing opportunities for really gorgeous and unique Monday Collections. I realize Latinx Heritage Month wrapped up a few days ago, but I’m really excited about some of these beautiful products, and who wouldn’t love another few days of celebration anyway?

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Celebrate: How to Make DIY Envelope Liners

Much of my work involves invitation design, and specifically, I have a bunch of print-at-home invitations available on my Etsy site. Many of my pieces come with a free file that clients can use to print on the back of their invitations or to make their own DIY envelope liners, but I’ve come to find out that many of my wonderful clients don’t want to bother with the liners – it sounds too tedious. I think homemade envelope liners can be a really fun, economical addition to an invitation suite, and I’m here to assure you that it’s actually super simple.

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Monday Collection: Celebrating Indigenous Creators

Above image: Kay Walkingstick, Mt. Kitchner, 2019, Froelick Gallery

In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, I’m excited to highlight a few gorgeous pieces created by indigenous artists, designers and artisans.

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