11.25.2014

Shop Small, Y'all


So, you've probably heard that some stores may be having some sales or something on Friday. Dunno what that's about... ; ) But seriously, if you plan to do shopping of any sort this holiday season, whether this weekend or later on, I highly encourage you to scope out the stores of some of my friends below.



So why give your business to these small shops this year? If I may, a few reasons:

1) They are ALL women-owned businesses. (Can we say #GirlBoss?)

2) They all have a web or social media presence, allowing you to shop whether you live in Northwest Arkansas (like me), or Timbuktu (like Timbuktuians).

3) They are genuinely nice people you'll be supporting. (A bit of insight: I'm picky about who I work with and promote on this blog. And I don't know about you, but I'd rather buy from people who do right by their customers any day of the week.)

These women and their boutiques are the real deal. So go forth and shop your pants off.





If you haven't shopped from my gals at Riffraff before, the holidays would be an excellent time to do so! Kirsten and her girl gang are breaking records (numbers, not the vinyl kind) and taking the retail world by storm. And the coolest part? The flagship store is still located right smack dab in the middle of Fayetteville.

Riffraff has stocked some darn cute items (per usual) to keep us all in style and on budget this Christmas. Best of all, you can create your own wish list on their site and make sure you get everything YOU want this year.

Find them on Instagram at shopriffraff




I have been collaborating with Maude Boutique on this blog for FIVE years now. Five. That's longer than a presidency.

I can tell you that every year, I'm blown away with their merchandise. (Seriously, Becca and team never disappoint.) The items in stock at Maude currently are no exception. Last year, Maude expanded their offerings to other gift items outside the realm of just apparel and accessories. Don't know what the heck to buy for someone? Call them, hit 'em up on Instagram or stop in and they'll help you select something fabulous for your recipient!

Find them on Instagram at shopmaude and keep an eye out for a 'Very Merry Maude Gift Guide' coming exclusively to this blog soon!





Two words that comes to mind when I think of SF? High style. Tess and the ladies keep their customers looking amazingly chic, but with price points that still allow you to pay your electric bill. If it's big city style - you know, the stuff you see in Lucky every month - Savoir-Faire is your ticket.
I'm loving all of the super fun pieces they just added to their Party Shop! (Takes all the guess work out of planning your holiday looks, doesn't it?) And, their sweaters...my personal favorite section. So many, many options that would tickle anyone on your gift list to pieces.

Find them on Instagram at shopsavoirfaire




If it's a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry you crave, please get yourself over to Southern Vintage. Stop in on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or make a private appointment to stop by on another day of the week! Karey has so many gorgeous pieces that will satisfy any jewelry lover - and for unbelievable prices.
Southern Vintage is located in downtown Bentonville at 123 S Main St., Suite 3. You can also follow them on Instagram and Facebook for daily pics and inspiration. Stop in and make your wish list or get a jump on your Christmas shopping!

Find them on Instagram at southernvintagebentonville



If you live in Fort Smith or the River Valley, you're probably already familiar with this little gem of a boutique. And if you haven't met HH yet? Well, it's high time. Meagan carries only a few of each piece, so you know that wherever you go, you won't have that awkward "she's wearing my outfit" moment ; )

Meagan and her team at Hazel's Haven can help you choose something special for your friends and family in store OR through their Instagram account. Yep - even if you live in another city or state, you can shop their Instagram account and Facebook page to have a little piece of Haven (see what I did there?) sent to your door!

Find them on Instagram at hazelshaven

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Baby/Blogging/I'm So Emo Update: 
I've reached a point in this pregnancy that I've been dreading: the miserable point. I never felt like this during my pregnancy with Caroline, but I also didn't have a toddler underfoot then either. Physically, this is the hardest thing I have ever done. I wake up exhausted, ache in places I never thought possible, can no longer wear real shoes -- we're meeting with my O.B. about this crazy swelling tomorrow first thing -- and frankly, I just find myself overwhelmed at the amount of stuff I still have left to do before this baby gets here. 

This morning, Caroline was standing at my feet crying and when I went to pick her up, my back just sort of gave out. I couldn't physically do it. Try explaining to a toddler why momma can't scoop her up and hold her like always. After I got her situated with her toys in the living room, I just sat at my breakfast table and bawled the ugly cry.

We are also hosting Thanksgiving at our house this year and the thought of cleaning house and doing food prep brought on an eruption of tears. (This isn't meant to garner sympathy or scare anyone away from having a baby one day (ha!), but I try to keep it real.)

I know that this will all be worth it when she gets here, but man - I'm tired. Real tired.

With that said, I'm going to take the remainder of the week and weekend off from blogging and focus on our family, our home and my ever-growing to-do list. Unless craziness ensues, I fully intend to be back next week.



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Anyway, y'all have a good night and a very happy Thanksgiving! I'm so thankful for your readership and your support on this little platform every day.

See y'all next week!




14 comments:

  1. I normally don't post (I am a quiet reader), but I just had to tonight. I hope you feel better! I don't have any babies, so I cannot relate, but the fact that you're hosting Thanksgiving 9 months pregnant AND have a toddler is so brave and selfless of you. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and hoping your aches and pains ease up! Sending love from NYC!

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  2. Oh, sweet mama. I TOTALLY understand where you are coming from. I am only 17 weeks along with our second bebe, but I can already tell that this one's going to be a doozy compared to Caleb - he was a breeze. I loved every second of being pregnant with him, and had such an easy time of it. Not so much this time. So, I know that end of third trimester will definitely be tough. I feel for you. The good news is that Ainsley is almost here. Just hold out for another week or two, and everything will be just fine. Hopefully your doc can help get your swelling down a bit. But until then, prop those feet up, sip that water, and just relax. Have a very happy Thanksgiving. Love to you and yours!!!:)

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  3. Feel better, sweet mama! YOU can do this and you will! God has given you some awesome strength! BELIEVE!

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  4. I hope you start feeling better soon! All the stores you shared are SO cute!

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  5. Well I just stumbled across this blog from Bloglovin' and lo' and behold, I find a fellow Northwest Arkansas blogger! Crazy! It is very nice to find your blog and I enjoyed reading more about these small businesses which I've shopped at before. I do like all of them!

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  6. Rest up, Leslie. The end is almost here. Happy Thanksgiving to your lovely family. :)

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  7. Hang in there and take it easy on yourself! Your not supposed to be perfect anytime soon! Your a great Mom and both your children are blessed to have you!

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  8. Hope you have a beautiful Thanksgiving and that sweet Ainsley continues to bake away and not arrive early! Have fun and hope you get a bit of relief soon.

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  9. Saying lots of prayers for you! It is so hard for the little bitty ones to understand what is going on which makes it that much harder on you...it will get better, I promise! And remember your family and friends will not care if you are not your typical amazing hostess self with a fabulous Thanksgiving decked home and the most scrumptious meal of all time, what they will care about is spending time with you before Ainsley arrives and spoiling Miss. Caroline before she becomes a big sister! Treasure theses next few days/ weeks as you rapidly grow from a family 3 to 4, ask for help completing your to do list and enjoy it! Lots of love and prayers your way!

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  10. Feel better, lady! Take the break, we will all be here when you get back!

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  11. love love this list of local fayetteville stores :) i'm sure it'll come in handy in the future!

    hang in there lady! she will be here sooon! xo jillian - cornflake dreams

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  12. I hope you start to get some kind of relief and enjoy your Thanksgiving!

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  13. Nice shops! I own a small business myself and it is so important to support small businesses! Happy Thanksgiving!

    http://www.bluelabelsboutique.com

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