Small Business Saturday Series v.3

Happy Saturday!  I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, shopped online for Black Friday, and are enjoying a leisurely weekend before we head back to work on Monday.  This is the third installment of my small business Saturday series, although it is a short one for this weekend. I’m publishing this early because real life.  

Tom is surprising me with a birthday celebration with just the two of us this weekend, so I’ll be trying to stay present with him this weekend.  This is one of the first surprises that he’s planned since our first anniversary in NYC, so I’m excited to see what he has in store.  

Note: None of this is sponsored.  These are all businesses (and more importantly, people) that I follow with products that I feel confident in recommending either because I purchase their products and I enjoy their content.  

L’Amour de Paris Print Shop

Speaking of memorable adventures with Tom, I’m excited to share that L’Amour de Paris has a launched a print shop!  Some of you may remember that they did our honeymoon photoshoot in 2015 – a session that Tom and I are both still obsessed with.  (I credit that early morning shoot for helping Tom fall in love with Paris.)  While all small businesses have been hit especially hard, I think photographers have been especially hard hit, especially in places that have had the most severe lockdown measures, weddings and celebrations cancelled, and significantly limited tourism.  

If you’re looking for a beautiful Paris souvenir to keep your wanderlust alive (or to surprise someone with a trip to Paris), make sure to check out their amazing new venture with calendars, prints and more!  (We won’t be in your photos, but I did want to highlight how gorgeous their work is!)

Follow their instagram for more inspiration on expat life in France!

Estelle Colored Glassware

I might or might not have a pinterest board dedicated to beautiful glassware.  Estelle Colored Glass is Black woman-owned business named after the founders grandmother.  She commissions beautiful beautiful wine glasses, cake stands, and decanters in brilliant and soft colors.  I tried to pick a favorite; I couldn’t.  Luckily, she has a mixed set just for those who can’t choose.  If you know anyone who has moved, who loves to bake, or who just needs an excuse to celebrate (because let’s be real – who doesn’t?), any of the items in this shop would be a beautiful gift.  

Shop Mary Lo

Mary is one of my former students, which earns her an automatic mention. She attended design school in London and is back in Dallas making a name for herself with clothes, prints, and accessories.  (I quite appreciate her adorable socks.)  What I appreciate about Mary’s work is that much of it is designed to be evocative based on her experiences and her contemplation of her identity. If you are looking for truly unique one-of-a-kind designs, check out her online shop or drop by one of her holiday pop-up events if you’re local.    

Online Montepulciano Christmas Market

It’s no secret that the biggest thing I’m going to miss this year are the Christmas markets. For the last two years, we have enjoyed stopping by the Montepulciano Christmas market (in person).  While that won’t be happening this year due to the second wave and Tuscany’s new lockdown measures, they have moved the entire thing online!  

You can shop a number of the local Tuscan retailers from the comfort of your own home!  I’m excited to check this out and see if there is anything I need to recreate our Italian holidays at home this year, since it is unlikely we will be traveling for Christmas this year.