About this Post: Each Wednesday leading up to the holidays, I’ll be sharing some of my favourite items from amazing local shops! Make sure you click on the links to see what else these fabulous companies have in store and online, and pop by to say hello!
It’s Week 3 of the 2023 Wednesday Wish Lists where I share my favourite things from fabulous local small businesses…some I’ve featured before and others who are brand new to the Wish List. Make sure to follow the links provided and spend a bit of time perusing websites and social media to see what these local shops have curated for their holiday line-up!
And… your present to me, is to give each one a follow!
Each week, I’ll share with you something cozy, something shiny, something to wear, something tasty, something that makes me smile, and something for the home. These are the categories I love to see under my tree and gift to others!
SOMETHING COZY:
What makes my home absolutely cozy? It’s the simple fact that someone else is helping me with the cleaning!
I LOVE the days that Maid 4 U Cleaning Services comes to visit, cleaning my home from top to bottom and leaving it shiny in all the right places. As someone who works from my home office, having my place cleaned on a regular basis allows me to concentrate on work when it’s time to buckle down on the computer and not think of all of the things that need to get done! And, it also allows me to enjoy my space when I put the work aside…. then slp into freshly changed sheets and a well-made bed at the end of the day.
I’ve partnered with Maid 4 U for the last few years and I’m thrilled to continue this fabulous relationship with them… highly recommending Leah and her wonderful team.
- Visit them online at Maid 4 U Cleaning Services
- Follow on Instagram @maid4uhrm
SOMETHING SHINY:
I was introduced to Mali’s Jewelry from the folks at Incandescent (who are featured in Week 2’s Wish List and carry some of their pieces) and I have to tell you, I was quite taken by their work!
Mali is an amazing artist, making each piece to detailed perfection in her Bedford Studio. A few weeks ago I popped in to spend a little time with this soft-spoken designer where we chose a piece to have permanently adhered to my wrist! AND I LOVE IT!
Book an appointment, check them out online, or drop into one of the retailers who carry their beautiful products.
- Visit them online at Mali’s Jewelry
- Follow on Instagram @malis_jewelry
SOMETHING TASTY:
I first discovered Mrs. P’s Oatcakes a solid THIRTY years ago… a staple in Nova Scotia homes and craft fairs for decades.
Well, a few years back, Mrs. P sold her shop on Herring Cove Road to an absolutely lovely couple, who have carried on the tradition of making the regular and popular baked goods, but have also added a lovely cafe and a huge section of Take and Bake items including casseroles, soups, sauces, pies and SO MUCH MORE!
Drop into Mrs. P’s Homestyle Bakery for coffee and lunch… leave with a delicious supper to cook at home!
- Visit online at Mrs. P’s Cafe and Bakery
- Drop into their cafe and bakery at 336 Herring Cove Road
- Follow on Instagram @mrspshomestylebakery
SOMETHING FUNNY:
If you’re looking for a few laughs and a night out with friends… the Halifax Comedy Fest is just the ticket!
Give the gift of laughter by purchasing tickets (currently at a discount) for the Halifax Comedy Fest in May, 2024.
- Purchase tickets online at Halifax Comedy Fest
- Follow on Instagram @hfxcomedyfest
SOMETHING TO WEAR
Could these sweatshirts be sweeter? First of all, I love a good PINK AND RED combination and second, CHRISTMAS SAYINGS!!!!
I’m a super big fan of comfy clothes at Christmas AND sweatshirts that celebrate the holidays… so these completely check the boxes for me.
Show up at holiday gatherings this season in a festive, cozy sweatshirt from Halifax Paper Hearts. Visit their store to see the most fabulous pink tree and giftware for everyone on your list. It’s a MUST VISIT shop to put you in the holiday spirit!
- Shop online at Halifax Paper Hearts
- Visit their shop at 6061 Willow Street
- Follow on Instagram @paperheartshfx
SOMETHING FOR THE HOUSE:
One of the things people often say as they enter my home is how great it smells… and I have a CAT! The secret, a fabulous Diffuser at my front entrance with beautiful essential oils!
Luminate, located in Larry Uteck, has a variety of Diffusers that fit every decor (including the beautiful Ona Diffuser) and SO MANY essential oils you’ll have a hard time choosing.
If you haven’t been, this store is definitely a favourite of mine from their fresh produce, delicious loose teas, Kombucha (my fav is the Connected Craft), wellness products, giftware, and so much more. Drop in and spend a bit of time in the aisles.
- Visit their website at Luminate Co. Wellness Market
- Drop in and say hello at 486 Starboard Drive
- Follow on Instagram @luminate_co
SOMETHING FROM ME:
Having lived in Nova Scotia now for 45 years, I’ve accumulated a list of some of my favourite places to visit, things to do, food to eat, traditions to discover… and I’ve included it all in this 11×14 print titled Things We Love About Nova Scotia.
Perfect for the cottage, an airbnb, for a proud Nova Scotian, or someone who’s moved away!
Send me a message for more information or if you’d like to purchase an unframed print. You can follow my graphic design shop on Instagram at Drawbridge Creative, or my blog on Instagram at Queen of Curtains.
ALL DONE BUT THE WRAPPING!
And that my friends is a WRAP on 2023’s Wednesday Wish Lists showcasing local shops that are the heart of our community. While I’ve picked out my favourite things, there are many more items in store for you to explore! Head back up to the links and do a little online shopping, make a point to visit their stores in person, and make sure to follow on social media!!!
To you and yours…Happy Holidays!!
Colleen
Disclaimer: The blog, Curtains are Open, reminds readers of a couple of important things: the blog owner accepts cash advertising and sponsorships, which can include free products. Curtains are Open stands fully behind all the products it recommends.