How you Give Makes a Difference in the World

"...our community understands the value of their spending and how it can be integral in sustaining mom and pop shops. Conscious spending within the community can contribute to neighborhood sustainability.”

– CHRISTINE ARAQUEL, THE PARK'S FINEST

Color your world with clay, just add tile.

I love Thanksgiving. It gives us four days to cherish and celebrate our families by focusing on hopes, blessings, and gratitude. And then comes Black Friday, bringing all that higher self stuff to a crashing halt. Dinner is at three, dishes are done by seven, and you're out the door standing in line at Best Buy. And that's if you're the lucky one who's shopping. Everyone who's making that possible for you is missing dinner with their families. I don't like Black Friday.

I grew up in a house filled with musicians. Someone was always practicing a violin, piano, or accordion. This melody pattern reminds me of notes dancing across a sheet of music and takes me back to earlier times.

I like a restful Friday, with poached eggs on stuffing for breakfast, deboning the turkey, using the carcass to make stock, and turning it all into a turkey pot pie for dinner. I say let the shopping start on Saturday. Shop Small Saturday is a great way to pay it forward and continue the Thanksgiving spirit. Small businesses give most to community organizations that rely on volunteers and donations; when you support us, you help yourself as well. Your gifts will be unique and treasured. Of course, I want you to shop small with me. To support you back, you can choose to take a 15% discount or to receive a delicate and lovely wreath ornament.

For orders of $100 or more:

-Add the code SHOPSMALL for 15% off.

-Orders that don't apply the code will receive a free wreath ornament with their shipment.

Shop Small Saturday is followed up by Artists Sunday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday, and (I'm making this up) Where's my Wallet Wednesday. Shop Sunday thru Tuesday and I’ll donate 15% of sales to Urban Ministries to help feed those out of work and hurting by the pandemic.

May your family be safe and healthy, may your belly be full and satisfied, and may your life be filled with an abundance of blessings.

With love and appreciation, Happy Thanksgiving,

Marina