In a world where anything you want can be bought online with both a discount and free shipping, there isn’t a lot of incentive to shop local these days. However, the importance of local makers, artists and dreamers is more significant than ever.
They are the heartbeat of the community. The pride and joy. The ones who inspire and create. When you buy from a local maker, you not only support your community, you give them a confirmation that they are, in fact, on the right path. Following your dream and answering to your true calling takes real courage. Let’s send them a giant hug and “keep up the great work” by purchasing our local maker’s work!
One of the things I love most about New Orleans is their unconditional support of local businesses, makers and artists. Shopping or dining at a chain store or restaurant is sacrilegious and dining at a new local restaurant or hanging a local artist’s work in your home is always en vogue.
For those of you who enjoy supporting your local community, for those of you who enjoy products sourced locally and for those of you who simply enjoy something a little extra special and different, I have 12 items that you can add to your wish lists this year.
I’m excited to announce that I’ve expanded my reach to the entire state of Louisiana. Since I’ve always lived in South Louisiana, that’s where I’ve had the most exposure to makers, but I hope in the future to find great items from all over this great state!
No matter where you live, we have something for everyone. We have art, furniture, ceramics, aromatherapies, infused oils and of course…sno-balls! They’re all incredibly cute, affordable and gift-worthy! So here we go.
1. Tchoup Industries’ Fanny Pack Charcoal w/ Woven Panel
Use promo code TCHOUPFAVE15 for 15% off through the end of the year.
There’s nothing I love more than a good ‘ol fanny pack, especially when in New Orleans. I happen to think it the most practical accessory. These days they aren’t just for tacky tourists; they’re for the traveller, the camper, the biker, the going out-er, the Jazz Fest-er, the Mardi Gras-er. Thank God these have gotten more fashionable over the years! I have had my eyes on this fanny pack for a while now. The colors and the size are just right and the bonus: my husband and I can share it!
2. Bonfolk Collective’s Bon Temps Socks
Use promo code “showmeyournola” for 15% off this style through the end of the year.
Not your ordinary sock company…Bonfolk not only designs joyful and colorful socks for the modern-day sock enthusiast, but for every pair bought, one is donated to a shelter or charity for those in need. Socks are the most requested & least donated article of clothing in shelters. Their mission is to help solve this major problem in the USA.
Although I want every design, this Bon Temps one stood out to me because it will be perfect for the upcoming Mardi Gras season. This year it’s in early February, so you know your toesies will need some extra warmth (and style.)
Bonfolk Collective’s Bon Temps Socks
3. Mimosa Handcrafted’s Turquoise & Crescent Signet Ring
Use promo code showmeyournola for 15% off this style through the end of the year.
I have an obsession with signet rings. I read about signet rings in a fashion book years ago, and I loved the history behind them. The first gift my dad gave to my mom was a gold signet ring with her initial on it. My mom never wore it, so it became the ring that I wear every single day.
I’m always on the search for cool signet rings, and this one caught my eye instantly. Not only do I love a pop of turquoise against gold, but the star & crescent symbology is dear to my heart for many reasons, including the Crescent City reference, it was my sorority’s symbol on our badges, and my general fascination with stars, constellations and astrology.
Mimosa Handcrafted’s Turquoise & Crescent Signet ring
4. Leaf + Root’s Calm Aromatherapy Roll On
I have this new thing with aromatherapy. I never used to understand the hype, but once I started using it on a daily basis, I got it. I’m wearing Calm on my wrists and temples right now, and it’s totally keeping me cool, calm & collected. These roll ons smell amazing and they’re perfect for keeping in your purse and when traveling to help you stay CALM.
Leaf + Root Calm Aromatherapy Roll On
5. Juliet Meeks Design’s Painted Stripes Pouch
Use promo code SHOWMEYOURNOLA for 15% off all purchases through 12/24/16.
This pouch combines three of my faves: watercolor, gradients of purples and blues and a good catchall for makeup, pens, jewelry, hair products and pretty much anything that is small and crying out for organization. Also, a girl can really never have enough cute pouches.
Juliet Meeks Design’s Painted Stripes Pouch
6. Bern Ceramics Jewelry Catchalls
Check their Instagram page for their pop-up locations; I’m not sure if they have an online store yet.
I was first introduced to bern at a Little Flea market in the Lower Garden District (if you haven’t been to one, go ASAP–>@littlefleanola.) Bern’s cool and calm color palettes and simple designs drew my eye instantly. I have several jewelry catchalls strewn about my home because I have learned the hard way that jewelry can easily be lost when not in designated areas. These cuties–my favorite one says Be. Kind–are a necessity for anyone!
Fun fact: you can also check out their adorable coffee beakers at Drip Affogato.
Bern Ceramics jewelry catchalls
7. Alyse Studios Kilim Pillows
Use promo code SHOWMEYOURNOLA for 15% off this style through the end of the year.
I’m a sucker for a bold, colorful ethnic pillow! Alyse Studios’ Kilim pillows are all one of a kind treasures, so if you see one you like, you better grab it quick. They are all made out of vintage Turkish handwoven rugs. As far as I’m concerned, when it comes to pillows, more is more!
Alyse Studio’s Kilim pillows
8. General Public’s Itty Bitty Planters
Is everyone else as obsessed with succulents as I am?! I mean really, what’s not to love. I could go on and on, but that will be a separate blog post. The best part of owning succulents is the search for finding cute planters for them. I have been a fan of General Public’s work for years now, and I am loving all the new accessories he has added this year. These Itty Bitty Planters (um, hello cutest product name ever) are perfect for a modern and happy space in your home or office.
General Public’s Itty Bitty Planters
9. SoLA Deli’s Organic Herb Blends (Set of 5)
Use promo code showmeyournola for 15% off purchases $35 or more through the end of the year.
I am so excited to have found organic, local seasonings! My husband and I both love to cook, and now that we have so many new kitchen tools from our registry, we cannot wait to cook our hearts out in 2017. Something else we’ll be focusing on is healthy cooking. I think the key to healthy cooking is using the right seasoning. This set will take us from New Orleans to France. No more tasteless skinny baked chicken!
SoLA Deli’s Organic Herb Blends (set of 5)
10. Rebecca Rebouche’s Strawberry Dreamsicle iPhone Case
I have been a fan of Rebecca Rebouche’s artwork since my cousin bought one of her custom family trees. I started following her on Instagram and she takes her followers on a dreamy journey–I’m seriously hooked.
Now, if you’ve been following me for a while now, you already know my obsession withs no-balls. You can read more about this obsession here. And if you’ve read 2014 and 2015’s My Fave Things posts, then you also know that I always include a sno-ball nod.
Rebecca’s Strawberry Dreamsicle sno-ball is perfection. I not only want this iPhone case, but I also want this on a canvas print in my home. You can check out her shop on Society6 where you can find her artwork on a variety of fun items.
11. Oxalis Apothecary’s Jasmine + Coconut Mineral Mist
As I mentioned earlier, I’m a newfound aromatherapy and organic minerals fan. But what I’ve always been into, however, is coconut. When I saw that Hattie Sparks had a new brand in her shop, I gravitated to the light and bright retail space. I inherently reached for the bottle that had the word coconut on it, and I was extremely delighted! I was even more delighted to hear that Erin, the maker, had recently moved herself and her biz to New Orleans from Brooklyn!
This mist is both intoxicating and hydrating, and as she says in her description…it’s totally beach vibes whenever, wherever.
Oxalis Apothecary’s Jasmine + Coconut Mineral Mist
12. Beau & Stella’s Rose Gold Constellation Necklaces
I am a complete astrology nerd! I don’t read my daily horoscope or anything, but I do love a good yearly horoscope and reading about all the different personality traits in both western and eastern astrology. I am a Western Taurus and a Chinese Pig, which pretty much makes me one of the most indulgent people on Earth.
Speaking of indulgence, these constellation rose gold necklaces are divine! Show off your sign with pride and beauty…you know it will start an interesting conversation!
Beau & Stella Constellation necklace in rose gold
BONUS TIME!
I couldn’t complete this list without including my greeting cards, Summertime Blues. For the Nola lovers, these greeting cards are sure to bring a smile to every recipient’s faces!
Use promo code FAVETHINGS for 15% off through the end of the year.
showmeyournola’s very own greeting cards: Summertime Blues
That completes ShowMeYourNola’s 2016 My Favorite {Louisiana} Things! Now get ta shopping…Christmas is just 2 weeks away!
Don’t forget to check my Instagram account (@showmeyournola) for the 12 Day Giveaway contest where I’m giving away each one of these items. It begins on Monday, December 12th and will end on Saturday, December 24th.
P.S. Are you a local maker or artist that wants the chance to be featured next year? Send me an email with the title MY FAVE THINGS ENTRY to showmeyournola@gmail.com with more info on your business and products.
P.S.S. I would love to hear your thoughts on this list. Leave me a message below!
