Leave Thanksgiving for Gratefulness

We have our first ever guest blogger! And it is one of my favorite people in the whole world! Black Friday is a few days from now, and it really isn't my deal, but every year it creeps a little further into Thanksgiving festivities. Paige is going to tell you why this might b a problem we can solve.

Thanksgiving is almost upon us! If you’re my family, it means watching the Macy’s Day Parade and getting together for turkey. As far as traditions go, we’re pretty unoriginal. We do diverge in one way though- never do we ever go Black Friday shopping.

This is a tricky one for me. On one hand, I understand that finances can be tight, and it’s hard to turn down a deal (especially when Christmas gifts are on the mind). On the other, we’ve taken a holiday based on being thankful for what you have, and immediately follow it with reminding everyone how much they “need” a new TV, couch, clothes, etc.

I am not here to tell you to stop going Black Friday shopping- everyone has their traditions. But please, for the love of all of the underpaid and overworked retail associates, leave Black Friday shopping for Friday. Give Thanksgiving the full 24 hours it deserves, and allow those employees time to be with their families.

I was lucky enough when I worked retail that I was able to avoid working Thanksgiving (although I did start at 5am and finish my day at 9pm- it’s a marathon, not sprint!) but many of my friends have not been so fortunate.

So this Thanksgiving season, vote with your money. Do you really want to explain to your coworker why their daughter had to miss thanksgiving dinner so you could buy a discounted comforter set?

Top 5 Grinchiest Stores for Holiday Shopping:

1. Family Dollar and Dollar General - Both of these stores are open at 7am on Thanksgiving day. What could you possibly need at a dollar store that couldn’t wait until AFTER the holiday? Do you really need your $1 bottle of nail polish half off?
2. Old Navy - They open for black Friday at 4pm Thanksgiving day. So not only are you cutting the holiday short, you’re also asking your employees to come in before their traditional thanksgiving dinner? No one deserves vending machine food from the break room as their thanksgiving feast. Shame on you.
3. Kohl’s - They open at 6pm on Thanksgiving, so once again, you are rushing your family members out of the house to skip the holiday of appreciation and thanks in order to get the newest Lauren Conrad collection.
4. JC Penney - These guys are truly the worst. 3pm? Seriously?? What do you have to sell that is so important it can’t wait until AFTER the holiday? If you will be shopping that day, I hope you intend on apologizing to your cashier and give a damn good reason as to why your new curtains were more important than their getting to spend time with family.
5. Big Lots - 7 AM, PEOPLE. I have nothing left to say.

I am not even going to bother mentioning Walmart for this list, as they are open THE WHOLE FREAKING DAY. There is so much shade to be thrown at that company.

Top 5 Best Choices for Black Friday Shopping:

1. Barnes and Nobles- They don’t open any earlier on black friday than they do any other day (although there are some that it looks like they may open earlier at bigger cities), BUT they do sell tons of signed books as their gimmick! Maybe that is only appealing to a nerd like me, but I am all about that kind of deal.
2. TJ Maxx- Not only do they open at 7am on Friday, they specifically make a point to let their customers know that there will be no tomfoolery, and to be respectful of the employees that work hard to be there. Kudos to you guys for thinking of your team members.
3. Costco- Not only are they closed for Thanksgiving, they don’t even open until 9am on black Friday. I’m not sure what the draw would be for any type of deal (I’ve never been to a costco) but you’ve got to love a company that keeps in the spirit of the holiday
4. Hobby Lobby - Sure, there are a few shady things about this company that I don’t love, but you have to appreciate that they live by what they preach. They are closed thanksgiving day and open during their regular hours Friday.
5. Finally- Why not support some of the smaller online boutiques like etsy? This website <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shannon-whitehead/50-ethical-businesses-to-_b_6226410.html> has a great list of companies worth supporting while doing your black friday shopping.

And finally, the best solution of all- Small Business Saturday! Who needs black Friday when you can be enjoying the same type of deals while also stimulating local economy and putting money back into your community? Some towns even have special programs going on if you participate- one year in Franklin, I was doing my small business saturday shopping and was randomly chosen to receive a $20 giftcard to any downtown shop for participating. So check out facebook, talk to some of your local retailers, and vote with your money! This site has some of my favorite reasons for why to buy local <http://www.independentwestand.org/what-happens-when-you-shop-local/>. DId you know that for every $100 you spend on a local business, $68 stays in the community- but buying that same $100 item at a large chain only $43 stays in the community!

So the moral of this story- shop local, don’t ask people to work for you during the holiday season, and be kind to one another.

Finally, I leave you with this:

“Thankfulness creates gratitude which generates contentment that causes peace.”

-Todd Stocker

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Green Christmas 2015: The Mission-Driven Girl's Wishlist

Our next Christmas Shopping Wishlist is from my cousin Rochelle! Shell is the kind of person who is always trying to do better and make the world better for the people around her. She loves to tell a story, and she has a lot of compassion for others. Not surprisingly, when I asked her to write me a Christmas list, she went above and beyond what I asked! 

In Rochelle's own words:

"I chose to focus on social responsibility instead of eco-friendly companies because the social responsibility was more important to me and I found that in most cases a company that practices social responsibility was also environmentally responsible but the reverse was not always the case.  Specifically, I wanted to find companies or stores that have a mission-minded focus.  I want the purchases I make to really mean something.  Not everything on this list will be mission-focused, but I think you’ll find that a lot of them practice some kind of mission."

Shelly made a list of things she wanted for Christmas:

Pajamas 

Candles

Clothes

Long Sleeve Shirts

Make-Up

Wedges

Rochelle had really awesome ideas for where to get these things, so I am going to let her do most the talking and just add a few thoughts of my own onto the end of each item.

I love that she adjusted her list to address the issues that matter the most to her- you should do that too! Think about how your gifts can do more than just get someone another thing. I am in love with her list, so I hope you love it too! 

from Sudara

from Sudara

1. Punjammies – "Every year my mom gets each of us Christmas pajamas that we open on Christmas Eve.  Usually she picks out sets from Kohls or the Gap (I usually pick out my own because I’m weirdly picky about my pajamas).  This year as I started to dig into various companies and social responsibility I found these pajamas and I am in love with them! 

Punjammies are made by a company called Sudara (www.sudara.org) in India.  The women who work for this company are rescued from the sex trade in India and provided housing and education for both themselves and their children.  You can order these adorable clothes direct from their website and styles are available for women, men, and children.  Women’s pajama bottoms run about $45 and that cute India shirt is about $35.  That is only about $20 more than an equivalent sleep set from Gap."

My thoughts- Gah! These pajamas are definitely awesome, and price wise, they are about the same as anything I have found Made in America. Our family does Christmas Ever pajamas too, and I think you could cut down the price slightly by doing Punjammies pants and get a basic (but ethical!) shirt from American Apparel or another Made in America company. Bed Head makes their pajamas in the US as well.

from Kristin Schmucker Shop

2. Candles– "I have been following Kristin Schmucker Shop on Instagram for nearly 2 years and I love pretty much everything in it.  Last year they added these adorable candles to the shop and I remember her posting a picture of her kitchen completely covered in mason jar candles – she makes these all in her own home! The candles are hand-poured with 100% natural soy wax from soy grown in the Midwest.  How cool is that?! And, they’re only about $11 on sale right now!"

My thoughts- Candles are an awesome thing to change course on, and they certainly make great gifts. Smelly candles are often made with paraffin that comes from petroleum! Boo! Using more sustainable materials (like soy or bee's wax) is better for your household and for the world (funny how often those go hand in hand).

Shelly didn't even mention my favorite thing about these candles- they have really pretty calligraphy on them (that seems to be Kristin's primary business) with bible verses. So awesome. If you are looking for other candle options, we are trying Eco Candle and Our Own Candle Company candles. I like the Tiger Mountain Farms beeswax candles and Silver Dollar Candle Co, but my absolute favorites are from Etta Arlene.

from Altar'd State

3. All the clothes from Altar’d State – "I love this store.  Like, I really, really love this store.  I started shopping here about 4 years ago.  My mom bought me my first two items right after I found out I was pregnant with my son and was tired of how bloated I looked (I show about 0.045 seconds after a positive pregnancy test – don’t tell me that I can wear my normal clothes well into the second trimester).  The long cardigan she bought me that day I still have and it is just now started to have a well-worn look.  Plus, it has adorable buttons on the cuffs.  Since then I’ve only bought a couple of items because, to be honest, the clothes are a little pricier than I usually buy.  All of that is seriously changing because  I’m no longer a “fast fashion” consumer and because I realized at the end of the summer that when I wanted to look super cute or put together I absolutely always reached for the two shirts I bought at Altar’d State at the beginning of the summer.

I can’t tell you that absolutely every item made in their store is socially responsible, but they do have certain stamps they put on some items that say “gives back” when the item is a part of their philanthropy program or the vendor is a partner in philanthropy.  This store donates 1% of all sales to local and international charities and they fund employee volunteer hours each month.  And their clothes are freaking cute.  Like, I seriously do want almost all of it.  These 3 tops were each about $40-$60 and the jeans are about $70, so like I said, it’s pricey.  But they last forever so they are great options for anchor pieces in your wardrobe.  The store also has great sales – I got 2 tops at the beginning of the summer for a grand total of $50 and I’m super sad that I can’t figure out how to make them work for winter."

My Thoughts- Altar'd States are all over the Southeastern region, but still remain pretty regional (you can shop from them online). But Shelly's love for them has inspired another Christmas season resolution: we should all take a second to explore a local shop. You know that one store that you walk by but haven't ever gone in? Time to check it out. There are small businesses all over the place that employ our neighbors and often have more priorities than "make more money, get bigger." But you don't know if you don't look, so let's all make a resolution to explore somewhere small before heading somewhere big.

from Krochet Kids

4. The Marni Long Sleeve Shirt from KrochetKids – "Okay, this company is pretty incredible (and they are a vendor partner with Altar’d State!).  This company was started by three guys who were best friends in high school and all learned to crochet.  They started making beanies to sell to locals in their mountain community in Spokane, WA.  Some friends and family eventually encouraged them to teach people in developing countries to crochet as a means of escaping poverty.  They now have over 150 people in Uganda and Peru  who are working, receiving education, and being mentored toward a sustainable future.

What’s even cooler is that each item is signed by the person who made it and you can go to their website and write them a thank you note!"

My Thoughts- Super cool! I love their hashtag #knowwhomadeit.  We bought the bub a hat from them, and it is well-made enough to stand up through way more toddlers. 

from Sephora

5. Colorscience Makeup – "So I heard about this brand thanks to an impulse decision to follow Kaley Cuoco on Instagram.  Evidently this is the make up they use on the set of The Big Bang Theory (sorry, Barbara, I still love it).  This makeup is different for a number of reasons and costs about the same as any department store makeup.  I can’t tell you better than they can, so here is a quote from their website: “Made from 100% healthy, high-integrity minerals, pigments and nourishing ingredients, including antioxidants, peptides, breathable zinc and titanium dioxide. You might have heard or read that we’re doctor approved. This is completely true. We are, in fact, doctor-recommended all over the country.”  It’s makeup that’s actually good for you!

They also have a give back program called “Sunstoppable” with which they teach healthy sun habits.  They also partner with the Women’s Dermatologic Society and the Skin Cancer Foundation to raise awareness about the need for kids’ sun protection during recess and outside playtime.

Their “Everything Matte” set helps give you a shine-free complexion and the whole set will run you $162.40.  I spent about $200 on a similar beauty routine from Clinique last year."

My Thoughts- Awesome! I am currently on a mission to use up my giant archive of make-up, but I did write about green and ethical make up this year. Luckily, some more knowledgable bloggers have already thought about this! Buzzfeed has a very helpful article on sustainable products. Beautylish pointed to ones that don't test on animals!

from Toms.com

6. Tom’s Wedge Booties – We pretty much all know the Toms story by now, but these booties were so cute I had to add them (especially since it’s a company that practices one-for-one).  Again, pricey (since you’re basically buying 2), but they’ll last you ages.

My Thoughts- Shoes are tough to come by made ethically (and this is the most common complaint about Toms), but it's better to invest in something like this than just spending your money on something with less mission. If you want to do a one to one gift, you could also get someone a bear from Bears for Humanity, which sells super cute teddy bears (mostly made in the US), and for every one you buy, one is given to a child in need. 

A Few Bonus Ideas

If you want to give someone a gift that is really helping others, you have tons of great options! TONS. So don't buy from Susan G Komen- it's not a charity, it's basically just a brand. 

from Ornaments for Charity

1. Ornaments for Charity- A family in Nebraska makes Lego Christmas ornaments which they sell for a different charity every year. This year, they are giving 100% of the proceeds to the  Stephen Center and Space Haven. If that doesn't make you feel good about the universe, than what will? This is happening in our house this year, for sure. 

from Sela Designs

2. Sela Jewelry- Sela Designs, out of Wisconsin, sells their fair trade jewelry to give all proceeds to a charity. They also choose different projects- right now, they are working with a Children's Hospital in Ethiopia. I mean, come on. AND the jewelry looks gorgeous. This yellow necklace is currently my favorite. A little more expensive, but the splurge seems worth it! ho wouldn't love to receive a gift like this? 

3. Soaps- You can find tons of fair trade and local soaps, the most ubiquitous in Seattle probably being Alaffia, but you can probably fine something that supports a region that matters to you. I used to think that Bath and Bodyworks was the ultimate "I don't really know you" gift, but I think you could actually use more thoughtful soap gifts to keep loved ones clean and support things that matter to them. 

Does anyone have any other suggestions? How do you combine doing good for other people with giving gifts?

If you are loving this wishlist and want WAY more Christmas inspiration, check out my MegaList, which includes all of the shopping lists from this blog! So much to look at! 

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Throwback Thursday- Awesome Art Halloween Costumes

In case you, like me, do not enjoy being a sexy cat (or ninja turtle? That is weirdly in this year). Here are some art costumes I thought were really fun and gave me fun ideas, so maybe they can help you too!

If you want to be an Artist (for one night... career options must be available elsewhere)...

From Here

 

From the same place

 A magazine did a whole bunch of really sophisticated looking Halloween costumes, but mostly I just appreciate anything that puts a child in a fake beard.

from www.rentabilities.com/.../leonardo-da-vinci-child-costumes/‎

 And on that note, this is the best costume of all time. I said before that being Leonardo Da Vinci is the same as Gandlaf, but without the hat and with some sort of arty instrument. Case and point, people.

from www.flickr.com/photos/buddhataxi/5117933729/

Again, I have suddenly become very self-concious of how much I like children wearing beards. It's just funny looking! Also, Bob Ross is pretty much as classic as you can go. Not many artists have that same level of instant recognizability.

If you want to be an Art Object...

From Here

Ok, this look is pretty played out, but if you have a real devotion to pop art on holidays, I would go the bottom route. Anything with really pronounced eyebrows is a win.

From Here

 KLIMT. This is amazing. Perfect if you are one of those magpie people who likes shiny things. Also, if you just enjoy sexiness, because that is what that man does. This woman absolutely nails the hair from this painting. 

From Here

This man is a genius, though I am slightly frightened by the arms. 

From Here

Kudos to this girl for really nailing the Campbell's logo.It does seem like a tricky issue when you think about hair and such. It almost needs to be a combo costume, but I am not sure what you combine it with.

From Here

This is my favorite costume of all time. Ok, I may have said that before, but this time I really mean it. Maybe if it was da Vinci dressed as the Urinal would be even better. Could you do Campbell cans as shoes and then encompass the entire history of art in one costume? You would also look like one really scary hobo.

From Here

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Little Green Dress- What Works to Wear While Nursing

While you are pregnant, you hear over and over that you look beautiful and that you are doing something miraculous. Fourth trimester, not so much. The only real impulse we see toward the fourth trimester is to render it invisible- the idea is that infant mothers should stay home, put their boobs away, and get back to their "pre-baby bodies" as quickly as possible.

Well, excuse me for existing. Let me just put on my invisibility cloak.

 If 4th trimester mamas have any kind of fashion profile, I would guess it is old pajamas with baby puke on it and unwashed hair. I can still remember going to our infant care class, and while watching the movie (made ten to fifteen years ago), being horrified at the ridiculous black hole of sexiness that were the women nursing. I mean, nipples take on a new role after you see them in a nursing diagram. Also, God bless all participants for being willing to be filmed in their sad pajamas. Now, the second time around, I know there is some truth to the horrors of the sad jammies, but not as much as you would think.

The fourth trimester is not the sad, banal pass through people make it out to be.

Women in their 4th trimester are still pretty damn miraculous. They made a person, they got that person out, and now their body is healing and changing all over again. Not to mention their body somehow can make enough food to be the only thing their baby needs to start their life. Did you know breast milk can actually help heal the baby? Forget hiding- those things deserve their own parade!

I don't want to spend the next six months feeling like a walking nipple diagram, and I am not going into hiding either.I have done this once already, and I know some of this is inevitable, but I don't think I spent those post-partum months looking like a dirty pile of laundry. That's just a bummer. I also don't want to leave my house looking like I am sleepwalking, even if that isn't that far from the truth.


With all of the writing on what to wear while pregnant, you can't find much at all about how to rock the new mom phase (true for non-nursers as well). I think the general sentiment is that it is ok to give up at this juncture, but I refuse! That being said, most of the last month and a half, I have looked like this:

The trick is to find a balance between that comfort/ convenience and to treat yourself as beautiful, because you still are. If pregnant bodies are beautiful and miraculous, so is the body you have now (maybe even more so).  I have learned some things  about what works for nursing and transitioning other than my eeyore pajama pants (super sad. also, I am wearing them as I write this). Nursing poses all sorts of challenges, so I would love to hear what works for you as well! These are my best tips for dressing in those first few months:

1. Thred Up is your New Best Friend- The first time around, I bought a pile of cheapo clothes from Old Navy in a larger size to get me through. It makes sense- your regular clothes and most of your maternity stuff won't work, but you will be back to something more familiar before you know  it, so why waste a bunch of money? A couple of reasons. First, the phase might go longer than you think (or you could be back here again), so the jeans I bought (and a few tops) fell apart so much that I can't use them again. Secondly, Old Navy's clothes are so cheap because they take advantage of cheap and unethical labor- it's just not worth it.

Instead, I highly recommend buying anything you need for this stage at the thrift store. Don't have a good one nearby? Or (more likely) don't have the time for excessive browsing now? Then try Thread Up. I bought every piece for this phase from them this time. I love what I got, it's well-made, it was cheaper than a lot of what I got last time, and I can feel alright if it comes to an untimely (or pukey) end. Fit is going to be a moving target anyway, so I highly recommend buying your new mom wear used,

2. Embrace the Button Up- In the previously mentioned nipple horror film, the new moms were whipping themselves out from the bottom of their shirts. I refuse to give gravity any help, so my boobs only travel upwards. Because of this, there are two options- low cut tops and button-ups. I also have ginormous unruly boobs, constantly trying to find my babies as if he is Sauron and they are the ring. So I have found Buttons are a nursing woman's best friend, that she can free herself in minutes while flashing slightly fewer people. So far, my favorites are long tunics with buttons and soft stretchy jeans or leggings. I even do dresses with buttons.



3. Belts- Yep, they still help. A good investment that can move through sizes with you. Waists are everyone's friend. Just make sure they are easy to get off so you can be comfy while nursing.

from https://www.etsy.com/transaction/238927482

4. Nursing Covers Masquerading as Scarves- Have you seen most nursing covers? They look like puppet theaters mated with seafood restaurant bibs.I don't want to fight with them,  but I would like there to be at least a few people on this Earth who I haven't flashed. Even just one. I found nursing covers on etsy that on first glance just look like infinity scarves but are big (and thin) enough to make really great covers. I also love these ones from Covered Goods, which have a little more stretch (perfect at certain moments).

Even though I am not new at nursing, the Baby Bear is, so I like being able to see him and help him.Plus, these minimize our baggage, which is the key to active and sane parenting. So, if I want to breastfeed in the middle of Seattle Center while eating a doughnut, I can.

5. Hats and Boots- I don't skip showers often, but they do sometimes land in the evening and both boys have  started his day by spitting up in my hair (and the Mom haircut suddenly makes sense). Hats really help cover that mess up. Both hats and boots can make any outfit look like you did it on purpose.In the right, I am literally wearing pajamas, but I look moderately functional, right?

 

5. Stepped Up Sweats- Modcloth has a series of sweater/ sweatshirts in a bunch of colors called Airport Greeting Cardigan that I swear was designed for nursing.  It has a nice drape so it looks more like you aren't wearing cozy home clothes, the zipper means you can get it off quickly (and it still looks nice open if you aren't quite there yet), and it fasten off the center of your body, so your spawn doesn't get uncomfortable zipper face. It's not cheap, but they always have it in some colors, and lower selling colors are often on sale. I got a charcoal one and liked it so much that The Boy got me an oatmeal one for Christmas.

 6. Long Tank Tops- The last thing you need to mess with when nursing is your butt hanging out. They can also be nice to just feel like everything is held in. I love the tank tops from M Rena; they are soft, extra long, and made in America! Nothing like a practical buy that helps an American business.

 7. Don't Be Too Quick to Turn in your Maternity Clothes- Everybody loses weight in different ways, and there is no shame in getting a little more of your money's worth out of what you bought before digging through what has long been put away. When planning for the fourth trimester, assume you will use the 2nd trimester clothes again (if you are really on point, buy pregnancy clothes that will work for nursing.

Both times in the first few weeks after the birth, I lost more than half of the weight I gained (we'll call this the Baby and Support chunk), the other bit didn't budge (I will guess that is the cookie weight, and it was worth it). This time, I know once I hit a certain point, the weightloss will be slow and just happen as I can be more active. It would be great to bounce back into my normal clothes, but that's fruitless energy to worry about. It turns out that my maternity jeans are way more kind to c-section scars, and a couple of my stretchy, buttoned maternity tops have been the best for yanking out the nunjas. I also like the feeling of my tummy being supported right now. I won't retire my maternity jeans for at least 3 to 5 months.

8. Bras make all the difference- Do not buy anything that looks less powerful than your regular bra. Medela and others sell "Night" bras that basically are built like a training bra. That's nonsense. I had one, it was horrible on all counts. Save your money.

Snaps in the straps (no one needs to struggle here), snaps in the back (don't fall for the sports bra business, because your boobs will resemble James's Giant Peach), and don't have an underwire (ow).  This has been the magic formula for me. I like Bella Materna bras, though I think most are imported now.

9. Maxi Dresses- Comfy and you look put together with minimal effort. I recommend wrap dresses for work or more formal events where your boobs still need an easy exit. I still wear my Breezy Night Stroll dress every week.

10. Bring Yourself a  Change of Clothes- Trust me. Just go get a dark colored maternity t shirt, put it in a bag with back ups for everyone else, and put it in the trunk of your car or basket of your stroller. You will get puked on. Just be prepared.

I hope this helps some poor souls like me who want the internet's help in strategizing their boob cover.  I know I said I am trying to avoid excuses, but if you just had a baby, you just had a freaking baby. If you aren't a celebrity who creepily bounces back into their bikini, or you have a colicky baby, or you just don't care, more power to you- you just had a freaking baby.

You aren't obligated to look pretty or disappear or do anything regarding your looks- you just had a baby for goodness sakes!

 The most important thing, I think, is not forgetting about yourself in all the craziness. I like putting a little thought into this, because it is easy for me to let self-care slide completely. Everybody gets through this phase in different ways, so I would like to hear your strategies!

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We Love the Local List- Murfreesboro, TN

This is a new blog series where we can each sing the praises of our favorite local shops, brands, and restaurants. 

Supporting local businesses does even more than supporting small business owners (though that is great too). It keeps your money local to you (not off wherever the Waltons are vacationing), creates more jobs for your friends and family, and even helps the environment. 

Why is shopping local good for the environment? 

We talk a lot about commutes and how much fuel people use to travel, and the same applies to your stuff. The further your stuff has to travel, the more fossil fuels they use and energy they waste. Large companies and chains pretty consistently show less responsibility and concern for the environment and the communities they are in, so you can effect positive change locally and decrease your environmental impact just by shopping and eating local! 



 This blog intends to encourage us to get out and explore the businesses near where we live. See it as a fun challenge to see what you can support nearby and be surprised what amazingness you may have missed. You can also check out other lists to find the coolest places to go when you travel to new towns and cities!  






stolen egregiously off of Amy's facebook page


I am especially excited for this post, because it was written by Amy Roberts, who writes the truly gorgeous, personal, and thoughtful Meanderblog. I love her blog, in which she shows how you can have incredibly lovely style while prioritizing experience over possessions. I was so excited that she agreed to write us a post, and it was cool to see she reads this blog as well! Amy is a longtime resident of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and she has pointed to some wonderful local businesses there. This rapidly growing area has so many local gems. Thank you Amy, and take it away!

THE GREEN DRAGON PUBLIC HOUSE

www.greendragonpubtn.com

An homage to the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien, The Green Dragon is a hidden gem in the center of town. It's a small, family-friendly hole in the wall (no, really - there's a wall with a door and a sign forbidding rings of power) right next to the train tracks, but once you step inside, the atmosphere is a perfect combo of fantastical and truly local vibes, and the friendliness flows as openly as the craft beers. Frequent visitors of the farmer's markets, much of their food is sourced from local growers and makers, resulting in some truly original, seasonal, and delicious menu items fit for lunch or dinner, especially when paired with a cold ale. And since it's conveniently located right next to a Greenway entrance, you CAN simply walk into Mord... er, the pub.

THE WREN'S NEST

www.thewrensnestvenue.com

Image courtesy of Jenny Lindsey Photography

If you're looking for an event venue, consider The Wren’s Nest. A quiet, secluded property nestled in the trees, The Wren's Nest is an exceptional outdoor or indoor venue, used mostly for weddings (like ours!). It's hallmark structure, The Maples Barn, is a vintage barn that is over 100 years old. It was relocated to its current site during the fall of 2012, and carefully restored and improved to accommodate elegant functions. Our experience there was unforgettable, as the owner Sam did everything in his power (including loaning us a table from his HOME for our cake to sit on) to make our day perfect. There's so much beauty, history, and hard work in this place, and it shows year-round.

JUST LOVE COFFEE

www.justlovecoffee.com

Before my husband introduced me to Just Love, I rarely drank coffee. If I did, it was so dirty and bitter I had to load it down with sugar, cream, and anything else I could get my hands on. Then I tried Just Love's fairly traded coffee, and it was a new awakening. So clean, smooth, and rich was this dark, hot liquid, and so carefully crafted was my experience of it, that I was genuinely hooked from the very start. They maintain personal, fair relationships with their growers from all over the world, and they were founded when the owner, Rob Webb, and his family adopted two sweet girls from Ethiopia. Their mission is to use hand-roasted coffees to help others whose passion is to “just love," and within its first year, the company was able to give back nearly $100,000. An amazing, local company that produces amazing coffee and makes measurable, positive change in the world.

LEMONGRASS

www.facebook.com/Lemongrass-Sushi-and-Thai-Restaurant-197792543577534/

Ask any of our friends and they'll probably be able to tell you our favorite sushi restaurant is Lemongrass. We've tried all the sushi there is in Murfreesboro and this place takes the lead by a long shot. We recommend ordering the "Come With Me Roll" where you let the chef get creative and design you your own unique roll. Have a seat at the bar and watch the owner work his magic!

BATEY FARMS

www.bateyfarms.com

Batey Farms is an 8th generation family owned and operated hog, row crop, and hay farm right in the middle of Murfreesboro. They provide the community with tons of seasonal fun, like strawberry picking in the spring and a corn maze in fall. They also have an On-Farm Retail Store where you can browse products from many different family farms in the area.

OUTREACH THRIFT STORE

www.outreachmurfreesboro.com

The best thrift store in town if you ask me. Not only are their prices absolutely incredible, but they are devoted to helping provide those in need with basic clothing and household items. I always walk out of here with an unexpected treasure!

DEMOS'

www.demosrestaurants.com

If you live in Murfreesboro, you've been to Demos'. The very first Demos' Restaurant was born out of Jim and Doris Demos' desire to offer exceptional food and service at affordable prices, and they succeeded. The franchise has now spread to four locations in Middle Tennessee, but their roots will always be in Murfreesboro. They offer a variety of meals for lunch and dinner and are a staple in the community.

Thank you Amy and be sure to go to Meanderblog to get inspired by her adventures!

Want to write your own Loving the Local List? You fill my heart with joy! Just send me a list of your five to ten favorite local brands and stores (it doesn't have to be just around the street- a State specific snack or small chain of restaurants works just fine). Write a few sentences on why you love each thing (and I love pictures if you have them) and send them to sunshineguerrilla@gmail.com.

Would you like to buy more environmentally responsible or Made in America products? I've got you covered! Check out my Mega List of Shopping Lists for tons of ideas for any shopping trip.

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