 I'm always an advocate for shopping small and supporting local businesses when possible. So, this year I decided to put together a shopping guide that highlights some of the amazing businesses, artists, and makers in the Pittsburgh area. There's ONE MILLION shopping guides floating around the internet this time of the year, but this one hits close to home. Literally. Shopping local helps out your co-workers, neighbors, family, and friends. It truly helps the local community thrive. I can't even begin to scratch the surface of all of the great small makers that deserve a shoutout, but here I highlight a few that have caught my attention this year. No matter who you're shopping for or what your budget is, I encourage you to consider shopping small this season! Let the shopping begin: PGH CANDLE When I started putting this guide together there was really no question if PGH Candle would be included. I ooo'd and ahhh'd over their hand-poured, soy candles for well over a year on Instagram before finally giving them a try. Now, I can now say with confidence they're one of my favorite local candle businesses. First of all, the scents are very unique. (Hello Pomegranate Cider and White Sage + Lavender) Secondly, the 16 oz. jars have an 80 hour burn time, so you can keep them around for quite awhile. The gift that keeps on giving! On top of smelling incredible, there's some other notable perks. These candles are all-natural and made from 100% soy wax. That means they're clean burning. They don't produce any harmful gases or soot and produce a stronger scent when lit. FOR WHO: PGH Candle is a great option for friends, family, a significant other, a grab bag, secret santa... literally anyone. The boys on your list might even be into scents like "Fresh Coffee Beans" or "Whiskey". WHERE TO FIND THEM: PGH Candle products are available for purchase on their website, but their also available at tons of local retailers around Pittsburgh. Check out the list here. WHAT I'M LOVING: The 16 oz. Rosemary + Fig candle INSTAGRAM: @pghcandle Gold School JEWELRY When it comes to jewelry, gold is my love language. So naturally, Gold School immediately caught my eye when it made it's debut last January. I own a beautiful pair of their tortoise shell earrings and they have easily become my favorite set in my jewelry box. Their earrings are handmade here in Pittsburgh and the brand strives to reinvent looks from the past. They've got some very groovy vibes going on and I am 100% here for it. FOR WHO: Mom, grandma, girlfriend, BFF, sister... all the ladies in your life! Gold School has some simple/minimalistic designs and bolder statement pieces as well. WHERE TO FIND THEM: You can shop Gold School's Etsy page or be on the lookout for fun pop-ups around town! Tip: Sign up for their email list to get 10% off your order. WHAT I'M LOVING: These tortoise shell drop earrings have my heart. INSTAGRAM: @goldschoolpgh OLD SOUL NEW AGE MACRAME I've been on a major macrame kick for about four years now. I can't get enough of it. (Honest moment: I've recently had to start packing away some of my macrame hangings because there's just not enough wall space in our house. A "kick" is an understatement.) So, when I stumbled upon Leah's Instagram page a few months ago, my eyes lit up. Outside of just wall hangings, the Old Soul New Age shop offers tons of out-of-the-box makings like earrings, keychains, purses, headbands, and more. Old Soul New Age is part small business, but also part lifestyle blog where Leah let's her creativity flow. Check out her blog for macrame styling tips and local adventures! FOR WHO: Your sister, BFF, girlfriend, or anyone that would appreciate something trendy and handmade. WHERE TO FIND THEM: You can shop Leah's Etsy page here. WHAT I'M LOVING: I recently bought these pumpkin covers, but heading into the holiday season I'm eyeing up these keychains (stocking stuffers!) and these cute little ornaments for the tree. INSTAGRAM: @old.soul_new.age Pittsburgh Popcorn If you've been following along for awhile now or you know me personally, you know my love for popcorn is real and true. So, it shouldn't come as a shock that Pittsburgh Popcorn Co. made the list. Between visiting friends and family and holiday parties, there's always a need for good host/hostess gifts. And who doesn't love some good popcorn?! Pittsburgh Popcorn is a great option because it's easy and highly snack-able. No mess, no clean-up, and it's not over-the-top. Plus, it's fresh and kinda of unique. I think it's safe to say the holiday party will have enough sugar cookies... FOR WHO: The party/dinner host or the office crew. WHERE TO FIND THEM: They have 8 locations around Pittsburgh or you can place an order online. WHAT I'M LOVING: All. of. it. I'm a popcorn fanatic and I honestly can say I love all of PPC's flavors. To keep it festive, I recommend going for the Chunky Chocolate Caramel. INSTAGRAM: @pittsburghpopcornco from the field pgh If you're looking for a more personal gift this year, From the Field PGH is the move. You'll find lots of cute Pittsburgh-centric, holiday, or special occasion wooden signs. Each sign is unique and most can be customized with coordinates, names, zipcodes, etc. The shop's mission is to create things that "celebrate memories in your life", so these handmade items would make a great gift for the people in your life celebrating a milestone. FOR WHO: The diehard Pittsburgher, the newlyweds, the teacher, or the new mom. WHERE TO FIND THEM: You can shop the Etsy page here or keep an eye on their Facebook page for upcoming pop-ups, workshops, and events! WHAT I'M LOVING: I'm still in the process of adding decor to my house (does that actually ever end?) and I have my eye on this mason jar vase. INSTAGRAM: @fromthefieldpgh SLP.made It's no secret that Pittsburgh winters a real bummer sometimes. It's safe to say you can't go wrong with gifting some winter weather gear. SLPmade has a great collection of beautiful, handmade beanies, as well as tassel earrings, scarves, and keychains. There's a large variety of colors and designs. (Like hearts, plaid, stripes, etc.) Plus, you can even choose what kind of pom you'd like on top. The poms are removable and interchangeable! There's no doubt these these hats are some of the coziest around. They're thick, high-quality, and bonus points: how cute are they?! FOR WHO: Sister, BFF, sister-in-law, or cousin. WHERE TO FIND THEM: You can shop the Etsy page here. WHAT I'M LOVING: I have an obsession with mustard tones this year, so this hat is top of my Christmas list! INSTAGRAM: @slp.made she papery I have a love hate relationship with stocking stuffers... I love the idea, but I really can't handle anymore nail polish and chocolate bars. (Sorry mom!) On that note, may I introduce She Papery. This local business offers a small collection of hand-lettered goods like stickers, sweatshirts, mugs, ornaments, and pins; all with the mission to "love and spread love". The stickers and pins are exactly what I would want to find in my stocking! FOR WHO: Any lady in your life! WHERE TO FIND THEM: You can shop one of two ways: You can browse products on the website here, or you can request a custom order with names or dates. WHAT I'M LOVING: *Adds 10 of the Rainbow Sun Stickers to cart* INSTAGRAM: @shepapery MORE LOCAL businesses TO CONSIDER:1. If you're on the hunt for clothes, check out some of these Pittsburgh boutiques! 2. If you're shopping for a beauty guru, check out Una Biologicals. 3. If greenery is on the list, snag a plant from City Grows or Synthesis. 4. Need some cute (or funny) holiday cards? Kards Unlimited or WildCard is the move. 5. Not sure what you're looking for? The Farmer's Daughter and love, Pittsburgh are great little gift shops that offer a wide variety of gifts. 6. Got a coffee addict on your hands? The Coffee Passport is a really great gift option. 7. Trying to figure out something for a DIYer? A gift card to Board & Brush or The Candle Lab is a great idea. 8. Everyone has a boozy friend. A bottle of cider from Threadbare or a bottle of wine from Narcisi Winery checks that box. OUT OF THE BOXAside from just material gifts, I'm also a huge advocate for gifting "experiences". Here's a few quick ideas:
IT GETS BETTERHead to the Burghologie Instagram on Monday, December 2nd to enter to win goodies from PGH Candle, Gold School, Old Soul New Age Macrame, Pittsburgh Popcorn, From The Field PGH, SLPmade, and She Papery! In total, the giveaway package is worth over $190! Keep it all for yourself or share the wealth as gifts for friends and family. The choice is yours. I'll see you over on the 'gram on Monday!
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  Last summer on a trip to Nashville, I stumbled upon a pretty little fresh flower truck (Amelia’s Flower Truck for anyone that might be familiar) and fell completely in LOVE with the concept. If you know me, you probably know it was plastered all over my personal Instagram. And if you were with me on that trip, you can probably recall my ridiculous, over-the-top reaction when I spotted the pale green VW bus parked down the street. To say I was excited is an understatement. Who doesn't love some fresh flowers, some retro vibes, and a great photo opp?! After my encounter with Amelia’s, I vividly remember thinking “ugh, I wish something like this existed back at home.” Fast forward about a year and that wish came true. I could not be more excited to introduce you to Victoria's Mobile Flower Shop, the very first mobile flower shop to hit the streets of Pittsburgh! The adorable little blue-ish green truck made its official debut at GRLPWR’S Self Love Sunday Fest and I am stoked to say I was the first official customer! Here's a closer look:  Local resident Victoria Miess came up with the idea to create a mobile flower shop this past February and with some help from family and friends brought that idea to life in just four short months. Talk about hustle! Now in their first month of business, they're hitting all of the go-to spots bringing a little flower power to the neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. Before you venture out to hunt down some flowers, there's a few things to note. First, Victoria’s stock is priced per bloom. That means it's a fully build-your-own concept. Type, colors, greenery, bouquet size; the choice is all yours! Your options range from simple (baby's breath and eucalyptus) to a little more exotic (peonies and protea). Once you pick your variety, Victoria will cut, wrap, and tie up a pretty little package for you. (Cash and cards are accepted!) And trust me when I say you're going to want to snap a few shots for the 'gram. I can't imagine a more perfect aesthetic! Plus, your photo just might make it on to the shop's page. Tag @victoriasmobileflowershop and use the hashtag "#IMustHaveVictorias" to let them know you stopped by! Pro Tip from Victoria herself: When you get home only place your blooms in about an inch of water. Every three days, cut off the submerged portion of the stems at an angle. This method will help keep your flowers fresh longer! On top of being a super cute, fun, small business itself, Victoria's also plays a larger part in supporting local farms. Most of the blooms you'll find on the truck are sourced from the greater Pittsburgh area. If you're on the hunt for those straight-from-the-farm blooms, be sure to keep an eye out for a "local" label on the truck's flower buckets. Hat tip to Piscarcik Flowers, Cherry Valley Organics, and more for helping Victoria bring some color to the Burgh! Now and through the summer, you’ll be able to catch Victoria at some of your favorite Pittsburgh stops. Check out their upcoming schedule and snag yourself some pretty posies! Oh, and of course throw them a follow on Instagram and Facebook. You're going to want in on the flower inspo.    I could not be more ecstatic to utter the words “summer is almost here." I actually just spoke that aloud to verify it’s real and it felt GREAT. We all know winter in Pittsburgh is long and brutal and we’re anxious as hell to get outside, breathe some fresh (warm) air and admire the greenery that’s slowly coming back to life. With that said, I’m shaking off my winter blues and I am more than ready to make the most of the next 5-ish months. From hiking and exploring new neighborhoods to restaurants and farmers markets, here’s my summer to-do list. Let’s! do! this!
   Are you a Harry Potter fan? Or even just a lover of all things Christmas? If the answer to either question is yes, you're going to want to keep reading. Pitt's Cathedral of Learning is pretty much Pittsburgh's very own Hogwarts. And to make it even better it's an absolute GEM during the holiday season. It's high ceilings and castle-like vibes are dreamy any time of the year, but the Christmas trees and enormous wreaths really make it a must-see every December. I might be a proud Pitt Business grad, but you've gotta trust me when I say this isn't just my Pitt pride talking. Aside from the the fact that the architecture of the building is gorgeous, The Cathedral is also home to over 30 Nationality Rooms that celebrate cultures from all over the world. We're talking everything from Chinese to Polish. And each holiday season these rooms are decorated based on each country's traditions. It's really cool to see how celebrations differ from country to country and even continent to continent. It's a Christmas photo opp and history class in one. Win! The Nationality Rooms will be decorated through January 12th so you have plenty of time to plan your visit. However, it would be a smart move to check out the hours before you head to Oakland. The university is closed from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day (12/24-12/1). In terms of tours, you have two options: a guided tour or a tape tour. The guided tour is led by a tour guide and the tape tour is self-guided— AKA you get a key to access the rooms on your own. Just listen to the audio recordings in each room to hear the facts. The best part about this whole thing? It's only 4 BUCKS per adult. That might be the cheapest thing you'll do all year. And in my opinion, the best 4 bucks you spend all year. While you're in Oakland, you might also want to check out the holiday display at Phipp's Conservatory, the light display in Schenley Plaza, or even grab a bite at The Porch. Their pizzas are delicious. Grab a few friends and plan a festive holiday adventure!   There's really something special about Christmas in the Burgh. From community events to holly jolly dive bars, here's what's on my agenda this season! 1. Taste of lawrenceville: Miracle on 41st streetWhat could be better than food, brews, Christmas trees, and Santa Claus? Miracle on 41st Street is going down in Lawrenceville on December 2nd and it's the perfect way to ring in the holiday season. 2. joy of cookies tourI am allllllll about shopping local. This year I've decided that every gift I purchase will be from a Pittsburgh-based shop. And The Joy of Cookies Tour is the perfect opportunity to cross everyone off my list! I have a entire blog post about this event on the way. Stay tuned! 3. nationality roomsI might be slightly bias because I'm a proud Pitt grad, but the Cathedral of Learning Nationality Rooms are an absolute must-see during the holidays. The decorations are gorgeous! 4. butterwood bake consortiumCake cake cake! *Insert Rihanna chorus* The Butterwood Bake Consortium is a dessert cafe that sells cake and pie by the slice... and rumor has it sipping chocolate! AKA the most chocolatey hot chocolate of all time. Enough said. 5. VolunteerBecause it's important. 6. The Hip hop nutcracker at benedum centerFun fact: Growing up I LOVED dancing. I took classes at my hometown studio, was in Show Choir for 6 years, and choreographed several performances for my high school dance team. I have such an appreciation for art of dance, so I was stoked to see The Hip Hop Nutcracker was coming to Pittsburgh. Tickets are purchased! 7. bob's garageBob's Garage is a TOTAL dive bar, but it's a dive bar that's decked out in Christmas decorations. Sign this little elf up! Cheers!
What else should I add to my list this year? Drop me a comment below!   Apples, and pumpkins, and gourds, oh my! My annual trip to Soergel's might just be my favorite part of the whole fall season. With pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and sunflower fields all in one spot, it's pretty hard to beat. Here's the scoop: Let's start with the main attraction: The picking! If you ask me, it's smart to hit the apple orchard first. Lugging a pumpkin around may be a great workout, but it's also going to be a huge pain. in. the. ass. Save the sweat for the gym. You can choose to pick a 1/4, 1/2, or full "peck" of apples. (Note: A peck is a weird unit of dry measurement. All you have to worry about is what size bag you want.) Pay for the bag in advance and fill 'er up in the orchard. This may be a time when tall friends come in handy. The best ones always seem to be at the top! If you really just came for the hard cider (we'll get to that in a minute) and you're not much of a DIYer, head down the hill to take your pick from the bins of pre-picked pumpkins. From teeny tiny to enormous, there's literally a pumpkin for everyone. We're talking thousands. And If you're not feeling a traditional pumpkin, you're in luck. Soergel's is stocked with pretty much every member of the gourd family in every shape, size, and color you can think of. I'm a personal fan of the white pumpkins! They're unique and look awesome with fall flowers.  Aside from just pumpkin patches and apple picking, there's a lot of little bonuses at Soergel's Fall Festival. Check out the hay rides, games, sunflower fields, and food. Lots and lots of food! We're talking fresh apple cider, hot cinnamon rolls, kettle corn, BBQ, baked goods, ice cream, and more. But the best part? Arsenal Cider has a tasting room at Soergels! Pick your pumpkin, chow down on a cinnamon roll, and then sip on a hard cider. Literally, I can't think of a better October Saturday. Ready for an adventure? Here's the need-to-know. Soergel's Fall Festival runs every Saturday and Sunday from 11am- 5pm from the end of September to the end of October at the Soergel farm in Wexford. Entry is totally free and there's tons of free parking down the road at Orchard Hill Church. The festival is also credit card-friendly, so if you forget to hit the ATM don't stress. You'll still walk away with your perfect pumpkin.  |
