WINTER 2020 | ISSUE NO. 5
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
THE GIFT GUIDE ISSUE! TONS OF GIFT IDEAS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST
PLUS, MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY RECIPES INCLUDING MONKEY BREAD, BUCKEYES AND A HOT TODDY. CHEERS!
YOUR GUIDE TO ISSUE NO.05
8 The Best Basic Avocado Toast Avocado toast might seem basic, but let's be honest it's always good. I'm sharing my go-to recipe for making this avocado toast. This toast is perfect for Christmas brunch or a weekday lunch.
10 Easy Recipe for Monkey Bread Cory and I love making this monkey bread together on Christmas morning. This is an easy recipe to make and a fun breakfast your whole family will enjoy while opening gifts.
12 White Chocolate Snack Mix This snack mix is a must during the holidays for my sister and I. The mix of white chocolate, pretzels, cereal and chocolate coated candy pieces is so good! Trust me this will be a hit with your family.
14 My Favorite Recipe for Buckeyes My family is obsessed with these buckeyes during the holidays. The creamy peanut butter with the dark chocolate coating is so delicious it's impossible to eat just one.
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16 Learn How to Make a Hot Toddy It's cocktails with Cory! Learn how to make a hot toddy that's perfect for a cold winter day. This cocktail is super easy to make and tastes delicious. Cheers!
18 The Best Christmas Movies The holidays aren't complete without watching Christmas movies. Am I right? I created a bucket list of movies to watch this season including all the classics and some new releases.
20 Home for the Holidays Playlist Christmas music is a must during the holidays. I created a "Home for the Holidays" playlist with all the best classics. This is a great playlist for enjoying with your family.
22 Winter Bucket List + Fun Holidays Make the most of the winter season with the winter bucket list. I've also included a fun lineup of holidays to celebrate throughout the next few months!
28 Take a Tour of Our New Kitchen I'm so excited to show you our new kitchen designed by Lifestyle Kitchen Studio. Get all the details on what we love most about this kitchen!
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32 Reflecting on 2020 + Goals for 2021 Are you ready to say goodbye to 2020? You're not alone! I'm reflecting on this past year and sharing some goals for 2021.
34 Fun Ways to Celebrate NYE Let's face it the holidays are quite different this year. I'm sharing some fun ways you can ring in the new year with your family at home.
36 A Beer With: Erin Dressander from E+L Salon I'm so excited for this "A Beer With" Erin Dressander from E+L Salon. Learn all about Erin, the salon and more in this interview.
40 2020 Gift Guides The 2020 gift guides are here! I handpicked gifts from some of my favorite local Michigan boutiques for everyone on your list.
48 6 Ways to Give Back This Season Looking for ways to give back this season? I've got 6 easy ways you can give back during the holiday season here in West Michigan.
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS! The holidays are in full swing around here. It seems like the holidays arrived a little earlier this year, but to be honest I'm all for it. Bring on the Christmas movies, music and holiday decor. Am I right?
As much as I'm looking forward to saying goodbye to 2020, I'm thankful for everything this year taught me. Sure there have been plenty of disappointments and struggles. But, the little moments of kindness and extra time at home with those we love are priceless. I know this holiday season looks much different than any other year. I hope that you can still find joy, peace and comfort in the little things. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and the start of something new in 2021. A huge thank you to my sister Kelli for all her help with this issue. Follow her here on Instagram!
Sara Visser
"T'was the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse."
CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE o6 | Â www.thegrguide.com
Avocado Toast Monkey Bread
White Chocolate Snack Mix Buckeyes
Hot Toddy
This avocado toast is anything but basic. I love this avocado toast for breakfast or a quick weekday lunch. Paired with some monkey bread (recipe in this issue), this avocado toast is perfect for brunch on Christmas morning
This avocado toast is perfect with an over-easy egg and some arugula. You could also add some bacon if you prefer. INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Toast your sourdough bread (my favorite is from Nantucket Bakery) in the toaster. You can really use whatever type of bread you prefer.
Sourdough bread 1 Avocado 2 Eggs Arugula
Mash your avocado in a bowl with some salt and pepper. Cook your eggs over easy (this is what I love), but you can make your eggs however you prefer.
Salt Pepper
Add your mashed avocado to the toasted sourdough bread. Add the eggs on top of the avocado and garnish with arugula, salt and pepper.
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The past few years, Cory and I have made this monkey bread on Christmas morning. It's one of those recipes that's easy to make, tastes incredible and perfect for enjoying while opening gifts.
DIRECTIONS
This monkey bread recipe is super simple to make, and a huge
Heat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 6-cup fluted bundt pan
hit with adults and kids. Perfect for a Christmas brunch!
with butter (make sure to get in all the grooves). In large food storage bag, mix sugar and cinnamon to create cinnamon sugar.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup sugar
Separate the biscuits and cut each into quarters. Add these
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
biscuit quarters to the cinnamon sugar bag, and shake to
2 cans refrigerated biscuits (10.2 oz)
coat. Arrange biscuits in pan, and sprinkle a little bit of
1/2 cup brown sugar 6 tablespoons butter
the remaining cinnamon sugar over biscuits. Add the brown sugar and butter to a small pan. On medium heat melt these ingredients together. When melted, pour on top of biscuits in the bundt pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden and the biscuits are no longer doughy. Let cool for 5 minutes before turning over on a plate. Serve warm.
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My sister and I are obsessed with this white chocolate snack mix during the holidays. This is a fun recipe to make with kids and really easy to customize.
DIRECTIONS
Dump the cereals, candy coated chocolates, peanuts and pretzels in a large bowl.
This snack mix is a huge hit during the holiday season. You can customize some of the ingredients to include your
Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double boiler on the stove. Melt slowly and stir occasionally, being careful not to burn the chocolate.
favorite items. INGREDIENTS
3 1/2 cups Toasted Oats Cereal (such as Cheerios) 3 cups Rice Square Cereal (such as Rice
Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal mixture. "Just fold it in" (anyone else love Schitt's Creek?!) until well coated. Pour the chocolate covered cereal mixture onto a
Chex)
parchment paper lined baking sheet. Set the baking sheet
16 oz Candy Coated Chocolate (such as
in cool place to set.
M&Ms) 2 1/2 cups salted peanuts 2 cups small pretzels 2 11 oz bags of White Chocolate Chips
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Once the chocolate has cooled and hardened, break it into bite size pieces. Store in zip top bags or air tight containers.
These bukeyes are a holidy staple in our household. The creamy peanut butter with the dark chocolate coating is delicious.
DIRECTIONS
Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper.
These buckeyes are so good, you'll have a difficult time eating just one. Trust me! INGREDIENTS
3/4 cups powered sugar
Beat the powered sugar, peanut butter, butter, vanilla extract and salt with a hand mixer on medium until well blended. Shape the mixture into one inch balls. Set in a cool place to chill until firm.
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup salted butter 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp salt
Microwave the chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl for 45 seconds. Stir until smooth. If needed, microwave the mixture in additional 15 second increments.
1 12 oz pkg of semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 tbsp all vegetable shortening (such as
Insert a toothpick into top center of a peanut butter ball.
Crisco)
Dip 3/4 of the ball into the melted chocolate, leaving the top exposed. Place the ball back onto the prepared tray. Remove the toothpick and smooth over the hole. Repeat. If the chocolate starts to harden, microwave for 10
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seconds. Chill Buckeyes until firm.
On a cold winter night, you can't go wrong with a hot toddy. This warm drink is very easy to make and tastes delicious.
This hot toddy is perfect for a cold winter night. The best part is it's so easy to make. Cheers!
INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup water 1 1/2 ounces whiskey 1 tablespoon honey 3 teaspoons lemon juice 1 cinnamon stick 1 lemon slice
DIRECTIONS
In a teapot bring the water to a simmer. Pour the boiling water into a mug. The mug I featured was gifted by Women's Collective Box by Oceanne. Add the whiskey, honey and lemon juice to your mug. Stir these ingredients until blended together. You can add more honey or lemon juice depending on your preference. Garnish with a lemon slice and cinnamon stick.
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Christmas movies are a must during the holiday season. Here's a fun bucket list to check off your favorite movies 18 | Â www.thegrguide.com
HOME ALONE
ELF
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
THE SANTA CLAUSE
THE FAMILY STONE
THE HOLIDAY
KLAUS
FOUR CHRISTMASES
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
THE POLAR EXPRESS
A CHRISTMAS STORY
DIE HARD
A CHRISTMAS PRINCE
LOVE ACTUALLY
THE PRINCESS SWITCH
THE GRINCH
FROSTY THE SNOWMAN
WHITE CHRISTMAS
LITTLE WOMEN
THE PREACHER'S WIFE
HOME ALONE 2
HOLIDATE
MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
*Click the play button to listen to this playlist on Spotify!
HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK LIKE CHRISTMAS WHITE CHRISTMAS THE CHRISTMAS SONG ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS
FRANK SINATRA DEAN MARTIN ANDY WILLIAMS BING CROSBY BING CROSBY, KEN DARBY SINGERS NAT KING COLE BRENDA LEE MARIAH CAREY FRANK SINATRA, B. SWANSON QUARTET JUDY GARLAND ELLA FITZGERALD
SLEIGH RIDE
EARTHA KITT, HENRI RENE & ORCHESTRA
SANTA BABY
JOHN WILLAMS, BOSTON POPS ORCHESTRA
MAIN TITLE "SOMEWHERE IN MY MEMORY" MISTLETOE AND HOLLY A WINTER ROMANCE CHRISTMAS DREAMING SILENT NIGHT WINTER WONDERLAND A HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS JINGLE BELL ROCK SILVER BELLS O CHRISTMAS TREE
FRANK SINATRA DEAN MARTIN FRANK SINATRA DINAH WASHINGTON ROGER WILLIAMS BURL IVES BOBBY HELMS DEAN MARTIN TONY BENNETT PEGGY LEE
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." LUKE 2:14
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DECORATE COOKIES
GO SKIING
BUILD A SNOWMAN
START A JOURNAL
MAKE SNOW ANGELS WATCH A HOLIDAY MOVIE
UNPLUG FOR 24 HOURS GO SLEDDING
MAKE HOT CHOCOLATE
HAVE A PAJAMA DAY
SEE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
TRY A NEW RECIPE
LISTEN TO HOLIDAY MUSIC VOLUNTEER OR DONATE
GO ICE SKATING
HAVE A SNOW BALL FIGHT
HAVE A GAME NIGHT
MAKE A NEW COCKTAIL
LISTEN TO A PODCAST
SEND CHRISTMAS CARDS
EAT A CANDY CANE
DO AN ACT OF KINDNESS
BREAKFAST IN BED
DO SOMETHING FOR YOU
GIVE A SECRET GIFT
MAKE GOALS FOR 2021
Make the most of this winter season with these fun holidays! I feel like we could use any reason to celebrate these days. Am I right? Pick some of your favorite holidays to celebrate this winter. I'm all about national brownie day, national puzzle day, and national pizza day. Enjoy and share your favorites with me on social media @thegrguide!
December 1
December 3
December 4
December 6
National Christmas Lights Day
Giving Tuesday
National Cookie Day
National Gazpacho Day
December 7
December 8
December 10
December 12
National Letter Writing Day
National Brownie Day
National Lager Day
Gingerbread House Day
December 13
December 15
December 17
December 20
National Ice Cream Day
National Cupcake Day
National Maple Syrup Day
National Ugly Sweater Day
December 21
December 22
December 24
December 25
First Day of Winter
National Cookie Exchange Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
December 31
December 26
December 28
December 30
National Thank You Note Day
National Call a Friend Day
National Bacon Day
New Year's Eve
January 1
January 4
January 5
January 6
New Year's Day
National Spaghetti Day
National Whipped Cream Day
National Bean Day
January 8
January 11
January 13
January 14
National Bubble Bath Day
National Milk Day
National Rubber Ducky Day
National Dress Up Your Pet Day
January 15
January 16
January 18
January 19
National Bagel Day
National Nothing Day
MLK Day
National Popcorn Day
January 20
January 21
January 23
January 24
National Cheese Lover's Day
National Hugging Day
National Pie Day
National Compliment Day
January 27
January 29
January 30
January 31
National Chocolate Cake Day
National Puzzle Day
National Croissant Day
National Hot Chocolate Day
February 1
February 2
February 4
February 5
National Dark Chocolate Day
Groundhog Day
World Cancer Day
World Nutella Day
February 7
February 9
February 11
February 13
National Send a Card to a Friend Day
National Pizza Day
National Make a Friend Day
Galentine's Day
February 14
February 15
February 17
February 18
Valentine's Day
Presidents Day
National Random Acts of Kindness Day
National Drink Wine Day
February 20
February 22
February 23
February 24
National Love Your Pet Day
National Margarita Day
National Banana Bread Day
National Tortilla Chip Day
February 25
February 26
February 27
February 28
National Pancake Day
National Pistachio Day
National Chili Day
National Chocolate Souffle Day
WITH LIFESTYLE KITCHEN STUDIOS
PHOTOS BY: ASHLEY AVILA PHOTOGRAPHY
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I’m so thrilled to show you the after photos of our kitchen remodel with Lifestyle Kitchen Studio! The before and after photos are pretty shocking. The biggest transformation of the kitchen was knocking down the wall between the dining room and kitchen. You can see in the before and after photo how open the space has become. This wall that we removed wasn’t structural, but still needed some support if we decide to transform the attic space. So we reinforced this area with a structural beam and wrapped it with wood.
One of my favorite things about the new kitchen is all the natural light. Our kitchen before was really dark because of the wall between the kitchen and dining room. Taking out the wall really helped to open the space and add some light. With the wall between the kitchen and dining room gone, we extended the kitchen into the dining room. Adding the built-in banquette to the dining room was the best space-saving solution and it’s worked out great.
Before
After
This space looks dramatically different without the door to the attic and the addition of the range. We moved the door to the attic around the corner in the dining room which works much better. The range and hood look so great in the space, and Cory and I have a lot more space to prep and cook together. I’m also really glad we hid the microwave to have more countertop space. It's also been amazing to have all the extra storage right here. You can see in the before photo this space wasn't utilized to it's full potential. With the table and stools gone and the door moved around the corner, this wall became a key element in making our small kitchen more functional. We now sit around the peninsula for breakfast or lunch and the added storage has been a lifesaver. As someone who truly enjoys being in the kitchen and cooking up new recipes, this has been my favorite place to be - especially during quarantine.
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I’m so in love with this farmhouse sink from ETNA and having a garbage disposal. The dishwasher from Fisher & Paykal has been life-changing, especially being home so much right now. The before and after photos are pretty shocking right? You can see more photos in this blog post. I’m so thankful that we worked with Lifestyle Kitchen Studio on this project. The eye of a designer and the knowledge of their entire team was so incredibly helpful. If you’re considering doing a kitchen remodel or bathroom update I would highly suggest working with them.
Sources: ETNA – BRIZO Litze Bridge Faucet with arc spout and knurled handle ETNA – Elkay Fireclay Single Bowl Farmhouse Sink White Pinnacle Custom Cabinetry – Horizon Cabinets in Metro Gray & Designer White Belwith Keeler – Hardware in Brushed Golden Brass Fisher & Paykel – Appliances Hudson Valley Lighting – Karin Pendant Aged Brass Hudson Valley Lighting – Karin Wall Sconce Premier Granite & Stone – Desert Silver by Silestone Consentino Custom Surfacing Associates – Tile & Built-in Banquette Disclaimer: Lifestyle Kitchen Studio has partnered with The GR Guide in exchange for discounted products and services. As always, all opinions are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who allow me to continue to create content on The GR Guide. Issue 27 | 234
As I look back on 2020, I have so many mixed emotions. This year has been a roller coaster of ups and downs and everything in-between. But, I can say that I'm thankful for the lessons this year taught me. As someone who was constantly in a state of go-go-go, the chance to be home was welcoming. It taught me to be content, to get outside more, and enjoy the little moments I often overlooked. I don't know your story or what this year has held for you, but I hope you can also find the silver lining in 2020. Cheers to 2020 and cheers to a new year ahead. 32 | Â www.thegrguide.com
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Order Take-Out
Dress Up
Choose your favorite local restaurant to order take-out for NYE. This is an easy way to support local, and also enjoy some really good food. Go all out and order a wide variety of appetizers or dessert to try for NYE.
Dressing up for NYE is a fun way to ring in the new year. Even though you'll be home, it's still enjoyable to dress up in your favorite dress or wear heels. It feels like forever since we've dressed up for anything, so this is a great way to make the night feel special.
Movie Marathon
Cook a Fancy Meal
Since you're home for NYE you can do a movie marathon. Re-watch some of your favorite Christmas movies (find a list of movies in this issue) or pick a selection of movies to enjoy throughout the evening.
If you love cooking why not cook a fancy meal for NYE? Try a few new recipes or cook your all-time favorites. Try making a dessert and don't forget about a festive cocktail to celebrate.
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Game Night Have a game night with your family for NYE! Everyone can pick their favorite games to play throughout the night. You could also do prizes for the winners to make it competitive. Add some festive snacks and drinks to your game night for NYE.
Have Fondue One of our favorite NYE traditions is having fondue with my sister and brother-in-law. They have a family recipe for the cheese and we've also done chocolate.
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I’m so excited to share a new “A Beer With” in this holiday magazine. I truly love this series, and interviewing some of my favorite people in GR. Today I’m sitting down with Erin Dressander from E+L Salon. Erin is the co-owner of E+L Salon located here in Grand Rapids, MI. I've been going to this salon since they opened, and I can't say enough good things about Erin and the entire team. You can follow Erin on Instagram at @erindressander.stylist for some inspiration and #hairgoals. Also, check out E+L Salon's website to learn more or book an appointment with Erin.
What do you love most about Grand Rapids? I love that I have been a part of the growth of Grand Rapids for almost 40 years. I have lived here all of my life + feel very proud to have seen first hand the strides this city has made. With that being said, I cannot wait to continue to grow, nurture + push the limits of what the communities that surround us are capable of. We have a lot more work to do.
Why did you decide to become a hair stylist? It was a career change for me. I started in the hospitality industry when I was 14, making pizzas then swiftly moving into serving + bartending.
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I still joke that I have probably worked in almost every bar in Grand Rapids until I was 30. After high school I attended culinary school + attended GVSU for some business courses. I then worked for Meijer Corporate for about 6 years before realizing that environment wasn't for me. I don't like being kept in a box. Doing hair, connecting with people + being creative was always what I was meant to do. At 28 I quit + signed up for cosmetology school. The rest is history.
How long have you been a hair stylist? Almost 12 years. Whew, that sounds crazy.
What led you to becoming a salon owner? It's pretty simple. Wanting to be my own boss + creating an environment for myself + others that was inclusive, work-life balance + a zero drama. We have been open almost 3 years and we feel like we are just getting started. Our team is incredible, evolving + I learn from them every single day. It's hard work, but the payoff is priceless...and I don't mean money. ;)
What do you love most about your job? People of course. However the change on the daily basis is what keeps me inspired, keeps me connected + keeps me coming back every day. Sometimes I reflect and am so grateful I made the choice to jump ship on corporate america and do my own thing. It is really empowering. It is a constant reminder that there isn't just one mold for everyone to fit in. Make your own damn mold + shake it up.
What are some top trends in hair styles right now? Balayage + hair painting has been on the scene for a handful of years and seems to be sticking around. It is constantly evolving which is really cool to watch. Vivid colors, bright + bold colors are also out there. European haircuts are also very cool. What is really nice about living in this time is that the individual wears their hair the way they want, how they want and in my opinion that is the trend. 38 | Â www.thegrguide.com
Hopefully that won't go away. Who cares what your face shape is, if you like it...go for it!
What makes E + L Salon different from other salons? We are vocal. Each one of us that works at the salon are humans, individuals + use our voice. We work within the community to strengthen those who may not have the chance to be heard. We are currently in the process of setting up E+L Foundation. Lauren + I feel very strongly that now more so than ever there is a lot of work to be done...from a social + economic standpoint. Some may wonder why such a small business would take on such a "big" task, but one of our goals is to inspire other small businesses to do the same. Our commitment to this industry + our community has always been #bettertogether and it will always be. #communityovercompetition
What hair product can you not live without? My curly product. We carry Davines and definitely the curl cream to tame the beast.
What are your best tips or tricks for healthy hair? Using salon quality products. 100%. People invest the money into their hair color + hair cuts and some go off and buy drug store stuff. Not recommended at all. It all must come full circle with conscious hair products to maintain from start until the next time your visit is.
"Our commitment to this industry + our community has always been #bettertogether and it will always be. #communityover competition." Don't forget to follow Erin on Instagram at @erindressander.stylist or check out E+L Salon's website to book an appointment. Thanks Erin!
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
"Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone."
CHARLES M. SCHULZ
Get ready for some holiday shopping with the 2020 gift guides. I've hand-selected these gift ideas from Michigan boutiques and Etsy shops to support local. You can click on the images in each gift guide to shop!
OMONI Boutique - Slippers
Stoffer Home - Peppermilll
Women's Collective Box Subscription
Samantha Renee - Mug
Simply Curated - Diffuser
The Color Forest - Earrings
Cutler's - Wine Glasses
Ferne Boutique - Bracelet
Dime & Regal - Ring Late Bird - Clutch
The Counting House - Wood Board
Poppy Things - Scarf
Marannelle - Pillow
Paperdoll Boutique - Hat Paige Candles - Candle
Shinola - Card Case
Woosah - Beanie
Stormy Kromer - Wool Blanket
Books & Morter Cocktail Book
Eastern Kille - Whiskey
Bill & Paul's - Gloves H.C. Lather Co - Lip Balm
Francis Jaye - Vest
Detroit Grooming Co. Beard Oil
Gemini Handmade - Cord Case M Den - Belt
Compass Paper Co. - Mug
Groskophfs - Dopp Kit
City Bird - Sweatshirt
In Booze - Margarita Cocktail Kit
Gezellig - Measuring Spoons
Eso Studio - Bandana Bailey & James - Soap
Cottage Book Shop - Cookbook Bella Grace Boutique - Hat Spring Sweet - Candle
Haystacks - Scrunchie Elizabeth Mayville - Print
jb and me -Blue Light Glasses
A.K. Rikk's - Nanushka Bag
Jean Marie's - Bowl
Adored Boutique - Bracelet
Wanderlux - Jade Roller
The Gem Co. - Earrings
Endora - Pillow
Lee & Birch - Eye Mask Anatomy of a Home - Scrub Set
Rebel - Puzzle Cellar Door Strawberry Jam
Cloth & Cabin - Mug June & December - Tea Towel American Spoon - Pancake Mix
Beer City Dog Biscuits BIRD BEE - Earrings
White Bubbals - Bath Bomb Parooz - Canister Polka Dots Boutique - Journal
Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island - Teether
Bloom & Grow Coffee TO & FRO - Pinch Provision Kit Apothecary Gift Shop - Book
Pursuit Gift Shop - Stationery Set
Hopscotch Kindness Cards Tip Toes - Stuffed Bear Tweed Baby Outfitters - Game
Hey Sugar Co. Cotton Candy
Duffield Lane - Outfit
James & Olive - Chalk Wildship - Baby Leggings
Schuler Books - Sticker Book
Crystal River Outfitters - Beanie
Modern Natural Baby Train
Toyology Toys Markers Sweet Pea - Tub Toy
Pink Lemonade - Board Book Ecobuns Baby & Co - Idea Box Game
Leland Gal - Baby Blanket
Midwest Supply Co. - Socks
Two Fish Leland - Platter
Stuck on Michigan - Sticker
Brush and Timber - T-Shirt 37prime - Ornament
Fisher Fox - Tumbler
Blackshore Designs - Cutting Board
Peninsulas - Hat
Fresh Coast Candles - Candle
The Bitten Mitten - Teether M22 - Hat
Rebecca Deneau - Print Kristin MacKenzie Design - Notepad
Bundled - Michigan Gift
Michiganology - Grand Rapids Puzzle Cherry Republic Card Sharks Gift Set
My Little Buffalo - Family Portrait
Feather & Birch Ornament
Grand Rapids Popcorn - Popcorn Tin
LIEFDesign - Name Script
See What I Sea Design - Calendar
Alicia Ann Wilke - House Portrait
bykyleighrose - Custom Door Mat
Mason Jones - Towels Finch & Cotter - Custom Night Sky Schuil Coffee - Coffee Subscription
The holidays are a great time to give back. I know this year has been extra hard for many people. I'm sharing six different ways you can give back this holiday season here in West Michigan. If you have other ideas for ways to give back, please share them with me!
Kids' Food Basket
Donate Winter Items
Buy Toys for Kids
You guys know how much I love volunteering and giving back to Kids' Food Basket. You can still decorate brown bags, send a holiday card, or donate on Giving Tuesday on December 1st.
Winter apparel and blankets are really needed right now. You can donate these items to organizations like Guiding Light, Mel Trotter or Degage here in Grand Rapids.
Cory and I always do an Angel Tree donation during the holidays. You can also look into Toys for Tots and get your kids involved in donating a toy.
Feeding America West Michigan
Donate Pet Items
Give a Donation
Donate food, blankets, toys, collars or leashes to Pleasant Hearts Pet Food Pantry. This is a great way to help dogs and cats in need.
There are many non-profits that could really use a monetary donation this holiday season. This is an easy and effective way to give back this Christmas.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner. You can donate to help those in need of food in West Michigan through Feeding America West Michigan. 49 | Â www.thegrguide.com