Hey! Where'd you get that?

It seems like all of the buzz lately is focused around our food and where it comes from. There's a definite shift back towards locally grown food. While it may be true that it's more expensive to eat "farm to table" all of the time; it's also true that it's better for us, and quite frankly, better tasting! So why don't we do it 100% of the time? Well, convenience is one reason, but cost is another. But if the old saying is true, "You get what you pay for.", then why are we selling ourselves short?

Just like my food, I like to know where my furnishings come from as well! There's a different kind of connection; a different feeling you get when there's a personal connection that comes along with it.

I'm talking about something deeper than just knowing a product is American made. Don't get me wrong, American made furnishings are my favorite! But I like to go farther than that...It's creating a personal connection with the company I purchase from. It's when you dial the number and actually get to speak with the owner! It's where you'll find that the custom work and craftsmanship is of much better quality.

One such company whom I adore is J. Redmond Design Furnishings. The products I order from them are each beautifully handcrafted with an incredible attention to detail. Custom work at just a little more than the mass produced.

Transitional Living Room by High Point Furniture & Accessories j.redmond designs

Working closely with our business partners has other benefits too.

* The quality of work and craftsmanship is much better.
* You can create a custom look that reflects only your style, not that of everyone else ordering from those popular catalogs!
*  If it's an artist you are working with, you walk away with a one-of-a-kind piece!

While you may end up paying slightly more, the reward is worth the money!

There are too many business partners whom I adore working with, so we decided we would feature one or two of them every so often.

In addition to J. Redmond Designs, I also admire the works of Tracy Glover. Her lighting and hardware are interchangeable so that you can literally design your own unique piece. And she works with her clients to create something special, just for their own home.

So, the next time you are about to buy something for your home, ask yourself, "How am I connected to this? Or am I connected to it at all?". Why would you want something in your life that doesn't have meaning, doesn't speak to you and reflect on who you are?

Stay tuned for lots of other featured business whom I feel have a high level of customer service and go way out of their way to make their clients feel like royalty and to ensure that what their clients purchase is special to them!

Be well,

Renee

These are a few of my favorite things!!

One of the things I love most about this time of year is that it's the perfect opportunity to show the people who mean the most in our lives how much we love and care about them. And, since I am a girl who loves to shop, but also loves our planet, I always try to show my love with some eco-friendly, thoughtful gifts. Here are some of my favorite, green gift giving ideas for you and yours!

Of course, my #1 favorite place to shop is LOCAL! Wherever you are, please consider shopping at your local businesses. These "mom and pop" shops are struggling in this day and age of online shopping and big box stores. However, you can't beat their service and unique gift ideas.

If you can't find what you're looking for in town, hHow about a pair of fleece lined shoes from TOMS to warm your toes! For every purchase TOMS will help a person in need. Check out their website for their 12 days of giving offers.

If shoes aren't your thing, I always find unique gifts from Uncommon Goods. They have a great selection of recycled gifts. From a frame made out of bike chains or a belt from a fire hose, you are sure to find something to please even the pickiest person on your list!

I stumbled upon this site and couldn't resist..."It's not regifted, it's recycled" Click here for some fantastic gift ideas made from recycled products. Just because it ended up in the landfill, doesn't mean it's trash! No, really, check it out!

If you aren't convinced that doing a little "green" shopping this season is for you, check out this article from Huffington Post. While the article may be a few years old, the statistics it points out are staggering. According to Huffington, between Thanksgiving and Christmas our waste per household increases by 25%...WOW!

So no matter who you are shopping for, consider doing some good along your merry way!

Good tidings until next week,

Renee