Shop Small: Groceries & Shit Tote Bag + Sydney Hale Co. Candle Giveaway!

With the Holidays being just around the corner, we thought it would be a great idea to share some of our gift picks with you while also doing a few giveaways - our little thank you for being such beautiful and loyal followers and readers. By doing so, we also want to show you the places where you can shop locally and find these unique items and gifts!

Today we are featuring this awesome "Groceries and Sh*t" tote bag by Emily McDowell and the Sydney Hale Blue Candle from Red Barn Mercantile - our favorite gift/furniture boutique in Old Town, Alexandria.

Not all tote bags are made the same. This one is obviously super cool and edgy and I always have people asking me where to get one while I'm out buying "groceries and sh*t" ha! The Sydney Hale Blue candle also makes a perfect add-on gift to go along with this bag. It's one of the most popular items sold at Red Barn Mercantile, and today you can enter to win BOTH! These make for a perfect gift but we won't blame you if you decide to keep them for your yourself :) Giveaway details below.

All Photos by: Tammy Of A Loyal Love

GIVEAWAY DEETS!

We asked Amy Rutherford, owner of Red Barn Mercantile to give us a little info of each item we are giving away today, thank you Amy for introducing us to a few of our now fave items!

To enter the giveaway make sure to follow the instructions below, we will announce the winner this Friday, Nov 28th. The bag and the candle will be shipped to you directly from Red Barn Mercantile. We will e-mail winner! (We only ship in the USA) GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY MONDAY! ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Small Business Saturday: Shop Small in a BIG Way

The holidays are around the corner (yes, it is that time of year) and with that comes the choice of where you'll be doing your shopping. As simple as that answer might be -- "where I'll get the best stuff for the best prices of course", I want to encourage you to think a little bigger this year. We have all seen the efforts by American Express to push the #shopsmall campaign, but we wanted to take it a step further and make our own efforts to get you to think outside the big retailers and online shopping, and encouraging you to shop locally! About two weeks ago, in collaboration with the Old Town Boutique District and our friend Sebastian Marin, we shot this video capturing the essence of what shopping in Old Town Alexandria is all about. The way we see it is simple. It's not just shopping, it's supporting this beautiful community while also finding the perfect gifts. So join us this holiday season and shop small in a BIG way!

Video By: Sebastian Marin

All Photos by: Julien Garman

To encourage you a little more, She's Unique is participating in Black Friday and Small Business Saturday discounts and promotions! Black Friday: 30% off 6-8AM / 20% off 8-10AM / 10% for the rest of the day Small Business Saturday: 10% off all day + gift with purchase over $50! This includes all designer brands such as Zoe Chicco, Jennifer Zeuner, Phyllis + Rosie, Alexis Russell, Melissa Joy Manning, Voluspa Candles, and much more! For a complete list of all participating stores and discounts visit HERE We can't wait to see you! Happy Holidays.

PS: Stay tuned for two amazing GIVEAWAYS we are soon having featuring She's Unique and Red Barn Mercantile

Q&A with Jewelry Designer Amanda Hagerman + Giveaway!

Today we are excited to introduce you to one of our new favorite local jewelry designers Amanda Hagerman and two of our favorite pieces in the collection.

Personally, one thing I always look for when purchasing jewelry is for it to be timeless. I often question wether I would wear the piece in a few years from now, or would it even make a great gift to pass down to my future daughter (if I'm ever lucky to have one). Amanda's line definitely has this timeless feel and the little details make each design unique and special. The necklace I'm wearing in this post has a hand drawn etched design that says "Don't Worry, Be Happy" written through shooting arrows.... how beautiful is that?

With Shop Small Saturday coming up we want to encourage our readers to shop small and support local, talented artists like Amanda. We hope you enjoy getting to know her a little more through this little Q&A and make sure to enter the give away in this post for a chance to win the beautiful Happy necklace and Taura ring set!


All Photos by: Jessica vanDop

Q&A w Amanda Hagerman

1. What is your inspiration for this particular collection?
The jewelry I craft is influenced by current and classic fashion trends, as well as various elements of nature. I create what I wish existed, imparting upon each design my own personal flare for aesthetics and attention to detail. It is my intent to offer unique and trendy adornments that woman have fun wearing. There is no greater joy for me as an artist, than to make someone happy because they are wearing one of my designs.

2. How long have you been designing jewelry?
I got the itch to design and create jewelry in high school after I took a jewelry making class with one of my high school art teachers who is also a goldsmith. It was then I discovered I could focus my love for art and passion for working with my hands on creating unique jewelry for people to wear. I have been designing and making jewelry ever since. I graduated from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in 2008 with a B.S. in Art Education and a B.F.A. in Fine Metals. Since 2008 I have been teaching high school art in Harwood, MD, which caused me to put my jewelry making on the back burner for a bit. About a year and a half ago, I obtained a studio space which allowed me to fully pursue my jewelry making ambitions. Amanda Hagerman Jewelry came soon after. I’m thrilled to be designing and making jewelry again and look forward to adorning women everywhere for many years to come!

3. Can you give us details of what each item that we are featuring today is made of?
The necklace: Solid brass and a 2" Lemurian Seed Quartz Point (from Brazil)
The Rings: Solid brass and a 4mm fresh water cultured pearl--

Giveaway Details:

(Giveaway ends Nov, 17th)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure:This is a sponsored post brought to you by Amanda Hagerman. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience,

Shop Local: UrbanStems

UrbanStems is a local small business that delivers flowers in the DC area for a flat rate of $35! I gave them a try on mothers day and was very impressed with what I got! The bouquet was well put together and it arrived just on time. If you are thinking of sending flowers to someone special soon, make sure to check them out!;) I also love that you can share photos of your Urbanstems bouquets via instagram using the #SendHappy hashtag.

A Big Thank You!

In this post I wanted to take the time to THANK all of the amazing stores who have supported Spicy Candy DC throughout this year! Thank you for your support and for always showing us so much love! 

I would also like to encourage our readers to shop local and support small businesses during Small Business Saturday and throughout this Holiday season! ;)

Below is a list of all the businesses we are thanking and a link to what is on our wish list from each one of them!

She's Unique: As you know this is Katya's (aka my BFFs) jewelry boutique, so I pretty much want everything she carries, especially this amazing Nava necklace! I truly believe you can find something for every woman in your family at this charming little gem of a boutique. I'm not even exaggerating! Also, she will be doing amazing discounts starting at 30% off on BlackFriday and 20% off all day on Small Business Saturday!

Anthom: They have so many amazing and unique pieces but right now my heart is throbbing for this nude slim bag!  Also check out their amazing look books, I'm a big fun of their styling. ;) 

Bishop Boutique: Are you looking for the perfect purse and shoe to go with that perfect holiday dress? LOOK NO FURTHER! Bishop Boutique has a fabulous selection of shoes and accessories. I'm dying over this Isaac Mizrahi pumps! 

DeNada: I can't get enough of DeNada's cool knits! NOT only are they so well made but also very stylish and most importantly, they keep you warm! I have my eye on this hooded infinity scarf! It's perfect for layering and would complete a lot of the looks I want to put together soon.

South Moon Under: Every time I visit SMU I walk out with more than what I went looking for! Right now I'm looking to replace my faux leather pants, and of course South Moon Under has what I've been looking for. I love this Blank Vegan leather skinny pants.

The W Salon: I sincerely LOVE everything about The W Salon! If you are in VA and are looking for a new salon to pamper you, make sure you book your appointment with them!! They are also behind every lookbook we've put together. That should tell you something :) 

Spanx: After hosting my first ever Spanx event,  I learned so much about them and their products. On my wish list this year is their Bra-lleluja. It is the most comfortable bra I have ever tried on. I want one in every color!

BirchBox: This year Birch Box and the Skirt PR team treated us to a wonderful dinner where we learned a lot more about the brand. I think BirchBox is a great gift to give to someone. It's the kind of gift that keeps on giving ;)

#LipstickAffirmations tote bags by Sammy Davis: We have been friends with Sammy ever since we started our blog. She might be the most positive person I know and her new Lipstick Affirmation tote bags def grabbed my attention. Grab your own HERE! 

ONE more thing for my DMV readers! Starting this Friday going through Sunday Dec 1st make sure you stop by Union Market to check out some local and national brands who will be selling products on those three days. The space where this will be taking place is called Thread at Dock 5. (Anthom and DeNada will both be present at the pop up event) 

I also want to take the time to thank YOU, our lovely readers who take the time to stop by Spicy Candy DC everyday! You guys are ROCK STARS  & WE LOVE YOU!  HAPPY THANKSGIVING!