Small Biz Friends

In the land of opportunity and innovation, small businesses stand as the true backbone of America's economic landscape. We fuel local economies and create jobs, forming an integral part of the nation's success story. While big corporations might dominate headlines, it's the small businesses that hold the heart of communities across the country.

We possess the unique ability to adapt swiftly to changing market trends and cater to specific local needs. However, we often face numerous challenges that can hinder their growth. This is where your individual support makes a huge difference. When you shop at a small business, you're not just making a purchase; you're investing in dreams, livelihoods, and local communities.

Supporting small businesses is not merely an act of commerce – it's an act of solidarity. Every dollar spent reverberates through the community, leading to increased job opportunities and a stronger local economy.

In an era where convenience has become synonymous with giant online retailers, choosing to shop small carries significant weight. It's a choice to stand for craftsmanship, personalized service, and sustainability. By patronizing small businesses, you're nurturing entrepreneurship, innovation, and the American dream.

Small businesses are the unsung heroes of America's economic fabric. So, the next time you're considering a purchase, remember the profound impact you have when you shop small – it's an investment in the very essence of America's success.

So as you are looking for gifts to celebrate special moments please check out the unique gift offerings from my talented small biz friends. Their creativity and passion shine through every product.

I want to introduce you to my friend Deb Long of Tortoiseshell Farms! Deb is based out of Glendale, Arizona and she started her business when family skincare issues reared their ugly head. This is the reason why she offers natural body products made without harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances. Deb offers handcrafted artisan soaps and hair care products that are pure, natural and better.  I’ve gotten to know her a bit and I think you’ll love her and her products too. 

Deb opened her online store Tortoiseshell Farms in 2020, offering natural body products made for people that want softer smoother skin without having any toxic and harmful chemicals added.  Tortoiseshell Farms offers body custard, shampoo bars, velvety lotions and more!  I also love the fact that it is cruelty-free and that is something that means a lot to me. 

More about Deb: https://www.tortoiseshellfarms.com/about

Check out Deb’s store Tortoiseshell Farms and she’ll be happy that you stopped by! Take advantage of the coupon code - Collab30 - for 30% off your entire order!

Celebrate Father's Day by Shopping Small: Discover Unique Gifts

Father's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show appreciation for the dads in our lives than by shopping small and supporting local businesses? This year let's break away from the ordinary and surprise our dads with unique gifts. These amazing shops offer an array of products that will make Father's Day truly memorable.

Little Black Box: Treat your dad to a deliciously unique and guilt-free gift this Father's Day with our Small Batch Low Sugar Artisan Preserves, featuring our Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam! Handcrafted with care, this jam is made in small batches to ensure the highest quality and flavor. Our recipe combines plump, juicy blackberries with the rich notes of vanilla and a touch of bourbon, creating a delightful spread that Dad will savor. What makes it even better is that our preserves are low in sugar, allowing Dad to indulge without any guilt. Whether he spreads it on toast, pancakes, or pairs it with his favorite cheese, our Blackberry Vanilla Bourbon Jam will add a touch of luxury to his breakfast or snack time. Show your appreciation for the best dad in the world by giving him a jar of our Small Batch Low Sugar Artisan Preserves this Father's Day! Instagram @littleblackbox

Wildside Dog Gear: Discover the perfect dog dad gift featuring our top picks for the cool dog dads + grandpaw tumbler. Shop the stylish and functional stainless steel tumbler designed specifically for cool dog dads and grand paws. With its trendy paw print design and the words "Cool Dog Dad" prominently displayed, this tumbler is a must-have accessory for any proud dog dad. Show your appreciation for the special dog dad in your life with this unique gift that combines style and functionality. Explore their selection of dog dad gifts and find the perfect tumbler that celebrates their love for their furry friends. Shop now and make the dog dad in your life feel extra special! Use code dogdad to save 10%. Instagram @wildsidedoggear

Cameron James for Men: Treat your dad to the ultimate grooming experience this Father's Day with incredible Beard Oil. Specially formulated to address all beard care needs, this versatile product works wonders to smooth and soften the beard, nourish the skin beneath, prevent dryness and split ends, tame flyaway hair and even promote healthy beard growth. Give the gift of a well-groomed and luscious beard with premium Beard Oil. Show him how much you care by adding this essential grooming product to his daily routine. Instagram @handmadenaturalbeauty_boutique

Ripley and Rue: Celebrate love and inclusivity with a Dog Dad Pride Hat! This vibrant accessory features the iconic rainbow pride flag colors and an embroidered "Dog Dad" logo. It's a stylish and meaningful way to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community and your furry friend. With an adjustable strap, it offers a comfortable fit for all. Spread love and equality one wag at a time. Instagram @ripleyandrue

Designed by Stacey: Leather and Lava Rock Bracelet is the perfect choice for dad. This edgy and cool bracelet combines genuine leather and lava rocks for a distinctive look. Handcrafted in America by skilled artisans, it's a symbol of quality and style. $1 from each purchase is donated to the MidAmerica Service Dogs' Foundation. Surprise your dad with this meaningful accessory that supports a great cause. Order now and make this Father's Day one to remember. Instagram @designedbystacey 

All Tails Wag: Celebrate your dad's love for his furry friend with our customizable Personal Dog Dad Mug. This heartfelt gift allows you to add a personal touch by featuring a photo of his beloved dog and the phrase "Dog Dad" in a stylish design. Every sip of his favorite beverage will be a reminder of the special bond they share. Crafted with high-quality materials, this durable mug is both microwave and dishwasher safe for convenience. Treat your dog dad to a thoughtful and personalized gift that will warm his heart and make him smile every day. Perfect for Father's Day or any occasion that calls for a unique and meaningful present. Instagram @alltailswag

Wag City Clothing: Make your dog dad stand out in style with our Dog Dad Hat. This trendy and comfortable hat features a sleek design with the embroidered words "Dog Dad" that proudly showcases his love for his four-legged companion. Made from high-quality materials, this hat is not only fashionable but also durable for everyday wear. The adjustable strap ensures a perfect fit, while the breathable fabric keeps him cool and protected from the sun during outdoor adventures. Whether he's walking his pup in the park or simply running errands, this hat is the perfect accessory to complete his dog dad look. Surprise him with this thoughtful and practical gift that he'll proudly wear wherever he goes. Ideal for Father's Day or any occasion to celebrate his unconditional love for his furry friend. Instagram @wagcityclothing

DDR BBQ Supply: Elevate your dad's grilling game this Father's Day with customized tongs. Add his name or a special message, adding a personal touch to his outdoor cooking experience. Made from durable stainless steel, these tongs are built to withstand high temperatures and provide a secure grip on all types of food. Whether he's flipping burgers, turning steaks, or handling delicate vegetables, these tongs will be his go-to tool. Explore other fun BBQ essentials from hats, drinkware and rubs that will complete his BBQ arsenal. With a wide range of personalized BBQ gear, you can create a truly unique and memorable gift for the grill master in your life. This Father's Day, give him a gift that combines his love for grilling with a heartfelt message. Instagram @ddrfabour

Wagged Tails: Make your dog dad's style paw-some with our Custom Dog Shirt. This unique and personalized shirt allows him to showcase his love for his furry friend in a fun and fashionable way. With the option to customize the shirt with his dog's picture, it becomes a truly one-of-a-kind gift that he'll cherish. Made from soft and comfortable fabric, this shirt offers a relaxed fit that is perfect for casual outings or lounging around with his pup. It's not just a shirt, but a statement piece that reflects his special bond with his canine companion. Whether he's out for a walk, running errands, or simply spending quality time with his furry friend, this custom dog shirt will make him feel extra proud and connected to his beloved pet. Surprise him with this heartfelt gift that celebrates his role as a dog dad and creates lasting memories. Perfect for Father's Day, birthdays, or any occasion to show appreciation for his unconditional love and care. Instagram @waggedtails

This Father's Day, let's celebrate our dads by supporting local businesses and shopping small with a diverse range of unique and gifts that will make this occasion truly memorable. By choosing these small businesses, you not only find extraordinary gifts but also contribute to the growth and success of local communities. So, go ahead and explore the wonderful selection of products and make this Father's Day a truly exceptional one for your dad.

THREE THINGS

Someone recently asked me for some of my favorite places to shop in Jacksonville and I was kind of stumped. Not because I don’t have favorite places to shop in Jax but I never really thought about putting together a list of places for someone to go! So I decided that I am going to write a few posts about some of my favorite places to shop some are online stores and some you get to walk into and shop in person so even if you don’t live in Jax you still have a chance to shop small and support small business.

Grater Goods in Murray Hills has all the cheese. Believe it or not it’s the only independently owned cheese shop in Jacksonville with a focus on American made cheeses and supporting small producers throughout the states. Yes they offer samples and pairing suggestions and an added perk is that right next door is Bernie’s Wine Stop, and independently owned purveyor of fine wines. Two birds, one stone.

Shop Kelly Geer- not a brick and mortar Jax business but her jewelry is fabulous, reasonably priced and she ships quick. If you follow her on Instagram or Facebook she also posts some lovely soothing videos of our beaches and her travels. Valentines day is right around the corner and check out the heart hoop earrings, I love them!

Shop Temporium in San Marco has so many vendors and so much vintage! Temporium also branches out into other items as well, it’s a fantastic shop filled with Vintage Curiosities, handmade gifts and specialty goods.

Jam Swirled Cornbread

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup self rising cornmeal

• 2/3 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3 3/4 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/3 cup oil

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/2 cup of jam

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Coat a 9 inch cake pan with baking spray.

Place first 5 ingredients in a bowl and stir together until combined. Add oil, egg and milk. Mix then pour it into the cake pan. Place 1/2 cup of jam dollops on top and gently swirl. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.

*I know using self rising cornmeal and baking powder seems odd but it works and it’s delicious!

Kentucky Berries

- Kentucky Berries

Ingredients:

2 oz. Bourbon Whiskey

.75 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

.75 oz. Black Currant Juice

2 Bar Spoons Blackberry Bourbon Vanilla Jam

2 dashes Chocolate Bitters

Fresh Blackberries

Preparation:

Pour all the ingredients in a shaker, add ice cubes and shake for about 15 seconds. Double strain with a fine strainer in an highball glass with ice cubes.

Garnish with some fresh blackberries.

The Anatomy of a Stellar Cheese Board

 In recent times, people have fallen deeply in love with a great charcuterie board, and we get it! There’s something so decadent about your favorite meats, cheeses, crackers, bread and everything else all on one board. The best thing is that it’s completely up to you what you include!

        So, what should you include? Well, while it’s up to you, we have a few suggestions.

Meat

        Meat is the main reason that a lot of people are attracted to great charcuterie boards - the meat will be a tasty, filling, and reliably wonderful part of the charcuterie. What meat you use is really up to you, but we’d recommend opting for at least two - this will provide good variety while not posing too many choices.

        A great option for a basic meat is pancetta. It tastes incredible on its own, and the wafer-thin slices will go down a treat no matter how many you might have already had.

        For a second meat to go on the board, we’d recommend Soppressata. While it’s certainly an option that can be difficult to track down, you won’t regret a thing once you’ve tasted it. Soppressata is an Italian dry salami that can be sweet or hot but it’s always delicious. It really is like no other flavor! Even today, Soppressata is produced the same way it has been made for centuries!

Cheese

        Cheese is probably the second most important thing on a charcuterie board. It’s a wonderful product that too many people are seemingly eager to overlook in their everyday lives.

        On a charcuterie board, it’s a good idea to have 3-5 cheeses including a fairly mild cheese and some more out-there alternatives. For the more mild options, we would suggest something like an goat or feta. They will look a little different from other things on the board, and they are familiar enough to most people. This means that plenty of people will be all too happy to try some!

        For a more unusual option, try Gargonzola, Manchengo or Camembert. The textures will be utterly different from the other cheeses. This means that the overall board will be improved thanks to the variety.

Bread

        Bread is a wonderful addition to a charcuterie board, but there are so many options to pick from! To be honest, we’d be inclined to recommend going for a well-aerated option. This is because a lot of things on the plate are particularly dense. In contrast, you’d quite like something light, fluffy, and pillowy to try out.

        We would recommend going to your local bakery and trying some of their focaccia. Focaccia can be wonderfully herby, delicious, and an exciting bread that isn’t quite like any others. It would go very well on a stellar charcuterie board thanks to its light texture and buttery, salty taste.

Dips

        As dramatic as this might sound, it’s true: dips can make or break a charcuterie board. Which dips you pick can honestly dictate the way that the rest of the board unfolds. Therefore, we’d recommend picking two: one more flavorful, and one more plain.

        A good plain dip could be hummus. The flavor of hummus is a gentle, mild and nutty thanks to the chickpeas, as well as a slight hint of lemon. This is a great option that’s versatile and simple.

        For a more flavorful option, try small batch jam! There are so many choices that will be miles ahead of the stuff that you might be in a jar at the supermarket. Think about what flavors pair well together and the options are endless.

Extras

        Extras are hard to define, but they can really finish the look and taste of a good board. We’d recommend going for bite-sized nibbles packed with flavor!

        A good option could be green olives that are stuffed with your choice of filling. We’d recommend lemon, as it really makes the flavors of the olive sing!

        Alternatively, you could track down some cream cheese stuffed mini peppers! They’re easy to make (and easier to buy), plus they’re recognizable and have a stunning flavor. What’s not to love?

Florida Mule

Ingredients:

1 3/4 oz. Vodka

3/4 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

2 Bar Spoons Strawberry Rose Vanilla Jam (out strawberry jam works too)

Ginger Beer

Preparations:

In a shaker add jam, lime juice and vodka. Fill with ice cubes.

Shake for 10 seconds.

Strain in a glass or Moscow Mule Mug. Slowly add the ginger beer, add ice cubes to fill.

Garnish with some fresh strawberries or lime wedges.

PIneapple Mango Pepper Jelly Salmon

An easy dinner any night of the week

2 Salmon fillets

1/2 cup of Pineapple Mango Pepper Jelly

2 Tablespoons fresh chopped basil

Season salt

Preheat oven to 350

Line a small pan with aluminum foil and place your two salmon fillets on it. Sprinkle season salt on top along with 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped basil and 4 tablespoons of Pineapple Mango Pepper Jelly.

Bake for 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily.