my week in objects (mostly):

Five little things that made my week:

1. this cozy scarf.

(for being a welcomed, $4 surprise at the thrift shop.)

2. these Indian sweets.

(because they were still delicious even though they were crushed in my backpack on the flight back to MD.)

11 local options for the holidays

We have now entered into the season of giving: the time to show gratitude and love for the special people in our lives through sincere, thought-out gifts. But have you taken into account the impact that your purchases make on the world around you?

Anna Lappe, an author and sustainability advocate, has some food for thought on the matter:
“Every time you spend money, you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want.”

So instead of taking to department stores and big businesses for Christmas gifts, why not invest in your own community this holiday season?

Several studies have shown that there are many different benefits from shopping at local companies, rather than nationally owned businesses. To start, more money from your purchases will remain in the community, which will benefit local owners, service providers, and farmers. Investing in the community through your purchases puts your tax dollars to good use, creates more local jobs, and reduces environmental impact. Chances are, you will be able to find unique and higher quality goods from local and artisanal producers than at any store in the mall.

Here are eleven locally owned and operated options for holiday gifts for everyone on your Christmas list:

1. Zoe’s Chocolate Company -

This local, award-winning chocolate shop sells boxes, individual treats, and seasonal favorites. There are also unique, Mediterranean-inspired flavors that will excite your favorite chocoholic, including Aegean pistachio, baklava, and orange flower. Zoe’s has two locations, one in Frederick and the other in Waynesboro.

A very domestic Sunday

I woke up this morning and I wanted to be both lazy and productive at the same time... so after sleeping in for a long while, I decided to tackle my day and get some ordinary, real-person things done like do my laundry, clean my apartment, go grocery shopping, cook a nice meal, pack some of my lunch for tomorrow and figure out my schedule for the week. It was a very domestic Sunday, one of the first of its kind, and it really made me feel like an adult.