Hello December~Let the (local) shopping begin!

December is off to a gorgeous start - unseasonably mild temps make me a happy girl! There will be time enough for the white fluffy stuff so for now I'm enjoying every last minute of not scraping and shoveling and bundling and all that cold weather stuff. Plus, it's a lot easier to shop when you aren't battling winter weather.

This weekend went by in a whirlwind. Lots of supporting our local businesses and shopping local. Here's a taste:

Started off by getting a new phone:

Merry Christmas to me! While this isn't a local purchase, I did get it from Twitter friend @VerizonAL so it was definitely more personal than going to a store. I'm so excited to have a phone that isn't all crabby and not wanting to work all the time. Plus I NEED to be able to Instagram the holidays, right? I was tempted to drink the Kool-Aid and get the iPhone 5 but I'm so glad I opted for this beauty.

Then we had Friday night date night at Spice. Awesome as always. Seriously, if you haven't been here yet, what are you waiting for? Lots of cauliflower on the menu including the most silky puree ever. If you are a vegetarian or just want more veggies in your life, try out the Broccoli & Butternut with stewed black beans, roasted pepper sauce. 

Saturday we were up early and at the Shaker Square Farmers Market. It was their last week outside so we were really able to enjoy the sunshine. There was a Christmas Market inside too. Buffy got some treats that are good enough for people to eat from Sun of a Biscuit (available at Whole Foods too.) Got some gorgeous radishes, turnips and kale, said hi to the lovely Britt of Coquette Patisserie, and stopped in at Lake Erie Artists Gallery to purchase the most awesome Cleveland ornaments. 

They would make a great holiday gift for anyone on your list. If they are a Buckeyes fan, they have these too. This adorable shop has jewelry, knits, magnets, artwork and more. You can also take classes to unleash your inner Renoir or purchase a class for a gift. I've made two bracelets there and love them.

We made a much over due visit to Tommy's for brunch and shopped on Coventry because who can resist a visit to Big Fun and City Buddah.

Then went to the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. Finally. This little gem has been on my bucket list for years and we picked the perfect day to explore and hike around. Picked up some really cute Christmas cards too. This coming weekend they have a sale, so stop by and pay them a visit and do some shopping too. Take 10% off your entire purchase (Nature Center members enjoy a total discount of 20%) and support this urban oasis.

Saturday was a Hollywood themed work holiday party that was gorgeous, delicious and fun - shouldn't they all be like that?

Sunday was spent snuggled up at home, resting up from all the dancing from the night before, making cookies for the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap, and starting to decorate for Christmas.

I'd say that December is off to a great start! We've been crossing gifts off our lists like crazy while supporting our local businesses. And we've been making sure not to over schedule so we are sure to enjoy every minute. After all, it's our only Christmas as an engaged couple and we want it to be memorable in every way.