WFMW: Shop Local!

This year, I'm shopping locally for Christmas. Things that either I buy materials locally to make a project with or buy the gift already completed.

Thankfully, I have two places for GREAT gifts that are local.

The first is Oakridge Soap Company. They offer handmade soaps, bath salts and lotions. They also have a "miracle salve" that is wonderful! The scent is just amazing! TJ had eczema that no prescription could make any better, but this miracle salve did the trick. It's worked really well on owies around here, too. I have several scents of the soap bars and they're all wonderful, also. I was looking at the Blackberry Sage today and thinking that I need to go get some of that, also! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the lotion bars (Madagascar vanilla, please!). I have one (or maybe even 2) in my purse right now! I have one of the soap socks that they sell, too and they are wonderful! I have my shampoo bar in it and I love it (don't worry, Oakridge is working on a formula for a shampoo bar, so be patient, it's coming!!) Check them out online or come visit me and we'll take a little drive over there!

The other local place that I've tried is called Annie's Garden. They sell dip mixes and they are WONDERFUL! They were at a craft sale at The Grain Bin (another local business with AWESOME homemade breads and rolls, but no website, yet) and we sampled dips to our hearts content! I bought a few packs to tuck in some stockings or maybe I'll have to keep them. You just add the mix to one or two other ingredients like mayo/sour cream or cream cheese and you're good to go! They also sell some nifty looking pots.

And I'm sure I don't need to tell you all the benefits of buying locally and supporting our local businesses. So, if you're in the market for really nice, affordable, handmade gifts check them out and then check out Rocks In My Dryer for other helpful hints!

(Then, check out my post It's Over for a chance to win a TOH Cookbook!)