Forget Black Friday — Shop Small Business Saturday

I am completely and utterly over Black Friday shopping! I remember a couple of years ago, Christianna and I went to Walmart at about 9 am on Black Friday Morning.  I distinctly remember thinking that we would avoid the crowds — they would have all come and gone already, right?!  Ha. WRONG. Very very wrong.

Last year, I decided to forego Black Friday Shopping and instead I decided to support Small Business Saturday! Not only were there home-baked treats and hot apple cider, but the owners are so genuinely happy to see you in their stores and the other shoppers graciously step out of the way so you can get a better look at that awesome poster print! It's such a refreshing difference from the irritated employees and angry shoppers that I've experienced in the past!

Sooo... In honor of this year's Small Business Saturday, I have decided to provide you with a list of a few of my favorite small businesses in the Twin Cities Area! Enjoy!

i like you - Minneapolis, MN

This adorable store is one of my favorite places in all of the Twin Cities! Full of lots of handmade items, I often refer to it as "Etsy in real life".  If you are looking for quirky Minnesota items, this is the place to go! All of thier inventory is created by and supporting local arists like Adam Turman and many others! You should definitely check it out!

My aunt actually got me this awesome kitchen towel last year for Easter, it makes me smile!

501 1st Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
ilikeyouonline.com

Shop 501 - Chaska, MN

This vintage inspired shop is a great place to just wander around and look! They have a great fusion of vintage items and handcrafted items! My favorite find at Shop 501 so far was a teal vintage suitcase. It's a great addition to my photography props, but it also makes an adorable place to hold our winter hats and mittens!

501 N. Chestnut St
Chaska, MN 55318
facebook.com/Shop501

Mocha Monkey Coffeehouse - Waconia, MN

This is the epitome of a perfect coffeehouse to me! It's cozy, delicious and has tons of great handmade items on sale for me to look at while I wait for my coffee!  Whether you are looking for a place to stop and get a cup of coffee after a long day of shopping or you need to find the perfect gift for your coffee-loving friend, this place will deliver.

115 South Olive Street
Waconia, MN 55387
themochamonkey.com/

Wilde Roast Cafe - Minneapolis, MN

If you are looking for a great place to eat this Saturday (or any Saturday for that matter), check out Wilde Roast Cafe, it has a comfortable atmosphere and amazing food.  One of my friends introduced me to this place a few years ago, and I have been addicted ever since! And.. if you are looking for a recommendation on what to order, let me strongly suggest the Eggs Benedict Pizza! YUM.

65 SE Main St
Minneapolis, MN 55414
wilderoastcafe.com

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Still looking for great Christmas gift ideas? We have a couple of great options for you at our small business ;)

Photo Session Gift Certificates

Get them a gift they will treasure forever! (available in price ranges from $25-150)

Great for:

• a friend trying to promote her business
• a family member who wants to have professional family photos
• an upcoming family get together
• a friend who wants awesome engagement photos

2014 Calendar - $20

I love being able to capture the beauty in the world around me! These calendars are basically a quick snap shot of the world as I saw it in the last year.  Sometimes I am inspired by the rain on the windshield of my car and sometimes, I have to travel hundreds of miles to see the beauty that everyday holds.

These 12-month calendars are a great gift for the person on your list who is loves nature, photography and beauty!

Check out our products section for more information on these Christmas Gift Options from this small business!

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Other Awesome Small Businesses to Check Out:

• Foiled Again Salon - Minneapolis, MN
• Nokomis Beach Cafe - Minneapolis, MN
• Blue Door Pub - St. Paul & Minneapolis, MN
• Bryant Lake Bowl - Minneapolis, MN
• Riverview Theatre - Minneapolis, MN
• Gift of Healing - Bloomington, MN

Danielle & Dan {Stonewall Farms Minnesota Country Wedding}

This rustic farm wedding was absolutely beautiful! The bride, Danielle, is an event planner and you could definitely see that in every detail of the day.  This was a day filled with beautiful floral arrangements, fun activities and the perfect scenery. Stonewall Farms is a perfect location — the White Oak Barn is especially designed for weddings!  We were so grateful to be part of this beautiful celebration!

Preview: Melissa & Jason {Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Session}

We absolutely loved this engagement session with Melissa & Jason! It was a very, very windy afternoon in Minneapolis. We had a really fun and adventurous time wandering around St. Anthony Main and the Stone Arch Bridge. Also, this picture with their son is just more than I can stand! I am so excited to share more of their pictures with you soon!

How to Have Picture Perfect Wedding Hair

Aubrey Thoren is a wife, a mother and a stylist for Swept Up Big Day Hair Artist and she love weddings.  She loves being able to create something that is unique, romantic, beautiful and completely YOU! She is also an amazing hair stylist at Foiled Again Salon in Minneapolis. You can reach her by email at info@swept-up.com.

The Perfect Hair Style Starts with You

What I love encouraging brides with for their wedding day hair is for it to be YOU. When thinking about that special hair style for your big day take into consideration your dress, accessories and style and feel that you want your wedding to have. Pair that with the look and feel for your hair. Let that style inspire and help create your hair so that it doesn't take away or distract from your gown, necklace or what-have-you but accentuate and flow with your complete look.

Clean vs. Dirty Hair

For the morning of many people are concerned with dirty vs. clean hair.  My two cents: do what makes you comfortable.

The Squeaky Clean Look

If your second guessing having day old hair on your wedding day for the sake of your updo — don't think twice, get squeaky clean if that will make you feel best! There are a million products out there that I can use to give your hair wedding day hold. :)

Combatting Dry Hair

If you're like me and have hair that is a little on the dry side and prefers day old hair, pin it up when you hop in the shower and refresh your locks with dry shampoo or lavender spritz.

Ultimately dream big and love your hair on your wedding day, let it be a beautiful statement of who you are! Feel free to reach out for any inquiries or questions. I would love to hear from you! You can reach me at info@swept-up.com.

Dez + Taylor :: Wisconsin Wedding Reception

What an amazing evening on the river—this wedding reception was full of lots of food, drinks and an amazing song from Taylor to Dez! What a beautiful way to celebrate these lovebirds!