Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Keep it Local!

We've been encouraged by locals Mark and Paige Schnell and their commitment to "Keep it Local" at the holidays. This means supporting all of the wonderful establishments 30A has to offer to help keep those businesses - well, in business. Here are some ideas. We'll feature more this week, so if you have favorites you'd like us to talk about, just leave a comment below.

Pizza by the Sea Gift Certificates - If you spend $25 in gift certificates, you'll get a $5 GC to use yourself. For every $50 you purchase, you'll get a free large pizza. If you spend $100 (attention Realtors - great client gifts!), you can choose any bottle of wine in the house or two free large pizzas. Come by or call us at 231.3030 to purchase.
Tracery Interiors in Rosemary Beach - They have so much more than just home furnishings. Tracery's Christmas items, candles, jewelry and more will have you swooning. And the store is decorated beautifully for the holidays. If you come to Tracery any time between now and the end of the year, you'll get 20% off any in stock merchandise by saying "Secret Santa."

Deja Vu in Seaside - In addition to having one of the most unique selections of ladies clothing and accessories in town, Deja Vu is now having a 50% off sale. They have items to suit every budget in their gorgeous boutique, and the owners are great! Watch their blog for more special deals. {Photo below courtesy Seleta}

Gigi's Fabulous Kids' Fashion & Toys in Rosemary Beach - This is THE place for little ones. They carry Silly Bandz, which very well may be this year's favorite stocking stuffer. We bought them for all of our nieces and nephews, so hopefully they don't read this blog! Owner Geri says to also check out their Crazerasers, which are a puzzle and eraser in one. Gigi's has one of the friendliest staff in town, so don't hesitate to ask for help.




Sweet Bay Prints in Santa Rosa Beach - Sherri Scruggs runs this online boutique {while raising two adorable kids} that carries fine paper goods and gifts. Her stuff is gorgeous! We really love the holiday gift tags and labels she has for sale on her website. How cute are these? Watch her blog for upcoming specials and giveaways.

Willow Boutique in Rosemary Beach - We love the Pyrrha Jewelry. Each piece in this collection is handmade from an antique wax seal and carries its own special meaning. Pyrrha is available in bronze, sterling silver and 14k gold. Right now, Willow is offering "Tory Burch Tuesdays" where all Tory is 20% off on Tues. They also currently have a 70% off rack with some gorgeous pieces on it.


The Shops of Ruskin Place - We especially love The Art of Simple, Albert F's and Magpies! The gorgeous birds I scored at Albert F's make me so happy when I see them each day. You've heard us brag about Magpies incredible jewelry selection before. And South Walton's 2010 Artist of the Year Michael Granberry and his wife Laura have an incredible display of photography and artwork in their shop that showcases their own work as well as that of other Southern artists.

SkyeBlue Salon & Gifts - Owner Lisa is as nice as she is talented. She stays busy keeping locals' hair looking gorgeous in her adorable salon. She also carries a number of great gift items and is currently offering the following specials: 50% off Mom Agendas & 20% off everything else, including her amazing soy candles and jewelry. Find SkyeBlue on Facebook, too.


For the Health of It in Blue Mountain Beach - You probably know they have a large selection of supplements and health foods, but did you know they also offer the best massage deal in town? For just $70 for one hour, you can give someone the gift of relaxation from stress - and don't we all need that?? Better yet, their massage gift certificates are now 10% off through Christmas Eve. There are a number of good therapists, but we highly recommend Jenni Reed. She is amazing!
Aesthetic Clinique - Who wouldn't love their slogan, "Making 30A even more beautiful?" No matter what you would like "improved," they are there to help in their gorgeous, relaxing facility in Redfish Village. Aesthetic is currently runnning specials on Botox, Juvederm, Latisse and more. Visit their Facebook page or call them at 622.1214. They are conveniently located beside Village Boutique, who we recently reviewed here and Marla & Shane, who carry the largest selection of frames on 30A, including the distressed versions everyone covets.
Publix in Watercolor Crossing - It may sound weird that we're recommending one of the "big guys," but keep in mind that this establishment supports many nice locals by giving them employment. In fact, Publix may well be the largest employer on 30A. They also consistently receive the highest customer service accolades a grocery store can achieve. We think their selection of gift cards is great, especially if you are mailing gifts to loved ones out of town. Everyone loves gift cards and they save you a ton on shipping costs.

South Walton Montessori School - The school is offering Frasier Fir Christmas trees, wreaths and garland through December 17. The trees are #1 grade, the best you can buy. Call 850.231.5955 to order yours and support a fabulous local school with your tax-deductible donation.

Can you tell we REALLY love supporting our local friends? Stay tuned for more, and don't forget to leave comments about your favorite local finds.