As the whirlwind of consumerism’s biggest month of the year threatens to sweep us up and deposit us in some anti-Oz of same-store malls or big box wastelands filled with imported non-necessities, please consider your local options.
One is the indoor farmers markets. The largest is the Wintertime Market at the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket. Not only do most of our Pawtuxet Village vendors participate, but there are a variety of small artisan shops in the mill complex, giving the thoughtful shopper a wide range of local products to choose from. The cheerful ambience and delicious samples available will give you a warm holiday glow.
Blue Skys Farm sends along these suggestions:
Looking for a local product for Christmas Gifts? We offer shipping too!
Blue Skys Herbal Teas/Tisanes
Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena, Spearmint, Peppermint, Nettle, Ashwaghanda Root, Blue Hyssop, Chamomile, Spilanthes
Blue Skys Infused Oils: You can use herbal infused oils to create massage oils, salves, lip balms, facial serums, hair treatments, body creams, soaps, and more!
Lavender infused with Olive Oil and Almond Oil
Calendula infused with Olive Oil and Almond Oil
Peppermint infused with Almond Oil
Comfrey infused with Almond Oil
Other Saturday markets include Coastal Growers in North Kingstown, and Mt Hope in Bristol.
You can also shop at your local small businesses. One challenge is to do all your gift buying within a five mile radius of your home or work, saving time, gas and impulse purchases. Many local shopping clusters have holiday events that bring neighborhoods together and encourage walking rather than driving.
The Friends of Pawtuxet Village sponsor just such an event this Saturday, December 3. The day kicks off at Noon when participating Village businesses and eateries will offer an open house, special discounts and holiday menus all day! Horse-drawn carriage rides will leave from the Basta parking lot until 3 PM. At 5:15, there will be lighting of luminaria, lighting of the Children’s Tree, and a carol sing-along in Pawtuxet Park.
See you at a market.
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