Shop Smart, Shop Local
May 14, 2018 01:05PM ● By WLMagazineMake the Room “Bloom”
It’s time to replace all of your winter-themed home decor with something a little brighter. Featuring a bouquet of flowers in an array of cheerful colors, this inviting towel is the perfect finishing touch to any kitchen. $2 at Two Dutch Hens, 2499 84th St SW in Byron Center. facebook.com/TwoDutchHens.
A Schaw Thing
Spice up your spring cooking with these gourmet barbecuing and basting glazes by Schaws Sauce, a company based out of Iron River, Michigan. Make life sweet with the award-winning Schaws Sweet Sassy, or add a kick with Schaws Sweet with Heat, which features a balanced combination of habanero, fruity serrano and traditional jalapeño peppers for a (literal) mouthwatering punch. $6.99 each at Byron Center Meats, 8375 Freeland Ave. SW in Byron Center. Byroncentermeats.com
On a Roll
These handy ombre scrolls by Quilting Treasures are perfect for quilters on the go. Thirty pre-cut 2.5 inch strips feature an array of beautiful color options, all bundled into one, easy-to-store roll, which makes organization a breeze. $36.99 at Family Sewing, 4950 Wilson Ave SW in Grand Rapids. Familysewing.com
Art You Can Eat
Whether you’re organizing a girls night out, looking for fun date ideas or just craving something sweet and exciting, look no further than Chocolates by Grimaldi. The shop offers a 90-minute chocolate creation class where participants have an opportunity to learn about chocolate, socialize with friends and create an edible work of art. All the necessary tools (and chocolate) are provided, and staff will be on site with tips and suggestions to help you conjure up the perfect chocolate bar. The class minimum is eight people, so the more the merrier! $35 per person at Chocolates by Grimaldi, 219 N 7th St in Grand Haven. Chocolatesbygrimaldi.com.
Hugs and Kistes
Nothing says “love” like this handmade 14-karat rose gold medallion with a Swarovski Crystal from artist Kenda Kist. Each piece is as unique as the woman wearing it. Get it for your friend, sister, mom, grandmother, or even yourself. $110 at LA Miller Boutique, 65 E Bridge St NE in Rockford. LAMillerBoutique.com
No Place Lake Home
The lake is calling, and it’s time to answer. Show some love for your favorite summer spot with this Lake Girl apparel. Cozy up by the bonfire in a soft pullover sweatshirt or zip-up hoodie, available in blue and white, or shield your face from warm rays with a laid-back ball cap, available in gray, pink, blue, white and royal blue. Hats $22, Sweaters $64 at Parooz, 6504 28th St SE in Grand Rapids. Shopparooz.com.
Spring Fashion
Coil this statement piece around your neck to add a show-stopping element to any ensemble. Created by French jeweler Tiziana Redavid as part of her La Mollla collection, this contemporary necklace is made entirely of small, stainless steel coils produced in industrial processes. An accessory this unique is sure to put a spring in your step. $270 at Design Quest, 4181 28th St SE in Grand Rapids. designquest.biz
Sweating in Style
Boost your workout motivation with this matching set, designed by Norwegian former Olympic freestyle skier Kari Traa. Made from soft, breathable and quick-drying material, this chic legging and sports bra duo is equipped to handle every kind of workout, from intense cardio to easy-going yoga. $30 for the sports bra and $50 for the leggings at Bill and Paul’s Sporthaus, 1200 East Paris Ave SE in Grand Rapids. Billandpauls.com
Gift for the Green Thumb
Garden in style with this handy gardening tool set. Made from durable and easy-to-clean glazed ceramic, these pretty planting essentials feature a dainty light blue floral pattern that is sure to spark thoughts of spring. All pieces are available individually. Pot $8, mini rake $9.50 and mini shovel $9.50 at Eastern Floral, 2836 Broadmoor Ave SE in Grand Rapids. Easternfloral.com
Double Dutch
Spring is the air: Why not bring it into the kitchen? These handcrafted cutting boards, created from smooth stained wood and shaped like a tulip and a wooden shoe, can serve as daily chopping essentials or as fun serving platters for cheese and crackers during your spring gatherings. $15.99 each at Holland Furniture. 753 Lincoln Ave in Holland. Hollandfurniture.com
A Gift You’ll Flip Over
Windy weather is no match for this Topsy Turvy Umbrella by Calla. This windproof and waterproof rainy-day necessity is flip-resistant, folds upward to prevent dripping, offers UV protection, features a durable and comfortable c-shaped handle and comes in a variety of fabulous prints. $22 at Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery 3142 Four Mile Rd. NE in Grand Rapids. Robinettes.com
It’s Raining, It’s Pouring, but Your Wardrobe isn’t Boring
Chase away the storm clouds with this reversible Ubu raincoat. Don’t let the lightweight feel of this chic slicker fool you; Ubu raincoats are toasty warm, wrinkle resistant and water repellent. Put a contemporary twist on any outfit with this black gingham print with cherry red accents, or browse through the vast collection of other fun patterns and solid colors. $250 at Bella Furs, 660 Croswell SE in Grand Rapids. Bellafurs.com
Wall Flower
While plants look lovely in accent vases, have you ever considered hanging them from the wall? Add a modern flair to your home with this black zinc wall planter. Each planter features 12 individual shelves to house any greenery you can imagine, from succulents to air plants to hanging vines. $55 at Stonesthrow, 1428 Plainfield Ave in Grand Rapids. Stonesthrowliving.com
A Cow in the Kitchen
Add pizzazz to the kitchen cow-nter with this whimsical towel by Paperproducts Design. This charming kitchen essential balances fun and function with an adorable cow and vegetable print, and can be machine-washed and dried. $9.95 at The Cheese Lady, 315 Fuller Ave NE in Grand Rapids. Thecheeselady.net
Bath Time Bliss
Light some candles, run a steamy bath and toss in one of these fizzing bath bombs for a night of pampering. Available in a variety of different colors and calming scents, these luxurious bath bombs compose the ultimate recipe for relaxation and rejuvenation. $6 each at Mercy Health Wege Institute For Mind, Body & Spirit, 300 Lafayette Ave SE #3400 in Grand Rapids. mercyhealth.com/medical-services/integrative-medicine
A Peace of Art
Bring serenity, and a fabulous pop of color, to your garden this season with a Peace Pole from Project Lyric. Each pole is handcrafted by Washington artist Stephanie Burgess, who first discovered Peace Poles through the World Peace Prayer Society. These custom masterpieces are a part of the McCarthy Lennon peace collection and feature lyrics by the famous Beatles duo transmitting inspirational messages of love, hope, family and peace. Hand painted in vivid hues on natural, real wood timbers, they are the perfect addition to any landscape. Available in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors and sayings. $52-$109 at Spirit Dreams, 1430 Lake Dr. SE in Grand Rapids. Spiritdreamsgr.com
Brace(let) Yourself
Finish off any look with this transparent molded acrylic Moctezuma bracelet from Alt & Go, Paris. This fanciful cuff features intricate edges and delicate etching all the way around for a feminine and modern approach to accessorizing. Available in Smoke or Blue. $150 at Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center in Grand Rapids. Artmuseumgr.org
Magic on the Go
This gift is all unicorns and rainbows — on a leash! This magical pink plush companion, complete with a bright rainbow tail and fuchsia harness is ready for adventure, whether you’re strolling through an enchanted forest, or maybe just around the neighborhood. $13.99 at Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave NE in Grand Rapids. grcm.org
A Clean Companion
As the snow melts, Fido is sure to find those muddy patches in the yard. With the Soggy Doggy Super Shammy, dirty paws won’t make it past the front door. This one-size-dries-all microfiber chenille towel is quick-drying, odor-free, machine washable and super absorbant to soak up every last drop on all four paws. Built-in hand pockets make drying your doggy fast and easy and the shammy’s compact size makes storage and travel a breeze. Available in beige, blue, dark chocolate and grey. $18 at Fido and Stitch, 820 Monroe Ave NW #140 in Grand Rapids. Fidoandstitch.com
Going Down the List
Whether you’re shopping for a wedding present, a thoughtful housewarming gift (such as these Fiestaware mugs)or everyday necessities for your home, Rylee’s ACE Hardware has got you covered. By using the store’s Gift List and Registry, you can add items to your list from any product line in any category, from kitchen gadgets to home decor to outdoor appliances and more. Simply make an appointment at the Michigan St. store location in Grand Rapids and a Rylee’s ACE expert will help you set up your registry. As you browse the store, you’ll be able to add items to your list by scanning the barcode. When you’re all done, you’ll be able to post your registry online for your friends and family. Rylee’s ACE Hardware, 1234 Michigan St. NE in Grand Rapids. Ryleesace.com