Oh, How I Love …

You knew it was coming. All the “love” talk, red hearts, and V-day merchandise that any one person can stand. Don’t get me wrong; I’m as “warm-fuzzy, lovey-dovey” as they come, but by the first week of February, I’m ready to say “enough is enough.” However, the upcoming Valentine’s Day did get me to thinking.

First, I realized that I better go ahead and purchase the Valentine’s Day card for my three kids. All parents know that it’s competitive out there, and the best Valentines go FAST. And heaven forbid your child NOT get the cards that she had her heart set on… (Oh, the drama.)

I digress. But it made me start thinking about the things that I love. (I’m not talking about my family and friends; they know that already.) But the hidden gems that I’ve discovered in my ten-plus years of living in the Decatur/AE area.

These are the shops, people, products, etc. that are my go-to staples -- and why I have come to treasure them.

Now, I’m not trying to compete with Oprah or Ellen, but I thought it might be fun to share “my favs.” So, here goes…

Making my “Oh, how I love” list is...

• The Monogramming Queen – Deonna Henry has saved me on so many occasions. This mom-preneur will gladly monogram just about anything for you. Through the years, she has monogrammed backpacks, lunchboxes, beach towels, tote bags, dresses, bibs, burp cloths, diaper bags, and so much more for me. She sells a variety of products, but she will also gladly monogram pieces that you already have (or purchase elsewhere) and bring to her. If I want a special, personalized gift, I hightail it to see The Monogramming Queen.

• Ms. Lisa’s Cuts for Kids – Ms. Lisa has cut my kids’ hair for years. She offers a bright, kid-friendly environment, featuring the popular train, race car, and airplane elevator chairs (so popular with the little ones). What I love most about Ms. Lisa is that she genuinely cares about the kids, and she wants them to look their best. And when emergencies happen (my middle child gave herself a mullet on her father’s watch one Saturday afternoon), she immediately returned my desperate call and stayed late to help “make a beautiful ‘oops!’ ” out of LG’s hair.

• Scratch Cakes – Just this past year, I discovered Scratch Cakes, and Kristie
  Sasser’s  culinary creations have already made it to my “I love” list. Whether it’s a themed birthday cake or cupcakes for a special school snack, she is my go-to in this area. She also does incredible wedding and anniversary pieces. Here are two of my personal favorites:  and an unbelievable wheel-barrow cake!

• Valerie Davis Designs – Valerie is simply one of the most talented people that I know. She has created logos (hello, Kidsfest 2011) and original art, but my favorite thing that she has done for me is custom profiles of my children. The profiles are done in bright colors and features the child’s name and age. I have had two done thus far, and Val, I’ll be calling you soon for one more.

• Decatur First United Methodist Church’s Children’s Morning Out and Preschool – These programs have been life-savers for me. DFUM’s half-day programs are a find for parents who need a little break and whose children enjoy learning and playing. All three of my little ones have come through both and are better kids for it. Oh, and mark your calendars (March 22, 5:30 p.m.) for the Preschool’s annual “Happy Hearts” silent auction and children’s program (a fun, fund-raising event for the entire family).

• Artisans of Avondale Estates – All I can say is wow, there are some mighty talented artists in our community! I love my Skipping Daisies necklace (by jewelry designer Lou Callaway Cutts), my kids’ rocking Lillibands and LilliWear, Jen Singh’s beautiful pieces which make even my bookmarks fashionable, fabulous designer coasters by Heather Pyles, and my favorite find of the winter – my extra-long, cashmere (fingerless) gloves by Rachel Herzog/Tickleworm.

• Decatur restaurants – I love you! Here are my tried and true… Pastries-a-go-go – Chicken salad plate (with a chocolate chip cookie on the side); Corner Pub – any of their sliders paired with their Corner Pub Salad/homemade blueberry dressing; Taqueria del Sol’s chicken taco and beef enchilada with red sauce (add margarita, all the better); Iberian Pig’s divine mushroom flatbread (I could live off of this!); Farmburger ($6 build-it burger); Dancing Goats Coffee Bar (coffee, of course); and Fellini’s pizza (for the kids) and Our Way Café (for Mom and Dad) to go for “Fabulous-Friday Family Movie Nights!”

• Little Bird Blue – I bought four pair of designer (hardly worn) jeans for $100 at their first trunk show! Shannon Douglas’ brain-child is brilliant, and if you haven’t been to one of her shows, you are missing out…especially moms with teens and preteens.

• Junebug for Kids – Mom and designer Wendy Bigbie whips up fun and whimsical clothes and accessories for stylish little boys and girls. My girls love her super-soft, super-cute knits.   

• Crossfit Kids – Do your kids know how to do a burpee? If not, then CrossFit Kids may be a great way to tear your kids away from electronic media and encourage them to be active in a fun way. Eric Willis and his CrossFit team show kids (of all athletic abilities) how to push, pull, run, throw, climb, lift, and jump effectively and safely, while teaching them about healthy eating habits. My kids beg to go, so CrossFit Kids must be doing something right!

I could go on... but what’s on your “Oh, how I love” list?