Sam's Top Ten Gift Items From An Affair Of The Heart Tulsa
October is already flying by my dears (I can’t believe it) and I am already thinking and planning for the holidays. They will be here before we know it!!!
And I don’t know about you but I am so fed up with mass-produced merchandise and stuffy, crowded stores! I really would love to avoid shopping mall options and big department stores this year all together if I am being 100% frank.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve got quite a long list of ladies (and gentleman) to shop for and the idea of finding the perfect present for all of your family and friends can be a little bit overwhelming. So today, I am here to help you get your gifting done all in one place.
And that is why I have partnered with An Affair of The Heart Tulsa and their vendors this year! They do so many great shows all year long (I attended the summer July show and just loved the concept) and I am so excited for this November show November 16th-18th in Tulsa! This event is on trend and so chic! Not only is this the place to find unique gifts but An Affair of The Heart is just the best weekend to get together with your family and/or best girlfriends and spend some time together shopping and doing something off the beaten path. It’s such a great way to get into the holiday spirit too. Just add some cider and cocoa and you’ll be on your way!
An Affair Of The Heart Tulsa provides shoppers with a unique opportunity to browse hundreds of retailers (about 500 to be exact) from across the nation selling unique, one-of-a-kind items celebrating the craft, skill, art and style of the vendor. It exhibits largest arts, crafts and antiques show in Oklahoma, a unique marketplace where local and national crofters, artisans, boutique owners and collectors can share and sell their products with the general public. Many of these vendors are represented on-line only so I especially love that this is the one show where you can experience their products in a completely different way. The market for arts and crafts has changed significantly. The traditional crafters are now exhibiting alongside a younger generation of artisans. Hand-made items are still valued, but young retailers can also showcase their goods and products with or without a storefront. I love being able to touch something too and just see things up close and personal—trying on clothes is so important too because sometimes the sizes vary so much so you really take a chance and hope for the best when purchasing apparel on-line. There is also something so special to me about meeting the emerging and established makers behind these beautiful products. They all have such fascinating stories!
You will find so many rows of booths and creative displays with unique finds like screen printed baby onesies, leather bags, designed greeting cards, clothing + accessories, journals, art, beauty products, apothecary, candles, coffee mugs, and so much more! There truly is something for everyone on your list! And I have no doubt in my mind that you will end up doing some personal shopping too! One for me, one for you-that’s my motto anyway.
When I attended the July show I walked the first row of vendors and was immediately drawn to these gorgeous city maps! What I love the most is this Paris Travel Guide. I just had to get one to get for the GFY world headquarters- a.k.a. my blog office. I get so many compliments on it too!
So I have been working closely with An Affair of The Heart for the last few months and am am so excited to introduce you to ten amazing vendors that you will meet at the November show! I have chosen ten of my favorite holiday gift items, one from each of the ten vendors for this guide. I made sure to include a nice range of price points too for every budget ranging from $4 to $795.The most unique item I included is the hand carved wood boards by JL Concepts Tulsa. Their wood is from locally sourced fallen trees that they can give new life in functional and beautiful pieces The most meaningful item is my portrait of my recuse dog Henry painted by the lovely talented Penny from Animal Portraits By Penny.
There is something so truly special about all ten of these items! So scroll down to get the deets!
JL Concepts Tulsa Large Spalted Sycamore Fruit Bowl With Turquoise Inlay, $90
This bowl is the perfect piece for any kitchen. The craftsmanship is just exquisite and you just have to see these beauties in person to appreciate the details in every piece that is created. JL Concepts is a husband and wife team running a small woodworking business that is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Since 2013 John has been the artistic talent with his impressive design and creation of items created out of wood. He creates everything from sofa and coffee tables, bowls, vases, cutting boards, serving trays, kitchen utensils, jewelry, and new designs are imagined every day. Aside from the pure craftsmanship behind his creations, his items stand out with intricate inlay details of real turquoise, Milliput, and resin.Farm Sweet Farm Oklahoma Goat’s Milk Soap, $6
These beautiful soaps are all handmade from scratch on a homestead in Coweta, Oklahoma. Their soap contains milk from their own goats! Every bar of soap is handmade, sliced and labeled by them in their home in Coweta and I just love this so much! (I actually get to visit the farm soon) They are a true grassroots company! The carefully selected oils in each soap are so incredibly moisturizing and provide such a great aromatic experience too. There is a great variety in scents to chose from all though the seasonal ones get me every-time. Nina Cason, the maker, was born in England and moved to Oklahoma in 2007 with her husband and slowly but surely fell in love with the people here and the country life. She always say she is British by birth and Oklahoman by choice. She makes wonderful goat’s milk lotions too that I am so excited for you to try in November at her booth!
Ahh, the scrunchie, that ubiquitous 1980s hair accessory—you either loved it or you hated it. Well the scrunchie is making a major comeback and I am loving it even though I fought it for a bit thanks to that Sex and The City episode. During Fashion Week, the super-cool luxury label Mansur Gavriel styled its models’ hair in low ponytails, secured with none other than the scrunchies. Then, brands such as Balenciaga followed suit. And that really sold me on this “ hair cloud” trend. These things look just as good on the wrist as they do in the hair, so feel free to accessorize however you see fit. You will find so much more from Coral Lane at the November show too. I just love these girl bosses. They are two friends that have a passion for women and kids and everything in between. Coral Lane is an Oklahoma boutique where women can come to be inspired and enjoy a unique shopping experience. They have mixed fashion with easy outfits for women on the go. They have stylish threads for children too!
Scott Farms Gourmet Foods, $3.75-$7.95
From soup mixes, dip mixes to Cajun specialties and Southwest specialties, they cater to your love for chilies, Mexican food, special spices and gourmet food. They specialize in "just add water" soups and unique soup recipes and simply make life easier! Larry and Joanna also do custom gift baskets, gift boxes, and gift bags. Top selling items include dip mixes, tortilla soup, enchilada soup, potato soup, cheddar-broccoli soup, chili seasoning, meat seasoning, bean seasoning, mulling & wassail seasoning, Christmas cards with seasoning, gift boxes, gift packs, and related gift items. New items include the rubs & marinades. They also specialize in convenient and easy to use recipes that taste great. I am obsessed with the chicken tortilla soup mix and the corn chowder soup mix! And I looooove the South of The Border dip mix. They make holiday entertaining so easy too and I know you all are really going to stock up on some serious stocking stuffers.
Ps:121 Jewelry Leather Ring With Freshwater Pearls, $15
Jewelry is always a great gift and I cannot seem to have enough accessories. I adore unique pieces that really start a conversation too and this leather and pearl ring really catches my eye. PS:121 Jewelry is so passionate about their designs, their quality and your ability to afford their merchandise. Each piece is hand crafted and you can really feel the love when you see her pieces up close. Michael Ann takes great care in carefully choosing each gem stone, pearl and crystal for its quality and uniqueness. The results are one-of-a-kind pieces you can't find anywhere else! They also design pieces for charities for 100% donation.
Soy Candle Cottage Natural Soy Candles, $11
Who doesn’t love a good candle?! And a good natural non toxic candle, yes please. They use a 100% cotton braid wick with absolutely no lead or zinc. They pour their candles from soy wax made in the USA with domestically grown crops, 100% vegetable made with pure soybean oil, all natural & biodegradable. They are manufactured meeting FDA standards, Kosher Certified (yes, it is food-grade), free of pesticides, herbicides or other toxic materials and is FREE of genetically modified material! I personally love soy candles as they reduce the soot and toxins and that is so important to me. Plus I am supporting a sustainable crop with my purchase. There are so many wonderful aromas to chose from too. And colors! My personal favorite is the Aspen Winter. I visited Aspen a few years ago and it holds such a special place in my heart so reliving that special vacay in my home this season just gives me all the feels.
Adaline Owasso Little Dictionary of Fashion, $19
I absolutely adore gifting fun little books for the holidays and this one is such a great addition to every fashionista in your life because it is full of timeless tips like what to wear to a wedding and how to tie a scarf! Christian Dior reveals the secrets of style in this charming handbook that no woman should be without. You can always find some very unique treasures just like this one at Adaline. In November plan on checking out their booth as they will have a little bit of everything there! The game day graphic tee’s are some of my fave and they always some fun handbags and cardigans and kimonos. The keychains and books are going to make the perfect gifts!
57 Blue Collections Dean Crouser Kaleidoscope Butterfly Stoneware Mug, $18
I love having some great gifting mugs around for the holidays! They make the best hostess gifts for those holiday parties! And this beautiful Kaleidoscope Butterfly Mug is just so pretty. A brightly colored butterfly adorns a 16 ounce stoneware mug. Everyone needs to add some gorgeous watercolor nature art to their everyday! These are dishwasher safe and microwave safe, too! 57 Blue Collections will have women's apparel, home interiors and gifts at the show this year.
Original Brooks Dot Grid Bullet Journal in Black and White, $38
These are the prettiest journals I have ever laid eyes on. Original Brooks specializes in hand sewn journals made from reclaimed and vintage materials. Sara purchases paper from thrift stores and estate sales where she salvages composition notebooks, business letterhead, stationery, and other paper ephemera. Since she uses materials that are unique and vintage, most of the book bindery's products are one-of-a-kind. The Dot Grid Bullet Journal is hand sewn and features a soft, faux leather cover that is flexible and durable enough for everyday use. On the spine of the notebook is a hand stitched diamond pattern in white that matches the white paper lining on the inside of the cover. Open up this journal to find a high quality 24lb paper featuring a dot grid pattern. The text weight paper works well with a variety of pens, pencils, and markers with very little bleed through. This notebook opens flat for effortless writing and has so many uses including DIY planner, diary, sketchbook, journal, and to-do list. The rounded corners not only look great but also keep your pages protected. These journals are just so special.
Animal Portraits By Penny Pet Portrait, $175-$750
Penny Robichaux-Koontz is an amazing talented artist who will create the perfect painting of your beloved pet just like my sweet Henry pictured above. She works in watercolor, gouache (an opaque watercolor) and pastels when doing animal portraits. The medium is decided by the animal. Portraits are painted without background or plain backgrounds, and prices are quoted on unframed, single pet portraits. She does offer custom frames by request. She likes knowing a bit about you, the pet owner and the relationship between you and your pet...endearing antics employed to get their way. Family dynamics ~ history. You will send her some photos, indicating your favorite! Her favorite is a spontaneous shot of a pet who is almost talking to their owner. With several different photos of your pet, she can determine the proper coloring. She also posts pictures on Facebook throughout the process or email if you prefer. This was so amazing to see Henry come to life in different stages! I am so over the moon with my Henry portrait and cannot wait to have Penny create one of Melvin. And I love the idea of something personal and sentimental like this as a gift. It is just so meaningful! And these portraits will be cherished forever and ever. Penny is honoring 20% off your purchase if you mention you are a Go French Yourself reader. (all orders must be placed by December 1st for the discount)
The November show is going to be so amazing! I hope you will join us for this three-day shopping event! It is a rare opportunity to shop for housewares, clothing, jewelry and more from artists, craftsmen and independent retailers from across the country in one place under one roof and tickets are only $10 for all three days! Kids 12 and under are free and they even provide valet parking making things so convenient! Plus I will be there the entire 3 days going live as I take you behind the scenes and allow you to meet the vendors and the people attending ! Many people make this an annual tradition and I can’t wait for you to hear directly fro them why this event is truly the shopping event of the entire year.
Keep in touch with me over the next month. I will be showing you all the ways I am using these ten products in my natural environment in a follow up blog post next week where I will also be hosting several giveaways for tickets to An Affair of The Heart-and several giveaways with some of the selected vendors! So you will not want to miss this. Please follow me on Instagram as some of the giveaways will be Instagram Exclusive.
And of course, if you cannot attend the event and see something you must have from my guide, of course, you can shop directly from them today and everyday!
With a swipe of a card or an exchange of a bill, you send a signal of support to the people or company behind the purchase, the issues behind the purchase, and so much more. So perhaps allocate some of your holiday spends this season to independent stores, to artisans, to American-made, to local, wherever you live!!!!!
https://www.heartoftulsa.com/
Nov. 16-18, 2018
RIVER SPIRIT EXPO
4145 E. 21st St.
Friday, Nov. 16
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 17
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 18
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
