I love shopping local because I know that I am putting money back into my community while supporting my friends. Sometimes it seems like more effort than just going to a big box store, but it really is worth it. Plus, I really enjoy supporting my friends (and making new ones!).

I asked the advertisers of HCB to come up with some creative gift giving and holiday entertaining ideas to make your holidays easier.Yes, I know that they are known as “wedding” vendors, but they really are so much more. All of the ideas contain clickable links on the business name. Take a peek …

For those who love fashion and accessories:

For the girl who likes a little sparkle, why not stop by Celebration on Main Street in Downtown Lynchburg? They offer jewelry and accessories for special occasions … you may even find a little “bling” for yourself for New Year’s Eve!

For something very special, why not stop by Bowen Jewelry in Downtown Lynchburg? They offer gift certificates along with beautiful jewelry that will bit any budget. My personal favorite is their estate line … so many beautiful items to choose from!

Are you in need of a dress for the holidays? Well, stop by Church Street Bridal in Downtown Lynchburg. They have a wonderful selection of beautiful gowns (not just for brides, but also for special occasions … trust me!) in a plethora of colors to choose from.

For help with your holiday (or future) entertaining:

If you are hosting a Christmas get together, why not take the time to relax a little? Love Is in the Air can help you with your catering and centerpiece needs … it’s the holidays, and you deserve to enjoy your own event.

If you have “visions of sugarplums dancing in your head”, but you do not have time to make any sweets yourself, you should give La Bella Torta a try (really, do!!). They offer cookies, pastries, gift baskets and pies … or a gift certificate towards a special occasion cake would be a wonderful option, too.

Many times music makes (or breaks) a party, right? We’ve all been there! Well, Official Entertainment can help with your own celebration, or you can give gift certificate for their services … how fun would that be? From the Big Band sounds of the 40s to the Billboard’s Hot 100 of today, they have you covered.

Photo booths are a TON of fun, so guess what? The Virginia Photo Booth Company is offering a 25% discount on any of their photo booths during 2012 when you purchase one as a gift … what a fun option for a party!

Do you have an event coming up or know someone else who will soon? The gift of an intimate event space is perfect! Tresca on 8th is known for their big, beautiful ballroom, but they also have a lovely space upstairs with comfortable conversation areas for up to 60 people. It is a great place to host a shower or other small affair.

For any occasion, RS Exclusive can help out … whether is in in the area of decor or coming up with a fun color coordinate “candy bar”, a certificate for their services will help out even the most savvy hostess.

For those who love memories (or anyone!):

The gift of memories is one that will last a lifetime, so why not create some with Stone Blue Productions? A gift certificate would be perfect for any type of photo session … they also offer canvas prints and quality albums for showing off those great moments. As Jeremiah said, “Great memories are always in style.”

Need a gift for a whole family? Consider a gift certificate from Jane Bradley Photography for a fun filled family photo session. It is a gift that they will treasure for years to come!

Who doesn’t love a sale? If you purchase a gift certificate for a session with Visions by Heather Photography, you will receive a $50 portrait credit in December … either keep the credit for yourself or add that in as an extra little gift for the recipient. How fun!

KD Burke Photography has a style all their own, and they offer gift certificates for all of their services … sessions, prints and the like. Give memories as a gift this year.

For those who love to shop:

If you have never been to The Farm Basket, you are really missing out! They have a lot of gift ideas … from Vera Bradley to items to help out in the kitchen, they really do have an amazing selection. When in doubt, give a gift certificate, which can be used towards merchandise or even a delicious lunch (my favorite is the chicken salad!!).

At Your Service Events Planner offers Carlson Craft gift certificates, which would be perfect for those who love things that are personalized.

Have you been to The Corset Corner lately? Not only do they have beautiful, quality intimates, but they recently opened an entire gift section of their shop on Main Street in Downtown Lynchburg.

For a little pampering:

If you want to give the gift of beauty or pampering, why not consider a certificate to one of our spas? SPA 4109 or Bodyworks Day Spa and Salon are sure to treat your recipient right (or even you … wouldn’t you love a massage during all of the holiday hustle and bustle?). Both stores are in the Boonsboro area and also offer lots of little pick me ups (such as shampoos and beauty items) that make wonderful, luxurious gifts.

If you are looking to stuff that stocking (whether it be for a man or a woman, mind you), Mary Kay has plenty of offerings … from nail polish to soothing lip treatments, they can add that “oomph” to an otherwise blah stocking.

For a new look either pre or post holiday, consider paying Mitchell’s Salon on 7th in Altavista a visit … they are in the hair business, which is their definite area of expertise!

To surprise the man in your life:

For the man in your life (oh yes!), why not schedule a session with DulceNoche, a division of Allegra’s Studio, and present him with a Little Black Book (filled with sultry photos of YOU). Yes, you can still have your session and images back by Christmas.

Speaking of fun photos, you can stop by Boudoir in Boonsboro and pick up a little pretty something for yourself or even another family member … they offer pretty lingerie along with pajamas that are “Christmas morning photo appropriate”, and they also have accessories and other fun things, too!

And, finally, to beat those holiday blahs and bloats:

Are you worried about how you will look and/or feel for those holiday parties? It Works has a whole line of vitamins to keep you healthy along with their slimming body wraps … who says you have to leave the holidays with extra fluff around your middle? No muffin tops here!

If you want more ideas, just check out all of the links to the right … I love our family of vendors, and I hope you will support them this Christmas season.

Your bridesmaids are there for you … they are comprised of friends and family that have been by your side and mean so much to you. They will also be a part of your big day standing by your side during the ceremony and also providing a listening ear or a helping hand on the big day. Choosing a gift for them that they will treasure and keep for years to come while being a meaningful reminder to them can be difficult, but I have a suggestion for you … why not think about a beautiful piece of initial jewelry? John Wind Maximal Art has some wonderful pieces to choose from.

Here are some options to consider before we get to our giveaway …

 The Gold Script Initial Pom Pom Bracelet would be such a beautiful touch at the wrist of your longtime best friend.

This is so pretty! It’s the Pom Pom Sorority Gal Silver Initial Necklace and can be ordered in any initial.

The above design (the Petite Scallop Initial on Crystal Necklace) is from their fall collection … beautiful!

Also from their new fall collection are the Bronze Crystal Initial bracelet (left) and necklace (right). I have the necklace (in a “J”, of course!), and you can also win a necklace in your choice of initial … how exciting!!!

In order to be entered for the giveaway, there are just a few things that you need to do below (each thing counts as a separate entry but be sure to post one comment for each thing you do!).

1. Head on over to the John Wind Maximal Art website (click HERE) and come back here to tell me something you love!!

2. “Like” John Wind Maximal Art on Facebook (click HERE), and come back here saying you did so.

3. Head over to Facebook again to “like” Hill City Bride (click HERE), and let me know that you did by commenting.

4. Did you either give or receive (or are planning to give?) a great gift to your bridesmaids? If so, let me know in the comments below … I would love to hear your ideas!!

Happy entering, and good luck.

Wow! It’s hard to believe that Hill City Bride has been reaching brides for 15 months and 300 postings already … that’s a lot of work. In celebration, Emerson Creek Pottery in Bedford, VA is giving away a beautiful apple pie plate. How perfect for this time of year!

So, whether you are a bride to be, a newly wed or just someone who loves to bake, why not head out to the orchard for a few fresh, crisp, fall apples and bake a pie in this fantastic pie plate. I would love to!!

This pie plate (pictured on the left side of the photo below next to the fruit colander) will be shipped to the winning entry, so feel free to enter from anywhere for this piece of art from Central Virginia.

The rules are simple this time, so here is ALL you have to do …

1. Go to the Emerson Creek Pottery page on facebook and “like” their page (click HERE), and come back here telling us that you did.

2. “Like” the Hill City Bride page on Facebook (click HERE) … tell us if you already like us or if you are a “new” liker”. Come back here to comment that you like us.

3. Share with us an “apple” memory in the comments section below … did you lose a tooth in one, or did you bake pies with your grandmother? Feel free to reminisce about a fun memory dealing with apples.

Ok, that’s all … there are THREE chances to win, so be sure to post a separate comment for each entry. Good luck, and happy harvest season! You have until Monday, October 24th at 11:59 pm to get your entries in.

And one more photo above … just LOOK at all that is waiting for you if you visit their outlet store in Bedford, VA. Mugs, plates, vases, lamps and all sorts of other goodies are handmade and just begging to make it into your home. Check them out sometime (click HERE to view their location on a map), and tell them that Hill City Bride sent you!

I love supporting local businesses, and I am pleased to introduce to you Emerson Creek Pottery in Bedford, VA, who is generous enough to be doing a giveaway today!!

Their hand decorated pottery is so charming, and I wanted to show you a few of their pieces. From serving trays, baking dishes and dish sets to bathroom essentials and vases, they have something to please everyone’s tastes in a variety of designs (including apples, which our region is known for along with scenes that depict Smith Mountain Lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains). Enjoy this sampling, and then we’ll get on with our giveaway!

And now on to our giveaway, which is for a pie plate of your choice. There are so many designs to choose from, and here are just a few …

Have fun, and here is how to enter …

You can enter multiple times if you follow the guidelines below (be sure to post separate comments each time you do one of the instructions):

1. Visit Emerson Creek Pottery, and let me know what is your favorite item!

2. Tweet the link to this post.

3. Follow Hill City Bride on Twitter.

4. Put the link to this post on facebook.

5. Like HCB on Facebook.

6. If you have a blog, blog about this post, and then come back and comment along with leaving the link to your blog post.

7. Subscribe to the RSS feed.

8. Subscribe to HCB via email.

9. Click on one of HCB’s wonderful vendors, and come back to tell me who you clicked on and why … fun!!

10. If you have another cool way to get the word out about this post, feel free to do so!

11. Like Emerson Creek Pottery on Facebook

12. Follow Emerson Creek Pottery on Twitter

You have until to enter so that I can announce the winner. Do you have to be a bride to enter? NO!! I just want to spread the word about Emerson Creek Pottery and Hill City Bride, so anyone is welcomed to enter … have fun.

Again, a big thanks goes out to Emerson Creek Pottery for hosting this great giveaway. You have until 11:59 EST on Wednesday, May 25th to enter. Have fun!!

Scour many an antique market, and you just might find some old time souvenir from yesteryear’s regal nuptials. So, why not collect one or two now for fun, and they will be a fun find along with possibly being worth a little something someday … even if it is just for laughs! Of course since we can’t be running off to London to peruse the shops to purchase these pieces of memorabilia, I thought I would bring you some of the finest (and funniest) ones around.

These plates are available individually, or you can purchase a set which comes with 5 different plates, 3 of which I am showing below. So fun for conversation pieces, and check out the full set here.

“Royal flushes” aren’t just for card games anymore. I can not believe this one, and I have NO clue where to purchase it. Don’t even ask. Ha!

For fashionistas, everything from bags to a cute scarf (the Katie Scarf) are aglow with the British flag. What a way to make a statement! They hail from Ted Baker.

For those of you who may be looking for a true heirloom, this next set of photos from Mulberry Hall is definitely pricy yet beautiful.

This plate is lovely, and what could be more UK-like than an egg cup and spoon?

The box would be such a useful keepsake, and the mug is appropriately called a “loving cup”. Perfect!

Again from Mulberry Hall, these are interesting to say the least. They are candle snuffers … no joke!

Here is one for those of you who are truly distraught over not being “the one” for Prince William. This one is my favorite and cracks me up immensely! They are available through eBid, so just click here to check out these coasters.