Selling My Friends

I have very talented friends.

If I could afford to splurge on a lavish Christmas, I could do so without spending one dollar at a chain retailer. For any of you looking for a one of a kind gift for someone you love, here are just some of the bombdiggitytastic things my friends can offer.

COFFEE
My friend Rich owns The Coffee Shop NE in Minneapolis and I have a couple of his iced coffee tumblers. I gave one to my brother, who proclaimed it his new favorite cup. In addition to making the perfect travel mug for your iced coffee, it's apparently an effective sippy-style cup for large volume cocktails.

JEWELRY
My friend Rebecca in Oregon makes beautiful handmade jewelry and her family includes an adorable little boy named Henry with severe, expensive medical problems.

WHIMSICAL ART
If you've spent any time at all reading my blog, you know who my friend TJ Lubrano is. Buy a custom painting from her. You will end up with a playful piece of artwork that makes you smile every time you look at it and I guarantee you'll make a new friend as well.

PHOTOGRAPHY
I love my girl Courtney Conk. She does gorgeous, unique photography and she's up for anything. She'll do traditional wedding or portrait photography but she's amazing when you just let her go nuts. If you're in the Minneapolis area, hit her up.

Also in the Twin Cities, Michelle Tanner does beautiful work. Check out her children's photography, she's fantastic with kids.

MASSAGE
Minneapolis area people with kinky backs should call my friend Dana Nyholm. Her deep tissue work will leave you feeling like Jell-O, and I mean that in the best possible way.

WEEKEND GETAWAY
Ever been to Hayward, Wisconsin? My friends Mary & Mike own the Woodhaven Resort there and you need to go. It's small, sweet and the sunsets there are surreal. Relaxing in Wisconsin occasionally should be mandatory, it does amazing things for your blood pressure.