January is the time when most people plan to put some spark back into their lives, looking at each new year as a fresh start to a better everything. Resolutions, brand new to-do lists and updated goals are swimming around the heads of many in hopes of a newfound productivity and enlightenment. While accomplishing some […]
With the approaching holidays, my list of gifts to purchase is ever-growing. Yikes! This year I’m taking a twist on an old tradition. Art. Yup, I’m searching, viewing and seeking that perfect ‘art gift’ for those special ones on my list. Art can come in many forms: painting, sculpture, photography, drawings, crafts, prints, media and […]
When you hear the words Black Friday, horrific images might float around in your head. Crazed parents trying to find that new hot toy for their spoiled kids, people camped outside of Walmart for hours before the doors open and retail workers praying for their sanity while they deal with droves of customers until their shift […]
Black Friday and Cyber Monday have gained mainstream traction, but the slightly lesser known Small Business Saturday (started by American Express, oddly enough) is a great event that supports the local economy directly. Most Mom and Pop owners work at their store, have an undying passion for the products they’re selling, and are usually happy […]
When considering your holiday shopping needs, don’t just think about heading out to that store or this boutique. There are many pockets throughout the state where you can carve out a bulk of your holiday shopping in one go. This holiday season, go for the streets, not the stores. Thames Street, Newport Wishing you had […]
Downcity Providence during the holidays isn’t just about shopping and eating, it’s about the community coming out and enjoying the season in our capital city. The mix of independently owned shops and restaurants against the backdrop of historical buildings gives the city a special vibe during the holidays. There is a city bustle that makes […]
When Providence Perfume Company owner Charna Ethier offered to let me sample an all-natural perfume whose ingredients list included some obscure thing called “ambergris,” I was initially a bit skeptical. I remembered hearing once that they put skunk urine in some perfumes (is that true?). But I was also overwhelmingly optimistic. This was over a […]
Have a sustainability minded interior designer type on your holiday gift list? You might want to check Rhode Island Rustic out. Whether you’re a lifelong Rhode Islander, a seasonal visitor or just driving through, you’ll find no shortage of state pride, natural appreciation and environmental values in this brand. It might even offset your carbon […]
There’s something heartening about a family business, buoyed by the business owner’s dream to work hard to build up a strong company that sustains itself long enough to be passed down to children. I picture many proud parents watching as their kids slowly (or quickly) work their way up the company, learning the family business […]
Leaving the sunlight-flooded corridor of the Arcade on Westminster Street to step into the Lovecraft Arts and Sciences store is like stepping into another world. The lights are dim and the walls are dark, allowing the spotlit cabinet curiosities to stand out. A bizarre stuffed creature made by a local artist dangles from the ceiling […]