Home is more than the house you live in; it is also the people you surround yourself with and the community in which you interact. Vibrant, healthy communities are the cornerstone of better living and a strong home life.
As such, my first New Year’s Resolution is to improve my support of local businesses. While balancing homeschooling, working, domestic life and volunteering, all during the current pandemic restrictions, it has often been easier for me to fall into the habit of ordering from the “big guys” out there. You know who I mean!
What I may gain in convenience, however, I lose in connections, authenticity and community support. There are so many wonderful people, products, services and businesses in St. Albert that I truly enjoy, and I want to make sure I support them, their families and their businesses.
Here are some of my St. Albert favourites:
Black Diamond Distillery is one of my preferred finds in the area. Their liqueurs are the best host/hostess gifts if you are looking for something beyond the traditional wine to give. They also make wonderful presents for yourself. My husband and I can’t decide on our favourite, however, Apple Pie and Tart Cherry tend to be the ones we buy the most.
If anyone has a hard time finding food for special diets (Keto, Paleo) or allergies (gluten, dairy) Amaranth is your answer. They also carry many local products, so I find that when buying from them I’m supporting two local businesses at once. For example, one such amazing item, So Elderberry Good is a delicious syrup that helps strengthen the immune system, brewed here in St. Albert and sold at Amaranth. It doesn’t last long in our house and it is so versatile with its use in recipes.
My family and I have started a collection of beautiful jewellery from Amber Lane Goldsmiths. They work with you to create amazing custom pieces so you get exactly what you want. Any pieces we get from here, quickly gets numerous compliments. My sister just received a gorgeous bracelet designed for her by my nephew and their team, for Christmas.
A couple of months back, my neighbours introduced me to the most delicious coffee from Mezos Roastery – (It is the only coffee I will drink black). They remembered how much I loved it, and for Christmas they gifted us with a large bag of it and a tray of flavoured nuts also from Mezos. I can’t recommend this place enough now that I have experienced it.
I think most people in St. Albert are familiar with Sweet Boutique. Not only do they have great products and also carry items from local vendors, but their customer service and appreciation is top-notch. They often have special sales or giveaways and during your birthday month you get 25% off any item. My daughter lives in her Sweet Legs and she enjoys shopping there as much as I do. (Bonus: They have a kids area for when moms are shopping.)
One of the most underrated places, yet best to support in my opinion, is the St. Albert Seniors Association. They have a café called Red Willow Café, that serves great food for great prices, and you can always find someone to sit with and visit while you eat. The gift shop sells items that the seniors have made and donated with the proceeds going back to support the Association. I have bought knit socks, crocheted blankets, sherpa lined hats and booties, wooden trays and toys there. There are so many good quality products here and I love that my purchase supports this centre.
St. Albert has been my home for over 35 years and this community is one of the best places to live. I want to see my neighbours enjoy a good quality of life and by supporting our local economy, I feel that is the best way I can ensure that.
Cheers to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2021!
Kara Murray
Partner | Alair St. Albert