I am so excited to give you the rundown. Last month I told you all we had to go to the Home Depot Backyard Night Market: Holiday Edition on December 1st and I am so glad we went. If you went, you have to let me know how much you enjoyed it as it was a wonderful experience.

The event took place on World AIDS Day and was a great evening event to end such a positive filled day. Upon pulling up to the backyard area you were instantly entertained by the sounds of upbeat music and a high-energy emcee. Immediately you are ready to engage in all that is going on behind the gate. You walk up to the check-in area and you are greeted with Holiday Cheer and smiling faces. They check your ID (21 and over event), give you your wristband, and you head down to the ticket station where your ticket is scanned and you are granted access. Keep in mind, as you are doing all this you are caught up in the ambiance of the crisp winter air, great music, and the general attendee participation that is going on around you.

Walking into the backyard is an experience in and of itself. Your eyes are drawn to the outer area as the vendors are lined up for you to begin to engage. The music tent and emcee are to your left and you can feel the energy coming from that area. The air is filled with smells of fresh food, holiday favorites, and season greetings. LoL! Of course, I began to take it all in and start to make my rounds.

This was my first time attending the Night Market: Holiday Edition and I am so happy I did. The abundance of vendors is ideal for holiday shopping as well as the different type of food vendors is great for foodies who enjoy having multiple food options and being able to enjoy good bites as you bask in the overall experience. I took some time out to engage with some of the business owners and get a better understanding of the product as well as the motivation for the business. I know! I was there to engage in all the event had to offer, however, anyone who knows me KNOWS, I am ALWAYS in media mode.

Let’s talk business!

Flippin’ Sweets & Treats:

You know I have a soft spot for sweets and babeeeeeeee, Flippin’ Sweets & Treats (Gourmet cookies, cake pops, macarons & other confectionery treats for all the sweet moments in life!) has created a customer for life. After I engaged in conversation with the owner, I could tell by her description of each cookie that I was in for an experience. I decided on the Classic Sugar Cookie and the White Chocolate Truffle Filled Snickerdoodle. Boy Oh Boy!!! Both of these were a Tasty Delight! Take a look at the Yelp Review I left after tasting the cookies.

Flippin Sweets and Treats

If you are ready for some Holiday Cookie Goodness head over to the Flippin’ Sweets & Treats website and place your order.

Burnt Hickory:

I am not a beer drinker, however, as I walked past the Burnt Hickory space I was intrigued by the presentation and colorful cans. (Don’t judge me. LoL) Taking a moment to stop by the booth, I was educated on the brand and the variety of flavors to choose from. There were two ladies at the booth while I was there and they both mentioned they weren’t beer drinkers either but wanted to give it a try. The moment of truth came as they each took a sip from their can. One had the “Big Shanty” (Graham Cracker Stout • 9% ABV
Made with honey, cinnamon, and real graham crackers. Slightly roasty with distinct cinnamon and biscuit flavor) and the other had the “Didjits” (IPA – American • 7% ABV
Didjits is a unique and fruit-centric American Style IPA. Featuring slightly tart and tropical citrus notes this beer is very approachable. A classic IPA packed with blood orange and Dry Hopped with Mosaic). Both were pleased with the taste and expressed that though they aren’t beer drinkers, these didn’t have the usual beer taste and were flavorly enjoyable.

Burnt Hickory

If you are looking for something new for the holiday party head over to the Burnt Hickory website and see all they have available.

River of Colors (RoC) Handmade Jewelry:

Being who I am, I am attracted to color. Imagine how happy I was to come across the River of Colors booth. RoC was inspired by Caño Cristales, a beautiful colorful river located in El Meta, Colombia. Caño Cristales is also known as the Liquid Rainbow or the River of Colors. Some of these colors are due to an aquatic plant called Macarenia Clavigera. The best time to visit is during the rainy season, which is between May & November. The Disney movie Encanto features the River of Colors in a couple of scenes, one of which takes place almost at the end of the movie where Abuela truly embraces Mirabel, saving their magical casita. After being drawn in by the color, then captivated by the back story I had to bring this to the RA base so you could experience River of Colors.

River of Colors

If you are looking for handmade jewelry to put under the tree head over to the River of Colors website and see all they have available.

Makery Thirteen:

Makery Thirteen was one of the vendor booths that presented an aurora that drew you in. Walking up to the booth my eye was drawn to the esthetic of the setup itself. Upon speaking with those behind the booth I was introduced to the brand as a whole. Makery Thirteen has spent the past five years dedicated to making an impact through personal care goods. Makery Thirteen is simplifying the body butters, serums, and candles we use every day – using all-natural ingredients – to create not only better, but more sustainable options. I’m all for a good body butter that is not only good for me but the environment as well.

Makery Thirteen

Tap in to what Makery Thirteen has to offer as these items are perfect for Secret Santa and more.

Kastone Beauty:

Kastone Beauty presented a display of earth tones and warm fragrances that drew me in. Heading over to the booth I was captured by the slight smells of sandalwood and almond that were present. You all know I love a good smell. Being introduced to Kastone Beauty brand I was introduced to an assortment of Handcrafted Natural Body Products Made With Love.

Kastone Beauty

Whether for yourself or as a gift, see what Kastone Beauty has to offer.

Hot Coffee:

At this point in my life, I think Coffee is my Love Language. Imagine my excitement when I came across the Hot Coffee brand. There is nothing like a good coffee blend to start your day, get a boost during the day, or even at the end of your day. I’ll be honest, I will have a cup at any time of the day. LoL! Ok, back to my interaction. Hot Coffee specializes in premium gourmet coffee from select growing regions of Africa and Central and South America. The simple yet innovative moniker, HOT COFFEE, is a testament to the company’s mission of “gourmet simplified.” Using micro roasting to perfect the ideal cup of coffee. From Light, Medium, and Dark to Decaf Hot Coffee delivers an everyday full-bodied cup of coffee. Doesn’t reading that just make you want a cup right now? Haha

Hot Coffee

Pick your Blend and place your Order at Hot Coffee online.

Esscents of Julia:

Coming across a table full of awesome gift ideas I was introduced to Esscents of Julia. Having the chance to speak with Julia herself, I was introduced to the brand and excited to learn the personal story that led to its creation. Having a need for a different type of antiperspirant, Julia was inspired to start researching options which ultimately inspired her to create her own brand. Esscents of Julia is a natural skincare brand that takes on a holistic approach to your skincare needs. Esscents of Julia specializes in Aluminum-free Deodorants; Whipped Shea & Cocoa Butters; Body Scrubs; and so much more.

Esscents of Julia

(Learn from my mistake. It’s not pronounced essence, it’s e-scents!)

Ex[plore what Julia has to offer at Esscents of Julia online and get your shop on.