Hi!
I'm Nicole. I am a wife, mother, shop owner on Mackinac Island, and lover of handmade. The little things and little moments inspire me. Follow me on my blog as I write about shop news, my travels, island life and motherhood.
Nicole
xo.

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little luxuries

Happy August everyone! I’d like to introduce you to my amazing staff at Little Luxuries, Canvas and Paddle, and The Artists Market this season.
We’re so excited to have Allison back for her second season at Little Luxuries. Allison is from Bay City, MI. She came here last year for her internship in Fashion and Merchandising, but enjoyed the experience so much that she decided to return for a second season. Her favorite product from Little Luxuries are the Swan Creek Collection of candles. These are the perfect addition to brighten up and fragrance any home. This summer, Allison’s favorite thing to do on the island has been enjoying the sunset at Sunset Rock, and a goal of Allison’s has been to visit every restaurant on the island (that’s quite a task).
Emily is from Alma, MI and is here for her third season at The Artists Market. Emily has her own collection of earrings (Placed By Grace Designs) at The Artists Market that we love. Her favorite products at the stores are the Mary Lou Peters pieces at The Artists Market. While on the island, Emily loves to stargaze at Fort Holmes and explore the inner trails. This summer Emily hopes to take a sunrise kayak tour.
Meet Bella, who is here for her very first season on the island. Bella is from Grand Rapids, MI. Bella has visited the island in the past and knew that it would be a great way to spend the summer! Bella’s favorite products are the Michigan Awesome, Women’s Flowy Hoodies and the Ned’s Pretzels at Little Luxuries. Bella loves grabbing ice cream with friends after work and a goal of hers this summer has been to try fudge from every fudge shop.

Mallory is from Essexville, MI and is also here for her first season. She has visited the island several times before and wanted to experience life and retail here. Mallory’s favorite products are the Mackinac Bath and Body collection and the Cat Studio Pillows at Little Luxuries. This summer, Mallory’s goal has been to visit the Copula Lounge at the Grand hotel. Her favorite thing to do on the island is trying new restaurants and finding new trails to ride on and explore.

 

Isabella is from Macomb, MI and is here for her first season to complete her internship. Her favorite products in the stores are the Nat + Noor barrettes and earrings at Little Luxuries. This summer, Isabella has enjoyed exploring the island and finding new things to see. Isabella’s goal for the summer has been to ride a horse.

Meet Alissa! Alissa is from Commerce, MI. She has visited the island several times and was interested in experiencing life and work on Mackinac as well as all of the wonderful opportunities and experiences that come with it. Alissa’s favorite products are Ava’s Candles (especially the Island Vacation scent) and the Katie Elberts prints at The Artists Market. Alissa’s goal this summer is to go dancing at the Grand Hotel and she loves spending time at the beach near British Landing.

If you have been visiting us here for recent seasons, you might recognize Gaby. Gaby is from Ashland, Ohio and is here for her third season. She fell in love with Mackinac and loves working with us here at Little Luxuries. Her favorite product is the Vintage Silverware Treasures rings at The Artists Market and she is slowly working on filling her fingers with them. A summer goal of Gabys has been to make new friends. Her favorite thing to do on the island is take walks and enjoy the beautiful sights that Mackinac has to offer.

 

Meet Natalie! Natalie is from Zeeland, MI and has come here to complete her internship in a unique place full of fun summer opportunities. Her favorite products are the Jenna Kator bags at Little Luxuries and the Cellar Door candles and soaps at The Artists Market. A summer goal of hers has been to see a sunset at Sunset Rock and she loves spending time anywhere by the water.

 

Meredith is from Walnut Creek, California. She came to Mackinac to explore Michigan and meet people from all over the world. Her favorite product at the stores are the Mackinac Mittens at The Artists Market, which are made by 3 teachers on the island. Her favorite thing to do on the island has been swimming along the East Bluff. This summer, Meredith hopes to be able to kayak to Round Island.

 

Meet Kati! Kati is from Alma, MI and is here for her first season. Kati loves exploring and knew that coming to the island would be the perfect place to do so. She has been enjoying the season and hopes to return for another. Her favorite products at the stores are the Faded Flannels at Canvas and Paddle and the Ned’s Honey Mustard Pretzels at Little Luxuries. Her favorite things to do on the island are watching the sunset and stargazing at Fort Holmes. This summer Kati wants to develop her knowledge in retail to help her open her own store one day!

 

Remi is from Linden, MI. She came to the island to experience something new and exciting before starting her Masters degree. Her favorite products are the State of Copper pieces at Canvas and Paddle. Each piece from State of Copper is one of a kind! This summer her favorite thing to do on island has been exploring the trails and a goal of Remi’s has been to try all the Main Street restaurants.

Come stop on in to meet these lovely ladies, we are open from 9:30am to 9pm everyday. We can’t wait to see you!

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I wanted to share a blog post with you that highlights what you as our customers are loving in the shop! 
Here are the top goodies that are popular in the shop right now!
Hand painted Mackinac Ornaments: Everyone loves to bring home an ornament from Mackinac! These ornaments are so popular because they are hand painted and gorgeous!
Mackinac Bath and Body: It's no secret that our Mackinac Bath and Body line is extremely popular! Made in Northern Michigan, this line is luxurious, but affordable! 
Island Girl Candle: Another popular item that is signature to the shop, our Island Girl line from Green Daffodil! These lilac candles are the perfect take home present from Mackinac- they remind you of lilac season year round!
Elyse Breanne Stickers: Elyse Breanne is an artist that is currently in law school! Her creative outlet of stickers, cards and more is helping pay her way! We love supporting business women like her. 
Polka Dot Mitten Stickers: Another business woman, Katie Doucette's work is extremely popular! Her stickers remind you of the best parts of your trip to Mackinac! 
Choices Shower Steamers: Popular among everyone, these shower steamers are great for those that want to add a touch of self-care to their daily routine! 
MichiGummies: There's just something about candy in the shape of Michigan - it tastes better! Plus, we love that these are made in Michigan! 
Beth Mueller Mugs: Beth Mueller has been working with Little Luxuries since 2009. Her mugs have remained classic and timeless pieces that are wanted every year! There are so many beautiful designs that have been added over the years, but the bike design still remains our favorite! 
Michigan Necklaces: Overall, these necklaces remain the most popular! With quite a few different designs, these necklaces are a favorite year after year! 
Wee Bee Jammin': We love all of our different options from the Michigan food section, but this year Wee Bee Jammin' is taking the lead as the most popular! With so many different tastes and flavors that are all delicious, these are the perfect addition to any appetizer! 
Were any of your favorites included in this list? If you haven't checked these goodies out, head over to the online shop and add them to your cart!
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We’ve been talking a lot about Mother’s Day gifts! Today we’re sharing my favorite Mother’s Day gifts to give! 

I recently saw these Tea Drops and LOVED them! They are individually wrapped and perfect to add to a cute gift! Just open the bag and drop in the hot water. If you aren’t sure what flavor of tea they like, Tea Drops are perfect because you can just give them one of each! 

Have you ever seen a Tea Mug? These are NEW this season and we love them for the avid tea drinker! The side of the mug has a cute little tea bag holder. Paired with the Tea Drops, you will have the perfect gift for your Mom! 

The perfect Michigan made Artisan Caramels that were made exclusively for Little Luxuries! These caramels are a delicious sweet treat and are the perfect addition to any present!

Have you tried the amazing Hanover’s Michigan Mints? These delicious chocolates are made in my hometown of St. John’s, Michigan! I love the Michigan Cherry and Mint Chocolates! We have a variety of milk chocolate and dark chocolate - if you want to add these to a present, you won’t regret it! 

The cutest gift for Mom or grandma is the Kitchen Buddy Spatula. What an adorable pairing - one large spatula with handy, dandy measuring table on the back, paired with it's mini-me! These are great gifts for the avid baker, mom and child cookie baking tag team, the always entertaining hostess, and / or anyone who has a kitchen!

I’ve mentioned tea a lot, but we know the Moms out there love their coffee!! Our Lake Charlevoix Coffee is back in stock! This is locally made in Northern Michigan by an awesome company and we love selling this- and you love drinking it!

 

A PERFECT gift for Mom and Grandma: Beth Mueller and it’s back in stock! We have so many mugs, plates, trays and more in for the new season. This makes a great gift for Mom. It’s classic, yet reminds her of her best summer days on Mackinac. 

My favorite part of any gift is our signature line, Mackinac Bath and Body! Goat’s Milk Hand Lotion, Body Butter, Bar Soap, Room Spray and Body Spray are all included in four different scents. We already have them packaged in a gift box ready to go, if that’s easier for you!

If none of the options above interest you for Mom, shoot us an email! We’d love to help you pick out the perfect gift to send to Mom this year.

 

Xo,

Nicole 

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Grab Donuts from Cannon Ball: Cannon Ball is located at British Landing and is the halfway point when you are biking around the island. If you want to get a donut from Cannon Ball, be sure to get there early before they sell out!
Taste Caramel Apples from Sander’s: Don’t you remember growing up and eating tasty caramel apples? Relive those fall memories on Mackinac by visiting Sander’s for a delicious caramel covered apple!
Take a walk down Main Street to look at Halloween decor: This is one of our favorite things to do as a family! Take a walk from the Island House Hotel to Windemere Point looking at all the spooky decor!
Eat Lunch at Fort Mackinac’s Tea Room: The Tea Room is run by the Grand Hotel, so the food in delicious and the view of the leaves changing is spectacular!
Carve a pumpkin: We can’t wait to carve the pumpkins that will decorate the front doors at the shop! Stay tuned to see what the staff comes up with!
Hike to Fort Holmes: Many people never make it up to Fort Holmes, but the views from the top are incredible and it’s a lovely walk up there. On your fall stay, make time to head up there!
Visit Fort Mackinac: If you haven’t visited the Fort on past visits, do it this fall! It will be less crowded and you’ll learn so much history about Mackinac Island!
Jump in a Pile of Leaves: Look around Mackinac Island for a fun pile of leaves to jump in! You’ll probably be able to find a pile to jump in on your hike up to Fort Holmes.
 
Grab a Warm Drink from Lucky Bean: You already know my favorite drink is a Vanilla Chai Latte with Almond Milk! What is your go - to fall drink? 
 
Take an art class at Watercolor Cafe: Be sure to check out what fun art classes are happening this fall at Watercolor Cafe! 
 
Get the Best Apples from Friske Orchards, Found at Doud’s Market: We love Friske Orchards in Northern Michigan and we are proud to carry their fresh apples every fall! 
 
Pick up your favorite bottle of Witch’s Brew Wine at Little Luxuries: It is our secret wine blend enhanced with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and other natural spices that makes this a crowd pleaser and favorite of Leelanau Cellars' fans. Perfect for entertaining, this wine will explode with intense flavor when served warm but can also be served chilled as an ingredient in sangria.
Is there anything you would add to your fall bucket list of things you really want to do on the Island? Be sure to let us know!
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A summer day at the lake is the perfect way to spend a day off of work! Every summer, we take Sunday’s as our family day. This summer, we’ve been stealing away to my parent’s cottage on a small lake in Michigan for the perfect summer time with the boys, my parents and my brothers!
When we were there a few weeks ago, I realized that somehow I forgot my bathing suit! (Mom Brain!) My mom actually had a spare bathing suit she convinced me to try - it fit perfectly! The fun part is, it was her suit from the 1970s, but it was still in great condition and the style was so classic no one would ever know it was some 50 years old! Now, it’s my go-to summer suit when we are swimming at the cottage! So fun to see what has gone out of style come right back in!
Nicole Doud
While we were at the cottage this past weekend, my mom made one of everyone’s favorite recipes: Blueberry Muffins! We grew up with these muffins and now the boys love to eat them! My mouth is watering just thinking about them filled with fresh Michigan blueberries!
Ingredients:
1/2 rolled oats
1/2 cup orange juice (or water)
1 1/2 cups all purpose or unbleached flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup cooking oil
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 cup fresh blueberries
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 F.
Prepare muffin tin with either grease or baking cup liners.
In a large bowl, combine rolled oats and orange juice; stir well.
Add flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, coining oil and egg.
Mix together.
Stir in blueberries
Spoon into muffin tin, filling 2/3 full.
Blend 2 tablespoons sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over the batter.
Bake for 18 - 22 minutes, until golden brown.
Makes 12 muffins.
MMM! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and to hear if you liked it or not! Also, tell me, do you and your mom share any pieces of clothing that have gone in and out of style?
Xo,
Nicole

 

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