Oh the snow, oh the snow, Whoa is me . . .

As much as I dread singing this song, what else is there to do since the Holiday Market at National Harbor was closed on Sunday this weekend . . . 

Perhaps decking the halls would be in order or baking a batch of Christmas cookies . . . Instead, watching old movies and singing found a way into my spirit.  Mind you, singing with a hoarse voice is a bit challenging, but who cares . . . No one can hear me!

Let's Sing!

Oh the cold weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no where to go
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!!

Oh, it doesn't show signs of stopping
And I've bought some corn for popping
The lights are turned way down low
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

2013 Black Friday National Harbor tree lighting

When we finally kiss goodnight
How I'll hate going out in the storm!
But if you'll really hold me tight
All the way home I'll be warm

Oh, it doesn't show signs of stopping
And I've bought some corn for popping
The lights are turned way down low
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

When we finally kiss goodnight
How I'll hate going out in the storm!
But if you'll really hold me tight
All the way home I'll be warm

The fire is slowly dying
And my friend we're still good-byeing
But as long as you love me so
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

My eldest nephew, Sheldon and I kicked-off the 2013 Holiday Market and it is now off and running! Pictured here with Mike  . . . And the festivities started with a big  . . . BANG!

And the next four weekends will be filled loads of artisans, self producers offering delicious cooked foods, gifts and More! More! More!

 'Glazey Days Donuts!' Tasty! Yum!
 
'Wilhoit's Roasted cinnamon nuts!'

'Smok'd' - Turkey smokes with black bean turkey chili! 

Some have proclaimed,
this chili is better than  '???'

Ummmmmm . . .  Lobster rolls and corn chowder made especially for you by 'Kirksey Catering Co.'; 'Grapevine' for all of the Greek food conossuiers there are gyros, ribbon potatoes, falafel, and for those who 'CraveIt' pick up a funnel cake and fried Oreos, enjoy your freshly popped kettle corn - always made with love by 'Bigg Poppa' with a cup of hot chocolate, chai tea or sink your teeth into a slice of red velvet/carrot cake or triple chocolate German Chocolate cake by 'Auntie Bev's Gourmet Desserts,' and don't forget to pick up something for those Christmas gatherings from 'Gone Greens' -- a great treat for a healthy buffet spread; And a new vendor on the 'Way" is Sapodillas' . . . All the way from the Caribbean shores. Pick up several dozen of their delicious scones, a jar of mango chutney, and that oh so heavenly Black Fruit cake; And to top off the stroll . . . Shrimp Po boys, gumbo, shrimp and grits and bread pudding made with lots of love by 'Puddin!'  The 'Havana Banana Bread' man is always spending his days baking lots of his 'famous' breads to fill Santa's tummy!  If I've not mentioned other good foods, why, you just have to come on down to the market and discover them for yourself!  

Now the Christmas season is not complete without bowls filled with fresh fruits and pots filled with seasonal vegetables to ward off those colds. 'Miller Farms' arrive each weekend with a truck full of local veggies and fruits -- greens, cabbage, potatoes, a variety of apples, pears and don't drive off without your fresh cut tree to decorate, wreaths, garland, jugs of apple cider, pies, and other baked goodies and Christmas candy just like you had when you were a little person! 

And don't miss out on the local sustainable farm meats from 'Cabin Creek Heritage Farm' bringing you Woodland Pork, Pastured Poultry (eggs & meat), 100% grass raised Lamb, Heritage Turkeys & Dairy Goats and for folks who enjoy Charcuterie, their products are made locally with Cabin Creek's Berkshire Hogs.

Now, I can imagine you are probably tilting your head and wondering . . . Are these little hats for aliens or what?  Well, no, they're not.  For all of the owners of puppy dogs, Klaire and Tony are the hand-makers of these little 'cuddly' hats for your beloved pets!  You will want to purchase one, two or more before the market season ends. Tony and Klaire are heading down south and we will no longer have the  privilege of seeing those smiling faces or her photography, 'Canvas & Matted Photography'  at the markets. And what a beautiful collie . . . A face only a pet lover can admire . . . . By the way, a few of the images you have been enjoying are by yours truly . . . Klaire Warren!

To compliment the puppy hats, 'Wish Treasures' has joined us this season with a tent filled with hand-made puppy slings, baby carriers, one of a kind ladies cell phone carriers, and lots of other gifts! ET Textiles, Casazza Designs, Cabin Creek are stocked with hand knitted and crocheted scarves, hats and foot warmers, fabric handbags, ponchos, and rolls and rolls of spun yarn -- shaved off lambs raised in Upper Marlboro, MD! For those little ladies, 'Naya's Closet' is open and filled with brightly colored tutus!

And the market would not be complete without  . . . You've guessed it! A variety of jewelry, artwork by gifted artists, Christmas and other up-cycled greeting cards, switch plate covers. If it's unique you are seeking, Reinvented Elegance, Osorio, Arelle Hughes, Niani Collections, Ollie & Trollie, Night Owl Jewelry, Holly Blue Jewelry, First World Kulture, Virginia's Wine Artist, Samantha Sittle, and Original Olivia have what you are looking for! And Olivia is on her way back home for the Christmas holiday. She is  an eighteen year old young lady studying art in Italy!

And who can enjoy the season without the necessary essentials to maintain your soft and supple skin. Products crafted and mixed by 'Garner's Garden', 'Habeebah's Herbals', 'The Green Tub.' And don't forget to pick up lots of scented candles from 'Big Mama's Blessing Candles,' 'Love Lucy Candles' and Christmas scented rocks by 'Millie's' to filter throughout your festive atmosphere!

Some of our vendors set up one day or a weekend and we want to give them a shout out too! Just Amazing Brownies, The Hat Lady, AMA Designs and Sarah of Sheridan Duct Tape. Sarah is a 14 year old budding entrepreneur who handcrafts lots of items using colorful duct tape!

Help Support Unique, Non-traditional Small Businesses!

And lastly, I invite you to consider making a donation to Hannah's Grace, Inc. to help establish educational programs for budding and seasoned "unique, non-traditional" small business owners build capacity and sustain their enterprises! 

There's a plethora of opportunities and lessons to pass along to individuals who desire to learn, grow, and develop methods to increase their knowledge base and discover new resources to grow their new or existing business. Join us and help us help others. 

Hannah's Grace, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in the District of Columbia, 2008. Visit http://www.hannahsgrace.org and click DONATE Today! 

We will see you at the Market!

Phyllicia
Rev. Phyllicia M. Hatton, M. Div.
Market Master - American/Holiday Markets
President, Phenomenal Productions LLC

Founder and President, Hannah's Grace, Inc. 

Find us on: FB "Phenomenal Productions Market Vendors"

Market hours: 12 Noon  until 5:00 p.m. - Every Saturday and Sunday until January 4&5