In launching the blog two years ago, Vicky and I wanted to create an online community for local Jacksonville-area moms to connect with each other; discover local businesses and resources; and share experiences, ideas, and information. The overwhelming response we have received through our Facebook page, in two short years from both moms and businesses validates the need for this online resource in Jacksonville. We are so grateful to our readers and for our wonderful team of 15 moms and many other guest writers that give our collaborative blog a diverse voice.
We wanted to celebrate all of our hard work with a birthday party for our team and decided to surprise them with some special presents! We collected products from some of our favorite local businesses and our Favorite Things Party kicked off with the perfect location: Jaxon Social!
The upstairs area where we were seated is appropriate for large groups and private parties. We sipped on refreshing white sangria and enjoyed turkey bites, edamame, tsunami chips, Mayport pow shrimp, and hummus with flatbread. Even though we love this place for a girls night or date night, they are also family-friendly and offer a children’s menu! Find Jaxon Social on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
We were lucky enough to have Balloon & Event Construction Company and 1023 Designs collaborate for the party balloons for event! How fab are they!? Blenda, at Balloon & Event Construction Company comes up with the most amazing balloon decor. From balloon arches, balloon bunches, balloon centerpieces and much more, there’s pretty much nothing she can’t do when it comes to balloons. Looking at all her balloon creations just makes us happy! Check out her website, Facebook page, instagram, and pinterest boards!
Lauren, with Ten23 Designs supplied the awesome vinyl cutout for the balloons. Ten23 Designs specializes in personalized wall decals, custom wedding & event decor, custom rubber stamps, wooden monogram and more! Her designs are absolutely jaw droppingly awesome and she collaborates with party planners around the country, helping create out-of-this world events! Check out her website, Facebook page, instagram, and Pinterst boards!
We love to promote local businesses and all of of our Favorite Things came from local shops, entrepreneurs, or designers. Our team LOVED all of these items and we think you’re going to want to add them to your must-have list too!
What’s in the Bag?
Every Contributor got to take home a bag full of goodies. These were hand selected items picked by us that represent some of the fun things Jax has to offer!
Bold Bean Coffee
Created by two coffee fanatics, Bold Bean Coffee is locally roasted, handcrafted coffee with two cafes in Jacksonville. We were so excited about the new shop that opened in Jax Beach that we included a bag of their best beans for each writer to enjoy. You can enjoy their coffee by the bag or by the cup. Swing by one to the two locations in Jax to enjoy their delciious java!
Cortello Salon
To say that Co-Founder Vicky is obsessed with Cortello is an understatement. She is in there literally once a month. Cortello is a chic salon located in Jax Beach that offers full salon services and a shopping experience that includes products, make-up and jewelry. A great spot to stop and pick up a gift for your bestie.
Every writer received a FREE Style Me gift card from Cortello to get the best blow out in Jax! Cortello was recently voted #1 Salon in Jacksonville and we agree! Check out Cortello on Facebook!
Bourbon and Boweties
The hottest accessory in town! These amazing bracelets are made with hand selected semiprecious stones, geodes, smoky quarts, Lava stones, shells, turquoise, jade, polished coral, Peruvian opal, agates and many more natural stones all wrapped with gold plated wire (but can be done with silver wire upon request). Every Contributor received a different bracelet that matched their personality. This Made in America (and Jacksonville) item can be purchased online and in boutiques around Jax!
Aqua East
We love this family-owned surf shop that has been around since 1973! They are the leader in boardriding and offer a huge selection of brand names for surf, skate, wake, SUP and more. We love their kid’s rashguards for sun protection! They are a one-stop shop for all things surf, skate, and beach for the whole family!
Natural Life
If you know JMB you know WE LOVE NATURAL LIFE. We love their free spirit, positive messages and adorable products, now easy to shop for in the new storefront at the Town Center. Contributors received the cutest on-the-go tumbler, each with a positive affirmation. Natural Life Founder Patti Hughes is a Ponte Vedra local and is always looking for ways to give back to the community. Be sure to stay up to date on the next Natural Life Festival by following them on Facebook!
Bambella Cookies
By far the best cookie in town! We’ve used Tara (owner and baker at Bambella) many times for baby showers and birthday parties that we knew we wanted her amazing creations at our Birthday Bash. If you are looking for a specialty cookie for your next event, be sure to check out Bambella and her amazing designs! Follow her on Facebook too as she posts the best cookie pics ever!
Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery
PVPS is the best place to go when it comes to skincare. Their knowledgable staff includes four aestheticians who offer aethetic services and complete skin care. Their microdermabrasion treatment is a perfect way to refresh your skin. They carry many award winning skincare brands like SkinMedica, Obagi, Skinceuticals, and more.
Sweet Pete’s
Fresh Jax
Gluten-free and amazing! We first met Fresh Jax at Riverside Arts Market and have been a fan ever since. Locals Jason and Hillary have created a huge business from scratch, and are now a food force to be reckoned with. We personally are huge fans of their baked goods (um, have you tried the strawberry chocolate cookies?) and their new sauces! We all took home the Everything Sauce and it is amazing! One contributor now carries it in her purse, she literally puts it on ‘everything.’
Fusion Wrap
The anti-fanny pack! We all know that fanny packs aren’t cool, but they do serve a purpose. Local mom Lisa Neijjar set out to create an innovative product that takes the functionality of a fanny pack and makes it fashionable! The Fusion Wrap is comfortable to wear, can be hidden under a shirt or worn over your shirt in one of the fun colors or patterns. It’s perfect for a trip to Disney, a Jags game, going for a run, and so much more!
Beach Frames LLC
I fell in love with their frames in JMB Co-Founder, Vicky’s house. These Made in Jacksonville beauties are the perfect home accessory and gift. Beachy shabby chic distressed wood frames come in all different sizes, colors and even in collage styles. These gorgeous frames are the perfect décor for our beachy lifestyle. Beach Frames are now carrying other items including pillows and holiday ornaments! You can purchase online and in select stores in Jacksonville. We were so excited to give each writer one of these unique, reclaimed wood frames. All of their handcrafted products are made right here in the USA!
E Street Events
We were so happy to discover Erin Kendrick of E Street Events through Instagram! We fell in love with her gorgeous paper designs and asked her to create a few special pieces for our party. She was able to create custom place cards, note cards, and our sponsor cards really quickly and she was wonderful to work with. Erin does it all: event design, planning, invitations, stationary, and more!
Makeup by Tricia
Our new friend Patrica was gracious enough to give us Moms some of her favorite gloss, as well as some mommy makeover time at our last event, Sip, Style & Soiree at Epping Forest. Patricia Kozack is a professional makeup artist based in Jacksonville and has regular segments on Channel 4’s Morning Show.
Sweet by Holly
Is there anything better than a cupcake from Sweet by Holly? We’re lucky to have the talented Miss Holly, 3 time winner of the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars here in Jax! We were happy to have these tasty treats as dessert at the party! Her mini cupcakes are the perfect size to indulge and you can get them for a $1 every Monday! We’re big fans of the High Hat and White Cap, but they’re all delicious!
Megan John’s Photography
Last but not least our own amazing Contributor AND professional photographer, Megan Johns. We had to let Megan in on the surprise so she could snap these amazing photos you see here! Megan has done sessions for many of our JMB families and we think she’s one of the best. Megan specializes child and family photography. Thank you Megan John’s Photography for being one of our favorite things!
