1. The biggest shopping day of the year is approaching quickly, and the city of Grand Rapids is asking that you spend your money right here with a new initiative to help small businesses. It's called Support Our Grand Rapids Businesses.
The effort is challenging people to shop local and make a video promoting a local business, all while asking friends to do the same.
The city is also encouraging corporations to shop small as well.
2. Grand Rapids is known as Beer City, and now another craft brewery can be added to the list.
Black Calder Brewing was co-founded by Jamaal Ewing and Terry Rostic, and is now the first black-owned craft brew in West Michigan. They entered the "100 Ideas" competition put on by Start Garden, and they won!
Taking what they've learned from other brewers like them, they are already making a name for themselves.
They say they want to be known for a great product, and for adding some flair and culture to the craft beer game.
While Black Calder Brewing doesn't have a brick-and-mortar shop, their Black IPA can be purchased at Brewery Vivant and Broadleaf Brewery in Grand Rapids.
They hope to have a place of their own by the end of the year.
3. Zingerman's Delicatessen is hitting the road in December, this time to bring you their pies.
Their truck will be stocked with both savory and sweet ones. Those who prefer their pies sweet can choose from a range of specialty pies including pumpkin,
pecan, apple, cranberry, walnut, chocolate chess, and jumbleberry.
Those who are more into savory flavors can choose from chicken, mushroom, beef, turkey, lamb, or pork.
On December 19 they'll be in Grand Rapids and then on the 20th they'll be in Kalamazoo. Orders must be placed by Tuesday, December 12.
4. Aldi is offering a Black Friday sale a little early, releasing four new Advent calendars today.
Over the holiday season, the discount grocery chain is offering 20 new calendars for Advent, the most it has ever had. They feature bath and beauty products, seasonal candles, and chocolate.
There's even going to be a sparkling wine countdown to the new year calendar. That's going on sale on December 2. It includes seven mini-bottles of sparkling wine to drink starting Christmas through New Year's Eve.
The Advent calendars are only available while supplies last.
5. It's National Parfait Day.
Parfaits originated in France in the 19th century, and the word parfait means "perfect." A french parfait is a frozen dessert that has a consistency like custard.
The Americanized version typically has layers of ingredients in clear glass. Those layers can include fruits, yogurt, ice cream, gelato, pudding, nuts, chocolate, whipped cream, nuts, granola, and anything else to satisfy those taste buds.
Celebrate the day by having a parfait for breakfast or dessert, have the kids help make them, or set up a parfait bar.
