Birdie's & Howell

Written by Melissa McCance | Photos by Synergy in Motion

With the holiday season comes holiday shopping as we try to find something special for everyone on our list. Hillsdale is blessed with a number of wonderful, independent retail shops including one that’s become a favorite in the year it’s been open: Birdie’s & Howell. We introduced our readers to the fine assortment of quality merchandise at this lovely store last January, and we want to share what’s new!

With a year under her belt, owner Monique Sarles is still full of excitement and enthusiasm for her venture into the retail world.

“If I’d really known just how much work it was going to be, I might not have done it, but I’ve learned a lot and I love it. I really do. We moved recently and I took four days off from the store. When I walked back in here, I felt like I was home. Everything was in place and where I wanted it to be!”

One important addition to the store is the custom framing service that started last February and has been very popular. The staff can help customers with their mat and frame choices or let them design the framing themselves, whichever they prefer. Monique has a program that shows what the finished piece will look like. This allows fine-tuning the selections before the final decision is made. “My favorite is when people bring in sentimental pieces. I love those because of the stories behind them,” says Monique.

New items in the foods section include a variety of infused salts, dip mixes, and other seasoning blends from s.a.l.t. sisters that feature mineral-rich, unrefined sea salts and house-made, small batch production for freshness and purity. Want dessert without the fuss? Try molly & you mug cakes or muffins that are available in several varieties. Two fun options for drinks are cocktail infusions from One Part Co. and drink

bombs by MyDrinkBomb®. The infusions perfectly flavor your spirit of choice, simplifying cocktail mixing. For the drink bombs, drop one in any sparkling water and then add the liquor. Great drinks without the hassle!

Monique is delighted to add the enewton jewelry line to the store, pieces that she describes as “jewelry you can live in.” The goldfilled jewelry is water-resistant and can be worn while swimming or showering, although you should avoid contact with harsh chemicals. Pendants and earrings by Whisper offer fun, stylish options at reasonable prices. Another new jewelry line is ArtLifting from DEMDACO which champions artists impacted by housing insecurity and disability.

The kitchenware section has grown significantly during the year. Beatriz Ball is a full line of luxury melamine that looks like china but can be used safely for outdoor entertaining. Hester & Cook produces high-end paper products including some great placemats printed with coloring book designs to help keep restless little guests busy until dinner is ready. Looking for something really special? Consider the beautiful Italian ceramic kitchenware from Vietri. Monique can order these pieces and have them shipped directly to the recipient to save you time.

One section where Monique has to restrain herself when ordering is the baby and children’s department. “Everything is so cute—it’s really hard not to buy everything!” she says. Besides more of everything for baby including a lovely assortment of plush toys, she has added developmental toys for toddlers. These are quality playthings that should last through more than one child.

Although the time for outdoor gardening is past, the shop carries some nice planters for your houseplants and lanterns that work as accents indoors as well as out. Candles remain very popular and Monique stocks Chandler and Kalamazoo brands.

If you need a practical, waterresistant tote or bag that will hold a lot, look no further than the Scout bags at Birdie’s & Howell. These bags come in a variety of sizes and configurations and sport great, colorful patterns. In the bag department, Monique was very pleased to add HOBO handcrafted leather goods to her inventory. These luxury bags would make a special gift for any woman you know. (Or yourself, for that matter!)

Monique is planning a Christmas Open House on Thursday, November 10, from 5:00 to 7:30 pm, and there’s a special twist! She has partnered with the local nonprofit Love INC to help them raise funds by making the first hour a private shopping event. Tickets are $30 per person, all of which will go to Love INC. The open house will feature live music, hors d’oeuvres, and great sales. On Tuesday, November 29, stop by for the one-year anniversary celebration. Either event would be the ideal time to put together your wish list to help people shopping for you.

Birdie’s & Howell is located at 28 N. Howell Street. Store hours are Monday through Friday from 10 to 6 and Saturdays from 9 to 4. You can reach them by phone at 517-964-2473 or by messaging through the Facebook page. Street parking is available in front of the store or you can park in the city lot behind the building and enter through the back door.