Growing up along the Adriatic Coast in Croatia, Renata Alanovic learned the art of baking and cooking as a young girl. The older she got, the more she came to cherish her time in the kitchen. She even began to draw up her own recipes for baked goods, which were always met with acclaim by her friends and families. When she came to Maryland, she brought her talents with her, and she opened Renata's Tasty Bites.

At the bakery, she crafts the breads and cakes she grew up making, as well as some savory pastries. On your way to work in the morning, swing by to grab one of the sweet, crumbly blueberry scones to dunk in your cup of coffee. Or savor the sweet flavors of an almond pastry on your midday break. You can also take a fork to a personal-sized quiche if you're looking for something more substantial at Renata's Tasty Bites.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr T.Tseng

If you want to expand your cultural horizons, come to the Gallery Talk and Coffee Happy Hour at the University of Maryland Art Gallery on Tuesday, November 28th. This monthly talk always highlights new exhibits, and in this case, assistant director Taras W. Matla will explore Recent Gifts and In Memoriam: Andy Dunnill.

Come to the gallery at 1 p.m. for the brief lecture explaining the background of each of these exhibits. Feel free to ask questions afterward, and then stay and check out the displays for yourself. Afterward, sip on some coffee from Lost Sock Roasters, an artisan coffee company, and chat with other art lovers about what you've learned. Admission to the Gallery Talk and Happy Hour is free, so round up some friends and enjoy this cultural endeavor.

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr jgbarah

If you love to shop local and want to find unique gifts this year, kill two birds with one stone at the Holiday Craft Shop on Sunday, November 19th. This pop-up holiday shopping center only deals in locally crafted items and offers a wide variety of options, provided by more than 25 local artisans.

Come to The Hawthorn Center between 2 and 5 p.m. on November 19th to explore the lineup of vendors. The talented crafters will show off pieces of handmade jewelry, beautiful photographs, scarves and accessories, candies and cookies, and even woodcrafts, to name just a few of the items available. So even if your holiday shopping list is packed with friends and family members who seem to have everything, you'll be able to find something for them at the Holiday Craft Shop.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Michelleyyy