Friday's Five Favorites...gift guides!

'Tis the season for gift guides so I'm giving you a guide to some of the best gift guides around.  A gift guide guide...how many more times can I type the words gift guide?

* refinery29 - Under $50 Beauty Gifts for Holiday

* stylebakery - 50 Under $50

* Daily Candy - Gifts Under $30

* Vital Juice - 2011 Gift Guide

last, but certainly not least...in fact, my favorite:

* Real, Random and Relevant by Heather Schoegler - Gifts that Keep on Giving Back

Merry Gifting!!!

SHOP small THIS SATURDAY!

Forget Black Friday...all the cool kids will be shopping small on Saturday, November 26th!  There are fabulous stores in your local area (you might just have to do a little digging) that NEED your support!

I often find customer service is more tailored and genuine from a small, locally owned company.  The owner has more interaction with their clients and employees which can make for a more intimate shopping experience.  AND, if you wish to provide feedback about their goods or services, the powers that be are much more accessible.  PLUS, smaller retailers don't stock hundreds or even tens of the same item which means you won't see your new find on every other girl in town (that's worth its weight in gold to me)!

Starting a small business takes guts and maintaining a small business takes MUCH more.  It's a rough retail world out there so help the little guys give the big guys a run for their money while supporting your local community!

For more information about Small Business Saturday 

check out the official website sponsored by American Express!

support small business...

I do my best to support small businesses, local and otherwise.  November 26th marks the 2nd annual Small Business Saturday, founded and sponsored by American Express.  I challenge you to do the bulk of your holiday shopping for loved ones by shopping at independent businesses in town and online...let's help the little guys give the big guys a run for their money!

Some of my favorite local and/or independent businesses are:
* Symmetry - to die for women's clothing and accessories
* Etsy - the website is chock full of amazing goods and offers a local search option
* The Monogram Shoppe - fun gifts and stocking stuffers for everyone
* Rustic Hutch - for festive and stylish holiday decor and gifts
* Firefly Coffee House - their boutique is almost a mini Etsy shop!

Check out and 'LIKE' the Facebook page for Small Business Saturday for more information about the event and associated promotions.  Don't forget to share your favorite shops and deals on Twitter: @fwshopreport

Shop SMALL on November 26th & everyday!

gurgle pot...

Sounds a little odd, I know, but it's really just a pitcher in the shape of a fish that makes a "glug, glug, glug" sound when you're pouring. Gurgle Pots, or Gluggle Jugs, originated in England in the late 1800's but I know them as an iconic gift or memento to bring back from Cape Cod. The ceramic pitcher is perfect for casual dining but also looks cute on your kitchen counter or used as a vase.


Buy them online at GurglePot (a smooth, more modern version with a larger color selection) or Gluggle Jug (a scaled, more traditional version).

funky notebooks...

At the Mariposa Gallery in Sandwich I came across these cool notebooks - upcycled using old VHS and record covers.  This could be a fun DIY gift, especially if you can find (and cut apart) a favorite title for the giftee...



Don't feel crafty?  To order existing notebooks: planetzee@comcast.net 
{posted on the move}