THE LIST

Okay. Here it is! The list of gifts I like to give and receive. It's just in time for Black Friday (which I do NOT participate in) and just in time for Small Business Saturday!! As often as I can I like to support local small business and I CERTAINLY like to support local artists. It makes me happy to have pieces of jewelry that are one-of-a-kind and made with love by someone else's hands.

Without further ado, and in no particular order, I give you THE LIST. ( I am having trouble getting the text to appear in conjunction with the pictures so, the photos are in order from top to bottom and correspond with the numbered list with the exception of the Crave Studio pics..both of the necklaces are from Crave)

1. The Lysol Healthy Touch no-Touch Hand Soap System. I got mine in stainless from Wal Mart and I have been very happy with it. It's easy for my 6 year old to use, as well.

2. ANYTHING (but especially jewelry) from Crave Studio. Not a fan of jewelry? No worries! She's kinda famous for her ceramic pears and has other handmade ceramics for the home and garden as well. Due to high demand, she can't take anymore custom orders until after the first of the year but, take a look at her etsy and facebook sites and see what she's already got in stock and get your order placed. Gift certificates are also available and would make a GREAT stocking stuffer! Her studio is located at 1279 Pendleton Street in the Pendleton Street Arts District in Greenville. Shoot her a message if you would like to visit the studio. jpbedenbaugh{at}gmail{dot}com.

3. Another of my faves for jewelry is Christina Nicole Studios. (matter of fact, I'm headed over there Saturday to put some things on my OWN wish list!) Check out her etsy shop or, if you're local, stop by her studio on River Street behind/below High Cotton.

4. Who doesn't enjoy being pampered? I LOVE the facials that Kelley Curl serves up! Her custom 70 minute facial is worth every penny! (It is $70 and oh-so relaxing! Here's a little tip: when I give someone a gift certificate for a spa service, I go ahead and include the gratuity. 20% is customary) She is in the process of moving in to a new fabulous location but is happy to offer gift certificates for her services beginning December 1. Just give her a call at (864) 354-9933. Her new address at Bliss Massage Therapy(as of 12/1) will be 608 Grove Road in Greenville.

5. A Nordstrom gift card. Available here.

6. An ITunes gift card. Available almost anywhere..I recently purchased one at Wal Mart.

7. An Anthropologie gift card.

8. This fantastic smelling Volcano candle from Anthro.

So there you have it! Nothing too crazy or extravagant but all things that I appreciate and look forward to receiving AND giving. I hope your special someone will feel the same!

Personal Fav

Yesterday the UPS man delivered a little box of stuff from Nordstrom. I had been looking for a long tank that I could layer under stuff but it had to be long enough to hang out enough at the bottom to be seen and make an impact and I found it online. So far I only have it in ivory (i am wearing it as i type) but I am planning to order it in at least 2 other colors.

It's Been A While

I know, I've been slack! Sorry about that...

If you're like me, you're thrilled that flared/wide leg denim is in for the season but also still want the perfect skinny denim for tucking into your favorite boots. Well, look no further-I have found them for you! I ordered these babies from Anthro last week and they are PERFECT! The wash is great, the rise is high (no muffin top), and there's just enough stretch to make them easy to move in but not so much that you have to wash them after each wearing. The price is a little steep but, I wear jeans every single day so my CPW (cost per wear) is very low. I found them to be true-to-size. I tried the smaller size first and they were more like jeggings than skinny jeans so I went with my normal size and I am in love!

p.s.

Belk here in Greenville also sells these! And if you're not quite ready for boots yet, I cuffed mine and wore them with flat sandals this past weekend.

This Was a Must-Share

I got this tank at The Gap this weekend. I LOVE that it doesn't require a base layer tank b/c it's thick enough to not be sheer but not so thick that you'll sweat like crazy. I LOVE that the straps are substantial enough that you can wear a regular bra with it rather than a strapless. I LOVE that it's got pintuck detailing. I, of course, got it in the purple basil but my local store had a couple more colors than what are offered on the website.

Now THIS Is How You Do Denim On Denim

Photo from here.

You Have GOT To Be Kidding Me

The only words I can muster about this outfit are: photo from here.

Lookin' Fab

Came across this pic of Reese looking FAB.

Decisions, Decisions

Here we have Beatrice and Eugenie. One minute I love their hats, the next I think they are so wrong. One minute I admire their sense of adventure and boldness but the next minute, I think they are loud and distracting. Wonder what the Queen Mum thought? More importantly, what do YOU think?

photo from here.

Mission: Your Wardrobe and Allendale, SC

Confused by the title? Let me explain.

I will be donating 50% of my earnings in May to The Espinosa Family who are a huge part in this ministry through my awesome church, Grace Church. Also, Allison of Allie B Originals will be donating 50% of her sales May 1-7. Don't miss out on this opportunity to update your wardrobe and get yourself some new baubles all while helping out the folks who are serving in Allendale, SC! Also, this would be the prime time to get a Kelley Smith Style or Allie B Originals gift certificate for your mom or wife for Mother's Day!

Here's a little more about the ministry and you can also keep up with the day-to-day happenings here:

Seeking to extend its influence regionally, Grace began examining Allendale County, a small rural county in South Carolina close to the Upstate where significant needs exist. We challenge members of Grace to engage in their communities, the city and the world with both words and actions. For 16 years in the Greenville area and since 2002 in Kenya, Nicaragua, Peru, and the Bahamas, Grace Members have been impacting lives connecting good deeds with the good news of Jesus Christ. Allendale County is in the midlands of South Carolina where:

• 40% of the population lives below the poverty line;
• 70% of households do not include a married couple;
• 90% of children are eligible for free lunch;
• Zero students qualified for LIFE Scholarships to four year institutions;
• 32% of children are born to mothers with less than a high school education; and
• 22% of workers are unemployed.

During 2009, we began talking with local pastors, business leaders, school representatives, and long time residents to get an understanding of the difficulties and challenges of living in Allendale County. Generational poverty is evident based on the educational system, job opportunities, housing conditions, and lack of hope heard in resident’s voices.

We slowly began to make connections in anticipation of creating long term serving opportunities in Allendale. Beginning in 2009, we provided school supplies to all first graders at Allendale Elementary School and Fairfax Elementary School. As an extension of our Adopt-A-Child program, we have sent more than 100 students and chaperones to Charleston and Columbia during the Christmas season visiting aquariums, museums, college campuses, have dinner at local restaurants, and attend Christmas plays. Few of these children had ever been to Charleston or Columbia. These day long cultural trips allowed these children an opportunity to see first hand life outside their community, create hope for a different future, and help break a cycle of generational poverty.

And The Winner Is....

Kristy Dempsey!!! Kristy has won a skirt courtesy of Sevier Skirts! Kristy, I will be in touch via FB about how to go about ordering your skirt. CONGRATS! And thanks to all who entered to win. And an extra special THANKS to Suzanne of Sevier Skirts for her generosity!

photo from here.