Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I just recently found the "STATS" section of blogger and figured out that indeed someone at least glances at this blog (note: I know that it is so lame that I just figured that out).  Thanks to all of you who make looking at the Stats section worth it - I really appreciate your support. This whole blog started as a way for me to showcase things in the store that I love and that are not shown on our website.  I hope I've accomplished that.  

We'll be closing for the holidays starting at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 24th (tomorrow) and will remain closed all next week.  We will reopen on Monday, January 3rd at 10:00 a.m.  

During that break I'll be conducting inventory, but I'm also sneaking away for some R&R.

I hope all of you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Happy Hump Day!

Today I feel like our wreath looks (fried). Only difference is our wreath is fried because of the sun and our 80 degree winter days.  I, on the other hand, have not been outside enjoying our sunny and warm winter days. Oh well, we're on the home stretch!  

I'll go home tonight have some "holiday cheer" of my own and relax.  These letterpress coasters are by Page and are a great hostess gift (they're also 50% off right now).  I had a customer buy 4 packs of these coasters today - which was one of the highlights of my day (thanks Kristen - it was great to see you!). 

Hope you all have a happy hump day!

Holiday Sale

All of our in-stock holiday/Christmas merchandise is 50% off this week. This includes holiday cocktail napkins, photo cards, Christmas cards, holiday invitations, ornaments, books and holiday gift items.  Stop by or give us a call if there is anything you would like (we can still ship).

TGIF

Because I have so much going on and because I am working tomorrow - it doesn't really feel like a Friday to me.  I hope it feels like Friday to you all and that you make the most of it!  

8 days till Christmas...

Good Delivery Day

When the UPS man shows up to the store with a mountain of boxes for us it is so exciting (kind of like Christmas). Today was one of those days - so much fun.  Here are just a few of the really fun things that arrived in the store today. 

1.  Talley Ho Travel Cosmetic Bag & Large Jewel Round

2.  Talley Ho Large Zip Top Cosmetic Bag

3. Graphic Image 2011 Calendars with monograms (the pink one is mine & just in time as January is already starting to fill up. It's not too late if you want to order yours...)

Wrap It Up

I am one of those people who really enjoys wrapping gifts.  Let's be honest, I like to unwrap them too - but especially when they are beautifully wrapped.  However, I guess it is a good thing that I like wrapping gifts, as it is part of my job description.  Here at the store, we pride ourselves on beautifully wrapped gifts - I believe it to be one of our trademark attributes.    

We usually wrap in our signature white wrapping paper and Hayden Avery blue bow.  But we can also wrap your gifts in some really festive wrapping paper that we have in-stock that would look great en-masse under your Christmas tree.  

One of my dear friend's husbands is having her Christmas gift shipped to the store so that she does not figure out what it is.  In addition, we are going to wrap it up for him so that everything will be taken care of for Christmas morning.   What a smart husband.

I love being in on good surprises! 

Lesson: Bring all your Christmas gifts to Hayden Avery, select a wrapping paper and let us take care of your gift wrapping!

Another thing to check off the list. 

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

I thought that with a mere 12 days till Christmas I would post some stocking stuffer ideas (please tell me I'm not the only one who waits till the last minute for this stuff). We have these great ladies manicure sets that fold up nicely and fit in a purse or your luggage. They come in lots of fun colors and are $27.

We also have a men's grooming kit that has nail clippers, file, scissors, a razor and a comb.  All that a man really needs for $42.

The small packs of Italian notecards are so pretty they really don't even need any wrapping.  They are great for a quick note or even a gift enclosure. There are 10 cards and envelopes for $10.

These lovely little embroidered hankies are perfect for any lady in your life. For $10 each you can afford to give them to all the ladies in your life.

Right now we have a great selection of Lady Primrose bath accessories. I think this perfect little box of guest soaps would be a pretty addition to a stocking. These soaps are $22.  We also have the bath milk, travel candle, hand soap and hand lotion.

Ann Marie Murray hand painted dishes are one of my top 10 favorite things in the store. They are so pretty and delicately painted.  They range in price from $30 - $50.  They are so pretty in the bathroom or on a bedside table. 

These Kate Spade books are a fun addition to anyones library. The illustrations are so fun that you can look at them only for the pictures (and then go back and read them later). They are great for teenagers and adults alike. Each of these books are $25.

Notepads and pens - need I say more?...

TGIF

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

I'm actually off tomorrow - yipee!

Tomorrow is my birthday, so the girls offered to work for me.

What a treat.

I'm finally going to decorate my house for the holidays

(i.e.-buy Christmas tree, wreaths, hang lights, etc.).

Entertaining Helpers

Anyone hosting any holiday soirees?

Come pick up some of these to assist you with your party.

The light bulb bottle opener is $11.

The ceramic bowls & spreaders are $14.

Give me a call and I'll send them over to your house!

Happy Hump Day!

I know that it is only Wednesday -

but I've had a pretty good week so far

(maybe it is because it is my birthday week).

On Sunday I drove to Houston and had

lunch with some friends and this sweet girl.

This is 8-week-old Billie Holiday!

I am so in love

(and am happy that Turley has such a sweet new friend).

By the way - She doesn't belong to me.

If you want to see some more pictures of her click HERE.

Then we've been getting some great orders in the store.  

Like these personalized decks of cards - aren't they great!

Next year all of my friends are getting these. 

They'd also be the perfect gift for the bridge players in your life

(or gamblers).

I thought these large jewel rounds were so pretty
even without the monograms.

Then we got them back from the monogrammer and I loved them even more.  I love all the colors together. Some ladies are going to be very happy on Christmas Day.

Last night my mom called me and told me "the baby" had been born & then emailed me this photo.  So my parents have a new addition to the ranch. I don't know if my mom has named the calf yet - but it's pretty cute!

Today I finished a HUGE project I've been working on for a couple of weeks.  I am so relieved it is over - but also so grateful to have such a large project in this economic climate
(so I am not complaining).

Hope you have a great rest of the week!

Personalized Cocktail Napkins

I love to give personalized cocktail napkins as hostess gifts, birthday gifts, Christmas gifts - really anything! I always order them for parties I am hosting as well.  They are fun for the holidays, birthday parties, cocktail parties and showers.If you are still looking for a gift for that person that has everything, this too is such a great one! There are a rainbow of napkin colors to choose from.  Then you can select your ink color and font. For $30 you can have a super personalized gift that is very functional. In addition to cocktail napkins, you can also order luncheon napkins, dinner napkins and towels. They only take about a week to arrive in the store - so there is still time to order for Christmas!

For Those Who Have It All

Do you have someone on your holiday gift list that has it all?

Crane's calling cards are always a good gift for someone like that.

Even if they already have calling cards you could

select something different from the norm or what they already have.

There are literally hundreds of options - different sizes, colors of card stock, fonts, monograms, motifs, ink colors. 

So many options! 

Here are a few of my personal favorites

(which doesn't show a lot of variety - but does show that I like monograms and the colors blue and gold).

Cookies For Santa

We have the cutest hand painted ceramic

"Cookies for Santa" plates and mugs (for the milk). 

The plate measures 7 3/4" inches in diameter

(I know that it is sometimes hard to tell sizes in photos). 

The plate is $21 and the mug is $10.50.  

These would be perfect for your own little people, 

but are also great gifts for others.

Santa will appreciate it too!

It's Not Too Late

Although none of our vendors have officially had their cut-off dates for ordering Holiday Cards - many are getting close.  Most of my customers are VERY organized (unlike myself) and order their Holiday Cards at the end of October through the beginning of November.  Don't feel bad if you still have not selected your holiday card (or even the photo for that matter).  We can always create something in the store for you to your specifications.  You can select your ink colors, your fonts and your card stock.

We'd love to help you!

Start The New Year Right!

Start 2011 off right with a desk calendar from Dabney Lee.

Each month is a different pattern,

that is also printed on the back of the calendar.

You get to select your name or monogram style

and then they change the color each month to match the pattern.

They also come with an acrylic stand.

These are $24 each so they are great teacher gifts,

co-worker gifts or gifts for students.

These patterns would actually make me

look forward to the next month.

1 Day to Turkey Day!

I think this Vineyard Vines turkey tie would be very appropriate for the occasion of the Martha Stewart Turkey above

(It's still available here in the store -

someone could be wearing this tomorrow). 

There will be no ties worn at my Thanksgiving in Bandera.

But it will still be lovely I'm sure

(you can't beat sides that were just picked out of the garden)!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The Best Holiday Card Photo

One of my favorite customers (and friends) came in the store today to select her Christmas card.  This is the photo for her Christmas card - isn't it the best!  What a happy picture.  

I can't wait to see the finished product.

Holiday Cut-Off

The holiday cut-off dates have started to come my way...

If anyone wants any Talley-Ho cosmetic bags for Christmas,

November 29th is the last day you can order and have them arrive before December 25th.  

As a reminder -

we'll actually be closed for the Thanksgiving weekend.

Advent Calendars

Almost time to start your Advent Calendars!

I think the one that we have in the store is precious.

(Sorry about my lack of photography skills -

it has a sort of glossy finish that obviously reflected my flash).

It is $8 and has a silver ribbon so you can hang it up.  

It even comes with a large red envelope so you can send one to the little people in your life that would really enjoy it.  

I feel like Advent calendars are not always easy to find.

(Perhaps that is because I only shop at

Central Market and Hayden Avery.)

Man Gifts

Because I think that men are difficult to shop for -

I thought I would do a post with potential gift ideas for men.

I love monogrammed barware and I think most men would think it was pretty great to receive beer mugs or pilsners with their monogram.  I think these pilsner glasses are great, but the company also makes wine glasses, martini glasses, high ball glasses, beer mugs, traditional beer glasses and pitchers. 

The men in my family typically buy whatever they want, whenever they want.  So, when the holidays or special occastions roll around I never know what to get them.  Last year I got my dad and brother a Polar Bear Cooler.  These are insulated bags that you can put hot or cold things in and are very easy to carry around.  The come in 4 different sizes: the 6-pack, 12-pack, 24-pack and 48-pack.  The colors they come in are navy, red, black, white and camo.  These are great and very practical too. 

Then in the true Hayden Avery spirit - there is always stationery!