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Holiday Spotlight

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Holiday Spotlight: Culture Kitsch At Pop

From ray guns and The 'Emporium of Popular Culture'

Pop Emporium of Popular Culture, that treasure trove of mementos from our not-so-distant past, is the ultimate stop for those looking to pick up the leg lamp from A Christmas Story or that '50s ray gun or a vintage "trimline" dial telephone (in pale pink, no less).  Darren Hill has transformed his love for nostalgia and kitsch into a phantasmagoria of a shop, where everywhere you look, memories pop (!) into mind. That favorite tv show from childhood, the cover of the first album you ever owned, Elvis! The store is positively eye-popping (!!).  So, if you're looking for a gift that will surprise and delight on Christmas Day, head over to Pop at 142 Duke St. (just down from Main Street). It will make you smile. Hours: Thursdays 4 - 7, …

Monday, December 17, 2012

Holiday Spotlight: Local Craft Brews, Wine 6-Pack From Savory Grape

The Savory Grape has lots of gift ideas, but their New England beer 4-pack is a special favorite.

The folks at The Savory Grape wine and liquor shop at 1000 Division Street are BUSY this time of year. That's because their shop is chockful of great gift ideas. But they've worked hard to take some of the guesswork out of the gift-giving process too, with these wine and beer offerings. In the beer category, they're offering the New England Lover Craft Pack. "We had a hard time creating this pack because we absolutely love so many New England breweries and their creations. Love, love, love these!" they write. The beers include Allagash Confluence (Portland, Maine), Cisco Brewer Moor Porter (Nantucket, Mass.), Greysail Stargazer Imperial Stout (Westerly, R.I.) and Smuttynose Old Brown Dog (Portsmouth, N.H.), for $44.99 in a box with bow.  …

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Holiday Spotlight: Gluten-Free Treats & 'Good News' Tree At Back To Basics

While you're picking up your natural and organic goodies, fill out a "good news" ornament and they will donate $5 to charity.

Everywhere you turn this time of year, there are holiday treats beckoning. It's terrific – except if you're allergic to what's being offered. Back to Basics Natural Foods on Main Street has made life easier in that department, providing tasty gluten-free holiday treats. They carry gluten-free cheesecakes, pies, even Christmas cookies. They also have organic candy canes.  And while you're there, they invite you to help decorate their "Good News" Christmas Tree to help spread a little positive feeling. Fill out a good news ornament and place it on the tree. It’s free, it’s inspiring, and Back to Basics will donate $5 for every ornament placed on the tree, split between the Wounded Warrior Project and Vitamin Angels.  For a sample of their …

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Holiday Spotlight: 'Vintage Postcards of EG' Book

The EG Historic Preservation Society has just published the 186-page book.

The East Greenwich Historic Preservation Society has just published a new book that would make a perfect gift for history buffs, long-time and new residents of the the town. Titled "Vintage Postcards of East Greenwich, Rhode Island," the 186-page, full-color book is a nostalgic walk down memory lane. It is filled with early 20th century postcard views of the Hill and Harbor, Main Street, the mills, schools and churches. Society president Marian Helwig and editor Rachel Peirce culled through hundreds of early 20th century postcards to select those that best depict East Greenwich from the 1900s to the 1950s. The book will be on view and for sale for $24.99 at a reception at the East Greenwich Free Library on Monday, Dec. 17, from 3:30 to 5:…

Monday, December 10, 2012

Holiday Spotlight: Custom Embroidered Anything At Inspirations

Totes, hoodies, hats, t-shirts, towels – you have one made, or dozen, or more.

Shhhh, please don't tell them, but I think I've found the gift for my son's many wonderful teachers this year: customized tote bags from Inspirations Embroidery on Main Street.  Lynn Murphy, owner of Inspirations, has a number of items on hand for you to pick from, but you can also bring items to her. If it's fabric, she can embroider it, which opens up a wealth of possibilities when it comes to holiday gifts.  The totes are the traditional rectangle shape (think L.L. Bean only softer and washable) or you could do the small duffle bags as totes. But then, what about your neices and nephews – personalized towels of course! Or hoodies with a favorite object (golf club, coffee cup, gardener's trowel, etc.) or name. The possibilities are …

A concerned parent

7:12 am on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

After reading this post, I headed to Inspirations for teachers gifts, happy to support a local business. Unfortunately, my experience left a lot to be desired. After placing an order, I was told it would be ready on Tuesday and had to be picked up before they closed at 4 that day. I hurried over to pick my gifts up yesterday only to be told, along with another customer, that a "big" order had …   more ›

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Holiday Spotlight: Art Glass, Paintings At Heritage Gallery

You can check it all out Friday night at their annual open house.

For the person on your guest list with impeccible taste, a trip to Heritage Gallery and Glass Studio on Post Road is a must. Alice Benvie Gebhart's glass pieces are literal portraits, pictures of nature on glass in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and types. She has glass jewelry, wall hangings, and standing pieces, each exquisite. You'll find Nick Gebhart's paintings too. The gallery is a family affair – Nick is Alice's son. Alice's father's work – he was also a painter – is available too.  And Heritage is making it easy for everyone. They are holding an open house Friday evening, Dec. 7, from 5 to 8 p.m., with a 20 percent discount on everything, and guest artist (and fellow EG business owner, of Scribe) Jane Parillo will be on …

Alice Gebhart

7:49 pm on Saturday, December 8, 2012

Thanks to Open House shoppers, we were able to make a donation to the Red Cross for $267.66. Thank you Patch for getting the word out and thanks to all who attended.   more ›

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Holiday Spotlight: Negligee Nirvana At Staci's

And don't fret, guys, if you don't know what to buy – Staci keeps a wish list.

Ok, quick quiz: what does the woman in your life want for Christmas – a new kitchen gadget or a soft and sexy chemise?  Duh! There's just something so fun and special about luxurious chemises and nightwear. After all, most of us women feel like it's ok to spend money on something for the kitchen. When it comes to negligees, on the other hand, that's a treat.  Staci's Place on Main Street has just the thing – a variety of high-end (but not too high end!) European brands to delight and surprise. What's even better is you don't have to fly blind when shopping. Owner Staci Cormier keeps wish lists for customers, so if your special someone visits the shop, Cormier will note her preferences, including the size. The shop carries Cosabella from …

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