It's ti-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-me!
Wishing you a festive and peaceful holiday season! And a very merry Christmas to those who celebrate!
Buy second-hand first. My favorite online retailer for pre-owned items is The RealReal. Most of my Kenzo, Kate Spade, Rag & Bone, and other designer fashion items are from The RealReal. Sometimes I get items that still have the original tags attached! I love the photos of each unique item, and the honest condition report for each item. Shop The RealReal.
Local thrift stores are also an opportunity for treasure hunting. There is an Austin Goodwill store known as "Gucci Goodwill" for its proximity to a wealthy neighborhood in town. I scored a matching set Tahari skirt and blazer in pink and orange tweed that I wore for years. When I got tired of it, I donated it back to Goodwill. When I performed in dinner theatre, Goodwill was my main source for costume pieces.
I also appreciate roaming the aisles of World Market for interesting new items. They excel at snack selections, seasonal tea and regular tea, advent calendars, Christmas ornaments, toss pillows, throw blankets, lamps, and even rugs and furniture. I love the smell of coffee, tea, and teak furniture whenever I walk into a World Market store.
When Chad and I were in Burlington, Vermont in October, we visited the Lake Champlain Chocolates flagship store. These are high quality chocolates offered in classic, regional, and seasonal flavors and themes. Bonus points for being a certified B corporation.
I love taking guided hiking trips with Wildland Trekking. They can take all of my travel money. The guides are knowledgeable, kind, and fun. The itineraries are expertly curated. I prefer inn-based trips, but they also offer more rugged camping trips. Wildland Trekking offers trips all over the world. Bonus points again for also being a certified B corporation.
If you know me at all, you know I love a good story. I'm a big library patron and supporter. Shocker, haha. But in the rare instance that I can't find the items I need from the public library, I turn to Half Price Books for a vast selection of used and new books, puzzles, DVDs, CDs, vinyl, and more. I also love bookshop.org for new books and E-books.
My pets love items from Chewy. Our dearly-departed Janie loved a Benebone. The cats love sparkle balls, pop-up tents, and cardboard houses. We also get prescription diet food for our resident furry friends from Chewy.
