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Outlet Shopping for Spring

03/09/2010 in Buckhead, Deals + Steals, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | 2 comments

On Saturday, Dana + Jenny + I trekked up to the North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville for a little outlet shopping.  The weather has been warming up (yea!!), and as a result my winter wardrobe has been relentlessly begging me for some warm weather additions.  I resisted for a while, but recently I’ve had a hard time saying “no.”

It took us about 45 minutes going up 400 N to get to the NGPOs from Buckhead.  We easily spotted the NGPOs from the highway, and we were excited to park across from Off Fifth(Saks Fifth Ave. outlet) to begin our mini-spree.  Thanks to the grande Starbucks ice coffee I finished during the ride up, in less than ten minutes flat I was standing in the check out line at Off Fifth with an incredible lined winter coat (for next year) and a very-Lindsay-style gold bracelet.  And like a flash, we were off again…

In the interest of keeping your attention, I won’t break down every stop we made.  However, I will tell you that my favorite stores at the NGPOs were: Cole Haan, Burberry, Coach, Off Fifth, Kate Spade, Juicy, Polo, BCBG, Michael Kors and J. Crew.  We were afraid to step foot into Pottery Barn or Nike – which were absolutely swarmed with eager shoppers.  Even though it wasn’t a holiday weekend, we found excellent deals everywhere!  Coach was running a one day promotion for 20% off of the entire store, and Jenny and I walked away with adorable new purses.  Polo had some noteworthy deals, too, convincing Dana to stock up on shirts for her wonderful fiance who is in Iraq until May.  Overall, I thought the shopping was great. 

North Georgia Premium Outlets

Here are a few tips on efficient outlet shopping that I picked up during our mini-spree:

1- Wear flats or comfortable shoes.  You will regret it if you don’t.  However, if your feet begin to hurt while you are shopping – you can run into Adidas, Nike or Cole Haan (love their shoes with the Nike technology) and purchase yourself a brand spankin’ new pair.

2- Go to the bathroom prior to standing in line for a dressing room.  Lines can be long and there is nothing worse than nature calling while you are trying to shimmy your way out of a pair of skinny jeans…

3- Eat before you go – or bring snacks.  I wasn’t impressed with the food options at the NGPO’s – or the lack thereof.

4- Develop patience.  The lines are long for the dressing rooms, registers and bathrooms…there’s really no way around it.  And, there were a ton of slowly walking people w/ strollers.  Just keep that in mind…

5- According to a colleague, the best time to go outlet shopping is the week(end) prior to a holiday – so for instance the week before Black Friday or Fourth of July.  Apparently, the outlet stores will already have their stock out for the holiday weekend and start running their sales early.

6- Bring an umbrella.  The weather happened to be gorgeous on Saturday and we were fine - however it’s important to note that not all of the walkways between stores are covered.  It would be a shame to drive all the way out to the NGPOs and not be able to visit all the stores on your list because you’ve become a drowned rat in a rainstorm.

jenny's trunk @ the end of the day...

Four hours later on our drive home, we realized we were absolutely famished.  So, at 4:30 p.m. on a Saturday we sat down for a three hour sushi meal complete with sake bombs!  Yea! 

yu-ka sushi bar

"i say SAKE - you say BOMB!"

We went to Yu-Ka Sushi Bar - right next to the disco Kroger in Buckhead.  I did not care for the sushi or the atmosphere at all, but the service was good and the sake bombs hit the spot.  I called it an early evening and ventured home with my bags upon bags of outlet loot and redboxed The Hurt Locker + A Serious Man (both nominated for Best Picture @ the Oscar’s – The Hurt Locker won).  I really enjoyed both. 

What a Saturday!  I’m already looking forward to heading back to the NGPOs in a few months to stock up on summertime gear… 

xx, L

North Georgia Premium Outlets
800 Highway 400 South
Dawsonville, GA  30534
706.216.3609
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=16

Sushi Bar Yu-Ka
3300 Piedmont Road NE
Atlanta, GA  30305
404.233.6700
Sushi Bar Yu-Ka on Urbanspoon

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Katie’s Pick!

02/27/2010 in Katie's Picks, Where we're Shopping by Lauren | 2 comments

"Shimmy" by Blowfish $39

Katie says,

“Shimmy into these adorable little Blowfish summer flats in either scarlet red, bronze, or pewter (pictured)
Or better yet, since these babies will only set you back $39, why not get all three?

Shimmy into Gus Mayer soon before they shimmy out the door!”

To get yours, call my seestah, Katie, at 205 877 8554 at or pop by Gus Mayer in Birmingham!

xx, L

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Attention: Last Minute V-Day Plans

02/12/2010 in Holidays, Parties, What we're Doing, Where we're Eating, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | 8 comments

If you are a frequent Q+DD reader, you’ll know that I love holidays – and pretty much any reason to celebrate.  I even like not-so-sexy holidays.  For instance, Passover got morphed last year into Lindsay + Lauren’s B.P.E. (Best Passover Ever).  It was 80’s-themed and all…

The B.P.E.

B.P.E.

the charoset was jussssst right...

the charoset was jussssst right

Valentine’s Day (candy + roses) definitely falls into my top five favorite holidays list, alongside St. Patty’s Day (green beer + socially-acceptable pinching), Halloween (costumes + candy…again), Thanksgiving (turduckens + football) and New Year’s Eve (champagne + overpriced parties). 

Happy V-Day!

Happy V-Day!

Sadly, I do encounter quite a few people who are not that “into” V-Day.  Some people just don’t have the spirit.  I hear them say, “why should I be forced to tell my (insert: girlfriend/ fiance/ partner/ wife) that I love them more on this day than any other - yadda yadda yadda?”  To which I simply respond, “because Hallmark tells you to!  Hello!”  Call me brainwashed – whatever – but I’m totally buying what Hallmark is selling.  I love everything about this holiday!  Chalky conversation hearts, under-clothed babies with bows + arrows, oversized V-day cards, pristine red+ pink roses…I love it all.

Which brings me to my point: no matter if you’re a V-day lover or hater, here are a few ideas for the weekend if you have not already made plans:

A Love Supreme:  Nothing says, “I love you,” like sushi, well, that’s our philosophy at least.  Head to Genki Noodles and Sushiin Buckhead or The Prado for a low-key, romantic Valentine’s Day dinner featuring a special “Cupid Roll” and “Love You Long Time” flirty cocktail.  Detailed info below. (http://www.genkiatl.com/)

Valentine’s Day is for Suckas:  Boycott this Hallmark holiday and reclaim romance for the real world at P’cheen International Bistro & Pub!  Saturday, February 13 infuse a little humor into your night…sip on “Cupid Got Shot(s)” while you bust out your best Molly Ringwald moves during the teary eyed dance party courtesy of DJ Feri.  Since the kitchen is open until 1:00 a.m., you might even find a date that you can spoon-feed the “Broken Heart” dinner specials to. (http://www.pcheen.com/)

Tainted Love:  Give love a chance during Gold Room’s retro throwback “Tainted Love” party on Saturday, February 13th.  Enjoy a night of dancing as DJ Andre Perry spins favorites from the 70s, 80s and 90s.  Try the “Roses are Red, Violets are Blue” and “Chocolate Covered Raspberries” specialty cocktails.  Single guys and gals can try to get lucky in love by picking up a red wrist band at the front door as their official “single signal” for the night.  (http://www.goldroomatl.com/)

Shop To Your Heart’s Content:  If you’re still searching for that perfect Valentine’s Day gift, Limon Verde offers beautiful hand-made unique and affordable gifts for that special someone.  To sweeten the deal, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Red Cross.  And, the Shops Around Lenox have a bundle of sweet deals through Valentine’s Day. (http://www.limonverde.com/)
(http://www.octaneemail.com/shopsaroundlenox/020210/)

Valentine’s Day Supper Club:  Sun In My Bellyis hosting special Valentine’s Day dinners Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m.  Both evenings will have one seating featuring a four-course meal created by executive chef Allison Lueker, complimentary specialty cocktails and live music by Nicole Chillemi.  In addition, each party will receive a signature floral bouquet from Foxgloves + Ivy Floral Design Studio to take home. $50.00 per person. (http://www.suninmybelly.com/)

A few other V-Day ideas can be found right there:  HERE.

GENKIVD

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY, EVERYONE!  And, stay warm – this is going to be a snowy one in Atlanta!  :)

xx, L

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Katie’s Pick!: Wedge Thora by Tory Burch

02/11/2010 in Katie's Picks, Where we're Shopping by Lauren | No comments

In this chilly weather, it’s nice to see that SOMEONE has Spring on their mind! Hi Katie!

My seestah!

My seestah!

Here’s her current pick:

Wedge Thora by Tory Burch

Wedge Thora by Tory Burch

Meet the new staple of your summer wardrobe… Wedge Thora by Tory Burch.

A version of the classic Tory flop, perfect for showing off your freshly polished pedicure!

Katie tells me they’re on their 3rd reorder already so you may have to hustle to get your pick of colors… or get all 8!

Pictured in Pewter but also available in Black, Tan, Orange, Yellow, Purple, Gold, and Turquoise!

BONUS: Become a fan of Gus Mayer Shoe Salon on Facebook by clicking here!

Spring is ALMOST here! In the meantime, think warm thoughts…

xx, L

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Absolutely Blown Away!

02/10/2010 in Hair, Maintenence, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | 3 comments

Y’all!  I just bought the most powerful hair dryer known to (wo)man!  It’s love.

this blows!

best hair dryer ever

Here’s the Q+DD on my Elchim 2001 Professional Hair Dryer (aka Elchim Classic):

The Elchim Classic 2001 is a high pressure hair dryer – the only hair dryer in the world that reduces drying time by 50%.  It also protects hair by producing a high flow of air that does not overheat to the point of harming the hair.  The dryer is fitted with top quality components that include a very long-lasting double balanced motor and a Swedish Kanthal wire heating element.  Elchim Classic’s exterior is made of shock and flame resistant polycarbonate plastic which is non-aging.  The dryer has been manufactured according to EEC specifications with double insulation.

Features and Benefits:

  • Seven switch combinations for ranges of fan speed and temperature
  • 1800 watts of power (yowza!)
  • Lightweight
  • Air flow of 40 liters per second
  • Concentrator nozzle
  • Removable lint filter

This hair dryer actually makes me look forward to getting ready in the morning! :)

I don’t have the longest hair in the world (although I am trying), but I have a lot of it.  My new Elchim has cut down my drying time by roughly 5 minutes!  Swear to it.  It’s like a leaf blower.  And, we all know that time is money…  My Elchim + an excessive amount of Biosilk + my new Sebastian “Drench” shampoo/conditioner = silkier hair than I’ve had in years.  

Pick up an Elchim at www.folica.com for a Benjamin or use a Bed Bath + Beyond coupon, like I did, and get it at BBB in Buckhead Station for only $78.  (I am sure you can find an Elchim other places, but these are the two I know of off-hand.)  Your hair is definitely worth it. 

Happy hair days to you! 

xx, L

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Girly Thing #823

01/25/2010 in Gifts, Vendors!, Where we're Shopping by Lauren | No comments

I am into candles. I love them. If I am home for any length of time, I will often have 2-3 candles burning in various places in my 644 square foot condo.

If I had unlimited funds, I might go with something like Diptyque…

$60 - 50hr burn time

$60 - 50hr burn time

But since I don’t…I favor either Trapp:

$17 - 40hr burn time

$17 - 40hr burn time

or my all-time-favorite, Votivo (Red Currant):

$25 - 50hr burn time

$25 - 50hr burn time

(FYI: That is always a safe gift choice for me.  IJS.)

However, while roaming around Star Provisions area with DK + DK this weekend, I discovered the “Air Kiss” candle at super chic home consignment store, Savvy Snoot. savvysnoot

Created exclusively for Savvy Snoot, they’re just simple square candles in a glass container with a lid.  They come in about a zillion scents, burn for 100 hours and one of these babies can be in your hot little hands for a mere $25.

ECO FRIENDLY BONUS: Return your empty container for $5 off your next candle purchase!

Instant ambiance, darling.

xx, L

Savvy Snoot Consignment Home
www.savvysnoot.com
1187 Howell Mill Road
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 355-1399

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Liquid Gold

01/13/2010 in For Men, Random Musings, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | No comments

Attention Men: You want to know the fastest route to retirement?  It’s located in a bottle of THIS:

Abercrombie Woods Cologne

Abercrombie Woods Cologne

I am not kidding.  Allow me to explain…

I think my sense of smell has to be my most developed of the five – I’m sure my parents would agree that it is certainly not hearing…  Although I am a bit scent-sensitive, I love how a scent can transport you back in time.  I’ll smell industrial cleaner and immediately think of sleep-away camp or my sorority house.  Dryer sheets make me think of my mom.  Bath + Body Works “Plumeria” Body Spray reminds me of my junior high locker room.  Firewood reminds me of the holidays.  And, Abercrombie Woods cologne makes me think of being young. 

All the boys wore it during high school.  It is very identifiable and still gives me butterflies in my stomach.  I ran out of perfume the other night at Slick’s house when I was getting ready for dinner and fished around in his drawer to find something I could spritz instead.  

Infallible Logic: Slick wears cologne.  He likes how his cologne smells.  If I wear his cologne (for one night), he’s obviously going to like how it smells on me because, well, he bought it… 

Anyway, he has about 30 cologne bottles in a drawer under his sink.  I reached to the bottom, and much to my surprise, I came up with a bottle of Abercrombie Woods.  I sprayed it on and Slick complimented me on it twice before we left his place. 

The next day, I wore it again.  We decided that Woods was probably one of the best colognes ever created, and although we didn’t realize it before, we had missed it.  I noticed that the bottle was dangerously low, and since V-Day is quickly approaching, I went online to see if I could order him a replacement.   Well, that is just not happening.  (Sorry, Slick.) 

Much to my dismay, Abercrombie stopped producing Woods in winter 2005.  WHY?!  Seriously, why would they do that?!  Obviously I haven’t been into A+F in five years to know that it was discontinued, but STILL.  It was such an amazing cologne!  I just cannot believe that they stopped making it!  I am astonished.

Now, you can get a bottle on Amazon for a whopping $299: http://bit.ly/7fMqrh
(Sold a bit cheaper on Perfume Network, but still… http://bit.ly/7hWaDT)
While I do enjoy a good sale and love finding bargains, I am certainly not cheap.  However, I cannot even imagine paying upwards of $200 for Abercrombie cologne.  I just can’t!

Unbelievable.

Moral of the story:  Never throw anything away.  If you happen to still have a bottle of Woods that you bought in 2001 for $38.00 – Don’t. Use. It.  Don’t let your girlfriend use it when she runs out of perfume.  Sell it on eBay and go to Vegas.  Go to Bacchanalia.  Give it to your favorite bloggers…  Just keep it far away from me, please.  = Torture.  :(

xx, L

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I’m about to change your life.

01/06/2010 in Deals + Steals, Organizing, Where we're Shopping by Lauren | 6 comments

So…remember my refrigerator?

empty fridge

Not my actual fridge (mine at least has vodka in the freezer)

Yeah. Well, my closet is the exact opposite. In fact, up until just recently it didn’t look much better than this:

NOT my actual closet. (mine is 90% black clothes)

NOT my actual closet. (mine is 90% black clothes)

Listen, as far as I’m concerned it’s an entire closet FULL of “nothing to wear” but I’m unwilling (and unable) to rid myself of some of these pieces. I’m super picky and trust me, each article of clothing represents countless hours of debate.

Anyway. Until I am able to afford an enormous, digitally enhanced closet (a la Cher in Clueless) I had to come up with a solution. And here it is!

VELVET. HANGERS.

VELVET. HANGERS.

Here’s the Q+DD: I got them because we use them at the theatre (for our 9342391 costume changes). The main benefit I saw is that they are ultra skinny, so you can cram so much more into your closet just by switching the hangers out.

But that’s not all: the velvet texture keeps your slinky little tops in place…instead of slipping off onto the closet floor, where a lot of mine had permanently taken up residence. ALSO – the rounded corners prevent “hanger peaks” (as my sister and I like to call the lovely little teepees some hangers will produce in the corners of starched shirts.)

Just get them. 10 of these bad boys will set you back about 8 bucks at Bed Bath and Beyond (click here) and you can use the bazillion 20% off coupons you have in your junk drawer OR: a set of 50 are about $15 at Costco.

(I may or may not have just thrown out 5 empty boxes...)

(I may or may not have just thrown out 5 empty boxes...)

You. Are. Welcome.

xx, L

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Cancel Your Lunch Meeting!

01/05/2010 in Deals + Steals, Holidays, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | 2 comments

(I will try to keep this as brief (pun intended) as possible in hopes of not alienating any of our male readers.)

It’s a secret no longer!  (I’m on a roll today…)  There is an amazing sale going on at Victoria’s Secret right now!

Love.

Holiday gift cards burning a hole in my wallet + the first workday after New Year’s weekend = a tiny shopping spree last night at Lenox.  There are a number of great sales going on right now, but the one at Victoria’s is really worth checking out during lunch today.  Their version of  Hanky Panky’s are on sale in a variety of colors for only $5.99.  What an excellent deal!

world's greatest undies

world's greatest undies

Attention Men:  V-Day is right around the corner.  This may be a good opportunity for you to pick out something special for your lady friend.  :)

T-41 days and counting...

T-41 days and counting...

Hurry – check it out today before everything is picked over!  You’re welcome! 

xx, L

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Guilty As Charged

12/30/2009 in Deals + Steals, Guilty Pleasures, Jewelry, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | 7 comments

I love shopping online. 

I sit in front of a computer all day – in prime shopping hours – and, well, let’s just say I excel at multitasking.  It’s never a problem for me to participate in a conference call while sending work and personal e-mails, reading Perez Hilton and paying for a pair of shoes I found online that I just can’t live without.  That being said, I do not enjoy waisting time surfing the Internet looking for good deals.  Instead, I rely almost completely on the most glorious website - Gilt Groupe (www.gilt.com).

Gilt Groupe button

If you aren’t already a Gilt member, you absolutely must sign up immediately.  It’s free – you just have to provide your first/ last name and e-mail address.  Each day at noon, Gilt Groupe sends out an e-mail to its members with the day’s incredible sales on luxury and designer goods for up to 70% off of retail from names like Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Cole Haan (my favorite!), Theory…the list goes on and on and on.   The sale alert e-mails are very user friendly.  And, unlike other similar websites, you don’t feel overwhelmed or bombarded with sale items – like you are at a massive online garage sale. 

Gilt Groupe Sale Example

Gilt Groupe Sale Example

Gilt Groupe’s sales are broken up into Gilt (women + home + children), Gilt Fuse (less expensive and funkier items), Gilt Man (for men…) and Jetsetter (Gilt’s incredible travel site).  You can sign up to get e-mails specifically from any of Gilt’s subgroups, if desired, but they are all accessible from the general home page. 

I don’t buy from the site all the time, but I look at the sales every day and use the function on the website to put reminders on my Outlook calendar for specific designer’s sales I am interested in throughout the week.  You have to act fast when the sales start at 12:00 p.m. each day because they only have a limited number of items and they tend to sell out fast. 

Also, you can e-mail a sign-up link to your friends from the Gilt Groupe website and when a friend signs up for the sale alert e-mails and makes his or her first purchase – you get a $25 credit to use on the website towards a future purchase.  That seems like a pretty sweet incentive to me!

I’m just saying – it’s worth a look.  Maybe you’ll be guilty, too…  Enjoy!  :)

xx, L

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A Designer Holiday!

12/18/2009 in Deals + Steals, Gifts, Guilty Pleasures, Holidays, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | No comments

In an attempt to spread holiday cheer, I’d like to bring your attention to some ridiculously amazing sales going on at Gucci.com. 

Exhibit #1: This Medium Hobo is on sale for $149.40 (from $350)

Exhibit #1: Medium Hobo for $149.40 (from $350)

Exhibit #2: Large Cosmetic Case for $62.30 (from $120)

Exhibit #2: Large Cosmetic Case for $62.30 (from $120)

Exhibit #3: Leather B.B. Hobo for $257.40 (from $610)

Exhibit #3: Leather B.B. Hobo for $257.40 (from $610)

Exhibit #4: Continental Wallet for $146.30 (from $290)

Exhibit #4: Continental Wallet for $146.30 (from $290)

Here’s the link for all the other great sales at Gucci.com:
http://www.gucci.com/us/us-english/us/sale/special-savings/

untitled

Just saying…I know a good deal when I see one.  :)

xx, L

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‘Tis Better to Give…

12/15/2009 in Gifts, Holidays, Where we're Shopping by Lindsay | 7 comments

You know what the best thing about the holiday season is?  You may be thinking Christmas carols, gingerbread cookies, playing dreidel or seeing children’s faces as they open thoughtfully wrapped gifts.  Well, you’d be wrong.  The best thing about Christmas is the Brookstone catalog.  Fact.

catalog junkie

catalog junkie

Brookstone is the perfect store to find a great holiday gift for that special someone who has everything.  Gifts from Brookstone are always a hit, because no one really needs anything from there – the catalog or a stroll into a local Brookstone store just convinces you that you do.  “How have I have possibly been living this long without a paperless notepad!?”  Since I spent some time in Phipps over the weekend and my mail has been kind of inconsistent this winter, I just had to pop into Brookstone to see what the hot holiday items are this year. 

Here are my top five favorite Brookstone gifts for the holidays:

5 – Electric Wine Opener

Electric Wine Opener: $39.95

Electric Wine Opener: $39.95

“The electric wine opener with one touch operation provides effortless cork removal every time.”  I love this item because I broke my rabbit wine opener last year and I’m terrible with the old school ones.  It’s a good thing that my roommate is a bartender…

4 – i-Need Neck + Shoulder Massager

i-Need Neck + Shoulder Massager: $99.95

i-Need Neck + Shoulder Massager: $99.95

“Deep relief for hard-to-reach neck, shoulder and back muscles.”  I tried it in the store and it was ah-may-zinggggg!

3 – u-Control Silver Bullet Mini RC Helicopter

u-Control Silver Bullet Mini RC Helicopter: $29.95

u-Control Silver Bullet Mini RC Helicopter: $29.95

“Reach new heights with the easy-to-fly, indoor mini RC helicopter.”  It can fly up to 100 feet away from the remote control.  THAT is awesome.  It’s back-ordered online, so get it in the store ASAP.  It’s a fun gift for children and adults – I bought one for Slick and he loves it.   

2 – iDesign Tower Stereo System for iPod

iDesign Tower Stereo Systerm for iPod: $249.95

iDesign Tower Stereo System for iPod: $249.95

“Concert hall sound and striking modern design for your iPod.”  The sound this thing gives off is truly incredible.  And, it’s pretty sleek-looking, too. 

1 – Frog-O-Sphere Ecosystem w/ 2 Aquatic Frogs

Frog-O-Sphere Ecosystem w/ 2 Aquatic Frogs: $39.95

Frog-O-Sphere Ecosystem w/ 2 Aquatic Frogs: $39.95

“It’s alive!  A self-contained, self-cleaning ecosystem w/ 2 mini frogs.”  This bad boy is the hot item at Brookstone for the holidays.  We spent about 15 minutes looking at the frogs in the store and got a big kick out of them.  It’s a great idea for a totally random gift – maybe even a Yankee Swap party.

Hanukkah is halfway over and Christmas will be here before we know it.  There isn’t any time to waste.  So, stop by Brookstone ASAP to pick up a few impersonal but useful holiday gifts that are sure to be a hit!  :)

xx, L

BrooksLogo_blue

Brookstone – Phipps Mall
404.262.1930
www.brookstone.com

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