Well, okay so I went a little AWOL for a while. Sorry. Hope everyone had a special Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year holiday with family and friends. And hello, 2012!

I managed to become real busy during December, and I especially had a great time indulging in some local, small business shopping:

Reigning Imagination Toys for a cool Melissa and Doug easel for a special granddaughter.

Nest Home and Gift for wonderful hostess gifts, unique holiday decor gifts for friends & our own house, too! Nest is the place to find Sid Dickson tiles for those special friends (you know who you are).  Another fun “find”: a delightful framed “A” for the daughter of one special friend. Owner, Susan Stone wraps everything so lavishly, too!

Took shopping breaks, in order to keep Holiday strength/stamina up, at FireStation Deli, Claypit Starbuck’s, Tablas, Azul,  and Top Pot. Oh, don’t be silly. Of course, not all at once.

Books, Husky gear, stationery, journals and artist supplies at University Bookstore.

Candles, stocking stuffers, and fun decor at Pier 1.

Troll Beads for the DsIL,  scarves, pillows, Brighton travel tote for SIL and candles & fragrance from Thymes for our office manager, all found at Belle Provence. Diane and her team are always so knowledgeable & helpful.

Gift cards for doughnuts from Frost Doughnuts to be placed in all the stockings.  mmmmm . . . bacon topped maple bars, anyone?

deVine Wines was the obvious choice to research and choose lovely wine gifts for the in-laws. Proprietors, Tom and Candis always have fabulous ideas and suggestions for any occasion or for gifts.

Jerry & Donita Price and their wonderful staff at Mill Creek Jewelers were invaluable & ultra helpful with a last minute gift for another special granddaughter. I found a beautiful sterling chain & engravable medallion. Did I mention this was on Friday the 23rd? I had ordered one online, but was extremely disappointed in the quality. Jerry said not a problem to personally engrave it by noon on Christmas Eve. Mental note: Next time, go to Mill Creek Jewelers first.

Last stops: QFC for the tenderloin roast, horse radish sauce, salad ingredients & potatoes. Central Market for the Dungeness crab, Raincoast Crisps ( way cool crackers from Canada), & fresh brussel sprouts.

Now you  know why I had no time to add a post to this blog. I was just having way too much fun re-exploring & shopping in my own neighborhood, Mill Creek. Do tell.