A Little Christmas Poem...

'Twas only days before Christmas, and still at your house

online orders had failed you, with the click of  the mouse.

The "adorable" knit socks are hideous to behold, 

and the gourmet fruitcake looks like it has a greenish mold.

That blouse that you ordered is not such a delight, 

and the so-called "handmade" earrings are really quite a fright.

The purse is the wrong color, and no one seems to care,

customer service doesn't exist, so don't even go there. 

Such are the perils of Holiday ordering online,

whereas in person, it's right every time!

So in case the internet has failed you, and your deliveries have gone astray, 

let us now remind you that Clever Girl can still save the day!

***

Holiday Hours:

Thursday, December 22ond 9:30-8:00pm Shop Late!

Friday, December 23rd 9:30-5:30

Christmas Eve, 9:30-3:30

Still a Little Time

Fear not, Clever Girls--there is still time to make your list, and check it twice!  Our elves are standing by to help you find wonderful gifts, and wrap them all up in pretty pink ribbons and bows.  Purses, sweaters, jewelry, scarves, mittens, candles  are ready to nestle under the tree. We have great things for the stockings, too.   Avoid the madness of the mall, and "wrap" it all up right here in town...

PS  Don't forget, we're open until 8 pm this Thursday.

Let's Talk Turkey...

As the holidays approach, it's time to get on the soap box and talk turkey.  This isn't about that tasty feast with family and friends, rather it's about our charming community here in Western Springs and the surrounding area.  We're talkin' local...

Clever Girls always look locally first, and that's never more important than at the holidays.  Whether it's a service, dinning or shopping, using independent, locally owned, non-chain store options keeps our communities strong. Here are just a few ways you can keep things local this year using resources available in and around Western Springs...

SERVICE OPTIONS

Maybe someone on your gift list would like his driveway sealed, lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter.   How about a membership to the local gym?  Perhaps the services of a local dog trainer is in order if Fido needs a bit of self improvement...isn't that a great gift idea?

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, locally owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut.  How about gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber? Girls just love a good manicure too, so how about that from Santa?

DINNING

There are oodles of owner-run restaurants in our area-- all offering gift certificates. Options  range from fine dinning, to family style places, to the local breakfast joint.  They all offer friendly service, tasty food, great atmosphere and they count on you to come back.  Remember, folks, this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting our local home towns.

SHOPPING 

OK, you were looking for something a bit more personal. Independent shops (like Clever Girl) are filled with wonderful, carefully chosen items, and staffed by people that really, actually want to help you find just the right thing.  You won't find that at the mall!!!

What about something from the hometown pet shop for the dog lover on your list?  How about a gorgeous bouquet of fresh flowers or a centerpiece from your independent florist?

So this season, plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated shops and restaurants.  How about going out to see a play or ballet at our hometown theater?  

For other great resources on the importance of shopping local, {click here}

Say Hello to the Holidays...

Clever Girl will be filled with all things Merry and Bright this Monday, November 7th. Enjoy Apple Cider and treats while you peruse our wonderful collection of Christmas decorations, ornaments, gifts and surprises.  It's our favorite time of the year...  See you Monday!   

A Tasty Treat... (no Trick)

If a tiny roll of sweet-tarts isn't your thing, and a lolly-pop doesn't exactly satisfy, here's a really tasty and elegant Halloween treat that's good for grown-ups.  These are SUPER easy, and you can keep the filling on hand to whip up a batch on a moments notice.  A sophisticated way to celebrate this spooky time of year with all of your witchy friends...

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup of cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp of pumpkin puree

• 2 tbls of sugar

• 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract

• 1 pinch of nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp of orange food colouring (optional)

• 20-24 wafer cookies

Directions
1 Add the softened cream cheese to a medium-size bowl. Using a stand or hand-held mixer, beat for 1 minute. Mix in sugar, pumpkin puree, vanilla and nutmeg. Fold in the food colouring if using.

2 Mix for another minute or until the mixture is homogeneous. Place to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or just until serving.

3 Right before serving, take the cheesecake batter out of the fridge. Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop add a couple tablespoons of batter at the center of half of the wafers. Top with the other half and gently press down to form a sandwich. Serve immediately.

Tip: Assemble the cookies at the last minute to prevent the wafer cookies from getting soggy.

Makes about 10 cookies. 

Clever Q & A Linda

Linda has been a Clever Girl for quite some time, she just didn't always know it.  She's a mother to three kids, two dogs and has a motorcycle riding husband.  Here are 15 other things you might not know...

Clever Q & A

Q. What's your favorite city?

A. Paris

Q. Junk food--Salty or sweet?

A. I want both.  At the same time.

Q. Favorite cookbook?
A. Noteworthy, from the Women's Board at Ravinia.  

Q. Celebrity crush?

A. George Clooney.  Delicious.  

Q. What's your most prized  possession?

A. A photo album from one of our family trips to Paris.

Q. What is your favorite flower?

A. Absolutely, must be, Hydrangeas.  

Q. What's your summer vacation spot?

A. Nantucket.

Q. What's the best way to spend $3.oo?

A. Nothing beats a REAL fountain Coke.  No cans, must be on ice.

Fill in the Blank...

I collect.....

Louis Vuitton bags.  The collection is in double digits, but none are BIG enough!

My perfume is.....

Jo Malone--Orange Blossom.

I just finished reading....

The House in France, by Gully Wells.

I'm currently reading....

Keith, by Keith Richards.

I am addicted to......

Chocolate.  

As a child I wanted to be....

A runway model.

I really don't like.....

Fish.

Click {here} to read Linda's Christmas quiz answers from the archives.  

  

Class is in Session

Just in time for fall, we offer you the Clever Girl Video Guide : 25 Ways to Wear A Scarf.  We've got oodles of great scarves right now, so study hard, and then pop on in and pick up a few of the season's best scarves...
We can promise there won't be a quiz, but you might get extra style credits if you watch this twice!

Clever Q & A

Just what makes a"Clever Girl"?  Turns out, it takes a lot!  Kathy P. is a wife, mother to three kids, two dogs and one cat.  Here are 16 other things you never knew...

Clever Q & A

Q. What's your favorite city?

A. Sarasota, FL 

Q. Coffee or Tea?

A. Coffee.  Heavy cream and sugar.  
Fuel to rule the world (or at least my corner of it...)

Q. Celebrity Crush?

A. Daniel Craig.  Adore him.

Q. What song do you crank up the volume for?

A. Crazy for You, by Madonna.  Don't ask me why.

Q. Favorite cook book?

A. The Fannie Farmer Cookbook--can't beat it.

Q. What is your most prized possession?

A. Well, they aren't really a possession, but my children would have to be it.

Q. What's the best way to spend $3.oo?

A.  Tall Starbucks Vanilla Latte.

Q. What is your favorite flower?

A. Irises: They really are so beautiful.

Q. If you could have a super hero "power", what would it be?

A.  I'd love to be invisible!  That could be quite handy...

Fill in the Blank....

My signature cocktail is........

Gray Goose & Tonic, with a lot of lime.

My all-time favorite food is.............

Cookies!

I am reading.......

In the Woods,  by Tana French.  Really good.

As a child I wanted to be........

A forensic scientist.

I'm addicted to......

Cookies!!

My perfume is......

Anything by Chanel

I'm most embarrassed by.......

Many of the things I say out loud.  Oops! 

Click {here} to visit the archives for Kathy's Christmas Q & A.

Shameless

A Shameless Pug Plug  

Please be sure to see the article on Clever Girl in the September issue of West Suburban Living.  This magazine is a great resource for all good things in the 'burbs, and filled with interesting places to eat and things to do... like shopping at Clever Girl!  
Sneak a peek, {click here} and happy fall!