On the Hunt

It's that time of year again, when we go off hunting far and wide for all good things for Clever Girl.  Thus far, we've bagged the BEST!  There are new items from our favorite lines, great new designers, fresh spring scarves, hats and dresses, lots of terrific new books, and a few surprises mixed in along the way.  They will all be in the store very soon.  (Actually, many things, like our new stationary, cozy slippers, and brand new candle line are already in.)  It has, indeed, been a good hunting season.

Speaking of good things, I hope you have all been watching  Downton Abby Sunday nights on PBS.  The series focuses on that wonderful, Edwardian time period in England and is filled with all sorts of yummy treats that make it such fun to watch.  Maggie Smith is Violet, the Dowager Countess, and delivers her lines flawlessly.  There are butlers, maids, hats, dogs, lots of tea, great dialog, and words like "brouhaha", not to mention the amazing estate, Downton Abby, itself.  Don't miss it!

Fresh Starts

Once again, a Happy New Year to you all.  Are you off to a good start?  I am.  We celebrated Hogmanay, {the Scottish celebration of the last day of the year} in Michigan with a lively group, and feasted as the Italians do.  Lasagna, meatballs and all the trimmings.  We skipped the traditional fireballs they set alight in Edinburgh, and settled for some roaring logs in the fireplace instead.

A quiet day of "recovery" followed.  The good old puzzles came out, a few board games and several rounds of cards...We took the dogs for a long country walk and popped over to Mr. and Mrs. V's to watch the Rose Bowl.  (They are most excellent hosts, as they never run out of limes for the vodka, nor vodka for the limes.)  The question of New Year's resolutions came up, and mine is: out with the old, in with the new.  That's what's fun and fresh about a new year.  Time to mix things up a bit...

To that end, let me give you a bit of advance notice that the Clever Girl Winter sale begins this Tuesday, January 10th.  Enjoy savings of 25%-75% off selected clothing, accessories, and home goods.  (And hooray, no huge snowstorms to keep you trapped at home; you've no excuse not to make it in...)

New Year Wishes

To all of our wonderful, loyal, and clever customers, we send you best wishes

for a very Happy New Year in 2012.  

We thank you for making this a fantastic year at the store, and have a whole slate of clever, new, discoveries ready to share with you.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

PS: Watch the web site, shopclevergirl.com for details on our upcoming February trunk show of Eyebobs.

Holiday Sale

Post-Holiday Greetings to you all...Just a quick reminder that it's time for our 1/2 off the Holidays Sale.
All Christmas items are now 50%-75% off.  Tuck a few ornaments away for next year, or get a jump on things with some cards and stationary....Only while supplies last, so don't delay!

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.