Clever Girl Chronicle

On the Hunt

2012-01-31T09:34:00.000-06:00

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

2011-12-31T08:50:00.001-06:00

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

2011-12-30T01:00:00.000-06:00

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

2011-12-27T08:14:00.000-06:00

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...

2011-12-21T12:25:00.000-06:00

'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

2011-12-19T20:48:00.000-06:00

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...

2011-11-16T15:21:00.001-06:00

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...

2011-11-05T16:00:00.000-05:00

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)

2011-10-21T09:14:00.002-05:00

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

2011-10-10T01:30:00.000-05:00

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

2011-10-05T10:24:00.000-05:00

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

2011-09-28T17:35:00.000-05:00

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

2011-09-12T17:26:00.002-05:00

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!

Summer Scrapbook...

2011-08-31T15:52:00.001-05:00

Well, I'm happy to report that all has returned to normal up here in Maine. Hurricane Irene was nice enough to drop by--she didn't do too much damage, and declined to stay for cocktails. The power is on, and the skys are back to being that yummy, late summer blue again. I'm heading home very soon to get us all ready for fall at the store; Labor Day signals the end of summer, and am ready for some cooler days and cozy nights. People always ask me what we do out here, so here's a little taste of Maine...

We made several stops at the farm stand for fresh corn, delicious tomatoes and fresh herbs. The pumpkins are getting ready to be harvested, and the garlic drying house was filled! Everything here is beautifully displayed and and they have heirloom vegetable varieties that I've never seen anywhere else.

The big Union Antiques show was filled with great antique finds. Some for Clever Girl, several that will stay with me...Plus, a few Christmas gifts were found (how's that for early?) I fell in love with several dozen vintage buttons in great colors at this wonderful booth. Such an array of styles and different shades to choose from...

Took in a film at the historic Lincoln Theater, formerly known as "Odd Fellows Hall"... (Midnight in Paris. Quite good, do go and see it.)

Soaked up a little of Maine's abundant history at Fort William Henry, which is just down the road. Originally built in 1692. Now that's old!

Took the Happy Hound on long walks...

And enjoyed all of the lovely views that Maine has to offer. Sad to leave, but very much looking forward to a fabulous fall back home...

It's trunk show time...

2011-08-19T07:09:00.001-05:00

Who says boys don't make passes at girls that wear glasses???

Please join us, Thursday,

September 15th, 2011*

for a special trunk show featuring

the new fall eye bobs collection!

Every 8 seconds, someone turns 40. Eyes over the age of 40 begin to lose their flexibility which makes focusing at close range more difficult. No, you don’t need longer arms, more light or a menu written in larger type. Neither diet nor exercise will stave off this condition. We hate to break it to you; but reading glasses are inevitable. Now the good news! You are not doomed to wander the racks of drugstore readers in search of the least ugly pair of cheaters. It's eyebobs to the rescue...

Consider this: reading glasses are an opportunity to express yourself! You’re stylish, smart and a little bit sarcastic – your eyewear should be too. We’ve got styles and colors to suit every mood, from dignified classics to big, bold and bright. We’ve got sunglass readers to keep you looking stylish while reading outdoors. Prescription glasses? Convert your eyebobs into prescription eyewear. Be the envy of younger eyes everywhere with your funky glasses!

* Get out your glasses, here's the "fine print"...
Trunk show is Thursday, September 15th from 9:30 am-1:00pm. Representives from eyebobs will be on hand to show you the latest and greatest frames. Enjoy refreshments while you browse. Be sure and enter our drawing for a free pair of glasses too!

Summer Yum

2011-08-08T20:54:00.003-05:00

If you're anything like me, you have a kitchen drawer (or two) filled with seldom used gadgets and gizmos that you thought you really needed, but didn't. They kind of mock you from a twisted jumble of spoons, tongs and zesters that are ~~rarely~~ never used. These, however, are different. This is a gadget that's actually going to become an indispensable friend. Girls, meet the new magic kitchen scissors....

As many of you are aware, several of the Clever Girls around here are absolutely no slouch when it comes to the cooking department: If they say it's good, it is. These herb scissors have the "CG" stamp of approval all over them. The multi-blades make quick, neat work of even the most tender herbs; and this is the perfect tool to assist you in putting the summer's delicious and bountiful yield to good use. Snip the herbs you need neatly, quickly and right where you want them with this great gadget. Basil, scallions, parsley, mint and dill are our summer favorites; but these babies work on just about anything.
To get you started, two of our top clever, culinary girls offer you some recipes to get cookin' with.

WATERMELON SALAD with MINT LEAVES

Ingredients
1 (5-pound) watermelon
1 Vidalia or other sweet onion (I use red, and a bit less than this calls for)
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (use the scissors!)
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
6 whole mint sprigs
Directions
Remove the melon from the rind. Discard rind. Remove seeds from melon and cut into bite size pieces.
Peel and slice the onion into paperthin rings or finely chop.
In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, salt and pepper and whisk until salt is dissolved. Slowly whisk in olive oil, a few drops at a time. Add in the chopped mint, and adjust seasonings.
In a large bowl combine the melon, onion and feta. Pour the dressing over the melon mixture and gently toss until coated. Garnish with mint springs.
*Note, this does not keep well. I'd recommend making only the amount you will be enjoying at the time. Also, I cut back on the oil just a little.Perfect during this upcoming hot August!
~Lynn D.
************************************
Michelle offers this scrumptious, herb infused dish (use your new scissors!) and it is a perfect way to serve up some of the seasons delicious, sun-ripened tomatoes ...
SLICED TOMATOES with FRESH HERB DRESSING

Ingredients

4 large, ripe tomatoes, sliced
1/4c. good quality olive oil
1 1/2 T. good quality red wine vinegar (St. Julian)
2 T. chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 T. chopped fresh oregano leaves
2 T. chopped fresh parsley
2 T. chopped fresh chives
2 T. minced garlic
1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Directions
Arrange the tomato slices in a shallow casserole dish. Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, thyme, oregano, parsley, chives and garlic in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour herb mixture over the tomatoes, covering evenly. Top with Parmesan cheese.
*This recipe improves by letting the flavors meld together. Be sure you have some great, crusty bread to dip into the dressing. Enjoy! ~Michelle M.

One last tip from Michelle: Don't be intimidated by using fresh herbs in place of dried. Here's her secret: Substitutions can be made in many recipes using a simple 1:3 ratio of dried to fresh herbs. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of dried thyme, use 3 tablespoons of fresh.

Clever, right? Happy cooking!

Exclusive: For Subscribers Only!

2011-07-22T02:35:00.009-05:00

Pre-Sale starts today,
Friday, July 22, 2011

Blog subscribers (that's clever girls, like you) are receiving advanced notice of our Summer Sale. We won't let the cat out of the bag to everybody else until Tuesday... Shop early for the best selection of sizes and colors.

There's still A LOT of time to wear our cute summer clothing...

Bonne Fete de la Bastille!

2011-07-14T00:20:00.002-05:00

Happy Bastille Day! To celebrate the revolution, today we become Clever French Girls for 24 hours. Live as the French do....... So what, exactly, should one do, you ask? Suggestions follow...

Start the day leisurely; there's no need to rush. Have good strong coffee along with a flaky croissant, or perhaps some crepes, non? Read the papers. Take your dog with you everywhere--even into restaurants. Wear something impossibly chic and black.

Drive le Automobile as if you are insane. Rev your engine, ignore road signs, speed limits and pedestrians. Employ the horn frequently. Work up a few hand gestures to have at the ready. Remember, today you are French! You own the road.

Aah, and then there is la vin. Wine with lunch? Oui! More wine during the afternoon? Oui, oui, s'il vous plait. Let's add a baguette and some great fromage into the mix as well--quite French to do so.......

If you should feel the sudden urge for a cigarette: indulge. Do some shopping in a boutique...Perhaps aquire a new hat....Catch a French Foreign film (Although, if you're French, it isn't foreign, now is it? Well...so just go see a movie, but make it a drama; no action films.)

Purchase armloads of fresh flowers. Listen to some jazz...Head out to dinner around 9:30 at the absolute earliest with only your most interesting and clever friends. Enjoy steak au poivre, and those cute little pommes frites, tres delicieux!

Savor a wee bit more le vin, and call it a perfect French day. Au revoir......Viva La Bastille!

Pick a color...

2011-07-07T16:38:00.001-05:00

_____________________________________

COLORFUL (adj.): Vibrant, eye-catching, dynamic, unique and vivid.

Are you a COLORFUL Clever Girl? (Note: The opposite of colorful is colorless, defined as: dull, lacking in variety and interest, and we know that's not you!) So, for summer, a bit of spontaneous color awaits your wrist. Our silicone watches are the most popular item in the store right now; and we just got in a fresh batch. These are a perfect mid-summer treat at only $24.oo. Really, the only problem is choosing which of the 15 colors is best for you...and we can help with that too; read on....

If you want to do a wee bit of leg work ahead of time, take this color quiz, to see what your best color is. The match is based on how you think (hue), how much you do about it (saturation) and the effect you think it has (lightness). Give it a try... {click here} to take the quiz, and see if you agree with the results. If you want a peak at the full color chart, {click here} Whatever the result, scoot on in and pick out your watch!

Happy Birthday, America!

2011-06-30T17:25:00.002-05:00

Have a Wonderful Weekend!

Wishing everyone a very happy 4th of July as we kick off our country's 235th Birthday. Land of the free, and home of the brave...

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Make mine unsalted, please...

2011-06-23T19:52:00.000-05:00

As we celebrate the first days of summer, it seems only appropriate to show you the newest Clever Girl find: Lake Michigan Unsalted tees and sweatshirts! These are super soft and comfy--perfect for breezy summer days... How about a few fun facts about Lake Michigan:

Lake Michigan is the third largest Great Lake by surface area, and the sixth largest freshwater lake in the world!
Of the five Great Lakes, it is the only one lying wholly withing the United States
The Great Lakes are the largest freshwater system on Earth.
The Great Lakes contain an estimated 5,500 cubic miles (22,700 cubic kilometers)of water—a fifth of all the liquid surface fresh water on Earth. And, it's enough to submerge the continental United States in nearly 10 feet of water.
The United States draws more than 40 billion gallons (151 million liters) of water from the Great Lakes every day—half of which is used for electrical power production.

Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and Illinois all share a part of this great lake, so these make quite a clever hostess gift when visiting a lake house for the weekend. So remember this-- Margarita? With salt. Lake Michigan? Unsalted, please...

Weekend Treat

2011-06-16T19:00:00.000-05:00

Here is a delicious recipe for Blueberry Lime Curd Cake. Now don't faint when you read this--it's really quite easy, and you can make it in stages and then assemble it. Trust me; it's worth it. The sharp lime flavor contrasts perfectly with the creamy frosting for a surprisingly light and refreshing dessert. Perhaps a good Father's Day treat? Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Cake:

2 Cups sifted cake flour

1 1/4 Cups sugar, divided

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

7 Tablespoons canola or light olive oil

1/3 Cup fresh lime juice (about 3)

3 Tablespoons water finely grated rind of 2 limes

3 egg yolks

8 egg whites

1 teaspoon cream of tartar

Lime Curd:

8 large egg yolks

1/4 Cup freshly squeezed lime juice (3-4 limes)

1/4 Cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 -2 lemons)

1 Cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 stick (113 g) unsalted butter, cold, cut into pieces

Frosting:

2 Cups heavy cream

2 Tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons gelatin

1/4 Cup water

2 pints blueberries for garnish

To prepare cake, line bottoms of the 3 (8-inch) cake pans with parchment paper, coat with cooking spray.

Combine 2 cups cake flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk, until well combined. Combine oil, 1/3 cup juice, 3 Tablespoons water, rind and egg yolks in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add oil mixture to flour mixture, beat with a mixer at medium speed just until smooth.

Place egg whites in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar, beat until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Gently stir one-fourth of egg mixture into flour mixture, gently fold in remaining egg white mixture.
Divide cake batter equally among prepared pans. Bake at 325F for 20 minutes. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, remove from pans. Remove wax paper from cake layers. Cool completely on wire rack.

Lime curd:
Beat egg yolks and sugar until light in color and sugar almost dissolves. Add lime juice and lemon juice, half of the zest, and salt to the egg yolk mixture. Cook in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon (be sure to scrape the sides of the pan) until mixture is thick enough to coat back of the spoon 8-10 minutes. Remove saucepan from the heat. Add butter, stirring until smooth and the remaining zest. Refrigerate until chilled and set, at least 1 hour.

For stabilized whipped cream, combine gelatin and water, allow to soften for 5 minutes, then dissolve gelatin over low heat. Gelatin must be liquid, but not warm.

In the chilled bowl beat the cream and sugar just until traces of beater marks begin to show distinctly. Add the gelatin mixture in a steady stream, beating constantly and beat just until stiff peaks form when beater is raised.

To assemble cake, place 1 cake layer on a plate, spread 1/3 of lime curd over cake layer, scatter blueberries. Top with second layer, 1/3 of lime curd, and blueberries and third layer. Combine the remaining lime curd with whipped cream and spread frosting over top and sides of cake.

Garnish with blueberries.

You're going to love this, promise!

Graduation Celebration

2011-06-14T17:05:00.000-05:00

School is out for summer, and it's time for graduation celebrations and parties. Need a "nifty gifty" for a recent Graduate? Look no further. The Sprout Zipper pouch in bright chartreuse makes the perfect gift. The iconic leaf pattern is fresh and modern (designed by one of our favorites, Orla Kiely) and it's the perfect size to keep all of life's little necessities close at hand. There are three darling Orla Kiely pencils tucked inside, and plenty of room if you want to add a little bit of graduation money too. Pouch comes boxed with Orla's signature label and is, quite simply, the perfect graduation gift. Congratulations to the clever Class of 2011!

Etc. Etc.

2011-06-10T16:40:00.001-05:00

Well, here I am, home from Maine, bags unpacked; and I'm happy to report that I found many vintage treasures for Clever Girl. Some I'm having shipped in; and others I'll drive home in the fall. Needless to say, Maine never disappoints. The only thing I didn't find was a moose. Evey year, for decades now, I have tried to spot one, but to no avail. They are everywhere out there, but my timing is always a wee bit off. I pull into the hardware store and they say, "Did 'ya see him? Big fella, was just in the parking lot." We went out to the Seagull Spot for brunch, and guess what had just been there? Momma Moose with her twins. The Maine Moose eludes me, but I'm going to keep looking.

Meanwhile, back at the store...we've just gotten in the cutest sweaters ever! The strawberry red is fresh and crisp, and the buttercup yellow and cool turquoise are pretty nifty too. Lightweight and easy, they all look terrific paired with white pants...

A fresh batch of hats has just come in, and we're expecting more of everyones favorite Magdalana tops this coming week. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Greetings from...

2011-05-22T13:08:00.001-05:00

Greeting from Maine! Please let me tell you that if it feels like spring is still missing for us in Chicago, it's positively AWOL up here in Maine. The trees are bare, and the daffodils are just now beginning to bloom. Happily, there are plenty of diversions that can be done indoors.
One of the consistent joys of coming to Maine is stopping at the Skidompha Second Hand book shop in Damariscotta; housed in a 19th century carriage house, the bookstore is a cluttered maze of mysteries, cookbooks, novels and oddities all donated to support the local library. It has that great bookstore smell, jazz music playing from an old radio that sits on the counter and big wing chairs to plop into as you peruse the stacks. A pleasant hour or two of browsing yielded the following:

Six Men, by Alistar Cooke, A Time to Dance, No Time to Weep, by Rumer Godden, a great copy of Auntie Mame, (an all time favorite especially the chapter where she opens her own store--hilarious) The I Hate to Cook Book, a funny little paperback that was always on my mother's kitchen shelf, and One Pair of Hands, by Monica Dickens, the great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens, that looks most promising...

Tuesday I'm tossing the dogs and my new GPS in the car and heading off in search of vintage treasures for Clever Girl...will update you very soon. For now must go turn up the heat and start reading...