Around the Corner...A Little Sweetness from The Sugar Shack!

I vaguely remember when I was a little girl, going into my Grandaddy's old store, and being able to pick out candy for just a few cents.  It didn't happen a lot, but when it did, it was something special.

Today, I happened to pop into a (fairly) new shop in town.  The Sugar Shack has been opened for just about a year now, and is the cutest little candy store around.

Of course, the first thing that caught my eye was the old-timey cash register (that still works!) That definitely took me back to watching Willy Wonka!  But, as you look around, that feeling of being a kid rushes back as you see all the endless jars of candy.

They have a whole wall dedicated to multiple Jelly Belly jellybeans, any flavor you so desire, and chocolate gems in any color you want. Plus, an entire collection of organic candy!

There is table after table of tried and true favorites as well as hard to find specialty selections.  And, everything is $8.99 per pound, so you don't have to wonder how everything is priced.  

However, the sweetest part of this little shop was how it felt to be there.  The happy colors of candy and friendly staff was eager to have a visitor.  And, don't you dare tell my kids that I went without them, because there was even a cute little kids table for children to be able to sit and color.  (not to mention the mouthwatering snack selection.)

This Saturday is the Sugar Shack's first anniversary...or as I would say 1st Birthday!  They're putting on a fun party with pretty hefty swag bags for the first 30 people. Balloon Artist, Magic Christopher will be there from 12-2, and face painting from 3-5 done by Allison Wood. But, no matter when you get there, you're sure in for a treat!

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I've decided Thursdays are going to be my "around the corner" posts.  I'll be highlighting a local business or event that you don't want to miss.  Make sure you check back on Thursdays for an upcoming local outing that's sure to please! And, if you are interested in being our spotlighted business, feel free to email me with information.

Saturday Shopping...

Well, I think it's fair to say that I have some of the coolest friends in the world. Not only are they incredibly kind and compassionate, but several have hidden talent and creativity that seems to be bursting to life. Not to mention, they have great prices!

For your Saturday viewing pleasure, I thought I would show off a few of them to you. These beautiful women work from home, and do simple marketing with tools like Etsy and Facebook, and have each begun home businesses designing what they love to make.

saucy mama

First of all, my dear friend Stephanie, has beautiful jewelry. Her business is called Saucy Mama, and she designs awesome handcrafted earrings, necklaces, charms, and more! Right now, she even has a 25% off sale on these adorable birds nest pendants. I have one that I wear almost every day. She'll even customize the color or number of the eggs for you!

lucke penny

I have a fun new friend who just recently moved here from Texas. She is newly married and has begun the cutest Etsy shop called Lucke Penny. Adorable, right?

She has the cutest bow ties for only $10...perfect for Easter!

I already snatched up a couple, but no worries, she can make plenty more!

And, she makes awesome burpies and bibs...

(spoiler alert - you might see these again if you're pregnant and my friend.)

And, my favorite (of course) are the flag garlands. I'm such a sucker for something that helps you celebrate. Look how cute!?!

sweet beet designs

And, then, if you're really going for a make over in your home...check out Sweet Beet Designs. She finds old stuff and makes it hip and new and awesome. Check out this before and after.

I'm totally spoiled because all of these creative women live within minutes from me. However, even if you're not local, they can find a way to ship and get stuff straight to you.

Go have fun shopping!

Ooh, La, La...Chartreuse!

Thursday, I treated myself and went to my favorite shop in town. Even though I was only there for 20 minutes, I felt completely renewed and inspired when I left.

Chartreuse is a fabulous mix between a flea market,

an antique store and an art gallery.

They have amazing furniture finds that are 100% repurposed...

and the great part is that they're listed at consignment prices.

The other day my daughter asked me why I liked old things so much.

I laughed and thought about it for a minute.

Then, I said, "Because they tell a story."

I really like things that have been somewhere, and have a story to tell.

Or things that could have been thrown out, but have been given a new life.

If you were a piece of furniture, what would you be? Would you be rustic and restored, or would you be bright shiny and new? What's your story?

Back to School Sale and Giveaway!

I know people who get really excited about back to school shopping...so excited that they can't wait to get their new supplies even in the mid of summer. But then, I've got other friends who start breaking out in cold sweats just hearing the phrase "back to school". Well, either way, I've got something fun for you both.

We have a small retail line of gifts, bags, and jewelry that you can personalize. And right now, we have a great back to school sale going on. These bags are so great, and so durable. My kids have them, and we absolutely love them!

Now if you're the "freaked-out-even-by-thinking-the-phrase-back-to-school-person" this is good news for you. You can shop online, decide on a bag, luncbox, or what have you, and have it shipped right to your door, without any worries of going into a store that is overwhelming with options and prices and sizes. The stress is taken out of the equation, and all you have to do is unwrap your package and surprise your kid with fun a fun new school bag.

And if you're the "i-love-school-supplies-so much-i-get-the-can't-help-its-in-july" person I've got great news for you. Super fun choices, with cute monograms, different from all the ones at the same old stores where everyone else shops, and perfect for a back to school present for your favorite guys and gals. Not to mention, you luck out with getting your very own present of school supplies on your doorstep. So exciting!

Sale Prices:

Backpacks $14.95 (reg. $18.95)

Lunch Boxes $9.95 (reg. $12.95)

Carry All Totes $10.95 (reg. $14.95)

Tall Tote Bags $10.95 (reg. $14.95)

(monogramming not included in prices shown)

Check out the shop here!

If you haven't ever shopped with us before, you can browse as a guest. When you want to start shopping, click here to open a no obligation account, enter ML5 under the "registration code" and you'll be on your way to getting lots of cute stuff!

Because we haven't done a give away in a long time, I thought it would be fun to celebrate our Back to School sale with a giveaway. To enter:

1. Check out the fun sale, and then leave a

comment saying what new back to school item you liked.

2. Get another entry if you follow this blog.

3. Get an additional entry if you facebook about the giveaway.

4. Get even ANOTHER entry if you tweet or post on your blog about it.

Now that all those chances are in for you, you should have a pretty good shot at winning! The prize, you're asking?

Multidot Carry All Case!

This is one of my favorite bags because, well...you can carry anything in it! It can be a supply case, or an art case, or a dance bag, or whatever you want it to be. It's the perfect size and not too clunky to take with you wherever. So, come on and join us!

The Greatest Gifts

Finding the perfect gift can be difficult. Finding the time to find the perfect gift, is even more difficult. That's why I decided I would give you the gift of time, and tell you my favorite places to shop for the greatest gifts and deals.

You can shop online at all of these places, and each has price points that range from just a few dollars to lots of dollars. Sometimes, I just need to know that someone else has LOVED whatever the place is, so that I feel confident in making a decision to shop there. Well, let me just say that all of these people and places, are fabulous, and I know you will feel the same after ordering from them. But, I'll warn you, you might also want to do some Christmas shopping for you!

Adorned by Lonnie - An online jewelry boutique representing more than 60 artisians globally. Each piece is selected for its unique qualities and for how it will compliment and reflect your beauty and style. All of it is exquisite, and she has free shipping now through dec. 31st!

All Wrapped Up - Lea will customize and wrap up any gift for any person you know. All you do is tell her a little bit about the person, and she works wonders!

Arbonne - All natural skincare and make up - these are the only skin products that have ever worked on my skin. They have reduced my little crows feet and wrinkles, and have given my skin more clarity! Their tagline is " Pure. Safe. Beneficial." And let me tell you... they are!

Etsy - because everything is better handmade.

Events by Design's Online Boutique - Fun bags and gifts that can be personalized for anyone! Of course I had to throw in a shameless plug for my own shop.

IJM - Ever think about the price of freedom? Ever want to give it as a gift? You literally can. International Justice Mission goes all over the world, freeing victims of slave labor, sex trafficking, and other forms of slavery. It really happens, and we really can do something about it. It's an absolutely amazing ministry.

Loco for Coco - amazing handmade truffles that will be gone before you know it!

World Vision - When you realize that people here have so much, and people throughout the world, do not, you want to do something about it. Giving gifts like these is one way you can.

So, if you're on my shopping list, don't be surprised if you get a gift from me from one of these places. They truly are the best of the best!

StC: A Sale I Have To Tell You About...

Ok, I'm really trying to not break my rule of waiting to celebrate Christmas stuff. But I had to tell you about this...because the sale ends this Sunday!!! I have several things that are 30% off right now at our online boutique. Go shop and let me know what you need! And, personally, gifts truly do make my home more cheerful, so technically, it's still "something to celebrate". (i know, it's a stretch. lol)

Here's a sneak peek of what's under $15 with this sale...

mini market tote

long hammered necklace set & earrings

faux pearl bracelet

camo carry all

black & white dot carry all

And, let me just say, that everything you see is even cuter in person! If you haven't registered under my sign in code, make sure you do that first! Then, proceed to shop...even in your pjs and slippers! I love online shopping.