There's no better time than right now to teach your kids the value of saving their pennies for a rainy day. Saving up for something -- a toy, a trip or a donation to a charitable cause -- and then ceremoniously "breaking the bank" to access the money is one of the best lessons we can teach our budding capitalists. Here are a few of our favorite piggy banks, available locally.
By Alison Brownrigg | November 26, 2008
With much of the country and our community in distress over the sinking economy and local job cuts, holiday gift giving takes on a new dimension for many of us this year. How do we show gratitude for our loved ones, and express the joy of the season without putting our household budgets at risk?
By Alison Brownrigg | November 26, 2008
This year, consider giving an experience rather than a product to the people on your list. Experiences require no wrapping paper, don't come shrink-wrapped and are the perfect choice for the person who has everything. With the Waste Free Holidays promotion, now in its 13th year, Solid Waste and Seattle Public Utilities make it easier for local residents to reduce their contribution to our growing landfills by sponsoring great deals on experiences such as theater and dining.
By Alison Brownrigg | December 4, 2008
With the right combination of venue, vendors, vino and vittles, a shopping event can turn into a social hour and holiday party, bringing good cheer to all who attend -- especially if there's a great deal to be found. Amanda Rosenthal, owner of online boutique La Rousse, has hit the nail on the head with the La Rousse Holiday Bazaar, an event that fulfills all the criteria: cool location, interesting vendors, delicious food and drink, and a focus on gift ideas under $100.
By Alison Brownrigg | December 3, 2008
Seattle has many unique museums with interesting exhibits, so it's not surprising that their stores have unique and interesting gift items. This holiday season, combine a shopping trip with a visit to one of the city's educational attractions to find a meaningful, local gift.
By Alison Brownrigg | December 12, 2008
A good robe can transport you. A fluffy one whisks you to a luxury spa, a short silky number takes you to a posh hotel and a cozy one can lower you into a comfy chair in front of the fireplace. They also make great gifts, so I've rounded up a few great robes from shops around town.
By Alison Brownrigg | December 16, 2008
No doubt you've seen displays of imported Panettone pop up
in stores during the holiday season. Panettone is sweet bread studded with
raisins and candied citrus peel enjoyed throughout Italy during Christmastime.
By Alison Brownrigg | December 18, 2008
The "Proust Questionnaire" is a beautifully bound book containing two questionnaires answered by Marcel Proust in 1886 when he was 15 and again in 1892 at age 20. The questions he answered have become a valuable tool for interviewers, made famous by Vanity Fair and James Lipton of "Inside the Actors Studio." In addition to Proust's answers, the book contains questionnaires filled out by actors and artists, as well as empty pages for friends and family to fill in.
By Alison Brownrigg | December 23, 2008
If there's a foodie in your life, no doubt they get really
excited about condiments like salt and pickles. What might seem like mundane
kitchen staples to you sparks a flicker of anticipatory deliciousness in their
eyes. Here's a roundup of affordable condiments created by local chefs, perfect
last-minute holiday gifts for the epicureans among us.
By Alison Brownrigg | December 24, 2008
While it's traditional for stores to have big post-holiday inventory-reduction sales, this year even sweeter deals abound to make up for those slow, snowy December days.
By Alison Brownrigg | December 24, 2008
