Zoe's Kitchen is introducing new recipes! And you're invited for a sneak peek!

Don't forget to visit their Mountain Brook location in Crestline Village behind the Piggly Wiggly!

Indie Candy celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting by Mayor (pic)

Specializing in allergen-free candy, much of it made on-site, Indie Candy just opened in Crestline.  Visit their website by clicking HERE

MUST READ for merchants regarding luring customers via social media

Here's just a small sampling below:

While some companies may still be simply arranging their goods on virtual shelves and hoping customers will show up, that concept is beginning to go the way of the old general store.
Instead, it’s as if the general store has come to us. Just like the old days, you can stand around chatting about what you’re looking to buy, listen to friends and neighbours talk about their recommendations, and maybe the store owner has saved a new scarf that just came in because he knows it’s your favourite colour.
“One of the things that is changing or has started to change is something that didn’t exist 10 years ago,” said David Alston, vice-president marketing and community of Radian6, a Vancouver social media company. “It’s the concept of companies lining up for customers, as opposed to customers lining up for companies, the idea of customers now being able to go out and express their needs, and companies listening and reaching out to see how they can help them.”
Social networks are making that possible, and corporations are turning to the networks with various degrees of dexterity, much like they reacted to the arrival of e-mail.

Click HERE to read the entire article from:

"How social media have globalized the shopping experience~The social Web changes the way we shop, as companies start to line up for customers"

By Gillian Shaw, Vancouver Sun December 13, 2009

True Confessions - Lessons of a cell phone purchase!

I have a confession to make...'Tho I'm the queen of shop local, I purchased a Verizon Droid phone for a holiday gift online - Ouch - instead of at our local friendly Verizon store in Mountain Brook Plaza.  I've purchased all our previous phones there, but because it's the holiday season, I justified my online purchase because I thought:

1.  It appeared to be cheaper - wrong!
2.  I thought it would save me time - wrong!
3.  I thought I was tech savvy enough to program it myself - wrong!
4.  I wanted to avoid the crowds in the very popular store  - wrong!
5.  I thought just this once, an online purchase might be justified - wrong!

The phone did initially appear to be cheaper because rather than mailing in for the rebate, the rebate was deducted from the price.  Add to that the shipping, and the amount that I had to pay for programming and transferring data (that would have been free if I had purchased it at the store) and the phone purchased online was ultimately more expensive.

Although I carefully followed the enclosed instructions to program the phone, turns out the mail rep inadvertently included on the documentation the wrong calling plan which was incompatible with the new phone (something I never would have known) so it could not access the internet.  My very patient local rep spent nearly a half an hour on the phone working this out for me - something he would have caught, had I purchased the phone in our local store.  I watched as other reps listened to their customers and provided several phone options and price ranges for them based on their cellular requirements, and was reminded that this kind of personal service is worth a lot!  I also saw a few neighbors I hadn't seen in a while, so the time passed quickly...

The phone I purchased was supposed to arrive internet-ready out-of-the box once activated, but with this phone, it took several phone calls, the removal of the battery, and reactivation by my local Verizon store rep.  This is something they routinely do for their customers to make sure everything is working properly before completing the purchase.

So please, do as I say, and not as I did - Ouch - buy local this holiday season!  Learn from my mistakes...The service, the time saved, the tax dollars you will provide your community, and the relationships that you will establish with your local vendors are well worth it!  Happy Holidays!

More Holiday window displays at NIGHT in Mountain Brook Village!

Browse some of the beautiful windows at night at the stores on Montevallo Road in Mountain Brook Village from Village Sportswear, Etc., marella, Christine's Suite Dreams, Mountain Brook Flowers, the Vanity, The Lingerie Shop, Rex Harris Fine Jewelry, Harrison Limited (men's clothing), and across the street, Table Matters

Holiday window shopping AT NIGHT in beautiful Mountain Brook Village!

Beautiful Holiday window displays light up the night from Village Sportswear, to Etc. Jewelry, Marella, Christine's, Suite Dreams, Mountain Brook Flower Shop, The Vanity, The Lingerie Shop, Rex Harris Fine Jewelry, and Harrison Limited

The Briarcliff Shop in English Village open this Sunday 1-5

Lots of unusual Christmas decorations, ornaments, lamps, and accessories at The Briarcliff Shop in English Village open this Sunday from 1-5 PM.  Deck the halls with items from The Briarcliff Shop!

Table Matters: Good Earth Pottery Signing - This Saturday 11AM-5PM

Beautiful Pottery at Table Matters in Mountain Brook Village!  Signing event on Saturday, December 12th, 11AM to 5PM.  Make a gift truly unique with a custom signature by the artist!  Or visit their website HERE!

GRAND OPENING - INDIE Candy in Crestline Village - Friday 2:30-5:30 - FREE SAMPLES!

Robes and gowns on sale at The Lingerie Shoppe in Mtn Brook Village

HOT items for the HOLIDAYS at The Lingerie Shoppe in Mountain Brook Village!  And please visit their newly launched website by clicking HERE!

20% off gowns on Saturday, December 12th
20% off robes on Saturday, December 19th

Huge selection of rubberband bracelets at MAE in Crestline

Mary Charles' Doll House in Mtn Brook Village appraises $35,000 antique doll!

An interview with Mary Charles Robbins, the owner of Mary Charles' Doll House on Petticoat Lane in Mountain Brook who began her doll shop in 1989.

Support your Community by supporting MAIN STREET! (video)

Please also visit the National Trust website for a "Main Street for the Holidays Media Kit" by clicking HERE!

Pet Pictures with Santa Claus (Santa Paws pictures!) Dec 12th and 19th

Support the tax deductible charity, TEARS, the Emergency Animal Rescue Service, by having pictures taken with your pets at Pet Supplies Plus on Green Spring Highway from 11AM to 4PM.  Cost is just $10 for two 5 x 7 prints! (Click on poster for details)

If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.
–St. Francis of Assisi

 

Stuff a stocking with Spartan Spirit from Mountain Brook Sporting Goods!

Lots of items to stuff the stocking of a Mountain Brook athlete, student, fan, alumnus, parent, relative, or cheerleader!  Show your support for your team and your community by doing some holiday shopping at Mountain Brook Sporting Goods in Crestline Village.

Alabama Symphony Orchestra's "The Snowman" at the Alabama Theater tomorrow at 2:30PM

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra continues its family holiday offerings with "The Snowman" featuring an animated film with a live musical score. They are encouraging children to wear pajamas and bring their stuffed animals and snuggle into the majestic warmth of the Alabama Theater.  The presentation will include Christmas carols and include performers from the Birmingham Boys Choir, the Birmingham Children's Choir, and the Magic City Children's Choir.

The activities start on Sunday, December 6 at 2:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $7 to $20.

 

Are your kids being naughty instead of nice? Get some help from "Elf on a Shelf"!

This is magic that REALLY works!  Read the story, and then hide the "Elf on a Shelf" and start your own family tradition.  It's lots of fun, but it also reminds your kids to be on their BEST behavior!  You'll just be sorry you don't have the elf on a shelf year-round!  (And like me, you'll be sorry YOU didn't think of this!)  Now available at Learning Express in Cahaba Heights and Please Reply in Crestline!

Get your SEC Tshirt just in time for the big game! (see pic!)

Get your SEC tshirt just in time for the big championship game between the Florida Gators (starring Tim Tebow!) and the Alabama Crimson Tide tomorrow at Mountain Brook Sporting Goods in Crestline!   Enjoy the snow, buy a tshirt, build a fire, and settle in to show your support for a great game on Saturday beginning at 3PM on CBS!

Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Rick Bragg, speaking Dec 15 in Homewood

Pre-register to hear Alabama native and Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Rick Bragg, speak at Rosewood Hall in SoHo Square on Tuesday, December 15th.  The luncheon, catered by Kathy G, is sponsored by The Birmingham News, and was organized by the Homewood Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Mr. Bragg's good friend, Jake Reiss, owner of Alabama Booksmith.

Pre-payment is required at $20/person or $150/table.  Call 871-5631 by Wednesday, December 9th or email Tricia Ford, director@homewoodchamber.org to make arrangements.

Rick Bragg has won the Pulitzer Prize, The Clarence Cason Award presented to the top non-fiction writer in Alabama, the Harper Lee Lifetime Literary Award for his body of work, and 50 other writing awards. The first book in his family trilogy, All Over but the Shoutin' was named Memoir of the Year by ABC Television, and the other two works, Ava's Man and Prince of Frogtown were each named Book of the Year respectfully,  by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance.

His newest release, and many critics say his best, The Most They Ever Had, is a harsh look at life as a mill worker. Many in Bragg's family, including his brother, labored in Alabama's cotton mills.

After completing a distinguished journalism career, including several years at The New York Times, Professor Bragg accepted a position on faculty at The University of Alabama, teaching the craft of writing.  While he still regularly goes home to Calhoun County, he lives in Tuscaloosa with his wife, Dianne and son, Jake. That is, when he is able to take time from his constant public appearance engagements around the country. Rick Bragg is one of America's most sought-after speakers, and certainly one of this state's biggest attractions.

The Homewood Chamber of Commerce is proud to have the honor of presenting the one and only Rick Bragg as our speaker for our annual luncheon on Tuesday, December 15. A very special thanks to Jake Reiss of the Alabama BookSmith,  www.alabamabooksmith.com, for arranging the invitation to Mr. Bragg.

A very large crowd is anticipated, so please make your reservations early. Copies of Rick Bragg's new book, The Most They Ever Had, as well as the banded set, The Rick Bragg Family Trilogy will be available for sale and Mr. Bragg has agreed to sign.    

Town & Country clothing in Crestline offering deep discounts!

Fall & Winter clothing at Town & Country now 30% off, beginning December 15th 40% off, and beginning December 28th 50% off!  Don't miss this end of year sale on clothing you can wear NOW!

Town & Country will also be OPEN and offering hot chocolate and hot toddies during the Parade on Sunday December 6th from 2 to 5 PM.  Drop by before or after the parade and see some great deals!

Holiday Parade featured this morning on CBS42

Parade Chairman Paul Allen gives details on parade route, prizes for floats, performers and MORE!
Watch the video on CBS42 website by clicking here and selecting from Wake up Alabama tab!
Or view it below:

Why Shop and Why Shop Local this Holiday Season? To preserve our shrinking main streets....

Great Article from Philadelphia's online paper:  Read complete article at source by clicking on header below...

 

Eliminate Re-Gifting Holiday Party at SWANK December 15th 6-8PM

Swank Don't Miss our "ELIMINATE RE-GIFTING" Holiday party, December 15th from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Our Holiday Party is a HIT every year... so don't miss it! There is always a HUGE DISCOUNT offered that night only, along with cocktails and the most stylish, beautiful people in BIRMINGHAM!

SURPRISE APPEARANCE! Jeff Cook, of the band ALABAMA, at Please Reply in Crestline TOMORROW ONLY

Please Reply, in Crestline, is having Jeff Cook, lead guitarist and founding member of the popular group, Alabama, for an OPEN HOUSE on Thursday, December 3rd, from 4 to 7PM.  Don't miss it!

Store details and directions HERE! 

UPDATE:  Signing CDs in picture below!  If you missed the event, signed CDs of the Christmas Album will be available at Please Reply in Crestline through Christmas.  Drop by!

Beautiful Parisian linens - Yves DeLorme - 20% off through Dec 24 at Christine's

Great collection of beautiful Yves DeLorme bed, bath, and table linens on sale at Christine's in Mountain Brook Village now through December 24th.  20% off!  Not familiar with the Parisian linens?  Visit their website HERE and then drop by Christine's to choose from a great selection.

Act NOW if you want YOUR logo recreated in Chocolate!

Available through special order at Peterbrooke Chocolatiers in Cahaba Village on HWY 280

The Clauses and their elves are busy preparing for the Holiday Parade (pic!)

A special thanks to the wonderful dentists and staff of Alabama Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry (pictured below) for sponsoring the Holiday Parade!


-- Post From My iPhone

Cub Scouts from Pack 320 want canned goods for food drive!

Mountain Brook Gives Back - that's the mission of these cub scouts who are asking people attending the Mountain Brook Holiday Parade to bring canned goods for local charities. The drop-off will be on Sunday, December 6th, 2-5 PM in an unoccupied store next to Dram in the heart of Mountain Brook Village. For more information, please read about the Holiday Parade on the chamber website. Hope to see you there!



-- Post From My iPhone

Brombergs celebrates 50 years in Mountain Brook Village!

 Congratulations on 50 years in the same location
on the circle in Mountain Brook Village,
and over 150 years of serving the Birmingham community!

(left to right:  Ricky Brombert, Frank Bromberg, Jr., Frank Bromberg, III, Paul Byrne, Russell Byrne)

Mountain Brook Gives Back - Food Drive by Cub Pack 320

Boy Scout Cub Pack 320 is planning a food drive during the Mountain Brook Holiday Parade on December 6th.  Families are asked to bring canned goods to the parade to be temporarily stored in an empty storefront in Mountain Brook Village (next door to Dram).  The Cubs will gather the food after the event and deliver it to a local charity.  Check back for more details!