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I adore Breckenridge! It is the quintessential Ski Resort Town.  Not flashy, but sophisticated enough to keep you coming back for more!  I never have enough time to just wander, as other members of our group have things they want to do as well (like I said, lots &lots for everyone to do!)  This Black Friday was spent shopping local boutiques, and I want to highlight the fabulous finds we discovered!

Being in this shop just makes you feel like you are cruising around on their signature bike, happy-as-can-be.  It has adorable handmade goods by a variety of artisans, at very reasonable prices!  I was shopping with my mom, and we both had to stop and decide what we were buying, ’cause there was no way we were leaving without picking up something cute to remember our day!  I bought three prints on cards by Cathy Dailey Designs, that I will be framing together.  Her images of birds and dogs crack me up!  Visit her Etsy shop here for originals (they are so reasonably priced, I would have bought one at the shop if they had any on hand!)

My mom picked up one of these delicate necklaces made by the shop-owner, which she will layer with other silver chains and wear all the time!

This adorable shop specializes in clothing and accessories for women and children: Handbags, belts, appliqued clothing, jewelry… there’s lots to keep you entertained!  I had my eye on this cute clutch- I love the design! Alas, it was just too small for this mom who is always toting everyone else’s stuff! Then, because I really wanted the purse, I talked myself out of a pair of earrings that were so dang cute (and well priced), that I think I am going to have to call the shop! Ever do that??

This small shop had wonderful customer service!  We were encouraged to try on, and showed many styles that suited our needs.  Leather, knit, plain colors and patterns, there was a lot to choose from! They had a wide variety of fingerless gloves, including this yummy arm-length style in cashmere! 

“The Bay Street Company”

This deceivingly little shop has a ton of merchandise! From books to candles to handmade guinea hen sculptures, you are bound to find something you can’t live without!  I had my eye on the fabric ram’s head, and these stacked rock sculptures.  Unfortunately, our significant others were calling, as they were reserving a table at our favorite spot for dinner, so we had to hurry on our way!

“Breckenridge Bead Gallery”

This is an itsy-bitsy shop, off-the-beaten-path, but worth a stop if you’re a beader!  Amazingly, it’s hard to find a local bead shop in the Denver suburbs, so I enjoyed the change in selection!  I picked up these Chinese lampwork beads to use as focals for three necklaces I have planned.  The shop had lots of different beads to choose from, and some wonderful beaded jewelry to purchase!

Next visit to Breckenridge will be all about the galleries, and we’ll explore what fine art they have available.  But today was fun, lighthearted shopping! Plus, we had hiked it up and down the sledding hill at Carter Park that afternoon, so we were tired…and on our way to Eric’s for a beer!

Stuff those stockings with both practical and whimsical gifts this year!

By rows, from top left to right: Bobble Water Bottle (Container Store): Simply fill this water bottle with tap water and the interior charcoal filter makes it drinkable in seconds anywhere you go! Hand Relief Cream (Aveda):  This is a luxurious moisturizer that makes everyone’s hands softer, and the travel size is very convenient! Lip Balm (EOS): Hands down, the best lip balm, and the whole family loves it! Slatkin&Co ScentEgg (Bath and Body Works) This portable diffuser is available in tons of scents and works perfectly without flames or plugs wherever you need a pleasant aroma!  Upcycled Lego Crayons (ColorCache): Excellent for covering large areas or doing rubbings, these crayons are fun! Wii Points and iTunes (Amazon): Wii points allow you to download small-release and classic games directly to your Wii or Dsi, and everyone loves the gift of music!  Large Box of Crayons(Crayola): Nothing is better than a fresh box of crayons with all those colors, and this year Crayola has StoryStudio, which allows you to upload your own photo to make coloring pages! Custom Guitar Pick (BeadSoul) For the rocker in the house, a personalized guitar pick is a very unique gift! Slipper Socks (Victoria’s Secret): Everyone sells slipper socks, but these have a knit exterior with a supersoft, plush fleecey lining, and they have great grippers on the bottom to prevent slipping!  Bombs Away Shot Glasses (Perpetual Kid): A novelty bar item is always fun, and New Year’s Eve is just around the corner!  Darth Vader Flexible Spatula (Williams Sonoma): Their entire Star Wars line is a blast (and apparently really popular), and this spatula fits great into a stocking! App Magnets (Perpetual Kid): Anything ipod or iphone related would be appreciated by most in the stocking, and these are a funny way to carry the theme to the fridge or office!

Stocking Stuffers are always a challenge… you want to be fun, but not spend a ton.  Candy, little bags of coffee and tea, single portion liqueurs, card games, beef jerky, are some more simple ideas to round out a few pricier items.  Merry Christmas!

Can’t take her to Telluride? Here are a few gorgeous gifts to bring some Rocky Mountain Luxury to her Christmas!

From top left, clockwise:

Sheepskin Rug (Ikea): At the foot of the bed or at the edge of her tub, this is the fluffiest, softest thing her feet will touch all day. They are readily available online, and some discount stores, like Costco carry them.

Keurig Single-Cup Coffee Brewer (Bed Bath & Beyond): For the kitchen (or even more luxurious, the bath) she can have a piping hot cup of her favorite coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.  If you are setting up a coffee bar in the boudoir, be sure to include a tray, coffee cups, non-perishable creamer, and stir sticks. 

Joan of Arctic Boots (Sorel):  These boots are both practical and gorgeous for the city, the slopes, or hot toddies at the lodge.  ’nuff said.

KOMO Neck Garland Scarf in Burgundy (PeekoApparel):  She  can snuggle into this scarf and face wind and snow, all while looking completely glamorous.  Available in multiple colors at PeekoApparel’s shop at Etsy.com.

XOXO Cuff in Gold (Janet Mazorie): To a formal event, or on any casual day, her arm will glow (and many people will comment) when she wears this statement cuff. This is a handmade piece available only at Etsy.com, learn how to shop here.

Stay tuned for more Holiday gift guides!