COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN!!

Our favorite elf, Brendon, made a guest appearance at Serendip on December 4, and handed out candy canes to the passersby.

But now, one might say the Elves have Left the Building; because now it's time for all good elves to be back at the North Pole putting in overtime!!

I don't know about you, but I need to put in some overtime with Christmas preparations... so guess where I've been shopping? At THE MARKET AT SERENDIP!

We have some wonderful, unique gift ideas. Christmas ornaments, including paper designs that look like spun glass, handpainted baubles, pottery shapes, wood cardinals and festive snowflakes, and underwater scenes complete with sand.

We offer a terrific array of ladies accessories; handcrafted bags, totes, scarves, mittens, and jewelry ranging from the fun and funky to the elegant and shimmery.

For men, you ask? We still have survival bracelets in stock, as well as handcrafted pens and bottle stoppers. Fabulous stoneware jars and sculptured wood are options that work for the most discriminating art-lover.

Handcrafted greeting cards include very special holiday designs, and we also offer stationary sets, bookmarks, journals, and embellished memo books.

And don't forget the art! We offer original art that includes vibrant florals, elegant watercolors, mixed media collages, plus photographs of Paris, Ohio, beneath the Caribbean, and so many other locations. We have pencil drawings and gorgeous oil paintings, children's art and pen and ink creations.

Baby and children's accessories, handmade dog collars, scented candles, silk flower arrangements; we have something for everyone!

So don't panic-- the elves might be stressing, but you'll find unique gifts, extended hours, and a friendly atmosphere to make gift buying easy at Serendip!!

SMALL BUSINESSES=UNIQUE GIFTS, AND GREAT FOR THE ECONOMY!

Scrambling for an unusual gift for someone? Dreaming of watching a friend open a package with that absolute WOW look on their face? Bored with giving the same tired mass-produced ornaments, decor, jewelry, and accessories?

Serendip has wonderful one-of-a-kind options for you... everything original and handmade, by artists that live right around the corner from you.

... and if I may jump onto my soapbox for a moment, I would encourage you to visit your locally-owned small businesses. In a struggling economy, it's important to save gas and your valuable time.

Shopping locally does that. And it does a lot more!

Shopping locally-owned, small businesses is not only a great way to buy wonderful, unique items, but it also helps your community.

When you patronize local shops, restaurants, galleries, and businesses, you're helping to maintain a community's character. Everyone loves having a business district that's attractive and welcoming... but if there aren't any small shops, cafes, or galleries-- what does the community look like? Why would people want to visit or live in that community? if you don't shop in those small businesses, how do they stay in place?

Local business owners invest their hopes, dreams, and often, their life savings, in their businesses. We have a profound stake in the community and its health, so we work hard for the community we're in, serving on committees and boards, working for the good of the community and its business.

For a concise explanation of what I'm trying to convey, you'll want to read about the 3/50 Project.

The 3/50 Project addresses the following:
3 Think about which three independently owned businesses you’d miss most if they were gone. Stop in and say hello. Pick up a little something that will make someone smile. Your contribution is what keeps those businesses around.
50 If just half the employed U.S. population spent $50 each month in independently owned businesses, their purchases would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue.* Imagine the positive impact if 3/4 of the employed population did that.
68 For every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online and nothing comes home.
1 The number of people it takes to start the trend...you! Make a difference. Shop Local.

Want more information on the 3/50 Project? Check it out at http://www.the350project.net.

MORE HOLIDAY FUN IN POWELL!

Santa arrives in Powell tomorrow! We'll help the city celebrate as the Serendip elf passes out candy canes, while we offer our unique selection of handmade gifts and original art.

We will also offer two FABULOUS prize drawings through the generosity of It's My Party, Whimsical Wire, and Pink Moon Cupcakes. First is a Princess Party Giveaway that includes an It's My Party custom party hat, Pink Moon gift certificate, and lots of other party necessities-- $150 value!

We'll also draw for a Girls Night Out Gift, with an adult It's My Party hat, a boa, wine gifts by Whimsical Wire-- just what you need for the perfect girls night out! Shop at Serendip and fill out an entry for the prize drawings.

Make sure you don't leave Powell before you stop by Serendip to shop, enjoy a cup of wassail or hot chocolate, and fill out an entry for the prize drawings.

Serendip will be open till 6:00 on Saturday, 12/4. Check out http://www.cityofpowell.us/event-holiday-tree.php for the schedule of holiday events from the city.

Also, remember The City and the Powell Police Department are collecting new toys for this year's Toys for Tots Campaign. New, unwrapped toys can be brought to the Toys for Tots collection boxes at the Police Department and Municipal Building (47 Hall St.) during business hours. Toys will be collected through Dec. 10.