Pleasant Ridge Town Center Christmas Windows

Pleasant Ridge

Beautifully decorated window displays have always been a pleasant Christmas tradition.

Pleasant Ridge Town Center is going all out this year in that department. The shops are abuzz to see which one will win the best windows contest.

Lou Schickel's Pleasant Ridge offers sophisticated "big city" shopping right in the neighborhood. And it's a distinct advantage that most of the shops are locally owned, keeping money spent in Arkansas in Arkansas.

The fantastic Roberson's Fine Jewelry makes you feel as if you've stepped into a posh shop in New York or L.A. The shopping center has several smart women's clothing shops from Thread City Wear to Pinky Punky. You'll find the latest in shoes at Warren's and Solemates. And the center has the cutest collection of kids' clothing shops you'll find anywhere.

Did I mention the food? From a cupcake shop to fine dining, and everything in between, Pleasant Ridge has it all.

Shop Smart at Carolyn's Keyboard Corner

Carolyn's Keyboard Corner
Carolyn's Keyboard Corner, 11121 North Rodney Parham in the Market Place, is chock-full of never-before-offered, clever, and inexpensive items for the holidays.

"What I really tried to do this year was to find things you could buy and not break the bank doing it," owner Carolyn Hamm said.

"We have these great music boxes. I've sold four of them, and I've had them only one day."

The small wooden boxes can be customized. They sell for $24.95.

"You have a selection to pick from. The topics are mother, daughter, granddaughter, grandmother, love, wedding, baby, friends, music, nature and more," Mrs. Hamm said.

A small purchase in Carolyn's shop this Christmas can help a community in Southeast Asia.
"We have these lovely ornaments from Thailand that are layered. They are made in a village in
Thailand. They were starving until a company called Pilgrim Imports was originated 25 years ago and contracted with the people in the village. They make these ornaments, and now it is a thriving community."

The ornaments sell for $10.

"And also, from the same company, we have magnet frames with ornaments. They are $5. They are really pretty, and I had to reorder them already they are so popular."

Also new are coasters with musical and bird designs that sell for $3.25 each. There's a ukulele package for $79.95 that includes the ukulele, gig bag and tuner. It's sold in the concert or tenor size for $79.95.

"We have musical animals that sing. They are just darling - Scottie dogs, alligators, frogs, teddy bears and even one for motorcycle enthusiasts." They sell for $24.95.

The shop carries gifts with a musical theme, offers music lessons for a number of instruments, and sells beginner violins, harps and guitars. 217-0275.

The Stitchin Post

Linda Bowlby and Dr. Jane Bell

The Stitchin' Post in West Little Rock is having a big sale on sewing machines this month.

"All of our sewing machines will be on sale," Dr. Jane Bell said.

Dr. Bell and Linda Bowlby own the bustling shop that is typically filled with women using their talents and creativity to make heirloom garments.

On Saturday, December 4, the shop will offer a class in making jewelry bags.

"It's a very simple project. You could make several," Jane said. "The pattern will be provided, and there is no class fee. The only thing needed would be fabric."

Registration is required; just call or come by the shop to register. The class is one of a regular "bag lady class" held the first Saturday of each month.

You can check out the shop's monthly and special classes on the web at stitchinpostinc.com. The Stitchin' Post offers classes for children and adults. And there are regular "sit and sew" and "sit and quilt" sessions where women come together to work and learn from one another.

The shop has a bit of everything for folks who like to sew.

"We have Christmas kits - apron kits, quilt kits and fabric bundles. These make nice gifts," Jane said.

The shop has sewing books and offers and gift certificates.

The Stitchin' Post is located at 1520 Macon Drive. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. 227-0288

Holiday Pet Sitting in Central Arkansas

Wags & Whiskers

Michelle Wilkerson at Wags & Whiskers can take care of your "furry babies" in their own home environment while you enjoy the holidays.

Mrs. Wilkerson started her business almost two years ago, and it has been a great success in no small part due to her genuine love for animals and their happy response to their care.

Care includes walking, feeding, playing ball, petting, loving and making a pet as happy as it can be when its family is gone.

Michelle is licensed and bonded. She is a member of the National Association of Pet Sitters.

"I am responsible and security conscious. I do take what I do very seriously. I treat every dog like I would treat mine, and mine are treated very well.

You may call Michelle at 416-7380 or visit wagsandwhiskerslittlerock.com.

Begin Holiday Shopping at Kahler . Payne

For Everyday Antiques & Flair

Kahler . Payne, the antique shop at 700 North Van Buren in Hillcrest, is a good spot to begin holiday shopping.

"We have recycled glass vases from Spain. They come in really pretty colors," Sylvia Payne, co-owner of the shop, said.

"We have portrait frames hand-made in Tennessee. They are really unusual; the frames are very wide. Our hottest items are our hand-pulled candy canes. They are chocolate filled, cherry, raspberry, peppermint and Cabernet."

Cabernet? Yes, Ms. Payne said. They taste like the wine.

The shop has some pretty wool and silk scarves. "They are made by a local artist. No two are alike," Sylvia said.

"We have granite lazy susans. They are very popular. And 'baby cakes," shea butter soaps that are only $1. We have kitchen textiles - tablecloths, dishcloths."

Shoppe Talk loves the pretty switch plates in the shop. They have even hand-painted the screws to make them match.

"There are a number of really nice candles in pretty gift containers and a fuller line of Aspen Bay candles," Sylvia said.

"Our refillable water bottles are socially conscious and chic."

Sylvia said the shop has antiques, of course, if you want to "spiffy up" your home for the holidays. And crystal, china, silver and lamps. 663-0608.

Give Cool Stuff & Support Arkansas Artists

Give Cool Stuff from The Freckled Frog


You can help support 59 Arkansas artists by doing some holiday shopping at The Freckled Frog, 2715 Kavanaugh.

All of the items in the shop are handcrafted in Arkansas.

The shop offers a wide variety of jewelry, including pieces made of recycled vinyl records, hemp, crystals - and even bottle caps.

Clothing ranges from tees to patch-work pants and skirts. There are some great kids' items, such as Razorback baby gear and hand-sewn tutus.

You'll find whimsical, imaginative accessories, fragrant candles and cute cards.

The shop is located inside River City Coffee, Tea & Cream. 514-2060.

To read more about owners Sadie Nuffer (right) and Erika Robbins, go to our November archive.