Shop Hillcrest Designer Jewelry for Unique Gifts

Open House December 16

Hillcrest Designer Jewelry, 3000 Kavanaugh, has the perfect gift for that special person on your list.

Kelley Naylor Wise, assistant jeweler and business manager for the shop, said it offers unique, hard-to-find pieces for folks with eclectic tastes.

"We're different, not like everyone else. We are the go-to people. If we don't have it, we can make it," Mrs. Wise said.

"We have Eric's signature cuff bracelets, earrings, rings, pendants, diamonds, belt buckles, cuff links. We have it all."

John Eric Coleman, owner of the shop, makes exquisite cuff bracelets that incorporate unusual stones, fossils, diamonds and colored stones.

Mr. Coleman's custom pieces, including pendants, rings and earrings, range from $100 to $5,000. He works in platinum, gold, silver and copper.

"We specialize in colored stones," Kelley said. "And we have the lowest diamond prices in town - guaranteed. We are a diamond wholesaler."

The shop also supports a number of local artists. Their work ranges from fields of bright, beautiful flowers to fantastic abstract works to sculptures.

Kelley and Eric will be holding an open house 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday, December 16.

On that day only, visiting artist Dana Brock will have a special trunk show at the shop.

Kelley invites everyone to the open house. "We will be having outrageous sales. We have items in all price ranges."

Stephano's Event to Help Youth Home

Christmas
Extravaganza
at Stephano's

Stephano's Fine Art Gallery in the Heights will hold a "Christmas Extravaganza" December 8 - 11.

The event includes eggnog (sponsored by Terry's Finer Wines), homemade ice cream tasting by Tal Dodson, live portrait painting by artist Amy Eichler and great gifts from more than 40 artists.

Bring new or gently used items for Youth Home's In-kind Wish List in a tote bag, and receive 20% off any purchase.

Some examples from the wish list are playing cards, chess games, folders without brads or staples, loose-leaf notebook paper, wooden pencils, colored markers, Post-It notes, crayons, coloring books, construction paper, graph paper and non-violent video games. For the full list, go to youthhome.org.

Stephano's is located at 5501 Kavanaugh. For more information, call 614-7113.

Shop Diane's in Little Rock for Gourmet Foods

Diane's Gourmet Gifts

For more than 30 years, Diane's has brought the finest gourmet goodies to Arkansas.

At Diane's, you park at the door and walk into a fun, friendly shop brimming with food gifts and scrumptious prepared dishes - all ready to go.

The shop, which is located in The Market Place on Rodney Parham, has been chosen by Fanny May chocolates to bring their fine candy to Little Rock this holiday.

There are tins of holiday cookies, toffee, cheese straws, nuts, divinity, cashew crunch, pecan and peanut brittle, and beautiful packages of famous Yoku Moku cookies arrive weekly.

You can find hand-painted dish and bar towels, chic rubber gloves for kitchen divas, Christmas platters, and holiday paper plates, napkins and cups.

There are lots of fun stocking stuffers under $10. Let the crew at Diane's help you pick out the perfect gift. Remember, food always fits.

Mailing and delivery services are available. 224-2639.

NorthSide Aquatics

Aquariums Are Perfect
Gifts for Kids
Aquariums are perfect Christmas gifts for children - as learning tools, ways for parents to interact with kids, and for the simple enjoyment of living with and caring for beautiful creatures.

NorthSide Aquatics, 7610 Counts Massie, is Arkansas' largest aquarium store. It is a visual delight for all ages. In addition to everything you need for fresh or salt water water aquariums, the shop also offers disappearing fountains, outdoor ponds and water gardens.

Shannon Goins, co-owner of NorthSide, recommends that folks plan ahead and not make aquariums a last minute gift. Come in and talk with the staff to find tips for your children getting the best experience. NorthSide offers gift certificates you can put in the tank. Later, kids can come in and select gravel, decorations and fish. 803-3434 or nsaquatics.com.

Destin Fun in the Sun

Treat Yourself to a Destin Get-away

Plant your feet in the sugary white sand, bask in the sunshine and swim in the clear blue water.

Mickey and Larry Drennan's beautiful condo at Destin is just a phone call away.

It's a three-bedroom, three-bath Gulf front condo at Surfside. It can sleep 10 people and has a fully equipped kitchen. There are balconies all across the front. It can be fully rented, or as a one-bedroom or a two-bedroom.

Rates are extremely good. 627-4152 or destinfuninthesun.com.

Free Christmas event for children

Cocoa with the Clauses

Santa, Mrs. Clause and Rudy the Reindeer will share hot cocoa and the joys of Christmas with children who stop by 1 - 4 p.m. December 11 at Arvest River Market on Ice.

Kids are invited to this free event at the River Market Pavilions to share their wish lists with Santa. Cookies and free photos with Santa and Mrs. Clause will be available.

For more information, call 375-2552 or visit holidaysinlittlerock.com

Bucks Chimney Service

Make your chimney safe for your family
and all your special guests

A roaring fire can set a wonderful mood for gatherings with family and friends over the holidays. But, Eloise "Weezie" Lukas says that before you light that fire, you need a chimney inspection by someone who has earned a certification from the Chimney Safety Institute of America.

Mrs. Lukas' husband, Bob, owner of Buck's Chimney Service, has been CSIA certified for 25 years.

Weezie recommends the institute's web site - www.csia.org - which contains a good deal of educational material. The safest insurance against house fires or carbon monoxide poisoning or smoke odors is a good annual chimney inspection, she said.

Buck's Chimney is bonded and insured. 455-9285.

Wags & Whiskers Holiday Pet Sitting

Holiday Pet Sitting
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 three 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.