Saturday, Sep. 26, 2009

White Cottage will be missed until spring

I know it's fall when White Cottage starts getting ready to close its doors for the winter. The Belleville ice-cream and sandwich shop on Lebanon Avenue made a much-welcomes return this year with its former owners, Dee and Tom Cordie, back at the helm. Since it's my neighborhood spot for a special treat, I'll miss them when they close next weekend, but look forward to their annual reopening in the spring. ...

... Sprucing up for the holidays? Looking for ways to store all that stuff without putting an addition onto the house? Baskets can be an easy and attractive way to keep art supplies handy or tuck away summer sandals and scarves you won't wear until next year. Michaels Craft Store in Shiloh has 40 percent off all its baskets, with more than 100 styles, through today. ...

... Dora the Explorer now has Perrito the pooch as her newest sidekick. Nickelodeon's Dora Loves Puppy product line at Kmart includes everything from a bed tent on sale for $15.99 to socks (about $2.40 $4 a pair). Sale prices good through today. ...

... If you didn't know, Kohl's Department Store is carrying Dana Buchman for misses with extended women's sizes. The designer has put all her eggs in one basket, with Kohl's the exclusive seller of Dana Buchman clothes. The entire line, which is actually owned by Liz Claiborne, is 20 to 40 percent off through Sunday. ...

Stuff to do

... Michaels Craft Store in Shiloh is hold a free demonstration of how to make Wilton Halloween mini treats from 1 to 3 p.m. today. Plus, you;ll get to see some of the new products to make Halloween cookies, cupcakes and other treats. ...

... Could you use a little Something New for cooler weather? Get a first peek at the fall '09 fashions during the Something New Event today from 1 to 4 p.m. at Macy's at St. Clair Square. Check out the misses designs from Style&co., plus experts will be on hand to help you with selections and advice. Spend $30 or more at the event and get a free tote bag (while supplies last), and make sure to enter the drawing for a $250 wardrobe. ...

... Mark your calendar: On Oct. 3, Home Depot stores will hold a free workshop for kids 5-12 years old. The hands-on sessions are from 9 a.m. to noon. The project? Build a firehouse bank, created from one of Home Depot's project kits that teaches children tool skills and safety. Not only do they go home with an I-made-it-myself bank, but a kid-sized orange apron like the ones workers wear in the store.