Baby Shower Time!

With spring in the air, I can't help but think of the the newness of it all. Everywhere, I find that gardens are starting to bloom, as we finally put away the snow shovels and sweaters for another year.

As we spring forward this weekend, I have no doubt many of my customers' calendars begin to fill with get togethers such as baby showers.

After a little research online, I found that baby showers are not as modern as we may think:

While not a direct antecedent to the modern baby shower, there is evidence that birth celebrations were held in Egyptian and Roman times. When you look at the evidence that remains of these celebrations, most of the gifts that were given to the family were handmade – an idea enjoying a renewed popularity today. These gifts included, but were not limited to, clothing, blankets and food for the new family. Interestingly enough, these same gifts remain popular today.

The baby shower as we know it today started at the end of World War II and coincided with the beginning of the Baby Boom. During that time, it became common for families and friends to come together and celebrate the birth of a new baby in a party atmosphere.

She Chester is a great spot for many of your gift giving and party needs needs-- especially when it comes to the perfect baby shower gift. Fabulous monograms, piggy banks and Mary Jane socks- show your friend how excited you are about her newest family addition with a unique gift.

And the best part? We'll save you the trip from having to drive to another store for the hostess gift!

See you soon,

Mary

Thanks to period-pregnancy.com for the history of baby showers.

Go team!

Whether you're a fan or not, I think we can all agree that sports is in the air as we're fresh off of the Super Bowl (also known as "night with great commercials" to those who may tune in for other reasons!) and March Madness is knocking at our door.

There are plenty of ways to show solidarity for your team- whether a Hokie, Cavalier, Duke Dog, Spider, or beyond!

We here at Just the Thing are excited to offer you another option with our Tervis Tumblers. Made of
high quality polymer, the Tumbler boasts that it is nearly indestructible... perfect for that moment when the home team doesn't quite have the perfect game.

These tumblers are great on the go as well, as they are ready for indoor or outdoor use, and are safe for the microwave and dishwasher.

So this season- whether you're a fan or love one, be sure to stop by She Chester to support your favorite team!

See you soon,
Mary

Jenny Krauss at She Chester!

I love a fun new product, but I especially love it when there is a story behind it. Which brings me to one of our latest products here at She Chester- Jenny Krauss belts.

Jenny Krauss is a company that brings handmade, fair trade and eco-friendly gifts for women, home and baby. Krauss visited Bolivia and Peru extensively, seeking artisan groups who created the crafts one could find in the La Paz and Lima markets. These women have amazing skills and it is through Jenny Krauss, that they are able to find opportunities for themselves.

These belts are hand woven and embroidered by women's fair trade groups in Peru. What's fantastic about each is that no two are the same- they are each unique in their own way.

I'm also excited about their versatility as they can make nearly any outfit work- jeans, skirts, you name it! They are available in typical sizes (small, medium and large) with 5 sets of buckle holes on each for flexibility.

So if looking for something new to add to your wardrobe, think about making your next stop She Chester!

See you soon,
Mary

Monograms- a Brief History

I just love a good Monogram.

Such an interesting history- centuries ago, monograms was an indication of royalty. Among Romans and Greeks, monograms were printed on their money to pay homage to their leaders. It may come as no surprise then, that during the Victorian Era, monograms indicated a person's social class.
Later, artists began using their to monograms to sign their masterpieces.

Every more fascinating is Liz Aull's history from "Monograms: The Early Years," originally published by EMB Magazine:

Personal monograms on fabrics for individuals and families were originally invented to keep linens separate from those of other families on wash days, says Caroline Brackenridge, owner of Monogram Inc., a New York-based custom monogram business. Brackenridge says laundresses usually went to a stream or river together to wash clothes all at once, making it easy to mix up items between families.

Wealthy Americans believed that the sun in Holland and the West Indies was especially good for bleaching linens. They shipped them overseas to be “grassed” – laid on fields to be bleached, dried and sanitized – and often had as many as 10 dozen sets monogrammed because of the lengthy travel time and possibility of getting someone else’s instead of theirs back.

Flashforward to 2010 and monograms are everywhere. We here at Just the Thing are thrilled by our merchandise- from padfolios and travel mugs to a gift for the new addition to your family.

So be sure to visit She Chester soon and see what we have in store for you!

See you soon,
Mary

Going Green- She Chester Style!

I like to think of a new year as a fresh start-- a blank slate. New year's resolutions come and go, but I like to try and find ones that I'm going to stick with, even after the holiday decorations are stored in the attic.

This year, I'd like to go more green.

First step? It's time to abandon those shopping bags and bring your own.

The best news? Going green can look pretty darn stylish. We've got these great bags to get you started.

So come by She Chester this January and start your New Year's Resolution on the right foot!

See you soon,
Mary

Still stuck for Christmas present ideas?!

We all know that the proverbial shopping clock is ticking away- only FIVE more shopping days this holiday season.. or six, if you are the type to try your luck at some stores on Christmas morning.

With the storm this weekend, my guess is you're probably snowed in, and furiously online searching for those last minute purchases.

Have no fear! She Chester will save the day this coming week for any of those last minute purchases.

We all have that friend or family member who has just about everything. Every year, you put your thinking cap on and as the Christmas ends, you ask yourself how you're supposed to do it all again in a year.

Today I'd like to share a photo of our our more unique presents. This apron is for the gal who serves as hostess with the mostess in your circle- always having friends over, always coming up with new and delicious meals. Someone with spunk.

Imagine her delight when she receives this apron- the epitome of holiday cheer. I promise you she won't be receiving another one this Christmas!

For all those last minute shoppers out there, don't forget to swing by She Chester this final week to check the last gifts off of your list.

See you soon,
Mary

Our First Christmas

While each Christmas is special in their own way, I think we can all agree that there is something very memorable about your first holiday with your significant other.

Newlyweds often find themselves with their house brimming with wedding gifts that need putting away- from pots and pans to new sheets and towels. By the time the holidays roll around, we as friends of the young lovebirds have to ask ourselves-

"What in the world is left to get them?"

Well I have your answer right here! Our Recipe for Love Measuring Spoons are the perfect stocking stuffers. They come in a set of four:

A HEAP OF HAPPINESS - 1 Tablespoon (5 1/4 inches)
A SPOON OF SHARING - 1 Teaspoon (4 inches)
A PINCH OF PASSION - 1/2 Teaspoon (3 1/4 inches)
A DASH OF DREAMS - 1/4 Teaspoon (3 inches)

These are the perfect compliment to the many kitchen related gifts they surely received for their wedding.

So stop on by today!

See you soon,

Mary

Happy Everything!

The holidays mean entertaining and I myself love having friends and family over as much as I can during this wonderful time of year. The only issue I run into, however, is constantly pulling out the different themed platters and serving items I've collected over the years.

I start with my fun spring plates which then turns into my summer picnic ware. Before you know it, it's time for Halloween then Thanksgiving and now we're in full blown holiday season. I just can't keep track any more!

You can imagine my delight upon discovering the "Happy Everything" platter. I took a photo of one in our shop as you can see, and what makes is so versatile is that the Christmas Tree on the platter is just one of many attachments you can put on it. When the holidays are over, the platter stands close as I can simply switch out the tree for something for New years, Valentine's Day, Easter and beyond!

Now if that's not efficient, I don't know what is!

So stop in today and pick one up before the holidays soirees get the best of you!

See you soon,
Mary

The Elf on a Shelf- A Holiday Tradition

I love Holiday Traditions and always enjoy hearing how other familiers celebrate this magical time of year. We here at She Chester stumbled upon this great book by Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell, which gave us yet another great tradition for Christmas.

We all know that children like to especially be good during this time of year. After all- a certain you know who is finding out who's naughty or nice. Each year, however, the same question surely came up in many households- how does Santa really know whether one is being naughty or nice?

The answer? The Elf on the Shelf.

As the story goes, the Elf is Santa's helper, keeping an eye on children throughout the world while reporting back to Santa nightly. He often appears at the start of the holiday season and each night, he returns to the North Pole to turn in his report. Every morning, children wake up to find their Elf sitting in different positions throughout the house, resting after the long trip back.

This story stems from author Carol's own holiday traditions:

Over the years the tradition was perfected and rules were introduced. For example, to better preserve his mystique the children were not allowed to touch him but talking to him was a different matter all together. My children shared many secrets with the elf, and while he was under strict orders not to talk to them, the elf was under no such orders where grown-ups were concerned.

Unwittingly, the tradition provided an added benefit: it helped the children to better control themselves. All it took was a gentle reminder that the "elf is watching," for errant behavior to be modified.
-elfontheshelf.com

We here at She Chester are thrilled to carry The Elf on the Shelf, and hope you'll consider making it your own holiday tradition.

See you soon,
Mary

Tis the season at She Chester!

The holidays are just around the corner and She Chester is excited to get everyone prepared for them!

This Saturday, November 7, we will be hosting our Holiday Open House from 10am-5pm at the store.

We plan to have all of our holiday merchandise out and ready to fill the stockings of your family and friends.

We will also be providing refreshments, and the opportunity for everyone to sign up for our raffle. Hope to see you there!

Purses- a Lifetime Purchase

Everyone knows that great feeling you get when you find the purse- the one that works with more than just 2 of your outfits. The purse you can grab for a night out, or a run to the grocery store.

Upon discovery of the one, you happily make your purchase and make a habit of keeping the bag busy- taking it here, there and everywhere.

Slowly but surely, the bag begins showing its wear and before you know it, the purse starts the slow demotion process- no longer fit for galas, then holiday parties, then date night.. and before you know it, the purse sits collecting dust in your closet.

We here at She Chester would like to change that by introducing the Brighton collection. Their philosophy, also known as the "Brighton Difference," in which the designer hand sketches the purse and follows it through the entire process, from design to fruition.

Let me share the proverbial icing on the cake: each purse will be registered for Brighton, so that you can bring it back to Just the Thing every year or two, and we will send it to Brighton to be refurbished.

We're happy to share this great news with all, although we send our deepest sympathies to your closets, which will simply have to find something else to store!

See you soon,

Mary

Photos courtesy of brighton.com

For the Bride in your Life

With the holidays just around the corner, I can't help but think of all the gals around Richmond about to become brides. Engagement season is in full swing as soon as the Thanksgiving turkey leftovers are placed in the refrigerator!

Planning a wedding isn't easy- first you set the date, then you book all the vendors, and of course, it's also a matter of deciding your favorite colors, flowers, cake flavors- the list goes on and on.

Then I came across this fun planner from our friends at Mud-Pie. What I love is that it's compact enough to carry around, but still contains plenty of valuable information, as well as space for one to include their very own wedding information.

So if you're a bride, bride-to-be or a friend of either, be sure to come by She Chester and pick up one of these today!

See you soon,
Mary

Perfect on a cold (almost!) winter's night...

There's a nip in the air these days in Richmond, and on days like these in particular, I love to have a cup of something warm nearby.

With that in mind, I'd like to share with you these fun Wrap-a-lattes from our friends at It's a Wrap. We have them in quite a few color combos and monograms- so you can customize them for each friend!

It's a Wrap has a wonderful story and I would encourage you to visit their web site to learn more about their beginnings. Robin and Wendy are just like many of us- friends and moms to both kids and furry ones (Wendy's pug Boxcar apparently likes to model with the products- as it appears on their web site!). They were both longtime sewers who decided to take their creative ideas and run with it. In fact, the Wrap-a-Lattes came into being after their teenagers (from the Starbucks generation!) requested them.

Now I know no one wants to be reminded that holiday shopping is right around the corner, BUT-- wouldn't these make great stocking stuffers?

See you soon,

Mary

Photos courtesy of fineliving.com and kumag cow.com Background info courtesy of itsawrapideas.com.