Current Lead Times

Wondering about deadlines and turn around times?  Below is an up-to-date list of what we've heard from our vendors as of 12/10/10:

Engraved Jewelry:  Orders are placed each Saturday and are here by the following Friday.  Items can be rushed for a $6.50 fee, which means the order will be placed same day, and here within three to four business days, depending on what time of day the order goes in.

Personalized Stationery, Holiday Cards, etc.:  Current lead time is 5-7 business days, plus three days for shipping.  If you require a proof, add an additional three business days. 

Personalized Stamps:  Three weeks.

Vera Bradley:  We're still placing orders every Saturday, in the hopes that items will be here within 7 business days, but with backorders, we're not guaranteeing anything by Christmas via this method.  However, a $10 rush fee gets the order placed directly with Vera the same day (this is what Vera charges us for this service).  Vera checks to see if the item is in stock (if not, you get your $10 back), and the order is here within 48 hour -- it's the best way to guarantee that your item is coming and that it will be here by the holiday.

Embroidery Orders:  We're currently scheduling at a week or less (it might not be a lot less, but if we can make it work, we will!).

Small Business Saturday!

It's Small Business Saturday! 

Don't forget to earn your $25 statement credit

when you shop at IA and

use your American Express card, today only. 

Shop with local, independent stores today;

they'll fund your community for the rest of the year.

Vera Bradley Limited Edition Holiday Tote

This unique tote

in new Baroque

is yours

Friday, November 26th

with a Vera Bradley

purchase of $100 or more

(a $48 retail value)

Stop in and see all of Vera Bradley's great gift ideas!

Gifts of Gratitude

Need a little hostess gift for your upcoming family feast?  We've got all sorts of goodies to help show your gratitude:

 

• Thymes Offering Candle: Share the Offerings Thankfulness Candle as a small act of appreciation -- your best wish to someone you care about.  Evoke feeling of thankfulness that inspire the holiday with scents of velvety cream, bourbon vanilla, rich caramel and tender peach.
• Juliska Gratitude Tray:  No need to spell it out -- this try says it all.  This Cornerstone gift tray is perfect for serving small treats, or keeping keys or change, or simply as decoration.  The back is engraved with the sentiment: "Gratitude -- a world of thanks to you."
• Mariposa Spreader and Stonewall Kitchen Maple Pumpkin Butter:  They served you a feast, why not give them a little something for breakfast the next day?  Stonewall Kitchen's decadently rich fruit butter combines the essence of fall with maple and pumpkin -- a yummy accompaniment slathered (with a pretty Mariposa spreader) on toast with a cup of coffee in the morning.
• Vera Bradley Note Cube:  This cute cube is perfect for gift-giving with individual sheets of paper, each with a touch of color, all tied up with a ribbon.  550 lose, stacked note sheets, with die-cut hole for pen
• Hand towel and candles: A festive tea towel with a set of Caspari's fun colored candles to match.
• Mangiacotti Sink Set: One of our most popular hostess gifts -- we're not sure if it's the fresh, neutral scents or the ready to go whimsical packaging that make them such a hit.  The poured soy candle comes pre-packaged in a gift box with an included set of matches.  Sinks sets are mix and match -- create a Green Tea Bathroom Set, or a Lemon Verbena Kitchen Set (perfect for making turkey day dish duty just a little bit easier).

However, we all know that it is the thought that counts.  Sometimes, you don't need a big gift, but just a little, simple thank you.  Check out our array of greeting cards-- from humorous to gracious -- to help you capture the perfect sentiment.

New November 2010 Hours

New November Hours!

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday & Thursday

10:00 am - 8:00 pm

Saturday:

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Sunday: Closed

Take in the Sunshine in Style!

Luxury for Sensitive Skin

We're excited to introduce Reed Diffusers to our Noodle & Boo line-up.  We've carried Noodle & Boo's personal care products for newborns, babies and children (we even have adult followers) for years. 

We have customers (and Meme!) who are absolute devotees of the Super Soft Lotion.  This ultra-light cream is packed full of natural antioxidants helping to protect delicate skin, leaving it amazingly soft and supple.  As with all Noodle & Boo products, it's pediatrician tested formula is mild enough for daily use and can be used on newborns and babies with sensitive skin.  Meme actually uses it herself because it sinks in so quickly and leaves her hands feeling non-greasy.

We have other customers who absolutely swear by the Conditioning Hair Polish, which carefully de-tangles and moisturizes hair while leaving it weightless with beautiful shine.  Not convinced that it's better than the adult drugstore options?  The Conditioning Hair Polish is also an excellent grooming tool for morning "bed-head."  What could be better than something that makes the mornings just a little bit easier??

Regardless of the product, everyone raves about the amazing Noodle & Boo scent: a delicate combination of ripe peaches and water blossoms, with just a touch of mixed berries and clover honey, wrapped in soft notes of rich warm milk and vanilla beans.  It just smells innocent and good.  So, we're thrilled to introduce the Noodle & Boo Reed Diffuser -- Noodle & Boo's signature scent packaged and ready to waft through your nursery or playroom.

Stop in to catch a whiff or pick up a free sample.

Even better, all Noodle & Boo products are

• toxin-free and non-irritating
• pH balanced for babies
• 100% biodegradable
• paraben-, sulfate- and phthalate-free
• 100% recycled or recyclable packaging

New Holiday Catalogs -- and Deals!

We just received two brand new holiday catalogs:

PicMe!Holiday

Full of a variety of holiday invitations, photo cards and enclosure cards

Order 25 or more photo cards and receive free imprinting

through October 31st.

Roseanne Beck Holiday is also brand new

Both whimsical and elegant,

these cards are different from any of the other books we've had

Order 25 or more photo cards and receive free 1" x 3" return address labels

through October 31st.

In addition, PrintsWell is offering a

Twice as Nice Sale on all

enclosure cards and stickers

Order 25 or more and get double the quantity for free

through October 17th

Pick something perfect for the holidays, for the kids or for everday.

 

The New Old Fashioneds

Juliska's Graham Double Old Fashioneds were featured in the November issue of Town & Country. Stop by Initial Attraction to check them out in person (don't forget, these gorgeous glasses are dishwasher safe).  Sit by the fire and sip out of one this weekend.

Stacy Claire Boyd Deals

Free Matching Return Address Labels (1.5" round sticky)

When Ordering 25 or More Stacy Claire Boyd Holiday Photo Cards

Through October 31st

AND

25% off Stacy Claire Boyd Folded Notes of 25 or More

Through October 10th

Initial Attraction

will be closed

for the morning on

Monday, September 27th, 2010

We will be open from

2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on 9/27/10

and will then resume normal business hours after that.

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.

Reader's Choice

It's that time of year again.

The Kalamazoo Gazette's Third Annual Reader's Choice Award

has begun it's voting process.

Might we be so bold as to ask for your vote for Best Boutique?

We were thrilled to receive an honorable mention last year, thanks to your gracious support. While we spend our days working hard to bring unknown and unique items to the Kalamazoo area for you (not for an award), it's the award recognition that helps increase our name recognition in the area, giving us even more ability to bring new and never before seen items to the shop for you to peruse.

Sophie the Giraffe: The World's Most Famous Teething Toy

Sophie, the famous giraffe,

has been a part of babies' lives for more than 40 years,

 and is now a part of our product offering at Initial Attraction.

Slender, flexible, and soft,

baby can squeeze and chew her in complete safety. 

Sophie stimulates and appeals to babies' five senses:

• Sight: The dark and contrasting spots all over Sophie the Giraffe's body provide visual stimulation and make her easily  recognizable to baby.  She soon becomes a familiar and reassuring object.
• Hearing: Her squeaker keeps baby smused, stimulates hearing, and helps him to understand the link between cause and effect.
• Taste: Sophie the Giraffe is very flexible and has lots of parts for baby to chew (ears, horns, legs).  She is perfect for soothing baby's sore gums when teething and is completely safe.  Made of 100% Natural Rubber (BPA, phthalates free) and food paint. 
• Touch: Sophie the Giraffe is perfect for baby's small hands.  She is very light and her long legs and neck are easy for baby to grip.  She is very soft to the touch, just like mom, stimulating soothing physiological and emotional responses.
• Smell: The singular scent of natural rubber (from the Hevea tree) makes Sophie the Giraffe very special and easy for your child to dentify amid all his other toys.

She's perfect for soothing baby's sore gums when teething

50% Off

We've always got items on sale,

but have you checked out our sale corners lately? 

We've recently made additional reductions to our

Pine Cone Hill Willow Knit

Vera Bradley Retired Items

Now, all 50% off!

In stock items only,

so don't miss out!

Accessorize for Summer with Vera's Summer Sale

Wouldn't this clutch look cute with white pants and a summer top?

It's on sale (just in time for Memorial Day's white pants permission)!

Also On Sale Now:

Any Vera style in Calypso, Carnaby, Priouette, Bali Gold, & Bali Blue

as well as

Palm Beach Gardens

Microfiber

Bucket Totes

Messenger Bags

Taxi Wallets

Great for graduation too -- taxi wallets are only $18.75 each

While items last.

Great Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts

Even though she knows everything, she'll never know it was the last minute with these great gift ideas, in stock now:

Juliska Cornerstone Love Trays: These little trays are perfect for jewelry on the bedside table, rings next to the sink, or keys by the front door.  With a tasteful heart on the front and  "Love conquers all" quote on the back, these sweet little trays will make her smile.

Vera Bradley Apron Gift Sets:  They're still available!  These aprons are not only adorable (with the tiniest, most tasteful ruffle along the top), they're also functional (with two deep side pockets, perfect for stowing a dish towel or menu notes).  Aprons come in their own gift box which are sized perfectly to double as a recipe card box.  Currently available (in stock) in Night & Day, Simply Violet, Call Me Coral, Sittin' in a Tree, Totally Turq, and Loves Me.

Juliska Tumbler or Bud Vase:  With spring already in bloom you can easily pick some lilacs from your backyard and pop them in a Juliska Bud Vase or even a Tumbler (just cut the stems short enough) for a fragrant and lovely bouquet.  Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup as the backyard flowers change with the seasons.

Entertaining Made Easy:  Grab a Juliska pasta bowl (which we think is one of Juliska's most versatile pieces!  Perfect not just for pasta, but also for baked dips and small side dishes), make or pull together the ingredients for your favorite Artichoke Dip, Baked Camembert or something similar.  Already made or ingredients only, mom can have a-ready-to-pop-in-the-oven appetizer whenever she needs one, whether it's on Mother's Day or the next time she's entertaining (remember, Juliska can go from the freezer to a 500 degree oven to the microwave to the dishwasher).  Pair it with a Mariposa spreader, Caspari napkins, or Stonewall Kitchen crackers for a complete gift that will make entertaining easier, elegant, and more enjoyable for her.

*Don't forget --

we have Mother's Day cards in stock as well

so you can tell her exactly what she means to you.

Closed Saturday, April 24th, 2010

Initial Attraction

will be

CLOSED

on

Saturday, April 24th, 2010

We will be unavailable for pickups or orders.

We will resume normal business hours on

Monday, April 26th, 2010

Take Good Care

We finally have Waxing Poetic jewelry pieces in stock (a great gift for Mother's Day)!  This beautiful keepsake line has been such a hit, we thought some tips and tricks for care would be helpful.  As with most jewelry in this price range, slight scratching is considered part of normal wear and tear (just adding to it's rustic patina), and probably shouldn't be worn all the time, every day, forever (it is a keepsake too, afterall).  The big takeaways from the list below include not wearing it in the shower or tub and polishing only when necessary.

The glowing refinement of your keepsake collection of Waxing Poetic jewelry can be preserved in their natural lustrous condition by following these simple guidelines.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR TREASURES
Waxing Poetic uses the finest formula for Sterling Silver available on the market today. Though it contains anti-tarnishing agents, all fine sterling silver does eventually tarnish with age with the exposure to various elements. We recommend that you do not wear yours in the shower, hot tub, sauna, ocean or swimming pool. The high chlorine and/or bromine contents used in swimming pools and hot tubs will accelerate the tarnishing of Sterling Silver jewelry. Minerals in your water source can also accelerate the tarnishing of Sterling Silver jewelry. And, too, sometimes the chemical makeup and oils of your skin and from lotions may contribute to the tarnishing of Sterling Silver jewelry, so apply makeup and hair spray prior to putting on your jewelry.
All metals are lead and nickel free.


REMOVING BLACK TARNISH FROM STERLING SILVER JEWELRY
There are a number of ways to clean Sterling Silver. We suggest one of the safest, least toxic, gentlest and most environmentally sound methods available for the care of your collection of Waxing Poetic sterling jewelry.
Removing the black tarnish may be safely accomplished by placing a double layer of aluminum foil in the bottom of a dishpan, adding warm water and 2-3 heaping tablespoons of baking soda. Place the tarnished sterling silver item in the dishpan in contact with the aluminum foil; allow to soak for a few minutes and the tarnish will lift off and dissipate into the solution. Rinse the items well and buff with a soft polishing cloth to restore luster.
You may also choose to use a soft polishing cloth or foam polishing square to gently buff away tarnish. This method works well for jewelry with stones. To slow down tarnishing, make sure that you store your silver in a reclosable plastic bag or the provided Waxing Poetic pouch. This also prevents scratches.
Let the radiance, the beauty and the heirloom spirit of your Waxing Poetic sterling silver jewelry endure through the extraordinary stories of generations to come by taking care to clean and store your jewelry properly.
CARING FOR YOUR GOLD PLATED JEWELRY
Our Gold and Rose Gold Plated jewelry is made by covering Sterling Silver with a thin layer of gold. Since the gold layer is so thin and reactive with silver, it will eventually wear away despite your best attempts to preserve it.
Lightly wipe your Gold Plated jewelry with a damp cotton cloth. This will help to eliminate any dirt or dust from accumulating on the surface and wearing away the gold layer. Use a soft non-abrasive jewelry polishing cloth and gently rub the piece to restore shine. Do not polish the Gold Plated jewelry often- the more you polish, the more the plate is worn away.
Keep Gold Plated jewelry away from hard surfaces. Bumps and scratches will cause the gold layer to wear away faster. Store your Gold Plated jewelry in our Waxing Poetic pouch or store in a soft material that will prevent scratches.


ANTIQUE BRASS JEWELRY CARE GUIDE
Antique Brass jewelry will tarnish more quickly than sterling silver, but can easily be restored to its original shine.
Simply wash off the Brass jewelry in warm water with a mild liquid soap to loosen dirt. Dry with a soft polishing cloth. For hard to remove tarnish, an easy way to clean your Antique Brass jewelry is to use Ketchup. The acid in ketchup shines brass nicely. Simply apply a small amount with a toothbrush or soft cloth, then rinse thoroughly. Brass polish works well also. Completely dry before storing. As with sterling silver, brass jewelry will tarnish slower if stored in a recloseable plastic bag or our Waxing Poetic pouch.

Shop Pretty, Shop Green!

Remember the Vera Bradley market totes from last season?  The night owl pattern was gone in days -- we re-orderd and re-ordered until they wouldn't let us order any more.   If you missed out last season, here's your chance to get this season's version:

Silkscreened details feature elements from
Vera's earth-loving Sittin' in a Tree Color.

Inside, there's a handy hanging slip pocket.

Roomy, reusable and yours for just $12.

Available now through April 23rd.

More Mixture

New Mixture candles have arrived!  More Flower Market, Relax and Marine, plus we've added a new scent called Equinox. Not just for spring (but quite perfect for it!), Equinox is a sophisticated floral scent with lush nectar, succulent peach and mandarin.

Mixture makes for great Easter gifts too.  I gave these 2 ounce votives to some friends and was surprised at how easy a little tissue and ribbon could turn them into something so festive.

Hosting a party or shower?  Decorate your table with the 2 ounce votives or use them as party favors.  With or without the initial, your guests will love them and your house will smell amazing too.

Made in the USA

We appreciate when you buy local, so we make every effort to try to buy "local" ourselves.  Below is a list of items that we carry that are fully made in the United States, along with some interesting accompanying details that will make you love them even more.

American Apparel  (baby onesies) - This company is an excellent example of what made in the USA can (and should!) be.  Not only are they one of L.A.'s largest employers, they are one of the largest apparel manufacturers in the United States.  Their average sewing operator earns more than $12 per hour, which is accompanyied by a benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, meals, an on-site medical clinic, and stock options, among other things.  American Apparel has experienced rapid sales and export growth, all while producing extremely high quality product.  American Apparel onesies retail for as little as $18 (embroidery included) at Initial Attraction.

Barefoot Contessa (specialty food) - Faster, easier, but just as tasty as her cookbook recipes, Ina Garten's mixes are made in the US too.

Compendium (greeting cards) - Made in the USA and 100% eco-friendly.  10% of all Compendium sale profits are donated to Conservation International and Climate Solutions.  Each card is printed with soy ink on recycled paper and made with green power.  Each card also includes a "Do Something Green" tip on the back.

Hoohobber (toddler chairs) - Family owned and made in Chicago, IL.

Mangiacotti (bath and body) - Love that Lemon Verbena!  Made of essential oils and plant derivatives, Mangiacotti products are earth friendly, never tested on animals and come from Attleboro, MA.

Mixture (candles) - Made by hand (not machine!) in Lenexa, Kansas.  Mixture's goal is to provide the best possible products while improving the environmental status of the planet.

Noodle and Boo (baby bath and body) - Hypo-allergenic and created for ultra-sensitive skin, this line takes care of eczema, cradle cap and diaper rash, and a portion of their proceeds goes to childrens' charities.  Plus, it's from San Jose, CA.
Stonewall Kitchen (specialty food) - Over 90% of their products are all natural and all are made in the USA.
The Thymes (bath and body).  Their distinctive scents are created in their own in-house labs, run entirely by women.  Plus, the Thymes are mid-west based, coming straight from Minneapolis, MN.

All the Better to See You With, My Dear...

Introducing

Vera Bradley

Readers

3 styles

6 patterns

3 strengths (+1.00, +1.50, +2.00)

Not your grandmother's glasses!

The Meal Saver

I tried a new recipe for dinner the other night, which I was really excited about, and it ended up being just so-so.  I had high hopes that it would be lovely and nutritious and easy and something that I would revisit again and again.  It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't that great either.

And so, I needed a really good dessert.

It needed to be easy (because I'd already spent my time on a mediocre dinner) and it needed to be guaranteed to be good, because I'd already taken my chances earlier.  So, I decided to make the Barefoot Contessa Decadent Molten Chocolate Cake Mix.  I know -- they look really good, but they don't look that easy, right? 

They were so easy!  In case you don't believe me, I'm going to share with you that I was actually a little tipsy from the wine I had with dinner (and making dinner, and being disappointed by dinner) -- and I still made them without a problem.  Amazingly, they came out just like the picture on the front of the box (except I made 4.5 of them instead of 6 -- but mine were BIGGER which is most definitely better).  What was the most surprising was how light they were -- I thought they would be dense and heavy and rich with chocolate, almost like a flourless chocolate cake.  They are definitely chocolatey, but they were also quite light and heavenly.  They were more along the lines of what I always think chocolate souffle should taste like.  I split one with my dinner companion, but I totally could have eaten my own.  I topped it with a dollop of whipped cream, but a little ice cream on the warm cake would have been really good too.

They also save nicely, so you don't have to eat all six in one sitting.  I may have had one for breakfast the next day (and it was excellent with coffee).  Meme and I also split one at the shop that afternoon -- we nuked it in the microwave for about 20 seconds, added some whipped cream to the top and it helped us get through that late afternoon lethargy.

Thinking ahead to Valentine's Day, which is on a Sunday this year, this would be a super easy, but special Valentine's Day treat.  Any recipe suggestions for something lovely and nutritious and easy to make for dinner?

:)
--bb

"Emotionally Intelligent" Gifts

As seen in House Beautiful:

(front)

(back)

Juliska's Cornerstone Collection Love Tray

(3" square)

According to Juliska, their goal was to add emotionally intelligent gifts to their product line: "gifts that are inspirational" and "celebrate the cornerstore values of a life well lived."

Perfect for earrings, cufflinks, or just as a decorative keepsake.


But what we think is the most emotionally intelligent part is the price: $20.


Great for Valentine's Day.

Why We Stuff

New Vera is here!

(you can see now why we stuff them all!)

Four fresh new colors, updated and premiering styles

Signature, Stationery & Microfiber

Available now.

Etiquette: The Art of the Thank You

It's that time of year: you've reaped the benefits of the holiday season and now it's time to show your gratitude with a thank you note. So often, the thank you note is something to be done, crossed off the list, gotten over with. But a thank you note is really so much more than that -- it's a chance to show your gratitude, to go on record and really acknowledge the act of giving. In this day and age of email and texts, the thank you note is an opportunity to personally craft something tangible and real. The best thank you notes will be re-read and sometimes even shared by the recipient (think of grandmothers who share thank you notes from their granchildren with their friends). But so often these days, thank you notes end up being boring form letters.

Here are some tips that we've pulled together for making thank you note writing feel more like an art and less like a homework assignment:

• Write it, don't email it. Don't you get a little jolt of pleasure when you open your mailbox and find that rare, handwritten note inside? Share this little delight with your receipient by mailing your note instead of emailing it.
  
• Use distincitve paper. Folded notes and stationery that reflect your personality elevate the thank you note writing process to more than just a menial task. Good paper feels good to write on. As one etiquette book states "the quality of your communication takes on the quality of the paper upon which it is written."* Distinctive stationery makes reading your note that much more enjoyable and exceptional for your recipient too.
  
• Use your favorite pen. We all have one -- a pen that fits nicely in your hand, writes smoothly, and makes your handwriting look lovely (or at least legible!).
  
• Make it memorable! Use adjectives that sparkle and shine as much as the gift. The goal is to craft something that relays the emotion you felt when you received the item or the joy you get when you use or look at it. Here's an excerpt from one of our personal favorites from an in-town relative: "Do I ever tell you how much I adore the bamboo towels? Scrumptious! And each day, soap opera time, lying under the soft, soft throw blanket -- someday, I may never get up. Come bring me supper!"
  
• Even if the gift wasn't perfect or even something you'll keep, focus on the act of giving as you write your thank you note. Keep in mind, "the manner of giving is worth more than the gift."**
  
• Get it done. The sooner you write your thank you notes, the sooner you can truly enjoy the gifts.
  

Above all, let your personality and gratitude shine through. Remember, "feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."*** Make your thank you note a little bit like a wrapped present in return.

Double Your Thank You Note Order

When you order 25 or more notes
Through Jan 31st, 2010

Three Designing Women

Customized Address Stamps

* Baldridge, Letitia. Letitia Baldridge's New Manners for New Times; A Complete Guide to Etiquette.
**Pierre Corneille, Le Menteur
***William A. Ward

One For Everyone

Or three for me. :)

At these prices, why not?

Robes, PJ's, and more -- 50% off

While supplies last.