Shopping: champagne charming online boutiques chocolates Colorado discounted online shopping dog collars Europe fashion accessories gift ideas galore handmade treasures holiday shopping memorabilia pet toys soaps
by maribeth
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Online Shopping Recommendations Holidays 2016
A Trove of Alpen Treasures at Alpen Schatz
OK, admit it. You haven’t finished your holiday shopping yet. And if you’re like many people, you haven’t even begun. That’s the case for me this year, which also explains why I’m late in posting my annual round up of online boutiques. Phew, I’ve been busy settling in after having been away from Colorado for over five months and more recently focusing on ski training and instructing–that always takes priority, especially when we have such glorious snow!
But I can no longer procrastinate. So I’ll be ordering today and tomorrow from many of the purveyors below and having gifts sent directly to loved ones. Most still guarantee Christmas arrival. And if not, c’est la vie, if the package arrives between Christmas and New Year’s that’s good, too. The important thing is to keep it simple and enjoy the process.
Now that I have Amazon Prime, I’ve been ordering lots of stuff in an attempt to stock our pantry for the winter season. Their one-click shopping and free shipping is super convenient, however, it’s totally charmless.
Gift-y Soaps from Fresh Soap Company
When it comes to gifting (for myself and others), I like more ambiance. You’ll find it in my curated selection below of favorite online boutiques. All offer a 10% discount to Bonjour Colorado readers. Be sure to mention it to the shop and/or type Bonjour into the coupon code section. Here’s a brief overview; for more detailed descriptions, visit my Online Shopping Page.
Ruth and Her Mouth-Watering Toffee
Homemade Toffee from Ruth’s Toffee
Ruth’s Toffee
To me, toffee and Christmas go together like cookies and egg nog. Shop at Ruth’s Toffee for some of the best homemade toffee this side of the pond.
Cow Bells and Sleigh Bells Ringing at Alpen Schatz
Lots of Gift Ideas for the Pups at Alpen Schatz
Signed Copies of My Travel Memoir Are Sold at Alpen Schatz
Alpen Schatz
I love this festive shop chockfull off alpine treasures for the home, men, women, children and your most regal pets. Visiting this site is like opening an Old World Christmas box brimming with gift ideas galore. You can also buy signed copies of my travel memoir, A Tour of the Heart: A Seductive Cycling Trip Through France, at Alpen Schatz, too.
Purrfect Play Paradise
Purrfect Play
Our little fur babies deserve the best and you’ll find it here in the form of handmade toys for cats and dogs. Purrfect Play’s organic catnip-filled play thingies are the best around.
Champagne and Chocolates from Henri’s Reserve
Henri’s Reserve Boutique
Celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, the New Year or just life in general with a primo bottle of champagne. Send off a beautifully-packaged bottle, gift set or enrollment to Henri’s Reserve Champagne Club to your friends, business contacts and loved ones. Cheers!
Fresh Soap Company Holiday Goods
Fresh Soap Company
There’s nothing like pretty soap and you’ll find a beautiful selection of natural and handmade soaps, potions and lotions at this Colorado-based company.
Bowie Memorabilia from The Autograph Source
The Autograph Source
Looking for something out of the ordinary? Try a piece of memorabilia signed by a famous–or infamous–person. The Autograph Source gives originality new meaning with every signature.
My Guy is All About REI
REI
Want to look like or outfit a loved one with an authentic, outdoorsy look? Go to REI. Check out my description and links directly at the bottom of my Online Shopping Page.
Remember to use the coupon code Bonjour with all the above purveyors (excepting REI) for your additional 10% discount.
Happy shopping and happy holidays to you!
Europe Hotels & Lodging Travel: Europe Hotels & Lodging Travel
by maribeth
Comments Off on Hotel Skeppsholmen: A Gem of a Boutique Hotel in Stockholm
Hotel Skeppsholmen: A Gem of a Boutique Hotel in Stockholm
Room with a Splendid View at Hotel Skeppsholmen in Stockholm
It’s hard to believe we’re already practically on the eve of Memorial Day Weekend, America’s unofficial start to the summer. Here in Telluride, Colorado—like in other mountain towns across the West—this weekend marks the end of off-season, also known as shoulder season. Yes, from now through almost the end of September/early October, our prized tourist destination will be flooded with visitors from all over the world. Indeed, the town’s population will go from scant to near overflowing (at peak times such as during the Bluegrass Festival and over July 4th).
Even the locals are back in full swing, many fresh off of fascinating travels to far-flung lands. Most have come back with tales of adventure and chance encounters in foreign countries. Since I’ve been largely holed up at my desk, I’ve been listening with particular interest to their stories and impressions, while taking inventory of must-see places on my personal list. Europe still reigns supreme for me. And although I have traveled a lot throughout this storied continent, I’m continually drawn there for this reason or that.
