Shop Girl Speaks!

End of an era...

2009-05-04T05:42:00.000-07:00

Last week was administrative assistant's week and I woke from a dream where I forgot to send out postcards for an Encore promotion. I took a deep breath and remembered that I no longer have a store to have anxiety about. This was always a great holiday for us...

I miss these events but I also am ready to move on. I have currently expanded my job search to everywhere and am focusing on communication, marketing and student affairs. Our house will be on the market by June 1. Big steps... deep breaths. I need to let go to move on.

With that said, this will be my last post on this blog.
I am moving all activity to www.chaosandchicken.blogspot.com, which means there will be a lot more chaos to add to the chicken.

Much love and luck in shopping,
The woman formerly known as ShopGirl... hopefully soon known as something new (you know I will have a name.) See ya at Chaos!

Can I get a pass?

2009-04-21T13:58:00.001-07:00

So lately I have been contemplating on idea of checking out of my life with the option to return. You know--- like summer camp for adults. What do think? Could we start a committee to figure this out? The old me would want to chair it :)

How do you do that? Sell such an idea to your something-like-a-husband? Tell me... I am a salesperson and I think even that might require an expert's advice.

I just learned that a bike shop will go into the Encore space. I have to admit, I had an allergic
reaction to it but am letting go... this is me letting go. This is me breathing (taking yoga across from this new bike shop). Must move on. Move Up. Move out. I just decided today that if I were a musician (I do love the music but have you heard me sing) this might be the title of my new album. Yes, I know... get a job already!

xoxo- lady formerly known as ShopGal

So much time, so little to do!

2009-03-17T15:13:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone,
It has been almost one month since I closed the doors in Encore. Up until last week I had not set foot downtown (yeah, denial, it's a fun place to live). So here is how I have been spending my time...

Week One- Cleaning out Store, Teaching, Sulking, Not Doing Taxes
Week Two- Looking for Job, Teaching, Baking, Sulking, Not Doing Taxes
Week Three- Looking for a Job, Teaching , Baking, Exercising and Occasional Lunch or Coffee with Friend (thanks, btw), Sulking and Not Doing Taxes
Week Four- Died my hair Chocolate Cherry, Exercise, Looking for Job, Baking and NO MORE SULKING but Still No Taxes... Why do this week what you can put off til next

After a weekend away, I have a new attitude. This change has been hard and I must admit that I am having a little bit of an identity crisis but SULKING does not help. For the past 10 years my life has been jam packed with so much to do so I need to learn to enjoy free time because really, how often do you get it as an adult? Plus... I still have taxes.

Miss you more than you know. XXOO Shopgirl
PS- Email me at staceydeniseprice@gmail.com
PPSS- Since cooking and baking are my therapy I have tons of new recipes at www.chaosandchicken.blogspot.com

Shop Girl Cries. . .

2009-02-23T18:17:00.000-08:00

This weekend was a little harder than I thought. On Friday night I paid tribute to the store by cranking up the music, vacuuming and crying. When I left, I felt optimistic for the future but a little sad for the bit of me I was leaving behind. Saturday was strange without Karen (she moved out Friday) but was filled with visits from familiar faces and friends. Thank you so much for your support of my very hard decision. Thank you for your words, your flowers and your kind thoughts... thank you most of all for an amazing time!

I am still trying to figure out what to do with the blog... I mean, can one such persona still be Shop Girl if one does not own shop? TO BE CONTINUED...

An emotional thought. . . two more days!

2009-02-19T16:44:00.001-08:00

Since about a week after my announcement I have been in "Operation Close Down" mode and have felt pretty good about things. Customers come in with heavy hair as I call it (head tilted, super sad look) to see if I am "Ok"... I have been able, until today, to remain very logical. As I wrote my last Shop Girl Speaks email I was sad. I cannot believe that was my last email to you as store owner. I will no longer be a business owner in two days. Wow...

Over the next two days I am offering 90% (yes, you read it correctly) off of EVERYTHING. Please, Please come take stuff off my hands so I do not have to haul it off on Monday--- I mean, basically I am almost paying you... and believe it or not, we still have good stuff left.

Two furniture pieces that are almost FREE to a good home:
Ball Foot Cherry Table- $75
White Pine Victorian Mantle- $100

I am not saying good bye... hopefully I will see you very soon.

Until then, lots of love and luck in shopping.
Always your shop girl,
Stacey

MORE markdowns!!!!!

2009-02-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

We have a little over a week left (I know, sad, right? ) and to the theme of "Everything Must Go" I have marked everything down once more...

Merchandise, Furniture and Fixtures 75%
Seasonal 90%

CRAZY- Huh???? So, the Victorian Mantle in the window and Pump Organ are now (Originally $500),The $125Mahogany Clawfoot Table is $150, the 19 Century Wormy Hutch is now $250!!!!!

We still have lots of FREE PAINT and items in crates labeled FREE TO GOOD HOME!

Plus, the GIRL SCOUTS are going to be in on Saturday selling COOOKIEEEES!!!! Please! Please! save me from buying the entire case of THIN MINTS.

See you soon!

February 21- Last SALE day

2009-02-03T14:38:00.000-08:00

Hi Guys!
To make sure we are ready to leave the building on
February 28, our last day in the store to have sales
is Saturday, February 21. Just wanted to let you know
so you can plan to pick up some great deals!

See you soon,
Stacey

PS- There was a little employee confusion this morning and apparently the store did not
open til after lunch. Many apologies to anyone this inconvenienced!

Final Liquidation- 60% off Everyday, 75% off Seasonal and 50% off Furniture and Fixtures

2009-01-29T18:29:00.000-08:00

Okay... this is it!
Starting tomorrow, Friday, January 30 we are going to our FINAL level of liquidation. Come early in weekend or call if you have something in mind because I am certain that people will be coming out of the woodwork. We open at 10 a.m.

60% off Everyday, 75% off Seasonal and 50% off Furniture and Fixtures

Monday-Saturday 10 to 5 p.m. 540.639.2015

One Mans Prop...Another Person's Treasure???

2009-01-24T06:08:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that we have some great finds for sale (or for FREE) from our storage!
As most of you know, I love to re-paint walls, furniture and almost anything. I have LOTS
of paint for FREE. Just come in and ask to see it. I have some 5 gallon containers and a lot
of gallons with just enough for a small project.

Also, check out our props, baskets for $1, old windows for $5, White lights $.50, Fabric $2,
Ribbon $2 and interesting display pieces that you might find new uses for!
Also, if you know anyone moving, we have tons of boxes (Again, just ask to see them).
AND, we have a lot of broken merchandise in our stock room that we will throw out.
Any of this is FREE to you if you have a craft project that you can incorporate them in!

Now 50% off Storewide, 75% off all Seasonal

2009-01-17T19:15:00.000-08:00

Well, we are two weeks into liquidation. On Thursday we had a Customer Appreciation Sale to
kick off 50% off. Believe it or not, we still have a lot of great stuff. On Monday I will be discounting several furniture pieces so make sure to stop by. It sure is bittersweet to see you all these days...

Thanks for a Great Story...

2009-01-17T17:17:00.000-08:00

It is hard to like anything you read in print about you closing your store but I think this article did a great job. Recently published at http://www.everythingnrv.com/, my friend and collegue, Tim Jackson, did a great job covering the store closing.
Visit http://www.newrivervoice.com/ to see more of his work!

Radford Store Closing Feb. 28

(This is me, running like crazy from the camera & helping people. Scott says I unfortunately
look like I am at a bar having one too many martinis... )

by Tim W. Jackson

The old Radford Fitness Center building on Main Street has been vacant for nearly a decade.
The crowd in Radford’s Encore Artful Gifts was thick Thursday evening. Customers came in to take advantage of the great sales.
“Seasonal items are 75 percent off,” owner Stacey Price told customers as they came in the door, one after another, from the bitter cold. “Everything else in the store is 40 percent off,” she added. But you know this isn’t just any sale when Price called out her next line: “All furniture and fixtures are priced as marked.” Encore isn’t normally in the business of selling furniture or fixtures.
After six years of making a go of Encore, Price decided that Feb. 28 would be her last day of business.

She sent an e-mail and postcard to customers on her list giving them the heads up on the major sale that started Thursday, including the furniture and fixtures. Everything must go. “I like to tell customers to come get a piece of Radford history,” Price said with a smile.
But Price probably would have had a bigger smile on her face if her store had been that populated with customers on a regular basis for the past six years. Encore joins several Radford businesses to close in the past year, leaving more than a half-dozen storefronts empty on the small stretch of Main Street from Tyler Avenue to Third Avenue. More buildings stand vacant if you travel on either direction on Main Street, including the BB&T branch on the West End of town, which closed in December—just days after Pascal’s Kitchen abruptly closed at 1150 East Main Street.
Price said that Encore had a handful of challenges. “I consider this to be a destination store,” Price explained. “And for a destination store, it’s best to have a parking lot.” At the same time, Price said that a general lack of foot traffic in downtown Radford is a challenge for businesses. Plus the general economic situation is hurting businesses everywhere. “Radford, in particular, is a fiscally conservative town,” Price said.
Price’s advice to potential downtown businesses is to make sure they have the financial resources to weather an economic storm such as the one gripping the country. “You should have enough to pay all of your bills for a year,” Price said. “I didn’t have those financial resources.”
Other former Radford businesses have continued to survive elsewhere, including Vintage Cellar,
Bohemian Trading Company, Annie Kay’s and Imaginations, all of which still are open for business in their Blacksburg locations.
“We always seemed to come up just a little bit short in Radford,” said Keith Roberts, owner of Vintage Cellar. “We’re maintaining our success here in Blacksburg, though. We’ve found that in this economy, a lot of people are nesting. They’re not going out and spending the money. They’re entertaining at home, which is good for a store that sells wine and beer.”
Becky Haupt, executive director of Main Street Radford, said that each of the aforementioned stores that had two locations in the New River Valley had unique situations as to why they closed the Radford stores.

Encore owner Stacey Price stayed busy helping a full store of customers Thursday evening as major sales went into effect.

Haupt said that it’s sometimes hard to find the perfect entrepreneur for downtown Radford, someone who has the right mix of enthusiasm, expertise, and financial means.
Haupt added that her organization has an incentive program in place now that can help to pay things such as interior and exterior paint, signs, and awnings.
But even with incentives for potential business owners, will customers patronize a downtown business? “Sharkey’s has done extremely well,” Haupt said, offering an example of a new business that came to Radford and had that mix of enthusiasm, expertise, and financial means.
But not all Radford residents are particularly keen at shopping in downtown. Liz Koch said, “I very rarely ever shop downtown, and when I did the prices were so expensive I couldn’t afford it.”

Radford resident Eric Melniczek said, “I shop in Radford quite frequently. If you take 100 percent, I shop in Radford 25 percent of the time, Christiansburg 25 percent of the time, Blacksburg/Roanoke 15 percent of the time, and online 5 percent of the time. The remaining 30 percent is shopping that I do while out of town.”

Melniczek said that there are many factors that make it challenging for downtown businesses to survive. “Today, customers want to shop at shopping malls [or] shopping centers with chain stores,” he said. “It is sad to see more customers go to Subway than Screamer’s.”

To Everything There is a Season. . .

2008-12-04T10:06:00.000-08:00

Six years ago this week I made a decision to buy this business from Carolee and Ken
Bondurant. The day I announced my decision there was snow on the ground and holiday
decorations adorned what was to be my new store. At that point, this was the hardest and biggest decision that I had ever made.

Now, exactly six years later I find myself announcing another very hard, emotional decision...
I have decided that it is time I pass along this wonderful gift... Encore Artful Gifts is officially for Sale. I have had almost six amazing years... now it is time to move on. A dear friend and customer commented on my decision by saying that in life we all go through seasons and I am embarking on a new season. As winter comes, I need your help finding someone that is ready to embark on their own journey into small business. I will discuss details of the sale with interested buyers. I am, luckily, willing to help finance a part of the business if necessary.

I am sorry you are not all hearing this from me in person but I wanted you to know from me before you read it in the paper.

I will cherish my six wonderful years that I have had with you. . . more than you know.

Much love and many memories,
Stacey

*Please come and celebrate with us next Thursday as we will cheers to all of the memories and what the future has to bring*

You are INVITED!

2008-12-04T10:04:00.001-08:00

Join us
next Thursday, December 11

5 to 8p.m.
for our

Annual Holiday Mixer and Gourmet Food Tasting

Shop
15% off Storewide

40% off of Holiday

Great Gifts from Dogeared---Under $40!

2008-12-04T09:57:00.001-08:00

From humble beginnings as a rough grain of sand, the pearl slowly grows into an object of beauty and simplicity. symbolic of honesty, integrity, prosperity and wisdom. pearls represent the best within us. let your necklace be a daily reminder to open doors, make trails, and allow your best to shine. enjoy and believe!

Some cultures say you have to wear a horseshoe "open end up", to catch all the riches and luck from heaven. Others say you should wear it with the open end down so the riches can pour out on you. Call us greedy, but we didn't want to spill any -- so ours is a bit tipped to the side. Our necklace will hold all the luck you live and create -- and luck goes with everything, so you can wear it everyday!

Our gift to you... Time!

2008-12-04T09:44:00.000-08:00

New Holiday Hours through December 24
Monday 10 to 6
Tuesday 10 to 6
Wednesday 10 to 8- OPEN LATE
Thursday 10 to 8- OPEN LATE
Friday 10 to 8 - OPEN LATE
Saturday 10 to 6
Sunday 1 to 5

December 24- 10 a.m. til 5 p.m.
Re-Open December 26 from 10 to 5 p.m.

Holiday Tip #1--- Use Coupons

2008-11-20T11:37:00.000-08:00

See, it PAYS to get our emails!

**** Valid tonight starting at 6p.m. til Sunday at 5 p.m.! ****

6 ways to the Heart of a Hostess

2008-11-20T11:14:00.000-08:00

As you travel for the holiday week, keep these hostess gifts in mind.

1. Keep her busy hands soft with Savannah Bee Company Royal Jelly, $23.99!

2. Great to serve with creme cheese. Bring a gift you can share with all-- Bella Cucina Marinated Onions and ChickPeas, $8.99

3. Nutty Girls' (sm 7.99, lg 15.99) Packaging and Flavorful Taste are sure to show you are NUTS for her hospitality!

4. Get a jump on Santa and give her kitchen a touch of Christmas with our Pomegranite Dish Soap, $15.99
5. Give the gift of the season with these festive Vintage Turkey Dishtowels, $8.99.

6. Sweet and Savory, Stonewall Kitchen Apple Jalepeno Jam ($8.99)is a nice surprise for any cook.

Great Teacher Gifts

2008-11-18T14:18:00.003-08:00

$20 for three personalized pads!

Must order by December 10.

Visit http://www.shopencoreartfulgifts.com/ to view all styles and fonts.

Give the Gift of Ease!

2008-11-18T14:12:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to to order your holiday gift baskets!

Our most popular are:

Fruit Bouquet

$25, $40, $65

Coffee & Chocolate

$30, $50, $75

Snack Attack

$30, $50, $75

Breakfast

$30, $50, $75

email us at encore@ntelos.net or call us at 639.2015 today to order. Discounts given for bulk.

A reason to GIVE THANKS!

2008-11-18T13:54:00.000-08:00

Open 10 til 6, Friday after Thanksgiving!
We will be samplin lots of goodies and giving back with every purchase!

New Twist on an Old Favorite!

2008-11-18T13:50:00.000-08:00

We had such a festive weekend at the Holiday Open House!

As promised, here is the recipe for the

Cranberry Horseradish Cheese Ball

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 package shredded cheddar
1/8 cup Stonewall Kitchen Cranberry Horseradish Sauce
¼ cup dried Cranberries chopped
¼ to 1/2 cup bacon, crumbled
1 bell pepper chopped
scallions, chopped

Work into ball and coat with chopped cranberries and pecans.

Holiday Music is Playing!

2008-11-18T13:37:00.000-08:00

Shop while listening to the best holiday music in town. The other day I realized that we have over 300 holiday tunes on our Ipod! If nothing else, we have variety!

Two of our favorite 2008 editions are:

Warm December- Brushfire Holidays Vol 1

1. Someday At Christmas (Jack Johnson)
2. Santa Claus is Coming To Town (Mason Jennings)
3. All I Want For Christmas (Matt Costa)
4. No Christmas For Me (Zee Avi)
5. Stuck At The Airport (Money Mark)
6. Christmas Baby (G. Love)
7. Christmas Time (ALO)
8. The Man in The Santa Suit (Neil Halstead)
9. Christmas (Rogue Wave)
10. Rudolph The Red nosed Reindeer (Jack Johnson)
11. Silent Night (Zach Gill)

Winter Wonderland from Starbucks

1. Do You Hear What I Hear?--Pink Martini
2. Caroling Caroling--Nat King Cole
3. Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer--Lena Horne
4. Mistletoe and Holly--Frank Sinatra
5. 2000 Miles--KT Tunstall
6. Winter Wonderland--Goldfrapp
7. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!--Dean Martin
8. Frosty The Snowman--Ella Fitzgerald
9. Greensleeves--Vince Guaraldi Trio
10. What A Wonderful World--Beth Orton
11. The Man With All The Toys--The Beach Boys
12. Little Drummer Boy--Peggy Lee
13. White Christmas--Diana Krall
14. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?--Mindy Smith
15. Silent Night, Holy Night--Mahalia Jackson

I am CRAZY for Funky Chunky Candy Cane Popcorn!

2008-11-18T13:14:00.000-08:00

If the saying "You are what you eat" is true then I am Candy Cane Popcorn.

It is a combination of peppermint bark and caramel popcorn. It's described as rich, buttery caramel popcorn with glazed macadamia nuts, smothered in smooth white peppermint drizzle and sprinkled with crushed candy cane.

Please come and buy it so I will stop eating it.
Your favorite Shop Girl,
Candy, aka Stacey

Who has Time????

2008-11-17T10:46:00.000-08:00

We do! Shop our new Tokyo Bay Watches! Great gifts for guys and gals!

Also on SALE, Take $10 off on Day After Thanksgiving Weekend!

Ideas for Christmas Windows

2008-11-07T04:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have one weeks before we unvail Christmas 2008.
We have great stuff but I must admit I am stuck on the windows.
Have no fear, fans, they will be great... But will they be as great as these
below? I always get inspiration from others!

Christmas is coming!

2008-11-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

Over the next two weeks we will be DECKING OUR HALLS

with trees, ornaments and holiday decor! Stop in and see our elves
in progress.

Save the date for our
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND

November 15 & 16

Saturday 10 to 5 p.m.

Sunday Noon to 5.m.

All holiday is Buy 2, Get 3rd Free

We will be serving lots of GOURMET FOOD SAMPLES

Also, keep your eyes on the mail for 2008 Holiday Mailer!

New Tulle Shipment

2008-11-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

Dress, $85.99

Coat- $115
. . . and Champagne is the color!

Artful Snacking!

2008-11-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

Check out these Spicy NEW Nuts we have in!

The artwork on the packaging looks GREAT in gift baskets.

Great Hostess Gift!

*We are filled full with LOTS of new GOURMET FOOD Options! *

Who doesn't love chocolate!

2008-11-03T10:19:00.001-08:00

Raspberry Chocolate Creme Coffee. . . need I say more?
$10.99 a pound, ground or whole bean

Raspberry Dark Chocolate Truffles.. decadent & rich! Great flavor combo.

$1 an ounce, 1st sample is on us!

Chocolate Ganache Cake Mix... for that almost homeade AMAZING TREAT
$14.99 and worth every penny

Holiday Cards- Three Ways!

2008-11-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

Get a head start on your holiday cards this year. With lots of variety in stock, we offer you

Buy2 Get 3rd Free for the entire month of November!

Want to do a picture card? Get your family photo printed and I will custom design it for $1.50 each. Also check out our imprintables already in stock! Ask for details!

Feeling creative? Don't forget that you can make your own downstairs by paying a supply fee!

(For instance, I BUYING my holiday cards (too many) but making the invitations for my Cookie Exchange!)

Big Buddah Bags in!

2008-11-03T09:50:00.000-08:00

Groupie Bag, black $81.99

Denise Bag, red, purple & teal $81.99

Tyler, tan & camel $81.99

So Much Going on This Saturday!!!!!

2008-10-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday will keep us busy in Radford with lots of festivities.

Stop by the store for a SIDEWALK SALE and food SAMPLES ! Take an extra 15% STOREWIDE and on sale items!

Don't forget there is a 5K in Bissett at 8 a.m. followed by a PANCAKE BREAKFAST downtown!

Stop by the RECYCLED HALLOWEEN COSTUME SALE located from 8 to 1 p.m. in the Farmer's Market Lot!

Still feeling SPOOKY?
Shop all of our Halloween Items for 20% off

The HIGHLANDER FESTIVAL goes on ALL day on MOFFETT QUAD at RU!
A special thanks to RU, Mainstreet Radford and especially to the hardworking Highlanders Festival Weekend for making this all happen!

Happy Festival Weekend!

Make Good Decisions- Election 2008!

2008-10-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

November 4th is drawing near.

You may or may not have made a choice for a candidate but vote us #1 when it comes to invitations!

No matter who your vote is for, let us make your ELECTION PARTY more festive with

our CUSTOM ELECTION invitations!

Gullah Gourmet In!

2008-10-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

Want to taste a little food from the South?

Straight from South Carolina, Gullah Gourmet is a great representation!

Fast and Easy Soups and Dips-- in UNIQUE flour sack packaging that makes a GREAT gift!

(Please note that all of the instructions are written with a Southern (or Gullah) dialect.

Our MainStreet Economic Relief--- Layaway

2008-10-10T08:22:00.000-07:00

We may not have a bail out plan for you but we can make
shopping for the holidays more feasible!

Start your shopping today, tomorrow at our sidewalk saleor next week at the anniversary sale and put your items on LAYAWAY!

We offer a 25% down layaway plan that can be paid on over 70 days thisholiday season. We have great storage so why not use it?! Leave us yourto and from and we will wrap and tag them FREE of CHARGE. One less thing for you to worry about this Christmas!

New Gourmet Food in--- Perfect for Gift Baskets!

2008-10-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

As you know the closer we get to November the more GOURMET FOOD we have in the store.
This is the time for parties... gatherings! We like to supply you with great options for appetizers and easy gifts.

Just in:

NEW COFFEE

Honey Maple Praline

Chocolate Raspberry Creme

(don't forget our old standbys- Snickerdoodle, 89er, Vermont Maple Nut Crunch)

STONEWALL KITCHEN

Bellini Brunch Jam
Apple Jalepeno Jelly
Aged Cheddar Beer Crackers
Blue Cheese Walnut Crackers
Cranberry Horeseradish Spread
Wild Blueberry Maine Jam

SNAP COOKIES from Flatau's Gourmet

Cinnamon Snaps
Chocolate Snaps

Peppermint Snaps

Butterscotch Snaps

We will be sampling on Saturdays so stop by to try a new treat!

Happy Birthday!

2008-09-26T09:03:00.001-07:00

Encore will celebrate it's 19th birthday this October. Can you believe it?

I can hardly beleive that I have owned the business for almost 6 years!

We will celebrate October 16-19th by offering 19% off!

Also, a special happy birthday month to:

Polly Archer
Pam Clark
Mary Donnley
Rosa Anne Gilreath
Emily Goldberg
Janey Hazelton
Shirly Huffman
Katie Kestle
Linda P King
Paige Phillips
Nancy Rader
Beth Tanner
Olivia Walker

.... and Me, Stacey :)

All of these October babies get 15% off during their birthday month. If you have not emailed us your birthday pleasedo so you can receive 15% off your special month!

Send your birthday month to: encore@ntelos.net... we will be waiting!

It's no trick... we are filled with treats!

2008-09-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

Just incase you haven't seen our window, our Halloween items are OUT!

We have some GREAT new stuff this year including
Door brooms
Electronic signsfor outside
Soap
Candy dishes
Ceramic figurines!

Also, come in to check out Karen's sister'shandmade dolls.

She has some great witches, egors and draculas for the Spooky Season!

*A special thanks to Jessica Harrison for making a super spooky special window, Good Job!*

Two Fall MUST HAVES!

2008-09-26T07:54:00.000-07:00

Crinkle Scarves...
Worn three different ways can liven up any outfit.
Colors: Black, Brown, Purple, Teal, Yellow, Green, Grey

$23.99

or 2 for $40

Samantha Trouser Jeans by Level 99

I have worn these twice this week because I LOVE them so much!

They really do look great on most people. . . come and try them on!

$99

Mr. Peabody is so excited....

2008-09-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

. . . new dog toys are on their way! Your favorite Rope Toys from Jax and Bones are set to ship this week along with some newbies below! Willy- 14.99

Mojo- 16.99

Ted - 14.99
Carly - 16.99

Artful store... Artful Food!

2008-09-22T11:17:00.000-07:00

New Bella Cucina Products are in!

If you love their lemon artichoke pesto you will adore the new

Spinach Artichoke Brushetta!

Savory spinach is paired with artichokes to create the easiest appetizer for delicious
entertaining and snacking. Spread on crusty bread, perhaps with a touch of garlic.

Also, new, Carmelized Onion Fennel & Golden Raisin Antipasta.

Sweet caramelized onions combined with fresh, sautéed fennel and plump, marinated golden raisins in a sweet and vinegary bath creates a delicious agridolci savory-sweet condiment. Serve right out of the jar
as an Antipasti appetizer, use as topping for foccacia bread topped with Gorgonzola, a condiment
for roasted meats and chicken or toss with pasta and fresh, sautéed greens. Buon Appetito!

October is CRAFTOBER!

2008-09-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

Every Thursday in October from 6 to 8 we will offer the craftiest of craft classes in the store.
Space is limited so sign up today!!! (See events to remember for class listing)

Sweeten your Bath!

2008-09-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

New Me Bath Icecream Flavors

Divine Lotus

Morning Grapefruit

Sonoran Sunset

Mint Mohito

$7.99 each or 3 for $20

Serve up with our Me Bath Body Frosting for the Sweetest Treat!

Local Pottery!

2008-09-15T07:49:00.001-07:00

We just received a new shipment from our favorite local potter-

Hoffman Pottery
(Independence, VA)

Shop a new selection of Bowls, Servers, Casserole Dishes, Mugs, Bread Plates, Vases and Goblets all while supporting a local crafts artisan... and small business (that's me!)!

Just Shipped! Fall Stonewall Kitchen Items

2008-09-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

I just got an email that our favorite gourmet food company, Stonewall Kitchen, has just shipped our Fall order!

We will have in this week:
Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix
Maple Pumpkin Butter
Caramel Apple Butter
Cinnamon Apple Jelly

YUM! I am so excited... especially about this recipe made with Cinnamon Apple Jelly I just found:

Cinnamon Apple Puff Pastry Cheesecakes

1 sheet frozen puff pastry

8 oz. Mascarpone cheese

1 Tbsp. flour

1 whole egg
¼ tsp. cinnamon
2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
½ tsp. vanilla
½ cup Stonewall Kitchen Cinnamon Apple Jelly
¼ cup walnuts, chopped and toasted

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease every other cup in a mini muffin tin. Roll one sheet of puff pastry on a floured surface to measure 9 x 18 inches. Cut into 18 3-inch squares. Press each pastry piece into each greased muffin cup allowing edges to drape over the edge of the cup. In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment mix the Mascarpone cheese, flour, egg, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla on medium speed until uniform. Fill each pastry ¾ full with cheese filling. Bake approximately 12 minutes or until the pastry is golden and the cheese filling is set. Top each pastry with about 1 tsp. Cinnamon Apple Jelly and sprinkle with toasted chopped walnuts, Serve warm.

New Fall Clothes are Arriving DAILY!

2008-09-04T12:55:00.000-07:00

Ginger G Shirt, $39.99
Cosabella Belt $21.99
Brown Bead Necklace $40.50

Lula Vita Dress $69.99

Blue Bead Necklace $39.99

Stop in to get first dibs!

Give the Gift of Green!

2008-09-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

NEW Recycled Magazine Frames!

*Also, make your own FRAME, MIRROR or BOX from recycled magazines and newspapers--- Class coming in October!*

Entertain in Style!

2008-09-04T12:49:00.001-07:00

Check out our new Mexican Handblown Glass
We have two different styles in

Wine Glasses

Margarita Glasses

Martini Glasses

and Pitchers!

New Pet Stuff In!

2008-09-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

. . . and they have Mr. Peabody's approval!

(I mean really... how cute is my dog?)New mugs, frames, dog and cat bowls and treat jars!
. . . for all cat and dog lovers!
Also, check out our dog ornaments--- Find your breed: Boxers, Brown & Black Labs, Bulldogs, Dahshund, Schnauzer, Scotties and Beagles!

Just in- New frames from a.i. Paper Design

2008-09-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

That crafty April from a.i. paper design has done it again!

(This is April)

Always crafting and merging art and practicality, a.i. paper design
continues to come up with some of the best gifts we carry!

Not only are we restocked on her cool dog and cat frames and magnetic frames with hooks we now have their NEW

Dry Erase Boards

Photo Brag Boards About the artist....

April started out a local crafter/special ed teacher that spent her Saturdays selling paper

products at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market.... 12 years and 800 stores later she is still making her crafts..... and a profit! Inspiring for all of us creative people, huh?

Denim for the Diva- Just in at Encore!

2008-08-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have a new favorite line of denim- Level 99 Jeans. Previously purchased at Antropologie (now I just take right home from my favorite store, Encore!) , I can be seen atleast three times a week in one of my pairs. They look so great on everyone with the slight widening at the bottom they miraculously make you look slimmer and taller!

New Cards In!

2008-08-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, so for those of you that know me you know how much I LOVE
CARDS. When Scott first met me he said I abused the postal service.
NOW, I think that is going a little too far Mr. Turner but I do feel PASSIONATELY
about the art of correspondance.

In addition to all of our GREAT stationary, we just got in 50 NEW Styles of Cards.
Yes, that is 50! Here is a preview of some of the lines... some we've had before just new styles,
some are BRAND new and some... well, you'll just have to come in to see!

Kiss Me Quick Cards

Scrawl Cards
Naughty Betty
Maggies Quill

Curly Girl Designs

Cupcakes for a Cause....

2008-08-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that we sold 300 cupcakes?????

Thank you to Kate Brennan, Karen Gore, Kate McCoy and Sister, Cindy Miller and Shop Gals

for delectable cupcakes! Thanks to Becky and Main Street for allowing us a table! Thanks to David Horton for pumping them on the mic! Thanks to the cupcake lovers for shoppin...

Good-Buy Summer Sale

2008-08-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is true... Summer is coming to an end... but our DEALS are just starting!
Starting Friday you can shop 40% off of Summer Clothing and Decor!
Now that's a good buy :)

SALE- Now $7.50

SALE- Now $ 39.99

SALE- Now $4.25

SALE- Now $35

. . . and this is just a sample, you'll have to stop by to see the rest!!!! See you Friday!

New Fall Hours!!!! Shop Late and Sundays!

2008-08-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

With Fall comes MORE merchandise and MORE time to shop!
Visit us:
Monday: 10 to 6
Tuesday: 10 to 6
Wednesday: 10 to 6
Thursday: 10 to 8p.m.- Shop Late Til 8!
Friday: 10 to 6 p.m.
Satuday: 10 to 6 p.m.
Sundays: 1 to 5 p.m.
*Starting September 1st*

Each Thursday from 6 til 8 we will have a catagory (frames, yarn, handbags, etc) that is 15% off for these two hours ONLY!!!

Knit Night will be the last Tuesday of the Month at the Coffee Mill from 6 to 8 p.m.

Custom Invitations, Anyone?

2008-08-19T05:13:00.000-07:00

Not sure if you knew but we do custom invitations at Encore for about the same price as invitations we have in stock. Give me an idea, $20 Set-Up Fee and I can create just about

anything. Below are examples of custom BBQ invitation, Birthday Invitation, Baby Shower and Wedding Invitations.

Meet with me about pricing today! Email me at encore@ntelos.net.

Ginger G and Renee C Shipments in!!!!!

2008-08-19T05:12:00.001-07:00

We are so excited that we have started receiving our NY and Atlanta Shipments!!!
Great tunics and shirts as well as party dresses and dressy halters...

Ginger G Shirt- $39.99

Renee C Halter, green and black, $65.99

Guess you will just have to come in to see the rest!!!!

New York, New York!

2008-08-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

What a productive show! (Anyone willing to take out a second mortgage for what we bought? J/K... well, not really! We found amazing things... and had a great time.

view from hotel room. City, we miss you!

As some of you know, I took my dear friend Esra with me and she was loving modeling the goods :)

Esra in flirty scarf from Tailoi

The two things trend wise we see are SCARVES and DENIM LEGGINGS!
. . . and, yes, we bought both!

from Level 99, great with all of our great tunics, sweater dresses and boots!

lots of colors and textures... we are so in love with a scarf!

Also purchased were lots of easy, comfortable tunics and sweater dresses. This, ordered in
black was a favorite of ours. . .

Esra holding up our favorite Ginger G Tunic-- Already shipping and will retail at $35.99

Great Jewelry, too! Loved this etched design by
Pieces of a Girl. Great Gift!
Also theses enamel bracelets were my favorite!

Cynthia N. Designs, $60, Shipping November 1

Piece of a Girl, $120, Ships October

Great New Stuff from Tulle. . . 1st shipment here in a week!!!!

Tulle Sweater Dress in Teal, $65.99

We ate at amazing restaurants including Buddakan and Gramercy Tavern.

Had an Amazing Filet at Buddakon, above, where I also went with Sister-in-Law in January. Both times proved amazing!

Also, did a stop by Sex and the City made celebrity hangout Caprelis
We saw a rapper (could not identify... Scott was so mad) and sat and eavesdropped
on writer of Belle in the Big Apple (on shelves in September) and apparently from
what I overheard Showtime may pick up the series :) You heard the scoop from me.

About a southern gal who moves to city . . . with culinary adventures. Her blog was entertaining so now that I have dined beside her I will buy it :)

Also, did I mention we bought bags and belts galore??? Party Dresses for parties and Homecoming??? So many great things, so little blog space. . .

Sources of Inspiration

2008-08-07T04:45:00.000-07:00

So, when I return from shows I am inspired for many reasons...
One, I have new duds for you.
Two, I get to have great conversations with other Shop Girls
and Three, I see super creative displays that blow ours out of the water!

Check out a few from my Anthropologie Display Folder! More like art installations,
each store has creative freedom!

Dadadada... you say it's your BIRTHDAY!!!???

2008-08-01T05:24:00.000-07:00

You know we are the queen of gifts and boy do we have a SURPRISE for you...

Now, during your BIRTHDAY MONTH you can receive
15% off ALL PURCHASES!

We are gathering birthdays to send out postcards so email us your birthday month to
encore@ntelos.net. If you forgot and your postcard or have not gotten on the list, yet, just
show us your ID and we gift you into our new BIRTHDAY PROGRAM.

Other promotion programs at Encore Artful Gifts:
Coffee Club- Buy 10 lbs, Get 1 Free (we keep card)
Knit Wit Card- Buy 10 Skeins of Yarn, Get 1 Free (we keep card)
Shop Local Discount- Show us a receipt from another Main Street Business
(from the same day) and receive 10% off purchase

Need to Sell Your House???

2008-07-31T07:20:00.000-07:00

Just in!

St. Joseph Statues

$12.99

The Good SAINT JOSEPH, was chosen as Patron Saint of the Home and Family. Folklore says that if you bury a Statue of Saint Joseph on your Property, and ask St Joseph, to intercede with his Foster Son Jesus on your behalf, it will facilitate the sale of your Home. FACT? FICTION? Who really knows? The tradition can be traced back hundreds of years to Theresa of Avila, who prayed to St Joseph for more land for Christian Converts, and encouraged Nuns to bury St Joseph Medals in the ground as a symbol of their devotion. Thousands of Testimonials seem to say, "IT DOES WORK". Can't Hurt, Right???

Music... can really color your day!

2008-07-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

And lately our days at Encore have been Oh So Rosy!

Shop Gals August Featured Artists

Duffy

Tristan Prettyman

Brett Dennen

So, recently the gals at Encore have been loving these featured artists. . We just can't seem to get enough if their soulful, folkful (is this a word) lyrics. If you haven't checked them out log onto iTunes and do so! Also, visit www.encoreartfulgifts.blogspot.com to them on our playlist! Got and artist you think we might like? Email us at encore@ntelos.net!

Keep it local!

2008-07-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

Eating at Pascal's or the newly opened Sharkeys? Shopping at Megs? Drop by Encore the same day and we will give you 10% off with a receipt from a Main Street restaurant or business!

. . . see, it PAYS to shop, eat and meet local!

Just in!

2008-07-28T18:42:00.001-07:00

For reflecting, it would be hard to not reminisce with this vintage inspired journal. Inside you will find prints of old letters maps and book pages with lined pages for your thoughts, hopes and dreams. Bittersweet Designs Journal, $32.99

Turning something Old into New

2008-07-28T18:33:00.000-07:00

Have I told you how crafty our new yarn shop owner is?
Check out her latest creation, for sale at Encore!

Handmade Button Magnets

$4.99 each or 2 for $8!
What a unique, nostalgic and GREEN way to keep you organized!

New Grilling Planks Recipe

2008-07-28T18:28:00.000-07:00

YUM! Have I told you all how much I love our grilling planks? Check out this new recipe I made for dinner tonight!
Scott does not love Salmon but he loved this one!

SunDried Tomato Salmon

INGREDIENTS
3 (12 inch) untreated cedar planks
1 (1 1/2-pound) salmon fillet, with skin
2 cups chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
2 bunches fresh parsley, finely chopped
3/4 cup sun-dried tomato and oregano salad dressing
3/4 cup olive oil

DIRECTIONS
Soak the cedar planks in water for several hours or overnight.
Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat. Brush the planks with olive oil.
Cut the salmon fillet into three portions. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle parsley and sun-dried tomatoes over the top. Drizzle with salad dressing.
Place the planks on the preheated grill and let them heat up for about 5 minutes. Place the salmon fillets on the planks. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Fish is done when it can be flaked with a fork. Remove quickly to avoid over cooking and drying out the fish. Serve piping hot.

. . . okay, dogs don't wear denim. . .

2008-07-28T18:16:00.000-07:00

but, they do love to shop for flowers at Lowes.
Mr. Peabody is definitely a Shop Pup! He loves Encore, Lowes, Home Depot and any other store that will allow him!

Nermal, on the other hand is happiest on our neighbor's roof :)
Don't worry, dog and cat lovers, we have new Mugs, Pet Bowls, Leashes and Pet Frames on their way!

Dog Days Denim Sale

2008-07-24T02:59:00.001-07:00

. . . cause dogs don't wear denim :)

Mark your calendars because August 1-31 we will offer $20 off any pair of LTB or Christopher Blue jeans in the store.

Go ahead, buy 2!

You all are TOO SWEET!

2008-07-24T02:53:00.000-07:00

Thank you loyal customers for making our 3rd fundraiser a Sweet Sucsess! With your help, we raised $300 for Susan G. Komen and our 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk. A special thanks to Karen Gore, Cindy Miller and Kate Brennan for baking and Kate McCoy and sister for the idea and baking up the most kid friendly treats! Currently, we are selling Shop Girls Water at the store for a $1 donation. Hey, every little bit counts!

Back from Hot-lanta!

2008-07-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

. . . or the ATL as Kate says!
Overall I had a good buying trip... very productive!
I found lots of new gift and decor companies and am anxious to shop
for apparel and accessories in NY Aug 3-6!

Just to give you a preview of new stuff to come:

Anne Tainter Mugs, magnets and Potholders

Cute organizer stuff for back to school- closet organizers, jewelry cases, bags
*New Serenity Angels!

Lolita Painted Wine and Martini Glasses
New Mexican Handblown Glass- Dots and Swirls
New Bath Items Amaryllis and Paperwhite Bulb Kits- Very Cool GREEN gift!

New Card Lines and Journals
like Curly Girls Designs (LOVE THESE!)

Fun New Allen Design Clocks
Lamps

New Vintage Jewelry Lines -
including this one from Jill Schwartz!

Wine Bottle and Candle Holders
Metal Garden Items Candles
New food lines (spinach artichoke bruscella spread was my fav from Bella Cuchina) and GREAT basket stuffers including these mixes by Gullah Gourmet

*New Dog and Cat Items
*New Baby Stuff
*Recycled Magazine Picture Frames
*New Handmade Frames and Albums from a.i. paper design

Fun Handmade Women Ornaments
*Indicate shipping ASAP*

Clothing for a Cause!

2008-07-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

Thank you to EVERYONE who donated clothing, accessories, etc! We raised almost $1000!!!!
. . . and once again, forgot to snap the pictures. For those that did not see it, we had an entire recycled clothing store downstairs. A special thanks to Karen and Kate for helping us get set up and for Dianne Morris for helping us break it down. The items that did not sell went to the Radford Clothing Bank.

Christmas in July.... Yes, That's Right!

2008-07-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

Mark your Calendars for NEXT WEEKEND

July 18 and 19th!

It may be July but we are celebrating CHRISTMAS!

Yes, this is the SALE where we let you shop from previous

HOLIDAY STYLES for next to nothing.

(You know, does the tree on the street jog your memory? )
We will have most decor and ornaments 85% off, Krinkles 6 for $20

We will also have a $1 basket!!!!!

PLUS- Friday is the EMBERS CONCERT in the STREET!

We will be open from 10 to 9 p.m. and
EVERYTHING STOREWIDE WILL BE 15% off-- FRIDAY ONLY!!!!!

Feeling Creative? Take a Class!

2008-06-30T14:23:00.001-07:00

Make your Own Cards!

2008-06-30T14:16:00.000-07:00

NEW to Encore Artful Gifts!

Paper Crafts and Make your Own Card Area

Come in and make
2 cards for $10, 4 cards for $16, or 12 cards for $36

This supply fee allows you to use all of our paper, ribbon, stickers, paint, cut outs

and much, much more. Grab a friend... or 5 and CREATE!

Also, ask us about SHOWERS, BIRTHDAY PARTIES and other GROUP ACTIVITIES!

Not sure how to use the supplies? Stop in to learn.

We have an open class day July 12 from 10-5 p.m.

Annual Sidewalk Sale and Unraveled Open House!

2008-06-21T05:04:00.000-07:00

It's that time again...

Next Friday and Saturday (June 27& 28) we will be having our Annual Sidewalk Sale---
lots of fun merchandise(clothing and home decor) discounted 75% off!
Also, on Saturday ONLY we will be having our Unraveled Open House
with more SALE yarn, books, needles and samples, refreshments
and meet the new owner!

We need your Feedback!

2008-06-20T23:13:00.000-07:00

I am heading to show July 12 for Gift and Home Decor and then to NY August 2 for Apparel

and I want to make sure I am shopping for YOU, my loyal customer. To do this, I need your

feedback. I hate to ask for your time but if you complete our short nine question survey you

will receive 25% off your next purchase. *** To receive your coupon, you must fill out contact name and email. *** I will not see results individually but as a lump and I will receive a list of who filled it out! Once I see you participated (Thank You Again!) I will email you a 25% off voucher.

Thank you again for helping us help you...

http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=f0j40v7gb9d5pxc455149

Also, if you experience glitches with this Free Survey System please email me at sdprice@ntelos.net. I have NEVER used this before and want to know.

Also, speaking of us helping you... did you know we would:

1- Mail packages and UPS for you

2- Keep your wishes and wants on a Wish List

3- Keep your credit card on file

4- Deliver locally

5- Give you discounts if you are a loyal yarn or coffee customer
(ask about our frequent buyers card

Thanks again for your help, your continued support and also your loyalty to

my small, but very cool business! Without you we are nothing!

New Gifts.. New Clothes.. New Yarn.. New Space!

2008-06-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

I recall an argument that my parents had as a child... My mom was always rearranging and my dad HATED it. It was her release. In this one argument it was dark and he tripped over something that she had moved... He said "Darnit Margaret... Quit changing things around." She quickly rebutted... "I need change... better our house than you!"

So for your and Scott's sake when
I need change we rearrange the store... Come in and check out the changes!

New Wedding Section. . . All Clothing Moved Upstairs. . . New Kids Area Downstairs

Lots of Stationary. . . Invitations. . . and Yarn to Inspire!!!!!

Frames, Candles and Clothing to Oh My!

Lots of Summer and Outdoor Merchandise for Entertaining!

*** Coming Soon--- Paper Craft Area downstairs! ***

Stop in today to see all of our changes :)

Summertime...

2008-06-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

. . and the liven is easy!

Make it easy to entertain with our new colorful lanterns!

Small $7.99, Large $11.99

. . . fish are jumpin!

New Goldfish notecards $12.99 and Tea Towels $11.99

. . . and the cotton is high!
High in style, that is!
New Clothing Delivery this week!!!!

Including Level 99 Linen White Pants!

. . . and shirts and dresses from Sweet Pea!

Fun in the Sun!

2008-06-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

Boy is it HOT! We have lots of fun sundresses, tanks and skirts

to keep you cool for the summer! Also, we have sunglasses 2 for $30!

Summer Kid's Camp dates set in July!

2008-06-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

It's that time again and we are planning for Summer Kid's Camp!

This year we have a critter theme and a book to go along with each project
.... activities include creating clay bee pens, needle felt snake, sock puppet
monsters, bug soap and cameleon beaded lizards ! You can sign up for one class or the entire

week. Classes held July 21 thru 25 OR July 28- August 1 from 10 to noon daily.

Email us to sign up or for more information at karen@unraveledyarnradford.com!

Clothing for a Cause!!!!

2008-06-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you customers for bringing me such
GREAT clothing for next Saturday's fundraiser. Everything will be priced $15 and below.
We have great apparel, great handbags and shoes!

*** Due to heat we may move the Clothing for a Cause to downstairs in Encore****

Remember, everything purchased will result in donation to Susan G. Komen!!!
PLUS, you will receive 15% off at Encore if you make a donation.
Stop by the Farmer's Market, Saturday, June 14th to participate.

Celebrate for a Cause- We raised $800!!!!

2008-05-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

. . . but were too busy to take pictures :( Until the end of the night, that is! We had GREAT desserts donated from Liz Alteri, Kate Brennan, Cindy Miller,
Jenny Wagstaff, BTs, Coffee Mill, Macados, Our Daily Bread and Pascals Kitchen!
Even with the wine snaffoo it was still a great time! Thank you Vintage Cellar and the Gallery for improvising and adapting!

To Sleep Per Chance to Dream!

2008-05-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

Let your recent graduate record
those dreams in a new leather journal

Choose from contemporary fun.....

Colorful leather journals, $26.99

Or more nostalgic traditional. . .

Italian Leather Journal
$75.99

Add the perfect pen to compliment....

Retro 1951 Writing Pen
$23.99

Customized Stationary in 5 to 7 days!

2008-05-20T07:14:00.000-07:00

Looking for just the right graduation, Father's Day or Wedding Gift?

We can order or create customized stationary and have in up to 7 days!
Start with as little as a set of 25. No matter who the recepient is, this is a
practicaland personal gift that will be remembered!

Just in Time for Nice Weather and Father's Day- Arrival Friday!

2008-05-20T06:59:00.001-07:00

New Products from Fire and Flavor!

Cedar and Maple Grill Planks make anything on the grill more FLAVORFUL!

Want to try something new... wrap your favorite fish in the Cedar Grilling Papers.

No time to soak your meat? Season it will Fire and Flavor's New Rubs!

Compliment these with NEW Sauces from Stonewall Kitchen!

Check out our Pomegranite, Citrus Terriyaki or Maple Chipotle.
Buy all three and a Grill Plank for a Great Outdoors Gift!

Grilling for the Weekend???

2008-05-20T06:56:00.000-07:00

Try this recipe!
Cedar Planked Beef Fillets with Blue Cheese Topping
Instructions:
1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
6 tablespoons blue cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons olive oil6 –
6-8 oz. beef fillets (other cuts of beef may be substituted)
1 tablespoon Fire & Flavor Sea Salt with Spices
1 – 15” Fire & Flavor Cedar Grilling Plank, soaked

FIRST
Combine breadcrumbs through olive oil to form a paste and set aside. Rub steaks generously with Salt & Spice blend on all sides. Allow steaks to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes; meanwhile preheat grill to 450-500°.

NEXT
Sear beef on hot grill for 60-90 seconds on each side. Reduce grill temperature to 350°, place soaked plank on grill and close lid. Heat for 3 minutes; using tongs, flip plank and place seared beef fillets on heated side of plank. Top each fillet with an equal amount of the breadcrumb topping. LAST Grill, with lid closed, for 12-16 minutes or until desired doneness is reached. If using a meat thermometer the beef temperature should reach 145° for medium rare and 160° for medium well. Remove plank and beef from grill and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

New Jewerly In!

2008-04-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

You've Seen it in your J Jill catalog but now we have it here!

Born in England, jewelry designer Ian Gibson has spent many years traveling the world absorbing various cultural influences.
Schooled in geology and petrology, his love of rocks and fossils was transformed into a love of metals while apprenticing
with silversmiths in Thailand. After several initial experiments a line of handcrafted sterling jewelry was born.
The individual pendants and beads are formed from raw materials by hand. Casting processes are not used. The line
incorporates elements of sterling silver, semi precious stones, pearl and shell. Ian and his wife Jessica are the backbone
of the company. The finished work is produced in their studio in Philadelphia. Aided by a talented staff of local Philadelphia artisans
they strive daily in their quest to produce unique designs matched with an utmost attention to detail. J & I is sold in galleries, fine boutiques
and museum gift shops nationally and internationally.... and now at Encore!

TAG SALE this WEEKEND!!!!

2008-04-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

Celebrate the Opening of the 2008 Farmers' Market at Encore!

Up to 85% off of select merchandise and 10% off Storewide!

Momma's Got a Brand New Bag!

2008-04-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

. . . thanks to you!

Just in Time for Mother's Day...

Lots of NEW HANDBAGS!!!!!!

Which Gal are You?

2008-04-30T09:30:00.001-07:00

Maggie
Soda Vida Skirt $65.99, Shirt $65.99

Aubrey

Tulle Dress $63.99

Kaitlynn

Tulle Mini, $69.99

Get your Tickets!!!!!!

2008-04-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that next Thursday is our
Wine and Dessert Tasting

(co-sponsored by Vintage Cellar)

$15, 5 to 8 p.m.

All proceeds go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure (Breast Cancer)
Tickets can be purchased prior to event at Encore and Vintage Cellar

and night of!

Motherly Advice.

2008-04-21T21:59:00.000-07:00

Mom's Advice

"Don't talk to strangers!" "Eat your Vegetables!"

MY Advice
Shop for you Mom at Encore this Mother's Day!!

It's HER day, show her how much you care with some of our great gifts!
Here are my Top 10 favorite Mom's Day gifts:

1. Garden in a Bag
Make gardening simple... as simple as a brown paper bag. Shop from Parsley, Oregano and Chives.

2. Me! Bath

Every Mom loves to be pampered! Give your mom yummy smelling body treats from Me! Bath. We have Body Ice Cream, Shower Sherbet and Body Icing in flavors like Cucumber Melon, Peaches and Creme and Lavender Lullaby.

3. Coffee
How about treating your Mom to some of our gourmet coffee! We have 9 different delicious flavors including Hazelnut Creme, Snickerdoodle, Coconut Creme and a special Encore Blend.

4. Spring Door Mats
For a woman that loves a visitor, why not brighten her doorstep with you and a bright spring door Mat from our favorite company, TAG!

5. Jewelry
What woman does not love jewelry? At Encore we carry a wide collection of different jewelry and styles.

6. Garden Apron
She loves to garden in style! To go with your Garden in a Bag, get your Mom a Garden Apron!

7. Lemon Verbena kitchen soap and lotion
Want to keep her happy in the kitchen making your favorite treats? Treat her to our favorite kitchen soap and hand lotion.

8. Lavender Spa Wrap
Wrap her up in the most relaxing scent... lavendar!

9. Picture Frames
Fill a frame with your favorite picture of you and your mom!

10. Wild Thymes Cooking Sauces
Pick from Apricot Cranberry Walnut, Thai Chili Roasted Garlic, Chili Ginger Honey and Morrocan Spicy Pepper

The great thing about Mom is that she will love anything that comes from you (especially if
it comes from Encore!) Don't forget we offer free wrapping to make your special gift even more special!

Love you, Mom!
Amanda Stanbery, Encore Employee, Intern and All Around Good Daughter

Magical Clearance Sale!

2008-04-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEKEND ONLY!

Take 85% off all of our CLEARANCE clothing and shoes!
10% off Storewide!

See you soon!

Let's us be a part of your Summer Parties!

2008-04-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

Sure, I would like an invitation
but I would settle for designing them!

Check out our fun summer selections starting at $1.25!

Inspire with Word Bracelets!

2008-04-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

NEW!!!!!!

As seen on The Today Show and in last month's OPRAH...

Cynthia H. Designs Word Bracelets, $48

Shop from many colors and sayings!

Accessorize with color!

2008-04-09T10:45:00.000-07:00

Need a splash of PIZAZZ for the Colorful Summer? Add color
with accessories! Shop from our LATEST finds in handbags and jewelry!

JUST IN

Tokyo Bay Candy Watch

$89

Great Gifts for Grads!

2008-04-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

It's that time again! We are sad to be losing a longtime member of our Encore Family,

Katie Kestle

She has been a great employee, supply manager, life saver and friend. Katie... you will be missed!

Also a special thanks and good-bye to Amanda Stansbury our Spring Intern!

When we aren't sobbing we are discussing the best graduation gifts to give and get!

Check out Katie and Amanda's Top 10

10. A photo album- Graduates want to keep there memories close by. Can't go wrong

with photo albums or boxes.

9. Stationary- Graduates have lots of thank yous to give as well as people to keep up with. Don't think that just because we are the duigital generation that we won't use paper and pen. Shop from the fun styles at Encore or GET US PERSONALIZED NOTECARDS!!!!

8. Nice Writing Pen- Again, to go along with the PERSONALIZED NOTECARDS

7. Fun Home Decor- We are leaving our college apartments and are ready for things that match... big girl decor to go along with big girl jobs!

6. Picture Frames- Again, big girl decor and memories close by... nice frames solve two of our needs

5. Serenity Angels- These are great keepsakes and also are inspiring!

4. New Tokoyo Bay Watch- We need to be ontime to our big girl job and look good while we do it. Check out our new styles by Tokyo Bay!!!

3. Something RU (or whatever school your gift recepient went to)- Check out the pictures of Muse Fountain or the Fused Glass in the store. Both are great!

2. Jewelry- This is something we can wear on graduation day, to our new job and hang onto for a while. Choose something unique and timeless. We are sure to think of you each time we wear it.

1. Money- The gift that always fits... We could use it to buy our graduation dress we have on hold at Encore :)

Administrative Assistant's Day- April 23

2008-04-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that Administrative Assistant's Day is Wednesday, April 23rd.

We have FREE DELIVERY again and are taking orders. This year we are doing

grab bags that fit your assistant's personality.

Is she Garden Gail? What about Coffee Cathy? Does she love to cook... if so she is Dining Dena!

Does your assistant need a little R&R? If so, send her a Relaxing Rachel. Each personality comes in Small, Medium & Large. (Contents are determined based on size).

To order please email us at encore@ntelos.net ,

fax us at 540.301.0006 or call us at 639.2015.

Mark your Calendars- Celebrate for a Cause!

2008-04-09T10:03:00.000-07:00

Purchase your ticket for our Wine and Dessert Tasting- $15!
All proceeds goes to Susan G. Komen for a Cure.

Also, shop at local women owned businesses May 7 and 8
and a portion of your sales will go to the cause!!!!
Support Women who Support Women!!!!

Can't do either but want to give? As many of you know, Jill and I are walking 60 miles in 3 days for Susan G. Komen. Visit our team page to donate: http://08.the3day.org/goto/ShopGirlsforaCause

Here comes Peter Cottontail...

2008-03-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

Hopin down the Main Street Trail....
Don't forget that on this Saturday, March 15 you can hop down the Main Street Radford Bunny Trail.

From 10 a.m. to Noon there will be Easter related activities downtown including an Easter Candy Trail at local businesses! (Special Appearance from Peter himself) Get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny!

Don't forget to stop by Encore for candy and specials on
Easter Merchandise including:

Easter Gel Gems $5.99-$11.99