A Few of My Favorite Things

Here is a list of some of my favorite places (and mostly local) to spend your hard earned dough.  I also listed some of my favorite items from each.  I hope this inspires you!

1.  Porch Light Gifts in Valley Junction

Looking for some shabby-chic vintage decor?  Then this is the place to go!  If your looking for an inexpensive end table or lamp you can get one here that is cute, unique and cheap.  They also have a nice inventory of hats and caps which range in price from $20.00 to $30.00.  A perfect way to hide those bad hair days.  And their locally made soy candles are wonderful.

2. Eden in East Village

Do you feel pretty?  You will after you go here.  This lovely shop is a wonderful place to go to if your in the mood to pamper yourself or want to have a do it yourself spa day.  I love the Gilden Tree foot scrub and lotion...a must for tired feet.  And nothing makes you feel more feminine then Tocca perfume.  If it's a little out of your price range, you can now get the solid perfume for $30.00.

3. Gordmans - West Des Moines

If you like your clothes at Wal-mart prices but want better quality, then this is the place for you.  I love the dejableu jeans.  They are one of the few brands that actually fit right and they don't wear-out fast.

4.  Clarks Shoe Store - Jordan Creek Mall

I'll admit it.  I used to be a Payless Shoes addict.  It turns out though that spending $20.00 on a pair of shoes that you'll only wear once because their uncomfortable and fall apart isn't very cost-effective.  Clarks has shoes that are classic looking yet funky and good quality.  Sure they may cost more that said Payless shoes, but they last for years.  I have a two year old pair of boots that still look brand new.

5.  Barnes and Noble - West Des Moines

The inside of Barnes and Noble exists in a special dimension where time stands still and you don't realize it until you walk out of the door and find out that you have just spent four hours in the place.  "That's funny it didn't seem like I was in there that long?"

6. Eclectic Gourd - Valley Junction

The perfect place to find that wonderful campy knickknack from yesteryear.  This is were I got my little yellow casserole dish and my blue Jesus rug.

7.  Esty.com - the worldwide web

With a wide variety of venders specializing in handmade and vintage items, shopping here is a good way to support fellow starving artists and find that unique item for which you've been searching.  Plus you can locate local vendors to shop from or request custom items.  I love the steam-punk style jewelry that I got from Torque.