Black Friday gets all the hype, but there's nothing wrong with hanging back, letting the crowds stampede through the stores on Nov. 27, and starting your holiday shopping in December. It's not like you miss out on all the good bargains if you stay home the day after Thanksgiving; great local sales continue through December (and even into January, for all your belated-gift-buying needs). We've rounded up some of the better seasonal sales for your shopping pleasure.

By Michelle LaFrance and Alison Brownrigg | November 24, 2009

Minding the Store

Are you purchasing more practical gifts this year?

Is the economy forcing you to forego frivolous gifts in favor of useful ones?

By Alison Brownrigg | November 24, 2009

Minding the Store

Give yourself a treat and visit Watson Kennedy's Holiday Open Houses

Peruse owner Ted Kennedy Watson's award-winning store displays and sip bubbly while you cross off gifts from your holiday list.

By Alison Brownrigg | November 20, 2009

Daily Find

The Kemby Sidekick baby carrier gives multitasking moms a helping hand

A mom with small children must have enough arms to wipe, wrangle, nurse, feed and snuggle her wee ones, while at the same time performing all the tasks expected of a grown-up, like combing her hair, making dinner and sometimes, if she's lucky, putting on mascara. The Kemby Sidekick is just the ticket for on-the-go, multitasking mothers. Created by local moms Kimi Boal and Julia Young, the Sidekick is a diaper bag and hip-slung baby carrier all wrapped up into one stylish and easy-to-use package.

By Alison Brownrigg | November 25, 2009

Minding the Store