Leave a Paper Trail - If It's Paper Opens in Raleigh

You never pictured yourself a paper pusher until it came time to throw a party, or addressing your Christmas cards. You've got help from If It's Paper... just recently opened in Ridgewood Shopping Center (next to Whole Foods). Once a retail outlet source for Dillard Paper Company (now Xpedx) it's now NC family-owned. When Xpedx closed the If It's Paper locations nationwide in 2010, a local triad resident, Sherrie Stewart of Greensboro, purchased the rights to the North Carolina locations for the company, and manages her Greensboro store. Her daughter Elizabeth has recently opened the second If It's Paper at Ridgewood on Wade Ave.  

Getting Carded - You know how the most poetic, compelling thoughts always seem to dawn on you when you're farthest away from a pen? Like, say, in the shower? Or on the treadmill? Or when you're supposed to be on the treadmill but are actually taking a nap? Don't worry, If It's Paper has you covered. Their clever cards for Birthdays, Anniversaries, Holidays and more are abundant with fleeting thoughts that capture quirky notions, bits of prose or brilliance. You'll find these profound messages scrawled on cups, napkins, notepads, cards, and anything else paper.

Partee Picks - Lord knows, patience is pretty hard to come by when you're a kid. Waiting for a birthday? Murder! The countdown to Christmas? Pure agony! So make the buildup a little more bearable (and maybe even fun) with personalized invites and announcements from If It's Paper. Continue the theme with party decorations from tablecloths to plates, napkins, cups and more in hundreds of colors and patterns. This will make any party planner giddy. Low in cost but high in adorability, quality and designs customized with infinite choices. (Fa la la la la!)

It's a wrap - A wide variety of ribbons, bows, gift bags, boxes and tissue for all your packaging needs! Finally a party store convenient and family-owned in the Triangle; guaranteed to get you thinking inside the box.  

If It's Paper - 3546 Wade Avenue, Raleigh, 27607, Ridgewood Shopping Center Phone: 919-615-4333, Hours: Mon. - Fri. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Sat. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Website.

To Bee or Not to Bee

Shop, Drop & Roll - Mark Your Calendar for These December Events

December has turned into one giant Shop, Drop, & Roll.  Some may choose to merely ride the internet.  But most of us prefer to experience the sights and sounds of the season. In the spirit of "something for everyone", here are a few diversions for early December that may float your boat.

Three Days of Wine & Devine - Leland Little Auctions - December 5, 6 & 7

It's a number's game and this year your have a choice ... You can partake in civil disobedience (at the      Mall) or you can have some civil fun and bid for your presents.  We choose the latter.  Come join the Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd. Auction Gallery in Hillsborough for three spectacular auctions of collectibles and rare & fine wines.  Starting on Thursday, December 5 is the Rare & Fine Wine Auction.  Friday, December 6, is the auction of selected items (over 400 Lots) from The Bob Timberlake Collection.  And finally, on Saturday, December 7, Leland Little will host the Decorative and Fine Art Auction featuring over 750 Lots of rare and practical items.  Paddles Up ... but No Hitting!  Details below.

December 5 - Rare & Fine Wine Auction:  Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales, Ltd. host the largest  wine auctions in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States and provide private courtesy consultation for wine collections. Please join them for a spectacular Rare & Fine Wine Auction (over 300 lots) at their Hillsborough Gallery. Sale Date & Time: Rare & Fine Wine Auction (Lots 4001-4323) - Thursday, December 5 - starting at 6pm. Please contact Fine Wine Director, Mark Solomon, at Mark@LLAuctions.com for wine bidding and consigning questions.  Online Catalogue 

December 6 - Selected Items from The Bob Timberlake Collection:  Bob Timberlake's artistic creations are often inspired by the rich history and cultural traditions of his native North Carolina. Notable offerings within this collection include six original works on paper by Mr. Timberlake, fourteen original  works on paper by Andrew Wyeth, an important firearm collection including a selection of Parker Brothers Shotguns, and a collection of US Civil War period original works on paper and sketches. Over 400 lots will be offered on sale day. Sale Date & Time: Friday, December 6 - starting at 1pm. Online Catalogue 

December 7 - Fine & Decorative Arts Auction:  Highlights include an oil on canvass from Sohrab Sepehri (Lot 508), Hovsep Pushman's  Girl in White painting (Lot 715), magnificent jewelry including a  Platinum and Emerald Cut Diamond Ring (Lot 680) and a Tanzanite and Diamond Ring from Van Cleef & Arpels (Lot 661), and fine furniture including a North Carolina Chippendale Tall Chest of Drawers (Lot 716).  With over 750 items (in all price ranges) this is a great opportunity to snatch that special gift for you (or special someone).   Sale Date & Time: Saturday, December 7 - starting at 10am. Online Catalogue 

Grab your overcoats for downtown Raleigh's premier holiday event of the year! On Saturday, December   7, experience the vibrance, energy, and cheer synonymous with the holiday season at The Ipreo Raleigh Winterfest. Fayetteville Street will be beaming with sparkling lights as festival goers gather to enjoy outdoor festivities, including the signature ice skating rink and downtown Raleigh's beloved tradition of the official Mayor's holiday tree lighting. The opening event will feature TREE LIGHTING, LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCES headlined by The Lee Boys, SANTA'S WINTERLAND, ICE SKATING, CARNIVAL RIDES (47 ft Ferris Wheel) and PLAY STATIONS (snow sledding & bounce house). Mix at the Beer and Wine Garden, laugh at the outdoor movie screening of Elf, and shop 'til you drop at all the stores and restaurants.  For more information, visit the Website.

Gallery C Holiday Show with Louis St. Lewis and Karen Mason - December 6 & 7

Come celebrate "First Friday & Saturday" in December (6th & 7th) at Gallery C with a Holiday Installation by Louis St. Lewis  and Two Day Designer Jewelry Trunk Show by Karen Mason.  Louis St. Lewis is an innovative (& sometimes bad boy) artist who has recently collaborated with neon artist, Nate Sheaffer to create brightly lit pieces that are just perfect for the holiday!  Karen Mason uses woven fibers to create free form, sculptural jewelry encapsulating pearls and treasures. She is also a metal smith creating original designs in sterling silver and semi-precious stones.  Gallery C Website 

Holiday Shoppe at Cary Academy - This week! More than 100 artisans, hand-crafters and local vendors all hand-selected . . . and all in one place and just in time for the holidays! The 2013 Holiday Shoppe will open Wed., Dec. 4 through Sat., Dec. 7 on the campus of Cary Academy.
Cary Academy - located at 1500 N. Harrison Ave., Cary NC 27513. Click here for Website for more info and a sneak peak of some special vendors.     

Cameron Clothing Co. - the Amy Kahn Russell jewelry Trunk Show now till Christmas.

Amy Kahn Russell was the first important designer in the naturalistic trend in jewelry design. Her distinctive pieces incorporate fossils, natural minerals, pearls, and semi-precious stones with sterling silver. Amy painstakingly designs every piece herself, often using rare and unusual materials which make duplication impossible.

Cameron Clothing Co.  4351-111 The Circle at North Hills, Raleigh, 27609, Phone: (919) 420-0411, Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10am - 6pm. Website. 

Three Homes For Sale In Olde Raleigh

3800 City of Oaks Wynd: $599,900

4308 Johnston Busbee Wynd: $1.195 or Executive Rental @

$5000/mo.

7,214 SF, Transitional w/ All Hardwoods, Gracious Formals, Keeping Room, Master Wing w/Gentleman's Office, 6 bdrs/5.5 baths, Children's Study, Fin. 3rd Floor, 3-garage, .57 Acre. (photo right)

4101 John S. Raboteau Wynd: $699,000

4,012 SF, Large Living Areas, Sunroom,4 bdrs/3.5 baths, Bonus,.52 Acre. (photo left)

Olde Raleigh features three beautiful lakes with centerpiece fountains, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, clubhouse, veranda and two tennis courts. 

Contact: Jill Rekuc, Owner-Olde Raleigh Real Estate

Website: www.olderaleighrealestate.com

Email: Jill@olderaleighrealestate.com

The Knitty Gritty at Certain Things - Fall and Winter Sweaters galore! Come see the variety of sweaters in all weights, colors and sizes. Pair them up with slenderizing jeans, leggings, and skirts to make that cute holiday outfit for work, parties or play.  

Certain Things of Cameron Village - 404 Daniels St. Raleigh, NC 27605, (919) 828-5055Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 1-5pm.  Website.

CT Weekends - Looking for a great fitting jean? Look no further. Jag and Liverpool jeans are available in denim and colors only at CT Weekends in Cameron Village.  

New Holiday Hours Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sunday, Dec 15th Noon - 4pm, and Sunday Dec 22nd Noon - 4pm. 

To accommodate your shopping needs they are available by appointment for additional hours. Call for an appointment: 919-787-9073 or email ctweekends@aol.com. Website. 

Core Results - Personal Training is teaching people from all over the Raleigh, Cary and Triangle area how to meet their fitness goals. From kettlebells to TRX, everything is top of the line and brand new at the private Core Results studio. Call and make your first appointment for a Complimentary Session!

Core Results: 1330 St. Mary's Street, Suite A00, Raleigh, 27605, Phone: (919) 946-1737, Email:info@coreresults.net, Website.   

Kenna Custom Painting is available to tackle your residential painting needs.  With their great crews that perform very professional jobs on residential homes, you won't believe how quiet and unobtrusive they are.  So if you have that "itch" to freshen up your home, interior or exterior before springtime, contact them now.  Call 919-855-0082 or Email: kennapaint@bellsouth.net.  Website.

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