GOODNIGHT, LAKEWOOD BUDHAGIRL
Talulah & HESS has gifts for all ages, with the tagline “beautiful giving, modern living.” A local favorite is the book “Goodnight Lakewood.” If you are searching for the trendy BuDhaGirl Bracelets, look no further. 5810 Live Oak St.
BECAUSE WE LIKE BIKES
At Richardson Bike Mart, you can buy or rent bikes, get the latest accessories and try out those little tight padded shorts and bicycles made for two. Staffers are the experts on nearby trails and can assist cyclists at all levels. Even though Lance Armstrong- types shop there, you won’t be intimidated. Standouts: the bell that looks like a doughnut and helmets in all colors, including pink. 9040 Garland Road.
FIGMENTS OF OUR IMAGINATION
Redenta’s mascot and cat, Fig, will let you shop with her if you are willing to pet. I carried Fig around the store and chose pots by local artisans, Secret Scent Society Candles and succulent arrangements, created in the store. According to employee Bucky, the store has been in the current location since 1996. The focus is organic gardening products, modern landscape design, plants, flowers and gifts. 2001 Skillman St.
VERY VENEZIANA
Jimmy’s Food Store, operated by the DiCarlo family for 42 years, offers a great selection of fine Italian food and wine. The pictured Veneziana, available at Christmas and Easter only, is a leavened cake, enhanced with liquor, lemon zest and spices. Wait patiently for the cake’s arrival each winter, dreaming of the sugary glaze and Italian nuts.
4901 Bryan St.
GOOD STUFF FROM GOODWILL
Wander into the local Goodwill store and you might find a case of plastic take-out boxes, a professional muffin pan, a rolling pin, a copper cookie cutter and a large cutting board. Cost? Less than $20. The bad news: You will not find exactly what I found, because all merchandise is donated. The good news: You might find items that you had no idea you needed at about 10 percent of their original cost, some still in boxes. Lots of holiday decor, ribbon and wreaths. 1606 Greenville Ave.
FLEECED FOR FUN
If you love to knit, a yarn and knitting accessory boutique called Fleece, is your scene. Founder April Cordell will teach beginners what she knows for four two-hour classes at $60. There are two levels of classes: basic
and beyond basic. If you need specific assistance, April offers Knit Doctors, where for $20, you get two hours of her time. The shop is filled with a cohesive community that knits together. A small beverage station offers knitters a drink while they work. Knitted items also are for sale. 6464 E. Northwest Highway.
DON’T COOK THE COOKIES
Lady Walton’s Dark Chocolate and Peppermint cookies are made here in Dallas. The Texas company is family owned and operated, doing business since 1988. While many flavors are available throughout the year, the pictured cookies are a holiday staple, available at Whole Foods in Lakewood. 2118 Abrams Road.
STETSONS AND OIL
At Turquoise & Lavender, there’s plenty to covet: jewelry, Stetson hats, clothing, home accessories, antiques and more. The olive oils called to me. The depth of the Meyer lemon oil made a fish dish enticing beyond words. 1907 Abrams Road.
BAKERS’ MAKER
For those Food Network fans who want to play professional baker, Ace Mart Restaurant Supply, a family owned and operated Texas company, might be your new favorite store. Open to the public and curated for the trade, the store offers professional restaurant equipment at wholesale prices. You might see your favorite chef shopping. Double win! 4004 Ross Ave.
