Last day for FSA spending

I'm under the weather. Blech. Coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, aches and pains.

Having to cancel out on what I'm certain would have been the best New Year's Eve party ever is no way to end the year.

The sole bright part is that it reminded me this is the last day to spend on health care and use up our Flexible Spending Account. My dear husband brought me Nyquil, an eligible medication.

And now back to bed. Happy New Year!

Online shopping doesn't quite click

Internet retailers had hoped consumers frustrated by gas prices nearing $3 a gallon would stay home and shop online. Instead, shoppers stalled.

While online spending rose during the crucial holiday season, it paled in comparison to last year's increase, Reston, Va.-based ComScore Inc. said today. Online spending from Nov. 1 through Dec. 27 increased 19 percent to almost $28 billion, up from $24 billion a year earlier. Last year, sales were up a vibrant 26 percent.

That echoes the Reuters/University of Michigan final index of consumer sentiment for December, which slipped to 75.5, the lowest since October 2005.

So what are shoppers thinking? The ComScore folks believe consumers' minds are preoccupied with the meltdown in the mortgage market. It's hard to think of putting things under the tree when your priority is keeping a roof over your head.

Makes sense to me. What do you think?

Sales aren't over at Overstock

Overstock is in year-end liquidation mode, clearing out its after-Christmas inventory with prices that are lower even than the online retailer's cheapie-cheapie every day prices.

The icing on the cupcake: Free shipping sitewide through Monday.

Here's a random sampling of the goodies: a Cuisinart stainless steel coffee maker and carafe, originally priced at $119.99, is now $54.99; a Nikon Coolpix L5 digital camera, marked down from $349 to $139.99; and 1 carat diamond stud earrings, batted back from $2,800 to $1,099.99.

So if Santa left you some cash, now might be the time to treat yourself to what you really wanted. For details, shop www.overstock.com

Si to Spanish sparklers

New Year's Eve is the night we sing Auld Lang Syne to Champagne, the most renowned of bubblies.

But this year, you might want to uncork sparkling wines from Spain, especially if you're serving a crowd and want to pour quality bubbles at a good price, a cup of kindness to the budget.

MPX is elegant, with notes of brioche and a price tag of about $12.

Cristalino Brut is fruit-forward with notes of apple, figs and pie crust and a dry, citrusy finish -- and a classy bottle that belies its bargain status. Shop well and you'll get change back from $10. Try the rose, as well. Equally well priced, it also offers lovely color and a light, fruity taste.

Casteller is another cava made from native Spanish grapes, Macabeu, Xarel-lo and Parellada. It's bright, zesty and citrusy. Expect to pay about $10 -- and to enjoy a sparkler that tastes like it cost much more.

Suky's super sale

You can be the belle of the ball for less at Suky's special occasion sale in which loads of designer frocks are priced at 50 percent off today and tomorrow, just in time for New Year's Eve -- or brides-to-be who got engaged at Christmas.

Suky is heightening the allure with $200 gift certificates that can be applied to the purchase price. Expect to see labels such as Vera Wang and or Badgley Mischka's empire-waisted frock with romantic pleated skirt, shown here.

To see the glam goodies with your own eyes, head to Suky's at 200 Kings Highway in Haddonfield or the flagship store in Ardmore, Pa. For sale hours and details, dial (856) 616-9000.

Hassle-free holiday returns

Wouldn't it be great if every gift we opened on Christmas morning was just right?

Alas, that seldom happens. There's usually the sweater that doesn't fit, the snuggly blanket in the way-wrong color, the coffee maker for the tea drinker.

At our house, it was the Polo Ralph Lauren blazer I bought for my husband. The navy was ideal, the perfect mate for khakis or jeans, and the embossed gold buttons added a jaunty touch. But there was too much Dale for the jacket -- and so back it goes.

Here's the catch. I bought the blazer at an outlet located two hours from home. Returning it will be a hassle. The good news is I checked the store's return policy before I bought and I have six months in which to make a return -- so I figure I can wait until my next trip that way.

Still, the rule of thumb is to make returns as quickly as possible, while you still have the receipt and can readily exchange items. Don't forget to bring the packaging with you, even if you can't fit the item inside, to avoid a restocking fee.

If the store won't give you cash and you don't want an even exchange, work your way up the retail food chain until you reach a decision maker. At the very least, negotiate for a store credit. Be patient, persistent and polite. And smile.

Merry Christmas to all

I'm not shopping today -- and I hope you aren't, either.

As much as I enjoy a great sale and the excitement of heading into the retail fray, I must say that on Christmas, this happy, sacred day, I'm happy to take a break from it all.

Silent night.

Holy night.

All is calm.

The true spirit of Christmas

I asked my husband to pop into the bakery section of Acme and bring home fresh rolls for our Christmas Eve open house tonight, braving the avalance of tense, last-minute shoppers picking up eggnog and orange juice.

Dale went without complaining. Not even once.

So when he came home with three bags of rolls -- one the wrong kind, one so charred I'm amazed they offered them for sale, and one just right -- I knew exactly what to say.

"Thanks, honey! Those look delicious!"

On Dasher! Last-minute holiday spirits

I'm making my list for my Christmas Eve dash to the local wine and spirit shop. I'll buy beer and wine for our open house -- and also pick up some gifts I feel certain will be appreciated, while saving me precious, precious time.

Here are a few goodies that are too good to be left on the shelf:

Alfred Gratien Brut Champagne, a lovely and festive bubbly that has the finesse of the best French sparklers, with a price tag of about $40.

Clos du Bois 2004 Alexander Valley Reserve Merlot, is lush and jammy, a party for the palate that brings together ripe blackberries, mocha and black cherry with a full, round finish. Expect to pay about $20.

Gin drinkers tend to fall into two camps, traditionalists and adventerous types. For our friend who enjoys gin martinis, I'll pick up Bombay Blue Sapphire gin, an elegant elixir with citrusy notes of juniper berry. Our wild and crazy gin drinker will be sipping Bulldog, a boutique gin heady with botanicals. Both sell in the $25 range.

On Dasher! Time to load up the sleigh!

Strategies for the final push

With only three days left to shop before Santa arrives, one thing is clear as a jingle bell.

We're running out of time to shop.

Today, I made a huge dent in my list for both gifts and entertaining at Costco, a destination I recommend highly to both multi-taskers and bargain hunters.

While you're picking up the Martha Stewart ham for Christmas dinner, you can grab wrapping paper, poinsettias and holiday CDs -- all the while munching the samples of cheese, pizza and cookies the nice Costco folks are handing out.

My bargain du jour was a Michael Kors three-quarter length down coat with faux fur trimmed hood, much like this jacket Overstock.com is selling for $149.99 with an original list price of $330. The Kors jacket I bought at Costco was priced at a jaw-dropping $61.99.

I also stocked up on smoked salmon, cashews, crab puffs and frozen miniature cream puffs.

Usually, I'm cautious about what I buy in bulk because I don't want it to go to waste. But this time of year, it's sure to be enjoyed.

So don't hold back, shoppers. Get our there and stimulate the economy! Christmas is coming!

Kmart's night light special

Attention Kmart shoppers!

Starting at 6 a.m., the big box discounter is starting a 64-hour around-the clock sale in order to capitalize on the estimated one fifth of U.S. shoppers who have yet to open their wallets to buy Christmas gifts.

That's good news for folks who wake up in the middle of the night in dire need of Scotch tape. What it will do for Kmart's bottom line remains to be seen.

Kmart vows the deals will come fast and furious.

"More customers are waiting until the last minute to buy Christmas gifts, so we're trying to make it as easy on them as we can," said Don Germano, senior Kmart VP said in a statement. "We have a great selection of holiday gifts, from the best names in home electronics and gaming systems to Martha Stewart Everyday decorations and the hottest toys, all at great values."

In addition to 50-percent off deals on apparel for men and women, Kmart is offering secret sales, available only tonight and tomorrow, including 40 percent off Sirius satellite radio systems and iPod stereo systems. Sorry, no rainchecks on those doorbusters.

100 proof vodka? Absolut-ly

Absolut 100 vodka stands tall, dark and glistening, like a young, hip Darth Vader, back in the day when he dazzled all the chicks at the bar.

Inside the sleek black bottle is the same quality drink we've come to expect from Absolut, with something extra. Perhaps that pleasant warmth at the back of the throat has something to do with a fact that this latest member of the family is 50 percent alcohol, instead of the usual 40 percent. Expect to pay about $27 for a 750 ml bottle.

Crafted from Swedish wheat, Absolut is clean and clear. The company has lots of intriguing cocktail recipes you can try on its Web site, http://www.absolut.com/ But I'd savor this elixir straight up, plucked from the freezer and poured neat into an Old-Fashioned glass. Or on the rocks, if that's your druthers.

The ideal setting: a group of friends in a beach house or a mountain get-away, where everyone is settled in for the evening and no one is getting behind the wheel. Think of it as a super-premium end to a super evening.

Counting the days til W is out

I've been a-waitin' and a-prayin' for the day George W. Bush leaves the White House since Al Gore got robbed in 2000.

But I couldn't bear the thought of counting the days. Like the sands of Iraq, there were simply too many to contemplate without feeling the payoff would never come, like an arms inspector endlessly searching for weapons of mass destruction.

Now it's time to come out from under the rock and start counting, praise be. In January 2009, the United States will have a new president. Hallelujah and amen, brothers and sisters!

Thanks to future-minded calendar makers, we can look forward to watching W get the heck out of DC, day by day. The folks at Calendars.com also have a fabu selection of wall and desk calendars, representing more than other 5,500 interests, ranging from wines to cats to moms who want to map out their days.

But my personal fave is the The Countdown Out of Office Calendar: 2008 Through the Glorious End! You can keep track of your own life in the final days of the Bush administration, jotting down reminders of your trips to the unemployment office, your meeting with the mortgage foreclosure guy and the days you'll have to take Uncle Henry to dialysis because the roadblocks to stem cell research likely won't be lifted in time to help him.

The wall version is $12.99; the desk calendar sells for $11.99. Let's start counting!

Here's O.N.E. for you

Life is thirsty work.

A great way we can make certain we stay healthy and hydrated is by drinking O.N.E., 100-percent coconut water, taken from young, green coconuts. Nature filters this elixir through the dense fibers of the plant for nine months, producing a pure, isotonic beverage.

O.N.E. also contains more potassium than a banana and five essential electrolytes. It's a non-sugary yet delicious quencher, ideal for athletes (serious and otherwise), nursing moms, airplane travelers, kids with queasy stomachs and shoppers on the go.

The makers of O.N.E. also are committed to keeping trees growing in the Amazon rain forest O.N.E. comes in an environmentally friendly Tetra pak.

To learn more, go to www.onenaturalexperience.com

Turn right and go straight for the GPS deal

For the person who has everything -- except a sense of direction, Costco.com is driving out a deal on a GPS system.

The Garmin Nuvi 650 GPS is equipped with a 4.3-inch touch screen, street by street directions and a voice that tells you which way to turn -- with no yelling.

Originally priced at $449.99, the device is now available for $299.99, thanks to a $150 coupon. A priceless feature is Costco's no-hassle return policy. If you aren't happy with the GPS, ask somebody to direct you to the nearest Costco store for a refund.

So how about those bargains?

I went to a Christmas party tonight, where a major topic of discussion was shopping.

Actually, it began as a traditional greeting sort of thing, in which friends said, "Merry Christmas! Have you finished your shopping yet?"

On Yules past, the reply was typically: "Almost done, spent too much!"

But this year, it's: "Only bought a few things. Prices are great -- but can't bring myself to buy."

Beth shared that Talbot's is offering discounts as never before -- yet she hasn't bought so much as a pair of khakis. She did manage to pull the trigger on a pair of gold earring for her mom at Macy's.

"They were $55, heavy, good quality, and I know gold is selling for $900 an ounce," she said.

Don't tell my husband, but I found a wonderful navy blue Ralph Lauren blazer for him, marked down from more than $400 to $179. But there are lots of other bargains that are still on the shelf because I, like other shoppers, simply walked away from them.

Susan said she has yet to buy a single gift. She believes the country is headed for a recession -- and she doesn't want to overdo it. Better to save her money and pay somebody to paint the shutters on her house.

So what's going on in shopper's heads? And what's a merchant to do?

What about ME!?

As I wander the aisles of Retail Land buying gifts for those near and dear and otherwise, I occasionally ask myself a question:

What about ME!?

The makers of ME! Bath line of goodies have an answer to that query. They suggest I indulge in sumptuous products suited to a home spa, including ME! Bath Ice Cream, sweet scoops of oils, purifying minerals and ah-inspiring fragrances. And there are no calories involved in the chocolate, peppermint candy and other flavors.

Gift packages range from $8-$20 and are available at local spas, including Rizzieri Salon & Spa in Sewell and Louis Christian Wayne Robert Salon & Spa in Cherry Hill. Or let your fingers do the walking to http://www.mebath.com/

These little treats make great presents for gal pals and teens and, uh, and ME! -- or even YOU!

A happy ending: Dow's Tawny Port

A special way to end a meal is with a wonderul port, a heady, complex wine that might be the ultimate nightcap.

One well worth pouring is Dow's 20-year-old Tawny Port, a Portuguese product that is bottled at what many port drinkers consider is just the right age. Actually, Dow's is a variety of wines, which gives it a sophisticated, complex taste, as well as a beautiful green-gold color. Expect to pay about $40 for a 750 ml bottle.

It's nicely balanced, with intriguiging notes of spice, caramel and dried nuts, in the lush spirit of creme bulee. In order to enjoy it to its fullest, sip your nip from a good sized glass, 6 ounces or larger, so you can drink in the sumptuous aromas along with the port.

Even though the port has been around for two decades, it won't keep forever after you open the bottle. To make certain you drink it at its peak, finish the bottle within a month of opening. Keep it in a cool, dark place or even the fridge.

You won't have to worry about any of this superior elixir going to waste if you invite a few friends to join you for a round.

Everything at Steve & Barry's: $8.98

Steve & Barry's has earned a devoted following with clothes, shoes and accessories that are cheapie-cheapie.

On any given day, most of the items in the stores are priced at less than $20, with only a few garments from the wildly popular Bitten line priced at $24.99.

Well, Merry Christmas, holiday shoppers. Everything at Steve & Barry's -- including Bitten and the cool Starbury sneakers popularized by NBA star Stephon Marbury -- has been marked down to $8.98, while supplies last at the nearest S&B. In South Jersey, there are two stores, in Deptford and Lumberton.

So go wild -- and save money. For once, the two aren't mutually exclusive.

Boscov's SUPER holiday sale

In a season of superlatives, Boscov's is having a SUPER sale.

That means that in addition to the 50-percent off fine jewelry, you can take an extra 20 percent off your sparkly purchases, as well as apparel, handbags and accessories. The offer is good through Saturday. (If you buy from www.boscovs.com, you'll get free shipping, as well).

So how can retailers top this and other deep, deep discounts? Give the stuff away? Or pay shoppers to take home the merchandise?

Here are a few tantalizing offers: 1/2 carat total weight diamond hoop earrings, regularly $879, reduced to $437 (and $349.60 with coupon); gold hoop earrings, marked down from $80 to $24; cultured pearl set of necklace, bracelet and pearl post earrings, originally $100, on sale for $24.99, less and extra 20 percent.

As my mother would say, you couldn't mine the gems, dive for pearls, hammer the metal and make it yourself at these prices.

Loco for cocoa

Starbucks gained fame for its premium coffee.

But you also can fill your cup with Starbucks line of comforting cocoas, sure to take a chill off a winter day. You won't have to commit to a flavor when you buy the Cocoa Trio, a threesome packed in festive collectable tins you can keep long after you've savored the last drop. The price: $14.95.

The trio includes chocolate, peppermint and cinnamon, as well as a measuring scoop. I plan to give a collection as a Christmas gift to a friend with a sweet tooth, a gal who enjoys curling up in her jammies with a chick novel and a mug of hot chocolate. I expect to see those tins come spring, added to the collection she displays in her kitchen.

Combining shopping with a coffee run also satisfies my itch to multi-task. Next time you pop in for a grande, check out gift packs of Tazo tea ($14.95) and cool electro-plated mugs in shiny silver and red ($8.85 each).

Bah humbug, Martha

I'm watching Martha Stewart's latest holiday special on Fine Living, feeling guilty because I haven't ensconced the columns outside my stately home with twinkling white lights -- or built the columns, or, for that matter, bought the stately home.

I have a feeling Martha toasted the Fourth of July by wrapping the last bow on her final Christmas package, even though she taught me how to fashion a bow reminiscent of a peony tonight. (I'm not telling how. Tivo it yourself, Mrs. Cratchit. )

Which brings me to the point. People who make their own gifts (and wrapping, tags and cards) probably spend twice as much time shopping, hitting craft stores, hardware stores and home centers for supplies -- which I suppose makes them doubly superior to other mortals.

Got to go. Martha is cracking 12 perfect eggs, laid by her own hens. Even better, she's breaking out the booze. We're making egg nog!

The secret code at macys.com

As the days tick down until Christmas (and the cash registers don't ring as frequently as retailers wish they would) the deals keep coming. Spend a mere $99 at www.macys.com and get free shipping.

Deals are even sweeter for shoppers who indulge in gourmet foods. Take an extra 10 percent off when you buy two or more items -- and 15 percent off when you buy three.

Goodies include such mouth-watering treats as Ottomanelli Brothers steaks, originally priced at $220 for four T-bones and now offered at $161.99 Delivery is guaranteed by Christmas, even with the gratis shipping. To take advantage of the special offer, enter the promotional code GIFTED when you check out. Happy shopping!

Don't hold the mayo, please

When I was a kid I made mayonnaise with my grandmother, a cook so fine I never did figure out why she didn't pass her culinary skills along to my mom.

Using lots of eggs and oil, Grandmom whipped up a delicious spread that elevated sandwiches and salads when while it expanded waistlines.

Duke's mayonnaise captures that spirit and freshness, starting back in 1917 when Eugenia Duke, an entrepreneurial housewife from Greenville, S.C., started whipping up sandwiches for soldiers.

A guilty pleasure to this day, the Duke's family recipe is still livening lunches and propelling picnics. (It's also the secret ingredient in moist chocolate cake and Chicken a la King, teamed with seasonings from the Spice Hunter.)

You can bring some of that southern flavor to your door, ordering mayo, salad dressings and other condiments online at www.dukesmayo.com

Expect to pay $20 for four 32-ounce jars. Then start spreading it on.

Holding court at the old Baileys

I believe in civility, in being cordial -- and, on occasion, in lifting a cordial.

One of my favorites is Baileys Original Irish Cream liqueur, which has been served up since 1974. I wasn't of legal drinking age then. But I've tried to make up for it since and I can tell you that Baileys is a superior spirit, served on its own or in cocktails. For great recipes, go to http://www.baileys.com/

Here's a recipe for the Shakerino, a virtual dessert in a glass:

2 ounces Baileys Irish Cream

1 scoop coffee ice cream, softened

2 ounces brewed espresso, cooled

Cocoa powder

Ice

Put all ingredients except the cocoa powder in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously until the ice cream has melted. Strain into a short, fat tumbler and sprinkle with cocoa powder

Also consider pouring flavored Baileys, liqueurs that add a nip of caramel or mint chocolate to the original mix. I'm partial to the caramel version, an instant twist-and-pour cocktail perfect for serving guests after dinner during the holidays. Expect to pay $18.99 for a 750 ml bottle. Keep an eye peeled for attractive gift packages, with glasses you can immediately add to your collection of barware.

Bottoms up, boyos and colleens!

Project Steve & Barry's

As viewers of the reality TV show Project Runway know: you're either in -- or you're out.

At Steve & Barry's, you're in luck. The purveyor of super affordable and way cool clothes has raced aspiring fashion designer and ultra competive Victoria Hong's winning dress and vest from the runway to the rack. (Her outfit is nice but she isn't -- let's see how long she lasts on the show.)

Now part of the wildly popular Bitten collection promoted by Sarah Jessica Parker, this cutie is available at a Steve & Barry's near you (should you be blessed enough to have one in the vicinity.)

Part of Steve & Barry's formula for success (and customer glee) is to price items below $20. This ensemble will run customers a little more. The dress is priced at $19.98 and the vest is $14.98, still one of the most adorable bargains you'll find this season.

Shopper alert: A/X to open in Cherry Hill

Armani Exchange, the exciting, youth-oriented apparel dealer, will open at Cherry Hill Mall on Friday.

The eagerly awaited and much-ballyhooed retailer missed a major opportunity in that construction on the store wasn't complete for Black Friday. Ditto for tonight, the first night of Hanukkah. But Lisa Wolstromer, the mall's marketing manager tells me A/X will be up and running in time for an expected weekend crunch.

A spinoff of Armani, the elegant, traditional designer, A/X offers fashion-forward clothes and
accessories for hipster guys and gals. Expect to see edgier, street-smart interpretations of Armani's sophisticated lines. Lotsa black, a fair share of Spandex and short skirts.

Sweet on Mr. Peanut

Like most folks, I've thought of Mr. Peanut as a salty soul, a dry character who likes to hang out at bars.

But the holidays have brought out his sweet side. Planters, Mr. Peanut's dad, has introduced three treats designed to appeal to folks who like a bit of dessert with their nuts.

Cashew Mocha Delight teams nuts with a coating of milk chocolate and genuine coffee. Butter Toasted Nut Treasures is a trio of peanuts, pecans and walnuts, all presented in toasted butter. And Chocolate Almond Crunch reflects its name. The nuts are first dipped in toffee and then get a chocolate treatment.

Expect to pay about $3 for a six-ounce package. Look for pouches decorated in nostalgic holiday scenes.

My old pals, Harry & David

Like reindeer, Harry & David are with us all year 'round -- yet I must confess I don't think much of the dear boys until the holidays draw near.

And so, I must also make public a renewed appreciation for the purveyor of yummy treats, having just broken into a box of chocolates I had planned (as God is my witness) to serve on Christmas Eve.

I now further confess that I'm NOT sorry I raided the candy. The fudgy chocolates, ensconced in minty green, red and white shells, were gosh-awful good, an unexpected and totally appreciated treat.

So why, pray tell, have I been giving away delicious nibbles from Harry & David when I could be enjoying them myself?

Perhaps I'm a saint unaware, a humble journalist waiting for a halo and an elevator to the sky. Or maybe I haven't figured out that I can send goodies from Harry & David to my favorite people -- and also buy treats for moi.

If you hanker to go and do likewise, head to the nearest H&D store or go to www.harryanddavid.com

God bless us, everyone.

Pass the treats, hold the calories

This is the time of year when I think I should be baking cookies -- but refraining from eating them.

I ask you: Where is the justice in that?

Bakers won't have to turn on the oven -- or suffer flashes of guilt about calories -- if they order goodies from Salem Baking Co., which serves up traditional Moravian sugar cookies at a scant 150 calories for eight (small) cookies. Spice cookies are even less fretful, at 12 cookies at a mere 130 calories. A small tube, tailor made for stuffing stockings, is priced at an itty-bitty $4.50.

For those who don't have a sweet tooth -- honest, they're out there -- Salem has whipped up cheese straws, the classic southern treat, revved up in variations including pimento, three-chili, artichoke-garlic and Asiago sun-dried tomato pesto. A six-ounce box will set you back $6.99.

These treats hail from Winston-Salem in North Carolina (not Salem County in South Jersey, alas). To order or get details, go to www.salembaking.com

Holiday shopping by the book

Here's a novel idea for holiday gifts.

Instead of browsing the shelves of retailers, why not head to the library?

The Friends of Cherry Hill Library operates a gift shop that is fast becoming a hot spot for seasonal shopping.

There's no mystery how the little shop off the library lobby got to be so popular. It's stocked with all sorts of unusual gifts for Christmas and Hanukkah – all priced at $50 or less.

With an early Hanukkah this year, beginning Dec. 5, some items have already sold out, said Rosemary Leach, who is co-president of the group with Bryna Thaler. The two also are buyers for the two-year-old gift shop, perusing vendors from Reading, Pa., New York City and other retail destinations to find unique gifts.

"We have some great musical stuffed animals," Leach said. "There's a wonderful stuffed teddy bear that recites The Night Before Christmas."

Shoppers also will find such treats as quilted musical dreidels and a variety of menorahs, although Leach cautions stock is running out fast.

Twelve months a year, the store sells goodies to that tickle both the fancy and the brain. Customer favorites include: sparkling globe paperweights; Quirkle, a Mensa game; and Hover Hockey, the table-top air-hockey game.

"Not all the vendors want to deal with us because we're so small," Leach said. "But we cajole and plead and some of them are nice enough to come to an agreement."

Shoppers have a number of thoughtful stocking stuffers to choose from, including book lights and playing cards, journals and note cards embossed with the likenesses of such revered scribes as Jane Austen, Gertrude Stein and Shakespeare. Avid readers will appreciate scarves printed with book covers.

"They're very colorful, really pretty," Leach said.

Shoppers can expect pleasant and attentive service from an all-volunteer staff. All profits from the shop are used to support programs and activities for the library. Cherry Hill Public Library
is located at 1100 Kings Highway. Gift shop hours: Sunday, 1 - 4 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Closed Mondays. For details, call (856) 667-0300.