Day 24 - Luna Eclectic Emporium

Luna Eclectic Emporium is one of my favourite shops, when I lived downtown two years ago I used to walk by several times on my way to and from work. They have the most unique store window, no matter how rushed I was I would stop and take a moment to "window shop" and admire all of the items. Each time seeing something new, then a few days later the whole window display would be transformed. It's really quite magical, Luna Eclectic has a great sense of style and they have so many products that I never even knew existed.

I recently found out Jennifer Ridgeway the owner of MoonSnail Soapworks also owns Luna Eclectic. Although the contents of the two shops are completely different, they have a similar feel, both very inviting when you walk through the doors - always discovering something new and fun with each visit.

Luna Eclectic features home decor, a kids section, retro candy, stationery & cards as well as a huge assortment of gifts for all ages. Luna also carries a collection of footwear, clothing, handbags, hats, scarves, jewellery & accessories.

#MyDowntownWishList includes:

for the owl fans on my gift list

cozy winter toques

fun things for kids

love these knit scarves

fun kitchen gadgets

adorable note cards

Luna Eclectic has two entrances, one on Grafton Street and the other in the Confederation Court Mall. They also have a website, Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.

It is hard to believe today is the last day of #MyDowntownWishList, there is still one more opportunity to win a $100 pre-paid Mastercard - today could be your lucky day! 

I’ve been an Islander all my life and always thought I knew downtown Charlottetown like the back of my hand, but boy was I wrong. I learned so much this past month, visiting shops I have never been to before, and taking the time to find out what makes them all unique. The Island talent I witnessed was beyond belief, and I met so many amazing people. I enjoyed blogging my experiences and choosing my wish list for family, friends, and of course a few for my letter to Santa ;)

I am thrilled to have been asked to be a freelance writer for G! Magazine, stay tuned for my first article in January/February issue :) Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas, take pleasure in the little things and enjoy your quality time with family and friends. Wishing you all the best in 2015!!

Day 23 - kc clothing

In 1993, when Kim MacKenzie and her husband Craig graduated from UPEI they opened “Kettle Creek Clothing Co” as a franchise. After 6 years in business, they changed their name to "kc clothing" and became an independent, carrying a variety of branded merchandise.

“kc clothing creates a bridge between casual and contemporary with high quality, lifestyle clothing and accessories targeted at fashion aware and quality-conscious men and women.” Their brand portfolio includes: Columbia Sportswear, Mexx, Lole, Fossil, Sorel, InWear, Matinique, Tribal, Silver, Saxx and Hue. Stay tuned for new brands coming in 2015, including Original Penguin. Can’t wait! 

A question Kim gets asked quite often is “Why kc”? She said it was an easy transition from the Kettle Creek franchise name so her and her husband registered it in 1999 when they became independent. Some people think it is short for Kim & Craig, but Kim said it really is just a coincidence :)

So many gorgeous items to choose from for #MyDowntownWishList - these were my favourites:

Fossil purses (so beautiful, hard to choose just one)

InWear grey airla pullover – so cozy!

huge variety of colourful scarfs – very pretty!

Sorel wool slippers – my Mom would love these. Beautiful Fossil wallets too!

Fossil & J.Fold wallets – great gift idea for Jerry

Kim loves being a downtown merchant and is a member of the Downtown Charlottetown Board of Directors. She has witnessed a lot of changes over the past 21 years and feels that downtown Charlottetown gets more and more beautiful and exciting every year.

Drop in to kc clothing on the main floor of the Confederation Court Mall. You can also find them on Twitter , Facebook and Google+.

Two more days to post and win #MyDowntownWishList, don’t miss out! Also, I just found out about the Downtown Charlottetown card last night, you can save a pile of money on your all year round purchases and it only costs $5!

Day 22 - Moksha Yoga Charlottetown & Pure Spa

Karen Murphy opened Moksha Yoga Charlottetown and Pure Spa in August 2010.  She feels that the two businesses complement very well and loves seeing so many happy people come through the door each day.

I have been a member of Moksha for a few years, practicing yoga and meditation regularly has changed my life. Moksha is hot Vinyasa yoga, and they offer various classes throughout the day and evening: Moksha, Moksha Silent, Moksha Music, Moksha Lite, Moksha Flow, Yin, Meditation, Power Flow, Prenatal and Barre yoga. They even have Community classes for new instructors to practice and Karma classes where you make a donation to their charity of choice (instead of paying for the class). Moksha offers 30 day challenges regularly, I completed one a couple of years ago and blogged my experiences. It was an incredible month that challenged my mind, body and spirit. 

#MyDowntownWishList includes:

I have 60 min “Moksha Yoga to Go” cd but would love to try the 25 & 90 min.

Toe Sox for Barre Yoga

No Sweat laundry detergent & mat spray

Moksha stainless steel water bottle

a new yoga mat

Moroccan Oil package

Pure Spa paired together some of their favourite services to create the most relaxing and luxurious experiences possible. Splurge and melt all your stress away with the Pure Experience, Sweet Simplicity, The Essentials, and/or Detox Package. You will feel like you had a week vacation in one afternoon. I love this quote from their brochure: “Release your tensions and restore your energy at Pure Spa. Your body does so much for you, nourish it and it will thank you.”

Drop by Moksha Yoga Charlottetown and Pure Spa on 4 Prince Street. You can also visit their websites (Moksha, Pure Spa), Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.

Last three days to win with #MyDowntownWishList – wow this month flew by so fast!

Day 21 - Bookmark

I love the story on Bookmark’s website: “Bookmark began with a pregnant new wife and a guy’s need to stop roaming the world and find a way to support a new family. Christmas of ’72 was our opening in Olde Charlottetown. It was a great time for the publishing industry; wonderful author tours with the likes of Smallwood, Berton, Lesveque, Chretien, and Howe. Canadiana was at its best.”

Bookmark is Charlottetown's only independent new bookstore and the oldest in Atlantic Canada. "Independently Owned....Independently Minded". In addition to books, the Bookmark carries art supplies, hydrographic charts/tide tables, board games and stationery. Drop in to visit Bookmark in the Confederation Court Mall. They also have a website and Facebook page.

#MyDowntownWishList includes:

watercolour artist pack

picked out 7 books I’d like to add to my reading list

fountain pen ink in a variety of colours

colourful journals

create your own puzzle – looks fun!

board games are always great for over the holidays

Bookmark holds author book signings and launch events, the month of December featured:

-Wade MacLauchlan, “Alex B. Campbell: The Prince Edward Island Premier Who Rocked The Cradle”

-Christopher McGarry, “Summer of Fear”

-Peggy Hogan, “For a Song”

-Linda Duncan, “Mussels”

-Mark Sampson, “Sad Peninsula”

-Dave Atkinson, “Wereduck”

-Anne Hotchkis, “Beach Mysteries”

-Katherine Dewar, “Those Splendid Girls”

-Roger Gordon, “Starting to Frame”

- Deirdre Kessler, Brenda Jones, “‘Born! A Foal, Five Kittens and Confederation”

-Judy Gaudet, “Conversation with Crows”

- Hugh MacDonald, “The Last Wild Boy”

- Chef Michael Smith, “Michael Smith Family Meals”

Now that is a lot of author events, and that listing was only for the month of December!

Sadly the heart and soul behind the Bookmark passed away suddenly last year. Members of the writing and publishing community are still mourning the loss of Bookmark owner Rodney Jones. “Rodney has been such a positive force in the book industry. He surrounded himself with terrific staff and his two stores are beloved in their communities. It is rare to find booksellers who take such an interest in authors and publishers. The book world will miss him immensely.” (Quote from Guardian article)

His legacy will never be forgotten. 

Day 20 - SoccerStop

SoccerStop has been in Charlottetown for as long as I can remember. It was formerly owned by James Hicken but for the past 10 years David Vos has been the owner.

SoccerStop specializes in soccer and rugby gear for players, coaches, referees, and fans. I’ve played soccer since I was six years old and it has always been my favourite sport. Two years ago I broke my ankle at indoor soccer and haven’t been back since, I hope to get back this summer as I miss it. I also played Rugby in high school and University and would love to play again – so much fun! 

It is wonderful to have a soccer/rugby specialty shop in downtown Charlottetown. Many people think buying local means more expensive, but that is not the case. The prices are very reasonable and they have a huge selection of cleats, jerseys, shin guards, indoor soccer shoes, balls, keeper gloves, socks, shorts, and the list goes on and on. 

#MyDowntownWishList includes:

these are cute – rugby stress balls

a colourful wall of soccer cleats – my favourite has the #MyDowntownWishList card

Samoan and Kooga rugby balls 

wall of indoor soccer shoes, my favourite has the #MyDowntownWishList card

Barcelona, Liverpool and Chelsea Football Club Christmas tree ornaments

You can visit SoccerStop at 52 Queen Street and via their website, Facebook and Twitter. Drop in and pick out your favourite items, don't forget to share using #MyDowntownWishList - only 3 more days to win!

Day 19 - Owls Hollow

Growing up the Balderston’s lived down the street from me in Lewis Point Park. The whole neighbourhood of kids would be at their house every chance we got. They had Tarzan ropes, massive skate board ramps and tree forts, always tons of fun. I have very fond memories to this day.  

I was not surprised that the 3 children (now adults) Steven, Nicole and Scott would open a toy store. I think fun is in their blood, a toy store was the perfect choice :) Owls Hollow has a wide variety of educational games, puzzles and art supplies, they even have a large selection of yarn for knitting and craft projects.

After a fire in February at their Capital Drive location they reopened in the Confederation Court Mall just in time for the holiday season. Owls Hollow is the only toy store at the Confederation Court Mall, anytime I have walked by it is always packed with customers. I enjoyed my visit to Owls Hollow picking out items for my nephews, the atmosphere is so vibrant and colourful.

                                                                                                                            

#MyDowntownWishList includes:

Playmobil Wildlife (looks like Noah's Ark to me)

Sesame Street puppets

paint set and Kirigami parachutes

train set table

You can visit Owls Hollow at 136 Kent Street in the Confederation Court Mall until their new location is completed on Capital Drive. They also have a website, Facebook and Twitter.

Four more days of #MyDowntownWishList winners - good luck to you! :)

Day 18 - The Showcase

The Showcase is located inside the Confederation Centre of Arts and specializes in finely crafted Island pottery, wood working, fused glass, jewellery, original paintings and Canadian made products. Their first priority is locally made Prince Edward Island items, followed by Atlantic Canadian made items and distinctive products from across the country.

The Showcase opened in 1965 and are part of Confederation Centre of the Arts, a not-for-profit, charitable organization, with volunteers assisting the gift shop staff. All profits from The Showcase go back to the Centre to support arts programming. The shop was voted top 5 Craft Retailer for Atlantic Canada at the Atlantic Canada Craft Awards of Excellence.

#MyDowntownWishList includes:

unique wooden bowls

colourful fused glass vases

glass friendship balls

delicious Lady Baker’s Tea

tickets from the Confederation Centre Box Office for a fun night out!

Tracy and I are going to "Cinderella: A Fairy Tall Tale"  tonight – can’t wait! I've been to many plays/musicals/shows at the Confederation Centre over years (including Anne of Green Gables when I was a little girl). We are truly lucky to have the Confederation Centre, the high quality and variety of entertainment is outstanding. Such a wonderful Christmas gift to buy your family/friends - an evening they won't forget!

Drop by the Showcase at 145 Richmond Street (or use their Queen Street entrance). You can also visit their website, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Another winner will be randomly chosen today for #MyDowntownWishList - I hope you are the lucky one. Remember, the more photos you share from your downtown shopping experience, the more chances you have to win :)

Day 17 - Vermillion Art Works

Vermillion Art Works has been open for 1.5 years and is located on 87 Water Street in downtown Charlottetown. Three island potters own the shop and they specialize in original island art and reproductions, handmade gifts, pottery, knitwear and art cards. This was my first time visiting Vermillion Art Works and I learned so much about the talented island artists and potters. They even host art receptions to display artists new work. On November 14th, Vermillion showcased Deborah Misener's new water colours, and if you attended the reception you had the chance to meet and talk with her.

My visit to the shop has actually inspired me to pick up a paint brush again and maybe even join a pottery class. To me it would be a form of active meditation, where you just put your thoughts aside and focus on your movement. I had a similar experience at Raw Canvas in Vancouver. You spend the evening painting, relaxing and sipping wine, and at the end of the night you leave with your masterpiece. Almost as relaxing for your mind as a day at the spa.

#MyDowntownWishList includes:

an original painting by island artist Susan Christensen

ceramic treasure chests to store your favourite things

gorgeous ceramic mugs with scenic beach themes

cute earrings in mussel shells

Tracy found her favourite – hand carved owl coat hooks

You can find Vermillion Art Works on Google+ and Facebook. I love this quote they posted on their Facebook page:

...a small piece of someone else's life

I’ve known a lot of the #MyDowntownWishList $100 prepaid MasterCard winners so far, it could be you next. One tagged photo equals one entry in the contest. What are you waiting for? Visit your favourite downtown shops, only a few more days to play. 

Day 16 - Emmett and Ellie's

Emmett and Ellie’s have been in downtown Charlottetown for the past three years. They specialize in handmade, natural soaps and bath and body products that are made on-site. Donna Keenan named her shop “Emmett & Ellie’s” after her loving grandparents. She is proud to feature the work of many Island artisans and crafts people, including jewelry, pottery, food products, and art. 

Emmett and Ellie’s also carry antiques, collectibles, books and home decor items. So many hidden gems in this little shop, it is hard to leave once you visit - everywhere you look there is something interesting and unique that will catch your eye. 

#MyDowntownWishList Includes:

 Cheeky Bee 100% Pure Beeswax Candles

 homemade Vanilla Bean and Wild Oats & Honey natural soap

 Enchanted Candles made with PEI beach sand

a year of gratitude kit

 delicious PEI Preserve Company jams

Honibe gift baskets - best lozenges ever!

You can find Emmett and Ellie’s on 70 University Avenue, on Facebook, Twitter and via their website. Visit often as they get new items in every week!

Another day to win with #MyDowntownWishList - tag what you wish for today :)