I read this quote last night on Pinterest after my children had gone to bed. It made such an impact on me that I just wanted to wake them up and go get ice cream, or play soccer in the dark, or fingerpaint at the kitchen table. But, I didn’t. Common sense started kicking in and reminding me that we had to get up early for school and it’s much easier when they’re well-rested!

When everyone had been delivered to school this morning, I read the quote again…Why can’t we slow life down a little bit? Take more pictures, turn off the TV,  keep the texting and technology away from the dinner table, play outside, read books to each other, learn their friends names, ask them about their dreams…this is my new “resolution” for 2012. Forget the weight loss goal, closet organization goal, cleaner garage goal, full social calender goal, because at the end of the day, none of that matters to my kids. They just want to be with me…and I want to be with them!

Our Hallmark Gift Books section has a number of books that remind me of the spirit of this quote, one of those is “If Only I Knew”. It is full of gentle reminders to help you treasure the people in your life. I love to read a few pages every night before bed to help me decompress from the day. I think we ALL need these reminders every now and then.

But, doesn’t this day make it easier for us? We have free rein to get as mushy, sentimental, sweet, loving as we want…then February 15, we can go back to being “normal”. I mean, we can get candy,  jewelry, teddy bears, balloons, lotions, even a flower that blooms at the push of a button just for being loved.

I personally love buying Valentine’s Day gifts for my kids especially because I finally get the credit for the cool stuff they’re getting. They’re saying thanks to mom and dad instead of Santa or the Easter Bunny or the Tooth Fairy. And, the gifts don’t have to be limited to heart shaped boxes of chocolates. I usually try to get something unexpected or something that was on their Christmas list that never made it under the tree.

Regardless of how you normally spend February 14, use the day for what it is intended…tell those closest to you that you love them!

We’ve just returned from gift market in Atlanta, and while it is hard work, we do manage to have some fun. Some of the showrooms provide live entertainment for us weary shopppers. This particular band was amazing and even got some of the folks to get out there and get their “boogie” on!

But, we were there for a reason…to fill up our store! We found some great new lines and items that we think are going to be fantastic. Some of my favorites:

• Corkcicle-the “icicle” that you put inside your bottle of wine to keep it at the perfect temperature.
• Solar Queen-What better way to class up your flower pot or window sill than with a bit of royalty? Place this solar queen in the sun and watch Her Majesty deliver her signature wave. We even bought one that looks like the Queen’s beloved Corgi.
• Universal Headphones-Pump up the glam and pump up your music experience! These Universal Headphones feature an adjustable headband and swiveling ear cups that are cushy and lightweight, making even extended use pressure free. Sound isolating technology gives the center stage to your music, not outside noise. Compatible with any MP3 or standard music player with 3.5mm headphone jack, including iPod, CD players and MP4 players.
• Lenny and Eva bracelet cuffs-These beautiful wide leather cuff bracelets can we worn with many interchangeable “sentiment” plates. There are many sayings and quotes to choose from.

We just got in one of the most unique toys I have ever seen…it’s a remote-controlled flying shark that is about 4 feet long! These things are unbelievably realistic. Even one of our canine-staffers, Belle, was fooled by it. She was going crazy barking at this thing. My husband had the remote control, which meant he was free to torment whoever he wanted with this giant flying shark! Our customers loved it! You use the remote control to maneuver the tail, turn left to right, and even go up and down. Crazy!Check out the video to see for yourself.

Flying Shark Video

We’ve got the unique, handcrafted gifts that can make it look like you devoted weeks of thought to them. Plus, they’re easy to locate. But just in case, our helpful staff is available to be your personal shopper as soon as you step through the door. At The Crown Shop, we pride ourselves on customer service.

Forgot stocking stuffers? We’ve got you covered. Check out our special display devoted to smaller gifts under $20, like our selection of Fairhope Favorites and more. We make it easy to find what you need, but also find what you need within a budget. AND we offer FREE GIFT WRAPPING!!!

Let us help you take some of the worry out of last minute Christmas shopping. Not that they are any dads or husbands out there with some yet to do….

Browse some of our favorite gift ideas for 2011…

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The Crown Shop is the exclusive area provider of Southern Made gifts. Southern Made is a cooperative that supports local artists and merchants from across the South. Its ensemble of artists and gifts include handcrafted pottery from Etta B Pottery and Three E Designs, a full range of Aromatique products and accessories, and renowned art from Susan Hood and Arkansas’ own Abby Carman.

We’ll sure you’ll find something to put a smile on Mom’s face. Of course, that tatt could do it, too.

We have so many great games right now that are ideal for the entire family from:Farkle Party, Spontuneous, Wits and Wagers, Bananagrams, Tile Lock Scrabble and many more!

Since this will be my very first bowl game to attend, I’m super excited and really want to go ALL OUT with the Hog gear! I have: Razorback pom pom gloves, Razorback watch, Razorback earrings and necklace, Razorback wine glass (for tailgating) and ,of course, the all-important Razorback AT&T Cotton Bowl T-shirt! I think the t-shirts look great this year and I’m going to get one for everyone on my Christmas list. Now all I have to do is patiently wait until January 6 to watch my Hogs whoop up on the Wildcats!

It comes in various forms. When Dad flips out over our Junior’s “borrowing” of the car and subsequent “fender bender,” grandparents are there to soften the blow. When all that’s needed is a hug, grandparents are there to squeeze. From birthday cards housing checks to potato salad that warms the soul (hey — one man’s chicken soup is another man’s potato salad), grandparents are givers.

At Christmas time, grandparents give more than ever, and The Crown Shop can help you give back!

We’re the area’s exclusive carrier of Art by Susan, Frame of Mind and other Southern Made gifts that can be custom ordered and made uniquely personal. A custom made Christmas frame with a picture of the grandkids and a personalized message….what grandmother wouldn’t beam with joy?

Select a frame and message plate with a predetermined message, such as “Merry y’all,” and walk out in five minutes, or special order a plate with your own special message and get it within a week.

How about a bird seed bell or handcrafted birdhouse for your granddad? The Crown Shop carriers a wide array of gifts for nature and gardening enthusiasts- and everything in between!

And don’t forget to impress your loved one with our free gift wrapping. Men, you can’t beat that….

Grandparents don’t expect anything in return for their unconditional love, but this Christmas time, wouldn’t it be nice to see their faces beam as brightly as their grandkids’?