Tag: shopping

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It’s Christmastime 2025!

There are plenty of opportunities to get into the Christmas spirit in Southern Illinois. As noted on the page by this same title, it is not a complete list. However, this Year’s page has been started….

You will see some of the categories listing “TBD,” but hopefully not for long. Please feel free to send me Christmas events from I-70 to the Southern state line either by commenting on Facebook, Messenger, or asliceofsouthernillinois@gmail.com Updates are happening as I get the information and my neuropathy cooperates…

(The bright pink Christmas truck image is available as a digital download for purchase on my Ko-fi site.)

Click on the truck image below to go to the Page of Christmas events:

It’s Christmastime 2025!

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Christmas Lights, Cameras, Action!

We may not have those perfectly timed, big fluffy snowflakes falling on cue, but that’s OK. There are still plenty of Christmas movie-worthy adventures right here in Little Egypt. You don’t have to grab a flight to one of those places that never seem to be on actual maps to experience the wonder of the season.

Include your family and friends to create memories to be cherished for years to come. Snap photos to share with future generations. Throw in some of the obligatory Christmas movie elements like decorating cookies, Christmas pageants, caroling, and shopping for or making special gifts for loved ones. Hopefully, you can avoid the conflict or classic misunderstanding that is in pretty much any movie. (DISCLAIMER: If it’s a full blown rom com you want, that’s between you and God…)

You can build an evening, Day trip, or an even longer stay. Check the pages for links to some of the unique, locally-owned lodging, food, shopping, and more for a DIY Christmas movie-worthy experience.

From tree lighting ceremonies and sparkling light displays to small town festivals and ice skating, you can find it downstate. There are many beautiful and meaningful ways to celebrate the birth of Christ. Although some events took place before it was even time to start opening your Advent calendar’s little drawers, many are still to come. While keeping your Christmas traditions, you might just discover some new ones. May you, your family, and friends be richly blessed during this wonderful season.

Please check the links to many Christmas festivities from I-70 (including Effingham) to the southern state line via the Christmas in Southern Illinois page. It is a continual work in progress… Before heading out, you may wish to check the provided link for each for specific info or changes.

Christmas in Southern Illinois 2022 https://asliceofsouthernillinois.com/christmas-in-southern-illinois-2022/

Lodging

Food Truck & Street Cart Links

Local Shops

Tastes of Southern Illinois

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Watch “Christmas Eve Eve 2020: The One with the Last Minute Christmas Decor, Frugal and Dollar Tree DIY,…” on YouTube

http://asliceofsouthernillinois.com/2020/12/25/watch-christmas-eve-eve-2020-the-one-with-the-last-minute-christmas-decor-frugal-and-dollar-tree-diy-on-youtube/

Check out clips from Christmas Light displays, local food, and more. Marion, Herrin, and Makanda areas are featured. There are also frugal DIY projects for home, outdoor, and the Christmas Tree.

Grab a cup of hot cocoa or your beverage of choice and enjoy!

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Fill Those Baskets

Spring has finally made its appearance, and Easter is fast-approaching. We’ve all heard that as one door closes, another opens. This also holds true for Carbondale Farmer’s markets. There are TWO happening this Saturday. March 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday is also the last Carbondale Community Farmer’s Market of the winter/indoor market season at University Mall. Saturday is also opening day for the Carbondale Farmer’s Market in the Westown Shopping Center (“Murdale”) parking lot from 8:00 a.m. to noom.

Plant starts by Richard Bochantin

Farmer’s markets offer a unique shopping experience that allows a person to interact with the farmer, cook, or artist that is selling a product. They can answer most questions you might have about preparing an ingredient or even growing one of the live plants.  This doesn’t always happen online or at a larger chain store.  Whether you need to fill a basket to gift to a loved one or a basket of ingredients for Easter Brunch, there are many wonderful Southern Illinois products from which to choose. Many can be found at local farmer’s markets.

There are often baked goods and treats that may even be tastier than some of the traditional commercially-packaged bunny, chick, and egg-shaped treats.  If you arrive in time, you might find homemade brownies, cookies, fresh and candied pecans, and more. 

Candied Pecans and Lemon Cookies by Marty’s Munchies

Shopping for the foodie or someone who likes to cook is easy at the markets.  The hardest part will likely be decision-making between organic herbs, spices, unique seasonings, gourmet sauces, and even drinking shrubs. 

Coffee and tea lovers can usually find a great assortment from which to choose.  Some local honey would also be a nice addition. For those who create and make drinks, non-alcoholic ingredients like locally-made shrubs, cordials, and bitters are perfect.

Above:  Flora Bay Farm’s Hops Bitters and Elderflower Cordial by Glacier’s End

There are usually treats for fur babies for purchase so that they won’t be left out of the fun.  Although each week may vary a bit, you can often find jewelry, art, plants, and more. 

Reusable Beeswax Food Wraps by Honey and Shrooms

Grocery shopping at farmer’s markets is about as fresh as it can get without picking it yourself.  Luscious greens, beautiful gourmet mushrooms, microgreens, and a variety of meats can usually be found.  Opportunity to combine these into unique and tasty menus is unlimited. For those with Link, an added benefit of Farmer’s Market shopping is the ability to get matching free produce up to $25.

Left:  Mushrooms from Flyway Family Farms , Right:  Brunch crostini topped with egg, ham, and basil microgreens by Autumn Ridge Farms

It’s a twofer in Carbondale this Saturday for farmer’s markets.  If you can get there, visit both.  Hit the last winter market and the first spring market.  Talk with the winter market vendors to find out how to find their products after the last market of the indoor season.  Many products from both markets and others have participated in the online Carbondale Community Farmer’s Market through  and/or the LEAF Food Hub, a local online ordering service that allows weekly pickup at the Neighborhood Grocery Coop in Carbondale. Other options might be available for delivery.  Set your alarm and grab your face mask to hop down that bunny trail to The Dale for some wonderful farmer’s market finds.  You might want to bring sunscreen and an umbrella too.  After all, you know what they say about the weather in Southern Illinois…

Links:

Carbondale Community Farmer’s Market http://www.carbondalemarket.com/

Carbondale Farmer’s Market https://www.farmersmarketcarbondale.com/

LEAF Food Hub https://www.leaffoodhub.com/

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Watch “Christmas Eve Eve 2020: The One with the Last Minute Christmas Decor, Frugal and Dollar Tree DIY,…” on YouTube

So, my Christmas Eve Eve episode waited until Christmas Eve to actually post, but we still wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

This episode has a few frugal Christmas decor DIY’s mingling in with a tour of a few regional Christmas Light display faves and unique shopping experiences. There are a few mouthwatering peeks at food from Drizzle Mini Donuts and Razmo’s too…

Wherever you are in the world, we wish you joy and peace as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

(For those looking for the PDF hot cocoa bar download, it’s in the Cozy Cocoa & More post.)

Makanda
Marion

Candy Cane Lane, West Frankfort
Yost Family Lights, Marion
Reis Lane, Herrin

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12 Gifts of Christmas from Little Egypt

If you are a fan of Hallmark Christmas movies, you may have watched “The Twelve Dates of Christmas.” Although it was reportedly filmed in Canada this past summer, the movie highlighted real and some fictional locations and experiences in Chicago.

Guess what. Southern Illinois, a.k.a. Little Egypt, also has many wonderful experiences! Originally, I wanted to write about experiences similar to the ones in the movie that could be found here. However, in the midst of a pandemic when we seem to be moving toward tighter restrictions for the upcoming holidays, that might be difficult.

I do think we can still help each other support and highlight many wonderful Southern Illinois products, services, and experiences. Small Business Saturday is right around the corner. That would be a perfect time to grab some local items to gift or perhaps make a basket full of things to enjoy now and gift certificates for things to do when COVID-19 restrictions lift a bit. Purchasing gift certificates from small businesses is one way to also help them get through this difficult period.

Here are some suggestions to get you started…

A Partridge in Pear Tree:

Southern Illinois wine with aroma of pear

Two Turtle Doves:

Chocolate Turtles or baked items

Turtle candy flavored coffee or scented candles

Three French Hens:

Gift certificate to eat chicken at a local restaurant

Poultry from a local farm

Four Calling Birds:

Gift certificate to a pet store

Five Golden Rings:

Gold or goldtone stack rings from a local jeweler or boutique

Local seasonings and ingredients with a recipe for onion rings

Gift certificate to a restaurant with delicious onion rings

Six Geese a Laying:

Gift certificates for food and a gas card or lodging certificate for a trip to see the geese at areas near Rend Lake, Crab Orchard Lake, Carlyle Lake , etc.

Seven Swans Swimming:

Gas card or passes/ tickets to go to areas with migrating Trumpeter Swans, such as West Alton and Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge

A membership or pass to a local indoor swimming pool

Eight Maids Milking:

Products from or a gift certificate to a local dairy, creamery, ice cream, etc.

Nine Ladies Dancing:

Dance class lessons

Tickets to a ballet, ethnic dance event, or other dance performance at a location like Shryock Auditorium or a even a local school production.

Ten Lords Leaping:

Gymnastic or martial arts lessons

Fitness center or gym membership

Bowling Alley gift certificates

Eleven Piping Pipers:

A gift certificate to a local music shop

Tickets to a local performance

A digital download or CD of a local music group or from a local music shop

Twelve Drummers Drumming:

A gift certificate to a local music store or local performance

A digital download or CD of a local music group or from a local music shop

Consider cookies or cupcakes from a local baker to depict each of the twelve days or the ones that stump you. You could also get local artisan made Christmas ornaments or even jewelry to match the twelve days or part of them. Have fun and be creative. Do what fits your budget.

Another possibility is to gift a night or weekend at a Southern Illinois cabin, inn, or lodge with a scavenger hunt list of items to take photos of things corresponding to the twelve days.

The ASOSI app is still free as well as the links on the A Slice of Southern Illinois website to help you find restaurants, artisans, places to see and more from I-70 to the southern state line. The links tend to be categorized by town. It is a continually updating list. Please message or email any that you think if that could be added.

You may also comment with gift suggestions on the Facebook page post of this article. We would love to know about Southern Illinois small businesses that have product available through national sites like Amazon and Etsy. Locally owned services offering gift certificates are another welcome suggestion.

To make it easier to see what is shared, please use the hashtag #12SIGiftsofChristmas and maybe which Days of Christmas/Gifts of Christmas correspond to the suggestion, such as #11PipersPiping

Be safe, have fun, and support local small businesses. Merry Christmas!

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Falling into This Vlog Thing…

Im not sure if it is technically called a mini episode, introductory vlog post, or channel trailer, but it is now up on the A Slice of Southern Illinois YouTube channel!

The first vlog post features the crunching sound of fall leaves and a bit of the beautiful autumn scenery in Southern Illinois. Crafting with pine cones and leaves is discussed. There is a glance at the Events, Lodging, Shopping, Sites, and Tastes sections of the ASOSI app. An easy Pizza bread recipe starts the episode.

There are people, including friends and family, who read the blog from all over the world. I really wanted to share with people in climates that do not experience our four seasons a glimpse at what we sometimes take for granted.

I hope you enjoy the video. Please feel free to subscribe to the YouTube channel and share the link.

www.youtube.com/watch

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Local Home Shopping is Here!

Most of us are familiar with the home shopping channels on TV. I’ll even admit to shopping and using them from time to time. Let’s face it, they do have some good things. Many years ago, after I was in a car wreck, and getting around was painful, they were very helpful to me.

Fortunately, some of our local shops and boutiques in Southern Illinois are offering a shop at home option in response to the current pandemic and its associated restrictions on businesses.

Local favorites Perfectly Posh and Splitting Image Boutique, both in Marion. are doing live shows on Facebook similar to those the national shopping channels but on a much smaller scale. People can comment that they are purchasing an item and specify if they will pick it up or have it shipped to them.

The Rusty Nail in Salem, a craft and gift shop, has a personal shopper option. People set up a Facetime appointment to have someone walk through the store and help them to shop.

Hopefully, many of the local shops we know and love will be able to keep business going with some of these options until we get on the other side of this COVID-19 thing. Please remember that although these may not be the traditional ways of shopping, we still have some options to shop local and support our friends and neighbors.

Please visit the links below to locally owned shops, markets, and more in Southern Illinois. You can also access these via the ASOSI app or the menu of this website. Ones that have recently been known to offer some type of shopping access during this pandemic are notated with an (*)

Please let us know any ones we have missed so that they may be added…

Local Shops http://asliceofsouthernillinois.com/local-shops/

Markets https://asliceofsouthernillinois.com/markets/

Artisans https://asliceofsouthernillinois.com/local-artisans-crafters/

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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas…in Carterville

  

     Beautiful lights and decorations, horse drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate, Christmas shopping, and friendly folks can only mean one thing:  It’s time for Christmas in Carterville. Friday, December 2, 2016, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, downtown Carterville becomes a celebration that anyone familiar with “Gilmore Girls” would expect to find in Stars Hollow. 

     This year, the event has added a Christmas cookie contest. There are even more unique businesses to visit downtown. Botski’s, a café and coffee shop, and Live Simple Shop are among the unique spots that have opened in newly renovated spaces on Division Street. If you are searching for hard to find Christmas gifts, you may find something in one of the antique stores or have something made at Live Simple Shop. 

     Besides the downtown businesses staying open late, many other vendors will be on site. Some of these are Ginger Snaps, kettlecorn, homemade salad dressing, Lipsense, Scentsy, Toy Copters, and more! 

     Some of the family-friendly activities include free hot dogs, carriage rides for a suggested donation of three dollars, and selfies with elves. The elves will also be around to assist folks in navigating the celebration. Free entertainment is set to include a performance by Arabesque Sugar Plum dancers as well as a group of line dancing ladies on the main stage. Kids will have an opportunity to write letters to Santa at Malone’s and also visit the Santa House. Local fireman will climb the truck ladder and conduct a “Snowball Drop” for the kids. 

     For more information, including a video Q&A session on the event, you may visit the Christmas in Carterville Facebook page.