Everything you need for your garden, your home, your pantry. Beautiful orchids and houseplants,…read morecolorful mums and pumpkins, decorations, housewares, foodstuffs...there's so much to see. I really could spend a few hours here. We picked up some gorgeous and vivid mums and colorful pumpkins for the porch.

Phenomenal. 100% in all aspects. The staff, professionalism, the quality of their nursery stock…read morefrom trees to shrubs to perennials, to annuals is top notch. They are definitely a one stop shop. While some prices can be slightly higher, the growth/health overall is noticeable in my gardens.

I fully admit I'd never heard of this store. In fact, I thought maybe it was an offshoot of Costco…read moreand a collection of their home goods products, but when I asked the cashier, she said nope! In fact, she said everyone thinks that and Kirkland's has been around for a long time and originated out of Brentwood, TN. Who knew? What I found odd about this store is the fact it's not too far from Pier 1, and some of the items you could find at both locations. Here's Kirkland's in a nutshell. It is a great place to get home decor items that you will see everywhere else. Like wooden painted signs with cute messages, frames, mirrors, lamps, candles, wire baskets, throw pillows, and a few furniture items (think Joanna Gaines). Take Hobby Lobby + Tuesday Morning + World Market + Joanne Fabrics + Pier 1. I'll be honest and say I didn't really see anything that was for me, other than some random cute pajamas from their small, curated PJ area, but I would go back for a gift for sure. Kind and informative customer service. **If you're a home stager, this is your place!

Have you ever walked into a store and thought to yourself, "whyyy have I never been here before?!?"…read moreWell, that was me when I stepped into Kirkland's. They have such cute home decor items and the price point is very reasonable! And, if you are someone who likes a great deal, you can sign up for their email list and have coupons mailed to you! I'm so happy to have found this store - definitely adding it to my rotation (along with Home Goods and TJ Maxx) for home decor i

I am IN LOVE with the Mustard Seed. It first caught my attention because it is a fair trade shop…read more Turns out that it is run by volunteers so the money earned goes directly to the artists. The people who make the goods here are from all over -- from Chili to Ghana. When I purchase gifts, they often include brief information about the artist as well as the shop. Friends and family -- including my super cool teenage nieces and my mom -- who have received gifts from this store before are always excited when they see the familiar box. In fact, this Christmas I did the majority of my shopping here. They carry an amazing array of jewelry. From beautiful beaded necklaces to metal cuffs to swingy earrings. They also carry clothing (sweaters were a huge item this winter), colored scarves (I can't get enough!), wooden bowls, purses, blankets, rugs, wall decor, children's items and frames. During the holidays they even carry ornaments. I've posted a pic of a couple of them. The people who volunteer here are extremely nice and dedicated to helping the artists they show -- often women trying to support their families. But when buying here be prepared for a slow process. Because they are volunteers it's not like walking into a well oiled retail shop. But who really cares? It feels great to help out people who are trying to help themselves (hint -- it's the artist) and give gifts that have meaning to me and the recipient. It's been an amazing teaching tool for my nieces while giving them things they love. Hmmm. I think it's time for a new fashion scarf. Can't stay away too long!

This is a great little shop with so many items to choose from, I may go in for a pair of earrings…read moreto give as a gift but then find a pair for myself, a necklace, and 10 other things I want! The items are all fair trade and the employees are volunteers so you know you are shopping for a good cause! Great for gifts and each product has a story!

Last year, erratic weather whipped up the entire festival in a huge gush of wind and rain and…read moredarkness. I happened to be in my apartment at the time, and heard shattering handmade porcelain things from my 5th floor window a block or two away. A curl of debris and feathers (er, there was at least one vendor of puppets) rose above the roofs of Orrington Ave. Then within minutes, just as quickly as it had begun, the sun was out again, beaming innocently like a cute girl who's just flicked the back of your head. That was a pretty tragic thing, because some people did get hurt from collapsing tents and whatnot, and also because a lot of original artwork that will never be duplicated likely was unexpectedly destroyed. I did explore the festival a few times last year as well as this year, and it remains damn awesome to walk through (physical Etsy, bitch!). For the most part, the artists are all there and very willing to chat with you about their work. Vendors are extremely varied-- as Danielle C. mentioned, there is plenty of 2D (photography, painting, whathaveyou), as well as jewelry. There's also a ton of ceramics, glass work, sculpture, recycled art, clothing, metalwork, and even furniture-- plus this guy who casts and handpaints awesome tiny model figures. Overall it's something like 225 tents to walk around and explore. (There is also street fair fare --ha!-- and live music, though neither is terribly interesting.) It's all a great dip into the Chicago craft scene. The downside: should you choose to buy, everything is horribly expensive. But if one is used to paying for handmade (and is it unfair to guess that the North Side of Illinois is used to $100 chip 'n' dip bowls?), or has friends they thoroughly thoroughly enjoy, then it probably is not too bad.

Mark your calendars kids... I, danielle C. ventured out of the city... to- GASP- a suburb for ----…read morehuge gush of breath to cover the embarassment--AN EVENT. I really don't know what happened. It must have been the Margaritas from Saturday night mixed with the Mojito from breakfast that made my will weaken. Otherwise, I just cannot figure out how I agreed to go into "the promised land". Cafe 28- I BLAME YOU- you serve a fantastic breakfast, and, an even better Mojito- that must have been it! Anyhoo... the evanston art festival. It was well done. The weather really helped. It was a horribly stormy afternoon, so the moms & pops with their spoiled childrunts (you know the ones I am talking about- the ones who cannot get wet, cry all the time, and whine non stop) stayed home- for the most part. So stormy- that 10 people were injured (according to the trib) by blowing tents. Go figure. The art was- well- all different types. Some really awesome mixed media prints were on display- that the few kids who were there were grossed out by- one of my friends headed for that tent immediately. I picked up a great white gold pearl pendant necklace. Love it- I always wear pendants- so- I felt like a treat was in order. Tons of photography and canvas paintings- ranging from about 25$- 1,500. If you felt so inclined, you could also purchase a metal palm tree-- I stayed away from that station, I did not want to encourage my friends! All in all- not crowded, decently priced, and more than just Chicago skyline photos! Oh- I found this funny when I was looking it up... They include stats on the attendance (cannot be accurate seeing as how we walked in and did not even have anyone asking for the suggested donation- :) go through the parking garage) ** 55% of attendees at the 2007 fair were from the Chicago/ Evanston area ** 38% came from the suburbs. HELLO??? Evanston is a suburb--- sheesh people!

I was lucky enough to visit this place for a candle making party and I had no clue this place…read moreexisted! It's such a cute place to do something out of the ordinary for a birthday or any type of party! Our instructor was so helpful and enjoyable. She led us through each step to make the candle and pick or create a scent. How cool right? We catered food through my charcuterie and did byob wine! It was so fun to nibble, drink and make a candle! Then at the end of the party we were able to check our their attached retail store front and shop any premade candles. We will def be back

The candle party I attended there was relaxed and educational on how to properly make candles. I…read moreloved browsing in their adjoining gift shop, where I bought a lemon-scented car freshener.

This is just the best place to find a gift for anyone you need. They are helpful, nice and have a…read moregreat variety of high-quality gifts. Plus they monogram anything you want and do a beautiful job. Love the staff and love the merchandise. Every gift I have given from the initial choice has been a hit! Plus, I have bought some awesome things for myself and my family.

My best friend had to move up her wedding 6 months which lead us (as the bridesmaids) to have very…read morelittle time (6 weeks) to piece together some special surprises for her. I had a very last minute, very difficult embroidery project that needed done- low top shoes. Two other stores told me they could not do it. Initial Choice invited me in and told me they would find a way to make my project happen. I went in an immediately felt like these people knew what they were doing and really cared about making sure my friend got what she deserved on her wedding day. They made several suggestions and I basically told them I would leave the project in their clearly capable hands. I went back to pick up the shoes a few short business days later and everything was perfect. I could not have asked for better work and better customer service. On top of everything I found their prices to be extremely reasonable. I cannot wait to go back when I'm not under pressure to have more projects done!

Very knowledgeable and fair pricing. Gave me advice on…read morewhere to seek additional help with my project.

This is the only place I go to get beautiful shades and well made lamps. They also can repair any…read morelamp and are very knowledgeable about finding the perfect shade for any lamp. Everything is top quality and made to last.

They made the most beautiful centerpieces for my daughter's wedding. Many guests commented on how…read moregorgeous they were. I highly recommend.

I had a last-minute need for flowers to be sent, and Edwards was able to fill my order with just 24…read morehours' notice. The online ordering was easy, and I ordered the Designer's Choice, which essentially allows them to create a gift with the available flowers on hand. This can be a gamble, but I also wanted to be realistic since I was asking for help in a very short time frame. The arrangement arrived as hoped, and I think it is beautiful! There is an obvious designer's good eye in the finished product, and I was pleased with my purchase. The other part of this order I appreciated was the communication. I ordered easily online, got an acknowledgement for the order, and then also a notice (can't remember if it was email or text) letting me know when the delivery was made. I was very pleased with this service and will remember Edwards for my future floral needs.