Thursday, December 29, 2011

GIFTS & MORE FOR YOUR NEW YEARS CELEBRATION

The New Year is upon us and we're getting ready!!

A custom rule is to bring the host a gift if you're invited to a party.  And you've decided to bring a bottle of wine, but need something to carry it in.  Take a look at our WINE BAG selections.

Assorted Wine Bags
$3.50


We also have some great NEW YEAR's cards too.  Take a look at a sample!!

New Years Box Card Set

And If nothing above peeks your interest how about a bedazzled Bottle Stopper
Under $20



Happy Kwanzaa 2011

Kwanzaa



The above picture shows a woman lighting a red candle placed in a Kinara.  The (3) red candles represent the struggle, the (1) black candle represents our people and the (3) green candles represent hope and the future.  The black candle is lit on the first day and from there the others are lit from left to right for each day of the celebration.  

Kwanzaa is an African-American cultural holiday which originated in 1966. Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa is celebrated from Dec. 26 - Jan. 1.  
Each day of the celebration focuses on one of seven principles ("Nguzo Saba"). The name, "Kwanzaa", is taken from the Swahili phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits.

The seven principles (Nguzo Saba) are: 

Unity (Umoja), Self-determination (Kujichagulia), Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima), Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa), Purpose (Nia), Creativity (Kuumba), and Faith (Imani).

Today is Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics and that means to me, as a minority business owner that building and maintaining our own stores, shops and other businesses to profit from them together is very important.  

As a minority store owner I see the struggle for our people to remain in business because we don't shop in our community for groceries, appliances, dining, clothing etc. we choose to go outside our community.  Just imagine if we shopped MORE in the community how much impact it would have!!  

A great movie named "Lakawanna Blues", magnifies the beauty of Ujamaa and Cooperative Economics at work.  Check that movie out if you haven't seen it.  

I continue to shop my community especially over here in the Fairfax district, let's keep the traditional alive and continue to support Black businesses.  







Wednesday, December 21, 2011

ALL WRAPPED UP--LET US WRAP YOUR GIFTS

Working Long Hours?
Growing To Do List?
Just Not Enough Time?
Bring your gifts to Cordially Invited and leave the work to us.
Choose your paper and ribbon and let our lil' holiday helpers wrap all your gifts with love.

5571 W. PICO BLVD., LOS ANGELES, CA  90019
323-931-0200

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Gift Wrapping Made Easy

Today I overheard a lady say "I hate to wrap gifts but I love to buy them".  I then said "we can wrap your gifts just bring them to the store".  I gave her the address 5571 W. Pico Blvd., LA, CA and before I could even get back to the store....she was already there with her gifts dropping them off.
Oh..and she got two scoops of egg nog ice cream too ;)

Gift wrapping is our thing so let us take care of you!!!





Sunday, December 18, 2011

Is Stationery Still Popular?

Is letter writing still popular?  "Yes" says Sabrina Soto of HGTV.  Do I agree, "YES".  When was the last time you sat down to write a letter to someone near and dear to you?

In today's zoom zoom world, everything is so fast and furious.  At some point we have to release our feelings on paper.....and writing an email, in my opinion is not the way.

Here at Cordially Invited we have a huge selection of stationery letters, note & thank you cards to your liking.

Send a thank you card to ALL the people that gave you a Christmas gift, that small touch of class goes a long way.

We challenge you to write or send a thank you letter to one person a month.  Stop by the store for some great cards that you can send off.

Below are a few of our selections.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.



Under $30

Under $30

Under $30
Under $30




Saturday, December 17, 2011

BOOKS AS GIFTS FOR OUR KIDS



 
I've always wondered about books as gifts, especially for kids.  As a former teacher, I encourage reading materials anytime of the year.   From flash cards to books about historical Americans,  reading is FUNdamental.

The old school way of learning is still popular.  Such as having our kids circle words out of newspapers and magazines with colored markers and writing them out on index cards..it works, trust me.  Its all about memory and visualization.

Some books that I recommend as stocking stuffers are below.  Remember reading is a priceless gift.

Flash Cards
Under $20
Bob Marley One Love
Under $25
Baby's First Year
Under $25
My Dream
Under $25

Friday, December 16, 2011

You've Been "Served" by an Elegant Serving Spoon Set

I've always wanted to serve my food in style so I decided to buy a Silver Serving Spoon set.

Under $35.00


This serving set is something that all my customers and friends would love to have.  Its a must have for all host and hostesses.

As I look at this set, here at the store I think of my Grandmother, Aunts and cousins.  I  smile because I saw them serving their food with something so elegant as this.

I'm a grown up now!! And its my turn to serve food with a great Silver Serving Spoon set.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

CUTE, WARM & FUZZY SOCKS

Staying cute and warm in Christmas socks hasn't been a problem for me, but for some people its tough!!  We have the solution!!

Our warm, soft, fuzzy and cute Christmas socks will be a hit in your household and on your feet!!  

Trust us!!

Under $20.00

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

SECRET SANTA GIFTS UNDER $30.00

Still can't think of what to get your "Secret Santa" for Christmas?  We have great items under $30.00 and we'll wrap your gifts for FREE! 

Rose Tea Light Candle Holder
Under $20

Wine Coasters
Under $25

Gold Picture Frames
Under $25

Monday, December 12, 2011

Baby, Its Cold Outside

Today I warmed up with some delicious hot chocolate from the store.  It was my favorite Marie Belle hot chocolate and I added some miniature marshmallows...OMG so yummy.  On a day like today...rainy and cold...all I could think about is staying warm.


Stay warm my friends.  



Sunday, December 11, 2011

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS UNDER $35.00

Cheese Knife Set
Under $35
Cheese Knife Set
Under $35

Rose Tea Light Candle Holder
Under $25

Silver Wine Coasters
Under $25
Wooden Picture Frames for Dad
Under $35


Holiday Kid Earrings
Under $10
Leather Animal Banks
Under $35

Holiday Kids Earrings
Under $10
Beaded Picture Frames (only)
Under $30

Safari Picture Frames
Under $35
Bud Vase Napkin Ring (set of 4)
Under $35



Saturday, December 10, 2011

Merry Shopping


MERRY SHOPPING
@
CORDIALLY INVITED &CULTURAL INTERIORS

HOLIDAY CARDS* GIFTS* GIFT WRAPPING

HOLIDAY HOURS
MON-FRI 10AM-8PM
SAT 10AM-7PM
SUN 10AM-5PM

5571 WEST PICO BOULEVARD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90019
323-931-0200

Thursday, December 1, 2011

We All Scream For Ice Cream...

Its your turn to vote on the Holiday Flavor of the Month !!!.



It's real simple. The flavor choices are:

Cinnamon Ice Cream

Egg Nog Ice Cream

Peppermint Bark Ice Cream

Dulce de Leche Ice Cream


Here are the Rules

1.  Vote as many times for your favorite Holiday Flavor
2.  Vote on our Facebook Page, Twitter or leave a comment here on the blog
3.  Voting starts on Monday 12/5/11 at 8:00 am
4.  Voting end Sunday 12/11/11 at 11:59 pm

So What Do Ya Win???

1. Everyone that voted on the winning Holiday Ice Cream will receive a FREE SWEET SCOOP!!
2. Winning Holiday Ice Cream will be $2.00 a scoop (while supplies last)

So what are you waiting for....Start Voting Now!!!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Small Business Saturday is Coming!

We're willing to bet that you probably know what Black Friday is, and maybe you've participated in Cyber Monday too.  Holiday shopping has moved up to a whole new level, and it just seems to get crazier and crazier every year!  Most of the giant corporations are trying everything they can to get you in the door and spending all your cash on all the goodies they have on super duper price break.  For us shoppers, this is great, right?

But you know what?  There are tons and tons of small local businesses in your neighborhood who offer some fantastic, unique, thoughtful gifts that can't be found in any big-box department store.  Cordially Invited is one of those!

November 26th is the 2nd annual Small Business Saturday - the day that folks just like you come out to support their local small businesses.  This is a now-annual event that was started by American Express, and if you visit their Facebook page, register your AmEx card, and make a minimum purchase at a small business of $25, they'll give you a $25 statement credit.  That's a pretty good deal, don't you think?  Not only that, but if you make a $50 purchase at Cordially Invited between 11/26-12/23 AND check in to the shop on Facebook while you're here, you'll get an additional $25 credit!

So after you've given thanks on Thursday and maneuvered through the crowds on Black Friday, will you come to Cordially Invited on Saturday?  We'll be offering some great discounts for our loyal customers from 10:00 - 7:00.

Thanks for supporting us and Small Business Saturday!  See you soon!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Calling All Bakers!

It's hard to believe, but the holiday baking season is upon us!  And just in time, Cordially Invited is excited to offer a new cookbook called Sugar, Sugar: Every Recipe Has A Story:


This is no ordinary dessert cookbook - it's over three hundred pages full of recipes for cakes, pies, cookies, and candy that each offer a piece of history from those who created them.  They're treasured family recipes compiled from across the country, preserved from butter-smudged recipe cards and cookbooks, with bits of entertaining narratives throughout the entire book.

Not only is this a fabulous book that you'll reach for not just during the holidays but all year-round, but you're invited to join us for a book signing by the Sugar Mommas themselves - Sugar, Sugar's authors Kimberly Reiner and Jenna Sanz-Agero!  They'll be at the shop to meet you and sign copies of the book this Saturday, November 19th, from 2:00-4:00.


You must purchase the book at Cordially Invited to have it signed.  Call or stop by to reserve your copy today! But if you happened to pick it up elsewhere and want to get it signed - we wont turn you away..stop in!!

Want to learn more about the Sugar Mommas and their new book?  They're on Twitter, Facebook, and have their own website too.

Come in to Cordially Invited this Saturday, pick up a copy of Sugar, Sugar, and get to know these fabulous ladies!  See you then!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

A Book Signing - So Sweet...

This Saturday, the Sugar Mommas, Jenna Sanz-Agero & Kimberly "Momma" Reiner are stopping by Cordially Invited to sign copies of their book...
"Sugar Sugar..Every Recipe has a Story"


Saturday, November 19, 2011
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

We will have copies of the book for purchase

To learn more about the Sugar Mommas - you can check them out
on Twitter , Facebook or on the ModenrnMom blog




Look forward to seeing you there...and of course we will have some treats for you to sample!!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Stylish Pups by Jonathan Adler

We have a little somthing for everybody at Cordially Invited. But this post is dedicated to our 4 legged customers... or their mamas and papas who love them so!!
This fall/ winter you can be styling too, with this Jonathan Adler Wool Scarf. Your pup is sure to win the 2011 Pup Fashion Award
Library - 21760  Library - 21759

oh and don't forget  little chew toy - might as well chew in style -right?
Library - 21764 Library - 21761

Just in case you were wondering - we also carry greeting cards "from the dog" and for the sad occasion of losing a pet we carry Pet Sympanthy cards.


Friday, October 28, 2011

Weekend Halloween Sale!

Well, it's here! It's Halloween time at Cordially Invited and we're ready to party, but are you? Do you have your trick or treat bags? Making cupcakes this year and need some festive cupcake liners to match your spooky treats? We have plates, napkins, cards and decorations all on sale at 15% off throughout Halloween!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

A Spooktacular Event


Hi Friends,

We are having our 2nd Annual Halloween Party this Sunday, October 23, 2011 from 1:00 - 4:00. 

This is your chance to make your cupcake as spooky as you want it. Learn how to make Halloween Greeting Cardsa and leave with your very own Trick Or Treat Bag

This is a free event provided by Cordially Invited and Southern Girl Desserts.

See you on Sunday....



Monday, October 17, 2011

It's October and......

We've got some really fun stuff brewing at Cordially Invited for Halloween!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 23rd - we're hosting our Second Annual Spooktacular Funtastic Halloween Event!  Bring your kids (ages 3-15) for fun and FREE activities!
1-4 pm
 *Decorate Trick Or Treat Bags * Make A Halloween Card * Cupcake Decorating



While they're busy working on their Halloween decorations and cupcakes, check out some of our newest merchandise - perfect for parties and school events:


1. Plates and napkins with a festive pattern
2. Fun liners and toppers to make those special homemade treats just a little spookier*
3. A spooky spider cupcake holder, plus matching cake liners*
4. Awesome haunted house centerpieces to add the perfect touch to any table
5. Cute little trick o treat bags you can fill with healthy snacks,
6. Don't forget the Halloween Card for the teacher!!

You're totally gonna be the ROCK STAR when you show up to any Halloween party with these items in hand, so come in to Cordially Invited and stock up while they last!

* Don't forget you can purchase your Halloween Cupcakes at Southern Girl Desserts (inside of Cordially Invited) and they will bake them in the Halloween Sleeves. ( 48 hours notice needed) ORDER TODAY!!