<?xml version='1.0'?><feed xmlns:opensearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearch/1.1/' xmlns:s='http://jadedpixel.com/-/spec/shopify' xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom'><id>http://www.ecogalleria.com/blogs/blog</id><title>Eco Galleria - Yoda&apos;s Blog</title><author><name>Eco Galleria</name></author><link href='http://www.ecogalleria.com/blogs/blog' rel='self'/><link href='http://www.ecogalleria.com/blogs/blog' rel='alternate'/><updated>2009-10-29T21:58:42-04:00</updated><entry><id>tag:db1@shopify.com,2009:articles/1301532</id><title>Greetings from Yoda!</title><summary type='html'><![CDATA[<p><img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0020/6282/files/black-cat-pumpkins.jpg?1256739082' alt='' /></p>
<p>Hi Everyone:</p>
<p>It&#8217;s been a while since Kathryn let me write my own blog entry &#8211; I love our new home (we&#8217;ve been here a year already) and I have been spending a lot of time watching the birds and chipmunks.  I am almost finished writing my first book &#8220;Black Cat Diary&#8230; Adventures of Yoda&#8221; so I have been very busy.</p>
<p>But&#8230; it is that time of year again &#8211; pumpkins and sunflowers and leaves falling &#8211; and we are getting deliveries of boxes to fill all your holiday needs.  And our website is growing every day with new things for you to buy.  And I must say that it is fun trying all these empty shipping boxes for size.  Just when I find one that I like, Kathryn is throwing me out to use it to ship something out.</p>
<p>So, check out the website and start your holiday shopping early!</p>
<p>Time for a cat-nap!</p>
<p>Ciao,</p>
<p>Yoda</p>
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<!-- AddThis Button  --></p>]]></summary><updated>2009-10-29T21:58:42-04:00</updated><published>2009-10-29T21:58:42-04:00</published><author><name>Kathryn Longo</name></author><link href='http://www.ecogalleria.com/blogs/blog/1301532-greetings-from-yoda' rel='alternate'/></entry><entry><id>tag:db1@shopify.com,2009:articles/1289842</id><title>The Art of Gift Giving</title><summary type='html'><![CDATA[<p>The holidays are fast approaching and now starts the search for all the perfect gifts.</p>
<p>Gifts should be given with love and pleasure &#8211; gift giving is an art.  I have always loved to give (and receive) gifts but specifically to give gifts that are special for the recipient.</p>
<p>In my travels over the years, when visiting other cities, I was under-whelmed by the sameness in malls from city to city.  All the same chain stores with the same merchandise and nothing unique.   Mostly imports with less and less being made in the <span class="caps">USA</span>.</p>
<p>I always searched for the small independent boutiques that had the rare find and supported US artists.  My holiday shopping would always be done way before the holidays because I would find the perfect gifts for friends in my travels &#8211; gifts that were thoughtful and reflective  of each friend&#8217;s personality.  As gifts were presented and opened, it was gratifying to see the enjoyment that they brought because of the thought put into them.</p>
<p>When, I decided to transition into a new career, I realized that I loved to give gifts and I loved things that were creative and unique.  So, I opened an eco-conscious specialty boutique that featured gifts, jewelry and wearable art that were Made in the <span class="caps">USA</span>, functional art made from recycled and repurposed materials.  Each gift is artfully wrapped to make a great presentation.</p>
<p>In our fast paced, computer driven world, where people have little time to shop, I can work with you to find the perfect gift for friends, family or business associates.   I will help you put some thought into each gift.  Believe me, the recipient can tell when someone rushed to buy a  last minute gift just because they had to.  Make everyone feel special &#8211; give the gift that shows you cared.</p>
<p>So think of me as ecogal, your gift guru.  I will save you time, effort and make you look good!</p>

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<!-- AddThis Button  --></p>]]></summary><updated>2009-10-21T22:49:31-04:00</updated><published>2009-10-21T22:49:31-04:00</published><author><name>Kathryn Longo</name></author><link href='http://www.ecogalleria.com/blogs/blog/1289842-the-art-of-gift-giving' rel='alternate'/></entry><entry><id>tag:db1@shopify.com,2009:articles/1224942</id><title>Days to celebrate</title><summary type='html'><![CDATA[<p>September 12th:</p>
<p>International Angel Day &#8211; send someone an angel!</p>
<p>September 14th:</p>
<p>Grandparents Day &#8211; show your appreciation by sending a gift to your grandparents!</p>]]></summary><updated>2009-09-05T12:37:52-04:00</updated><published>2009-09-05T12:37:52-04:00</published><author><name>Kathryn Longo</name></author><link href='http://www.ecogalleria.com/blogs/blog/1224942-days-to-celebrate' rel='alternate'/></entry><entry><id>tag:db1@shopify.com,2009:articles/1202402</id><title>Time to schedule your home parties</title><summary type='html'><![CDATA[<p>Well, the holiday season is just around the corner and I have returned from the NY Gift Show with lots of orders for goodies for your holiday gifts and gift baskets.  So, it&#8217;s time to call to schedule a home party for your holiday shopping.  Dates are booking fast, so give me a call.</p>
<p>Also, we are scheduled to do the following holiday boutiques:</p>
<p>Glen Rock Jewish Center in Glen Rock on Sunday, October 18th<br />
Gerard Berman Day School in Oakland on Sunday, Nov. 15th<br />
Barnert Temple in Franklin Lakes on Sunday, Nov. 22nd</p>
<p>We will keep you posted on other Eco sitings!  And keep checking the website for new merchandise.</p>
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<!-- AddThis Button  --></p>]]></summary><updated>2009-08-20T17:03:19-04:00</updated><published>2009-08-20T17:03:19-04:00</published><author><name>Kathryn Longo</name></author><link href='http://www.ecogalleria.com/blogs/blog/1202402-time-to-schedule-your-home-parties' rel='alternate'/></entry><entry><id>tag:db1@shopify.com,2009:articles/1199322</id><title>Off to the NY Gift Show!</title><summary type='html'><![CDATA[<p><img src='http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0020/6282/files/envirosax_3.jpg?1248380811' alt='' /></p>
<p>Spent the past two days at the NY Gift Show and took today to rest.  What sensory overload!  So much to see, so much to consider for the website.  Finding great new things for everyone especially in the eco-conscious, recycled and Made in the <span class="caps">USA</span> categories.  Back to the show tomorrow all day.   Yoda is resting while I am shopping &#8211; he will be very busy unpacking things after Sept. 1st.</p>
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<!-- AddThis Button  --></p>]]></summary><updated>2009-08-17T21:59:19-04:00</updated><published>2009-08-17T21:59:19-04:00</published><author><name>Kathryn Longo</name></author><link href='http://www.ecogalleria.com/blogs/blog/1199322-off-to-the-ny-gift-show' rel='alternate'/></entry><entry><id>tag:db1@shopify.com,2009:articles/1185582</id><title>What&apos;s on Your Wish List?</title><summary type='html'><![CDATA[<p>Being in the gift business is a wonderful thing! You get to help customers find the perfect gift for everyone. But if you are not sure what to buy for someone, or if you are one of those people for whom it is difficult to buy, why not register at Eco Galleria online. Registries are not just for brides.</p>
<p>Here at Eco Galleria, we use our &#8220;Wish List Gift Registry&#8221; all year long. Although many of our jewelry and gift items are &#8220;one of a kind&#8221; or Limited Editions, when you fill out a Wish List, it gives me, as a personal shopper, a glimpse of your tastes. So, when someone wants to buy you a gift, even if we no longer have the items on your list, I can choose the perfect gift for you from newer items (or special order one of the things that you wanted).</p>
<p>One of the things of which I have been very pleased is the fact that, over the years, we have very few returns and most often customers report on how well their Eco Galleria gifts were received.</p>
<p>So, call us to fill out a Wish List or Bridal Registry or email us and we will set up a registry for you.</p>
<p>Over the next few weeks, I will be attending various trade shows to do my ordering for the holiday season, so tell me what you think I should look for. So, what&#8217;s on your wish list? Let me be your personal shopper!</p>
<p>Fondly,<br />
Kathryn Longo<br />
&#8220;Ecogal &#8211; Your Gift Guru&#8221;</p>
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<!-- AddThis Button  --></p>]]></summary><updated>2009-08-04T14:23:16-04:00</updated><published>2009-08-04T14:23:16-04:00</published><author><name>Kathryn Longo</name></author><link href='http://www.ecogalleria.com/blogs/blog/1185582-whats-on-your-wish-list' rel='alternate'/></entry><entry><id>tag:db1@shopify.com,2009:articles/1179562</id><title>Follow us on Twitter</title><summary type='html'><![CDATA[<p>Having fun learning all the new social media stuff &#8211; can&#8217;t exactly get the hang of Twitter but I&#8217;m there so you can now follow &#8220;Ecogal &#8211; The Gift Guru&#8221; on Twitter</p>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://twitter.com/javascripts/blogger.js"></script><script type="text/javascript" src="http://twitter.com/statuses/user_timeline/ecogalgiftguru.json?callback=twitterCallback2&amp;count=5"></script>]]></summary><updated>2009-07-29T17:26:42-04:00</updated><published>2009-07-29T17:26:42-04:00</published><author><name>Kathryn Longo</name></author><link href='http://www.ecogalleria.com/blogs/blog/1179562-follow-us-on-twitter' rel='alternate'/></entry><entry><id>tag:db1@shopify.com,2009:articles/1173542</id><title>New Clearance Sale Section</title><summary type='html'><![CDATA[<p>We have added a Clearance Sale section to the website.  Sale items include handbags by Leaders in Leather, jewelry by Extasia, The Brag Bra Bag, t-shirts by <span class="caps">KNOW</span> and Be-ology, jewelry by Amy Peters and more.  Take a look and happy shopping!</p>
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<!-- AddThis Button  --></p>]]></summary><updated>2009-07-23T16:35:20-04:00</updated><published>2009-07-23T16:35:20-04:00</published><author><name>Kathryn Longo</name></author><link href='http://www.ecogalleria.com/blogs/blog/1173542-new-clearance-sale-section' rel='alternate'/></entry><entry><id>tag:db1@shopify.com,2009:articles/1161972</id><title>Eco Galleria wins Readers&apos; Poll!</title><summary type='html'><![CDATA[<p>I want to thank all of the people that voted for Eco Galleria in Bergen Health &amp; Life Magazine Readers&#8217; Poll.  We were just notified that we won in two categories:  best gift shop and best boutique in Bergen County. The article in their September issue is due out in late August, so keep an eye out for it.  The magazine photographer was here taking pictures on Friday but it was naptime and Yoda was sleeping and didn&#8217;t get into the pictures.</p>
<p>We  are now having a great summer sale online.</p>
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<!-- AddThis Button  --></p>]]></summary><updated>2009-07-13T09:37:08-04:00</updated><published>2009-07-13T09:37:08-04:00</published><author><name>Kathryn Longo</name></author><link href='http://www.ecogalleria.com/blogs/blog/1161972-eco-galleria-wins-readers-poll' rel='alternate'/></entry><entry><id>tag:db1@shopify.com,2009:articles/1148042</id><title>Gift Baskets 2009</title><summary type='html'><![CDATA[<p>Yoda is sleeping and I am off to the Fancy Food Show in New York today to search for yummy, tasty gourmet items to put in your 2009 holiday gift baskets.  This is one of my favorite shows because there are tastings all day long.  We will order some of the items that you loved in the past and will look for new things to intrigue your taste buds.  Nothing goes into our gift baskets that I haven&#8217;t tasted myself.  So I know that the friends, family and business associates who receive your holiday gift baskets will love them.</p>
<p>I&#8217;ll let you know what to expect when I return!</p>]]></summary><updated>2009-06-28T08:52:17-04:00</updated><published>2009-06-28T08:52:17-04:00</published><author><name>Kathryn Longo</name></author><link href='http://www.ecogalleria.com/blogs/blog/1148042-gift-baskets-2009' rel='alternate'/></entry></feed>