Mini Bazaar Blog

Happy New Year!

2012-01-05T09:13:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all of you and I hope that your RESOLUTIONS are all set and ready to go....again. I know mine are and I'm feeling hopeful!
We want to thank all of our customers for such a fun holiday season. Watching all the beautiful decor going out the door and to your homes made me imagine tons of beautiful trees and displays. Such a fun time of year! I don't know when I've been more excited to get to market and see what's in store for the upcoming year. We leave next week.

Meanwhile, we are back at the store packing up Christmas and yes....receiving tons of spring. It's almost surprising to step outside and remember that it's still winter.

We are hoping to be ready by March 7th for our Spring opening!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Christmas Has Arrived At Mini Bazaar

2011-11-07T20:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas has officially arrived at Mini Bazaar. We can't wait for you to come and see what we've been doing for the last three weeks. Our trees are just amazing and the Christmas 2011 decor will simply sing to you. We couldn't get enough of everything that we loved for our mantel, so we just had to create a couple other "mantel" areas in the store. The entire store is filled with Christmas excitement and we are thrilled to share it with you. Come in and see us beginning, Wednesday, Nov. 9th. We've received more shipments of every day merchandise too, so you can touch up any area that you may want to look extra special for the holidays. The gifts to go are all bagged and ready, so get your list completed and come on in. The holidays are right around the corner, so we have prepared gifts for everyone.
Come and enjoy the fun:
Nov. 9th-Dec. 17th
Wednesday through Saturday
10am-6pm
except Thanksgiving weekend...just Friday and Saturday
We look so forward to seeing you!
Your friends at Mini Bazaar

Fall is coming ..... at Mini Bazaar

2011-08-26T06:19:00.000-07:00

It truly feels like summer outside. (summer in Las Vegas that is) Wow, did we really wish for this heat?

Anyway, the time is getting near for Fall at the store and we are so excited!

Sept. 7 through Oct. 15

Back to our Wednesday through Saturday schedule.

10am-6pm

Oh, What Do You Do In the Summertime?

2011-07-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking of this little song lately with our extra warm days.
Summer takes us outside and I do love a beautiful yard. Thank goodness my husband does too, or it wouldn't happen at our place. There are certain spots I make sure I drive by during the summer in Idaho Falls. The city gardeners have done themselves proud. That flower bed out on Holmes is to die for. The surrounding neighborhood has followed suite and there are tons of great door yards to enjoy.
You probably shouldn't judge a home by it's exterior, but it's hard not to do that when it is truly what most people see. You don't have to break the bank by putting a fresh coat of paint on the front door or even update old light fixtures. (I'm on the hunt for some right now) Add a splash of garden pots and a wreath or basket filled with flowers on the door, and you've done it! A great entry to that place you call home. Sometimes the smallest thing can make it seem exciting and wonderful again. I love the feeling of "there's no place like home".

Summer at Mini Bazaar

2011-06-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to say that we are feeling summer at Mini B. With the warm weather and the nice rains, it truly feels like summer.
We are super excited to say that Millie and Alan get home from their mission next week. So for everyone that has been asking...Millie will be back in town. We can't wait until she gets a minute to come and see us!
Fri and Sat's during June and July. 10am-5pm or by appt.
http://www.minibazaar.com/

Women

2011-06-07T12:20:00.000-07:00

This week is our Mom's 85th birthday. She is such a fun lady and is such a good friend to every one of her daughters. (no boys in our family....just 6 girls) Anyway, we were talking today while we were helping her plant flowers.....yes in the cold and the wind....but anyway... about how much we enjoy each other and our Mom. We think that women need the companionship of women to get along in this life. We are so glad that we have each other along with other friends. The men in our life probably think we're silly, but it's just fun to do girl stuff. We'll be glad when Millie gets home and she can join in the fun. Shopping, concerts, shopping, lunches, shopping, etc. Just the stuff that we think is fun. Oh, did I mention shopping? So here's to all the girl friends, sisters, aunties, daughters and Mom's in our lives. Let's have some fun together!

This is our Mom (on the right) and one of her fun sisters. We adore all of her sisters, too. We have had lots of fun with them over the years, along with our cousins. They are kind of a "lets have a party" type gals. When summer comes, I hope everybody grabs a friend and heads out to do some fun girl stuff! It seems like Mini Bazaar is a place that we see lots of girl friends and Mom's and daughters, and we think it's great. See ya soon.

Spring, Easter, and now Mothers Day

2011-05-03T03:16:00.000-07:00

Easter came after the first day of spring this year...and we are just starting to feel like we're having that first day of spring.
As we have been cleaning and re-arranging the store, we keep finding Easter eggs. It seems that someone was having their own "Easter Egg Hunt" at Mini Bazaar. Actually, it's probably just us, but we just keep finding them. There is something fun about egg hunts. I don't remember participating in egg hunts as a child, but I remember boiling hoards of eggs and coloring them to contribute to the cause when my kids were little. Then on the Saturday morning before Easter, we'd head to the community park for the hunt. Egg hunts have evolved since then....now instead of finding chipped up hard boiled eggs, we find plastic eggs filled with candy and sometimes cash. Fun.
I don't remember the last time Easter was just two weeks apart from Mothers Day, but here we are. I haven't even visited the nursery yet looking at all the beautiful pots for Mothers Day, but I certainly hope to go before this weekend. That's one of my favorite things.
We're almost ready with our Mothers Day/Summer displays at Mini Bazaar, too. It should be a great weekend!

I'm just sending out our email for this show with coupon's attached, and even posted on Facebook. Okay, Mothers Day....ready or not!
Mini Bazaar hours...Fridays and Saturdays.....May, June, and July 10am-5pm

February 21

2011-02-21T17:32:00.000-08:00

We've been working like crazy at the store. Packing up Christmas went really quick, and we're working like crazy on setting up spring. Kinda weird to be around all the tulips and geraniums, chicks and bunnies, then step outside to more snow! Oh well, it's happened before, and it will probably happen again.

We have had a lot of fun with the new merchandise and hope that someday, kinda soon, it will be spring.

show starts:

March 16 through April 23

Wednesday through Saturdays

10am-6pm

Can't wait!

It's a New Year!

2011-01-08T10:09:00.000-08:00

We are getting ready to leave for market and have had a couple of requests to look for "just can't find" items. I just got wondering if anyone else has something they are looking for and cannot find. If so....shoot us an email, and we will search. This trip is a feet, legs, mind, and body killer, but we try to work it like a machine and get it done. This trip we are mainly buying Christmas 2011, and of course the new everyday items as well. It's such an exciting time that we do look forward to, in spite of the hard work. Off we go to find our best merchandise ever! (packing Tylenol and plenty of relaxing salts for feet treatment) See you when we get it all under control when we open up again on March 16th. (I hope, I hope)

Sale Day....today!

2010-12-31T11:05:00.001-08:00

Yup,
we are having our after Christmas sale today....Dec. 31, 2010. 10am-4pm
I sent the email and placed an ad in the Post Register, but forgot to blog it. Sorry!
Great sale today! See you there.
love,
your friends at Mini Bazaar

Dec. 23rd and we're ready for Christmas

2010-12-23T08:24:00.000-08:00

It is such a perfect picture of Christmas here in Idaho Falls. Everything is covered in white, sparkling snow and it is still slightly falling. (the roads are a mess, but oh well)
I hope everyone gets to enjoy a wonderful Christmas. We have had a great time watching all the beautiful decorations going out the door and to homes of their own. Christmas has got to be the most beautiful time to decorate.

Once in awhile we experience weird things at the store. This year, the weirdest had to be that someone would steal part of a large nativity. They even did it over a couple days time, as we noticed a sheep and donkey missing first, then the other sheep a day later. (Sylvia thought that it seemed kind of like stealing the bible)
We did get to experience another sweet little girl singing Christmas carols in the store, this year. She couldn't have been more than 3 or 4. It was just so cute that we all had to stop and listen.
As we are finishing up we'd like to take time to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. It's a beautiful time of year and passes much too quickly. Enjoy!

Some Favy's at Mini Bazaaar

2010-11-28T16:00:00.000-08:00

Millie thought it would be fun to do some posts on some of our favorites at Mini Bazaar. If you've got a favorite, feel free to send it to me through our website. I always wish I could see your walls and rooms with the merchandise that you buy from Mini Bazaar.

This week, I'd have to say that my favorite thing is this little jingle bell/pine garland. Sylvia says it is like adding false eyelashes to any display. The strand of bells just makes this ornament or any other extra special. It is so fun to work with! We have one tree that is loaded with it, and it's great. I am off to get started on my tree... Just love it!

Oh My Goodness!

2010-11-02T21:14:00.000-07:00

Halloween was great with the kids looking so dang cute all dressed up. I just love that! I was kind of sad that we didn't get more trick or treaters, but oh well. I guess we'll just have to eat all this candy. My husband was afraid that I was going to buy gross treats, so he put himself in charge and I have to say, he got some good stuff. Just too much. :)
As always I am amazed that it's November all ready.....you know, elections and all. Don't think I'm going to be an all night news watcher tonight or anything, but I did go vote. And so did all my kids. Civic duty done.
But, you really should see all the boxes we have moved into the store. Sylvia is back in town and is just like a magican, finding space to insert the merchandise. We have until the 10th to get it ready, and it's lookin' good!

See you soon at Mini Bazaar. Nov. 10---Dec. 18. Wed. - Sat. 10am-6pm

Bazaar Buck redemption time again!

2010-10-12T12:23:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's that time again. We've had such a gorgeous fall, and the weeks have flown by. I have to keep reminding myself just what time of year it is, it's been so pretty outside.

It's time to gather up your bazaar bucks and come and enjoy yourself at Mini Bazaar. Unless of course, you are one that likes to save them until December. Join us for another beautiful week out shopping! Oct. 13-16 10am-6pm Wed-Sat

We will be closing this Saturday until Nov. 10th. It takes us all that time to move all the Christmas from storage and get it displayed......can't wait! Then we'll be open through Dec. 18th. Wed.-Sat.

*PLUS, for those that have been asking....Bobbi had her baby on Oct. 2, 2010. Little Jack weighted 8lbs2oz.

They are doing great.

We Celebrated our 30th year!

2010-09-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

Mini Bazaar turned 30 this year! We had a little celebration our opening week in September and it was so fun. Things have changed so much since year 1, but we find it so awesome that we have some of the same customers (and their daughters and granddaughters now) that we started out with in 1980. Millie and I thought we'd be done with Mini Bazaar before we got old, but OOPS, not done!
Since the last post things have been very interesting for me. On the evening of Aug. 30th, my husband, Jay, started to feel a lot of lower chest pain, and to make a VERY long story short, he had a ruptured esophagus. Of course my attention went from Mini Bazaar's opening day in September to my husband, suffering in the ICU at EIRMC. After a couple of weeks there, and after being incredibly blessed, he showed great signs of improvement, thank goodness! And, thanks to the diligent and faithful workers at Mini Bazaar, we were prepared for opening day with fall galore. I'm still pretty sure that these colors are my favorite. The fall colors just have me. The displays at Mini Bazaar are just beautiful.

So, as some of the signs at the store say....."Life Is Good". Jay is home healing for another month, and our world is starting to get back to normal. We have more new furniture arriving this week at the store, fall is in full swing, and I even got to freeze some corn from the garden. Fall is a such a busy time for everybody, but it's just such a good time. I just love these warm fall days and noticing all the harvest going on around us feels good. Fall is great, don't you think?

September is Almost Here

2010-08-30T07:06:00.000-07:00

It's a rainy August morning, and we're getting used to the idea of fall coming. I really do love the change of seasons we get here in Idaho, but I always want to hang on to summer just a little. The flowers and the garden are just hard to be done with.

But, fall and it's majestic colors are coming and I love them. Especially the way they look at Mini Bazaar. I really can't wait!

We feel like we've been racing to get all traces of summer packed up and turning right around to haul in fall. (And can I mention how hot it's been? I know I promised not to complain, so I'll stop right there.) It's so much work, but when Sylvia gets everything displayed, it's all worth it. (she is truly amazing)

Sept. 8th is our big opening day.

Made It!

2010-07-31T21:46:00.000-07:00

We made it through July and our 91 + degree days. Oh, what we wouldn't do for an air conditioner these last 2 weeks. Wow... In addition to just being uncomfortable for our customers and ourselves....it's just amazing what these temperatures do to my hair. I wish I looked as nice as this young lady, but believe me, I know I don't. I've never looked too good in wet hair.

Anyway, in addition to the heat, we are receiving our fall freight, and it is bulging out of our freight room. I truly hate to say goodbye to summer merchandise when it's still summer, but the fall merchandise is looking super good. Even though I've been at this business for 30 years now, I still get so excited for the new season to begin. So.....for the next few weeks we will be cleaning, painting, pricing, etc. etc. and working on the transformation from spring/summer to fall. (probably my favorite color palette)

The construction on Capital Ave. should wrap up by Sept. 1st, and we are still in hopes of seeing sidewalks down our way. We'll see if that happens. If not....maybe next time.

Hope everyone makes some time to have some fun this summer. It's never quite long enough, so enjoy!

We'll be up and going again by September 8th.....

I am truly enjoying my flowers....have to brag just a little so I took this pic.

JULY 2010

2010-06-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

We had a great "Bazaar Bucks" weekend. Fun to see everybody and all the bucks! Wow, good job guys! I always tell my husband, "Getting a good deal is like giving a woman oxygen". It's sure true for me!
July is almost here and we've decided that we want to hang out at the store on Fridays and Saturdays during July, too. Our Fall and Christmas freight is arriving, so we need to spend more time at the store anyway. So, see you at Mini on Fridays and Saturdays beginning July 3rd....ending July 31st..10am-5pm
We're closing an hour earlier because it's summer and time to play! (or work in the yard)

IT"S TIME TO REDEEM BAZAAR BUCKS

2010-06-22T21:55:00.000-07:00

It's that wonderful time when we get to redeem bazaar bucks this weekend. June 25 and June 26, 10am-6pm. I love these days because everybody loves to get a good deal. We are excited to see everyone and just have a fun weekend. It's even supposed to be good weather! (isn't it?)
By the way, this is a pot on our front porch last year on the 4th. I'm afraid that it'll be a fat chance that my flowers will be that mature this year. And I am sad about that. It's just got to get hot a day or two for everything to grow.
Oh well, let's just go shopping!

Memorial Day weekend is here!

2010-05-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

I love Memorial Day weekend. We always stay pretty close to home on this particular holiday....making sure the yard and garden are looking good, then heading off to local cemeteries to honor those that have gone on before us. It has just always been a good day for me. It's also the time of year that means that summer is sure to come and I do love summer in Idaho. The warm days and cool nights are simply the best.
It seems like as soon as Memorial Day gets here, the 4th of July is right behind. Another great summer day. (if it's not too windy)
We have some fun things for summer at Mini Bazaar. The insulated bags and our new bowls for salads or chips are great for picnics and parties. Be sure to stop in and see us on Friday and Saturday through June. 10am-6pm.

Springtime Brings us Such A Nice Surprise.......

2010-04-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

Maybe this tune is running through my head from some remnant of Sunday, or maybe it's the weather. In any case, I can't quit humming it. I also like to watch kids sing this song. Kids are just funny. We've had the opportunity to have all of our grandkids visit us during this past month, and it was so fun. I pretty much missed getting a picture of all of them together, but just to give you an idea, here they are.

As you can see the boys have the girls outnumbered by quite a bit, but these girls know how to hold their own. The kids enjoy each other so much, that it's fun to get everybody all together. We enjoy our grandkids a ton.

Speaking of getting together, I've got to get "it" together and be ready for our "spring/summer" bazaar dates. We start on April 30th, and go every Friday and Saturday through June 26th. We think the weekends are going to be great.

We will begin this show with our "mother's day" gift for each customer. The 2nd weekend is the Music Club's annual home tour. We will have the tickets for sale at the bazaar. This is always a fun event for mothers, daughters, sisters, husbands and friends.

We hope that springtime is bringing you some nice surprises and look forward to seeing you at Mini Bazaar!

We're Still Here! (in this winter weather)

2010-04-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

We thought for sure if we were open for our first Spring show for FIVE weeks, it would surely be warm sometime. Nope.
We are beginning our 5th week on Wednesday....April 7th....and it's Bazaar Buck Week.
Don't fret if you're not ready to use yours, though. We have another Buck Weekend....June 25th and June 26th.
We have some of the cutest jewelry.....chains, charms, etc. Definitely worth a look.
And hair bows and accessories galore..........for girls of any age.
We have been getting more freight, too..... so there's always something new at Mini Bazaar.
Slip on your jacket....or your winter coat and venture out!!
p.s. I got my grow a head going, and he is looking so cute. I'll bring him on Wednesday.

Fun at Mini Bazaar

2010-03-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

We truly love our spring merchandise this year. It has been so fun watching it go out the door for the last two weeks. We've even been able to restock some of it all ready.
Just about everybody has been adding some of our fun jewelry or a new scarf to their baskets, too. The accessories this year are absolutely the best. Oh, and the hair accessories....... We've got some vendors that must be working night and day to keep their displays so full. So fun for the girls!!

We're just putting out a really fun gift idea. Fun little creatures that you grow grass for their hair... (could be related to the late chia heads?? kinda weird, I know, but I promise....Millie's boys will like 'em) Very interesting and fun idea geared for about any age.
So, pop by to shop or just say hello. We're just so glad to have spring coming!! yea.

Wed. through Sat. through April the 10th. 10am-6pm Then we will close until we start our Spring Weekends.... Friday and Saturday's beginning on April 30th and ending on June 26th.

A Little FYI

2010-02-26T21:34:00.000-08:00

I sent a message in an email early in January about the "Simple Life" calendar that we sold at Mini Bazaar during our fall season. The message was: the month ofJune has a problem with it. (it says June, but is actually a repeat of May) We have replacement calendars for anybody that bought their calendar at Mini Bazaar and would like to switch it out. Please check and see if you need to come in and get yours! By the way....we have some small plates that match this calendar that are so dang cute. You've gotta see 'em!
We'll be open Wed-Sat on March 10th-April 10th. You can contact us at 528-6479 for more info.

It's almost March!!

2010-02-24T07:25:00.000-08:00

We are creating our own spring at Mini Bazaar. It's looking so great and we are excited to open on March 10th. (Wed. - Fri. until April 10th) We are getting our flyers in the mail this week and are working very hard at the store so you can enjoy spring, too. Can't wait!!

2010

2010-01-15T22:31:00.000-08:00

Is anyone else having trouble writing the year, 2010? For some reason this one is tough for me. Anyway, the new 2010 merchandise that we saw at market is great. We had such a tough time narrowing down what we should get as we've found that our eyes are bigger than our store sometimes.
It just amazes me how fresh the spring colors look to me every spring and the birds....oh my goodness, the birds. They are showing up everywhere and I just love them.
I'd have to say between the birds, the bags, and the jewelry, it was hard to concentrate on our 2010 Christmas' orders. We got the job done, and we'll be excited for that to arrive later this summer.
Anyway, we are ready to put away the holiday merchandise and get ready for spring. We've had two trucks all ready, so we'd better get moving a little faster. (it's just so hard when we're cold, though)
We open for our 5 week spring show on March 10th. It's right around the corner, and like I said, it's going to be great!
see you in the isles real soon.

After Christmas Sale

2009-12-29T07:07:00.000-08:00

We hope that everyone had a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. I found a channel that is still playing Christmas music and cannot believe that I'm not getting sick of it. The music just seemed extra good this year. I promise, I'm changing channels soon.
Yes, we are having a one day sale on Saturday, January 2nd, from 10am-4pm. Sorry we're closing so early, but we have a very fun bridal shower that we'd like to attend! Yes, Grace's daughter, Maggie, is getting married very soon. Such fun....planning a wedding at Christmas time. :)
Anyway, back to the sale. We are making way for spring merchandise by clearing our remaining Christmas and other merchandise, too. It will be a great sale and we hope to see you there!

The Good Stuff

2009-12-19T07:44:00.000-08:00

This time of year, we see some of the best stuff! Customers buying gifts for their friends and family of course, but I loved it when a little girl sang Christmas Carols yesterday in the store, as her mother shopped. A tiny bit off key, but so sweet. Then the Mom that brought in her wheel chair bound son, and moved his wheelchair to different areas so he could see the beauty of Christmas as she shopped. Sometimes we get to help in carrying out great surprises and it's just fun. Christmas does bring out the best in people, and it's just good to see it. Truly the best time of the year.

Shopping Lists

2009-11-29T10:39:00.000-08:00

When we are cleaning up at Mini Bazaar, we often find little bits of paper with someone's shopping list written on it. I guess they must just fall from a pocket or maybe while pulling something out of a purse. Some of the shopping lists are long and some are short. I think we came across my favorite one this week. This is how it went:

Mini

1. something for Ralph

2. something for Kent

3. something for Louise

4. something for Beaulah

5. something for myself

For some reason this made me giggle.

A woman after my own heart!

We Are Ready For Christmas

2009-11-12T07:17:00.000-08:00

It's true.....We are ready for Christmas. It has taken nearly every day since we closed in October, but we made it. The displays that Sylvia has created are beautiful and Denise is our artist for the trees and florals. All I can say is WoW!

We really didn't know how much merchandise to order this season and have been sad to find out that some of our favorites are all ready sold out for the season. I guess our suppliers weren't sure how much to buy either. Understandable for sure. It's just a good thing that we got such a large variety. In any case we have the most beautiful Christmas decor ever, and more nativities than ever, too. Wow, we truly have some awesome nativities. And the neighbor/friend gifts!! More than we've ever had before. Some great, new items for sure. We are just glad to be surrounded by so many talented people.

We hope you have a great time as the holiday season shopping time starts. I really think that being early cuts the stress....especially as I hear customers talking about being almost done shopping! What?? I never knew people were that organized. Way to go.

Be sure to come in and say hello! We look forward to seeing you.

It's Time...

2009-10-22T06:46:00.000-07:00

It truly is time to empty our storage units and bring Christmas to Mini Bazaar. Even though the fall merchandise was fantastic, customers kept asking; "When are you going to have Christmas out?"

Well, it's time. We are mustering up our strength and muscles to do the big move. Too bad we don't have some "muscley" sons to help.

I have found that moving is not for the faint of heart. After 36 years in the same spot, my husband and I have been moving for the past 6 weeks. I'm learning a lot about what you should keep and what you should not keep. I hope I never forget and I hope I never move again.

In any case, we are working hard and I will get some pictures soon. Christmas is just so exciting, and by the way, how did the time pass so quickly??

Savoring the last days of summer!

2009-09-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

We have been a bit too warm in the store, but this Indian Summer stuff is pretty fun. We've just had so many beautiful days. I'm sure the potato farmers are grateful for that. There is just something so special about enjoying the harvest of a garden....whether it be our own, or someone else's. By the way, does anybody have any extra zucchini? We have had a request, so I thought I'd pass it on just in case someone is dealing with a boatload.
Savor the last days of summer while wandering our isles. Maybe you'll want to splurge with your favorite Mini Bazaar treats......we've got our delicious standbys; roasted almond nut balls, fresh popcorn balls, sugar cookies, chocolate covered Carmel apples and pretzels, tons of brownies, peanut butter treats, divinity, pumpkin rolls and be sure to check out our fresh pies on Saturdays. So good!
We are enjoying watching the newest looks for the harvest season walk out our door with the customers and are excited to see new freight come in each day. The colors of fall are "feel good" just like the treats of fall, and we are truly feeling good here at Mini Bazaar.
Time to spotlight another one of Mini Bazaar staff. Today, I'd like to introduce Denise Hardy.
She is a one of a kind person that is such fun at our store. Her infectious laughter and fun sense of humor is simply a joy. Denise is an incredibly busy person so we feel lucky to snag her for a day or two here and there. Her floral design abilities are amazing.
Denise comes from a great family in Springfield near Aberdeen and has a brother and 3 sisters. She and her husband live in the foothills of Firth, where she stays busy with her family, grandchildren, and her church work. She and her sister, Shelley, have a painting/home decorating business that keeps them hopping, too. Denise is fun loving and very warm hearted and we love having her here at Mini Bazaar.

Oh My Heck.....I love Fall!

2009-08-24T21:13:00.001-07:00

When Sylvia started displaying the new fall merchandise earlier this month, I was all ready to be done with summer! I'm not kidding! It is so beautiful that I won't mind when the weather decides to get cool. We are working hard every day trying to transform Mini Bazaar from summer to fall. Once we started painting, we couldn't quit. The rich new colors are so fun and look gorgeous with the fall merchandise.
We will begin our Fall/Holiday season on September 9th. Can't wait!

Our "Meet the Staff" segment this month will be on Bobbi Underwood.

She just happens to be my daughter and has worked at Mini Bazaar since she was a little girl. You have probably seen her behind the registers and helping customers regularly since she was a student at Ricks College. Bobbi is married to Jared Underwood and lives right here in Idaho Falls along with their two little boys, Carter & Rook. Jared is an electrician and does finance work as well. They spend a lot of time enjoying sports and especially love baseball.

Bobbi has lots of friends and stays super busy. She loves to clean and make things look nice, and is really good at that. Her house is always tidy and she does a great job making it look beautiful for every season. We appreciate her good nature and all of her hard work at Mini Bazaar. We like to have fun while we're working and she helps us accomplish that, too. Thanks for all you do, Bobbi!

Be sure to stop in and see all the ghouls & goblins we have at Mini Bazaar. We think they are great!

Loving Summer & YES we're having a SALE!

2009-07-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

I do love the summer in Idaho! It's plenty warm, but the flowers around town and in my yard are so beautiful. There's a darling purple flower as you drive into Zion's Bank out past the hospital that I really want to get next year. The gardeners of Idaho Falls have done themselves proud.

I also love to see the kids playing in the summer and just enjoying their time away from school. It's just good to see them having fun.

We have got the best sale planned for our customers on Saturday, August 1st. It's going to be a parking lot sale and will be open from 10am-4pm. We'll set up our tents outside and will have great deals clear through the store. You won't want to miss this one, and I'm not even kidding!

Now, for our "Meet the Staff at Mini" series.

Today, let's talk about Geri Zollinger. You'll see her working hard at Mini Bazaar, both at the registers and in the freight room, dealing with our never ending freight. Geri is so pleasant and willing and soooo patient. Her patience may have developed from raising her family of 7 children. Geri is married to Steve Zollinger, who works at the college in Rexburg. Geri and Steve have their first son Kellen, then their triplets, Morgan, Matt, and Megan, then Greg, Kate, and little Jenna. (along with four grandchildren)

Geri has sold hand sewn items at Mini Bazaar since the 2nd year we were in business, before any of her children were born. She never missed a season, including the year that her triplets were born. She's an amazing person, taking time to exercise and working hard every single day. She travels a lot with her husband and with her family and still makes time to sew and bake for her family and neighbors. Wow, I'm getting tired just writing about all that Geri accomplishes. We appreciate all of Geri's hard work and enjoy the time we get to spend with her. (I even named our youngest daughter Geri, just hoping to get someone like her in our family)

Thanks Geri!

Sunshine or Rain?

2009-06-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

Wow.....I just don't remember getting this much rain all at once before. When I drive home in the eveings, I don't remember the desert being so lush and green. It has been amazing. But, the sun is out today, so it must be summer. Right??

Question......the 4th of July is on a Saturday, so will Mini Bazaar be open?? The answer is YES. We have had some requests from customers that have family coming for the holiday and are glad to say, YES, we will be at Mini Bazaar on July 4th.....10am-4pm.

We hope you all have a great 4th of July! (one of my favorite holidays.....it doesn't get better than Mr. Melaleuca's fireworks)

Today, I'd like to spotlight Sylvia Ricks for our "Meet the Staff at Mini" series.

Sylvia does the displays at Mini Bazaar and has such an eye and talent for great displays! She is also very focused and works at lightening speed. You've probably seen her at the store, maneuvering ladders, huge mirrors and artwork, making it look effortless. She puts in countless hours and is no stranger to hard work. We appreciate Sylvia and her many talents at Mini Bazaar.

Sylvia grew up in the great state of Alaska. She married John Ricks from Rexburg, ID, and they are the parents of three sons and two daughters. They have nine beautiful grandchildren who they spend lots of time with, too. We appreciate Sylvia's dedication and hard work, both for us at Mini Bazaar, but also to her family and community. Thanks Sylvia!!

Loving the Weather

2009-05-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

I am loving this weather. I spent the day yesterday planting the pots and boxes around our home with flowers from our local nursery. All of my kids love to go there and enjoy the beauty. I come from a long line of begonia lovers, and orange are my favorite. Such fun. Anyway, I sure hope it doesn't freeze now. It's just so refreshing to have so many beautiful warm days.

At Mini Bazaar, I thought it would be fun to spot light our helpers. I have to catch them to get a picture, but I'll do my best.

Today, I'll do Grace.

Her name is Grace Smith. She is my younger sister (# 5 out of 6 girls).

She graduated from West Jeff. High School in Terreton, ID, and also from Ricks College. She attended BYU in Provo pursuing a degree in elementary education. She is great with little kids. They love her. Grace is married to Bruce Smith and they have one son and three daughters. Their son is an electrician/hay broker, one daughter has a degree in elementary education, one has an accounting degree, and one is in the nursing program now at BYUI. She has almost 8 grandchildren.

Grace is dependable and fun for all of us. She truly cares about people and has made many friends while working at Mini Bazaar. She is a clean nut, so she keeps the counter cleaned off and keeps things tidy when she's there. We truly appreciate that.

Thank you for all of your help at Mini Bazaar, Grace!!

Don't forget to come see us at Mini Bazaar, Saturdays during June & July. 10am-4pm

mother's day hasn't been canceled

2009-04-30T20:52:00.001-07:00

(this is my mom)

With everything that has been in the news as of late; bank problems, swine flu problems, etc., etc., I remembered something to look forward to! .... Mothers Day....

I love Mother's Day. In addition to receiving some great gifts myself, I get to think of the kind and good mothers that my daughters are. But, I especially love thinking about my own sweet Mom. She is a gem. She raised 6 daughters and taught us just about everything that she knew. (I wish I would have been a better student, but I learned all that I could) Her talents include sewing, bread baking, gardening, party planning (she loves a good party), cooking, canning, community service, church service, patience, kindness, willingness, forgivenss, great sense of humor, keeping up a beautiful home, and much more. She has a hard time keeping a secret, but hey, who doesn't? We plan events all together as much as possible because she has taught us to love each other and most of all to love her. Thanks to my most special MOM. If you knew her, you would love her too. Everybody does!!

Come see us at Mini Bazaar, and find that perfect gift for your lovely Mom, or even somebody else's mom. They are all special.

See you soon!

It's Spring!

2009-04-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, it truly felt like spring yesterday as I was vacuuming and "spring" cleaning our storage room at Mini Bazaar. We have some F-U-N items. We have found things for inside and outside, as we look forward to this warm, sunny, gardening, gift giving, and exciting time of year. With Mother's Day around the corner and all the graduates in our lives. Wow, speaking of graduation, they sure do have a lot of graduation programs....starting right from age 5 on up. So exciting for all.

Anyway, be sure to stop in and see what we've got. We've found things that we didn't even remember that we had! (even some Christmas....oops)

Happy Spring to all of you!!

We're Having An Easter Sale!

2009-04-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

It's true. We went to pack up Easter left overs yesterday, and couldn't do it. There were just too many fun and cute things! So, we thought we'd open up from noon until 4pm on April 11th, and offer our "Easter" items (marked with a #1 or #2) to you at 1/2 price.

We are so excited for good weather and all the wonderful things that we love that comes along with that. Gardening and just being out in the sun sounds so good right now. Happy Spring!! to everybody.

Hope to see you for a little bit on Saturday!

It's Spring!

2009-03-04T19:56:00.000-08:00

We open next Wednesday, March 11th. We are so excited for a change in season and just to be open again! We have tons of new merchandise that we love, and we've been cleaning again, so there's lots of new mark downs, too. Be sure to come in and check everything out!

We're back from Market!

2009-01-14T08:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, we are back....and we are so excited. The new merchandise at market was so beautiful and there was so much to look at that we are exhausted, but we can't wait for you to see what we've got coming. We spent over half of our time ordering for Christmas 2009, and that will be awesome, too. So.............there's much to be done, (we'll start by cleaning and boxing) but we are just so excited for Mini Bazaar to begin on March 11, 2009!

After Christmas Sale

2008-12-30T09:30:00.000-08:00

It's true, we're having a sale on Saturday, January 3rd. We will have our Christmas merchandise marked down, plus more. You'll find sale prices on calendars, select mirrors, clocks, candles and more. Be sure to stop in on Saturday, between 10am and 5 pm. Our parking lot is clean (for now!!) and we're ready to clear some great merchandise out, so we can begin receiving our spring orders. Yes, spring will come....we feel sure of it.
See you there,
Your friends at Mini Bazaar

We just can't close for good...

2008-12-15T20:49:00.000-08:00

I know....we finished our Christmas show, but we have so many requests that we will have Geri & Jason at Mini Bazaar to help you with odds & ends this week. They will be available at the store from noon until 5pm through the 22nd of December. (Except for Sunday)
Thank you to all of our wonderful customers. We truly appreciate your business and wish you the very MERRIEST CHRISTMAS ever!
your friends at Mini Bazaar

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2008-11-16T20:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas time is here!

It's time to start thinking about gifts for loved ones and making your home look and feel cozy and warm for the holidays.

We have a number of new and beautiful items! Sparkling ornaments, colorful stockings, unique nativities, fabulous wreaths, and fully stocked with gifts-to-go.

You really must stop by! We are so excited to see you.

Nov. 19, 20, 21, 22

Nov. 28, 29

Dec. 3, 4, 5, 6

Dec. 10, 11, 12, 13

{Wed-Fri 10-7}

{Sat 10-6}