Man, I don’t know if it’s just me and the fact that I am a total whiner when the weather turns brisk, but it has been COLD lately here in Brewtopian Manor, my Minions. We’re talking don’t-take-too-long-to-blink-or-your-eyes-may-freeze-shut cold. And I didn’t quite realize just how roasty-toasty warm it is inside until I just stepped outside for a moment. HOLY ICICLE NOSE, BATMAN! IT IS FREEZING!!!

But enough about me and my whining. We have Important Things to discuss.

I know a lot of you are gearing up for various end of the year holiday celebrations (and even if you’re not, this still applies to you) – so am I, actually. And my fall-back present, that gift I go to very easily and very quickly whenever I don’t know what to get someone (or just really, really, really think they would love it) is a book…or a pile of books. And shopping for books is fun. I love book stores – particularly cool independent bookstores, with lots of character. My favorite indie bookstore (though I do love them all very much) is Main Street Books in historic St. Charles, Missouri.

There’s just something about that shop. Whenever I walk inside, I feel like I’m at home. And then when I climb the stairs to the cool teen loft, I never want to leave. Not to mention that it’s on this cool historic street, full of really interesting shops, which always seems to have an amazing festival going on. For example, currently (and running through Christmas Eve, I believe) is the Christmas Traditions festival. Visitors can meet a range of Santa Clauses from around the world, listen to carolers, and joke around with Jack Frost. It’s pretty sweet, and I go every year. Normally multiple times. (So if you see me, please say hi – I love meeting my Minions!) It’s a neat place. A neat town. Full of neat people.

Now, you may be asking yourself “Why on Earth would Auntie be telling us all this? Snore!” I do have a purpose. And if you do love supporting small businesses, fulfilling your holiday shopping needs (or just your shopping needs, period), and meeting Auntie Heather, then I have great news for you.

The Independent Bookstore Alliance in Saint Louis has come together to offer shoppers a really cool treat. On certain days, in certain independent bookstores all across the St Louis area, shoppers (in my case, Minions) are going to have the opportunity to not only hang with their favorite author, but also have their favorite author act as their personal bookseller (more info HERE)!

Yep! Auntie Heather will help you shop for books (and all manner of awesomeness that’s at Main Street Books) and maybe..just maybe…she will bring cookies. Because she’s like that.

I’ll be working at Main Street Books on Saturday, December 17th, from 6pm to 8pm. So grab the family, check out the Christmas Traditions festival, eat some kettle corn, drink some hot cocoa, and then, when you’re done shopping all along Main Street, head on over to Main Street Books and shop in the warm, cozy bookstore with your Auntie Heather!