If you have some last minute Christmas shopping you need to take care of downtown the cost of parking will not be an issue.

The parking meters in Downtown Bellingham are not being enforced for the next few days due to poor weather conditions and adjusted duties of Parking Enforcement Officers.

The Bellingham Police Parking Enforcement Officers have been assigned to assist Patrol and Traffic Officers in dealing with traffic hazards such as abandoned vehicles in lanes of travel and assisting motorist who get stuck in the snow.

There’s nothing like family for the holidays, especially when they give you 20 percent off at some sweet downtown shops.

This weekend, Digs, Left Right Left, Swell, Frank James and Salon Eva are having a friends and family sale, offering 20 percent off for anyone with a coupon.

Here’s the coupon if you don’t have it.

Home accessories shop Design Lab, located in the Gateway Building on Railroad Avenue, is celebrating its first anniversary this week.

Join the party from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, where there will be plenty of holiday cheer and celebratory savings. You can also check out the store’s goods online at www.designlabshop.com.

Home and floral boutique Belle Flora, 1201 N. State St., is having a sale on select items throughout the store. Jewelry is 20 percent off, with seasonal items from 30 to 50 percent off. Ornaments range from 20 to 50 percent off.

Here’s a sample of what you can find:

Decorating for the holidays is always more fun when you can do it on the cheap!

Keen Slippers

Cozy up with all-natural materials; a soft wool upper and natural rubber outsole.
This is the rare slipper with exceptional support, whether you’re padding around inside or dashing out for the day.

Polar F7 Heart-Rate Monitor

The hottest new toy for runners and gym-goers!  Good lookin’, easy to use. Train at the right intensity and get the most out of each workout.  We’ll help you set it up, too!

Garmin 405 GPS-Watch

Using the ultimate technology, it monitors time, distance, pace, calories. Works as your reliable running buddy!

Holiday Recipe - Stuffed Socks au Gratin

1.  Buy a pair/s of a favorite sock.
2.  Stuff with a gift certificate, runner/walker tree ornament, or other tasty treat.
3.  Add several dashes of energy (GU, Hammer Gel, Sharkies,  Clif ShotBloks, Luna Moons, etc.).
Fairhaven Runners & Walkers
1209 11th Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 676-4955
runners@FairhavenRunners.com
www.FairhavenRunners.com
Holiday Hours
Open Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve 10 AM - 5 PM!
Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Regular Hours
Monday - Saturday 10 AM - 7 PM and Sunday 11 AM - 5 P

Head over to the Gateway Building on Railroad and Holly for some fun surprises during Friday’s Art Walk.

New basics store SWELL is opening its doors for the first time. I took a peek into the space today (formerly Left Right Left) and it looked chic and modern. Can’t wait to see what the clothes are like.

Over at Frank James, store manager Stacy Marsh is exhibiting her photo collection “Never Ending Debacles.” There will also be wine and appetizers as well as discounts up to 50 percent off.

Enjoy!

Everyone loves a little something sparkly during the holidays, even when money is tight.

These beaded bracelets from Whimsey, at 1200 10th St. #104 in Fairhaven, won’t break the bank at only $9, but they will make a lovely gift for the jewelry-lover on your list.

For a bit more ($45), you can pick up this delicate star necklace, a tasteful reminder to keep reaching and wishing during the holidays.

Shop on!

How about exotic cheeses as a gift this holiday?

Christmas is the time of year, Jeff Margolis writes, that he and Amy at Everybody’s Store in Van Zandt bring in the best cheeses that they can find.

The offer Everybody’s Nokkelost, Mt. Townsend Camembert from Port Townsend, Swiss Alpen Panorama with Herbs, a Swiss “Delice,” which tastes like Parrano, the Italian Swiss from Holland.  This year’s specialties include a Seven Exotic Goat Cheeses including those made with portobello mushrooms, garlic, Jalapenos, coriander, marigold and potato.

Jeff writes that Everybody’s Store also offers an eclectic array of designer gifts including hand made alpaca capes from Peru, carved masks from Indonesia, Native American jewelry, sherpa Hats from Nepal, stainless kitchenware, health and nature books and just a myriad of other recession-proof items.

And if you’re trying to fight off the flu, Everybody’s also specializes in health aware products including NOW Vitamins, tinctures, extracts and organic medicinal herbs and Bija Teas.

Everybody’s Store is on Highway 9 in Van Zandt. It’s open 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays. For information, call 592-2297.

We’d love to hear from other merchants. Post your information to comments here and we’ll repost as blog entries.

Boundary Bay is spreading the word about free parking on its blog.

They report free parking downtown Nov. 17 through Dec. 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

Were you up extra early to shop today? Find any bargins or Made in Whatcom gifts? Please share by responding to this post.