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Style and Inspiration at GoGo Guru

The new Main Street boutique sells yoga apparel and more.

Hilary Brich says yoga has changed her life. So much so, “I quit my job.” She took up the practice for many reasons - health problems, physical ailments, "Midlife stuff" - but her devotion persisted and grew. She left the world of IT and in November, Brich opened GoGo Guru at 8289 Main Street. The store manages to pull off "funky" and "serene" at the same time, offering a unique assortment of yoga apparel, as well as jewelry and gift items from Durance, a line of essential oils and other aromatheraoy products.  She also has her own line of yoga apparel. “With yoga clothes,” Brich said, "You either shop at designer stores or you shop at Target. There’s really nothing in between.” At the designer stores, you pay an arm and a leg and at the …

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Just in Time: Matcha Time

The Japanese tea house hopes to have some edible offerings in time for Midnight Madness.

Hatsumi Watanabe-Smith thought that her Japanese tea house, Matcha Time, would be serving up piping hot tea and maybe even a few Japanese delicacies by July or August of 2012. Then, she thought, as the business grew, maybe she would also add a gift shop. Instead, she is still working with the Health Department on obtaining a permit to serve food and drink and the tea house is still in the future. The gift shop, however, has opened. Watanabe-Smith has filled the little shop with toys and accessories, including a line of handmade silk purses—called Kimono—designed especially for Matcha Time. And she's hoping that after an inspection by the Department of Licenses, she'll be able to sell pre-packaged food and drink items Friday, just in time …

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Window Wonderland: Historic District Window Decorating Contest Begins

The Historic District's transformation into a winter wonderland is underway.

Someone once said that the holiday shopping season in the Historic District is “unsurpassed.” The window decorating contest may be one of the reasons why. The Ellicott City Restoration Foundation is again sponsoring the holiday contest, in which storefronts are transformed into winter wonderlands. Windows must be completed by Midnight Madness, Fri., Dec. 7. There will be prizes in two categories: The Judge’s Choice and the People’s Choice. And voters will have an opportunity to win, too. Judges are Victoria Goodman from Howard County Tourism & Promotion; Jackie Panowicz from Custom Media Options; Joan Waclawski from The Business Monthly; and a member of the Ellicott City Restoration Foundation's board, according to Ed Lilley, president of …

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Claim Your Business Listing on Ellicott City Patch

Business owners, did you know you have your very own listing on Patch? Claim it -- it's free!

The Ellicott City Patch Directory is the spot where users can find descriptions, hours, accepted payment methods, and much more for business and institutions around town. All users can add events taking place at local spots, can rate the business on a scale of one to five stars, and can add a review. But owners of local businesses get extra bonuses when they claim a listing. Owners or managers should search for their business listing and select "claim your listing" to make updates to the page. A form will pop up asking for your name, contact information and proof of ownership. (If your business isn't listed, email me at brandie@patch.com and I'll get it added). Within a few days, someone from Patch should contact you to verify your …

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Holiday Road Trip: Main Street Celebrations in Carroll County

Main Streets around the county are gearing up for holiday celebrations.

A Main Street Christmas Mount Airy When: Saturday, Dec. 1 (Main Street will be closed from 4 to 8 p.m.) What: At 5 p.m. the fun will kick off with a tree lighting ceremony in the plaza featuring various singing groups. The tree will be lighted about 5:30 p.m. by a local child, assisted by Mrs. Santa and the Mayor. At 5:30 p.m. enjoy a holiday band concert performed the combined Mount Airy Middle School & South Carroll High School bands, held in the center of Main Street in front of the tree. At 6:30 p.m. the tenth annual “Giant Twinkling Santa Parade” will begin at Mount Airy Elementary School and end at Calvary Methodist Church. Following the parade, Santa will meet with children inside Firehouse Pottery. Children waiting to see Santa …

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Ellicott City Holiday Shopping Guide

Looking for local? Look no further.

Ellicott City Shopping Guide

Whether you live here or you're just visiting, here's a look at some of what Ellicott City has to offer

If you’re looking for unique gifts, unique dining experiences, or you are just trying to get into the holiday spirit, try Ellicott City.  As the holiday shopping season gets going, Patch decided to put together a guide to local shops to help you make the most of your time here. Parking in the Historic District is free through Jan. 1, and if you don’t know where to find parking, try using Parker – a smartphone app that will let you know where the available spaces are. There are also several parking lots in the Historic District, find them on the attached map.  Is there a local business you think shoppers should try for the holidays? Expand our guide by telling us about it in the comments section below. Looking for toys? Mumbles and Squeaks…

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Why Shop in Ellicott City?

Tell us - and the rest of Maryland - what makes Ellicott City special.

People will spend more than $586 billion on holiday shopping this year, according to the National Retail Federation, and they have a lot of options as to where they spend that money.  Patch wants help spread the word about local merchants to nearby communities, so we're setting up an Ellicott City Holiday Shopping Guide to send to Patch sites around the region.  Merchants, this is where you come in. Why someone should drive 30 minutes to spend the day shopping in Ellicott City?  Leave a note in the comments letting us know who your are, where your business is, (if applicable), and your answers. Merchants, upload pictures of your unique wares by clicking "Upload photos and videos." We'll put together a guide and send it across the region…

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Patch Partners Supports Small Businesses in Ellicott City

AOL Chairman and CEO Tim Armstrong gives advice to small business owners via Patch Partners.