CHARMING CHARLIE
When we arrived at Charming Charlie's we were surprised at how large the store actually is. It didn't look that big from the outside. It's pretty neat how everything is divided by color. There's a yellow section, and a red section, and a black section, etc. That makes it easy to find accessories in specific colors.
I thought they only carried jewelry. Boy, was I wrong. You can find jewelry, yes, but also sunglasses, boots, hats, purses, scarves, aprons, clothing, belts, toys, watches, and more! If you're lookin' to accessorize, then Charming Charlie's is your store.
 |
| WELCOME! |
 |
| Almost any kind of ring you could imagine |
 |
| Okay, seriously, WHO wears these kind of rings? |
 |
| TAG TAMERS: Magically covers annoying clothing tags. Wonder if they work? |
 |
| We look like bugs. :) |
 |
| "Beauty" and her wild yellow purse |
 |
| The YELLOW section |
 |
| "Cutie" had to try one on, too |
 |
| I thought these boots were cute. What little girl wouldn't want a pair to "slosh" around in? |
 |
| We're in the ORANGE section now, if you haven't noticed. These are some sort of scarves. I just thought they were pretty. |
 |
| "Cutie" and "Friend" - this looks like her style (only I think her friend should pair it with some CLOTHES). |
 |
| Never met a stanger. Haha! |
 |
| It's raining boots, purses, and scarves! |
 |
| Awww, cutsie lil baby socks and flip flops |
 |
| Silly Bands |
 |
| These are Collectible Puzzle Erasers. They also had hamburgers, tools, and a host of other collectibles. What will they come up with next . . . collectible toothbrushes? |
 |
| Ruffly-fluffy aprons for the domestic diva in you |
 |
| A glimpse of the store from one end to the other. This pic doesn't do it justice. You'll just have to go and see for yourself. |
 |
| These would be great in cold weather. They button in the back. [And, this is the PURPLE section - FYI] |
 |
| Cameo's always remind me of my Grandmother. I wonder who the girl was that sat for this particular pose? Alas, we may never know. |
 |
| "Layering" in action |
 |
| There's really not anything in the store for men |
 |
| These are pop-out cards |
 |
This was a very nice, but TALL, lady that was working the day we visited.
("Beauty" is 5'5". This lady was tall, folks!) |
 |
| This is the cute little bag you walk out with when you make a purchase. |
If you like dressing up you will like Charming Charlie's. If you just like looking at all the colors and items you will like Charming Charlie's. And if you like BIG, crazy, loud, unusual, one-of-a-kind fashion accessories you will definitely like Charming Charlie's. So, why don't you make it a date, already? :)
*************************************************************************
THE CLUTTER-BUSTING HANDBOOK - Rita Emmett (author)
The rest of the title of this book is: Clean It Up, Clear It Out, and Keep Your Life Clutter-Free. Sounds good, right? Well, I can definitely say that this book has some really great tips and ideas for getting control over clutter. Rita defines clutter. She categorizes clutter. She even quiz's clutter. I tell ya, this gal's got it goin' on!
The book itself is a cute 5 1/2-inches by 7-inches and fits nicely in the hands. It contains 180 fun and easy-to-read pages (not including the Acknowledgments and Index). This book has two parts with a total of nine chapters. The chapter titles are catchy, and the sub-titles for each chapter allow you to glance through the book and pick out your number one clutter trouble spots, if you so choose. I went straight to Chapter 6: How to Handle Paper and Computer Info-Clutter, sub-title: Ordinary Paper Clutter. Oh, the questions that must be answered! "Why do I have this piece of paper?" "Do I honestly believe I will ever need this paper?" "If I do need it will I be able to find it?" and, I just love this one, "What is the worst thing that could happen if I don't save this information?" These are key questions to ask oneself when decluttering.
Sprinkled throughout the book are short and simple thoughts, such as the one below, to help keep you on track as you begin your decluttering journey.
- Cultivate a Simple Habit (p. 85)
- Don't hang on to something if you never need, use, or think about it.
- Stop bringing in more clutter.
- Find a place for everything.
- Put everything in its place now.
- Decide right away what to toss, what to keep, and where to keep it. If in doubt, toss it out.
In The Clutter-Busting Handbook you will learn about wild, caged, and stealth clutter, where to stash your extra sheets, how to take back your spare room, suggestions for non-clutter gifts, how to let go of your sentimental and emotional clutter, how to manage your collections, and how to stay on top of clutter when it starts to accumulate again. [Yikes! Yes, it will creep back into your life, but now you can control it. Just check out p. 177.]
Take it from Rita when she writes, "As you become a "Clutter Conqueror" . . . [and] your clutter starts to evaporate, you'll discover more space, more time, and that you can find what you need when you need it. As a result, you'll feel lighter, more energized, more organized (finally!), and more like a winner." (p.178,179)
*************************************************************************
ANDY'S KITCHEN
Our family enjoyed our meals immensely. The food we ate was good-old fashioned cookin'. We arrived in time for lunch and all chose the Chicken Tenders, except for my husband, who ordered the Meatloaf. These were served with a simple Salad and Ranch Dressing, Mashed Potatoes (with the skins on), Gravy, Green Beans, and Cream Corn. All-you-can-eat Fried Garlic Bread was also served to us . . .
AND IT WAS TOO GOOD! We paid $6.99 for each meal. Not too bad.
Of course, we had our choice of beverage. This always adds a bit to the entire bill, but if you hate water, it probably won't bother you to pay $1.99 - $2.29 for pop, sweet/unsweetened tea, IBC Root Beer, Cream Soda, Milk, Coffee, or Juice (Apple / Orange).
Desserts are Cobbler, Pie, Pudding, Brownie, or Cake. Each is priced at $4.99. We didn't order dessert so I can't tell you how big/puny or how good/bad they are. I'm supposing they're pretty good, though.
The restaurant was not packed-out. It was quiet and neat. There are some interesting cartoon drawings inside the front door. Perhaps they were drawn by someone who works there?? They added a nice touch to the ambiance. If you like the kind of food I've described, and you are near an Andy's Kitchen, I would whole-heartedly suggest you give it a try. You just might like it.
Other lunch choices were: Chicken Fried Steak, Grilled Chicken Breast, Pot Roast, BBQ Brisket, and Buffalo Style Hot Wings with Fries. They have Salads, Sandwiches, and their own Specials. One of those Specials is called, "The Cow Tipper." What that is, I have no idea. If you order it, let me know whatcha got, okay? One of their Sandwiches is called, "The Kitchen Sink." Haha!
Dinner Favorites will set you back $10.99. Chicken Fried Chicken, Fried Chicken, and BBQ Baby Back Ribs are additions to the dinner menu. The Kid's Menu is $4.99. Breakfast is served Friday - Sunday from 7am-Noon, if you're interested. We haven't gone for breakfast . . . yet.
