Jul 10, 2011

Accessorize Your Inner Diva!

I just made my first shopping trip to Charming CHARLIE and LOVE it. I love accessories, and Charming CHARLIE has no shortage of choices.

Charming CHARLIE opened a new store at West Towne Mall in Madison about one month ago. This is a store dedicated to jewelry, handbags and shoes. And the prices are easy enough to keep your inner diva happy while allowing you to change your accessories as often as you change your mind.

When you walk in, you can see that the store looks very organized even with the eclectic variety of styles. They keep it easy to shop by organizing everything by color. So, say you find that perfect blue dress that is calling for a great necklace or fun ring: you can find that perfect piece easily by heading to the blue jewelry section. Then you get to browse until you find just the right style.

This store would be a lot of fun for a bride planning her wedding. Just imagine all the ways that she could accessorize those bridesmaids dresses! And how fun would it be for the bride to add splashes of color to her own dress!! Forget being a bridezilla and be a brideDIVA!

Jul 9, 2011

Wisconsin Fun Spots

Wisconsin is full of interesting, and sometimes quirky, places. We've visited the usually spots, such as the Circus World Museum and the National Mustard Museum. But, I love going to spots that may be a little off the beaten path, too.

Sometimes, a sign can pull you in. The billboard signs around Mineral Point claim that Crazy Frank's is "selling stuff for peanuts." How can you pass that up? Chris doesn't share my need to stop at Crazy Frank's- he always reminds me that we didn't bring any peanuts. But those signs intrigued me and I really had to stop to check it out. And the deals are great!

Another billboard that we missed many, many times directs you to a historic Wisconsin spot: Little Norway in Blue Mounds. Little Norway is an early Norwegian settler's homestead, from the mid 19th century, that is located in the foothills of the Blue Mounds (not far from the Cave of the Mounds). We were given a wonderful tour by the fourth generation owner, Scott, who is a very knowledgeable man who happened to be the great-nephew of the family that has owned the property since the 1920's. His claims of just being the guy who mows the lawn didn't fool anyone. We learned the history of the beautiful homestead, as well as many of the antiques in the buildings. We were pretty happy that we made the trip, because the area, in the rolling hills with 6 natural springs, is gorgeous. And, where else can you find troll temporary tattoos?

Local spots in Wisconsin can be quite fun. It's just a matter of looking for them.