Charming Charlie

A friend recently told me about Charming Charlie, an accessories store with a location in South Windsor.  She had said that it was organized by color and had handbags and all sorts of jewelry.  What she didn't say was how big it was.  It was easily 1500 square feet, if not more.  It was like Claire's on steroids and for adults.  Prices were very reasonable.  They had watches for under $20, scarves in the $10-$20 range, wallets and wristlets under $20 and tons more.  I managed to stick to my goal and only purchase holiday gifts for others, but I was definitely tempted.  I will be making a trip back sometime soon for some treats for myself.

Here are some pictures I tried to discretely take with my iPhone.

Turquoise!

Gold/Yellow

Purple

Charming Charlie is definitely worth the trip to South Windsor.  It is located at the Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk (500 Evergreen Way).  There is another location in West Hartford if that is more convenient for you.  

Kathy's Dinner

CHICKPEAS: 4

6 Strong Ave, Northampton, MA

On our way to the Yankee Candle Flagship Store, we stopped for breakfast in Northampton.  This was a fairly impromptu trip, so I looked for a diner on our way.  Similar to my post office experience, the first diner we went to was closed.  We headed back into town to find Kathy's Diner and were quite pleased we did!  I discovered another blog that details the history of Kathy's.  It has quite the history, and has had many names.

Aside from the authentic diner charm, we were initially impressed by the holiday decor.

Place mats and Mugs

The walls were also are decorated with all sorts of memorabilia, which helped keep the conversation going, as people watching was not really an option.  It was not very busy the day we went, and I suspect it was because the colleges were on break.

Kathy's has a huge selection of pancakes, with all sorts of fruits, nuts and more in them.  My Fiance ordered banana chocolate chip pancakes and a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich.

I ordered Texas french toast and a side of eggs.

Everything was delicious and our waitress was very pleasant.  With a coffee, our bill was around $13.

It should be noted that Kathy's is open until 2am on the weekends!

Yankee Candle Flagship Store

This past Sunday, we decided to make our inaugural trip to the Yankee Candle Flagship Store in South Deerfield, MA.  I was prepared for a madhouse, but they had the crowds under control.  I had envisioned the store having the complete collection of Yankee Candle scents in their many forms (candles, chapsticks, scented oils, car fresheners, etc.).  I was surprised to walk into a giant gift store, set up similar to IKEA.  The rooms and displays guided you through the complex.  It felt like you couldn't go in to look at one thing and if you were there to browse, you would be there for eternity.   I felt like we could never find the exit without passing by a room we hadn't entered.

They had Pandora bracelets and charms.

They had Vera Bradley.

They had an area with sports and motorcycle stuff, complete with lounge chairs and a TV.  Basically, an in-store man cave.

They had an old fashioned candy store, kitchen gadgets, stonewall kitchen food products, lake champlain chocolates, dog toys and more.

Oh, and they had candles.  Hundreds of thousands of candles.  They even had candles that you could dip yourself which was quite popular with the kids.

At the very end of our self-guided tour, we hit the room I had been waiting for: the sale room!  There was a selection of discontinued scents and "seconds" candles.  The large jar candles were $15 (typically $25), and the medium were $12 (typically $22).

When we finally made our way to the check out with some votive candles and some holiday gifts, we felt out of the loop.  Everyone had coupons.  Rookie mistake.  Find them here if you are planning a trip.

 

United States Post Office

To many, the holiday season includes at least one trip to the Post Office.  For me, this holiday season included my first trip to the Post Office in Chicopee.  I went with a healthy dose of patience.  It was the Saturday before Christmas and I knew there was no way I would escape without a wait.  I followed my GPS from my gym to the Post Office at 100 Center Street and parked on the street as it seemed there was no lot.  The Post Office looked quiet.  One or two people going in and out, no line out the door, plenty of spots on the street.  I was delighted.  I grabbed my pile of packages and headed in.  

100 Center Street, Chicopee

It was very quiet...because it was closed.  The lobby was open for PO Box customers, but the counter was closed.   I managed to drop one of my packages as I sulked back to my car.   I gave my GPS one more chance to redeem itself and it found a second Post Office in Chicopee, on Main Street, just a short drive a way.  

The scene at the Main St. Post Office was exactly what I expected.  A near miss accident in the parking lot with a car driving the wrong way in a one way.  A fight for a spot with another car, also going the wrong way in a one way (FYI: one way parking lots are designated by arrow markings on the pavement, posted signs and additionally often have angled spots).  I was in no rush, so I took it all in stride.  

Once inside, the line was long.  Thankfully, the customers inside were smart enough to find a way to wrap it around so that no one needed to stand outside.  The total wait was about 15 minutes (thank you iPhone stop watch).  

The Post Office itself (disregarding the crowds of people and bad drivers) was very nice with some historic charm and cute touches. 

Day Trip: OSUSHI, Boston, Massachusetts

CHICKPEAS: 3

We grabbed dinner at OSUSHI on our trip to the see the Boston Pops.  OSUSHI was conveniently located in the shopping area of the Westin Copley.  While the entrance was from the mall, it was easy to feel like you were in a cozy restaurant once seated.  We were seated at a high top table near the windows so we could look out over the street.  We had purchased a gift certificate to OSUSHI from Ruelala (an invite only, flash shopping site).  The deal we purchased was $30 for $50 worth of food at OSUSHI.   The prices were high so it was easy to exceed the $50.

To begin, we ordered edamame and a fresh spring roll.  The spring roll was quite good with shrimp and raw tuna in it.  Unfortunately, our waitress's single blunder was forgetting to bring out the edamame.  Once we reminded her, she brought it out at room temperature instead of steaming.

Fresh Springroll

We ordered 4 rolls to share.  Overall, they were good, but as you can see, two were quite big (in terms of diameter).  Really large sushi is difficult to eat gracefully.  From top to bottom we got the follow rolls:  Dragon, Miso Sexy, Spicy Scallop, and Vegetable Tempura.

Sushi

All of the above and one beer came to around $75.  I would go back if I was staying at the Westin and wanted take out to bring back to my room, or if I found another coupon/deal.  Otherwise, you can find sushi of equal or better quality for less.

Day Trip: Biltmore Bar and Grille, Newton, Massachusetts

CHICKPEAS: 5

Last weekend, we took a trip to Boston to see the Pops!  We stayed over night and had breakfast the next morning with friends.  As Newton residents, they knew just where to bring us: The Biltmore Bar and Grille. The menu was creative, the restaurant was eclectically decorated with a collection of old signs and the company was excellent.  All in all, it was one of the best breakfasts I have had in quite a while!

To begin, they brought us breakfast bread.  It was warm and delicious, so much so that we ate it all before we had a chance to take a picture.  This also happened with the order of sticky buns we got to start.

I ordered the S.S.B.L.T.  (smoked salmon, bacon, lettuce and tomato with an egg) which came with a side of sweet potato home fries.  It was the best breakfast sandwich I have ever had.

SSBLT

My Fiance decided on Huevos Tacos (sot corn tortillas stuffed with sauteed onions, peppers, chorizo, colby cheese and eggs on the sunny side, with pork shoulder hash).  Guacamole with breakfast! ... Why didn't I think of that?

Huevos Tacos

My friend ordered French Toast Crunch (thick sliced cinnamon swirl bobka, coated with captain crunch and corn flakes, vanilla frosting and warm apple butter syrup).  I had a bite and had momentary regrets about my selection (even though my sandwich was awesome!).  Oh, and that is ball of butter, not ice cream (I asked). 

French Toast Crunch

Our other friend got a daily special.  I can't remember what it was exactly, other than we fondly referred to it as the meat plate.  He cleaned his plate with no trouble.  

Meat Plate

Our four entrees, sticky buns, two juices, and one coffee came to around $60.  A bit more expensive than our usual breakfast haunts, but well worth it!

Pho Saigon

CHICKPEAS: 4

When we saw that Pho Saigon was ranked as the number one restaurant in Springfield, MA on tripadvisor.com, we bumped it up on the list of places we needed to try.  We went last Friday night, right before going to Bright Nights.

We drove through a less than pleasant area of Springfield on our way there, but the location of Pho Saigon felt much safer.  We were able to find parking on the street in front of the restaurant, but I imagine that parking can sometimes be difficult to find.

We arrived around 8pm and two tables had just opened up.  The reviews online all comment on spectacular service and they certainly lived up to their reputation. The waiter spent a good two minutes carefully wiping and then drying the table and was always refilling our water and respectfully checking in.

Neither of us have much experience with Vietnamese food, but the menu had pretty thorough explanations.

To start, we got fresh spring rolls with chicken, shrimp, vermicelli, and fresh vegetables wrapped in rice paper and served with a very delicious peanut sauce.

Deliciousness

I ordered pho with rare steak, beef meatballs, brisket, flank, tendon and rice noodles.  The serving size was enormous and it was quite delicious.  My fiance had the smaller version of pho and another appetizer as his meal. 

The pho came with a plate of sprouts, basil, lime and peppers for you to use as you pleased.

We each had a different method to eating our pho.

I ate everything out of the broth first

My Fiance at all the broth first

We were both stuffed with our pho and barely touched the other appetizer, steamed rice crepes with pork.  

Additionally, we got a bottle of wine.  Wine lovers should be warned that there is no wine list.  The menu has a list of 6 or so varieties of wine by type.  There is no information about vineyard or year. 

All in all, we spent around $50.  Next time we go, we will have to make an effort to order off more than the first page of the menu!  

The Details:

Pho Saigon

400 Dickinson Street

Springfield, MA

Monday-Sunday, 11AM to 9PM (Closed Wednesday)

Restaurant.com

Everyone loves a good deal!  We keep an eye on restaurant.com and their sales to make going out to eat more affordable.  Restaurant.com sells discount gift certificates to popular restaurants all over the country.  Typically, a $25 gift certificate is $10, but every once in a while they have a big sale (currently 80%!).  Restrictions do apply (don't they always?) but are typically a minimum order amount, or dine in only.  These make great gifts, but you can always purchase for yourself too!  They can be used moments after ordering, so you can decide to go out to eat, buy a certificate, head to the restaurant and redeem them.

Here are some of our favorite restaurants in the Chicopee area that offer gift certificates through Restaurant.com:
Brew Too - Southwick, MA
The Federal - Agawam, MA
Copperline Eatery - Chicopee, MA
Munich Haus - Chicopee, MA

There are plenty of other restaurants locally, and nationally.  Use the link in the image below to head to the site and see what you can find near you.  Be sure to note the discount code (JOY)!

Partners Restaurant

CHICKPEAS: 4

Before we discovered Copperline, we used to go to Partners a fair amount.  We still go when meeting up with friends from Southwick, as we did last weekend before tree hunting.  I enjoy Partners because their menu has a selection of healthy options (fruit cups, wheat pancakes, sweet potato pancakes and more) as well as the less healthy diner foods.  Partners is usually packed on Sunday mornings, so get there early if you don't want to wait.

Here is what we had to eat (four of us...):

Grilled Muffin

Asparagus and Mushroom Skillet (daily specail) 

Side of Home Fries with Onions

Scrambled Eggs, Chocolate Chip Pancakes and Sausage

Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich 

Corned Beef Hash, Eggs, Home Fries and Toast

The Asparagus and Mushroom Skillet was delicious, although heavy on asparagus and light on mushrooms.  Everyone else enjoyed their meals as well.  I will say the service was a little below par the day we went, but it is typically pretty good. 

Total Bill (incl. 2 chocolate milks and 3 coffees): $42

The Details:

Partners Restaurant

485 Springfield Street

Feeding Hills, MA

Coward Farms

166 College Highway, Southwick, MA

Last Sunday, we went with friends to cut our own Christmas Tree!  Our friends did the research and picked the location: Coward Farms in Southwick, MA.  They had at least 5 different tree species and a nice selection of different sizes.

When we arrived we were given a tag to attach to the tree and a saw.

Then we went to find our perfect tree!

Once we found it, we cut it down and dragged it to the aisle where it would be picked up and brought back to the shop.

Once there it was shaken and tied for the trip home.

We went inside to pay ($38) and picked up some mistletoe.  They had lots of other evergreen products (wreaths, window boxes, and more), tree stands, ornaments and other holiday decor.

All in all, it was a fun day and we are quite pleased with our tree!

The Details:
Coward Farms
166 College Highway
Southwick, MA
Call for hours: (413) 569-6724

Trees: $38

Bright Nights

Bright Nights, Springfield, MA

The holiday season is here!!  We happened to be in the Forest Park neighborhood last night, so we went to Bright Nights a earlier than we had planned.  Bright Nights is a fantastic holiday light show through Forest Park in Springfield.  I had never been to a light display and I feel like I have been missing out.  It was absolutely spectacular!  We can't wait to go back.

When you arrive you are asked pay a fee, turn off your headlights and turn on your parking lights.  They give you a scratch ticket courtesy of Friendly's (we won a free cone) and a coupon for a future visit ($5 off).  You can also get a coupon for your first visit on the organization's website.  There is a radio station you can tune in to, as if you were at a drive-in movie, that plays holiday music.  Halfway through the park, there is a concession stand.

Here is a taste of what you will see (I apologize or the low quality iPhone pics):

There were tributes to all the holidays of the season.

There were themed sections including Whoville/Suessland and Toy Land.

Whoville

Cat in the Hat

Horton

Toy Land

There were also magical animated displays: reindeer that jumped over you, a nutcracker firing a canon, the game of life, volcanoes and more.

The details:
Dates/Hours:
November 24 - December 5 : Wednesday,Thursday and Sunday, 5pm-9pm and Friday and Saturday 5pm-11pm
December 8 - January 2: Nightly, Sunday to Thursday, 5pm-9pm and Friday, Saturday and Holidays 5pm-11pm

Admission:
Monday - Thursday, $15
Friday - Sunday, and Holidays, $18