Things Remembered
I am so thrilled with Things Remembered. In addition to have many various items for sale that they will engrave for you, they also allow you to bring in outside items to be engraved. They do charge an extra fee for that, but it's worth it. The took great care of my item and did a wonderful job engraving it. Perhaps most importantly, they double- and triple-checked with me how I wanted the engraving done. It wasn't like engraving an item that they sell, where if they messed it up they could get another one off the shelf. My item was one of a kind. I am so thrilled with the results. I'd recommend them to anybody who needs an item engraved.
Whitmire Jr Fred C DDS
"Dr. Fred loves me." That's what the stickers said that Dr. Fred would give you after you came in for a cleaning. And it was true. Dr. Fred is so gentle, and so kind, and he understands kids so very well. He always reminded me of Mr. Rogers (from PBS) in a way, because he was so patient and understanding and you always felt like you could trust him. Dr. Fred does pediatric and adolescent dentistry as well as orthodontia. Whether your children are 2 years old or 18 years old, I highly recommend taking them to see Dr. Fred.
B Dalton Bookseller
When I buy books, I do one of two things: either I order them online, or I go to a huge bookstore like Barnes and Noble. I order online when I want to save time. I go to Barnes and Noble when I want to take my time, relax, browse through a gazillion books, and maybe even order an overpriced coffee and dessert and sit down and chat with a friend for a while. B. Dalton Booksellers fits neither of those reasons. It's too small to have all the perks that I mentioned for Barnes and Noble, and it's nothing like logging onto Amazon.com and clicking a few times and being done. I don't see where the market is for small non-specialty bookstores.
Yankee Candle Co
I have to admit I don't quite understand the phenomenon that is Yankee Candle Company. I don't burn that many candles anyway. But I do love this store. There's something about how beautifully the candles on display are arranged that makes the store very inviting. The smell is strong -- I wouldn't call it overwhelming, but I'm sure there may be some folks with more sensitive noses who disagree with me. To me it's a comforting atmosphere. The sales staff is always friendly, and I haven't run into a pushy sales clerk there yet. Maybe, just maybe, I'll eventually figure out how a store like this can stay in business when all it sells is candles (and similar items). For now I enjoy browsing.
Davilns
I couldn't help but smile as I entered this store. This was the first time I'd ever been in a Davlins. I hadn't even heard the name before. And I was very impressed. If you need something decorative and fun for your home, or your cabin at the lake, or your house in the woods, this is the place to come. I admit the sign in the window that read "BEWARE OF WIFE" is what drew me in. How clever. I wasn't even in the store for 10 seconds before I was politely greeted by the saleslady. She seemed geniunely friendly -- not like she was just saying hello because it was part of her job. She wasn't pushy, either, but she was always visible to you so you could approach her with any questions you might have.
Southdale Shopping Center
Silly me for assuming that malls this big would have all the big name stores that most of the other malls in the Twin Cities (and the COUNTRY) have. What I did like about this mall was that it had a Hallmark Gold Crown store, a Caribou Coffee, a food court with more than two choices, and a friendly customer service desk. What I can't believe, though, is that this mall didn't have a Lane Bryant or a Starbucks. I don't suppose I can blame the mall, per se. It's not like they can force those locations to have a presence in their mall. But still, it was a little bizarre.
Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center
I've been staying at this hotel on and off for years when I've been in Atlanta. Everything is always wonderful -- the staff, the accommodations, the service -- everything. The attention to detail at this hotel is out of this world. I highly recommend it.
Travelodge By Wyndham Chattanooga/Hamilton Place
This location of Ramada Limited is small -- about 40 rooms. But the desk staff is always friendly, the rates are good, and the rooms are clean and comfortable. The only downside to this hotel from a family point of view is there is no pool. Of course that's a big advantage to the business traveler who doesn't want to hear a bunch of kids screaming outside his window while he is on a conference call. I'd recommend this hotel.
Helzberg Diamonds
I had a ring designed and made especially for me during Helzberg's Custom Event that is usually held in October. While the price was dramatically higher than if the same ring had just been in the case already, being able to design the ring myself was worth the extra money spent. If you're looking for something original, this is a good way to go. My only word of advice is to be sure you know what you want. The sales staff and designers aren't big into helping you develop your ideas. You really need to know exactly what you want before you start to deal with them.
David's Bridal
I made an appointment at David's Bridal, and then I made sure I browsed their dresses online before going to my appointment. When I arrived, I had one particular dress in mind that I really wanted to try on. The saleswoman didn't strike me as very friendly, but she knew her business, and she was efficient. I tried on the dress, loved it, and ordered it. Over the next couple of months, my appointments there went very well. When the actual dress came in I had a fitting, and then after the alterations I had another fitting. Everything was great.
