Tag Archives: Shopping

Junie B. Jones

June 7th the University Book Store will play host to June B. Jones® and the Stupid Smelly Bus Tour.

Who is Junie B Jones? She is the protaganist of the series of beginning reader chapter books written by Barbara Park for the 6-8 year old crowd. We first meet Junie B. Jones in “The Stupid Smelly Bus” (first book in the series, published in 1992) when she is a kindergartner riding the bus for the first time to school. She hates the bus because  “Her friend , Lucille tells her ‘she will get chocolate milk poured on her.'”

The Stupid Smelly Bus Tour is the 8th annual national tour launched by Random House Children’s Books, to bring Junie B. live and in person to 15 cities across the country to meet her fans. Do tell.

So come to the Mill Creek University Book Store at 4pm on July 7th and join the one and only Junie B. Jones and Mr. Woo for a Trunk of Junk interactive show and tell presentation. Then, stick around to say hello!

Have your books stamped. A signing ticket is required. Ask a Ubookstore staff member for all the details. 425 • 385 • 3530

Optical Reflections Presents Tom Ford Trunk Show

Optical Reflections, LLC will present the latest in eyewear and sunwear from Tom Ford at a Trunk Show/Happy Hour at Capri Ristorante Italiano on April 14th from 3:00-7:00PM. Appetizers will be provided. Enter to win a free Tom Ford Frame; you must be present to win. In addition, Optical Reflections will offer a 20% discount on frame and prescription lens ordered the day of the show.

Optical Reflections has been a part of the Mill Creek business community for over 25 years. Gale Hansen-Lindseth, LDO who has been in practice for 30 years, opened Optical Reflections in Imperial Gardens Shopping Center in 1985. Since then she and her staff have offered eye exams, contact lens fittings, and a wonderful selection of the latest in stylish frame designs.

As a customer for many years, I can attest to the fact that Gale takes a personal interest in finding just the right frame and and the best combination of the latest technologies in lenses. I have a high index which means glasses for me could be the proverbial “coke bottle bottoms.” Fortunately I can wear contacts, however this makes it all the more important to have good back-up glasses. I own several pair in case of an emergency. Gale and Jessica have always taken the time to find the best size and shape for me because while they have tons of choices, I have limitations on what works for me. I appreciate their honesty and trust their eye. I’ve never been disappointed. Gale always informs me of the latest innovations available to make the lenses as thin and light as possible. These options add to the price, but at least I know I have choices. Do tell.

Appointments are taken for eye exams and contact lens fittings. Emergency walk-ins are welcome. Eyewear dispensing and frame selection are available on a walk-in basis, however an appointment could save you time when they are busy with other clients. Shop hours are: M-F 9:30-6 Sat 10-2  Evening appointments are available.

Visit their website for more information: www.opticalreflectionsllc.com

16300 Mill Creek Boulevard #118 • Mill Creek, WA 98012 • 425-742-2900

Photo: Tom Ford Eyewear

 

 

Friends in Mill Creek Jewelers

Mill Creek JewelersIf  I’m ever in the market for a unique piece of jewelry, need an appraisal on a treasured piece or the battery dies in my watch, it’s nice to know I have local friends in the jewelry business.  Jerry and Donita Price have owned and operated the Mill Creek Jewelers in Mill Creek Plaza since 1991.  And it is since then that “. . . they have cherished their friendships with the community and enjoyed people stopping in as they are out running errands.” — From their website www.millcreekjewelers.com I think I can speak for the community when I say the feeling is mutual.

Jerry and Donita specialize in fine jewelry sales, jewelry repair, watch repair and custom design all with an emphasis on excellence in personalized customer service.

Some of the lines they carry are: Bulova, Hot Diamonds, Leo Ingwer, Lorenzo, and Jewelry Innovations. Through these prestigious vendors they offer fine jewelry such as diamonds, wedding bands, gold & silver bracelets/necklaces, watches, semi-precious colored gemstones, hand-blown glass and beautiful clocks.

They can accomplish all types of jewelry repair from changing out a watch battery & resetting stones. I’ve had them repair the clasp on my beloved  silver charm bracelet and add some new charms. On the subject of charms, they offer a vast selection and can handle special orders, too. Once, an even more beloved charm bracelet that belonged to my mother needed a good cleaning and soe minor repair to make it wearable. This piece, which is so special to me, was just like new again, thanks to Mill Creek Jewelers!

As for custom jewelry design and restyling, if you can imagine it they will work closely with you to make it a reality. I recently had them reset a diamond out of a ring into a beautiful pendant. Now it will spend less time in the safe deposit box. Do tell.

Mill Creek Jewelers is located in Mill Creek Plaza at 16306 Bothell-Everett Highway Mill Creek, WA 98012    Phone Number is: 425-745-5122                                                 Hours are: Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat 10-5  Closed on Sundays

 

Creek Chic via Opal Boutique

Opal is the women’s fashion boutique on Main Street in The Mill Creek Town Center. Mill Creek is the third store for Opal in the greater Seattle area, owned and operated by Shannen Wyman. Other locations are the original store in Redmond and one in South Lake Union, Seattle. The Mill Creek store opened in April 2008.

Opal Boutique on Main Street

There is an emphasis on designer jeans including 7’s, Citizens of Humanity, William Rast, AG Jeans, Hudson Jeans, True Religion, Rock & Republic, Genetic, Pur and the list goes on. The angst induced by shopping for jeans is right up there with shopping for a swimsuit for many women, but with this great selection, there is certain to be something for everybody, and I mean every body.

Tops to go with these bottoms are also in great supply. I found many variations on the basic T including assorted styles from Michael Stars. Moving past the jeans & T’s, I found sweaters from Michael Stars, velour from Juicy Couture, dresses & jackets from Bailey 44, tops from Miss Me and casual knits from Fluxus. Other brands represented are: James Perse, Fifteen-Twenty, Alternative Apparel and Left on Houston.

Fluxus is a relatively new brand carried by Opal. The company is located in Los Angeles and headed up by its founder (since 2007) Martin Paquette and lead designer Jeffrey Sebelia winner of Project Runway-Season 3. Sebelia joined Fluxus in the summer of 2008.  All the clothing is made in the Los Angeles area. Pacquette chooses not to outsource. In the line you will easy fitting tops, bottoms, tunics, dresses. All great layering pieces in soft, neutral shades.

In addition to clothing, Opal carries an assortment of Voluspa candles, Lolita glassware — you know those cute hand-painted martini glasses, and La Licious body care/spa products. Another specialty item is Ms. Wyman’s own line of hand-made jewelry, Kazia Digo. Her collection includes earring and necklaces featuring Swarovski crystals and precious metals.

Opal has a VIP Club membership. Pay $25 dollars to join and you will receive 15% off all your purchases for one year and invites to special events. So be sure to ask a sales associate for all the details on that. Do tell.

Boutique Hours are:   M-F 10-7     Sat 10-6     Sun 11-5

Opal is located at 15117 Main St. Suite B102 in Mill Creek Washington.

photos&text ©adminDotellmillcreek.com  All rights reserved.

 

Mill Creek Square Looking Green and Good

Mill Creek Square Sign

Just in case you haven’t noticed, Mill Creek Square has a pretty new face. For the past several months construction crews have been busy and are now applying the final touches to Phase One of the shopping complex project.

 

Mill Creek Square front QFC/Starbuck's

The plants on the roof overhang were what really caught my eye. This kind of roof  is known as a Green Roof. The plants, from the Sedum family, are indigenous, highly drought resistant plants that “reduce the heat island effect and slow water run off.” Cisterns at both ends of the complex, will collect some of the water run off and will be used to “enliven sculptural elements at each end of the complex.” Water will also be directed to existing sumps in planting areas, to a rain garden or existing swale.  And you thought it was all just for show.

I had the opportunity to chat with John Cannon, AIA a Partner with Lewis Architecture + Interior Design, designers of the project. See www.lewisarchitects.com He told me that the owners of the Mill Creek Square, who reside in Southern California, are very much art oriented in all aspects of their lives. The complex was originally built in the early 1980’s; they had acquired it some years ago, and felt it was time for a much needed makeover. They wanted to move away from the previous waterwheel and peeler pole look, and go with a clean, big lodge look, with a timeless quality. They wanted to move in a creative,  innovative, forward thinking direction. Inspirations were the house in Hitchcock’s North by Northwest and Frank LLoyd Wright’s Taliesin.

Mill Creek Square looking to East

A striking feature used to achieve this “Big Timber Look” is the large beams canted out. Rather than being cut from single large logs, they are Glulam Beams created using a high pressure lamination process. Beautiful stonework adds texture to the overall organic aesthetic.

common area with fireplace

 

 

Another nice feature of the Mill Creek Square project is the common space or gathering area between QFC and Starbuck’s. It is open to the air, yet covered from the rain. It is spacious with plenty of seating and tables. There are ample overhead heat lamps, and the space is centered by a gas fireplace. I found it to be rather cozy. Even in this rainy, damp season.

The floor itself, is a work of art. It contains hundreds of pieces of broken glass in a myriad of colors. As stated before, the owners are artists and they were hands on, first sitting down with the architects to design it, then with the contractor to personally place the floor out by hand.  Abbott Construction, general contractor on the project, is adept at this type of flooring, and took special care to make sure the floor would not be slippery. It was honed to a smooth texture, and then given a matte finish.

One thing you might notice is that QFC is still looking the same. Phase Two which will include the updated facelift of QFC is planned to begin this Summer of 2011. Do tell.

 

Oscar Night Dinner

Planning a little dinner party for 8 on Oscar Night. Festive, yet casual with star-strewn linens, lots of candles, maybe a little extra glitter tossed around.

On the Menu:

Steak Oscar with Filet Mignon and fresh Dungeness crab from Central Market, and fresh asparagus from QFC capped with more than a drizzle of Bernaise sauce.

True Grit roasted potatoes. Russets from QFC scrubbed, peeled and cut into bite size pieces. They are placed in a large rectangle baking dish and tossed with olive oil, Lipton Onion Soup Mix and pepper to taste. Roasted in a 350° oven appox 1 hour until crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.

Biutiful Salad made with a mixed greens of iceberg, baby spinach, Romaine, Arugula tossed with shredded carrot, sliced green onion, tomato wedges and garlic croutons. Choice of Ranch, Blue Cheese or Balsalmic vineagrette.

Wines:  Monte Aribaldo 2007 Dolcetta D’Alba  &  Michele Chiarlo 2008 Barbera D’Asti From the wine selection at Central Market

For dessert how about Red Carpet doughnuts [really Red Velvet] from FROST Doughnuts Evolved in Mill Creek? I hope FROST won’t mind. I love their doughnuts as an alternative to cake or cupcakes. They are so rich and fancy, they shouldn’t just be for breakfast and snacks. Do tell.

Parking [or not] on Main Street

Is it just me or does anyone else have an issue with the inconsiderate people who take more than one parking space on Main Street in the Town Center? I realize they are not the roomiest of spaces to begin with, but come on people. The trouble is if one car is parked over the line a tad, a domino effect is created. I, for one, will just keep going and not patronize a business if I can’t find a decent parking place.

Now before you say,  “Well get off your duff and walk”, I do.  I often park away from shops for the purpose of walking, but there are the times I want to just get in and get out such as Starbuck’s, Coldstone Creamery and the like where I don’t want to have to park a block or more away, and it is annoying to see someone take more than one spot.

While I am on the subject of parking another pet peeve is the people who apparently work at the Town Center taking the premium parking spots. [A certain red truck, I think you know who you are] Or, is it someone parking and riding the bus? hmm— All I know is that virtually every day in front of U Bookstore, Boston’s and in that general vicinity the same truck(s) are parked. Do tell.

Have a Heart – A Town Center Charity Event February 14-28

Charity Event Has a Heart.

Was walking through the Paddywack pet store on Friday and noticed a brochure on a table near the door. Have a Heart – Mill Creek Town Center 2011 Giving Guide.  Seems that several merchants in the Town Center have joined forces to collect funds for some of their favorite charities.

Between Valentine’s Day – February 14th and the end of the month – February 28th 2011, participating shops will offer special purchases, raffles, or a percentage of sales to go to the particular merchant’s favorite charity.

What a great idea!

Merchants listed are: Tablas Woodstove Taverna, Boston’s, Nest Home & Gifts, Frost, Kafe Neo, Musings Artists Inspired, Run 26, and the aforementioned, Paddywack.

Go to:  www.millcreektowncenter.biz for updates and more info

Fine Living . . . Spirited Gifts

I just popped into one of my favorite little shops in the Town Center, Belle Provence – Fine Living . . .  Spirited Gifts. Their tagline truly says it all. You walk into the shop at 15407 Main Street #104 in Mill Creek and oh, what treasures await. You will be thrilled with unique jewelry, fashion accessories & decorative items for the home- for you or the perfect gift for that special someone.

Belle Provence opened in 1983 in Country Village in Bothell. Since moving to Mill Creek Town Center in 2005, it has continued to be favorite for locals and visitors to the area, alike. Diane and Royal Reinsch are the owners and Diane says she loves Mill Creek and especially the Town Center. She loves the real neighborhood feel and sense of community, for example when she witnesses two friends meet by chance in the shop. Also, Diane enjoys the experience when patrons start as customers, but soon become friends.

Here you will find beautiful candles, luscious fragrance diffusers, pillows, lamps, fluffy cozy throws, greeting cards, along with unique bracelets, necklaces, scarves, purses and more. Speaking of scarves, one that really caught my eye was one from a selection of fine silk crepe scarves from Cocoon House. Rich beautiful colors in assorted patterns from florals and geometrics to a Paris motif. I especially liked the fact they were light and airy, perfect for Spring and Summer when you want a splash of color. Actually, seeing that it is the middle of February, I think I am in need of a splash of color right now! The Paris one is calling me.

Belle Provence is a Brighton Heart Store which means they are recognized by Brighton for having a well-appointed store, the best in customer service, and a passion for what they do. They carry the full line of Brighton including jewelry, ladies belts, watches, wallets, eyewear, home & gift and footwear.

Diane also carries a fabulous selection from Vera Bradley. Handbags, totes, wallets, and numerous accessories in all the patterns and colors you’ve come to expect from Vera Bradley. What a feast for the eyes. Decisions, decisions.

Belle Provence is an authorized seller of Troll Beads, one of my personal obsessions. These colorful glass, silver and/or gold beads are collectibles. Each bead has a symbol or a “story” associated with it and can represent different special occasions, certain facets of your personal journey, or maybe you just like the color!  They make terrific gifts, whether you are adding to someone’s bracelet or getting them started, it will be much appreciated. Trust me.

Hope I have whet your appetite for a visit. Their hours are Mon- Sat 10-6 and Sun 12-5 For more information visit them on the web at www.belleprov.com

Do tell.