Blog | Alameda South Shore Center http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/ en Alameda South Shore Center http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/img/layout/main-logo.png http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/ 213 169 Crafternoons! molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Wed, 06 Feb 2013 19:33:00 -0500 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2013/02/crafternoons http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2013/02/crafternoons Curious as to what is happening at the center this weekend? Modern Mouse has opened in their new location, between Great Clips and Bon Voyage Luggage. To kick off this move, their first “Crafternoon” will take place on Sunday, Feb. 10th from 12-2pm at Suite 215, a vacant suite next to the frog pond.


 


 At this first “Crafternoon” you will make a no sew fleece blanket for children in need from the Project Linus Foundation. The Project Linus Foundation has given millions of children security blankets to help them through treatment of severe illnesses, trauma, or to children in desperate need of comfort and love.


 The event is being led by the talented, Polly Conway of pollyannacowgirl. To participate in the event, please bring $5 and RSVP on the event’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/events/508090995909754/).


 


The “Crafternoons” will continue, so make sure you stay tuned and check out the Modern Mouse and South Shore Facebook pages for future events. https://www.facebook.com/events/508090995909754/ https://www.facebook.com/events/508090995909754/ https://www.facebook.com/events/508090995909754/

]]> Modern Mouse molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:03:00 -0500 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2013/01/modern-mouse http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2013/01/modern-mouse Modern Mouse, a handmade goods and clothing store is switching locations at South Shore Center. They are moving across the walkway between Great Clips and Bon Voyage Luggage. Eleen, owner of Modern Mouse and the Modern Mouse staff are very excited for the move.


 


Modern Mouse has become a treasure to the Alameda community. They work hard to make sure they find the most unique pieces created by local and independent artists for their customers. Whether you are looking for a new piece of clothing, home goods, or little trinkets, they have it all. Eleen and the staff work with over 130 artists, creating a variety of options and tastes at the store, guaranteeing you will find something you love.


 


One of my favorite parts of Modern Mouse is how sweet the staff is. They want you to find something you truly connect with. I never feel intimidated walking into their store, because the employees are warm and welcoming. You can tell they really love their jobs, which makes your shopping experience even better.


Be sure to check out their new spot and their website for details on specific events happening!


http://www.modernmousegifts.com/


                                                                                                                     



 

]]> My South Shore Cafe Reward molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Fri, 30 Mar 2012 20:23:00 -0400 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/03/my-south-shore-cafe-reward http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/03/my-south-shore-cafe-reward Again, I am running like a woman with her hair on fire being soccer mom, chauffeur, maid, and the "Don't worry my mom can get it for you" gofer all within a 2 hour time span. I AM the... "Gitter Done Gal". Today, my entire family had me feeling like "Volunteer of the Year" and not allowing me to respectfully decline the honor. I got up earlier than I wanted to and flew down to South Shore. I got my mocha buzz at Starbucks and was in hot pursuit of cupcakes from Safeway, shin guards from Soccer Post, a light timer from Pagano's, the dry cleaning from Towne Cleaners, dog food from Petco, and a few flash drives from Office Max. Completely exhausted and hungry, I noticed that it was only 10:30am. Normally I would go to China Gourmet for Coca Cola Chicken and noodles with Chinese broccoli. However it was too early for lunch and I was finally making it to the finish line.

My check list was complete after sending a care package to my mom at Handle With Care. I stepped outside the packaging store and noticed a little out of the way diner called, South Shore Café. I walked in and the place was crowded. People were talking and smiling and enjoying their meals. The waitresses knew everyone. The food was coming out from behind the counter from the cooks so fast that I was almost dizzy. Although, that could have been my caffeine melt down causing the dizziness. I pulled myself together and a very nice waitress named Leslie sat me at a booth. I was given a menu and as I was looking around, I did the "I want what they're having" eye shuffle and point with every plate that passed by me. Looking at the chalk board specials I saw they had "BREAKFAST" all day!!!! I was overjoyed. I ordered an American Breakfast with pancakes and syrup, crispy bacon, eggs over easy, and some fruit. I was in bliss not having to share with my kids or slap the slowly walking fingers of my husband hand in what would normally be a catch and run fake out toward my bacon. As I took my last sips of OJ and paid the check, I thought, "I am going to have to be "Volunteer Of The Year" every Saturday and receive my reward at South Shore Café.


]]> Bonding At Antidote molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:31:00 -0400 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/03/bonding-at-antidote http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/03/bonding-at-antidote Well it has happened, I can no longer cut my daughter's hair. The other day I approached her with scissors and she gave me the gas face. Looking at her rolled eyes and pursed lips, I decided to take her to Antidote Hair Salon at South Shore for her first professional haircut. I figured I would go to Trader Joe's or Safeway to shop so I wouldn't have to hear her tell me, "Mom...let me tell them what I want!" When we got there, Jessica took my daughter's hand and patiently went through different hairstyles that would be appropriate for the shape of her face and give her that pre-teen cover girl glow. My little diva gave me another horrific look of embarrassment as I hovered over her, being that I was impressed with how Jessica was managing my daughter's choices, I took my daughter's cue and gave them some space.

I found the very comfy sofa in Antidote's waiting area and happened to pick up the Spring edition of the Alameda Beacon. It's a newsletter put out by the owner's of South Shore and they highlighted local businesses like Pagano's Hardware, Loard's Ice Cream, and Modern Mouse. The featured article was about "Southern Gentlemen" and they also gave information on Bladium Sports & Fitness Center's Lil' Kickers program and how Soccer Post supports our soccer community. There was even a contest for a Bon Voyage $100 gift certificate for "Liking" South Shore on their Facebook page! By the time I looked up from reading, my daughter had just gotten her hair styled and she looked so casual and comfortable in her new do. When walking toward me, she had a strange kind of long striding strut to her. I thought if she was going to have that much energy in walking, she and I could still make it to Trader Joe's. Any hair salon that can make my pre-teen swing her locks with bounce, was going to be one I would continue to go to time and time again. Maybe on Mother's Day, we can bond and do hair together. Hopefully when suggested, I won't get the pursed lips and the gas face.

]]> My Heart Restored at The Gold Spot molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:03:00 -0400 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/03/my-heart-restored-the-gold-spot http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/03/my-heart-restored-the-gold-spot Have you ever had that gut wrenching feeling of either loosing or breaking something you absolutely love and cherish? Well, guess what? I just did! It is not only something that I love and cherish; it is something that I intend to wear for the rest of my life, my wedding ring! Yes, I managed to crack my beautiful rose inset diamond wedding ring's gold band. I was devastated. I caught it in the car door while trying to get out of the rain. I was so mad at myself. It was painful just to look down and see the crack. My heart sank...how could I tell my husband? My immediate reaction was to find tape but I was out. In a panic I went to South Shore to get the tape and saw The Gold Spot Jewelers. Not knowing much about this store, I decided to see if they had a way of repairing the band that cradled the rose inset diamond, which by the way was a ring that had been passed down through my husband's family for 2 generations...No Pressure!


I walked in and this big man with a bigger smile looked at me through his large eye loupe, like he could already see what I had done. I started to cry and showed him my ring; the most precious thing to me other than my family. He handed me a tissue and said, "If you only knew how many people bring me their rings with similar situations, remember it's only an accident. My job is to restore and repair not only your ring but hopefully your day." I thought, thank God for you! He took the ring and while repairing it explained to me everything about the ring from the stone, the gold, the inset, to an easy way to polish it and keep it looking new. And as I listened I noticed all of the lovely jewelry he had in his counter. Most of the pieces were created by him. I noticed the "We repair your watches" sign. I saw his plaque where he sponsored a girl's soccer team. I realized this wasn't just a jewelry store and he wasn't just a big guy who sold jewelry. He has a passion for jewelry and he was someone who cared about me. He repaired, sized, and cleaned my ring like it was his own. The cost to restore was minimal but the time with him was immense. When I left and thanked him, he said, "My name is Carl Brown and if you're having problems with your jewelry, bring it back to me. I'll take care of it." I walked out with a smile on my face and ease in my heart. He brightened a very cold wet day.


 

]]> My Heart Restored at The Gold Spot molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:03:00 -0400 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/03/my-heart-restored-the-gold-spot-1 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/03/my-heart-restored-the-gold-spot-1 Have you ever had that gut wrenching feeling of either loosing or breaking something you absolutely love and cherish? Well, guess what? I just did! It is not only something that I love and cherish; it is something that I intend to wear for the rest of my life, my wedding ring! Yes, I managed to crack my beautiful rose inset diamond wedding ring's gold band. I was devastated. I caught it in the car door while trying to get out of the rain. I was so mad at myself. It was painful just to look down and see the crack. My heart sank...how could I tell my husband? My immediate reaction was to find tape but I was out. In a panic I went to South Shore to get the tape and saw The Gold Spot Jewelers. Not knowing much about this store, I decided to see if they had a way of repairing the band that cradled the rose inset diamond, which by the way was a ring that had been passed down through my husband's family for 2 generations...No Pressure!


I walked in and this big man with a bigger smile looked at me through his large eye loupe, like he could already see what I had done. I started to cry and showed him my ring; the most precious thing to me other than my family. He handed me a tissue and said, "If you only knew how many people bring me their rings with similar situations, remember it's only an accident. My job is to restore and repair not only your ring but hopefully your day." I thought, thank God for you! He took the ring and while repairing it explained to me everything about the ring from the stone, the gold, the inset, to an easy way to polish it and keep it looking new. And as I listened I noticed all of the lovely jewelry he had in his counter. Most of the pieces were created by him. I noticed the "We repair your watches" sign. I saw his plaque where he sponsored a girl's soccer team. I realized this wasn't just a jewelry store and he wasn't just a big guy who sold jewelry. He has a passion for jewelry and he was someone who cared about me. He repaired, sized, and cleaned my ring like it was his own. The cost to restore was minimal but the time with him was immense. When I left and thanked him, he said, "My name is Carl Brown and if you're having problems with your jewelry, bring it back to me. I'll take care of it." I walked out with a smile on my face and ease in my heart. He brightened a very cold wet day.


 

]]> Pre-Teen Glow At Sophistry molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:00:00 -0500 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/03/pre-teen-glow-at-sophistry http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/03/pre-teen-glow-at-sophistry Well a few weeks ago it finally happened. My leggy pre-teen daughter got her first case of acne. The tears, the agony, the constant examining glances in the mirror were overwhelming! So, after we stopped crying, we went to South Shore. We visited Walgreens, Alameda Beauty Center, and Merle Norman looking for a cleanser that could remove this unwanted constellation on her face and revitalize her already damaged self esteem. She and I experimented with face masks, muds, peels, scrubs, scrapes, facial steamers, cover ups, paper bags, etc… nothing worked. Finally, one of my girlfriends went by Sophistry Skin Care at South Shore and picked up some, believe-it-or-not, bird poop that was like the fountain of youth in a tube! She said I should bring my little bundle of hormones by to have them give her a free consultation. I thought that they didn’t work on pre-teens but I was wrong. The owner, Sophiea, is a cosmetic chemist and has extensive knowledge in the care of all types of skin and will customize the product that best suits your face.

We scheduled our visit and it was wonderful. The store is tranquil and you see all of the equipment and natural products that she works with to create skin potions. Sophiea pointed out what phases her skin would go through, the type of skin habits she needs to develop and provided her with her own special cleanser and lotion. It is a regimen that my daughter continues to go through every day. Her skin is glowing! She is glowing! We burned the paper bags and all is right in the world. I am going back to get my own evaluation. I want to try the bird poop facial. My daughter and I love this place. Where do you go for your facial care?

]]> Oscar's Chocolate Showing from F&C molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:19:00 -0500 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/03/oscar-chocolate-showing-fc http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/03/oscar-chocolate-showing-fc Last weekend was all about the Oscars and for me, the Oscar viewing parties. I was invited to one of those wonderful shindigs, it was a pot luck and because my name ended in A through H, I had dessert. I started frantically searching to see what kind of award winning dessert I could bring. I googled tuxedo desserts and Fruits and Chocolate popped up. When going to their website, I saw that they had catering as well as walk in services at South Shore with luscious chocolate covered candies, cookies, and fruit, including tuxedo strawberries. I called immediately to place my order. On Sunday my children and I went and picked up our delectable tuxedo laden fruit confection platter sprinkled with bon bons and nuts. While there, my kids each had a Hawaiian shaved ice (bubblegum and watermelon) and I indulged in a chocolate and nut covered Belgium waffle. I dropped off the kids, dressed in my fashion best, made my way to a fancy soiree and looked like a super star with my F&C special Oscar night sweet plate. Got to love that chocolate! Where do you get your special desserts?

]]> CMM My Pre-Teen Rescue! molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:26:00 -0500 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/02/cmm-my-pre-teen-rescue http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/02/cmm-my-pre-teen-rescue Holidays can be challenging for working parents, your kids have the day off of school and you get creative with the time. This past holiday my daughter had a few of her girlfriends over to our house to hang out. After playing twister and Just Dance on the Wii the play date there were only a few hours left for the play date, so we thought we would go get some ice cream at Loards. While there I noticed that we had about 1 more hour to kill before I had to get these giggling little soul sisters to their families. Talk about three pre-teens bored out of their minds…I saw them transformed into 6 year old boys running and playing tag through the center of South Shore. I was horrified. Not at the fact that they were darting and dashing about, but that people would connect them to me!

While corralling these ladies, I saw Color Me Mine. They were having a “Early Bird ” special where you arrive before 2pm and pay NO studio fees. I purchased a very large Victorian ceramic house and had these 3 energizer bunnies start painting. These young artists were in heaven. Their creative juices were flowing and I even got in on the fun by choosing colors for the window shutters. What started off to be a wildly wicked hour turned out to be a contained, fun filled, and rewarding art project. Each girl signed their name to the part of the ceramic house they painted. Since it had to dry, I promised them I would pick up the house in a week and definitely bring them back to Color Me Mine. They have these types of specials from Pajama Night to Darn Good Deals all the time. I had my eye on a whimsical salt and pepper shaker that I want them to work on next. It was a great way to spend an afternoon.

]]> ABC Easy as 1-2-Me! molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:10:00 -0500 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/02/abc-easy-1-2-me http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/02/abc-easy-1-2-me Every 3 or 4 months I head out to purchase those much needed items that keep me looking my best. I hike to at least 5 stores hunting down specific brands for my hair, nails, body, etc… It is a painstaking process. There were 2 brands that I could not find anywhere and a girlfriend told me to try Alameda Beauty Center. When I got there I was pleasantly surprised to see that they had all the products I needed and a full hair salon in the back. The cosmetics section had me crying for joy! I saw the hard to get Bare Essentials cosmetics and they even had a video running to show me how best to apply it all. The ladies at the store were so helpful and knowledgeable, they evaluated my skin tones, made recommendations and even gave me a few insider tips. I even found a special on the Paul Mitchell Litre Duo, you could get 2 for $30 along with a free brush!

I jumped on the phone to my girls to let them know that they better get that deal before the end of February. At check out, I discovered that they offer a frequent buyer card so you can save $5 on every $100 you spend. I spent so much that I received a $20 discount. That is the kind of rewards deal I absolutely love.

When I got home, I was so exhausted from my cosmetic high, that I pampered myself with bath salts I had purchased at ABC. I can’t wait for my next visit. It is now my favorite one stop beauty shop. Where do you get everything you need?

]]> Cupid Shares Chocolate molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:41:00 -0500 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/02/cupid-shares-chocolate http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/02/cupid-shares-chocolate Valentine’s Day is around love’s corner and I am not ready! Each year I give individual gifts to my kids and hubby. Last year the kids got cute little stuffed bears holding hearts and when you squeeze their tummies they sang “Hunk-o-hunk-o burning love”. To go along with it they also got a small box of their favorite See’s chocolate. My husband received a See’s chocolate cigar, a pair of heart covered boxers from Modern Mouse and an engraved white gold dog tag that I found at The Gold Spot Jewelers. I think I went a little over board. Well, this year I find myself running out of time so I will make one trip to get something we can all enjoy. I plan on ordering a Box Of Love from Fruit & Chocolates. They can create a symphony of assorted chocolate covered candies, fruits, and pastries. It’s easy… call it in, pay over the phone, and pick it up. They even gift wrap it for you! Somehow sharing 2 dozen delectable chocolate covered confections will take care of their sweet desires and mine too. Cupid’s arrow is aiming straight towards South Shore again this year. Don’t let love’s clock run out on you. How do you plan on sharing the love?

]]> Food Truck Anyone? molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:10:00 -0500 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/02/food-truck-anyone http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/02/food-truck-anyone To food truck or not to food truck? That is the question here in Alameda. There is probably going to be quite a bit of discussion regarding the food trucks being allowed here. It is a popular topic and KTVU has even found it news worthy. See what I mean. KTVU Tom Vacar

]]> A Victorious Home! molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:02:00 -0500 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/02/a-victorious-home http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/02/a-victorious-home The Super Bowl is right around the corner which means the grunting and hoorays will soon echo through my home. I already have visions of men tearing at meat and guzzling beer while screaming at the television and giving High 5’s to all. It is one of those events in which I want to put food on a long handled paddle and slide it into the living room, then after it’s over take a leaf blower to it all. Why don’t they eat out and yell at someone else’s television? This year I plan on suggesting to my husband and his posse that they go to Applebee’s. The parking is free and there are at least 6 to 8 TVs lining the bars and seating areas. If they go early enough they could get a great table and chug-a-lug for the Patriots and Giants. It won’t matter to me which team wins, only that I was victorious at keeping my house intact and free of the smell of beer and hot dogs. Don’t get me wrong, I want my husband and his friends to have a wild time watching the game, I just want them to do it at Applebees.

Where are you watching the game?

]]> Convenient Sports Outfit molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:40:00 -0500 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/01/convenient-sports-outfit http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/01/convenient-sports-outfit Spring soccer season is here which means that it is time for tryouts and team placements. My son and daughter have just finished their winter season and are playing pickup games and recreational play while they wait for next season to start. So, how is it that their shoes are too small and their socks are mid-calf? Their shin guards don’t go up far enough and their shorts come up too far! Is it time for soccer outfitting even though it has only been 1 month since they finished up the last season?

I get so intimidated when having to get what they need because I am not the expert. The coaches want their players in the same shorts, socks, and shirts with assigned numbers. One league gets red with black box numbers and another gets blue with white numbers and name… it is all so overwhelming and I’m never confident that I’ll get it all correct.

So I was pleasantly surprised when I went in to Soccer Post to get my kids outfitted per their coaches instructions. It was a quick and painless process, the staff was knowledgeable and efficient, and they even put the numbers on the shirts for you. They knew exactly what I needed and got me in and out without spending a lot of money.

 suppose you could go through this type of jersey agony just about at any store or for any sport. And although I felt comfortable there, I kept thinking, “maybe I should talk my kids into swimming?” Would that make life easier when getting their uniforms? Should I be guiding them towards sports more convenient to me?

]]> A Healthy New Years Resolution molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:53:00 -0500 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/01/a-healthy-new-years-resolution http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/01/a-healthy-new-years-resolution This morning I met a girlfriend at Panera Bread for breakfast. I was in the mood for something warm & hearty on this rainy day but I’m also trying to stick to my New Year’s resolution of eating healthy. Then I noticed that Panera now has Steel Cut Oatmeal on their menu so I went for it… and it’s fantastic! It is rich and creamy with strawberries, cinnamon, and pecans. It has to be the best oatmeal I have had in a long time. If you are an oatmeal lover, you have to try this. It is delicious, nutritious, and a fabulous addition to an already great breakfast at Panera.


 


Did you know Panera served breakfast? Click here and check it out.

]]> Kids Need A Break molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:29:00 -0500 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/01/kids-need-a-break http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/01/kids-need-a-break Well its official, I got my "ME TIME". I looked for some activity that didn't involve me watching their every move. Then I found out that South Shore Center's Color Me Mine has a Pajama Night every Friday night. I dressed my kids in their PJ's and it only cost me $1 for the studio fees. I met my girl friends over at China Gourmet to eat and relax. When I picked the kids up around 9pm, I was happy to see that they were not covered in paint and they painted a wonderful salt and pepper shaker. I am always looking for a place that is affordable and the kids can do something creative. This is the place for me. Where do you take your kids for some fun, while you have some "Me Time"? Click here and check out Color Me Mine.

]]> Unique Shower Gifts molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Sat, 07 Jan 2012 16:56:00 -0500 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/01/unique-shower-gifts http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2012/01/unique-shower-gifts I just finished with holiday shopping but not gift giving. I was invited to not 2 but 3 baby showers. Never wanting to show up with the same item as everyone else, I needed 3 special gifts. Then I remembered Modern Mouse at South Shore. If you haven’t been there, it is a gift wonderland filled with creations from local designers. I found an Organic Dr. Q Owl Onesie, a cuddly and cute hypo-allergenic stuffed Blanca Owl, and an orchid Dallas Sheep art print. The store clerk gift wrapped them for me and I was done. At each shower, the mother’s eyes lit up. My girlfriends wanted to know where I found these fabulous gifts. My selections were a hit and very unique.


 


I always prefer to shop locally and find gifts that are unique. Where do you go for unique gifts?

]]> It Can Be fun to Shop Ahead molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Thu, 29 Dec 2011 21:02:00 -0500 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2011/12/it-can-be-fun-shop-ahead http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2011/12/it-can-be-fun-shop-ahead My girlfriends always have a great time shopping for amazing after-Christmas sales. I admire them and how they forge ahead no matter the weather or the location. During the holidays, they manage to not only take care of their families, but find time to catch up on much needed sleep and discover the best after-the-holiday deals. I like to tag along with them, but I always go with a plan. I research local resources both print and online, so I can impress them with my knowledge about the best local sales.


 


Recently, I discovered a list of the top 20 stores with the best bargains. Kohl's and Old Navy were two on the list and they happen to be at South Shore. Determined to boost the local economy, I also found out that Bon Voyage, Modern Mouse, Color Me Mine, and The Gold Spot Jewelers had wonderful post-Christmas sales. After meeting my friends at Panera Bread to strategize and, o.k., enjoy some delicious treats, we began our journey through the center. I look forward to these special girlfriend shopping outings to not only take advantage of great sales but to see what my friends really like. My “secret” plan is to buy some of their favorite items as presents for them next year. I figure in 12 months they will have forgotten that we shopped together for these very items and they’ll be delightfully surprised and appreciative of these gifts!

]]> Let the stuffing begin! molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:31:00 -0400 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2011/11/let-stuffing-begin http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2011/11/let-stuffing-begin I was getting myself together at Starbuck's ready for my mocha with a friend, when I noticed this wristband that they were promoting. It said for $5 you can buy this wristband (which looked very nice) and all of the proceeds go to creatjobsforUSA.org through the Opportunity Finance Network. I thought FINALLY not only a great gift to put in someone's stocking and it goes to a worthy cause but also that "I SAW IT FIRST"! Usually my girl friends see these gift ideas way before me. Granted I would love to get through Thanksgiving first and stuff a turkey for my family. But I am happy that I found something that I can stuff a stocking with too. I got one for me and left Starbuck's with a swagger and renewed confidence on my shopping abilities.

]]> Halloween Huddle molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Thu, 27 Oct 2011 23:42:00 -0400 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2011/10/halloween-huddle http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2011/10/halloween-huddle Shopping for Halloween is truly scary. It takes over your life when looking for a costume that you have to wear to make your children feel like you're supporting their fantasies. Looking for 2 costumes is hard enough, but when you add me to the bunch, it is painful. Thank God I have my trusty girl friend, who by the way, has the 7th sense for shoppers. She can zoom in to not only the perfect costume for me but also zeros in on where it is in the midst of the Spirit Halloween Store! The chaos of all searching for that alter ego look can be exciting for most. Do you have an adrenalin rush when looking for costumes? What is your craziest alter ego costume?

]]> Shoppers Lane molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Sat, 15 Oct 2011 20:45:00 -0400 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2011/10/shoppers-lane http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2011/10/shoppers-lane Have you ever gone shopping with people who love to shop...and then there's you? I am not the best shopper. I know what I want and go and get it. But my friends love the ability to stroll down the interior of the mall and fantasizing about sweats at Old Navy, what's new at Color Me Mine, how bird poop facials soften the skin at Sophistry, and how many chocolate covered strawberries they can consume at Fruits & Chocolates. They have the 7th sense. I call it "Shopper Sense". It comes right after see and smell. Although, I know I am missing the sense personally, do you possess it? What do you think about the "Shoppers Sense" theory? Let me know.

]]> Coming Soon!!! molly.castles@jamestownlp.com (Administrator) Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:13:00 -0400 http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2011/07/blog-post-title http://www.alamedasouthshorecenter.com/blog/general/2011/07/blog-post-title
Stay tuned for the latest news and notes from the Alameda South Shore Center. 
 

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