Grace, Me, Aunt & Mom
A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip.
~ Author Unknown
Today's Joy: Birthday Celebration.
We've had an incomparable day, Reader. Today is my 34th birthday and it has been the loveliest one I've had in a while. I decided to be proactive this year and plan something that all the girls would enjoy. Viola! Enter this summer's grand-opening of Charming Charlie at Yorktown Center in Lombard, IL.
We set off to have a splendid adventure. First we met to peruse all the accessory fabulousness at Charming Charlie. Hours later, we emerged laden with handbags, scarves, boots and, of course, myriad pieces of gorgeous (and inexpensive!) jewelry: rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces galore!
The Mothership Has Called Us Home
Then, as we were ravenous from all that mega-shopping, it was off to find a place for lunch. Aunt Chef spotted something promising down the square and so we discovered the culinary joy that is the Flat Top Grill. It's a rather swanky place when you walk in the door, but don't let that fool you--the food is as affordable as it is delicious.
Once seated, you write your name on a little paddle and head to the buffet, where you design your own gourmet stir-fry from a large spread of veggies, tender, marinated meats and over a dozen sauces. Once you've made your selection, you stick your paddle in the top of your bowl like a flag on Mt. Everest, hand it over to the grill chef and return to your table. In 10-15 minutes, your personal culinary creation arrives, piping hot, to your table where all conversation stops as everyone dives into taste nirvana.
The Fabulous Miss Elle
After lunch, we dispersed with full tummies. On the way home, Mom, Aunt & I stopped at Planter's Palette, a beautiful & creatively-inspired garden center on Rt. 38 in Winfield, IL. Walking among rows and rows of sale plants and lush tropicals was the perfect finish to a wonderful day. Thank you to everyone who came along to share the joy!
Aunt (An English Teacher in Her Natural Habitat)
The Girls' 1st Trip to Charming Charlie
Aunt Chef Having a Ball
Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again.
~Menachem Mendel Schneerson
Quotes courtesy of The Quote Garden.
Tanya, loved reading about your bday adventure! Thanks for posting about our accessories and your experience at Charming Charlie! Hope you had a great birthday and shopped till your heart was content! My 35th bday was last month, and I got my shop on too :) Thanks again.
ReplyDeletePatty Fadhouli
Director of Marketing
Charming Charlie
tanya, by the way - you should enter our photo contest on facebook! winners to be selected on september 10, but you have until the 9th to apply.
ReplyDeleteregards,
patty fadhouli
director of marketing
charming charlie