Flamingo Gardens
We decided to take a day trip here as a family for Valentine's Day figuring it has something for everyone. It truly does! We all had a wonderful day! They have many animal exhibits and beautiful gardens of every kind. Tehy have historical buildings to tour and grounds that are gorgeous beyond compare. We even saw a couple getting married on the grounds the day we were there.
Flamingo Gardens is tucked away and very private. They have a nice sized parking lot so you don't have to walk too far to get in. Their admissions fee is not overpriced, and they have snack-bars with interesting varieties of foods.
Their gift shop has an interesting array of little trinkets and a fruit-shipping counter where you can have fresh Florida fruits shipped to your friends and family out of the area.
This place is really a gem!
PROS: A great family day trip
CONS: none
Sawgrass Mills
The Sawgrass Mills Mall can be a bit overwhelming if you don't have the energy to walk for miles and miles...but once you learn the layout you can figure out how to park closest to the stores you like and save yourself some walking. They have restaurants and food courts, indoor playgrounds and amusement parks (Wannado City - very overpriced). They have stores of every caliber and truly carry something for everyone. Parking can be a bit challenging but they do offer valet at a few of their entrances and have recently opened a new multi-level parking garage. It tends to get VERY crowded on the weekends and unbearable teh day after Thankgiving...but all in all is a fabulous mall!
PROS: it's huge!!!
CONS: it's really huge!!!
Caran Art & Frame
Caran Art and Framing has been around as long as I can remember. They have framed many pieces for me - from family pictures, to posters, to diplomas. I have always felt safe leavingimportant pieces with them knowing they will not damage or destroy them and knowing my finished product will come out gorgeous!
Their prices are fair and the staff is friendly. They often have coupons in local papers as well.
They stand behind their work becuase their name is on it.
PROS: Great work - reputable business
CONS: none
Coral Springs Kia
In my years of exoeriences with Coral Springs Auto Mall I have found a variation of customer service. I have found when shopping for a new car there, they are respectful and not pushy. They ask about your needs and try to match them.
But if you go in looking for a used car, and you know the make and model of car you want, they will push a million other cars on you - whether you want/like/can afford them or not. They will call you and email you and hassle you til you are blue in the face.
PROS: pleasant when buying new
CONS: annoying when buying used
Chuck E. Cheese
Yep - I would rather have root canal, but unfortunately my kids love this place and all of its overstimulation! I find the pizza barely edible but the kids love it. The salad bar is tolerable but not impressive at all. Often times many games aren't working and swallow up your tokens but the staff is good about replacing your eaten tokens. Of the Chuck E Cheese locations we have visted, this one is certainly and thankfully the cleanest.
PROS: clean
CONS: overstimulating
Sheraton Grand Chicago
While in Chicago for a Pampered Chef conference this month, we stayed at this hotel. It is walking distance form Magnificent Mile and all the wonderful things to see and do. The concierge is incredibly informative and will hook you up with reservations for the hottest spots in town.
The rooms are small but clean and nice - and many have amazing views (mine had a view of the watrer - wow!). The beds are SO nice - called "Sweet Sleepers" you sleep like a baby! The water-pressure in the shower is amazing and they provide Jergens soaps and Pantene shampoo and ocnditioner rather than the usual junk other hotels offer.
What a great place to stay!!
PROS: location!!
CONS: none
So Sweet It Is, Inc.
So Sweet It Is is a pre-menstrual woman's best friend!! My favroite is their Boca Trash - it is a mixture of clumps of white, dark and milk chocolates with pretzel pieces, oreo pieces and all sorts of crunchy sweet and salty nuggest of deliciousness! They well it in brown paper bags or in little silver or gold trash cans - makes a great gift (especially for me!!)
PROS: amazing chocolate concoctions!
CONS: none
Flora Ottimer Childrens Btq
This is a wonderfully elegant, well appointed children's boutique with a fabulous location on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Whenever we are doing the tourist thing I love to take a stroll through here to get fashion ideas for my children. Their prices are high but the quality and design you get are well worth it. Staff is friendly and helpful and you feel very welcome when you wank through the door!
PROS: elegant - great location
CONS: high priced but well worth it
Bellini Baby & Teen Furniture
I have been shopping this Bellini location for about 8 years now. They always have gorgeous new stuff coming in - from clothing and bedding to furniture and strollers/high chairs. Everything you need!!
The staff is friendly and helpful, too!
The prices are high end but so is the quality.
My only gripe is that you don't get much selection on carseats, strollers, high charis and things like that. But this is because they seek out the best of the best - and only offer you the cream of the crop.
PROS: They take the work out of researching quality stuff
CONS: You pay for it!
Kidz to Kidz
I have both bought and sold here and have always had a great experience doing so! This is a great place to go if you want to have your children dressed nicely but don't have the income to support the better name brands. It is also a great place to sell off your children's outgrown clothing and toys for a few extra dollars every so often.
The people here are friendly and great to deal with - and a+ establishment!
PROS: great quality stuff - great prices
CONS: none
