While in the US over winter break, I discovered this fabulous shop (which has over 175 stores throughout the US) and the whole family fell in love with it.  What’s so fabulous? It’s accessory heaven!  It’s Charming Charlie!

You can find every type of accessory imaginable, from purses to headbands, from jewellery to scarves.  You can even find tops and boots and bejeweled lanyards (Blogher anyone?!?!).

What makes this store even more special is that it is ORGANIZED BY COLOUR. There’s a pink section, a lime green section, a yellow section (and of course black, white & silver).  I’m not going through all the colours but you will find corals and orange, teal and turquoise, and the list goes on…

And if just being able to shop this heavenly experience isn’t convincing enough…let me add this: PRICES ARE REASONABLE.  I mean really reasonable, like my rhinestone-flower headband for $9.97.  There are great items for under $10! Stunning bracelets and necklaces in every style imaginable (and gorgeous!) in the $10-$20 range.  I really mean it. REASONABLE.

And the piece-de-resisitance for moms of daughters? CHARLIE GIRL. On the side of the main store, in a ‘separate’ store, but attached, is an entire section dedicated to young girls. Also, for the most part, organized by colour.

In addition, the accessories & clothing to be found here are STYLISH and AGE-APPROPRIATE!!!!

As a mom of a ten year old fashionista, allow me to tell you that it’s exceptionally difficult to find stylish clothing for girls that is age-appropriate.  I don’t want her buttoned up in a sailor’s outfit but plunging necklines and black lace are not my idea of age-appropriate. Not at 10 and not at 14! But that’s pretty much what’s available.  And not just for 10 year olds…once they hit about 6 or 7…good luck! Any moms of girls with me on this one???

Well, Charlie Girl offers fashionable tops that are cut with flair.  They offer hats and purses in every shape and texture, sparkly or matte, in a veritable rainbow of colours.  There is something for everyone.  My girls left with sequined caps that they recently wore to the night party of a Bar-Mitzvah and received so many compliments.  Price tag? $12.97 (and they paid for part..but that’s for another post!) Note: not all locations have a Charlie Girl section, but the one at the Gulfstream Village in Hallandale, Florida does.

I have included some photos of the store in this post, but you should know that they are taken at Charming Charlie Albany, because those I took in Hallandale were in my iPhone which had been stolen on the way home (fodder for another post as well).  Unfortunately the Albany location doesn’t have a Charlie Girl, so I don’t have any photos

I have recommended this store to at least two friends who came out with raving reviews…I have no doubt that if you love accessories and fashion, you will LOVE Charming Charlie.

To get a peek at the type of things they carry as well as a list of locations visit www.charmingcharlie.com.  NOTE: What you see on the website represents a fraction of what you’ll find in store and different stores carry different items.  Also what’s on the site is not necessarily in store & vice-versa.

What a fun experience! With spring break coming up & many families headed south of the border, I just had to share.

If you get a chance to visit, let me know what you think!

Wishing you a charming day

Tanya

I was recently invited to a kick-off event for Dolphin Aid Canada. I have to confess, my first impression was that this was a foundation to “save the dolphins”.  That’s so NOT the case.

Dolphin Aid is an organization whose objective is to raise money in order to fund special needs children and their families who could benefit from Dolphin Assisted Therapy at the Curacao Dolphin Therapy & Research Center (CDTC).  Dolphin Aid Canada is launching for the purpose of providing Canadian families with this unique and therapeutic opportunity.

It’s possible that, like me, you haven’t heard of Dolphin Assisted Therapy.  It’s also possible you haven’t heard of Curacao.   I will do my best to share with you what I know and I will also provide you with some resource & contact information should you be interested in inquiring further.

What is Dolphin-Assisted Therapy?

Dolphin Assisted Therapy is literally a therapeutic program for special needs individuals, in this case: children, where dolphins are actually involved in the treatment.

How are the dolphins involved?

Dolphins have an uncanny, almost magical knack, for understanding and identifying children with special needs and act towards them with extra-special gentleness and kindness.  Part of the therapy that takes place at the CDTC is that the children get to actually work with the dolphins from the platform.  This gives them a sense of responsibility. The positive reactions and love they inevitably receive from these affectionate mammals helps to build their self esteem and literally brings the laughter back into the lives of those where it had gone missing.

Who attends?

The entire family.  Special needs affect the lives of both parents and siblings, and therefore their involvement in the therapy is an integral part of its success.  Furthermore, the families usually desperately need, and rarely get, a break.  Given that they are not needed for all of the therapy sessions, they can benefit from the beautiful beaches and all that Curacao has to offer.  This re-energizing is essential for families and rarely, if ever, do they get the chance to truly vacation worry-free.  A trip to the CDTC in Curacao offers that opportunity.

Where is Curacao?

Curacao is a Dutch island in the Carribbean. Though not widely known to North Americans, those who are familiar with it refer to it as a “hidden gem”.

What qualifies as ‘special needs’

Special needs are special needs. Period.  From Asperger’s to Down Syndrome to conditions so rare they affect only 5o people worldwide, they qualify.  For a complete list of diagnoses that ‘qualify’ click here.  Note: even if a diagnosis does not appear on the list, it does not mean that it does not qualify.  To be sure consult with the CDTC or Dolphin Aid Canada.

How long is treatment?

What is generally recommended is a two-week program.

How are the dolphins treated?

The dolphins interact with the children of their own free will.  They are living in a natural lagoon with fresh, flowing ocean water.  They are well-fed, loved and respected in every way.

How much does it cost?

The cost per child, for  a two week program is approximately $7,350 USD.  This does not include the cost of airfare and accommodations.

Are subsidies available?

YES.  Through Dolphin Aid Canada.

Is there some way that I can help?

YES. Dolphin Aid Canada can only send deserving families if it has the funds to do so. Every dollar raised helps.  Some concrete ways that you can help:

• Make a donation (every single dollar helps)
• Donate air miles/ travel points to help families to get there
• Raise funds
• Attend the Dolphin Aid Canada kickoff event. See here for details
• Like the Dolphin Aid Canada Facebook Page to stay up-to-date with developments as well as ways that you can help
• Spread the word to generate awareness

What are the details of this “kick off event”?

• Sunday February 19th
• The F.I.R.M Club Lounge 2362 Hymus (Pointe Claire H9P 1J9)
• Live performances from Soulvation and All Day Dreamers
• $30 admission includes one special drink and a light buffet
• Many raffle prizes!

• ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO DIRECTLY TO HELPING A MONTREAL FAMILY GET THERE.

Has Dolphin Aid Canada sent any families to the CDTC yet?

On March 10th 2012, thanks to Dolphin Aid, a family from Montreal with a special needs child will be departing for Curacao for a two week specialized therapy program at the CDTC.  CTV W5 will support the mission with a documentary about the unique work and great success at the CTDC during the two weeks. Dolphin Aid has secured the family for one week of specialized therapy and accommodations.  The objective of the kickoff event is to raise the funds for the second week of therapy, accommodation and flights.

Who can I contact to find out more about Dolphin Aid Canada?

Sheila Botton, fab Montreal mom of 3, Editor of Events Curacao and Co-Founder of a2z Parents, found her calling when she first witnessed a therapy session at the CDTC.  She is making it her mission to get as many Canadian families as she can to the CDTC.  SHE is the one to contact.  You can do so by emailing her at dolphinaidtherapy@gmail.com.

Where can I find out more about the CDTC?

Visit their website at: www.cdtc.an

I hope you will join me in supporting this fabulous initiative!

Have a wonderful day,

Tanya

I pride myself on my practicality.  My hubby and I decided many years ago to skip the Valentine’s celebration.  The need to make  plans, spending money on cards, flowers, gifts…Who needed it? We know that we love each other and that should be enough.  Lucky to be comfortable enough with that knowledge,we didn’t need a commercial holiday to remind us.  It was an impractical use of our time and money.  February 14th then became a celebration of how ‘cool’ we both were by not buying into all of this Valentine’s business.

So why have I been rethinking that philosophy this year?  I still don’t feel the need to go out to dinner.  I’d rather we didn’t spend $20 on flowers (or even $10), I don’t want or need chocolates…so I’m still my practical self…so what’s going on?  Why do I feel the need to celebrate?

Because practicality is one thing but apathy is quite another. Because I miss the me that used to LOOK FOR  excuses to celebrate.

Because once upon a time, not only would I celebrate my birthday, but every moment leading up to it.  I’d say things like “This is that last 15th of the month that I will be 19 year old”.  Every moment was worth celebrating- whether it was an anniversary, a friend in town for a visit or completing an exam.

Somehow, over the years, my birthday ceased to matter as much (to me) and we pride ourselves on being flexible as to when we celebrate our milestones. “We’re not fixated on dates” is our classic line (as a result, we celebrated our anniversary 3 months later this year). Don’t get me wrong, I love that we allow ourselves the flexibilty.  I love that we’re not fixated, but I guess I keep thinking that what we’ve actually done is allowed, somehow, day-to-day activity to trump celebration, and that’s NOT cool.  Putting the celebrating ahead of the work, ahead of the logic, keeps us focused on what’s important.

And so this year, we will continue to be practical, so we won’t go out & spend all kinds of money on cards & chocolate.  We’ll still have chicken fajitas with the kids for dinner and make sure their homework is done and their teeth are brushed. Valentine’s Day is not our own special milestone. It is, however, an excuse to celebrate.

And so tonight you won’t find me in my office or on Twitter or on Facebook and you won’t find my hubby “just sending one more email”.  Because tonight, when the kids go to bed, we will have a date night at home.  We haven’t yet figured out if that will mean chatting by the fire, over a glass of wine, with some Jazz music playing in the background or cuddling up to watch something we PVR’d 6 months ago but still haven’t gotten to.  The point is, that whatever we do, we will celebrate being together, and the fact that we can still be practical while celebrating the moment.

How, if at all, do you celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Wishing you special moments and excuses to celebrate.  Happy Valentine’s Day!

Tanya