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Activities, Shopping

Books For a Cold Winter’s Night (or day for that matter)

When the weather is dreary like this, my thoughts turn to getting cozy with a good book in a comfy chair, perhaps by the fire. Did you know that Mill Creek is teeming with Book Clubs? Even if you are not into joining a group you can get some ideas for your next read.

The University Book Store 15311 Main Street in Mill Creek has a special shelf loaded with the latest selections from local groups including three book clubs of its own.

The Main Street Book Club is reading Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson. They will meet to discuss the book on Wednesday February 23 at 6:30PM. Recent past choices include: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese, Straight Man by Richard Russo, and Winner of the 2009 National Book Award, Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann.

If you are more in the mood for a classic, The Creek Classics Book Club is reading Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier.  “Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.” This would be an excellent choice for that cozy spot by the fire with a cup of tea or a glass of wine, all while listening to the wind howl outside and the rain on the window. Ooh, I’m scaring myself. Is that Mrs. Danvers I hear creeping down the stairs? Come to discuss on March 8 at 6:30PM

The bookstore also hosts @thecreekbc – “a book club for readers of the best in young adult fiction.” Their current pick is North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley. They will meet to discuss on March 7 at 7:00PM. This group can also be followed on facebook and twitter.

In addition, The Mill Creek Library Book Club and Mill Creek Library Non-Fiction Book Club are represented. They are reading The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls and Charlatan by Pope Brock, respectively.

I counted 9 additional neighborhood book clubs with their current picks available! These are private groups that have formed in the area. They have registered with University Book Store, and they keep the manager informed of their picks. The U Bookstore endeavors to keep a certain number in stock and club members can purchase the books and receive a small discount. Some of the current selections are:

  • Mudbound by Hillary Jordan
  • The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver
  • Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
  • Mourning Becomes Cassandra by Christine Dudley
  • Letters From Yellowstone by Diane Smith (sounds interesting)
  • The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (loved this one)
  • Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet: a Novel by Jamie Ford (on my list)
  • Sea of Poppies by Amitov Ghosh
  • Pulitzer Prize Winner The Dead Hand by David E Hoffman (looks good)

Well, I hope this list helps, and you are inspired to read. At least you know what your neighbors are reading. Do Tell. The University Book Store and the Mill Creek Library have shelves and shelves more.  So no excuses; get cozy and get reading.

Weather and ambience

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Hope you all have plans with loved ones and/or you are able to find yourselves cozy tonight whether out on the town or at home. It is an ugly, cold, blustery, wet day for sure. Ugh, just one of the too many we’ve endured this winter. Is it just me or is this an unusually gray, soggy, dreary winter? Alas, I will snap out of this; enough of the whining! It is good to see all the red and pink in the stores just to brighten up the view around here. And of course in the Northwest the abundance of greenery including our iconic evergreen trees helps. Sigh.

Activities

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

People, Shopping

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.

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Bright partly sunny, crisp, cool day in Mill Creek, my favorite little city outside of Seattle.

A lot of people are out enjoying a walk, including moms with babies in strollers and others with their pups on leash. It’s a nice day to see and be seen while soaking up the ambience on the steps between Central Market and Starbuck’s.

Central Market, hmm, maybe run in for some fresh sockeye salmon, and all the fixings for broccoli risotto. Wonder what they have for Prosecco? I love Central Market! We are so lucky to have it in the neighborhood. It is always fun to browse in search of great food and wine choices. If you can think of it, they probably have it. Every department has friendly staff that are helpful and eager to offer suggestions or answer questions about ingredients and preparation. Do tell.