No, it’s not a typo… to talk about boutique shopping in the Hamptons, land of the uber wealthy, is almost cliche. But hidden in north central Iowa the town of Hampton may not be your idea of a shopping destination.  Before you click away let me change your perceptions. Gourmet Bath Salts at Cornerstone Cottage Incredible Treasures, Affordable Prices Hampton, Iowa, located 30 miles south of Mason City, is best known for it’s magnificent courthouse on the town square.  In the past few years the historic buildings surrounding that square have become revitalized and now house shops filled with treasures for everyone. My first stop- because I had my girls along- was Cornerstone Cottage Kids.  The fun, bright shop was filled with enough bling and frill to entrance my girls.  Get your boys past the flashy girl stuff and you’ll find treasures here for them, as well.  In the back of this old TV repair shop is a craft room just waiting for a girls night or fun ...[more »]

The Shops of Ruskin in Seaside, Florida Seaside, Florida, is a brilliantly laid out, planned beach community on Highway 30A in Florida. The entire town speaks to a different time, when there was time to spend drinking iced tea on porches and when it was important to always say hello to your neighbor. At Seaside’s core is a central square that surrounds the community amphitheater. This square houses a collection of shops, cafes, and ice cream parlor and the like which afford beach-goers some air conditioned relief from the very sunny days. Chances are you’ll duck inside these stores every ten minutes or so during the very hot days of July and August, but during the rest of the year, the trees provide enough shade and encourage more lazy wandering. All sorts of shops can be found here — art galleries, clothing stores, restaurants and funky stores that are difficult to categorize. An ice cream shop beckons in Seaside, Florida If there’s one word that could sum...[more »]

A few years ago, our family decided to go to Mall of America. On a Saturday. Which happened to be Valentine’s Day.  Let me tell you this:  it was a very popular place to be! In 2011, with Valentine’s Day falling on a Monday, couples may decide to celebrate on the weekend or on February 14, and Mall of America will be a popular destination as always. These are some special Valentine’s Day specials happening at Mall of America this year: Special menus and features at restaurants such as Napa Valley Grille, Tucci Benucch, and Twin City Grille Three-course dinner for two, $90, or with a bottle of wine, $120, at Crave Free double sided lip gloss with purchase of two products at Origins (February 11-14) 100 truffles of your choice for $30 plus free token heart tin at Lindt. Date night package at Theatres at Mall of America (February 11-15). Producers package for $25 includes two general admission tickets, two large sodas, and a large popcorn.  Directors package for $30...[more »]