Altamonte Springs Mall

Another great mall in Seminole county is the Altamonte Mall. It is about 15 minutes from Sanford and features more stores than the Seminole Town Center in Sanford (soon Sanford will have one of the most awesome stores though, H&M!), including an Apple Store.The Altamonte Mall, just as the Seminole Town Center Mall is also part of the Simon Mall family.

I personally don’t like the fact that the Altamonte Mall always seems to be super crowded. I also get lost here every time I go so I have come up with my “personal mall map”. I know exactly where I park, where I enter and where my main stores are located (that would be, park and enter through Barnes & Nobles, Apple store is on same level to the left, right below it is F21, and then there are some other favorites like bebe around it. I never “dare” to run deeper into the shopping jungle ;o) Either way, the Altamonte Mall is a great place to shop if you live in Seminole County.

Here is their complete information:

Altamonte Mall
451 East Altamonte Drive
Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Phone:(407) 215-5100
Monday-Saturday: 10:00am-9:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm-6:00pm

Keep reading for a store directory.

Store Directory

Accessories

• Beya
• Claire’s Accessories
• Coach
• Lids
• Sol
• Solstice Sunglass Boutique
• Sunglass Hut
• Sunglass Hut

Bath & Beauty

• Body Shop Skin & Hair
• Gap Body
• Glamour Shots
• GNC
• Hair Cuttery
• Lee Nails
• MAC
• Perfumania
• Regis
• Trade Secret
• Ulta
• Bath & Body Works

Cards & Gifts

• Barnes & Noble Booksellers
• Jerie Ann’s Hallmark
• Spencer Gifts
• Swarovski
• Things Remembered
• Write In Style
• American Greetings

Children’s Apparel

• Baby Gap
• Gap Kids
• Gymboree
• Justice
• The Children’s Place

Department Stores

• Dillard’s
• JCPenney
• Macy’s
• Sears

Housewares & Home

• Sleep Number by Select Comfort
• Yankee Candle

Jewelry

• Altamonte Gold Buyers
• Brighton Collectibles
• Elegant Accents
• Helzberg Diamonds
• Kay Jewelers
• Magnific Fine Jewelers
• Mayors Jewelers
• Piercing Pagoda
• Swarovski
• Zales Jewelers

Men’s Apparel

• Abercrombie & Fitch
• Aeropostale
• American Eagle Outfitters
• Banana Republic
• Buckle
• G by Guess
• Gap
• Gap Body
• Hollister Co.
• Hot Topic
• Men’s Wearhouse & Tux
• No Fear
• Pac Sun
• Sacino’s Formalwear
• Urban Wear
• Zumiez

Music, Books & Entertainment

• AMC THEATRES Altamonte Mall 18
• Barnes & Noble Booksellers
• Bright House Networks
• f.y.e.
• Gamestop
• Hot Topic
• Pinocchio’s Puppet Theatre
• Radio Shack

Restaurants & Eateries

• Auntie Anne’s
• Bahama Breeze
• Chao Cajun
• Chick-fil-A
• Cinnabon
• DQ Orange Julius
• Elephant Bar Restaurant
• Godiva Chocolatier
• Hovan Gourmet
• Maki of Japan
• Manchu Wok
• McDonald’s
• Natural Choice
• Orlando Ale House
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
• Sbarro Italian Eatery
• Seasons 52
• Steak Escape
• Subway
• Taco Bell

Services

• AMC THEATRES Altamonte Mall 18
• COPS Center
• Glamour Shots
• Hair Cuttery
• Lee Nails
• Lenscrafters
• Nail Spa
• Professional Shoe Repair
• Regis
• Sonus Hearing Aid Center
• Trade Secret

Shoes

• Aldo
• Bakers
• Cathy Jean
• Champs Sports
• Finish Line
• Foot Locker
• Journeys
• Kids Foot Locker
• Payless ShoeSource
• Skechers
• Stride Rite
• Traffic

Specialty

• Barnes & Noble Booksellers
• Dollar Mania
• DQ Orange Julius
• Elegant Art
• GNC
• Godiva Chocolatier
• Quick Test
• Yankee Candle

Sports & Fitness

• Champs Sports
• Finish Line
• Foot Locker
• Sports Fan Attic

Technology & Electronics

• Apple
• Bright House Networks
• f.y.e.
• Gamestop
• InTouch Wireless
• Radio Shack
• Sprint
• T Mobile
• T-Mobile
• Verizon Wireless

Toys & Hobbies

• Build-A-Bear Workshop

Women’s Apparel

• Abercrombie & Fitch
• Aeropostale
• American Eagle Outfitters
• Ann Taylor Loft
• Banana Republic
• Bebe
• Blink
• Buckle
• Caché
• Charlotte Russe
• Express/Express Men
• Forever 21
• G by Guess
• Gap
• Gap Body
• Hollister Co.
• Hot Topic
• Lane Bryant
• Max Rave
• Motherhood Maternity
• New York & Company
• No Fear
• Pac Sun
• Rio
• Victoria’s Secret
• White House Black Market
• Zumiez

Sanford Farmers Market

Sanford FL is a great place to enjoy a relaxed Saturday morning, away from all the hustle and bustle. Since I also wanted to check out the new covered shade I had written about during the week, I decided to visit the weekly Sanford Farmers Market on Magnolia Square and then walk a bit through downtown Sanford to see what was new in town.

It was quite hot but nevertheless there was a good amount of people out here enjoying Sanford, listening to live music at Magnolia Square and visiting the surrounding stores, cafes and restaurants. The shade on Magnolia Square by the way turned out great and I was happy to spend some minutes under it ;o) After buying some fruits we walked along First Street and just took some pictures (see below).

Maya's Book Store

Maya Books and Music is a wonderful place to browse and find some used books. It’s located right on Mangolia Square. I had previously written about this unique book store on Day 6 when it was still located next to the Willow Tree Cafe (German restaurant).

When we walked by the German restaurant (who wouldn’t know this one by now?) I saw the weekend issue of the Sanford Herald displayed in front of the restaurant and found out that the Willow Tree Cafe is competing to be named the top German restaurant in the US! As a big fan of the Willow Tree Cafe, they definitely have my vote. In case you want to cast your vote, visit GermanDeli.com where you can vote once a day until September 1st. Support “Gemuetlichkeit” – there is no better place to live this very “Gemuetlichkeit” than Sanford ;o)

Willow Tree soon #1 German Restaurant in the US? You decide!

I am always amazed by the detail in the beautiful “art wall” (that’s how I call it) on First Street so today I took some more pictures of it… You can really get inspired here and I think I must have spent 20 minutes just looking at it. Very inspiring!

First Street Art Wall

After this quick stop on First Street and Magnolia Square it’s always nice to walk a bit around the Riverwalk or sit on one of the swings overlooking Lake Monroe.

Click the link below to see some more pictures taken on a Saturday in Sanford FL

First Street Art Wall

First Street Art Wall

Sanford Farmers Market

Sanford Farmers Market

Willow Tree Cafe on First Street

At the Sanford Farmers Market

The Art Wall

If you love Sanford, consider joining the Sanford 365 Group – it’s free and you can share your own beautiful pictures of Sanford FL with the world. Click here for more information.

Imperial Design

If you are ever looking for a place in the area that not only alters clothing but also custom tailors dresses or tuxedos, you should stop by Imperial Design, a store off 17-92 in Casselberry. Their services go beyond the occasional sewing jobs you might leave at your dry cleaners (I have 2 left hands when it comes to sewing, so yes, I even drop off shirts that are missing a button… too bad because I love fashion and would love to one day be able to sew my own clothes… *sigh*) I happen to know that Imperial Design produces quality work and I was pretty impressed with their dresses.

Here is their information:

Imperial Design
3238 S US Highway 17/92
Casselberry, FL 32707-2903
(407) 830-7690

Prime Outlet Mall Orlando

As requested by most of our guests from anywhere in the US or the world (in this case Jose’s primas de Colombia) we typically visit Orlando’s most popular outdoor outlet mall, the new Prime Outlet on International Drive.

I personally don’t mind the request by the way. So this Memorial Day I drove down to the Mall. It’s about a 40 minute drive from Sanford, FL, very easy to get to, just take I-4 East and then the Kirkman/I-Drive LEFT Exit. Keep Left and turn at the first traffic light, then just go straight and you will drive right into the mall. Of course, due to this major holiday the parking lot was jammed. Not as bad as back in November for Midnight Madness (I had posted an article about that and a video) but close to it. So after trying to find parking for about 20 minutes we were finally lucky and stormed into the mall area.

Of course, we lost each other after the first couple of stores we visited. Everyone just has their own favorites and let’s admit it, it’s always more fun to try on things for yourself than giving feedback and waiting outside the fitting room

At the Prime Outlet Mall in Orlando

Anyway, since I am on a saving mission I didn’t buy as much as I could have – but that’s a good thing. Nevertheless, I rarely visit Orlando Prime Outlet and walk out empty handed. Our visitors however really took advantage of some great deals and dragged with them numerous shopping bags. I guess when it comes to shopping every woman develops stamina she never even dreamed of having.

For those shopaholics among us, here is again the info of Orlando’s Prime Outlet Mall along with a list of stores (in order not to jam up my front page I am posting this after the “Read More” link.

4951 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 352-9600

Monday – Saturday 10 a.m.- 11 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Open Easter Sunday and Thanksgiving Day.
Closed Christmas Day.
Holiday Hours may vary so please call them.

Store List of Prime Outlet Orlando (Alphabetical Order)

*
o adidas Outlet Store
o (407) 903-7240
o Suite 67
*
o Aeropostale, Inc.
o (407) 248-9024
o Suite 52
*
o ALDO
o (407) 363-5594
o Suite 53
*
o American Apparel
o (407) 354-0676
o Suite 152
*
o Anchor Blue
o (407) 363-4697
o Suite 85
*
o Ann Taylor Factory Stores
o (407) 351-2593
o Suite 23
*
o Aqua Beachwear
o (407) 351-0770
o Suite 127
*
o As Seen on TV
o (407) 363-0820
o Suite 58

*
o Baccarat / Lalique
o (407) 345-8733
o Suite 2
*
o Bali Outlet
o (407) 363-4498
o Suite 26
*
o Banana Republic Factory Store
o (407) 363-4497
o Suite 141
*
o Bass Outlet
o (407) 354-9899
o Suite 83
*
o Bath & Body Works
o (407) 351-1822
o Suite 152
*
o BCBGMAXAZRIA Factory Store
o (407) 903-9229
o Suite 12
*
o Beard Papas Sweet Cafe
o (407) 352-2008
o Suite 42A
*
o Betsey Johnson
o (407) 248-0243
o Suite 4A
*
o Big Apple NY Pretzel
o (407) 306-7899
o Suite 137
*
o Bijoux Terner
o (407) 351-8776
o Suite 49
*
o Bijoux Terner (2nd location)
o (407) 266-0212
o Suite 123
*
o Bose Factory Store
o (407) 363-9161
o Suite 41
*
o Brahmin
o (407) 248-9959
o Suite 166
*
o Brooks Brothers Factory Store
o (407) 363-5918
o Suite 20
*
o Burton Snowboard
o (407) 235-1300
o Suite 186

*
o Calphalon
o (407) 355-7337
o Suite 103
*
o Calvin Klein
o (407) 354-4916
o Suite 99
*
o Calypso St. Barth
o (407) 351-5510
o Suite 134
*
o Canterbury of New Zealand
o (407) 264-9176
o Suite 170
*
o Carter’s
o (407) 345-0003
o Suite 102
*
o Champion
o (407) 352-7231
o Suite 142
*
o Charlotte Russe
o (407) 351-1044
o Suite 70
*
o Chicken Now
o (407) 354-4889
o Suite FC.1
*
o Chico’s
o (407) 363-1796
o Suite 133
*
o Children’s Place Outlet, The
o (407) 226-8610
o Suite 96
*
o China Max
o (407) 903-5889
o Suite FC.6
*
o Claire’s
o (407) 351-6365
o Suite 75
*
o Clarks Bostonian
o (407) 903-5012
o Suite 32
*
o COACH
o (407) 352-6772
o Suite 22
*
o Cole Haan
o (407) 351-2272
o Suite 16
*
o Columbia Sportswear Co. Factory Outlet Store
o (407) 363-0708
o Suite 46
*
o Converse
o (407) 370-5072
o Suite 68
*
o Cosmetics Company Store
o (407) 355-3022
o Suite 160
*
o Crabtree & Evelyn
o (407) 248-8068
o Suite 34

*
o Dickie’s
o (407) 345-5404
o Suite 44
*
o Disney’s Character Warehouse
o (407) 354-3255
o Suite 95
*
o DKNY Jeans
o (407) 226-8920
o Suite 19
*
o DLL Electronics
o (407) 351-4455
o Suite 115
*
o Dooney & Bourke
o (407) 226-0611
o Suite 21
*
o Dress Barn Outlet/Dress Barn Woman Outlet
o (407) 363-2821
o Suite 90

*
o Easy Spirit Outlet
o (407) 352-3179
o Suite 130
*
o Ecko unltd.
o (407) 354-4407
o Suite 54
*
o Ed Hardy Outlet
o (407) 903-1461
o Suite 4B
*
o Eddie Bauer Outlet
o (407) 345-1502
o Suite 176
*
o Electronics Outlet
o (407) 345-1641
o Suite 62
*
o Esmer Outlet
o (407) 370-7075
o Suite 84
*
o ESPRIT
o (407) 903-7160
o Suite 29
*
o Exclusive Perfumes
o (407) 226-3777
o Suite 101

*
o Faconnable
o Coming Soon
o Suite 5
*
o Factory Brand Shoes
o (407) 352-0443
o Suite 89
*
o Five Guys
o (407) 352-8362
o Suite FC.4
*
o Foot Locker Outlet
o (407) 352-0804
o Suite 77
*
o Forever 21
o (407) 248-0702
o Suite 80
*
o Fossil
o (407) 352-4107
o Suite 114
*
o Fragrance Outlet
o (407) 352-9737
o Suite 118
*
o Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory
o (407) 345-5666
o Suite 91

*
o Gap Outlet
o (407) 345-0467
o Suite 97
*
o Gap Outlet Kids & Baby
o (407) 345-0467
o Suite 97
*
o Gold Toe
o (407) 370-4538
o Suite 146
*
o GUESS
o (407) 264-5284
o Suite 15
*
o Guest Services
o (407) 352-9600
o Suite GS
*
o Gymboree Outlet
o (407) 354-9833
o Suite 25

*
o Haagen Daz
o (407) 248-0141
o Suite 33
*
o Haagen Daz (2nd Location)
o
o Suite FC
*
o Hanesbrand
o (407) 352-8111
o Suite 93
*
o Hartstrings Childrenswear
o (407) 351-7009
o Suite 98
*
o Hugo Boss Factory Store
o (407) 264-9599
o Suite 50

*
o IZOD
o (407) 226-0638
o Suite 55

*
o J. Crew
o (407) 226-6862
o Suite 178
*
o Jack’s Steakery
o (407) 903-6988
o Suite FC.7
*
o Janie and Jack Outlet
o (407) 370-0886
o Suite 121
*
o Japan Cafe & Grill
o (407) 354-4489
o Suite FC.2
*
o Jockey
o (407) 363-4840
o Suite 30
*
o Jones New York
o (407) 248-3069
o Suite 128
*
o Journeys
o (407) 903-5003
o Suite 69
*
o Judith Ripka
o (407) 370-0965
o Suite 2A
*
o Juicy Couture
o (407) 355-7225
o Suite 10

*
o Kafe Kalik
o (407) 248-0889
o Suite 39
*
o Kasper Outlet
o (407) 354-1344
o Suite 132
*
o kate spade
o (407) 266-9717
o Suite 6
*
o Kay Jewelers
o (407) 351-8464
o Suite 47
*
o Kenneth Cole
o (407) 903-1191
o Suite 13

*
o Lane Bryant Outlet
o (407) 226-3222
o Suite 142
*
o Le Creuset
o (407) 226-9033
o Suite 37
*
o Le Gourmet Chef
o (407) 226-0677
o Suite 168
*
o Levi’s/Dockers by Most
o (407) 903-5412
o Suite 112
*
o Lids
o (407) 345-5545
o Suite 56
*
o Limited Too!
o (407) 363-9450
o Suite 81
*
o Liz Claiborne New York
o (407) 351-4546
o Suite 111
*
o L’Occitane Outlet
o (407) 351-5011
o Suite 119
*
o LOFT Outlet
o (407) 345-8071
o Suite 156

*
o Maidenform
o (407) 248-1030
o Suite 92
*
o Max Rave
o (407) 226-2701
o Suite 76
*
o Michael Kors
o (407) 370-4460
o Suite 14
*
o MOVADO Company Store
o (407) 363-5300
o Suite 8

*
o Nautica
o (407) 226-1661
o Suite 122
*
o Nautica Kids
o (407) 226-1661
o Suite 122
*
o Neiman Marcus Last Call Clearance Center
o (407) 264-2988
o Suite 1
*
o Nestle Tollhouse
o (407) 352-0007
o Suite 119
*
o New Balance Factory Store
o (407) 903-9551
o Suite 113
*
o Nike Factory Store
o (407) 351-9400
o Suite 66

*
o Oakley Vault
o (407) 355-3772
o Suite 48
*
o Orlando Harley Davidson
o (407) 363-9480
o Suite 43
*
o OshKosh
o (407) 352-6414
o Suite 100

*
o PacSun
o (407) 354-4492
o Suite 79
*
o Payless Shoe Outlet
o (407) 370-0835
o Suite 78
*
o Pearl Izumi
o (407) 352-2555
o Suite 184
*
o Perfumania
o (407) 351-8619
o Suite 60
*
o Perfumania (2nd location)
o (407) 226-3738
o Suite 162
*
o Perry Ellis
o (407) 355-3003
o Suite 107
*
o Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store
o (407) 903-0339
o Suite 180

*
o Rack Room
o (407) 370-0126
o Suite 100
*
o Reebok/Rockport Outlet Store
o (407) 351-9335
o Suite 190
*
o Robert Wayne Footwear
o 407-351-9051
o Suite 94
*
o rue21
o (407) 363-9546
o Suite 73

*
o Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH
o (407) 354-5757
o Suite 154
*
o Samsonite Black Label
o (407) 355-9876
o Suite 125
*
o Samsonite Factory Outlet
o (407) 363-6964
o Suite 59
*
o SAS Factory Shoe Store
o (407) 264-9890
o Suite 105
*
o Sbarro
o (407) 351-8447
o Suite FC.3
*
o Sean John Factory Store
o (407) 351-6784
o Suite 51
*
o Skechers
o (407) 370-2945
o Suite 82
*
o Solstice Sunglass Boutique
o (407) 363-0290
o Suite 158
*
o St. John Outlet
o (407) 352-5646
o Suite 3
*
o Starbucks
o (407) 363-5535
o Suite 36
*
o Stride Rite/Sperry/Keds
o (407) 363-4606
o Suite 87
*
o Stuart Weitzman
o (407) 351-2020
o Suite 7
*
o Subway
o (407) 226-0308
o Suite FC.5
*
o Sunglass Club
o (407) 354-2310
o Suite 24
*
o Sunglass Club (2nd Location)
o (407) 248-1520
o Suite 88
*
o Sunglass Hut
o (407) 248-8363
o Suite 139
*
o Sunglass Station/Totes
o (407) 248-0040
o Suite 117
*
o Surf Warehouse
o (407) 351-1352
o Suite 106

*
o Ted Baker London
o Opening Summer 2009
o Suite 164
*
o The North Face
o (407) 248-1277
o Suite 182
*
o Timberland Factory Store
o (407) 370-6630
o Suite 31
*
o Time Factory Watch Outlet
o (407) 226-9955
o Suite 126
*
o Tommy Hilfiger
o (407) 354-0225
o Suite 124
*
o Tommy Hilfiger Kids
o (407) 354-0225
o Suite 124
*
o Tourneau
o (407) 354-1724
o Suite 38
*
o Travelpro
o (407) 354-2239
o Suite 108
*
o Tropical Sensations
o (407) 363-0899
o Suite FC.8
*
o Tumi
o (407) 370-3344
o Suite 35

*
o U.S. Polo ASSN
o (407) 264-5782
o Suite 116
*
o ULTRA DIAMONDS
o (407) 345-1045
o Suite 45
*
o Under Armour Factory House
o (407) 355-3177
o Suite 64

*
o Van Heusen
o (407) 354-3226
o Suite 57
*
o Vans
o (407) 248-8577
o Suite 65
*
o Victoria’s Secret Outlet
o (407) 355-9891
o Suite 174

*
o Watch Station International
o (407) 226-6910
o Suite 131
*
o Wet Seal
o (407) 370-5723
o Suite 63
*
o White House/Black Market
o (407) 345-8781
o Suite 24
*
o Wilsons Leather Outlet
o (407) 354-1502
o Suite 61

*
o Zales, Fine Jewelry Outlet
o (407) 956-2578
o Suite 135
*
o Zoo York
o (407) 226-2155
o Suite 71

*
o 2b bebe
o (407) 226-3200
o Suite 129
*
o 7 for All Mankind
o (407) 226-0586
o Suite 11

Seminole Towne Center Mall Sanford

247 Days and other than in a quick post about Santa at the mall I hadn’t yet mentioned one of my favorite places in Sanford: the Seminole Towne  Center Mall (yes, it is spelled with an “e”!). Well, I’m saying favorite places because I just like shopping in general.

I have to admit, there are prettier malls in Central Florida, like my favorite, the Mall at Millenia or the new Prime Outlet Mall. (Sorry for the pic, it isn’t helping so much either but it was another rainy day in Sanford and I really wanted to blog about the mall today…will post a nice one later on!) But if you live in Sanford and the surrounding area, there really is no reason other than a must have item from a store that is not present at the Seminole mall, to skip this convenient shopping location. On my quest to help local businesses I am now visiting (and shopping) more often at the Seminole Towne Center. Wouldn’t it be just awful for this area if the mall should close? So please, despite its lack of fanciness, support this mall so we all get to enjoy it for years to come.

Below is a list of stores located at the Seminole Towne Center, along with opening hours and the exact address in case you aren’t from Sanford (because honestly, if you are, there’s no way you could miss the huge cement block right off Exit 101 C in Sanford

Seminole Towne Center
200 Towne Center Cir
Sanford, FL 32771
(407) 323-2262

Seminole Towne Center Mall Directory:

Accessories
2 Guys Cellular (Metro PCS)
Acme Cap
All Cell Design (Sprint)
AT&T
Claire’s Boutique
Coach
Costumes, Gags and Gifts
H&M (Coming Soon – What??? I am just seeing this! This deserves a separate blog post!! Huge NEWS!!!)
Hat Shack
House of Belts & Buckles
IPhone IPod
J.B. Robinson Jewelers
Oriental Charms
Perfume & Jewels
Piercing Pagoda Plus
Sol
Squeem
Sunglass Hut International
Sunny Shades
The Bear Factory
Tilly’s
Zumiez

Cards / Books / Gifts / Stationery
Borders Express
Brookstone
Coliseum of Comics
Gifts of the Season
JerieAnne’s Hallmark
Spencer Gifts
The Bear Factory
Things Remembered

Children’s Fashions
Costumes, Gags and Gifts
Dazzle
Disney Store, The
Gymboree
H&M
The Children’s Place
Tilly’s

Cigars / Tobacco
Smoking Everywhere

Department Stores
Belk
Dillard’s
JCPenney
Macy*s
Sears

Entertainment
Coliseum of Comics
Costumes, Gags and Gifts
EB Games
Simon Kidgits Korner Play Area
Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster – FYE
United Artists Theatre

Health and Beauty
Bath & Body Works
Deep Sea Cosmetics
Escape Day Spa
GNC
MAC Cosmetics
Miracles of the Dead Sea
Perfumania
Perfume & Jewels
Perfume Collection
proactiv SOLUTION
The Body Shop Skin & Hair
Things Forgotten
Victoria’s Secret Beauty
Vitamin World
Yachter Family Chiropractic

Home Furnishings
Ambiance
Brookstone
Oriental Charms
Relax In Comfort
Select Comfort
Yankee Candle

Jewelry
AA Jewelers
Belk Fine Jewelry
Gordon’s Jewelers
J.B. Robinson Jewelers
Kay Jewelers
L&K Jewelers
Mayor’s Jewelers
Perfume & Jewels
Piercing Pagoda
Piercing Pagoda Plus
Sam’s Watch & Jewelry
The Gold King
Zales Jewelers

Luggage
Coach

Men’s & Women’s Fashions
Aeropostale
American Eagle Outfitters
Anchor Blue
Buckle
H&M
Hollister Co.
Hot Topic
PacSun
Tilly’s
Zumiez

Men’s Fashions
Adam’s Menswear
Anchor Blue
Buckle
Costumes, Gags and Gifts
Hollister Co.
Sacino’s Formalwear
Tilly’s
Zumiez

Music / Electronics / Video
All Cell Design (Sprint)
AT&T
Brookstone
Cell All
EB Games
fye – For Your Entertainment
Hot Topic
In Touch Wireless
IPhone IPod
Radio Shack
Sprint
Sprint NEXTEL Wireless
T-Cellular
T-Mobile
The Mobile Solution
The Piano Shoppe

Optical / Eyewear
LensCrafters
Optical Outlets
Sears Optical
Vision Works

Photography
JCPenney Portrait Studio
Jon Thomas Photography
Olan Mills
Sears Portrait Studio

Restaurants (order at the counter)
Cajun Cafe Grill
Charley’s Grilled Subs
Chick-fil-A
China Max
Dairy Queen / Orange Julius
Hovan Gourmet
Maki of Japan
Natures Table Cafe
Sbarro
Subway
Taco Bell
Wendy’s

Restaurants (order via wait staff)
Hooters
Olive Garden
Orlando Ale House
Red Lobster
Ruby Tuesday
Steak & Shake

Services
2 Guys Cellular (Metro PCS)
All Cell Design (Sprint)
AT&T
Cellular Sales of Verizon
Dillard’s Travel
Empire Today
Escape Day Spa
Hat Shack
Hot Heads Salon
In Touch Wireless
JCPenney Styling Salon
John’s Heel and Sew
Le Nails
LensCrafters
MasterCuts
Optical Outlets
Perfect Brow Art
Regis Salons
Sears Auto Center
Sears Optical
Sears Portrait Studio
Seminole Nails & Spa
Sprint
Sprint NEXTEL Wireless
Trade Secret
Vision Works

Shoes
Finish Line
Foot Locker
Journeys
Lady Foot Locker
Payless ShoeSource
Rack Room Shoes
The Children’s Place
Tilly’s
Traffic Shoes
Zumiez

Specialty Food
Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
Bourbon Street Candy Co.
Cinnabon
Dippin’ Dots
Godiva Chocolatier
Haagen Daz/ Nestle Toll House
Indigo’s Fruit Smoothies
Natures Table Cafe

Specialty Shops
AT&T
Bath & Body Works
Best Friends Puppy Boutique
Best of As Seen on TV
Brookstone
Coach
Hat Shack
Jon Thomas Photography
Perfumania
proactiv SOLUTION
Sears Portrait Studio
Smoking Everywhere
Spencer Gifts
The Body Shop Skin & Hair
Things Remembered
Tilly’s
Trendy Teachers

Sporting Goods / Activewear
Champs Sports
Finish Line
Foot Locker
Journeys
Team Choice
Team Sports USA
Zumiez

Toys and Games
Disney Store, The
EB Games
The Bear Factory
Trendy Teachers

Women’s Fashions
Anchor Blue
Ann Taylor
Buckle
Caché
Charlotte Russe
Christopher & Banks
Coldwater Creek
Costumes, Gags and Gifts
Fredericks of Hollywood
Hollister Co.
Lady Couture
Motherhood Maternity
New York & Company
Papaya
Rave
Talbots
Tilly’s
Victoria’s Secret
Wet Seal
Zumiez

Best Buy Sanford FL

Well, my digital camera (Casio Exilim) had been acting up for a while and many of my pictures actually never turned out right (had a funny pink neon glow around all brighter spots, especially during day time photography) so I finally decided to get a new digital camera.

Since Circuit City (where I had my old camera insured – great!) closed we buy our electronics at Best Buy. Not that I ever thought that Cicuit City had better service than Best Buy, I think we just always went there because of their lower prices. And since we mosly knew what we wanted I didn’t mind the mediocre service.

I actually like Best Buy’s service – at least they always offer their help and make sure you’re finding what you need. So after talking to one of the sales associates at Best Buy we finally decided to buy the Sony Cyber Shot 12.1 Mega Pixels camera. It has a wide angle lens which was very important to me and the test pictures we took at the store turned out great.Another great feature: a smile detector. I am sure I will have some fun with that

I have a good feeling about this new companion of mine. I think the camera will be of great help to finish my 365 project – 133 days to go, BTW. I will still use my old Casio camera for the more “dangerous” projects like going to the beach or a night out in downtown Orlando.

So here is one more shot taken with my old camera – from now on most pictures will be taken with my new Sony or, of course, my beloved Canon Eos Rebel XT.

Inside Best Buy Sanford FL (taken with old camera)

Ritz Camera Sanford

After Circuit City I am sad to see yet another business of the Target Plaza at W P Ball Boulevard go: Ritz Camera in Sanford is closing and having a closing sale. Hopefully this is the last one to go and the vacant building will be filled promptly.

Since we have seen so many local businesses close lately I have become even more determined to support local businesses. I won’t take my business to other areas but look instead for alternatives in this area. We have great businesses all within reach so why drive all the way to the Disney/Orlando area if we can have the same in Sanford and Lake Mary? My next mall visit will be at the Seminole Town Center, not the Mall at Millenia, and the next restaurant or bar will definitely be a local business in Sanford or Lake Mary (well, not much would be changing here…). I am happy that our beautiful area has such great places that we can all enjoy, why not support that? It has taken a long time for them to come out here, let’s not lose them now! The big ones will survive, they typically do, I am determined to help the small ones now.

On a positive note, Colonial Town Park in Lake Mary and downtown Sanford have become very popular recently. In the past weeks we have noticed full restaurants and bars and lots of people out here! That is great news and makes going out in Sanford/Lake Mary even more fun

So next time you’re thinking about driving all the way down to I-Drive or Universal for entertainment, think about possibly exploring this area for a change. It will save the environment through less gas consumption, reduce your driving and increase your amusement time and, last but not least, it will help you and your community!

Mosaic Station in Sanford FL

Mosaic Station is located on Palmetto Avenue in downtonw Sanford FL. The store doesn’t only offer mosaic supplies and custom mosaic art work, it also offers private mosaic classes which I think is a great idea! If you’d like more info about those classes, give them a call at 407.323.3555.

Studio Hours are by appointment only but you will typically find the store open at events like Alive After Five, every second Thursday of the month from 5pm-9pm.

Here is the business info about Mosaic Station:

Mosaic Station
106 South Palmetto
Sanford, FL  32771
Phone: 407.323.3555
Fax: 407.830.8361
Email Contact: rLandco@yahoo.com

New Look of Hollerbach Willow Tree Cafe

Yes, the Hollerbach Willow Tree Cafe, Sanford’s famous German restaurant has a new look! They also have expanded and there are rumors that they are soon moving a European food store into the store next door (formerly Maya’s Used Books store – but don’t worry, Maya’s Book store is still there, she just moved further down on First Street to the corner with Magnolia Square). I didn’t have time to stop by and check out the Willow Tree that day but will soon be back and report what is new! I’m excited about it, especially the rumor of the new European food store

Home Depot in Sanford FL

Since I was looking for a vacuum cleaner today I had to visit 2 local home improvement warehouse stores: Home Depot and Lowes. To make a long story short: no, I didn’t find what I was looking for. Nevertheless I took my daily pics at the two locations. I couldn’t help but wonder: are you a Home Depot or Lowes person? Is there even a difference?

Home Depot Lake Mary

For my part, I mostly visit Home Depot (of course only if I have to because I am by no means a handy girl…), however that is more out of convenience. The location is just closer to where I am located and you can reach Home Depot easier from I-4. I mean it basically is right off the Exit 98 in Lake Mary.

I have to say though, when it comes to their advertising and branding, I prefer Lowes. They are just so much more my style – and they have a partnership with HGTV which is one of my favorite channels (yes, even in my spare time I have to look at real estate…). Also, and I am not sure why that was, I noticed that Lowes keeps their store temperature higher. It actually felt quite pleasant to be in there compared to Home Depot. Now I am not sure if they did it because they need to save money or because they are green. The latter I would prefer because I think being green is NOT about saving money, it is about saving the environment. The money saving is just a nice side effect.I wish LOWES was a bit better located because to drive all the way down Lake Mary Boulevard in order to get there is not time smart and not green because of the gas pollution. But then again, how often am I really going?

Anyway, are you a Home Depot or Lowes person and why? Just curious…

Here’s both stores info in case you need some tools

Home Depot Lake Mary
4600 W Lake Mary Blvd,
Lake Mary, FL 32746
(407) 333-9650

Lowes Sanford
3780 S Orlando Dr
Sanford, FL 32773
(407) 430-4060