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Although my wedding was several years ago, I know my wedding photographer is still in business in the Bay Area so I wanted to give a review of our experience with him. First off, he’s a very gifted...
Although my wedding was several years ago, I know my wedding photographer is still in business in the Bay Area so I wanted to give a review of our experience with him. First off, he’s a very gifted photographer, and our pictures came out beautifully. He focuses primarily on ‘capturing the moments’ or photojournalistic technique, and does a fabulous job of catching those random little moments that you’d otherwise forget (including those embarrassing shots of your guests doing the hula or Macarena). He also does posed photographs, if you request them. We ended up with more than 400 pictures in both black and white and color, and almost all of them were clear and the colors were amazing and accurate. He currently offers both digital and film packages so you can select your preference. Although I don’t recall seeing him much at all during my reception, he was apparently just about everywhere because our pictures are so comprehensive! He gives you your negatives, which is awesome because most photographers will insist on keeping them, or will charge an extra fee. Pricing is in line with that of other wedding photographers in the area.
He was on time to our wedding, though he could have been a little earlier (had I realized he wasn’t there before he was I probably would have freaked out). The only issue I had was that after my wedding, it was very difficult to reach him to check on the status of my photos. I emailed and called several times, and it took more than a week to get an answer. Otherwise, he’s a nice, genuine guy, and I don’t have any qualms about recommending his services.
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I love decorating with candles, and one of my favorite places to buy them is the Yankee Candle Company, located in Lakeforest Mall’s Upper Level Center Court. The store is cozy and well-organized...
I love decorating with candles, and one of my favorite places to buy them is the Yankee Candle Company, located in Lakeforest Mall’s Upper Level Center Court. The store is cozy and well-organized by scent and candle shade, and even better – it smells delicious. They offer a large variety of candles, so you’re sure to find one to tickle your sniffer’s fancy. In addition to the regular line, they also offer seasonal selections, so be sure to check them out. Not sure what you might like? Ask an employee for help! They’re almost always ready to assist with your purchasing decision. Candles range in price from about $1.50 for an unwrapped votive, to $23 for a large, 22 ounce jar candle. Go give them a sniff today.
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I’m a self-proclaimed Hallmark-a-holic, so visiting Grace’s Hallmark on the second level of Stoneridge Mall is high on my list of shopping-priorities. I love the adorable seasonal items they offer...
I’m a self-proclaimed Hallmark-a-holic, so visiting Grace’s Hallmark on the second level of Stoneridge Mall is high on my list of shopping-priorities. I love the adorable seasonal items they offer every year, and I love displaying them in my home too! In addition to the seasonal items, they carry a wide array of decorative items, stuffed animals, photo books, collectibles and of course, greeting cards! And when I need pre-printed party invitations, I always check Hallmark’s selection before going anywhere else – they may be more expensive than other brands, but the quality is high. Sue, the owner/manager of the store, is wonderfully friendly and will do what she can to help you find whatever you need or want. The store itself always smells like a sweet potpourri, and is very well-organized. I never have trouble finding what I’m looking for! The next time you need cards or simple gifts, stop by and check out the selection.
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Party City, located in the Hacienda Crossings Shopping Center in Dublin, is truly a one-stop shop for your Fall party needs. Decorations? Check! Paper cups and plates? Check! Disposable...
Party City, located in the Hacienda Crossings Shopping Center in Dublin, is truly a one-stop shop for your Fall party needs. Decorations? Check! Paper cups and plates? Check! Disposable silverware? Check! Party favors? Check! Helium balloons? Check! Halloween costumes of all styles for all ages? Check! The store is large and filled with just about every sort of party supply imaginable. It always strikes me as vaguely disorganized, but the employees are willing to help you find what you need if you ask. The quality of the products offered isn’t great, but the price is certainly right – most items are decidedly inexpensive when compared to those purchased from other stores. I was able to buy plastic cutlery, tablecloths, serving dishes and more for my daughter’s birthday party last Fall for less than $20. Drop by and check out the selection today.
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Back in my college days before I discovered Costco's photo processing center, I used to have my rolls of film developed at the Ritz Camera shop in Ontario Mills in Ontario, California. Like most...
Back in my college days before I discovered Costco's photo processing center, I used to have my rolls of film developed at the Ritz Camera shop in Ontario Mills in Ontario, California. Like most Ritz stores, this is a smaller shop with knowledgeable salespeople, but (seemingly) fairly limited merchandise on hand for sale. The photo processing is usually excellent, so don't think twice about choosing them to take care of your film. If you need a new camera, be sure to swing by on Black Friday to take advantage of some of their deals, including a Canon PowerShot A530 digital camera for $127.50, or a personalized photo calendar for $19.99. You can likely wait til a little later in the day to hit this merchant, so relax and enjoy the ride!
http://www.ritzcamera.com
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Wal Mart
Category:
Department Stores
2700 Las Positas Rd
Livermore, California 94551
(925) 455-0116
If you decide to hit the Livermore Walmart on Black Friday, be prepared to stand in line for a long time! I can guarantee you that many, many folks will be lined up at the door by the time they...
If you decide to hit the Livermore Walmart on Black Friday, be prepared to stand in line for a long time! I can guarantee you that many, many folks will be lined up at the door by the time they open!
Of all of the Walmarts I've visited, this is one of the best. It's comparatively cleaner and better organized, and stocks a good supply of just about everything you might want - food, cards, DVDs, music, garden items, pet food and supplies, and on and on. The location is also great - just off 580, so definitely easy to access! And the fact that it's across the street from an In N Out Burger doesn't hurt either (if you're a fan of In N Out).
Look for great deals on Black Friday, including early bird specials available only from 5-11AM (for example, a 2-pack of family games for $10), and all-day specials including a Disney Princess Director's Chair for $9.96. If they're offering something on your list, be sure to get there early or you may be out of luck.
http://www.walmart.com
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The JC Penney home store located across from Stoneridge Mall and next to Togos and Taco Bell is a wonderful place to pick up items for your home. They carry bed sheets, towels, housewares,...
The JC Penney home store located across from Stoneridge Mall and next to Togos and Taco Bell is a wonderful place to pick up items for your home. They carry bed sheets, towels, housewares, furniture, made-to-measure blinds from several well-known and high-quality manufacturers, pillows, and much more. The store boasts two tastefully decorated floors of merchandise, and you're faced with a large staircase leading to the second floor upon entry. It's usually very quiet inside, and the salespeople are ready to help if needed. Since this shop isn't in the mall itself, it's never overwhelmingly crowded; not even on big sales days like Black Friday. Stop in this Friday to check out some of the holiday deals, including 65% off plus an extra 10% off all made-to-measure blinds, shades, draperies, top treatments, bedding and accessories. This place is definitely worth the trip if you need items for your home.
http://www.jcpenney.com
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Back when I still lived at home many moons ago, my mom and I would head out early to the Black Friday sales at the JC Penney in Lakeforest Mall. The past few times I've been back, however, I can...
Back when I still lived at home many moons ago, my mom and I would head out early to the Black Friday sales at the JC Penney in Lakeforest Mall. The past few times I've been back, however, I can honestly say that I wouldn't do it again. The store is now disorganized and just doesn't seem overwhelmingly clean, and the racks are way too close together for comfortable shopping. They still have the same great items and pricing, though the selection isn't as good as it is at my local store. Shop here if you wish, but don't bother fighting the crowd on Black Friday. Your time would likely be more pleasantly spent elsewhere.
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Express
Category:
Men's Clothing
2217 Stoneridge Mall Rd
Pleasanton, California 94588
(925) 847-8724
I’ve been fond of Express clothing since my high school days, so I enjoy visiting the Express shop near Macy’s Women’s store on the lower level of Stoneridge Mall. This location is rather large and...
I’ve been fond of Express clothing since my high school days, so I enjoy visiting the Express shop near Macy’s Women’s store on the lower level of Stoneridge Mall. This location is rather large and the displays are arranged so as to allow for plenty of open space. (So moms with strollers, this may be a good place for you to shop!) The décor is mainly a stark black and white combination, so the colors of the clothes really tend to stand out. Items can be on the pricey side, so be sure to stop in for their Black Friday sale, and pick up women’s ribbed sweaters for just $19.50 each, or men’s graphic tees for $12.50 apiece. And just to sweeten the deal, get a FREE sparkle clutch or reversible ski hat with ANY purchase (presumably while supplies last). Stop by early; the special deals will end at noon!
http://www.express.com
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As the mother of two young children, I’ve very familiar with the entire Disney family. When I’m looking for great quality Disney-brand gifts back home, I visit the Disney Store in Lakeforest Mall. ...
As the mother of two young children, I’ve very familiar with the entire Disney family. When I’m looking for great quality Disney-brand gifts back home, I visit the Disney Store in Lakeforest Mall. They carry a wide selection of fabulous Disney gear and toys sure to please your kids or simply the kid in you! This particular location is of a generous size, and the items are well-organized and easy to sort through. The one drawback are the prices: Since the merchandise is all Disney-licensed, they tend to be on the steep side. This Black Friday, the Disney Store is offering a few deals that you may want to check out. Pick up a Chicken Little Baseball set for your little leaguer for $16.50, or a My Size Cinderella Doll for your little princess for $128.00. The best deals are sure to sell out early, so get there when they open so you won’t walk away disappointed!
http://www.disneystore.com
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