Michael Blanchard Photography

First Visit to Natick Collection

Believe it or not, the town of Natick hasn't always been so "Glamorous!"   I vaguely remember going to the original Natick Mall, before the first new mall was built in the early 90's.   Part of it was outdoors I think, with a playground in the middle.  I also remember the old shoppers world and Jordan Marsh with it's huge dome.  Then there is Lechmeres, and Service Merchandise...  Ha!  Maybe some of those were in Framingham, but who's really keeping track?  Go Here for an interesting article.

Last week, just up rt. 90 West, Natick got it's newest "luxury" expansion, The Natick Collection.  Attached to the old mall is a stunning new wing filled with higher end stores.  The mall is kind of segregated now, it's funny.  They did however integrate the two sections very nicely, I almost didn't notice we were walking into the regular mall.  Maybe I was just too focused on the new water feature, made of black granite.  Did I mention they have valet now?

A few construction pictures first...  Here is the street that ran past Macy's (now J.C. Penny).  Taken Sept 22nd, 2005. 

Every time I would go to the mall I parked in the same spot at the top of this garage (now gone) and I'd take a photo of the construction. 

Here, the construction continues on December 27th, 2005.  (I must have been returning a Christmas gift...)

Filene's before it left.  March 2nd, 2006.

A temporary re-route took me past the point where the new mall would eventually connect to the old mall.  Taken June 3rd, 2006.

Looks like this is probably Neiman or the new condos... 

Nearing completion, January 29th, 2007.

What's coming "09.07.07"

And, today!

Neiman Marcus.

Nordstrom.  The first in the area.

Doesn't this look like an artists rendering and not a photo?

Carpeted halls.

The "trees" are really cool, I have to admit.

This is near where the new part connects to the rest of the mall.  The water feature is very cool.

There is a street that runs under the mall as well as new underground parking.

That's all I have to report for now...  If your craving more, Globe West is having a field day blogging about the collection.  Click here for their blog.

It's NEVER Too Late For Belated Presents!

Over the holiday weekend, Kim, Steve, & I went to Copley for some shopping.  I think it's my new favorite mall... (until Natick opens).  Anyways, before we left, Kim wanted to go to check out Tiffany's...  (Like she's never been before or something).  I tagged along, checking out the expensive engagement rings and other finely crafted neck wear.

I've never been one for jewelry, or any kind of "accessory" actually.  I didn't even wear a baseball hat until a few years ago!  No watches, no fancy belts, not even sun glasses...  They just never interested me, I guess.  However, a couple years ago on a cruise to Bermuda, I took my casino winnings and bought a gold chain.  Since then I've realized it's okay for guys to wear whatever.  I now have about a dozen hats, a replacement gold chain (RIP), a couple nice belts, glasses... etc!  (still no watch though... hint, hint ;) 

Back to Tiffany's - Did you know they have mens?  I didn't, but apparently Kimmy did.  After splurging on herself (I don't think she wants me to tell you what she bought), she surprised me with a late birthday gift!  It was a sterling silver ring...  Something I've SERIOUSLY always wanted!!  At weddings I'm always taking pictures of rings, but since I'm not married, I never had one of my own.  This is not a wedding ring or anything, lol, but I do love it, a lot.  Steve bought a really nice one, too.  I recommend them as a gift for your guy friends... way to go Kim!

This was a hard shot to take by myself, lol.

At weddings I always try to find a neat way to display the rings in the environment I'm given...  I had some fun doing this at home, too.

Favorite.

Microwave Safe...  I don't think so.

In the ring of fire.

I also bought a necklace...  Cool isn't it?

"Money can't buy happiness"  right...

My Neurotic Weakness

If you know me... then you probably know how Crazy I am about my CAMRY! (For those of you who saw my facebook albums & thought I had a Land Rover, now you know) lol. Anyways, I really try my hardest to keep my car as clean as it can possibly be. While my bedroom may beg to differ, my car thanks me daily. I bought it (used) on valentines day of 2006 (as a present to myself), and it was a real find having such low mileage for it's age (under 5k per year). I've since added a few bells & whistles like gps, Sirius, and most recently, a backup camera. Don't get me wrong, I know it's not a Lexus, but it never gives me crap, and I can always find my way to a wedding on time.

Monday, it received it's first coat of wax :) I took the car to "Crystal Car Care" in Waltham, MA. I had heard that the guy there is the Best in the Biz, & I can't argue with that. He only takes one car per day, and actually spent five hours on my car alone! My rugs look brand new, and, I can see myself reflected in the hood! For summer, I recommend you treat yourself (and your car) to one too.

Tater Tot approves!