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OK so I’m about to confess one of my most prized finds since I arrived to GR.

Where can you have your dry cleaning done, get a massage for under $40, and buy vintage jewelry for $10?  Well that would be Charlie’s Tailor Shop.

Located @ 53B Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

This was my very first hidden gem.  One I kept a secret because the vinatge jewelry is in short supply.  But I don’t think I can have a 20 pieces of the same type of jewelry…or can I? =)

How the jewelry came to be a part of the shop is an interesting story.  Charlie’s sister owned a store in the 1960’s.  When the store closed down she packed all the jewelry. She placed it in the basement where it stayed forgotten. This was until 3 years ago when it was re-discovered, in mint condition.  So Charlie and his daugter Kymarah decided to sell it in their shop for $10 a piece.  Genius! Because every time I go, I usually walk out with a new piece. But hurry because these pieces are running out.  I asked if they had anymore, and to my understanding what is out is all is remaining.

Besides the vintage jewelry, Soon Yi, who does the dry cleaning and alterations is awesome.  A quick money tip: pay in CASH or CHECK.  There is a 4% charge if you pay with your credit card.

If you are looking for a great massage, at a unbelievable rate, see Kymarah. She charges: $25 for 30 minutes, $40 for 1 hour, $70 for 2 hours. She also offers chair massages: $10 for 20 minutes.  There is a massage room. I personally like to go when the shop isn’t too busy.  This is because even with the door closed I can sometimes hear footsteps and conversations.

Oh and if you are looking for your man to get a custom suit, well of course, thats Charlie’s speciality.  He also refurbishes vintage fur coats and stoles. He sells them mostly during our incredbly freezing cold winters.  The California girl is still trying to adjust. =)

I hope to make my posts more frequently.  As my time here goes on, I am finding more and more amazing finds.

Til next time

– Kitten In The Mitten

White Satin Shoes dyed Sapphire Blue @ Charlie’s Shoe Repair

White Satin shoes dyed Sapphire Blue @ Charlie’s Shoe Repair

White Satin Shoes dyed Sapphire Blue @ Charlie’s Shoe Repair

Aren’t these shoes amazing?!

When it comes to shopping, I am a hunter always in search of the best deals. These shoes are one of my latest finds. Originally these Bourne shoes retail for about $270 +. Now as much as I love fashion, I don’t like paying full price ever. Its against one of my cardinal rules. I found them on yellow tag discount at TJ Maxx. (Now for those who don’t know Yellow Tag Discount, this is marked after several red tag discounts. This if in good condition, is a steal beyond a steal) The shoes were white but  in bad shape. They had several dirt marks yet all Swarovski crystals were intact, and the heels were in perfect condition (no scuff marks). So for $10, yes $10 I purchased them. Lesson be learned even if sale items look pretty beat up. Look again all you need is a great tailor or in this case a shoe dying genius.

And with that here is my new find in Grand Rapids:

Charlie’s Shoe Repair : Located downstairs in the Monroe Center @ 146 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI. (616) 451-8016

Peggy is the owner of Charlie’s Shoe Repair. There are not enough kind words to describe how wonderful she is. I came in with the Bourne shoes hoping to have them dyed Sapphire Blue. The reason for the specific color, these are my WEDDING shoes =)

Peggy, simply put, is incredible!   I couldn’t decide between a few of the colors.  Peggy could have just walked away but she didn’t.  Instead she said she had a white satin swatch and we can test out the colors. I came back picked the perfect shade.   But as Peggy and I started to inspect the shoes we discovered it would not be as easy as dipping them in the dye. To prevent the dye from spreading, tape would need to be put inside and on the entire bottem. She said this might take her bit longer to complete.

A couple of weeks later, Peggy called saying the shoes are finished. I went the very next morning, and my mouth almost hit the floor. To say they they stunning is not enough. They are INCREDIBLY STUNNING!! Through conversation I discovered she spent over an hour just taping the shoes. I couldn’t believe it.

The only problem, I don’t know if they can be my wedding shoes. They are so beautiful. They just can’t be hidden. These shoes are meant to shine. So in order to give them proper respect, I am thinking rehearsal dinner dress. It’ll be short =)

Til next time.

-Kitten In The Mitten

To say I am thrilled is understatement.  Coming from San Francisco (Miss you Turtle Tower), I have been on the hunt to find a great Vietnamese/Thai restaurant.  Thank you to my wonderful friends for introducing us to Bamboo. Bamboo is mouth watering amazingness.

Located in Wyoming.  2907 Division Ave South., Wyoming, MI 49548 to be exact =)

We went there last week, and gave the chefs free range.  The one question asked, “Do we like seafood”?  We LOVE seafood. And so our journey began.  The detail in presentation, the taste of each bite, one thing is certain their food is made with love.  I can’t wait to go back and have them create another memorable experience.  Oh and did I mention the price? For 4 people, 4 different plates, and Vietnamese coffee’s.  $30 per person and BYOB.   I could have hugged them.  This is a true find, a true gem.

Again thank you to the chefs and staff at Bamboo. Thank you for reminding this transplant of home.

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So as I start my first post, I think to myself: Where do I start?  Why now?  And why is it titled “Two Feet In”?

Two Feet In,  has become my mantra.  I have to admit I didn’t give my new home a chance.  I compared everything and anything in Michigan to California. So it is easy to say,  I was one foot in and one foot out.  With time I realized this wasn’t fair to my new home, and most importantly ME.   Everybody says its difficult moving to a new place whether it be a neighborhood, a state, or even a country.  But what people don’t say is how long it can take to re-adjust, how lonley you feel, and how you would give your right arm to be surrounded by the people who know you best.

My fiance and I moved not knowing a single soul.  To start from the ground up is overwhelming.  I couldn’t  leave my apartment without thinking, Where Am I?  Any time I asked someone where such and such city was, there went the right hand.  Why are the Michiganders saying hi to me again? Seriously, I once had someone give me directions to Chicago just using their right hand.  It has been two years since I left California.  In those 2 years I have discovered so many amazing gems. AMEN to the Fulton Farmers Market, Grove, Cigar Bar, Sip, and Charlie’s Tailor Shop.  Thank you for making me feel at home.

And so why then I am starting this blog?  I am starting it show my family and friends what I am up to. I am starting it to brag about all the great places and people I’ve met.  I am starting it because I love to share all the amazing deals I find.  And I am starting it for all those Transplants who like me are ready to jump Two Feet In.