Day 8

Photo borrowed from
http://www.suite101.com/view_image.cfm/2632277
Happy Hanukkah! I hope everyone is enjoying this holiday season and having fun getting gifts for all their loved ones. I'm so glad that people are making more effort to buy from local independent business! I'm so proud of you guys! The blog is a little over a week old and we've already had over 1000 visitors and I attribute that to all of you forwarding it to your friends. That's some impressive community/holiday spirit!

For Day 8 we're on Pacific Ave between 18th and 15th.




Seasonal Holiday Store

This store won't be there much longer and they're offering lots of discounts as the clock runs down.  They have tons of holiday decorations and gifts. Seriously, its like Christmas threw up in there. You'll love it.






I'm trying not to take it personally that everyone has Princess items
but no-one ever has Duchess things. Freakin' elitists! :) 



I simply adore sparkly things.


Note: The demand for tiara's in Tacoma must be great because
I'm finding these babies everywhere. And like I said before,
you just can't own too many of them. It's a scientifically proven fact. 



And then I found this. What holiday season would be complete
without your traditional Christmas vampire bat? YOU'RE WELCOME!


Grassis

I died and went to heaven when I opened the door to this shop. I want throw out all my clothes and replace them with these. And OMG the hats! And the PURSES! I never even realized there is an upstairs here with a cute little restaurant in there plus they have poinsettias, balloons and greeting cards so if you ever need a birthday gift in a hurry this would be a great one-stop shop.  





I see now what I've been lacking. I really need more bling on my tush.




Fashion tip: Owls are hot and they are everywhere.


This hat is incredibly beautiful!

I really wanted to buy this dress. I have a purse that matches it but I know better than
to carry my wallet on these excursions.

Tacoma Regional Convention and Visitor Bureau

Have you considered giving the gift of a fun experience? Go Seattle™ Card is a multi-attraction pass that gives you the most choice — over 30 attractions — at the best value – from $23.00 per day. Create your own ultimate local experience based on what you like to do while enjoying tremendous savings and VIP access. Visit as many attractions as you want on each day –day time admission to all listed attractions is included in the pass. In addition to regional attractions like Argosy cruises, Seattle Center, Emerald Downs, Museums in Seattle and etc, there are also some Tacoma-area attractions on the list of options including Point Defiance Zoo & aquarium, Northwest Trek, Lakewold Gardens, Tacoma Art Museum, Museum of Glass, LeMay Museum and Children's Museum of Tacoma. Find out more at the Tacoma Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau website: http://www.traveltacoma.com/ or drop by in person at 1119 Pacific Ave #1400.


To learn more about this gift card CLICK HERE.

Other local attractions

More local attractions

Clara Spa (formerly Club Biella Spa)

There's no gift more welcome than a day of relaxation and pampering.  I have been a member of this club for almost 2 years and I highly recommend it. They have a full service hair salon, barber shop, nail salon, steam room, sauna, swimming pool, workout room, hotel discounts, valet parking, massage rooms, waxing, sugar scrubs and lots of other great services. Learn more here. Tell them Duchess of Downtown sent you and get $20.00 off any service.  

This Holiday Season they are offering $100 dollars off Hair Extentions so you can look really glamorous at all your holiday parties. Just ask for Sara Speaks-Rhea. This offer is good until the 1st of January. For appointments call 253-682-2005.





Pacific Grill 

Pacific Grill Restaurant, or as the locals call it, "PG," has great food by star chef Gordon Naccarato and offers happy hour all day so there's never a bad time to pop by for a drink and a snack. If you are getting a service next door at Clara Spa (see above) you can order food and have it brought over to you while you relax and get pampered.


Sorry about the lighting but I didn't have a flash and there was lots of ambiance going on inside there!
This sign says "Buy 4 gift cards and get the 5th for free!" Stocking stuffer alert!!!

Witness all this award winning ambiance.

Seriously, if it was any more romantic in here these people would all start
spontaneously making out.
QR code anybody?


And that's a great way to end an exciting day of shopping. I hope you follow in my footsteps and enjoy these terrific places. Please be awesome and tell them I sent you, OK?

Don't forget to join this blog by clicking the join button on the upper right hand cover of this page. 
XOXO,
Duchess of Downtown





FYI - Now you can shop locally and be rewarded - Bring your receipt from any Tacoma+ business, and you'll be thanked with a free skate rental at the Franciscan Polar Plaza. Pick up a Tacoma+ map onboard Tacoma Link to find participating businesses, or look for their 'Be Downtown' window clings. Offer is limited to the first 250 people; one free skate rental per receipt. http://www.bedowntowntacoma.com/

Also - As a thank you to shoppers and diners for shopping local and supporting downtown there will be free two-hour parking in the pay station zones Monday, December 12 through Friday, December 23. As you know, parking is free in the downtown after 5 pm weekdays and all weekend. The meters will also be free on Monday, December 26 all day. There will be signs on the pay stations. The pay stations will still be monitored for time limits and can be ticketed beyond the two-hour time. They want to discourage employee parking in the pay station zones so that spaces are open for patrons.


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