Each year, my friend Karleen and I meet somewhere for Christmas lunch. This year, we chose to meet near one of Denver's newest shopping centers, Southlands. Karleen had told me about a boutique there named Charming Charlie. She said that the store had so much jewelry it was overwhelming. One of the great things about Charming Charlie is that the earrings, necklaces, bracelets handbags, scarves, belts and other items are grouped together by color and theme. For example, one area is devoted to purple items, another to animal print and another to items decorated with crosses. Charming Charlie also had miscellaneous items, such as floral embossed measuring spoons I spotted near the cross section. After leaving Charming Charlie, we went across the street to Francesca's Collections. This boutique was smaller so it took a lot less time to go through it. They also had the embossed measuring spoons and an adorable cork bottle stopper with upside down wiggly legs hooked to the cork with springs. I resisted buying anything that day, but the next week, although Southlands is a bit of a drive, John and I went back to the mall and he bought me the measuring spoons and bottle stopper for my anniversary gift. I used them both during holiday festivities. After I've recovered from Christmas expenses, I'll have to check out the Charming Charlie north of us, which is a little closer, and Francesca's in Boulder.