Rip off! Used Groupon - asked about using Groupon before I even sat down - employee told us not to…read moreworry as it would be same price or just a $1 difference. I wasn't told of about any extra charges for BYOB, or anything else. Groupon price $55. They tried to charge me $79. I paid with Groupon. Now they are calling multiple times and texting me to pay more because their computer system said they were short because of taxes. I would up having to pay $5 BYOB fee + $0.56 tax on the $5. Even though we had a good time, still upset at the deceit. EVERY SINGLE PERSON WAS CHARGED BYOB! They did not uncork the wine and did not ask us for our IDs until the end. DO NOT GO! OMG! Mismanaged by employees AND owner. Shame on you.

Went to treat our son's girlfriend to a birthday treat as she loves candles…read more Blank Mason is located at Old Orchard shopping mall in Skokie. Parking was pretty easy considering it's the holiday season. We had reservations and as we walked in, we were greeted immediately and checked it. They showed us to our workstation and settled in. The store is brightly lit and smaller if different fragrances. It was not over bearing and smelled nice. Our candle expert introduced herself to us and let us know the process. She was very nice and explained everything clearly. Through the process she was helpful with answering our questions or checked in on us. After mixing our scents into the melted wax, we selected our decorations. We left and were asked to return in 1 hour so the candles can harden. When we returned we decorated the candles. Overall, what a great experience. Candles ranged from $55 to $40 dollars to start and can go higher depending on options. You can also BYOB and or Food if you wanted to have a party! I enjoyed the process and the conversation we had.

Smaller location at time of review as the larger location at the mall is under a remodel…read more Service was friendly, but not pushy. Staff showed me their display of new products. The checkout was fast and efficient.

Had an amazing experience with an associate named Ashley! She was such a sweetheart. I came for the…read morecandle sale to hopefully find my candle and she greeted me nicely and offered me a carrying case for my candles. She never once pressured me while shopping. She was extremely helpful in finding products. I will be returning and asking for her personally! Happy holidays Ashley!

Cuuuuuute alert! For all you artsy crafty mavens out there, this is your stop. It's a shop filled…read morewith a well-curated selection of paper goods, books, coloring books, custom art, fabric lamp shades, and gifts in varying price points. From the second I walked in, I was engulfed by a most delightful smell, perhaps a candle burning somewhere? I was greeted by the owner's assistant, Kate, who gave me an overview of the shop and some of the classes they offer in the back, like coptic bookbinding, collage, crafting, and self-motivation classes. They also have a meet up group called The Grown*Up Girls Club where you can meet up with other like-minded individuals and explore new art/craft/maker techniques. The Club meets the second Sunday of every month. The Collage Cafe is a newer business located in an adorable corridor mixed with other art-inspired shops. You can go door to door and visit each one while you're at it! Can't wait to stop back in. But, as I'm writing this, when I go back I realize the selection is too overwhelming for my taste (in a good way of course) because I want one of everything.

One day my young daughters and I where walking by and came in into this beautiful place, what a…read morewonderful store! The owner is such a great lady, great host, kind and knowledgeable. I scheduled a coloring evening for a group of friends from church. We had a delightful experience! The place was set up with a wide variety of water colors, wood colors pencils, markers, etc. the pages provided were also varied, from really intricate to more simple so we were all able to pick something that suited our taste and level of artistry. We already scheduled another event and are looking forward to it. Definitely a great place for gifts, classes and more.

Lovely selection. Terrific customer service. I found great deals on the Christmas cards.read more

Need a quick pick-me-up? I'll usually stop in this store when I need to mail a package (usually…read morebecause I need a card to put in the package). The cards are the usual -- I find the less flowery sentiments the better. But what brings me in is sometimes they have cool merch. One year I found a "ghost in a bottle" and I often find other great seasonal items. I'm not a Hallmark ornament collector but I always enjoy looking at them. On this day my eye was drawn to these food combos -- PB&J, burger & fries, avocado & toast, mac & cheese -- plushies and magnetic ornaments. These are so fun and delightful and would make cute gifts.

I did a candle making event here and it was murder mystery theme based. It was so much fun. Our…read morehost was Karen and she was so sweet. Karen made everyone felt welcome. She offered cookies, sodas, fruity sangria. I made one of the amazing smelling candles - thanks to Karen for her recommendations. It was fantastic experience and this is great place to do more activities and highly recommend for a date activity with your partner.

The R n B candle making was fantastic. The experience is unique and not what I expected. I was very…read moreimpressed with the interactive aspect of this event and highly recommend. I plan to come back for another event.

Cute store with home decor and such situated in Plaza del Lago. The female sales associate are…read morenice, and one of the days, even offered me a sample of popcorn kettle corn clusters. I enjoy their cute porcelain-ware from France in the back as well as unique greeting cards. +small selection of home decor and gifts +greeting cards +located inside Plaza del Lago

Wonderful, professional, stylish I can't say enough about the personal attention and quality…read moreproducts. From the staff to the inventory, Yellow Bird is a superior stationer and gift shop.

How this so-called 'local' floral shop continues to stay in business is beyond me, because the…read morestaff/employees here are NOT friendly - they're actually pretty rude and super unprofessional. We were interested in purchasing a few bouquets/flower arrangements for the home, but we felt very unwelcomed. Selection was minimal, and the organization of what they had could have been better. Definitely not worth your support or a visit - so overhyped. Hard pass. +horrible & rude staff

Gorgeous flowers, and great customer service. Would definitely recommend this florist - reasonably…read morepriced, very friendly, and they had a quick turnaround. I had called in the early afternoon and asked if they could put an arrangement together for delivery that day, and they were able to do it. Their website was easy to navigate and set up delivery, but calling was also super simple and painless. I'll be using them again!

If you prefer greeting cards that are astonishingly perfect for the recipient and the occasion,…read morethis is the place for you. Worth it.

Paper Source is my go to for stationary, cards, crafts and gifts. When I can't seem to find…read moreanything in store their staff is helpful in finding what I need and going online to get it. Their prices are expensive but the tradeoff is paying for quality and appeal. If you're newly engaged, I would recommend taking a look at their wedding stationary. They have a gorgeous selection of invites. Parking is found along Central Avenue. If parking on Central is difficult there's a metered lot across the street which accepts coins and card.

We used to frequent francesca's, especially during our high school days, checking out their…read moreaccessories. The store still offers various skirts, shorts, dresses, tops, jewelry, and various accessories; however, the selection has become limited, and the jewelry/accessories have been more of a costume style of a situation. Not sure where the SAs were, as there was no greeting of patrons entering or leaving the store, nor was there any offering of any assistance or looking for an item. Located adjacent to Starbucks, there's plenty of parking at the mall lot. +limited selection +absent SAs

NiceLena is painted so vibrantly that you can't help but pop in!…read more Besides being a gift shop filled with gifts (stationery, magnets, stickers, planters), several of the items are designed and MADE BY the artist herself! There's little signs that say "hi I made this!" and they're everywhere! Love love love that touch! Lena is chatty and joins in the conversation which I love-it makes you feel like everyone is welcome and included. While I was checking out, she told us the most exciting part= you can bring in any vessel and she will fill it with candle wax! Think of all the perfect vessels you have at your house RIGHT NOW! Those could be candles! This is the kind of place you WANT to visit! The stuff inside is great as is the owner/designer/artist! Enjoy!

Such a cute and welcoming shop filled with trinkets of all kinds. There is something for everyone,…read moreincluding pins, mugs, buttons, stickers, earrings, clothing, and more! The store owner is so sweet and a pleasure to talk to! Things are reasonably priced and it's always great to support a small business :)