The Chalets on Lake Muskoka - Gravenhurst, ON

It's been a while since I have done a travel post, but now is a good time to talk about our recent getaway that's partly responsible for the quick little break between this and my last post. We traveled to Gravenhurst, Ontario to stay on Lake Muskoka.

To celebrate my husband's birthday, we booked a few nights at The Chalets on Lake Muskoka through Travelzoo. If you've been a reader a long time now, you know I love finding a good deal! Travel is no different and Travelzoo often has some great offers, local, exotic, and everything in between. Not just travel, but experiences as well!

 

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Five Friday Faves

It's been a while for this type of post for me, but here are a few things I've enjoyed this month from different categories. Let me know a few things you've been enjoying in the comments, if you'd like!

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March and April 2021 InstaMonth

Wow, I think the last Instamonth was actually January's. So I guess I'll just skip right over February. Oops! 😜 I just have to hope my perfectionism takes a backseat on that one and I can let the oversight go. It's just been a really loooooong year and I'll chalk it up to that.

So here are some highlights from my Instagram (@wendybanner) during March and April. I'm always down to follow back, so let's connect if we haven't. I'm going to keep this short, because it's Friday and I am so ready for the weekend. Just gonna make it more about the pictures and not the captions. I hope you have a great weekend!

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InstaMonth for November 2020

A bit late in the month for a November type post, perhaps! I did have goals of putting it up last week, but things happen. It has been a rough month for me and my emotions have been all over the place. My drive to get things done comes and goes. Some days, my focus is simply survival. I know I'm not alone and I hope this helps you realize that you are not, if you are also feeling topsy turvy and all over the place right now. Feel what you're feeling and don't apologize or feel shame for it. The only way to get over it is to get through it, they say! No one said the path was straight with no curves or bumps.

With next week being Christmas (already?!😲) and our holiday week, I haven't decided if I'll go into a bit of overdrive to get a post or two written up for that week or not. I know a lot of you love new content to read over the holiday break and so do I, so I'll probably try to get at least one post scheduled for then! For now, here are some highlights from my Instagram during November. I'd love to follow each other, if we aren't already. Just leave your @ in the comments!

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Birthday Fun - Gifts, Sales, and Clearance

My birthday was two weeks ago and I thought I'd share some of the things I got as gifts and just gifting myself - haha! I'd like to say my latest Addition Elle, H&M, Reitmans,Torrid, and Taylor Swift orders that aren't in this post fell under that category, but maybe I can get away with blaming it on "Christmas in July"? Yeah, let's go with that. Technically, Reitmans and Torrid fall under the birthday category because I used my birthday rewards. I just don't have them yet and want to make sure they arrive before I share what I got. Perhaps, I'll post a collective haul on those purchases - minus the Taylor Swift items, because they said it might be two months before they ship.

So in this post, we have Addition Elle, some of my gifts, H&M, Shoppers beauty haul, Juvia's Place, and a few birthday pictures! Just typing all of this out makes me realize just how done I am right now. Like DONE. July was a fun month with a little getaway, my birthday ,and some retail therapy but I'm good to get back to normal and reining back the spending again. Though points, rewards, and gift cards made this feel a little less daunting on the wallet. (Except for the Taylor Swift order mentioned above. That one hurt. Don't even get me started on the shipping to Canada, but darn it Folklore is amazing and I just wanted the album and some of the merch to go with it. Who knows when we're all going to get to experience live shows again?!)

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A Little Getaway to St. Catharines, Ontario

We're still in the middle of a pandemic, but we had to get away. If you follow me on Twitter, you'll probably have seen my rant about our building management scheduling construction that requires us residents to leave our units for two days. To reschedule, they would fine us $1000+. With a lot of things still closed, having the dog, and not social circling, we had very limited options. A little getaway proved to be the best option and I set out to find a good and affordable choice for us. It felt a bit like blackmail for the choice of construction over health, honestly.

Since we didn't get away for our annual anniversary trip this year, we treated this like that. Granted, we spent a good percentage of the time in the hotel room because...well...COVID-19. It still felt like a vacation! St. Catharines was an easy drive from Toronto, making it a good day trip option if you're not wanting to stay overnight. I'm actually thinking of making that happen again, because I fell head over heels for a food item that you will see below. I've been craving it ever since we got back!

Here are a few things we ate from local restaurants and some of the landmarks we visited!

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InstaMonth for April 2020

We are in May now! Time is operating at a strange pace for me right now, for sure. Is it fast? Is it slow? It's a little of everything any given minute. We are still staying home and will until Toronto and Ontario decides otherwise. Even then, I can't help but feel uncertain that we are all going to do it too quickly. I know there are those out there who have a different opinion. My own home state has the worst rating in the US in social distancing. Just this past week, "grandma killer" was trending on Twitter because someone wants their freedom so badly and is refusing to stay home. I personally can't wrap my head around it. I really can't.

People are losing their lives, their loved ones, and are getting sick for weeks with what many have deemed the "worst thing they have ever gone through". I understand the uncertainty, financial problems, and all of that. I just don't understand the way of thought behind the protesting, fake coughing on someone and laughing, having parties and BBQs with friends, etc. Selfishness and stupidity is running rampant and it worries me tremendously. It feels so disrespectful to those out there on the front lines, those working their essential jobs, to those who have seen COVID19 firsthand, and even to those like us who are doing everything they can to stay in and stay healthy.

We have a long weekend here coming up and I am so excited about it. I know that sounds crazy with us being at home everyday, but that is while still working. My husband even added an extra day to make it a five day weekend/staycation for us. A nice little mental break! Don't underestimate the power of a vacation day even if it is just spent at home. A day of doing nothing is actually something!

And y'all, would you believe it snowed this past weekend and a little this morning? In May?! I don't think I've ever seen snow in May. It snowed on May 9th, which was my grandmother's birthday. Whenever I see snow, I think of her because I'd always get so excited to see it and call her about it. I'm from the south, so I still find myself treating snow as some kind of rare delicacy. I feel like she was sending me down a little sign from heaven and that was an uplifting feeling.

Anyway, I'll get into the post. Here are a few pictures from my Instagram (@wendybanner) during April. With the algorithm not always working for me, I like to also share them on my blog. My feed has been focused a lot more on skincare and self-care recently. If you'd like to follow each other, I'd love it. My double-tap game is strong! :)

Latest H&M haul.

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InstaMonth for January 2020

Am I super late on this post this month? You betcha. Considering I completely forgot to do a December favorites post, I guess they even each other out in the absent-minded category. That may not be how it works, but I'll go with it!

If you're new here, I usually do a round-up of highlights from my Instagram over the last month. This is mostly because the algorithm doesn't always show my photos and I own this domain and want to share them somewhere other than Instagram. So I'm going to get to typing up this post so I can go get ready and figure out what I'm wearing tonight for our Valentine's Day dinner. :) Hope you all have a lovely weekend! It's a holiday weekend here with Monday being Family Day. I am definitely looking forward to a three day weekend!

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InstaMonth for April 2019

April ended horribly with my dog Indy getting sick and May came in with him on antibiotics and our car battery dying. So these past few weeks have just been going swimmingly. There's a few good things about those: the antibiotics are working and Indy seems much more like himself and the battery died while the car was parked in the garage and not while we were out!

It's just really unfortunate that they have happened so close to each other, because our wallets are taking quite a hit between the vet bills and now saving for a battery replacement. Thank goodness for living in a city with public transit! Our van is more of a weekend vehicle for us, but its absence is still incredibly noticed. Hoping we can get it back up and running soon. Sometimes it just feels like one thing after another, doesn't it?

A quick note to my readers that are moms, Happy Mother's Day! And to my readers that are nurses, Happy Nurses Week! After my first prolonged hospital stay in 2015 for my knee surgery, I have such a deeper appreciation for nurses. They tended to me day in and day out and made me as comfortable and at ease as possible, especially calming me during the embarrassing and painful moments that came about like me trying to get out of bed in my big cast to get to the bathroom. Good mothers and good nurses are pure gold and I am so happy to celebrate you!

On to the post. It's a bit delayed this month, but here are a few snaps from my Instagram during April.

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Holiday Gift Guides 2018: For the Pet Parent

We all know them. You know someone that obsesses over their pets. Heck, I am one of them. Are you? My dog definitely knows me as "mommy". He knows a lot of other words too, so much that I've been reduced to spelling them so he doesn't catch on. If he learns how to spell, I'm done for!

I might have focused a little more heavily on dogs and cats below, but it's easy enough to substitute in any animal. I mean, I've definitely see turtles, hamsters, birds, etc. on all kinds of things. Why not give a gift that makes the person think of their beloved pet? Or maybe they are like me and obsess over pretty much any animal. Polar bears and dogs being at the top of my ranking, of course. You just can't go wrong with anything like this, because it just incites all of the warm and fuzzy feels.

Another great idea that I did not include below would be a gift card to a pet store. It can be expensive to buy the food, treats, toys, and all of that jazz. A gift card can go a long way in helping the recipient spoil their pet how they want. Below are six other ideas and being totally honest, I want all of them. So darn cute.

• Themed Prints (via Etsy, $32.65+ CA) -  Sweatshirts, tees, wall art. The list goes on. There are so many great options out there with a lot of really fun sayings and graphics!
• Notebook (via Chapters, $10.99 CA) - Because one can never have enough cute notebooks around.
• Leash (via Hudson's Bay, $20 CA) - I've had this leash and the collar on my radar for a while. It's so vibrant. These stripes are really iconic up here in Canada.
• Collar (via Hudson's Bay, $10 CA) - There is always need for new collars and leashes. Always.
• Bedding (via PetSmart, $32.99 CA) - The only thing you truly need to know is the size of the animal. I love these bed sets. Indy has one and both the bed and blanket has held up well after almost two years. He still has the bone pillow, but it lost its ability to squeak and now it just isn't as interesting to him.
• Scratching Pad (via PetSmart, $10.99 CA) - Cat owners know how necessary scratching posts and pads are. The last thing you want is a bored cat and unruly claws ready to cause havoc on anything and everything. They need to scratch. And having a few of these around lessens the chance of furniture and other things getting destroyed.

InstaMonth for May 2018

I spent the last week of May sick as a dog, so maybe that's why I'm happy to see June. I'm finally getting back to being functional and ready to enjoy the new month! And maybe I like it even more because lately it has been in the 70s and not hot. This girl only approves of heat in a beach and pool setting, so I'm down for this being a summer norm for temperatures. It won't stay this way, but I'll take it while I can get it! :)

The other week was in the 90s and a lot more humid, but we seem to be getting a bit of a cold front. Though I've been seeing some of my friends in California say the weather has been around 105F recently. What's the weather like where you are? Do you thrive in hot or cold weather?

Here are a few pictures from my Instagram during May. Some of these items highlighted have already been reviewed and swatched and some are coming up soon! If you're interested in following me on Instagram, I'd love to follow you back and support one another.

1. Dove Body Wash for sensitive skin deserves more of a spotlight! // 2. Star Wars Lip Smacker collection. Coming in tomorrow's post! // 3. Benefit Blush Bar // 4. Almay Shadow Squad in Pure Gold, Baby // 5. My baby, Indy! // 6. These new Skechers are ahhhmazzzzing. Tibial plateau fracture approved!

7. Rimmel Trendsetter vs. MAC Velvet Teddy. Dupe? // 8. Essence eyeshadows and mascara. Reviews coming! // 9. New planner goodies. // 10. New L'Occitane Aqua Reotier collection. Testing now! // 11. New home decor! These cushions reminded me of the SC flag, so I had to get them. They make me so happy and remind me of home! And I picked up a  basket for our blankets. HomeSense! // 12. Sick day essentials. Bath & Body Works have upped their candle game again. That floral packaging!!

InstaMonth for January 2018

Maybe it's because February is a short month, but it feels like it is going by quickly. It feels like I just did my December InstaMonth recap only a few days ago and here we are again. This year is going as fast as Instagram changes its algorithm! #shade

I'm still working on changing a few of my edits and shots to keep things a little more fresh. The algorithm does me no favors and I feel like it takes a lot of work to get your pictures seen today. I've thought about just posting all of my photos on my Twitter and Pinterest, but I've loved Instagram for so long and want to believe in it so badly. So I just keep pushing through and appreciate everyone that considers my account worthy enough of a follow and any of my pictures that are worthy enough for a like.

I just want you to know that if you have doubts about your growth, your blog...you're not alone. And some people are going to love what you put out there and some are going to keep on walking. But don't change what you're doing. Keep at it! Keep pushing yourself to make YOU proud, not others. Find what niche works for you. Post at your own schedule. Stop comparing so often. There are a lot of YouTube accounts, bloggers, etc. out there, but there is only one you. Don't bend to be something you are not. Don't let someone else tell you what you need to be, what you need to be doing, and how to do it. Your blog should be your vision and your voice. You've got this.

1. December favorites. // 2. More coffee, please. // 3. Feeling the pink. As usual.

4. Beauty Faves of 2017. // 5. Scrambled eggs in a mug. Super easy! // 6. Christmas 2017 gifts.

7. First time trying this sheet mask! // 8. Indy. Pro at stealing hearts!

9. Snowy weekends. Probably repeating this weekend! // 10. Lazy days when I just can't be fussed to do a full face.

My Night with Grand Marnier in the Cordon Rouge Room

When the invite came to RSVP for a night with Grand Marnier, I was excited. When I read that it would be a speakeasy in true 1920s style, I was fully in and ready to go. Who can go wrong with those two things?! I wasn't told the location of the party and the password to get in until two days prior. Getting glammed up for a night out and speaking a password to gain entrance to a secret party was pretty cool. But it is the experience inside that was breathtaking. Grand Marnier immersed its party-goers into what felt like an honest-to-goodness speakeasy. You'd think Al Capone might have shown up any moment or that I was in a scene from Bugsy Malone!

Let me take you through my evening! Honestly, I hope someone reading this gets some ideas because it would make an awesome Halloween party. And ummm, invite me, please?

 Keep reading to hear more about this fun event and Grand Marnier!

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InstaMonth for June 2017

I've had double celebrations these past few days with Canada Day and Independence Day. No complaints here! We had a cookout at my MIL's on Sunday and enjoyed firing up the grill as a joint celebration of the two holidays. Fun question: do you call it a BBQ or a cookout? I consider a BBQ to be where a group of people eat a meal that has been slow-cooking all day and a cookout is where a group of people eat fast meals like burgers and hot dogs. But then again, I'm from the south and the topic seems to be a way of life back home. Haha!

Here are a few pics from my Instagram over the month of June. I'd love it if we followed each other, just look for "wendybanner". But please don't unfollow me right after I follow you back. That growth tactic drives me crazy. I see that it works for many, but no thank you.

1. The "I only went in for toilet paper" haul. // 2. Body Fantasies Soft Peony is a scent made for summer.

3. I got these when I redeemed some Shoppers points. // 4. Planner girl for life.

5. Testing this MUFE Water Blend - not a fan. More later. // 6. Also trying this Revlon mascara. Liking it!

7. National Pink Day speaks to my soul. // 8. New planners!

9. A few new Odylique goodies to try. See my other reviews here. Can't wait to share my thoughts.  // 10. Barry M haul! Swatches coming.

11. June faves! // 12. 20 years of Harry Potter. A series that continues to change my life. I'm a Hufflepuff (with a dash of Gryffindor)! What house are you in?

Today also marks three years since we rescued our dog Indy (it's in his name!). Best decision we could have made, because he's just a perfect fit to our family. I can't believe it has been three years already. My obsession with this little guy knows no bounds. #crazydoglady

Gift Guide 2016: For the Pets

On my Christmas list, you'll also find things I want for Indy. I just can't help it! He has his own stocking and we'll wrap his other gifts in tissue paper, because he loves ripping into it and tearing it to shreds. It's still a little sad to look over at the tree and not see our cat Jade nestled under it. It will be our second Christmas without her and I still half expect to hear the ornaments rustle as her tail hits them. Our little Santa Paws is bringing lots of holiday spirit, though!

In this guide, I will try to share not only cute pet things for dogs and cats but also include other animals. Hey, I get it. I grew up with fish, a snake, iguanas, dogs, cats, and a rabbit at various parts of my life. Here are a few things that I think your beloved little friends will love!

• Pet Toy Stocking - I love pre-packaged stockings like these. Sometimes you can find them 50% off after Christmas!
• Christmas Dinner - If you're having a holiday feast, so should they! 
• Holiday Costume - You have to do a photo session with your pet or you're just not doing it right.
• Friendship Collar - A collar for them (dogs and cats) and a matching bracelet for you. LOVE!
• Leash - This is on my Christmas list for Indy. I like the removable keyfob.
• Tank Decorations - Ones with hiding places are always a winner.

You can find my pet gift guide from last year here.

Holiday Gift Guide 2015: For the Pet Lover

Our pets deserve all of the spoiling in the world. Seriously at this point, Indy has more presents under our tree than anyone else. So this is a guide for your own pet or for any animal lover in your life! I'm the type of person who buys a bag of treats or toys to take to my dentist's dogs. Here are some ideas to spoil our best friends rotten, all under $50.

1. Fleece Blanket (via PetSmart) - $4.77 CA
2. Small Animal Cozy Cup (via PetSmart) - $8.99 CA
3. Cat Scratching Post (via PetSmart) - $18.99 CA
4. Personalized Collar (via Etsy) - $42.39+ CA
5. Pet ID Tag (via Etsy) - $18.41 CA
6. Toys (via PetSmart) - $3.49 CA

I hope your furry (and the not-so-furry) little (and the not-so-little) ones enjoy their new treats and goodies this holiday season. I know my pup is going to be excited simply because he loves tearing tissue paper apart, so I am wrapping all of his gifts in it. This place is going to look like a tissue paper factory exploded!

Mess with my dog, you mess with me.

I had other ideas for a post, but I just couldn't sit down and edit the pictures or write the blurbs. I've spent nearly every second since Wednesday with my dog. During his evening walk on Wednesday, Indy was attacked in our complex by a large dog that was off-leash and unattended. Indy isn't a fighter and was submissive, which really helped the outcome not be worse. He has three bite marks and is taking antibiotics for them.

We filed a complaint with Toronto Animal Services and started an investigation to find the owner of the other dog who fled the scene right after. Our building's management is also going over security camera footage. I spent all of Wednesday evening crying, but now I'm angry and ready to find the guy. I don't want any possible future attacks to happen and that dog is obviously aggressive.

Indy is starting to feel better now and sleeping through the night. He is still having problems sitting down, but he can walk better. I'm so grateful that things weren't worse. We are all just really emotional about it, but time heals. My little pup is still as sweet as ever and lapping up all of the extra treats and attention. Maybe he took lessons from me with my broken knee. ;) If only I could heal as quickly as he is! 

I hope my Canadian readers have a lovely Thanksgiving weekend and Happy Columbus Day on Monday to my American readers! I'm off to enjoy a weekend of dinner with the family, catching up on our PVR, and hugging my dog until he is sick of me. Which has probably already happened by now...

Goodbye, Jade

We had to say goodbye to Jade on Wednesday. I'm sure most of you have been in this position of saying goodbye to your pet(s). Jade had a kidney condition, a heart murmur, and age was not on her side. Last week, she got an abscessed tooth. But at 16 years old and with those other ailments against her, her percentage of survival was very slim.

We had a few more days to enjoy her company after the initial vet visit and just gave her a lot of attention and love. I broke down quite often while petting her and seeing her, because her health declined so rapidly and I knew goodbye was near. I'm torn on which was more touching and heartbreaking at the same time- watching my husband with her (she was his baby!) or watching my dog Indy look after her. Indy and Jade tolerated each other but have never been that close since I adopted him last summer.

In the last week, she started sleeping on a rug by his upstairs bed and sitting on the couch near him and he sat there beside her in each case. Normally, he would give her a lot of space. It was incredible to watch how he sensed something was not right and looked after her. Animals never cease to amaze me, honestly! Even two days later, he is still going to her litter box and looking in it to see if she is there. I wish I could explain it all to him.

It's been a long week and we still are sad over our loss, but we know it was the best thing we could have done for Jade. I just thought I would share a few pictures from Tuesday and Wednesday. It's emotionally draining to write this post and look at these pictures, but incredibly healing at the same time. I want to thank everyone who left us comments and support on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Reading them all made us feel such love and uplifted our spirits during this sad time!

To quote what I said in my Facebook post:

To the cat that was often our alarm clock, loved lasagna, enjoyed sitting anywhere she wasn't supposed to, and gave us years of love and entertainment.

SampleSource Sample Packs

This is a website that offers samples to the US and Canada. You have to become a member (it's free) and keep an eye on your emails for when new packs become available. The quicker you are, the better your choices are. Some samples go faster than others and the packs themselves sell out quickly.

I was lucky this time, because I got on there about an hour after I got my email. I was able to take advantage of a lot of the offers and I thought I would share them with you. The spring ones just sold out, but you can sign up for SampleSource today and be prepared for the next packs!

 My box was ripping at the ends and the post office actually had to put rubber bands around it. Thanks, post office!

 Home items: Ziploc vacuum bag, Sunlight dish detergent, Minute Rice, Brookside snack, Emergen-C, Truvia, and Beneful dog food.

Beauty/health items: Frizz Ease kit, Soft Soap body wash, Jergens lotion, Rolax, Breathe Right strip, Burt's Bees lotion, Frizze Ease kit, ChapStix MixStix, and Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen.

Indy is really happy to be a tester with the dog food!

Are you signed up for SampleSource or something similar? Gotta love getting to try new products!

Target Canada Clearance Haul

I went on what is possibly my last trip to Target Canada this past weekend. Emotions were high for this Target-loving gal. I know, I know. I live close to the border and can go there, blah blah blah. It's a two hour drive and involves customs- a pain in the you-know-what. Oh well,  I did it before and I'll do it again. I just don't have to like it. But we have to get our Target fix somehow, don't we? Unless Target finally listens to my ramblings and starts offering online shopping to Canadian shoppers **HINT TARGET HINT**.

You can see my first clearance haul and thoughts on the whole Target Canada closing ordeal here. This weekend, the discounts were 70-90% off depending on the item. I left the receipt downstairs, but I know I saved $185 when all was said and done. Here's what I managed to find in the dregs! And of course, you can probably still find most of this in stock at the US locations, if you like anything I bought.

Having big feet worked out well for me- finally! Most of the shoes left were sizes 10 and 11. I scored these for $5 a pair. I'm all set for spring and summer! I'm definitely wearing those red ones when I see Taylor Swift in October.

I got lucky with this tray. It was on a little shelf all by itself and I knew I had to have it. I haven't decided if I want to put it on my jewelry dresser or my vanity yet. It's just so pretty! The only makeup left was Sonia Kashuk stuff, surprisingly. I didn't really feel the need to go crazy, but I did pick up this neutral palette for about $3.50. Like I needed another neutral palette...but $3.50? Like I'm going to say no! I'll swatch it soon.

You have to inspect some of the home goods, if you're going. Some things are getting nicked or broken, but I found this frame in good condition. Perfect for my gallery wall on my stairs that will be the bane of my existence until I get it done!

CDs, games, DVDs, etc. were on for 70%. I definitely could have went overboard, because they still had a lot of good options left. But I did pick up a few I've had my eye on. I was having a hard time finding 1989 in stock, but finally found it. I am still in denial about Glee being over. Those wounds are still fresh. I missed this Christmas movie when it aired last year and I had to have it for Robin Williams and Lauren Graham being in it. And then, Bears. If you're not new around here, you know my infatuation with bears.

 Lastly, they had a lot of dog items left. Score! Or should I say Indy scored? I got him a mint food and water bowl for traveling or for being outside on our patio, two collars, a bow tie, harness, backup leash, and a dental kit. I think I got all of this for around $27. Indy sported his bow tie for Easter Sunday, looking like the dapper little gentleman that he is. Ah, that face. (P.S. - I may have totally started an Instagram for my animals under "indytheterrier".)

The last stores close on April 12, 2015. If yours is still open, I think it is worth going in and seeing what is left. You might get a few lucky finds like I did. If I get a chance, I may try to go to the last one open around me this weekend. Otherwise, I have to accept that this dance is over. This whomps (< bonus points if you know the show!).