Palmer Alaska

Family First Treasures
403 S. Alaska St, Palmer

(907) 746-6200

By Amber Grissom

It was brought to our attention that there is another great thrift store in Palmer! I went to Family First Treasures to see what they had to offer. Family First Treasures is a non-profit thriftstore; the proceeds go to help support the services provided by Alaska Family Services.  The proceeds are used primarily for the Dorthy Saxton Shelter, and ROSA House.  Pick up a brochure at the store to learn more and see other ways to help.

In addition to the great deals and their contributions, the store host different events throughout the year, ranging from free health screenings to family activities.  Some activities from 2010 included a cancer screening day, blood drive, domestic violence awareness events, nutrition awareness, substance abuse prevention and tobacco prevention events.  Stop by the store to see what this year holds!

I made my way through this large store to find many things other local thrift stores do not offer. They have adequte space to have large home furnishings, large appliances, and even a bathroom vanity! If you have large items in good condition, give them a call to see if they have room.

You will find a wide assortment of clothes, office supplies and furniture, exercise equipment, holiday items/decorative pieces, media and other accessories.  The store was clean and well-organized so I was able to navigate the treasures easily.  Hope you enjoy your visit and find something you will use, while helping our community!

Located at:
403 S Alaska St
Palmer, Ak

Hours: 9am -6pm, Monday – Saturday

Nearly 2,000 students attend classes in a modern and expanding facility. The students come here to transform their dreams into realities. An energetic and talented faculty and staff work hard to create a positive atmosphere to facilitate the development of scholars and workers for the future of Alaska. There are few places in the world as majestic as this valley. There are few universities as affordable as this school. The Matanuska-Susitna Campus of the University of Alaska Anchorage is the gem in the statewide system of higher education. We welcome new students and visitors and look forward to many years of growth and opportunity in this borough.

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Cover Ups specializes in custom blinds, drapes, bedding and more. They also reupholster or “up-cycle” vintage furnishings. They have been in business for 6 years in this location, however they have been around for 17 years. Just last year they opened up the other half of their business now housing Alaska Chicks and The Upholstery Gallery. There is a trendy store front comprised of unique consignment items from local artists. You will also find a nice selection of antique pieces and furnishings.

This full service home decor shop features an in-house workroom where they make draperies, pillows, slipcovers, and bedding. In addition to their beautiful fabric wares, they also carry one of-a-kind furniture pieces and accessories. The styles range from antique and vintage to up-cycled and salvaged. The owner says “Our goal is to help you create the home of your dreams!”

The store is a “working” shop; while visiting, you may see a painted in progress, hear the sound of an upholstery gun or observe a consultation with a client trying to choose the perfect fabric. If you are looking for something in particular just come in and explore the possibilities because they are available for custom commissioned work.

A note from the owner:  “We are a creative bunch; with 8+ ladies constantly shopping and creating, our stock changes continually. The talent and imagination here is evident when you come through the door. My husband Roland custom-makes many of our wood items and repairs much of our “finds” before they make it to the sales floor.”

If you are in need of window coverings, give Cover Ups a call for a free, in-home consultation or stop by the retail shop to find a one of a kind piece for your home!

Alaska Chicks retail location is located at 840 S Colony Way, inside Cover Ups (right next to Carquest). Renting a space inside another business has given Charity Folcik, owner of Alaska Chicks the opportunity to run a business while being a stay-at-home mother of three. Check out her main website here.

Charity is a local farm girl, turned furniture and apparel designer. Some of her past and current furniture work is for clients such as Ozarks Antiques in Anchorage. Her new line of apparal includes Hoodies and Tshirts that read, “Tough Alaska Chick” as well as little girl shirts that read, “I love my Little Alaska Chick”

Alaska Chicks has since designed their own line of knitted headwraps and added a “Alaska Chicks” patch to the back of the headwrap. Most women are proud to be from Alaska, and Charity wanted to create a design for Alaska women to wear that is modern, yet has the vintage rugged look.

The above two photos are courtesy of Dashing Life Photography

You can “Like” Alaska Chicks on FaceBook, and look for weekly giveaways as well as stay up to date on new designs as well as new products. You can shop online at www.alaskachicks.com Keep an eye out for the new men’s tshirt design coming shortly!
Left photo courtesy of Katie Cannon Photography

Written by Amber Grissom

Shear Fire Design is located across from Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union and back to-back with Flowers by Louise.

Shear Fire Design is a FULL SERVICE hair salon with honest prices. The owner, Jana Powell, was more than accommodating in answering all my questions. When asked how she keeps her prices so low, she said “I haven’t change the price for a hair cut since I opened in 2004; I don’t believe a haircut should cost $100 or even $30.” In fact, the price for a cut is $16.50 for a professional and $12.50 for a student (all students’ work is checked by a professional). As a full service salon, you will enjoy a shampoo/conditioner treatment and blow drying at these prices!

Shear Fire Academy of Hair Design is Jana’s beauty school, also located here. As a certified instructor in the state of Alaska, Jana has been teaching for over 6 years. But she has been in the beauty business for over 15 years! To learn more about the school, check out Shear Fire’s website.

I opted for a student hair cut and she did fabulous! Also, I felt 5 lbs lighter because I had her take quite a bit of hair off. She layered my hair and gave it texture and body. I was checked by a professional and left there pleased!

In addition to the salon, Jana keeps herself busy as a very active volunteer firefighter. Her inspiration for the salon came from firefighting and she decided to combine her two careers. The salon has a fun atmosphere, complete with Palmer Fire and Rescue Department memorabilia everywhere. The 10 salon stations are made with large craftsman tool boxes sending a nod to the building’s former use as an automotive garage. The salon offers a large line of professional products and a selection of accessories.

Services offered by students and stylists:

* Haircuts
* Colors
* Highlights
* Perms
* Styles
* Wedding and Prom Up-do’s
* Nails
* Pedicures
* Facial waxing
* Birthday parties for all ages