.....happy haunting........

photo from Country LivingAre you ready? I just returned from Target and bought LOADS of candy. This year I adopted a new strategy....wait to purchase candy at the last minute so I don't gain those pre-Halloween 5 pounds.My girls are SO excited. My little girl is dressing as Laura Ingalls - warms my heart as I dressed as Laura Ingalls back in the day. My tween girl's costume was a last...

~burlap, buttons and santos....oh my, it's Christmas!

My weekly Ballard Designs catalog showed up today in my mailbox. Usually I flip through it quickly, remember that the merchandise does not typically change that drastically and promptly toss the catalog in the recycling bin. Sorry Ballard Designs.Today however was different. I really found inspiration in their Christmas items.Are you like me? Have you hidden from your children every red and green...

~ shopping and store events~

I have enjoyed some recent opportunities to get out of the house and visit some of my favorite local home decor shops. Just Thursday evening, a close to home favorite antiques and home decor store called Petunia's in Excelsior Minnesota hosted a fall open house.The open house featured a demonstration by a local stylist (Tom Brandt) on creating your own fall harvest centerpiece. Tom's work was amazingly...

Flea Markets....my crazy nirvana!

Today I am joining Flea Market Style and their "Fleamarketeer Party". And if there was ever a perfect party for me to attend, it would be this one. Let me just put the proverbial vintage lampshade on my head and take it away!I am a lover of all things vintage from way back. Even in my 20's when my friends were decorating their first apartments and homes with contemporary furnishings, I was at the...

Northwoods Getaway...

A big part of the culture of living in Minnesota is "heading up north" to a cabin, preferably on a lake....We are lucky because we live in lake neighborhood right here near the city...unique, yes.Never felt the need to go anywhere else for my "lake fix"....Recently my parents purchased my dad's childhood home, that happens to be on a lake, up north...The work of bringing grandma and grandpa's home...

More than you want to know........

Thanks Tricia from "Life at the Zoo"! I am honored to receive the above blog award. Unfortunately, I am very late in fulfilling the duties that come with the award. However, today is your lucky day....10 Random/Honest Things About Myself:1. My first job was at McDonald's when I was 16.2. I met my husband (of 18 years!) on a commuter train. Although not perfect, I am proud of our long and happy...

Promises Kept

I'm back..... I have missed this little blog and my communication with those of you (all three of you, including my mom) who take the time to visit.The last few weeks have reminded me that just when you think you are going to have all this luxurious time to yourself when the kiddos go back to school....think again. Obviously I have some catching up to do. I thought I would begin today by finally...

Blogger Break

I am feeling guilty, super guilty....I have been neglectful of this little blog this past week.I have so many posts....up in that idea swirling head of mine - great Minnesota stores to check out, a blog award to talk about that requires I list 10 random things about me (oh, you just wait for all the dirty details you will discover), oh and that little issue of sharing my great scores from the Junk...