Christmas Bliss in Atchison Kansas

All I can say is...
the walls of my home were closing in on me.

I had to get out of the house and I needed

• something cheery,
• something fun,
• something different

So, a quick text to a friend
and within the hour I was headed North to Atchison, Kansas.

Nell Hill's was our final destination on our spontaneous adventure
but first, we had to have a bite to eat at Jerry's. 

Neither one of us was disappointed from the second we walked into
Mary Carol Garrity's magical shop. 
The halls were decked,
along with the ceiling ,
actually every square inch of the store was full of Christmas magic.

I left there feeling rejuvenated,
inspired,
and excited about decorating my own home.
 
Don't feel sad if Nell Hill's is too far of a drive for you -
She now offers an online store!

Wa-hoo!
Happy Holidays!!

Take a peek at the festivities.




Aren't they cute?
Loads of red filled the store.
I really like the white and red combination for the holidays.
Makes me think of peppermint!





Check out this chain. 
It is metal and looks like cookie cutters linked together.
I also love the hand painted ornaments.
It had a Scandinavian feel.



Before I leave you tonight,
I wanted to share a trend that I saw in Mary Carol's store. 

Tons and tons of burlap.
 
I saw

• burlap curtains, 
• burlap lamp shades,
• burlap ribbon,
• burlap matted pictures,
• and burlap ornaments.

The burlap has such a wonderful texture and a neutral color. 

I bet we will start seeing burlap in our fashion and in our crafting.
 
Keep your eyes peeled for burlap, Baby!
And Check out Mary Carol's Blog Here!

March Madness

I know I have been absent for a long time.  I have been over the moon busy with kids, husband, travel, and crafting.  I am taking you back to where I left off-
March is when the madness began.

I had to be mad to leave the house early one March Saturday, before the snowplows even ventured out onto the streets.  Yes-we were covered in the yummy white stuff.  Usually, I LOVE SNOW but, this particular day it scared me to death.  You see, I had a date with my friend Rachel and the famous Claudine Hellmuth.  I needed to drive to Lincoln, Nebraska.  It usually takes me only 2.5 hours, but on this day in March.  We are talking 5 hours with a death grip on my steering wheel and loads of prayer. 

(This picture was on the way back from Lincoln.  Yes, that is a snowplow in traffic. 
There weren't any snow plows out when I left in the morning on my adventure.)

It was worth it...
Just to see these girls!
-And, look at all the fun

If you are ever faced with the dilemma of facing your fears and persevering or staying home and missing out, take the plunge and seize the moment.

Glad to be back blogging.