I'm Home from Berlin...

It is after 3pm and I am home. It was a chilly day of 52 and misting, and yes as much as I hate to admit it, I turned the heat on in the house. I kinda got a late start this morning since I got held over at work until 1am last night. I came home and stared at the clock until 3 am and finally went to sleep just to get up at 5:30 to get the kids up for school. It was then time to go back to bed for a bit.

The reason I didn't sleep was because I had a absolutely, wonderful, awesome idea for a swap. (OK in my mind it's awesome LOL) Not your ordinary swap... a special one for Christmas. So last night I was planning on how I was going to pull it off. I think it'll be a lot of fun and creative (hint hint). I will be announcing it in the next few days (but hopefully tomorrow) if all goes well. I have never headed anything up like this so bare with me.

So on to my trip today... since it was raining Steve couldn't work on his parents roof so guess who decided to tag along???? Yep

Steve says Hi!!!! LOL This was actually taken the other day but I thought it was funny. Not sure what that is growing out of his finger LOL



Ok first stop Country Gatherings... My favorite colonial/primitive store. I would've loved to take pics inside but there was a sign saying I wasn't allowed to. bummer. So this is the outside... I didn't buy anything here this time, but I sure did walk away with a lot of ideas that Steve and I might whip up and offer for sale around Christmas time. Not sure yet.





Next was Homespun Treasures and Amish Country Peddler. I had a 15% off coupon for my birthday and had to use it before the end of September... so I had to use it right??? I bought my partner a Maple Syrup candle by Crossroads. It is one of my favorites and so I took it to work and she loved it so I got it for her. Steve took this pic and I thought he was going to take more, but no. Before I forget the store is having their Christmas Open House November 12th and 13th for anyone interested.



And also I found this in the clearance section plus I got another 15% off so I figure it'll be awesome for Christmas.



And of course the new Judy Condon book... A lot of the homes featured are from here in Ohio!!!!




Then some new textiles. Who couldn't resist these for a discount too? Steve picked out the green table runner. LOL.



Then it was time to eat so we went to my favorite restaurant the Farmstead. If you love a good buffet this is it. I think Steve's dessert plate was bigger than his lunch plate. I got a piece of their coconut cream pie that is to die for. Then we went to a few other shops. No pics because my camera batteries went dead and my phone memory was full... GRRRRRRRR... I stopped in to the Country Craft Cupboard and bought a pattern for a sweet little snowman for Christmas and looked for fabric to work on my quilt. I found some, but I didn't have enough money to buy what I needed so it'll have to wait. Next we went to a furniture shop because I am looking for a bed. Yes a bed. I have never had a headboard or foot board in almost 12 years. I am looking for a pencil post bed that I can paint. Well let me tell you that there is not one to be found in Amish country. All beds are made of oak, cherry, hickory, or walnut and are NOT cheap!!!! So the hunt continues. Steve feels like he doesn't have the tools to make the posts. Do any of you know someone who could make the posts only???? Please let me know.

So homeward bound we came. While driving home Steve told me he was maybe offered a job with another plumber full time. For the last few months he has been self employed finding jobs where ever he could. He needs to go talk with them still, but fingers crossed it'll be what he needs with benefits.

Anyway, stay tuned for my Create a Christmas swap that I will be posting. I want to offer it early so that we have time to prepare and don't have to hurry to finish our items. So are you curious yet????