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Swallow Coffeehouse in Lake Mills, IA
The highlight of last week was making a quick stop at Swallow Coffeehouse in Lake Mills, Iowa. Seriously, it was so good that I am still smiling about it.It was our very first time and happened on a whim as Mr. Awesome and I were in town to pick up our contacts and glasses just down the block. ...
A Visit to Berry Hill Orchard
Our family had a fun opportunity to visit Berry Hill Orchard this week to pick some Aronia Berries. I had no idea this little gem of a place was located so close to our home here in North Iowa, and to be totally honest with you, I didn’t even know what an Aronia berry was until this ...
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Camp Resort- Beaver Trails in Austin, MN
This past week we took our 2nd annual camping trip to Yogi Bear’s Jelly Stone Park- Beaver Trails in Austin, Minnesota. The campground is located just off of I35 and was a little over an hour away from home for us. Let me preface this with we intentionally went “off-season” because we ...
Local: Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Schedule a Date Night at The Paddler’s Tap in Forest City, IA
Local: Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Schedule a Date Night at The Paddler’s Tap in Forest City, IA You can hang out for hours and never feel rushed to give up your table. The crew at The Paddler's Tap have curated a cozy, yet spacious, environment complete with a shelf of board games ...
Walk With the Wise
Earlier this week I returned to my hometown and took this little snapshot of the neighborhood I grew up in. Walking this sidewalk, especially during autumn, just feels like "home". I was lucky to grow up in a neighborhood with "good kids" and a neighbor mom with a heart of gold, but who also wasn't ...
Friday Favorites + A Giveaway
One week this summer we missed our traditional Friday night library date in a neighboring town, so we stopped in to return our books on a Saturday instead. I’m so glad we did! Unbeknownst to us, it was their town celebration day and there were a bundle of family-friendly activities going ...
Enchanted Acres in Sheffield, Iowa is Fun For ALL Ages
Hey Sweet Friends, Happy *almost* fall! One.more.day. I have been in fall mode for the last couple weeks of August, and all of September, even though fall doesn’t officially begin until September 22nd. How about you, are you itching to get out some buffalo check, sip on a pumpkin ...
Donuts + Books
Hey all you locals! I have some quick news to share. A former classmate of mine has started a new adventure and it involves donuts. Also, I started selling books. Books + Donuts= Full Heart. Now that I’ve got your attention, let me share some basic details. I’d tell you more, but you ...
Visit Enchanted Acres Pumpkin Patch in Sheffield, IA
Our family had the honor of joining the North Iowa Bloggers crew in visiting the Enchanted Acres Pumpkin Patch in Sheffield, IA. My oldest daughter went last year with my brother and his family, but this was the first year for the rest of us. I was pleasantly surprised by how close to home it ...
Waldorf University Football Community Night {TONIGHT}
Locals and Semi-Locals: It's GAME DAY! Waldorf University is playing Trinity Bible College at Bolstorff Field. It would mean so much to me if you would drop by the Waldorf University Football game TONIGHT (Saturday the 3rd) and show your support for these young men and the TEAM they ...
What Should I Take to a Blog Conference?
I’m attending my first Blog Conference next weekend, and I already started thinking a few weeks ago about what I would be bringing with me (aside from my usual necessities, which are my cell phone, a good lip balm, and some cash). I don’t want to take too much stuff with me that I feel like I’m ...
The North Iowa Home & Landscaping Show is coming THIS WEEKEND!
The 2016 North Iowa Home & Landscaping Show in Mason City, Iowa is coming THIS WEEKEND! It runs Friday, March 4th through Sunday, March 6th. You can find the hours and details on their website: http://northiowahomeshow.com/ My husband and I went to this Home Show several years ago when we ...
I Love a Small Town
I love a small town where I can make 5 stops in less than an hour. With 3 kids in tow. A town where I can cash a handful of checks at the bank, even if one of them didn't exactly have my name on it. A town where I can send 2/3 of my kids into a storefront alone, without any hesitation or worry ...
Satisfying the Sweet Tooth: Local Honey
This little girl of mine has a definite sweet tooth. There is no doubt she got it from her mama. oops! While I don't mind enjoying a treat now and then, and believe me I do, I realize how important it is to fill our bodies with real food. She and I both like the sweetness of pitted dates, but ...
Scoopy Doos Ice Cream and More
In my last post I talked about making a Summer Bucket List. If you’re anywhere within driving distance of Forest City, Iowa and you ARE making a summer bucket list, I suggest adding a trip to Scoopy Doos. There are also have several local parks you could stop at. My three enjoy the triple ...
Kitchen Gadgets Giveaway: Part 1.
I recently picked up this set of 3pc Fruit Scoop Set from the consignment shop, NU2U in Forest City. NU2U is a well-organized second hand store on the main street of town, and they run SALES! The prices are great anyway, but once you add in the sales, it’s like a total no-brainer to shop there! I ...
The Barrel Drive-In: More Than Just Another Restaurant
Our youngest had her own little soda with her chicken kid's meal at the Barrel Drive in yesterday. Hey, no judgment please, we are making memories here! She hasn't really tasted much soda before, but REALLY enjoyed this treat. Check out the video: I mean really though, who wouldn't love homemade ...
Monday Madness: Visit Your Local Library
Monday Madness As if Mondays aren’t busy enough, let me add one more thing for you to consider adding to your “to-do” list. Take time this week to visit your local library. If you don’t have a library card, sign up for one. If you enjoy your visit make a plan to go back the next week ...