In a completely un-heard-of chain of events, I ended up having an entire Saturday completely to myself, while Mark was helping his Dad in the field and the boys were busy entertaining Grandma Pam and Aunt Jess.
At first, I had no idea what I was going to do, and I brainstormed for half of the week before deciding that a day in Mankato would be the best choice.
I mainly had gone to Mankato pick up our new hardwood flooring that had been "in" for the past 3 weeks, but I figured that as long as I was there, I might as well take advantage of the time to start some Christmas shopping and do some relaxing as well.
I started the day by hitting the mall, first to find one of Mark's Christmas presents at Herberger's, and then I think I killed an entire hour wandering around Barnes & Noble filling my arms with all sorts of wonderful books for the boys, as well as one for myself.
I also stopped in at Motherhood Maternity to double-check that my outfit for pictures the next day wasn't too far out there before hopping back in the Tahoe and making my way over to Panera for lunch.
It was a little strange sitting at a VERY busy Panera all by myself at first, but I had a good book with me, and before I knew it, a half hour had passed and my lunch was gone.
After Panera, I did, admittedly, WAY too much shopping for the baby :) I hit up TJMaxx and ended up with an enormous rug for the nursery as well as some organizational bins and a few outfits, as well as a cute little jacket for me and some super warm cable-knit socks.
After TJMaxx (and a short stop at Michael's where I ended up empty-handed), I decided I'd better get over to Menard's to pick up the flooring before I got too worn out. I also picked up some odds and ends, including a couple kiddy-sized rakes that I just KNOW the boys are going to love using in the upcoming weeks.
After Menard's, I decided to take a pit stop at Caribou for a while to sit back, enjoy a drink and do some reading, and I tell ya what - it was pretty blissful! Caribou is my kind of place, with deep, cozy furniture, a nice ambiance, and yummy stuff for my tummy :) I desperately wanted a latte, but I'd had a salted caramel mocha earlier while in Barnes & Noble, and I decided I should probably settle with a sparkling tea instead. YUM!
I truly *thought* I was done shopping after Caribou, but then I remembered that I needed a new hat, so I checked out TJMaxx again (and struck out) and ended up in Old Navy (where I ended up finding just what I was looking for).
(As an aside, I'm pretty sure I'd NEVER make it as any sort of a fashion blogger. I look ridiculous striking a pose haha)
But then I really DID leave for home, making a short stop at the famed Odin Craft Mill in Odin, Minnesota, which I had heard so much about.
It was a really neat atmosphere, truthfully, but I don't think I'll be going back. It had some really neat antiquish-type stuff as well as some neat hand-made goodies (think wash clothes, blankets, canned foods and baked goods), but considering how much I love to bake myself, and I have enough "stuff" in my house already, it would have taken a VERY special item to convince me to go home with it. And while it was neat, I think I'll stick to my Red Barn obsession in Jackson (MUCH closer).
I made it home around 7pm after a quick stop at HyVee to pick up some fixin's for a salad idea that sounded delicious (and it WAS), and then was in pajamas before I knew what hit me and in front of the TV watching Harvest Moon on the Hallmark Channel. By myself.
I, of course, also had to unpack and prep all the adorable little things I bought for the new baby :) I'm just giddy thinking about this new little one :) However, I feel like this picture makes these clothes look enormous, and in reality, they are SO TINY! I forget how tiny little babies really are. (Even the 9+lb ones we seem to be blessed with)
It was such a treat to have a day like that to myself. I wish all my Mama friends and family could have such a day to rejuvenate as well!
