The snow is MELTING in Minnesota! I would say this week the snow has gone down incredibly. I would say there is definitely more grass/dirt that is visible than snow, which has been fun to see.
So we thought that this area was REALLY flat – well, after the snow has melted, we’ve realized really how “unflat” or hilly it is. Granted I am not talking about rolling hills. But I would say where I grew up, there are less hills than there are here. Yes, it’s still flat, but not NEAR as flat as we had first assumed – the snow was deceiving!
Yesterday I had the privilege of going to St. Cloud with two WONDERFUL friends! Oh did we have fun! St. Cloud is the place if we’d want to go to a bigger mall, Kohl’s, Michaels, you name it. It really had EVERYTHING! And it was only an hour (from Willmar) so 1 hour and 20 minutes from Prinsburg! Yes, that may seem like a bit of a trek, but when you look at a map and realize where we live, an hour and 20 minutes is not far at all! AND…they even have an ALDI! You bet they do! We did not go there b/c I did not need anything (I had already gotten my groceries for the week), but boy was I excited about that! We were pretty much gone all day, just because there are so many places to go to! We mainly hit thrift stores, which were all of our favs – why buy new when you can buy used? I had bought a few shirts from Goodwill and the joy of that, is I KNOW they won’t shrink! I get so frustrated when I buy a new shirt and then the first time you wash it, you know it just won’t fit the same again. Well, buying second hand, you know it will continue to fit! And, it is just so fun to see what comes through those places, for so cheap! If you ever want to go thrifting, St. Cloud is a GREAT place to go!
Here is what it looks like in Minnesota right now
Barely any snow! The dirt here looks very dark and rich!
This is probably one of the coolest stores I’ve been to – Crafts Direct. I thought Michaels and Hobby Lobby were big – WOW – this out does those two! Such a fun store because at the end of each aisle, they have an “idea” center where you can create your own masterpieces, by what they have displayed. There were so many fun ideas – I would say it was like Pinterest in real life. You see all these ideas and if you want, you can buy all the stuff right then and there! Another cool thing is that they accept competitors coupons, but all they ask is that you donate $1.00 to a local charity in order to use it. So yes, you are saving money (if it’s worth using a coupon), but also helping out too. If you ever visit us and you like crafts and what not, this is a must!
I found people who quilt here! I have been wanting to make a quilt SO badly, but just haven’t had the courage to start. I like this pattern below – but after yesterday, I realize my options are really endless!
Hard to tell by this picture, but there is just store after store in this area
One of my other favs of the day was this quilt shop (and antique shop). Such a “homey” place – I am imagining that this place is a lot like Field’s Fabric in Holland (it’s been so long since I’ve been there), but I haven’t seen that much fabric in a LONG time! When I am ready to make a quilt, wow – this place has me covered! Plus it is coupled with an ADORABLE antique shop. Just a really fun place to let your imagination run wild!
It was such a fun and blessed day! So many laughs and good conversations! It’s been good to see what else is around here and where to go for certain things! I realize you so take for granted knowing where everything is if you live in the town you grew up in or live where your spouse grew up. Learning where everything is can be quite a mission within itself, but it is fun. Exploring is something Dan and I love to do, so the adventure continues!