First of all, I must give my apologies again for forgetting to post FFF again. You know how you get thrown off when your week isn’t normal? Well, this week was not normal for me and it really threw me off. I have been especially stressed and forgetful and FFF is the latest victim. Next week, I’m helping with VBS, so I’m not sure it’s going to get much better.
One of my hydrangea bushes is starting to produce some beautiful flowers. I bought it only two years ago when it was itty-bitty, so it’s not loaded with hundreds of blooms yet. The other two bushes that I bought were the variety that only has blossoms on old wood. Unfortunately, most of the old wood was killed by an especially harsh winter, so no blossoms this year. I’m going to plant some more bushes next spring in the hopes of some day having a vase full of hydrangeas all summer long.
Today I was a chaperon on a youth trip to the King of Prussia Mall, which is the largest in Pennsylvania. Malls generally aren’t my thing, but this was pretty impressive. I stopped in at Restoration Hardware to grab a catalog and snap some pictures.
Their stuff is so expensive, but it’s so beautiful.
I loved these zinc lanterns…
…and the visual displays they created by playing textures against one another.
These bundles of books were a total rip off. They are modern paper back novels with the covers ripped off and tied up in twine! And they were $29.00!! I think I’ll have to make me a few of those.
I also got to spend a little time in Borders. Most of the browsing happened in the children’s section where I read train books to my two boys, but I did get to peruse the home decor mags briefly. I did a double-take when I saw a Country Home magazine. “But, they don’t make it any more! They sent me a stinkin’ Family Circle instead, which is not at all the same!” But, there it was. A special issue publication for $12.99. While that’s a lot for a magazine, this is not just any magazine. It’s heavy on content, light on the adds, and it was/is my very favorite magazine. So, I splurged on it… and cheesecake ice cream in a chocolate dipped waffle bowl from Cold Stone Creamery. Did I mention I’m on a diet? This is my “day off”, so I lived it up.
I’m a tired mommy tonight. We were at the mall about two hours when I realized my three year old was burning up. “I’m on fire”, he said. Poor guy. His temp was 103.5. We got the fever under control with Tylenol and he seemed to feel better, but….well, I’ll spare you the details. I’ll just say that we had to change his clothes on the way home and I just finished cleaning out his car seat. So, today was a mixed bag for me.
29 Responses
I got the magazine too. I think it is a compilation of articles from days gone by, but that's OK by me right about now! I think they sent me Ladies Home Journal as a replacement for my subscription. I would have preferred Family Circle. Can't wait for the next issue…Autumn, my absolute favorite!
I will be on the lookout for the CH… thanks for the news! I hope your little one feels better asap…Theresa
Found County Home today. What a pleasant surprise. But, I got Banana Split Ice Cream. The magazine is so great I haven't eaten the ice cream…..
I live 20 minutes form the KOP mall and I don't think I've been there for a year! The Restoration Hardware outlet is up here by me and occasionally you can find a deal, but its rare, just as overpriced as the regular store. I must go find a copy of the mag, it was my favorite!
I hope your son feels better! Cleaning car seats is yucky buisness.
AH! Country Home was my favorite, too. In my efforts to declutter, I packed up a box of magazines, but I looked twice at the country homes first. I miss it!
I am really going to miss this magazine…I am still in mourning over Cottage Living Magazine going away! Why do all the good ones have to end????
Get some rest,
Karen
Dignified Rubbish
Will have to look for the CH mag next time I'm at the bookstore. So sorry to hear your little one was under the weather! Poor thing. Glad you were able to enjoy part of your day.
Hope your little one is well soon. I saw Country Home at the grocery store and did a double take too. $15.99 here but I didn't get it. I have the 'Homes on the Water' and I think 'Cottage' something or other, same special interest publications. Lots of pictures for sure.
Hope your baby is getting better. Sounds like good material for "A day in the life of superwoman!" Hang in there. I love reading your blog. It's one of my favorites!
From Lori at http://www.thealligatorbox.blogspot.com
Just look forward to reading your new magazine!! I splurged on it, too; enjoyed it but several of the articles were repeats. Take care, Sally
I was wondering where FFF was! I had nothing special to share so all is forgiven 🙂 Hope your little guy feels better. Sorry you had a mess to clean. I have got to find a spot for my hydrangeas I bought a month ago! I am not a good gardener this year.
So sorry about your son. Hope tomorrow is a better day for him and for you! Take care and have a good evening.
Poor little guy..I hope he's feeling better. It sounds like life is happening to you! Take care of things and enjoy VBS next week! Jen-SheEndeavors
I may just have to check out that Country Home compilation. I've heard it's great!
Hope your little guy feels better soon!
hate high fevers for little fellas, love hydrangeas and Borders… hope tomorrow is full of just flowers and not fever:O)
Beautiful & inspiring pictures! Sure hope your little one is feeling better & may you have a great week with VBS!
What a mixed bag indeed! I hope your little guy is feeling better soon! Wow, I am so excited about the CH mag. It was my faveourite too and since I live in Australia, I used to get it ordered for me. I will have to keep an eye out for this issue! Mind you, I live in a small Aussie country town and couldn't believe my eyes on Friday when I found Flea Market Style in our local paper shop..mind you I am too embarrassed to say how much I paid for it, let's just say it was more than I have ever spent on a mag EVER. but oh so worth it. Hope you have a great week and your son gets well ~ Tina xx
Good to hear your little guy is on the mend! It sounded like a big (and tiring) day! Yes, I saw the Country Homes magazine recently also and recognized every single home as it IS a compilation of past articles. Yes, I miss that publication. I had subscribed since the very beginning–many years! I do think they lost their way in more recent years under the editor, Carol Sheedy, and forgot their target audience many times–way too much modern and southwestern styles. But I thought they were turning it around after she left, but it was too late. They lost a lot of advertisers in the recession slump. Maybe they are thinking of returning. They would be great!
Country Home was my fave too, far better than Country Living. I will find that special edition. thanks
Marian, we are only human 🙂 I wonder how you get it all done, so for you to be doing something else worthwhile and FFF to be forgotten, in my book that is not a big deal. You provide us with so much as it is, and I personally am just grateful for all of that!
🙁 I hope your 3 year old is feeling better soon.
It has been years since I've been to KOP mall. We used to live in Philly oh about 13 yrs. ago. I heard the whole area has exploded. I hope Brandywine still has its country charm. I miss all the stone walls and homes in the North. Hopefully we can get up there someday soon to take the boys to Sesame Place.
Brittany
http://www.prettyhandygirl.com
i just wanted to say that i have met you and you do not need to be on a diet. you look great!!! but, if you are trying to watch it, i just bought this phenomenal ice cream from edy's- it's the half fat slow-churned and is "take the cake"…. yellow cake flavored ice cream with sprinkles and frosting swirls. it is SOOO good!
We visited that mall while on a business trip. I could not believe how big it was. We spent the day there and never got to the end! I hope your son is feeling better.
Hugs, Sherry
Karen @ Garden, Home and Party said…
I hope your baby is on the road to recovery…mommy need some rest too! I'll look for the magazine—I don't mind spending a little extra for a keeper magazine with fewer ads.
Karen
I feel fortunate to have CH and a variety of other mags recycled to me from my MIL. Saved them for years and highlighted ideas along the way and pulled them all out when it was time to move our kitchen.
The last time I was at the KOP mall was oh…..let's just say before it was the court and the plaza! Anyone remember that?
If you are ever in the Saucon Valley area, check out the Pomenade Shops. Several high end stores along with the regular mall shops B&N;, etc. and the best part is the design. Lots of outdoor accoutrements, outdoor firepit, FREE concert Fridays in June and July and Fun.
Oh dear! Poor little guy. I hope he is feeling better now?
I would have loved to go to Restoration Hardware store. They always have such cool (but expensive) things! Those twined books are fab!!
Hugs
SueAnn
I had to laugh at your comment about the Country Home magazine, Family Circle was definately not a replacement. Oh and I also lost my other favorite magazine Mary Engelbreit to be replace by Martha Stewart not even close!
Oh how I wish I had a RH nearby to browse through. I'm limited to the catalogs. (Probably a good thing). Speaking of Restoration Hardware, I finished my faux zinc dresser this morning!
Sorry to read about your little guy. I hope he's on the mend. Poor babe.
Oh bless your little one….I hope he's all better now.