When my friend, Sue asked if I’d like to join her and Deb on a Rochester Community Education shopping trip to several unique spots in the Twin Cities I jumped at the opportunity. Deb and I went along as Sue’s helpers, and received a free trip. Over 70 ladies filled two coach buses at 7:30 on Friday morning for a shopping trip extraordinaire!
Our first stop was at Home Essentials Boutique in Lake Elmo.
This is a huge store full of Christmas decor. This store is open seasonally, so be sure to check their website for dates. Though I didn’t buy anything here, I did get many great ideas! If you love Christmas decor and handcrafted items … this is your store!
Great idea: Spray paint an old kerosene heater and decorate with greens, berries and bow for Christmas!
I’ve done this for several years — fill canning jars with fake snow & berries and a sprig of fake or real pine needles
Saw the beaded serving pieces at a few of our stops. Deb and I are going to make these.
(I think I have it all figured out now Deb!)
This jar of snow and sparkly ornaments would look great in our blue bathroom – and I just happen to have a couple of these jars in my stash. These jars are easy to find at thrift stores too.
These hanging fresh green “ornaments” caught my eye right away.
Also easy to make with a styrofoam ball and coat hangers. Seriously. I looked closely.
Lunch at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill. Do NOT order the Diablo Chile Chicken Sandwich if you can’t take “heat”. I love spicy — but this was too much for me!
Charming CHARLIE was our stop at the Shops at West End in St. Louis Park.
So much (reasonably priced) jewelry, so little time.
I bought 1 pair of earrings.
Next stop: Another jewelry store — Accessories to Go in Maple Grove, MN
This is a fashion accessory wholesaler that is open to the public. Over 1,500 square feet of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, watches, scarves, sunglasses, rings and more!
I bought one pair of earrings and an adjustable necklace extender.
Final Stop: Autumn Festival at Canterbury. So many vendors we didn’t have time to see them all — unbelievable. Good quality, and unique items — this show comes back in the Spring at Canterbury.
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| photo courtesy of hpifestivals.com website |
The shopping was great, the food ok, the time with friends absolutely wonderful! Thanks to Sue for organizing this trip and making it happen, but mostly for inviting me along!
I highly recommend Rochester Community Education trips! Especially the shopping trips. Can’t beat being dropped off and picked up at your shopping locations! No parking worries!
