My mom and I made a pilgrimage to glorious IKEA this past week in order to fill my new home with some awesome design and essentials at some not-so-steep prices. And honestly, I wish you all could have seen us... my mom broke her ankle not too long ago so she is in a wheel chair. Imagine... woman in a wheelchair + shopping cart + more stuff than fits in a shopping chart + 3 floors of goodies + lots of elevator rides + lots of strange looks from other shoppers = lots of laughs on our part even though we looked a bit like a circus.
Here are just some of the goodies we came home with:
I really would have preferred to get the white version of this bed, but it cost an extra $80! Nothing a little paint can't fix at some point down the road.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: ROCKFORD NEEDS AND WOULD SUPPORT A TRADER JOE'S!!!!!
I cannot tell you how many times I have wished that Rockford had more in the way of specialty grocery stores. I believe that if a Trader Joe's were to invest (it is not a franchise) and open up a store in or around the River District in Rockford that a few things would happen: 1) It would be massively successful, 2) it would do wonders for the area's redevelopment and 3) it would create jobs for the area... oh and 4) I would be a very happy lady.
And for those of you who have not had the pleasure of shopping at a TJ's, let me fill you in. On their website they answer the question, "How is shopping at Trader Joe's different from what you may be used to in a supermarket?" this way:
"At Trader Joe's, you won't find a lot of branded items. Instead, you'll find unconventional and interesting products in the Trader Joe's label as well as everyday basics. We buy products we think are winners and that'll find a following among our customers. Sometimes it's a product we intend to stock as long as it sells well; and sometimes we buy a product which is in limited supply, sell through it, and you won't find it again. It's all part of the shopping adventure at Trader Joe's."
Yayayayay!!! Finally, I have gotten out and about and have something to share. This past week my good friend Alex and I headed out to the McEachran Homestead in Caledonia, IL. The Homestead is an up & coming farm/winery/event spot in the area. They grow all sorts of fruits and vegetables which they sell at local farmers' markets.
They also make their own wine using their own grapes from their very own vineyard! How cool is that? And it is suuuuuuper yummy.And finally, their grounds include a beautifully restored home and barn.As of recently, the barn and the grounds can now be rented for small get-togethers like showers, parties, etc.It is truly an amazing space that is unrivaled in the area.
Our trip out to the farm began with a tour of the grounds (on a super fancy Gator) driven by one of my best and oldest friends, Kaylee, who works in the summer at the farm with her mom.First, we drove through the vineyard where all sorts of grape varieties are grown and later used to create wine in-house.The farm even does wine tastings, but we will get to that later…
After the vineyard we went past the pumpkins and squash…
… on our way back to the woods where they keep their bees!The farm keeps bees which they use to make their own honey.
The woods are located back among some of the fields.It is a surprising and beautiful spot.
Here is a view of the farm from the woods.
More gardens as our tour continued!
They also have an orchard with apple, pear, and peach trees among others.This place is unbelievable, right?
We even got to stop and chat with Dr. Greenlee, the owner and proprietor of the farm, who was helping Kaylee’s mom, Sue, pick some sweet corn.
MORE gardens!!Filled with all sorts of berries and veggies like peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower, Indian corn, etc.I could go on and on… literally!
Our tour ended up back at the barn where we got a tour of the barn and had a wine tasting.
Dr. Greenlee’s house is quite charming.
Inside the barn, top floor.
View of the vineyards from the barn.
The part of the tour we were REALLY waiting for… the wine tasting!!
Needless to say, the wine was fantastic and we could have easily walked away with more bottles than we did. Kaylee even took us in the wine cellar area.Actually, I’m not really sure if that is the correct name for it, but all I do know is that it was air-conditioned, which was basically amazing.We got to take a look at wines that would be ready in the future.Sweet!!
All in all, it was an amazing afternoon.Alex and I REALLY appreciated our tour.I highly recommend you stop by some afternoon.They are always available for wine tastings or call ahead to reserve the spot for a party or get-together.You will not be disappointed.
McEachran Homestead, 1917 Wyman School Road, Caledonia, Illinois 61101.
365+ 18-piece Dinnerware Set, $24.99
PS Svarva Floor Lamp, on sale $49.99
I really would have preferred to get the white version of this bed, but it cost an extra $80! Nothing a little paint can't fix at some point down the road.
Svalka Wine Glasses (Red and White), $4.99 for six
